Arsenal vs Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Blues are winless in ten matches vs the Gunners. Arsenal have won six of those tussles with four draws.  

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have dropped points in five of their last eight league matches. A late 1-0 home win vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg saw the Gunners reach the final. They beat Sunderland 3-0 at home before having just two shots on target in a damaging 1-1 draw away at Brentford.

A 4-0 home FA Cup win over Wigan was followed by a 2-2 draw at Wolves having led 2-0. They bounced back with an excellent 4-1 win away at Tottenham. They had 60% of the ball, outshot Spurs 20-6 and put up six big chances.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Merino is out injured whilst Max Dowman and Kai Havertz will need a late fitness test. Martin Odegaard is back, but could be benched in favour of Eberechi Eze after the latter’s brace vs Tottenham.

Bukayo Saka went off with a knock in the win over Spurs, but he should be fit to start. It could be an unchanged XI in this one.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners can’t afford a draw. Only a win will do in this match.

Arsenal will attack in parts of the game, whilst also sitting deep at times. They will protect a lead by allowing Chelsea to have the ball.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea won seven of their first nine matches under Liam Rosenior. The only defeats during that run were in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final vs Arsenal. Two damaging home league draws have seen their top five hopes take a dip. They won 3-2 at Napoli to seal a last-16 place in the Champions League.

A 3-2 home win over West Ham came after being 2-0 down. They lost 1-0 at Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final second leg before a 3-1 win at Wolves. A 2-0 lead turned into a 2-2 home draw vs Leeds despite dominating 19-4 on shots. Following a 4-0 FA Cup win at Hull City, they drew 1-1 at home to Burnley with ten men. A 1-0 lead was surrendered in added time to a set-piece goal.

Chelsea Team News

Defender Levi Colwill is injured, and Wesley Fofana is suspended. Dario Essugo is injured in central midfield but Romeo Lavia is available to play some part from the bench.

Jamie Gittens is out injured in the wide areas, and Estevao is a major doubt. With Marc Cucurella injured, there are big calls to make at centre back and left back.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues would arguably see a draw as an excellent result in this match.

Chelsea will dominate possession in parts of the game. The question is whether they can stop Saka and not fall behind in the match.

Key Stats

• Arsenal have won just 3 of their last 8 league matches (4 draws, 1 loss)
• Arsenal are unbeaten in 10 matches vs Chelsea (6 wins, 4 draws)
• Chelsea have won 7 of their last 11 matches
• Chelsea have kept just 3 clean sheets in their last 18 matches (Both Teams Scored in 14/18)
• Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has scored 7 goals in his last 8 matches

Verdict

Arsenal tend to win this fixture and they’re facing a depleted Blues defence. I see a Gunners win with both sides on target.

Best Bet: Arsenal win and both teams to score at 3.10

Featured Bet: Arsenal win, both teams to score and Saka to score anytime at 8.50

Goalscorer Tip: Joao Pedro to score anytime at 4.50