2016 EPL: Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Tip
Traditionally the London derby in the English Premier League (EPL) between Arsenal and Chelsea has significant impact on the title aspirations of both teams. But, the dwindling fortunes of Chelsea this season mean that it’s only Arsenal which is in the reckoning. This, however, takes no sheen away from the London derby at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday 24th January.
The Gunners are top of the table with a goal difference separating them from Leicester City. This is a reflection of how poor the entire league has been, because Arsenal have been inconsistent in their own right. Their last two games have been draws but there is high hope among the faithful supporters that this could be their year to lift the title.
Arsene Wenger had to tackle injuries, as always, but the sparkle of Mesut Ozil is lifting his otherwise inconsistent side. Ozil missed the last game against Stoke City but should be fit to retain his place in the starting eleven. Another fitness boost to Wenger should come from Alexis Sanchez.
The absence of Jose Mourinho in the Chelsea dug-out would be a strange feeling for Wenger but Guus Hiddink is struggling with far more issues than to worry about sideline antics. He was brought to revive the fortunes but he was not able to arrest the decline completely, so far.
Chelsea still languish in 14th place and incredibly just four points off the relegation zone. Hiddink know pretty well that his team’s move up the ladder is difficult compared to the slide down. This puts additional pressure on his team to not lose further points. But, the misfiring forwards haven’t helped the Blues’ manager although they were able to ship three goals against Everton in the last match. Diego Costa is slowly retaining his potent striking skills, something which deserted him under Mourinho.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight top-flight encounters against Arsenal. This is, however, a different Chelsea team and they would eagerly lap up a point, if not three. They are unbeaten in their last six matches winning two and drawing four of those.
Three of the last four league meetings between these two sides at Arsenal have ended up as 0-0 draws. That could be the scenario yet again. Back the draw at odds of $3.45 (CrownBet). If you want to take a calculated risk, maybe the even back the exact 0-0 draw at odds of $11 (CrownBet).
