2017-18 EPL: Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview
The English Premier League title may well be out of reach, but teams below Manchester City are still vying for positions in European competitions. No matter what the managers say, that is exactly what is driving teams. So, when Arsenal take on Chelsea this midweek, the London Derby has potential to be a top-four decider.
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The Gunners will welcome the Blues to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, January 3rd with the top-four hopes of Arsene Wenger’s men on thin ice, while Antonio Conte’s visitors are hoping to cement their top-two position. What’s in store for the fans?
Season so far
Arsenal have had their share of ups and downs, but the lows have dominated the season and they look a far cry from the dominating Arsenal teams of the past! After 21 games, the hosts are fifth in the PL table (38pts, W11, D5, L5) and are six behind Liverpool in fourth, who have played a game more.
Coming into this game, the hosts were held to a 1-1 draw against West Brom, who haven’t won a PL game since August! The last eight competitive matches saw Arsenal win four and claim four draws. They are unbeaten in their last six PL matches (W2, D4), but dropping way too many points is a concern.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have seen an upsurge of form culminate in a rise to top-two. After 21 games, the Blues have 45 points (W14, D3, L4) and can reclaim their second position from Manchester United with a win in this fixture.
The Blues lost only one match in their last 13 PL matches (W10, D2, L1), with their lone loss coming at West Ham United. Away from home, however, they have struggled with just one win in their last four matches (W1, D2, L1).
Key Stats and battles
Arsenal and Chelsea have each won two, drawn two, and lost two of their last six encounters.
The Gunners have scored in each of their home fixtures, but have also shipped a lot of goals – most notably, three goals to Leicester, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
Arsenal have a great home record and are undefeated in 16 of their last 17 home PL matches. Chelsea are on a great run too, having remained unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 PL matches.
Prediction
It’s all up and down for Wenger and Arsenal this season, but they have a great home record. Their lone home loss to Manchester United could easily have been a draw or a win too! Back the hosts on draw no bet pick, at odds of $1.95 (Ladbrokes).
TIP: Arsenal (draw no bet) – $1.95 at Ladbrokes
Both sides are prone to leaking goals and have good attacking intent. This should mean there are goals in this fixture. Back over 2.5 goals at odds of $1.67 (Ladbrokes).
TIP: Total goals OVER 2.5 – $1.67 at Sportsbet
