CHELSEA have Arsenal to thank for their title success – but won't be giving them a gift-wrapped FA Cup today.
The Blues' season turned when Antonio Conte changed to a back three after a 3-0 battering by the Gunners last September.
Conte's side never looked back from that moment on and clinched the title without a sweat as only Spurs put up some resistance.
Now they have the Double in their sights with Arsene Wenger's men standing in their way.
Chelsea avenged that 3-0 loss with a 3-1 home win and look to have the measure of a team still licking their wounds after missing a Champions League place despite ending the season with seven league wins in eight.
Man for man Conte has better players and the Gunners' defence is weakened by the absence of Laurent Koscielny who was stupidly sent off against Everton last weekend.
So I'm backing Chelsea to win in 90 minutes at a best 5-6 with Ladbrokes while they are 4-9 at Skybet to lift the trophy.
Arsenal are 7-2 underdogs at William Hill to win in normal time and 2-1 at McBookie on the outrights.
The Blues have netted 20 goals in their last six games and against a weakened defence could go to town.
Diego Costa and Eden Hazard will lead the goal threat and Michy Batshuayai has been chipping in with goals off the bench.
For first scorer it could be Costa at 7-2 with BetStars or Hazard at 21-4 with 10Bet – take your pick or back both to net at any time.
Arsenal have a world-class hitman in Alexis Sanchez and he will have to be at his best. The Chilean has hit the target in each of his last four games – five in total – and is 11-4 at 888sport to strike again.
Over 2.5 goals looks a shout at 9-10 with Marathonbet while both to score pays 3-4 at BetStars.
Eden Hazard is bet365’s 4-1 favourite to be named man of the match and referee Anthony Taylor is 7-2 to produce a red card and 9-4 to award a penalty during normal time.
There's a lot of transfer business to be done between now and the start of next season but I'm surprised to see Man City as title favourites ahead of Chelsea.
Conte's won four titles in a row at Juventus and Stamford Bridge and while City will spend big as it stands they shouldn't be ranked No.1 by the bookies.
They are a best 13-5 at BetStars while Chelsea are 10-3 with Paddy Power and just ahead of Man City at 7-2 with Betfred. Spurs are 8-1 with Liverpool 12s and Arsenal 14s.
Bets to Consider
Chelsea
Costa to score
Over 2.5 goals
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
