There’s a massive game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as the top two in the Premier League table go head-to-head, as second-placed Chelsea hosts leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea endured a sluggish start to the campaign, as they won just two of their opening six Premier League matches of the season (W2-D2-L2).
However, Enzo Maresca’s men have gone on to win five of their next six (W5-D0-L1), with their 0-2 success away at newly-promoted Burnley propelled the Blues up into second in the table, six points behind their visitors.
The West London club were also victorious in the Champions League in midweek, as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Barcelona at the Bridge.
Arsenal bounced back from their 2-2 draw away at Sunderland before the international break by thrashing their North London rivals Tottenham 4-1 at the Emirates last Sunday.
That victory, coupled with Manchester City’s 2-1 loss away at Newcastle United the night before, has seen the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table extended to six points ahead of their trip to West London on Sunday.
Like their hosts, Mikel Arteta’s men also claimed an impressive victory in the Champions League in midweek, as they defeated the previously unbeaten Bayern Munich 3-1 in front of their supporters.
How the bookies view it: Gunners favourites
Arsenal are favourites to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points, with the likes of bet365 pricing an away success at 6/5.
Bet365 have priced the Blues at 12/5 to cut the gap to three points, whilst the draw is 9/4.
Head to head: Recent Arsenal dominance
Arsenal have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, with the Gunners unbeaten in each of their last seven meetings with Chelsea (W5-D2-L0).
However, the last two clashes at Stamford Bridge have resulted in a draw, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that trend continues on Sunday.
Players to watch: Neto to net again?
Pedro Neto has been in fine form in recent weeks for the Blues, with the ex-Wolves attacker providing five goal involvements in his last five Premier League appearances, including a goal in each of their previous two.
The Portuguese international also scored an equaliser in this fixture last season, and the 13/5 on offer at Paddy Power for him to Score or Assist seems to large too ignore.
Predicted line-ups:
Chelsea are still without Levi Colwill, and Romeo Lavia, but Cole Palmer is available again after missing the last two months due to injury.
Mikel Arteta will be without Gabriel and Gabriel Jesus due to injury, whilst Kai Havertz, Leo Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres are doubts.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, James, Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho, Pedro
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Eze, Rice, Saka, Madueke, Merino
Anything else catch the eye?
These two clubs arrive in this fixture in good attacking form, with Arsenal scoring in each of their last 16 matches in all competitions, notching 2+ goals in an impressive 13 (81%) of them.
The Blues last drew a blank on the opening day of the season against Crystal Palace, striking on multiple occasions in eight of the previous 10.
Both Teams to Score has paid out in the last two meetings at Stamford Bridge, and whilst I’m not expecting a high-scoring encounter, I do like the 3/4 on offer at bet365 for both of these in-form sides to find the target.
Interested in why both teams scoring is such a strong angle? Check out our Masterclass on BTTS and sharpen your match-reading game.
GambleAware