Premier League: The Capital Clash with Contrasting Form

Chelsea vs Arsenal

After a rocky spell, no doubt triggered by off the pitch uncertainty, Chelsea are back on it again.

After hitting six at Southampton, they almost pulled off a sensational comeback at Real Madrid and then returned to form to reach next month’s FA Cup Final.

Now they prepare to host old foes in the Premier League and a side who, after promising something tangible, suddenly can’t buy a win and who are causing their manager genuine concern.

It’s Chelsea versus Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Talking Points

When I previewed the corresponding fixture last season – 11 months ago – I billed it as a meeting of two London giants heading in different directions.

Since then, little on the pitch has changed, although Arsenal had a spell that hinted at improvement under Mikel Arteta.

However, in recent weeks, defeats at Crystal Palace and Brighton have damaged that optimism. And on Easter Saturday, the Gunners went down to a third successive defeat, failing to take advantage of Tottenham’s slip-up at home to Brighton and dropping to sixth after Manchester United overcame Norwich.

Although the Gunners dominated possession for long spells against Southampton, they lacked the tempo to create too many openings against a resolute and defensively organised Saints side.

Against that backdrop, a trip to Chelsea would not exactly been high on their wish list this week.

For this is a Chelsea team which, despite the uncertainty hanging over Stamford Bridge – caused by sanctions taken against owner Roman Abramovich for alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin which threatens to wreak financial havoc on the club – possesses a core of steely professionalism and an ability to get the job done.

In their FA Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace, Chelsea lost midfielder Mateo Kovacic to an ankle injury and manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that it appears serious.

Chelsea are already without long-term absentees Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi, while Ross Barkley missed the Palace win after a recent bout of sickness.

So, it seems N’Golo Kante will slot straight back into the engine room in Kovacic’s likely absence and, given how much he terrorized the Arsenal backline at the Emirates earlier this season, it would not be a surprise to see Tuchel consider handing Romelu Lukaku a start.

Meanwhile, Arsenal right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is due to return to training before Wednesday’s game and could be in with a shot at returning, but Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are both still out.

Captain Alexandre Lacazette’s participation is also up in the air after he tested positive for Covid-19 before the Southampton game, so Eddie Nketiah could once again be tasked with leading the line at Stamford Bridge.

Perhaps there will also be a recall for Emile Smith Rowe, the match-winner in this fixture last season, on the left-hand side.

One thing is certain, this is a fixture that has regularly produced Premier League 2022 highlights and I expect no different in midweek with the home side clear favourites.

History

Over the years, Arsenal have won 80 of their meetings with 66 Chelsea victories and 59 draws.

When these sides met in the second weekend of the season, Chelsea were dominant and ran out 2-0 winners thanks to first-half goals from Lukaku and Reece James.

That was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 15 meetings in all competitions in this long-established rivalry.

The corresponding fixture last season actually saw exciting youngster Smith Rowe score the only goal in an Arsenal victory at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal also beat them in the 2020 FA Cup Final when talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang worked his magic as the Gunners came from behind to win the FA Cup for a record 14th time.

That gained revenge for a clash 15 months earlier – a 4-1 Chelsea success in the Europa League Final.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League 2022 betting odds for Chelsea include 1X2 @ 1.90 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.21.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are available to back 1X2 @ 3.40 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.35.

The Draw, which could well be expected given the visitors need the points and Chelsea are comfortable in third place, is on offer @ 3.40.

If the Gunners can repeat last season’s scoreline, then Correct Score 0-1 will bring a payday of @ 10.50, while another 2-0 Chelsea win will provide joy @ 8.25.

Two bets which have an appeal are a tight, cagey contest with total goal 0-1 on offer @ 3.00 or Over 2.75 goals @ 2.40. I do think this will be close, but I expect Chelsea to complete a league double over Arsenal and will take the Blues on the Asian Handicap market.

 

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