The outcome of the latest instalment of this London derby will have far-reaching implications for both teams’ top-four ambitions.
Not only must Arsenal rein in Chelsea to avoid falling further behind in the race for Champions League places, the Gunners also have resurgent Manchester United in their slipstream.
The Red Devils are looming large in Unai Emery’s rear-view mirror, with only a slight goal difference superiority keeping them above United.
Frailties in Arsenal’s game in recent weeks, weaknesses eerily reminiscent of the tail-end of Wenger’s reign, have observers asking questions about the Gunners’ temperament.
The defeat at West Ham last Saturday followed a chastening drubbing at Liverpool, a sobering draw at Brighton and a puzzling loss at Premier League strugglers Southampton.
The visit of Chelsea presents Arsenal with the perfect opportunity to answer their critics. A win on Saturday would send the message that reports of Arsenal’s unravelling are premature and grossly exaggerated.
Chelsea have a six-point lead over Arsenal going into this clash. A maximum haul at the Emirates will see them consolidate their place in the top four.
And with Tottenham not in action until Sunday, a win on Saturday will catapult Chelsea into third place.
Throughout the season Maurizio Sarri’s men have been efficient without being spectacular.
Recent defeats by Wolves and Leicester City suggest there is a chink in the Blues armour. It is a weakness Arsenal could exploit if they can locate it.
Apart from the points on offer, Arsenal versus Chelsea is an enduring football rivalry that continues to capture the imagination of football fans across the globe. It is match neither will want to lose.
TEAM NEWS
Mesut Ozil could be involved for the first time after an extended period on the sidelines with a back broken and a knee injury.
The playmaker has only featured in four of Arsenal last 14 matches as he struggled for fitness.
Hector Bellerin could also come into contention for a starting role after coming on for the final quarter of the defeat at West Ham last Saturday.
Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are long-term absentees.
Alvaro Morata is back in the frame after recovering from a hamstring problem.
However, the striker may have to be content with a place on the bench, with Sarri preferring to play Eden Hazard in the ‘False 9’ position in recent matches.
The return of Mateo Kovacic is also a massive boost for Chelsea, whose midfield options were reduced by Cesc Fabregas’s departure to Monaco.
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Premier League: Arsenal v Chelsea at Emirates Stadium
bet365 match odds: Arsenal 21/10, Draw 13/5, Chelsea 11/8
The outcome of the latest instalment of this London derby will have far-reaching implications for both teams’ top-four ambitions.
Not only must Arsenal rein in Chelsea to avoid falling further behind in the race for Champions League places, the Gunners also have resurgent Manchester United in their slipstream.
The Red Devils are looming large in Unai Emery’s rear-view mirror, with only a slight goal difference superiority keeping them above United.
Frailties in Arsenal’s game in recent weeks, weaknesses eerily reminiscent of the tail-end of Wenger’s reign, have observers asking questions about the Gunners’ temperament.
The defeat at West Ham last Saturday followed a chastening drubbing at Liverpool, a sobering draw at Brighton and a puzzling loss at Premier League strugglers Southampton.
The visit of Chelsea presents Arsenal with the perfect opportunity to answer their critics. A win on Saturday would send the message that reports of Arsenal’s unravelling are premature and grossly exaggerated.
Chelsea have a six-point lead over Arsenal going into this clash. A maximum haul at the Emirates will see them consolidate their place in the top four.
And with Tottenham not in action until Sunday, a win on Saturday will catapult Chelsea into third place.
Throughout the season Maurizio Sarri’s men have been efficient without being spectacular.
Recent defeats by Wolves and Leicester City suggest there is a chink in the Blues armour. It is a weakness Arsenal could exploit if they can locate it.
Apart from the points on offer, Arsenal versus Chelsea is an enduring football rivalry that continues to capture the imagination of football fans across the globe. It is match neither will want to lose.
TEAM NEWS
Mesut Ozil could be involved for the first time after an extended period on the sidelines with a back broken and a knee injury.
The playmaker has only featured in four of Arsenal last 14 matches as he struggled for fitness.
Hector Bellerin could also come into contention for a starting role after coming on for the final quarter of the defeat at West Ham last Saturday.
Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are long-term absentees.
Alvaro Morata is back in the frame after recovering from a hamstring problem.
However, the striker may have to be content with a place on the bench, with Sarri preferring to play Eden Hazard in the ‘False 9’ position in recent matches.
The return of Mateo Kovacic is also a massive boost for Chelsea, whose midfield options were reduced by Cesc Fabregas’s departure to Monaco.
BETTING TIPS
Chelsea to win @ 11/8 bet365
Eden Hazard first goalscorer @ 4/1 bet365
Head to Head Comparison
Arsenal - Last 5 Matches
Chelsea - Last 5 Matches