The two Premier League rivals have made the trek to Azerbaijan for UEFA's second-tier showpiece final but the choice of venue has caused controversy, with Baku situated 2,864 miles away from London.
It means both clubs are likely to be under-represented in the stands, while Gunners playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been prevented from travelling as the Armenian has been advised it is better for his safety to stay away due to ongoing political tensions between his own country and Azerbaijan.
The furore about the venue and Mkhitaryan's enforced absence has somewhat overshadowed the build-up to the clash, but both sides will be desperate to get it right on the pitch when the action finally gets underway.
Neither London side has had the most stellar of seasons so far but can finish on a high by lifting the Europa League trophy, although Arsenal's need could be viewed as greater as they are still searching for Champions League qualification after finishing their domestic campaign in fifth place.
The winners of the Europa League will get into the continent's premier club competition next season, something Chelsea have already managed after finishing third in the Premier League, but they too will be determined to sign off 2018-19 with a trophy and replicate their triumph in this competition from 2013.
Eden Hazard is expected to depart for Real Madrid this summer so will want to go out with a bang, but boss Maurizio Sarri - who himself is being tipped to move on after the final - has injury worries with N'Golo Kante now a major doubt to add to the confirmed absences of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger.
Arsenal's Juventus-bound midfielder Aaron Ramsey has also been ruled out but Danny Welbeck could be in line for a place on the bench after missing much of the season with an ankle problem.
BETTING ANALYSIS
In the first all-English Europa League final since 1972, Chelsea face their London rivals Arsenal – 4,500 km away in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This season alone Chelsea have already squandered two opportunities at silverware. A defeat to Manchester City in both the Community Shield and the League Cup final means that this upcoming game against Arsenal is Chelsea’s last bid at ending the season with a trophy.
For Arsenal, this is a chance to finally claim a European honour. The Gunners last won a continental prize in 1994 when they claimed the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
However, the build-up to the historic final has been all about the politics. From the issue surrounding ticket allocations to problems with transport and player safety, little has so far been said about who will do the business on the field.
Both teams have enjoyed good results over the past few weeks. For instance, Arsenal have won three of their last four games which includes their 7-3 aggregate victory over Valencia.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are also in good form and haven’t lost a competitive game in seven matches.
When it comes to the head to heads, both teams have managed a victory over each other this season. Chelsea struck first with a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge back in August while Arsenal hit back later in the season with a 2-0 win at the Emirates.
Picking a winner in a final is never easy nevertheless, with Chelsea still unbeaten in this competition, the recommendation is to back the Blues.
Hazard & Aubameyang Both To Score, Jorginho, Xhaka & Koscielny All To Be Carded @200/1 x £10 = £2000 quid with PP.
New PP Customer offer - CHELSEA v ARSENAL MONEY BACK
If Aubameyang Scores against Chelsea (90 min Only).
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Chelsea vs Arsenal
Paddy Power Pre-Match Odds: Chelsea 11/10, The Draw 11/5, Arsenal 12/5*
NEW PADDY POWER CUSTOMERS GET A £10 RISK FREE FIRST BET - MONEY BACK IN CASH IF IT LOSES!**
The two Premier League rivals have made the trek to Azerbaijan for UEFA's second-tier showpiece final but the choice of venue has caused controversy, with Baku situated 2,864 miles away from London.
It means both clubs are likely to be under-represented in the stands, while Gunners playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been prevented from travelling as the Armenian has been advised it is better for his safety to stay away due to ongoing political tensions between his own country and Azerbaijan.
The furore about the venue and Mkhitaryan's enforced absence has somewhat overshadowed the build-up to the clash, but both sides will be desperate to get it right on the pitch when the action finally gets underway.
Neither London side has had the most stellar of seasons so far but can finish on a high by lifting the Europa League trophy, although Arsenal's need could be viewed as greater as they are still searching for Champions League qualification after finishing their domestic campaign in fifth place.
The winners of the Europa League will get into the continent's premier club competition next season, something Chelsea have already managed after finishing third in the Premier League, but they too will be determined to sign off 2018-19 with a trophy and replicate their triumph in this competition from 2013.
Eden Hazard is expected to depart for Real Madrid this summer so will want to go out with a bang, but boss Maurizio Sarri - who himself is being tipped to move on after the final - has injury worries with N'Golo Kante now a major doubt to add to the confirmed absences of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger.
Arsenal's Juventus-bound midfielder Aaron Ramsey has also been ruled out but Danny Welbeck could be in line for a place on the bench after missing much of the season with an ankle problem.
BETTING ANALYSIS
In the first all-English Europa League final since 1972, Chelsea face their London rivals Arsenal – 4,500 km away in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This season alone Chelsea have already squandered two opportunities at silverware. A defeat to Manchester City in both the Community Shield and the League Cup final means that this upcoming game against Arsenal is Chelsea’s last bid at ending the season with a trophy.
For Arsenal, this is a chance to finally claim a European honour. The Gunners last won a continental prize in 1994 when they claimed the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
However, the build-up to the historic final has been all about the politics. From the issue surrounding ticket allocations to problems with transport and player safety, little has so far been said about who will do the business on the field.
Both teams have enjoyed good results over the past few weeks. For instance, Arsenal have won three of their last four games which includes their 7-3 aggregate victory over Valencia.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are also in good form and haven’t lost a competitive game in seven matches.
When it comes to the head to heads, both teams have managed a victory over each other this season. Chelsea struck first with a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge back in August while Arsenal hit back later in the season with a 2-0 win at the Emirates.
Picking a winner in a final is never easy nevertheless, with Chelsea still unbeaten in this competition, the recommendation is to back the Blues.
Recommendation
Chelsea to win – 29/20 PP*
Worth a Punt
Hazard & Aubameyang Both To Score, Jorginho, Xhaka & Koscielny All To Be Carded @200/1 x £10 = £2000 quid with PP.
New PP Customer offer - CHELSEA v ARSENAL MONEY BACK
If Aubameyang Scores against Chelsea (90 min Only).
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Head to Head Comparison
Chelsea - Last 5 Matches
Arsenal - Last 5 Matches