Chelsea v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Chelsea face Arsenal in the English Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. The Blues are in high spirits having made it to the Champions League final with victory over Real Madrid and then winning 2-1 at Man City in the past week. Arsenal were dumped out of the Europa League by Villarreal but got a morale-boosting 3-1 home win against West Brom on Sunday evening.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea are playing very well right now. 18 clean sheets in 25 matches under Thomas Tuchel has been the basis of their form as they have qualified for the final of the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup and moved up to third in the league table.

The Blues have lost just once in their last ten matches – an injury time goal to lose 1-0 to Porto – with seven wins and two draws. Their last three results have been a 2-0 home win against Fulham, a highly convincing 2-0 win against Real Madrid and a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Man City. Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso scored the goals after Edouard Mendy saved a penalty.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea are likely to be without Mateo Kovacic in midfield and Andreas Christensen in defence for this match due to hamstring injuries. Tuchel rested Mason Mount, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell completely against Man City and all three should start this one.

The coach is expected to recall Jorginho in midfield and Kai Havertz in attack but must decide whether to risk N’Golo Kante for yet another start or to give Billy Gilmour an opportunity in midfield. Callum Hudson-Odoi will hope to be involved after making a big impact as a substitute against City.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea will play to win this derby match against a big rival and take a huge step towards securing not just a top four spot but a third placed finish in the Premier League. Nothing will change in terms of approach with a 3-4-3 shape to be used.

A draw would not be a disaster but at no point will Chelsea settle for one. Some players and coach Tuchel may have an eye on the FA Cup final against Leicester on Saturday and therefore look to take off some key players around the hour mark.

Arsenal Form

The Gunners are in typically bizarre form. They have won four, drawn two and lost two of their last eight matches having gone four matches without a win before that. This run has seen league wins against three of the bottom seven – a 3-0 win at Sheffield United and 2-0 at Newcastle as well as beating West Brom 3-1 at home last time out.

There have also been poor defeats at home to Everton and away at Villarreal plus a home draw with Fulham. The worst performance was arguably a very disappointing 0-0 home draw with Villarreal to be knocked out of the Europa League.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta is expected to still be without David Luiz and Pablo Mari in defence and Granit Xhaka in midfield for this match. Emile Smith Rowe is doubtful are feeling something in his hamstring against West Brom.

Arsenal rested Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against the Baggies and all three should return to start this match. Willian’s goalscoring performance in the last match is likely to see him start at number ten against his former club with Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe in the wide areas.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal still have an outside hope of qualifying for Europe next season. They are six point off fifth place and four points off seventh place which would mean entry into the Europa Conference League. Sixth or fifth would get them Europa League football.

That scenario looks unlikely so most of Arsenal’s motivation for this match is going to be pride against a London rival. They are not really equipped to play defensively but could shock Chelsea by playing a back three with Tierney narrow and Saka as a wingback.

Key Stats

Chelsea have kept 18 clean sheets in their last 25 matches

Chelsea have lost 2 of their last 25 matches in all competitions (18 wins, 5 draws)

Chelsea have seen under 2.5 goals in 18 of their last 21 matches in all competitions

Arsenal have lost 5 of their last 8 away matches against Chelsea (D3)

Arsenal have lost 1 of their last 9 away matches (W5, D3)

The Gunners have won 3 of their last 5 away PL matches (D2), scoring 12 goals

Prediction

This match looks like one that Chelsea will win but Arsenal have caused problems for the Blues of late, winning the last two meetings. Arteta’s side are much better on the road than at home and could prove a surprisingly difficult challenge. A win for Tuchel’s Chelsea looks the best bet though.