Arsenal vs Chelsea: Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Football (aka soccer), Predictions, Premier League, Previews

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2/7 16:00 GMT Chelsea at Arsenal – Odds | Stats


Happy weekend folks. Plenty of English football to be had this weekend but none more prominent than the London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This match lost a little bit of its luster after the Gunners took a beating last weekend at the hands of Manchester United but what hasn’t changed is the implications this match carries on the Premiership title race. A win here would bring the Gunners right back into the thick of things while a loss may be it for this season.


Arsenal:


As said before, Arsenal really took one to the chin last week. They had a huge opportunity to seize some much needed points against title rivals Manchester United at home but simply got outplayed. Actually, dominated may be a better word. Just ask Arsene Wenger. The good news, however, is that they have an opportunity to redeem themselves immediately. A win would bring them within 3 points of Chelsea and after United presumably defeats bottomfeeder Portsmouth, 4 points of them. Otherwise, their dreams of bringing the title back to Emirates are pretty much down the commode. As for injuries, the Gunners are likely to be without Eduardo (hamstring) who injured himself against Aston Villa as well as Vela (knee, 20 Feb), Djourou (knee, Apr), and Gibbs (foot, May). Also doubtful are Campbell (groin), Diaby (calf), and Mérida (foot). And of course, Robin van Persie is still out with an ankle injury.


Chelsea:


We are all well aware of the buzz surrounding the Chelsea camp this week and it certainly has nothing to do with the fact that they have a title implicating match on Sunday. Captain and defensive leader John Terry was revealed this week to haven been having extra marital affairs with England National teammate Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Perroncel. Most of England most concerned, with the World Cup looming around the corner, what sort of impact this will have on the national team’s chemistry. Well, Fabio Capello has made his opinion known on the matter by officially stripping Terry of his captaincy on the national team, giving the title to Rio Ferdinand. This is like Tiger Woods-esque drama!! Awesome!! Anyways, whether or not this distraction will have any effect on the team this Sunday is the question. Since the story broke, Terry has almost performed better actually. As for Chelsea Football related news, they are coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw to Hull City this week that has opened the door for Arsenal to still be in contention for the title. Had they collected their three points, this match would likely be a little less important. Can Chelsea bounce back is the question. They aren’t looking too bad in the injury department as they will only be without Belletti, Essien, and Bosingwa (all knee).


Match Facts:


-Didier Drogba has scored in 9 of the last 10 matches against Arsenal in all competitions


-Chelsea’s last defeat at Stamford Bridge was last year against Arsenal. They have won 35 straight in all competitions


-Chelsea defeated Arsenal all but twice in their last 15 competitive matches


Prediction:


(sigh)…. Well my instincts say Chelsea right off the bat so ultimately I will go with them. Will this John Terry thing play a factor? Probably not but only time will tell. While Chelsea should win (probably handily), this is one of those matches that Arsenal would win just because no one is really expecting it. I really want to pick them but just so I don’t jinx the chance of a good match, I’m going to pick Chelsea with the same score that United defeated them with a week ago.


Pick:


Chelsea 3 – 1 Arsenal


Bet of the Match:


Chelsea at 1.88 from 188Bet


Drogba to score anytime at 6.50 from Unibet