Chelsea and Arsenal square off for the second time in a month’s span as the Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge.
The reverse fixture in December saw Mikel Arteta’s side give away two late goals and subsequently settle for a 2-1 loss. Although Arsenal come into this match on the back of 1-1 draw against Sheffield while Chelsea host their rivals after a shocking 1-0 loss to Newcastle United. The Blues will look to maintain their top four position when Arsenal travel looking for a desperate win in order to close in the gap.
Arsenal are 10 points behind 4th placed Chelsea with 39 points. The Gunners are having a worst start to their season which can only be undone with a win against their arch-rivals.
When and Where
Date: Wednesday, 22 January
Time: 1:45 am
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Team News
The injury concerns for Arsenal only seem to be increasing with Reiss Nelson being the latest victim. The Gunners are also without their captain and goal-scorer Aubameyang, who has been suspended for 3 games.
Kieran Tierney still remains sidelined while Sead Kolasinac is a doubt. This mainly leaves Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka to fill in the full-back positions, yet again.
The biggest ache for Mikel Arteta will be to remove Mustafi or let him play in front of Sokratis. The former had a wonderful outing against Sheffield which may tempt Arteta to let him start over the Greek giant.
As for the Blues, Reece James will be out of the weekday clash courtesy of an ankle injury. The full-back joins the list of joins Christian Pulisic, Marcos Alonso and Ruben Loftus Cheek who are yet to recover from injury.
Lampard will likely make a few changes in the midfield with the likes of Kovacic and Barkley longing a start.
Prediction
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal
Since the arrival of Arteta at Arsenal, there is nothing that can separate the team. Though the Blues are ahead with 10 points, their last few outings have been banal and has deterred their confidence wholly.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking a complete squad now and will surely challenge the hosts. A draw is highly on the odds with four goals atleast to be scored. Learn betting tips and check the predictions to make the right choice and win. It’s a good idea to use Bethard bonuses and offers to increase that.
Predicted Line-Up:
Chelsea Predicted XI: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Emerson; Jorginho, Barkley, Kovacic; Willian, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi.
Arsenal Predicted XI: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Mustafi, Luiz, Saka; Guendouzi, Xhaka; Pepe, Ozil, Martinelli; Lacazette.
