Home   >   England   >   Arsenal   >   Chelsea vs Arsenal – betting preview

Chelsea vs Arsenal – betting preview

By on January 17, 2013

With Chelsea struggling for form at Stamford Bridge, the visit of Arsenal comes at a unfortunate time for Rafa Benitez’ side.

Form

Chelsea have won four of their last seven matches in the Premier League while Arsenal have an equally worrying record in recent matches. Arsene Wenger’s side will take heart from impressive away form in the league as they are unbeaten in their last 5 matches away from Emirates Stadium (via WhoScored.com). Chelsea’s home form has been poor enough to warrant boos from the home supporters. According to Bwin, Chelsea are the bookies’ favourites to win vs Arsenal – https://sports.bwin.com/en/sports/4/betting/football

Predicted Lineups

Theo Walcott looks likely to start in the centre forward role for Arsenal while Demba Ba will likely start ahead of the unpopular Fernando Torres. Ba’s form for Chelsea has been impressive since his move from Newcastle and the Champions League winners finally have an outlet for their array of creative players.

Chelsea: Cech, Cole, Luiz, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta; Lampard, Ramires; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Ba

Arsenal: Szczesny, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Sagna; Diaby, Wilshere; Podolski, Cazorla, Ramsey; Walcott.

With Mikel Arteta out with a thigh injury, it’s likely that Diaby will deputize (if fit)

arsene wenger

Arsenal are 12 points behind Chelsea which is a worry for Arsene Wenger. The perennial Champions League qualifiers, Arsenal, are in dager of being muscled out by an impressive Spurs side led by Andre Villas-Boas. If the Gunners fail to secure top-level European football, Wenger will almoste certainly leave the club.

Chelsea have been in mixed form this season. After sacking manager Roberto Di Matteo in late November, the club has crashed out of the Champions League, World Club Cup (in the Final), and look in a precarious position in the League Cup.

Chelsea vs Arsenal promises to be a fascinating encounter. Rafa Benitez needs a big performance from his side on Sunday and will be eager to push Manchester City and Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title.