Chelsea vs Arsenal - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 21/01/2020

Chelsea vs Arsenal - Premier League Preview and Odds

January 21, 2020 20:15pm - Stamford Bridge (London)

Premier League

Two teams who need a lift will go head to head on Tuesday night as fifth-ranked Chelsea host 10th-ranked Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had a good start to the season and at one point looked contenders for second place. However, a recent slump in form has seen them fall six points behind Leicester City and nine points behind Manchester City. Despite all this, Frank Lampard`s men are still in pole position in the race for fourth place thanks largely to the lack of challenge from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Tuesday`s opponents Arsenal.

The South West London side come into this on the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United in which the home side scored in the last seconds of the game to steal the points. In their last home match, they beat Burnley 3-0 but prior to that, they endured defeats to Southampton and AFC Bournemouth. In total, they have lost three of their last five home matches in the league and failed to score in all three defeats.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have won just two of their last 15 Premier League matches and kick-off just seven points above the relegation zone. They have drawn four of their last six matches and four of their last five on the road.

Their away form doesn`t make bad reading with one win and four draws in their last five and that should give them some hope on Tuesday night. However, their previous two trips to top-four sides have both ended in defeat.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended as part of a three-match ban following his sending off at Crystal Palace.

Predicted line-ups:

Chelsea: Kepa, James, Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Willian, Abraham, Mount

Arsenal: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Luiz, Sokratis, Saka Xhaka, Torreira, Martinelli, Ozil, Pepe, Lacazette

Recent Form (League)

Chelsea: LWDWL

Arsenal: DDWLD

Betting odds and tips

Tuesday`s showdown is crucial for both sides as Chelsea look to maintain their cushion over the chasing pack while Arsenal attempt to revive their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

The North Londoners are struggling to win games but have only lost once under Mikel Arteta. That defeat came at home to Chelsea back in December in a game that they controlled for large parts. Chelsea have regressed a little since then while the Gunners have stabilised making the draw a tempting option.

You can back the Draw at 3/1.

By Neil Morris