Premier League preview and odds: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Published on: 22/01/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Arsenal vs Chelsea

January 24, 2016 16:00pm - Emirates Stadium

Premier League

Arsenal will be looking to maintain their position at the Premier League summit on Sunday when they welcome fallen champions Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium.

Gunners hold slender advantage

Despite drawing their last two games, Arsenal are still on top of the Barclays Premier League by virtue of a slightly better goal difference than rivals Leicester City. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last four league outings and have lost just two of their last 16 matches overall.

Arsene Wenger`s men come into this game on the back of a 0-0 draw away to Stoke City, which was preceded by a 3-3 draw, also away from home at Liverpool. Their only home defeat this season came against West Ham (0-2) back in August, and they have won seven out of their last eight games at home, having drawn the other.

Chelsea still close to the danger zone

Chelsea have now drawn four out the five games they have played since Guus Hiddink was brought in on a temporary basis to replace Jose Mourinho. As a result, the reigning Premier League champions are still in 14th place in the table, just four points above the relegation zone.

On a positive note, the Blues have improved their scoring ratio since the Dutchman arrived, and have now bagged eight goals in their last three games. In their last away game, they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 to record their first victory on the road since August.

Team news

The home side will have to make do without Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck, while Alexis Sanchez could return. Tomas Rosicky is also close after completing his recovery from a knee injury.

Meanwhile, the visitors will continue without Radamel Falcao, while Diego Costa and Eden Hazard are both doubts.

Recent form (League)

Arsenal: DDWWL

Chelsea: DDWDD

Betting odds and tips

Arsenal have been dominant at home this season with an impressive record of W7 D2 L1. In addition, they have conceded just six goals in their 10 games at the Emirates.

Chelsea have lost half of their 10 away games this term, having won two and drawn the other three. Back the Gunners to win at 11/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 22/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (22/01/2016 16:28:13) but are subject to change.