Big Match Breakdown: Chelsea v Arsenal
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Odds, preview and tips for Prem clash
Two of the Premier League’s newest bosses meet at teatime this evening as Unai Emery takes his Arsenal side to face Maurizio Sarri and Chelsea.
The managerial pair got off to contrasting starts last weekend. The Gunners were downed 2-0 by Manchester City, while Chelsea breezed past Huddersfield Town 3-0.
They face off live on BT Sport 1 at 5:30pm tonight. And the Coral News Team have previewed the match with a Big Match Breakdown.
Head-to-Head
Despite their poor overall record against the league’s biggest teams, Arsenal’s recent form against Chelsea is pretty good.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six matches against the Blues, winning three. They met four times last season in league and cup, with both fixtures at Stamford Bridge ending 0-0.
Granit Xhaka scored the winning goal in their last match-up as the North Londoners won 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium to secure their place in the Carabao Cup Final.
Likely XIs
Chelsea could welcome back Eden Hazard after the Belgian impressed off the bench last week. Mateo Kovacic or Ruben Loftus-Cheek may come in for Ross Barkley in the only other likely change.
As for the Gunners, Stephan Lichsteiner will make his full debut at left-back after Ainsley Maitland-Niles sustained a broken leg against Man City last week. Lucas Torreira could also come in for Xhaka, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan making way for Alexandre Lacazette. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will switch to the left side of the front three as a result.
Key Battles
The hosts hold the main cards in most of the key areas. A midfield three of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic or Loftus-Cheek is as strong as any in the Premier League. Up against Matteo Guendouzi and the promising Torreira they should dominate.
They’ll look to impose themselves on the game, which could leave Arsenal’s front three isolated and lacking in service. If that happens, it could be a long afternoon for the visitors.
Match Odds
The Blues are 4/5 favourites to win the match against 16/5 for the Gunners. You can back the draw at 27/10.
Both fixtures between these sides at Stamford Bridge last season ended 0-0. It’s 14/1 for that scenario to unfold again, with 13/10 about Both Teams to Score – No for the 11th time in 17 meetings.
If you do fancy there to be goals in the game, World Cup star Hazard has bagged five against the North Londoners since 2012, including three in the last two seasons. He’s 8/5 Anytime and 5/1 to Score First. Ex-Gunner Olivier Giroud is 13/10 Anytime.
Arsenal will be looking towards Aubameyang, who is 17/10 to net Anytime.
Click here for the latest Chelsea v Arsenal odds from Coral.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
