Arsenal to get better of Chelsea, Everton to slay Swans on Sunday
Published:
Matt Haynes | January 22, 2016
The Premier League’s top billing on Sunday is Arsenal’s home London derby against Chelsea, with Chilean star Alexis Sanchez set to return for the Gunners. Earlier in the day, Everton entertain Swansea at Goodison Park.
Everton v Swansea
- Premier League
- Sunday, January 24th
- Kick-off: 13:30 GMT
- Goodison Park, Liverpool
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Swansea to get stuck at Toffees?
Everton are odds-on at 4/6 with Coral to inflict defeat on the sinking Swans who are getting ever closer to the Premier League relegation zone.
Despite both sides playing out a goalless draw earlier in the season at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea have since declined, dropping to just outside the relegation zone, while Everton have looked threatening with fantastic performances.
Last time out, Everton were desperately unlucky not to emerge with three points at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea scoring a controversial last-gasp goal.
Marvel Mirallas, lethal Lukaku, brilliant Barkley and dangerous Deulofeu
Everton’s Belgian winger Kevin Mirallas has been in fine form since returning from injury having scored two in his last three outings, including in west London last time out.
He is 5/4 in the anytime market, however, prolific striker and compatriot Romelu Lukaku has three goals in five appearances for the Toffees and we are offering an enhanced match special of 6/1 for the frontman to score two or more goals.
Another who has gone from strength-to strength this term is midfield maestro Ross Barkley who has honed his goalscoring ability with potent precision. With six league goals, as well as being a key protagonist in making the team tick, his 15/8 anytime odds up against a creaky rearguard are seen as viable value.
Meanwhile, completing what is a quality quartet in attack, Spanish sensation Gerard Deulofeu has really found form this campaign, becoming a fundamental figure in the way that Everton play. His trickery around the penalty area could well be a crucial asset during the match, while he has outstanding odds of 10/3 to strike anytime.
Roberto Martinez has paid tribute to his side’s attacking quality of late singling out Lukaku in particular for praise: “Our attacking play has been outstanding throughout the season and Romelu has been a focal point of that,” the Spaniard said.
“But even when he is not scoring, he still plays a big part and the own goal because his presence and I don’t think you would get a centre-half, reacting in the manner the Chelsea centre-half did, unless Rom is in that position.”
Any hope for Swansea?
Although the visitors gained a hard-earned 1-0 win over Watford last time out, courtesy of an Ashley Williams goal, victory at Goodison looks unlikely. If Andre Ayew is on form, they have a chance, with the Ghanaian 2/1 in the anytime market to grab a goal.
Centre forward Bafetimbi Gomis has shown he can do the business and is also 2/1 anytime, while playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson has odds of 10/3 in that market.
Arsenal v Chelsea
- Premier League
- Sunday, January 24th
- Kick-off: 16:00 GMT
- Emirates Stadium, London
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Are Arsenal Gunner finally beat Chelsea?
Arsene Wenger’s men are 21/20 with Coral to beat Chelsea at the Emirates and having lost 2-0 earlier in the season, in what was a heated affair, Arseal will be fired up.
The Blues have long been a bogey team for the Gunners, though this time, it is the hosts who can currently boast a better league position, knowing that three points is crucial to ensure they preserve their first place status.
Chelsea are leaking goals at the minute and with Arsenal in top attacking form, they can take full advantage of this. Olivier Giroud has more than enough to trouble the Blues and the Frenchman, who will be keen to prove he can cut it against top sides, is pitched in a match special (£20 maximum bet) at 3/1 to score anytime with Arsenal winning.
Double boost for hosts
Without two main personnel, Arsenal were able to superbly stifle a sensational Stoke side at the Britannia, where Chelsea and both Manchester clubs have lost this term.
However, both Mesut Ozil and Sanchez could be set to be back for the Chelsea clash, giving Arsenal a cutting edge. The German has 16 assists so far and has been untouchable this term, while Ozil also scored against Manchester United at the Emirates, so odds of 11/4 anytime are seen as decent.
Sanchez, meanwhile, could start from the bench as a precaution, though if he does feature, he is more than capable of making an impact and is 6/4 in the same market.
“It’s another game where people look at us and see how we behave,” Wenger said. “Even if Chelsea are not in the best position, look at their squad. It’s a big game because of the quality of the players on the pitch.
“It has a big importance to us as well. We play at the Emirates and know how important it will be to win this game.”
Costa key for Chelsea
If the Blues are to emerge from the Emirates with what will be a morale-boosting three points, centre forward Diego Costa is going to be crucial.
The Brazilian-born Spaniard has come back into form since Guus Hiddink took over as interim Chelsea boss and is 5/1 to break the deadlock. Captain John Terry often raises his game against Arsenal as well and, having scored a dramatic equaliser last time out, is 9/1 anytime.
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Coral’s top tip: Back Giroud to score and Arsenal to win @ 3/1 with Coral.
