Chelsea are most likely assured of a top-four finish ahead of Wednesday’s London Derby after that smash-and-grab victory at City, but Arsenal will only aim to keep their fleeting European hopes alive once more.
Premier League 2020/2021
Date: 12/05/2021
Kick-off: 20:15 pm
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Chelsea saw off Manchester City in brilliant fashion last time, capitalising on Sergio Aguero’s failed Panenka penalty to pull off a truly remarkable comeback victory.
Despite trailing to a Raheem Sterling’s opener at the Etihad, Thomas Tuchel’s side rallied, Hakim Ziyech scoring a scorcher before Marcos Alonso slipped in just before the full-time whistle to net the morale-boosting winner.
Thu, Chelsea look well placed to cement a third successive top-four league finish if they rake in all three points yet here, and are on a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions, a time during which they had conceded just twice.
Arsenal, on their part are left needing a miracle to make it into Europe for next term. A seventh-place finish is even looking very distinct despite beating West Brom 3-1 last time out, a game in which Emile Smith-Rowe, Nicholas Pepe and Willian all found their scoring touches.
Mikel Arteta’s side make the short trip across the capital on a five-game unbeaten run on the road in the top-flight, and can claim their third win in succession with three away clean sheets for the first time since May 2013.
Chelsea look huge favourites yet, but can the Gunners soil their mood few days before their FA Cup showpiece game?
Team news
Chelsea
Mateo Kovacic and Andreas Christensen are both rated doubtful for the visit of Arsenal.
Tuchel is expected to rotate his team here, with Jorginho and Ben Chilwell returning for Billy Gilmour and Alonso respectively.
Arsenal
The trio of David Luiz, Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari all sit out this game for the Gunners no thanks to injuries.
Team form
Chelsea’s last five PL games: W D W W W
Arsenal’s last five PL games: W D L W W
Match stats
Arsenal and Chelsea have played out four consecutive draws in West London during midweek fixtures, and the Gunners are yet to lose to the Blues on a Tuesday or Wednesday night in a Premier League game.
Both of these sides have scored in six of their last seven competitive meetings since the 2018/19 season.
Betting tips
Chelsea are very much the clear favourites for the points here, and will look to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands of their rivals early this season. Their strength in depth and solidness in defence also very much topples that of Arsenal, and you find it hard backing any other thing rather than a home win for 8/11 odds.
Also, we expect these sides to be cautious so much so that a low-scoring game looks likely. So, let’s finish up our tips by backing an Under 2.5 match goals at 4/5 odds to suffice from this clash.
You can view all other betting markets for this game here
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