Chelsea and Arsenal both have ambitions to become Premier League champions at the end of the current season, but on current evidence we have to suggest that it is Jose Mourinho’s men who look best placed to deliver. The summer signings of former Gunner Cesc Fabregas and – in particular – Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid have given Chelsea a cutting edge that they lacked last season, and if Costa stay fit we think they will romp to the title.
Chelsea have won five and drawn the other (away to Man Cit) of their six league matches to date and they are installed as the 7/10 favourites (with Ladbrokes) to get the three points from this one. Given the Blues hammered Arsene Wenger’s men 6-0 at Stamford Bridge last season, it could be a tough afternoon for the visitors.
Having said that, Arsenal are currently the only other unbeaten side in the Premier League and though they have mustered only two victories thus far they will aim to be stoic in defence and we think they will prove a tougher nut to crack than they were last season. If you think the Gunners can battle to a point the draw can be backed at 14/5 while the – perhaps unlikely – Arsenal win is priced at 19/4 (both with BetVictor).
Arsenal will be without the influential Welshman Aaron Ramsey after he sustained a hamstring injury in his side’s 1-1 home draw with Spurs, but such is the strength in depth Wenger enjoys in the attacking midfield positions he will not be overly concerned. Mourinho, meanwhile, is hoping Costa makes it through the midweek Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon in order to start this one, especially with Didier Drogba currently sidelined.
Overall we anticipate a hard-fought match which the home side edges, though if Costa is absent the visitors might just eke out a point.
Betting Tips
- Chelsea to be winning at half time and full time – Going on the basis that Costa will start the match, we feel that the home side has the beating of Arsenal as they proved at the Bridge last term, but also when they won 2-0 at the Emirates in the League Cup. Odds of 13/8 with Betfred for this selection look great value.
- Chelsea to win to nil – Chelsea played Arsenal three times last season and didn’t concede a single goal. With Olivier Giroud out and Danny Welbeck yet to really find his feet, backing the home side to win to nil could be worth considering at 21/10 with Sky Bet.
- Under 2.5 goals – This would be our main tip if Costa is ruled out of the match, and while Arsenal are not exactly adept at grinding out 0-0s in the way Chelsea are, after last season’s drubbing we fancy Wenger will be uncharacteristically cautious in his team selection and tactics. Under 2.5 goals could bring home the bacon at odds of 20/19 with Ladbrokes.