Prediction: Chelsea vs Arsenal

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back underway, and the schedule isn’t holding back when it comes to giving us big games. The first matchday provided us with many shocks and great moments but as we look ahead to this weekend, Chelsea vs Arsenal is undoubtedly the biggest ‘name value’ match-up of the weekend. These two old foes have locked horns hundreds of times, and now, we’re gearing up for what many are hoping will be a showcase of fantastic football between two of England’s finest.

Chelsea

Things have been pretty turbulent at Stamford Bridge over the course of the last few months, but they finally seem to be coming out the other side as a stronger team altogether. While the introduction of Maurizio Sarri hasn’t been an easy one, this Chelsea team is more than strong enough to do some serious damage this season. They often fly under the radar when it comes to title contenders, and while that shouldn’t be their goal this year, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if they start to pick up some momentum.

Team News

Eden Hazard, who is coming off the back of a strong World Cup with Belgium, could be aiming to start this game for a Chelsea side that has no real fresh injury worries.

Arsenal

We’ve heard time and time again about how this is going to be a rebuilding season for Arsenal, but now that they’ve got the game against Manchester City out of the way, it’ll be intriguing to see how they fare against a side of similar stature and quality to them. Unai Emery seems to be slowly putting the right pieces in place and you can see the kind of attacking movement that he’s going for based on last week’s performance, but he’ll have to ensure that his side aren’t dragged into a physical war by one of their biggest rivals.

Team News

Maitland-Niles will be out of action for up to two months with an injury, with Koscielny and Monreal also being on the shelf. The biggest question of all, though, will be whether or not Lacazette starts the game either as the lone striker or alongside Aubameyang.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Stamford Bridge.
• Arsenal lost 2-0 last week against Manchester City.
• Arsenal lead 76-62 in the head to head records.
• Chelsea won 3-0 last week against Huddersfield.
• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six games against Chelsea.

Conclusion

It already feels like Chelsea are taking Arsenal lightly as if they’re the same old side that they’ve come up against multiple times in the last few years. Alas, if recent history teaches us anything it’s that the Gunners seem to have Chelsea’s number more often than not, and we think they’ll thwart them again here. Chelsea will likely start off brightly but won’t be able to break Arsenal down, and subsequently, the visitors won’t be all too concerned about riding out the result for a somewhat dull 0-0 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: bet365