One of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the Premier League calendar will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day as Arsenal welcome London rivals Chelsea.
The Gunners, who are down in 15th spot in the table, will be searching for their first league victory since the start of November, while Chelsea will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in England’s top flight, having comfortably dispatched West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
No one could have predicted that this match would see one of both teams in the ‘relegation’ battle at this stage of the season.
The Gunners are struggling for form and confidence both on the pitch and off it. Arsenal’s tally of 14 points from 14 matches this season is actually their worst at this stage of a campaign since 1974-75. The word crisis is used too often in football but is perhaps fitting here as the Gunners continue to struggle for results and indeed performances in England’s top flight.
They have also lost four of their last five home games. Chelsea are huge favorites to win this one but we all know football can turn in one instant. Also, Arsenal have not lost a home game on Boxing day since 1987 and that could be some hope to the club’s fans.
For our full day’s betting prediction click here
Chelsea, meanwhile, are currently fifth in the table, having won seven, drawn four and lost three of their 14 matches this season, collecting 25 points in the process.
The Blues entered Monday’s clash with West Ham off the back of successive defeats to Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers but managed to overcome the Hammers courtesy of a first-half header from Thiago Silva and a second-half brace from Tammy Abraham.
Frank Lampard’s side have two tough matches after this one as they will welcome a dangerous Aston Villa side to Stamford Bridge on December 28 before hosting Man City in their first match of 2021.
A lot could play out in this game but we’ll give you some of the possible outcomes that are likely to happen.
Both teams to score
Arsenal might have struggled to score of late but it’s a game where both sides could have a go at themselves which could lead to goals at both ends. Much recently, the Blues have not been all that solid in defence as well and we’re tipping both sides to score.Bet9ja have 1.65 odds, Bet365 have 1.75 and 1xbet have 1.79.
Over 2.5
Over the years, this fixture has always produced goals and there is every reason to believe that will play out today as well. The Gunners have been woeful in defence and opponents seem to have a free run at their goal. Except for a rare occasion today, we can expect a high-scoring affair at the Emirates. Bet9ja has 1.86 odds, Bet365 have 1.90 and 1xbet have 1.97.
Chelsea to score first
Arsenal have started their previous games poorly and have conceded first many times than usual. It’s likely that could come in play again today regardless of whatever outcome at the end of the day. Bet9ja have 1.71 odds for this while Bet365 have 1.75.
Arsenal (Anytime Goal-scorer)
Lacazette
If there is one person most likely to score for the Gunners, he’s the top shout. The Frenchman was on target against Manchester City in midweek but his goal only turned out to be a consolation. With Aubameyang and Martinelli doubts to feature, he’s Arsenal’s go to man for goals. There is value to be seen here with Bet365 offering 3.10 odds and Bet9ja offering 3.50.
Pepe
The Ivorian forward is another potential player that could get on the score-sheet for Arsenal. His final end product in general is lacking but he always looks like something can happen when he’s on the ball. This even comes with more value with Bet365 offering 3.60 odds and Bet9ja offering a whopping 5.50 odds.
Chelsea (Anytime Goal-scorer)
Abraham
Tammy Abraham is Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League this season so far. He has had to share the forward role with Olivier Giroud. Regardless, he has impressed whenever he’s called upon and he’ll fancy his chances at a faltering Gunners’ defence if he leads the line today. Bet365 have 2.25 odds and Bet9ja have 3.00 odds.
Giroud
Giroud and Abraham would most definitely never start the same game. In the event that Abraham starts the game, Giroud will come in from the bench and vice versa. Regardless of how it may be, the Frenchman can be an aerial threat when he’s called upon and yes he has scored against his former employers already. Bet365 have 2.60 odds and Bet9ja have 2.85 odds.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.