Arsenal vs Chelsea: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

The London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea may not have a title on the line for either club, but it will spice things up in the top 4 (top 5) race.

They say form goes out the window for a derby game, and Arsenal are sure hoping this will be the case. The Gunners haven't won their last two EPL fixtures. The Man Utd draw last weekend effectively ended their title credentials this campaign.

On the contrary, the Blues will take a short trip to North London on the heels of three wins in a row, including a 1:0 home win against Leicester. But the demon of their last visit to the Emirates looms large over Maresca's side (5:0 for the Gunners).

Gunners in Knockdown

The Gunners have booked a clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter finals, but their Premier League season has been a letdown. The title hope is all but gone, with Liverpool holding a 15-point lead with 10 games to go, all that in a season in which Man City is out of the title contention.

Arsenal's EPL form is also not the greatest. They've won only 2 of the last 5 games, having drawn against the fly-high Forest and struggling Man Utd. However, at home against their city rivals, the Gunners should feel comfortable. Their last EPL meeting at the Emirates ended in a 5:0 thrashing, and I'm picking the Gunners again. Albeit not as convincingly.

Arsenal Injury & Suspension News

Arsenal star-boy Bukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are out for the season, meaning that either Merino or Trossard will have to lead the attacking line. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out.

Away Form a Worry for Blues

Chelsea, on the other hand, can be relatively pleased with their current PL campaign. The pre-season goal was always clear-get back into the Champions League. With the EPL possibly having five representatives next season (thanks to Arsenal in no small part), Chelsea is entering the Sunday derby with more to play for.

However, their away form has been dreadful lately. In the last 6 away games, Chelsea has a record of 4 losses and 2 draws, and a trip to the Emirates is not the best game for finding the away form. This is why I’m not convinced by the Blues for this game.

Chelsea Injury & Suspension News

The Blues are also without their main attacking options, as both Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke won't be back until April. Reece James and Cole Palmer are back from illnesses and are expected to play a part in Thursday night's Conference League clash against Copenhagen.

Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction

The London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea has historically been a high-scoring game. This could be one of those, and I'm looking at Jackbit's 1.87 odds for over 2.5 goals.

I'm also tipping towards Arsenal to win the game (1.81. at BC.GAME), despite their poor run of form in the league. It's a derby game, and Arteta's boys will be looking to remind the world how good they are. As for the big and bold, let's go 2:1 Arsenal (8.20 at Stake).

CryptoGamba tip: Arsenal win – 1.81 @BC.GAME