England Premier League
Saturday 26th December 2020
Kick off at 5:30pm GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Match Preview:
Another London derby for Arsenal. In some ways maybe the Gunners need it as derbies can feel different, tactics and form can go out the window etc. The problem for Arsenal is that they don’t seem to have much passion and commitment in the team at present, just how will the Gunners pick themselves up for this Boxing Day clash is anyone’s guess but the omens do not look good.
In midweek Mikel Arteta rang some chances for their Carabao Cup quarter final against Manchester City, and Arsenal, playing at home lost 4-1. The result did feel harsh on them in truth and they played some decent football, there was a threat about them but at the same time no killer instinct and not much real quality, and that is another trophy that will bypass the Gunners this season.
It is still incredible to believe that Arsenal come into this match in 15th place and they could drop to 17th if results go against them. Arsenal’s last league game ended in a 2-1 defeat away to Everton and their last home match was a 1-1 draw against Southampton. At home they have lost four from seven games and it has been almost 3 months since they tasted victory at the Emirates.
You sense that Chelsea needed the victory over West Ham on Monday evening and it was a good, professional win too, winning 3-0. It was impressive because the Hammers had put some nice results together and never make it easy for a top six side to play against them but Frank Lampard would have been delighted by that result. It has moved Chelsea too 5th with 25 points after they lost back to back games and like before the Blues will be looking to put a string of games together unbeaten.
Chelsea have earned 11 points from a possible 21 away from home and there should be caution given that they have lost their last 2 away games against Everton and Wolves respectively. A few weeks before that they were able to shut out Manchester United and that game ended 0-0.
Team News:
Arsenal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a calf injury and has missed the last 2 games, he will be assessed ahead of this one. No news on Thomas Partey who looks likely to be ruled out yet again with his ongoing thigh injury.
Chelsea: Ben Chilwell has an ankle injury and is only 50/50 for this game he may not be risked. Hakim Ziyech and Reece James will be assessed and are being pencilled in to return for this match.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Head to Head:
The last time the clubs met of course was in the FA Cup final which Arsenal won 2-1.
Last season in this fixture which also took place during the Christmas period Chelsea won 2-1.
The last time Chelsea won back to back games at Arsenal was 11 years ago.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction:
In Arsenal’s last 3 games there has been promise, a spark, moments of possession and an attitude where the players don’t seem to have completely given up. But it could be a case this season that Arsenal for the first time in a generation or even two simply do not have a very good side.
One has to wonder now if the players would like a change in management? If so then the writing could be on the wall in this game. Chelsea will have a spring in their step and will start as the favourites and if they score first you sense there will only be one winner. This isn’t a game that looks as straightforward as the form would suggest but on the evidence of what we have seen this season not many will be backing the home win.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Tips:
Chelsea to beat Arsenal at 1.91
Anytime goalscorer: Tammy Abraham at 2.75
Both teams to score at 1.67
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