Arsenal vs Chelsea betting preview

The Gunners currently lie fifth in the Premier League table, on 9 points, and have gradually grown in confidence. After two consecutive 0-0 draws against Sunderland and Stoke they produced a mature performance over Liverpool beating them 2-0 at Anfield and thumping Southampton 6-1 shortly after the international break. A 1-1 draw at the Etihad is no mean feat either. Grab a free bet for this match.

The form and more importantly consistency shown by Abou Diaby has seen comparisons between the once hotly-tipped youngster and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira re-emerge. His drive and reading of the game has been instrumental in starting the Gunners swift counter-attacks and will look to disrupt the forward play of messrs Hazard and Mata.

His steel partnered with the finesse of Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla provides a nice balance to Arsenal’s midfield. Long-term absentee Jack Wilshere will need to be at his best to break back into the Arsenal set-up.

After the departure of Van Persie you would be forgiven for expecting a goal drought at Arsenal. As always Arsene Wenger has bought well and for relatively little, bringing in experienced German international Lukas Podolski and towering French forward Olivier Giroud. Their flourishing partnership will prove a handful for most defences; indeed even Chelsea’s given the controversy surrounding John Terry and the more often than not aloof David Luiz should he start.

Chelsea

Chelsea have started the season in fine form rising to the summit of the Premier League collecting 13 points and an impressive goal difference of +7. Similarly to Arsenal the departure of Didier Drogba has caused come concern for fans but much of their recent success can be attributed to their summer signings, particularly Eden Hazard. The young Belgian will no doubt be the toughest challenge facing Carl Jenkinson so far this season as Chelsea will look to exploit Arsenal’s inexperience in both full-back positions.

The 6-0 thrashing of Wolves in the League Cup last Tuesday evening reinforces Roberto di Matteo’s belief that the blues can compete on all fronts this season, fielding a weakened albeit still very impressive side highlighting their strength in depth.

After a promising start Fernando Torres has stuttered once more and against the imperious Thomas Vermaelen, Chelsea’s number 9 may struggle to have any meaningful impact. The Blues will rely on runners from midfield to provide the goals so expect Frank Lampard to be lurking.

Fortunately for Chelsea, John Terry’s 4-match ban will not come into effect until after the Chelsea captain has decided whether or not to appeal against the decision. The former England skipper has faced a number of controversies in recent years and has a knack of silencing his numerous critics.

Betting Verdict

Both clubs now have an attacking philosophy which should make for an entertaining game for the neutral. As is often the case in football nowadays, much will depend on the ability of the full-backs to get forward given the attacking potency of both sides’ wide men. Whichever team can get the extra man forward is likely to leave the Emirates with 3 points.

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