By Ian King
Out of kinds within the league?
It was all so completely different for Arsenal at the beginning of February, basking within the glow of a 5-1 win towards Manchester Metropolis which appeared to make a mockery of all that speak about how they need to have signed a striker within the January switch window.
However that was then. Arsenal have gained one of many Premier League matches they’ve performed since (and that was away to The Free-Fallin’ Leicester Metropolis), and so they’ve didn’t win their final three, scoring one aim within the course of.
Chelsea additionally lately had a run of 1 win in 4 video games however they’ve picked up of their final two, though the truth that these got here towards Leicester and Southampton casts doubt over whether or not this may realistically be referred to as a ‘revival’ or not simply but.
Latest H2H not good viewing for the Blues
Chelsea’s document on this fixture lately has been fairly horrible. The 2 golf equipment have met eleven occasions over the past 5 years and Chelsea have solely gained as soon as. Earlier this season they drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea supporters searching for one thing optimistic to convey into this sport can maintain onto the truth that they’ve the most important win on this fixture, a 6-0 rout at Stamford Bridge again in March 2014.
Key gamers
Arsenal’s solely goalscorer over their final three Premier League matches has been Declan Rice, who scored an excellent equaliser at Outdated Trafford final weekend. There are nonetheless objectives to be discovered from midfield if the attacking gamers are struggling. For Chelsea, Cole Palmer has been going by way of a little bit of a dip of late, finest evidenced by his latest penalty miss towards Leicester. Chelsea want him firing on all cylinders in the event that they’re to get a lot from this match.
Group Information
A 7-1 win within the first leg of their Champions League tie towards PSV afforded Mikel Arteta the posh of creating seven gamers from the group that drew at Manchester United final weekend. Count on the vast majority of them to return.
Arsenal haven’t any recent accidents, however their listing of long-term absentees was already lengthy sufficient. Gabriel Martinelli was on the bench at Outdated Trafford final weekend however may begin this one. Raheem Sterling is ineligible to play towards his former membership.
Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson and Chukwunonso Madueke will all be lacking for Chelsea. Reece James and Cole Palmer have each been unwell, whereas Malo Gusto picked up a slight harm however may be of their squad. Romeo Lavia’s return from harm can also be due quickly.
Prediction
With Manchester Metropolis stumbling at Nottingham Forest final weekend Chelsea clambered as much as fourth spot within the Premier League, however whether or not they can keep there may be one other matter. Arsenal ought to in all probability quit on hoping that Liverpool fully implode on the very high of the desk, although they do want to only hold grinding out these wins. This one might not be a basic, however I’d nonetheless favour a slim 2-1 win to Arsenal.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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