7M INSIGHT - Chelsea vs Arsenal

Posted Saturday, September 16, 2017 by 7M Sport

The first London derby of this EPL campaign will take place this Sunday. Chelsea will take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. In the last season, Antonio Conte led his men to claim the EPL trophy in his first year in charge. The Gunners, however, only finished 5th in the table, thus failing to earn a spot in UCL this term. It has been 20 years since Arsenal were ruled out of UCL last time! Therefore the Gunners' priority this season is to return to the highest level of European football next term.

Both sides have played 4 games so far in the league. Chelsea have surprisingly lost to Burnley at home in the season-opener. But that loss is justifiable as Gary Cahill was shown a red card in just 13th minute of the game. Then the Blues quickly bounce back by grabbing a 3-game winning streak. Besides, they have thrashed Azerbaijan champions Qarabag 6-0 in the first group game of UCL. Now they are in hot form.

As for Arsenal, they are just on a roller coaster in this campaign, with 2 wins and 2 losses. Both of their 2 defeats are suffered on away field, including a 0-4 crushing loss to Liverpool at Anfield, which is a disgrace for Arsene Wenger's team. Moreover, Arsenal's defensive display is poor, with 8 goals conceded so far. They will find it hard to handle this away game against the defending champions.

The key players

Former captain John Terry and midfielder Nemanja Matic have left Chelsea this summer. Diego Costa is already out of Conte's plan, and it is reported that he is close to an Atletico Madrid return. Despite several players' departure, the Blues have signed other quality stars, with the likes of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Alvaro Morata, to strengthen their squad. Besides, they have brought in Danny Drinkwater and Davide Zappacosta at the death of transfer window. Overall Chelsea have an even better squad depth this season.

7M INSIGHT - Chelsea vs Arsenal

Alvaro Morata has moved to Chelsea from Real Madrid this summer, and it does not take him too much time to adapt himself to Conte's system. After 4 league games, he already has 3 goals and 2 assists to his name. In this London derby, Morata will still be the hitman at the front. He is expected to find the target again.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are always condemned for their petty investment in the transfer market, and this summer is no exception. The Gunners only bring in striker Alexandre Lacazette and left back Sead Kolasinac, which is not enough to make up for the departure of other players.

7M INSIGHT - Chelsea vs Arsenal

Fortunately, Alexis Sanchez has returned to the pitch. Due to his abdomen injury and also his transfer rumors, Sanchez remains on the sidelines for the first few league matches. But he announced his return in the last EPL fixture, and played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's last UEL game against Koln, during which he netted a stunner from distance. He seems to come back to his best physical state. Wenger's side still have to rely on Sanchez. The Chilean is likely to start in this big game.

Tips

Macauslot offer Chelsea with an opening line of -0.5 at short odds, and the line has changed to -0.75 afterwards with odds at long level. As for the 1×2 Odds, Chelsea are William Hill's 1.8 favorites to win this game, while Arsenal are priced at 4.5 to come out on top. So the Blues manage to earn the support from the bookies.

Arsenal's recent away records against Chelsea are utterly miserable. Wenger's men have lost all of their last 5 away meetings with Chelsea, including a 0-6 nightmare in Wenger's 1000th competitive game in charge of Arsenal. Besides, Conte's side have 2 more days to rest than the Gunners, so they may also be superior in stamina.

In conclusion, we expect Chelsea to beat Arsenal in this London derby as well as in AH, thus adding Wenger's woe at Stamford Bridge.

(7M / Oliver)