Preview and Prediction
Another London derby for The Blues is on again this weekend for the Boxing Day fixture. This time they will be taking on The Gunners who are struggling at the mid lower table in a battle to avoid relegation. Arsenal is desperate for picking up three points to salvage their future in the top flight whereas Chelsea is still on the fifth looking for more win to lift their position in the standings.
The teams’ updated news
Arsenal was still unable to overturn the negative trend last weekend. They were beaten again 1-2 while travelling to Goodison Park. Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring through his header. Nicolas Pepe’s penalty gave a slight hope for them to go home with one point but the Colombian International Yerry Mina slotted another goal to seal three points for Everton. Their result in the EFL Cup quarter final was not any better as they were smashed 1-4 by Pep Guardiola’s men.
Chelsea on the other hand secured a convincing 3-0 win over West Ham in a less famous London derby. Thiago Silva found the back of the net through his bullet header and Tammy Abraham extended their lead by his brace.
Possible tactic
Mikel Arteta needs to find a way to motivate his team for a better form as they are now on the brink of relegation. He might need to consider deploying a tactical approach in a rather pragmatic way as the visitors have more confidence to employ the offensive football. The 5-3-2 formation should be suitable. Alexander Lacazette and Willian shall feature the dynamic duo upfront since Pierre Aubameyang is ruled out along with Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes while in the midfield, Bukayo Saka can accompany Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos or Mohammed Elneny to build up the attack.
Frank Lampard is still in favour of 4-3-3 formation with the transition to 4-2-3-1. Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic are the best option at the front to accompany Tammy Abraham. In the midfiled, NGolo Kante and Mateo Kovacic will be operating the midfield area supported by Mason Mount. The ones on their injury table are Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Players to watch
Without Aubameyang in the starting IX, Arteta’s men will have to count on the inconsistent Alexander Lacazette to score. He has only netted four goals in all competitions. Another notable name to watch is their new signing, the Brasilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
The most notable signing in Stamford Bridge this season may be the German international Timo Werner with his four goals and assists in Premier League. Yet, the club’s current top scorer is still Tammy Abraham with five goals so far.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction
It is certainly tough for the home side to even snatch one point here if they do not bounce back. Frank Lampard’s men confidence is high and it is rather unlikely for them to fall into misfortune unless they are frustrated to break Gunner’s defence. A definite win for the visitors is more plausible.
Betting odds
According to the punters, Willian and Co are backed to win at 16/5, whereas The Blues’ odds to win are at 66/67. The odds for a draw result are at 14/5.
