The Blues are enjoying their first season under Thomas Tuchel. Since he took over the post from Frank Lampard, they are now on course for at least two titles, FA Cup and Champions League. In Premier League, they are going strong and confident to finish on top four. This midweek, they will be dealing with another London derby against Arsenal. The Gunners are still stuck on the ninth of the table.
Both teams’ previous games
Chelsea managed to thump Manchester City in a so-called rehearsal for Champions League final at the end of the month. They beat Pep Guardiola’s side by 2-1 despite conceding first through on Raheem Sterling, The Blues replied twice by Hakim Ziyech and Marcus Alonso
The Gunners also managed to win 3-1 over West Bromwich at home. Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring, followed by Nicolas Pepe’s and Willian’s free kick. WBA could only scored one by Mathieus Pereira. It was not enough point for Sam Allerdyce’s men to stay at the top flight.
Possible tactics
Thomas Tuchel is still stick to 3-4-2-1 with the transition to 3-5-2. Unfortunately, two names are ruled out for this fixtures, Andreas Christensen and Mateo Kovacic. Thus, Thiago Silva will be back in the line up accompanied by Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma. The ones who willl be leading the attack upfront are Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz plus supported by Mason Mount or Christian Pulisic. Timo Werner and Mason Mount could be rested first.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta is losing three important vital figures here, David Luiz, Pablo Mari and Granit Xhaka. The former Pep Guardiola’s assistant shall not change his favourite 4-2-3-1 formation with Alexander Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe plus Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe will be leading their attack.
Players to watch
In Chelsea, the two German forwards, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz start to find their rhythm under Tuchel’s system. They have scored 10 goals and 11 assists combined in Premier League. Another notable figure to watch here is the versatile Mason Mount who has netted six goals and provided five assists.
The Gunners’ top performers this season are the Frenchman Alexander Lacazette with 13 goals and two assists, England international Bukayo Saka who has netted five times and provided three assists plus the former Real Betis man Dani Ceballos who has made three assists so far.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Prediction
Mason Mount and Co should have no difficulty to secure another three points here. They have been solid at the backline. Unless Mikel Arteta can come up with something shocking to stun the home side, it is quite unlikely for Arsenal to even pick up one point in Stamford Bridge.
Betting Odds
Thomas Tuchel’s side is definitely the clear favourite here. Their odds to win are at 3/4, whereas Bukayo Saka and Co’s win market is at 3/1. The odds for the draw result are at 22/5.
