Title-chasing Arsenal make the trip to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side who are on the up under Graham Potter on Saturday evening in the Premier League.
This fixture could not come at a more crucial time for Graham Potter, who had his unbeaten start to life at the Bridge ended by his former club Brighton in an enthralling 4-1 defeat at the Amex. The defeat left the Blues down in sixth position, three points off the Champions League
spots.
Brighton completely outplayed Chelsea in the early stages of the game, with the Seagulls proving too hot to handle. Of course, the Seagulls would have been up for the game, but the manner of the defeat will worrt Potter.
Unlike his counterpart, the Brighton boss will likely have a near fully fit squad to select from on Sunday, except for the injured Reece James of course.
The Blues need to put their previous fixture behind them as they desperately need to bounce back and return to their winning ways, but there are few tougher opponents in the Premier League than the Gunners at present.
The Blues have already been confirmed as group winners in the Champions League following their 2-1 victory over RB Salzburg last week, meaning Potter can afford to rotate the squad in midweek ahead of the vital clash on Sunday.
Much has been made of Arsenal’s superb start to the season so far. They remain top of the league standings despite not having won for just the second time this season. They have quickly put that blip against Southampton behind them though, as they eased to a 5-0 against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
The Gunners have shown that they are a beatable, though. With Manchester City breathing down their necks, their next few games World Cup will be season-defining. If they are truly trying to compete for the title, they simply must finish the first half of the season the way they started it.
I think this game is a lot closer than people are suggesting, and for various reasons. Granted, Arsenal have been largely consistent, but they have also been flat at times (think back to that Southampton game). They have been very slick in possession, but also susceptible to counter-attacks (think back to that United game).
Chelsea have not at all been terrible under Graham Potter, to suggest they have is ludicrous. Granted, they were well beaten last time out at the Amex Stadium, but you don’t throw out the entire book because one page is stained. This is a London derby – form goes out the window, and anything can happen.
Verdict: Arsenal/Draw + BTTS (13/10)
There is incredible value here. Chelsea’s new first-choice keeper, Kepa Arizabalaga was subbed off at half-time against Brighton due to a foot injury and missed the final training session ahead of their Champions League game.
But Arsenal are certainly the better side, and I can’t see them losing to be fair. And even with the safer option of the Double Chance, I don’t think we are losing too much value.
