Premier League: Chelsea take on Arsenal for Capital Supremacy

Chelsea vs Arsenal

Six months ago Chelsea and Arsenal were poles apart. The Blues, under the new ownership of money-splashing Todd Boehly were dysfunctional, underperforming and extremely reliant on the genius of Cole Palmer; while Arsenal were pushing hard for a Premier League title.    

Fast forward to November and the two London aristocrats sit fourth and fifth in the Premier League table, locked together on 18 points with five wins, three draws and two defeats. Enzo Maresca’s Blues are ahead courtesy of a better goal difference; and Chelsea fans will hope their team is closing the gap to the top two and aren’t too far away from making their own title challenge.    

After trying so hard to beat Manchester City to the 2023 and 2024 titles Mikel Arteta is under a different type of pressure right now as his Gunners are in danger of falling too far off the pace; so this match on Sunday has a whole lot riding on it.   

Last week Chelsea drew 1-1 away to Manchester United, while Arsenal followed up a 1-0 loss away to Newcastle United with a defeat by the same score line to Inter Milan in the Champions League, and both teams are desperate for a victory at Stamford Bridge.  

 

Talking Points

Chelsea hopeful for ‘Cold Palmer’ return

He was the Blues’ best player by a country mile last season and Palmer has made more than his fair share of Premier League 2024 highlights this time around, with seven goals and five assists already. So it is no surprise that Chelsea fans are anxiously awaiting news that their attacking midfielder will be fit to face the Gunners on Sunday. He was caught by a brutal challenge from Lisandro Martinez during the draw with Manchester United but the manager has given fans hope, saying: “We still have two days – Friday and Saturday – to prepare for the game and hopefully we can have him for the session, at least on Saturday and then we will take a decision.

If Palmer doesn’t make it then Christopher Nkunku or Joao Felix could earn a starting spot, but, after missing the Conference League clash with Noah on Thursday, he was seen walking unaided around Stamford Bridge and the next 24 hours will be crucial.           

In some ways the Blues survived their Old Trafford Curse; while they didn’t win Maresca’s men avoided defeat in Manchester, a rare feat, and they will meet Arsenal full of confidence. The form of striker Nicolas Jackson has been particularly encouraging; with six goals and three assists he is starting to look at home in the Premier League and Jackson will be a threat to the Gunners on Sunday.  

 

Odegaard ready for Arsenal

While the Blues are sweating over the fitness of Palmer, Arsenal have had their own injury problems and the absence of captain Martin Odegaard has arguably been the most impactful. Arteta has plenty of attacking players in his squad but Odegaard’s leadership skills and vision make him the most important, and his return as a substitute against Inter Milan was great news for all at the Emirates.   

The latest Premier League 2024 betting odds say Arsenal will finish third and Chelsea fourth and, if both Manchester City and Liverpool win on Saturday the gap to the top two will be ten and eight points; and that outcome would make the this game a must win for Arteta’s men. If that is the case surely Odegaard will make a start and, with Bukayo Saka on seven assists, his inclusion will give the Chelsea defence another problem to solve.   

 

History

With 34 wins to 27, Arsenal have a clear edge in the head to heads and, while last season this game ended in a 2-2 draw, Arsenal whacked the Blues 5-0 at the Emirates.  

With two wins, two draws and two defeats from the last six games, Chelsea are in slightly better shape than the Gunners who have won two, drawn one and lost three and the Blues are unbeaten in seven games at the Bridge.  

 

Betting Tip

Chelsea are at SBOTOP odds of 2.66 to win this six-pointer with Arsenal at 2.26 and the draw is 3.21; so this is a game with all three results in play. Both teams have key players hoping to be fit and, if they are near full strength, we could be in for a classic. Under Maresca Chelsea finally seem to have some cohesion and the players, undoubtedly talented, are starting to show belief.

Of course, Arsenal’s team are dripping with quality but home advantage gives the Blues the edge.

   

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