English Premier
2010-02-07 - Chelsea F.C vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Chelsea will be looking to go back on top after Manchester United went back to the summit after winning their match yesterday. Manchester United who beat Arsenal 3-1 will now need a favour from Arsenal to hold or beat Chelsea in order for them to remain at the top of the Premiership.
But Arsenal can get their title back on track if they pull off a surprise win here against Chelsea who are unbeaten at home all season. Both sides will be viewing this clash as a six pointer in the title race as a potential gap of nine points on offer for table-toppers Chelsea if they beat Arsenal, while a win for the visitors would shorten the deficit to just three.
Even though many would not give Arsene Wenger's team a chance after the huge defeat to the Red Devils, however it must be noted that the Gunners have lost just once on the road against the traditional top-four sides in their last five attempts.
But, Chelsea have dropped just two points at home this season and will be out to grab three points after their disappointing midweek draw with Hull City at the KC Stadium.
The Blues have the Premier League's most impressive defensive record this term with 11 clean sheets in 24 outings, but they will bid for a 12th against top scorers Arsenal, who have scored 60 goals in the same number of games.
As for the team news, Carlo Ancelotti could welcome back John Obi Mikel from international duty with Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations ahead of this clash. Chelsea have already benefited from Didier Drogba's return to the side in midweek following Ivory Coast's early exit from the competition, and Mikel could now start this match against the Gunners.
However, the game will come too soon for Michael Essien, who missed Ghana's run to the final after suffering a knee injury early in the tournament and will be out until next month. Full-back Jose Bosingwa is also expected to miss the game as he recovers from a knee injury while Juliano Belletti is a doubt with the same injury.
Ashley Cole was a late substitute at the KC Stadium and he could start this match instead of Yuri Zhirkov. Apart from those injuries, Chelsea will once again be captained by John Terry despite his very public personal issues.
As for Arsenal, Brazilian striker Eduardo Da Silva is set to miss out once again after sitting out the defeat to Manchester United with the hamstring problem. So, Nicklas Bendtner will once again start this clash as Robin van Persie is also long-term absentee. Midfielder Abou Diaby could return from the calf problem that has kept him sidelined since mid-January as the Gunners faces a tough match at Stamford Bridge.
At the back, Johan Djourou is nearing a return but this match comes too soon for him. Kieran Gibbs, meanwhile, is still struggling to overcome problems with his foot after breaking a metatarsal bone earlier in the season and will be out until next month at least.
Go for Arsenal to hold Chelsea to a draw here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Draw 1-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take the DRAW here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Arsenal and accept the 1/2 ball here.
