English Premier
2012-09-29 - Arsenal vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Match of the week no doubt as Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates and both teams are yet to be beaten so far this season. Many had expected Arsenal to struggle with the departure of Robin van Persie and Alex Song, especially when they suffered back to back draws against Stoke and Sunderland.
However, a run of good results, especially when Arsenal beat Liverpool and Southampton in the Premiership as well as Montpellier and Coventry in other Cup competitions. Last week Arsenal came away with a 1-1 draw when they came up against Champions Manchester City which suggested that this could be Arsene Wenger's best squad that he has produced to date.
This London derby clash with Chelsea will show how far Arsenal have come this season, and Wenger has admitted his relief that Didier Drogba will not be in the opposition line-up as he has had a knack of scoring goals against them in the past. Last season when they faced each other it ended in a goalless draw, while Arsenal won an eight-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge, but it has always been seen as Arsenal struggling against Chelsea superior physicality.
Chelsea has been playing with a new style with the arrival of new players as well as the departure od Didier Drogba to China. It has paid off so far as Chelsea are top of the standings, one point clear of Manchester United. Chelsea have swept aside sides such as Wigan, Reading and Newcastle, in recent games but in recent weeks does not look so fluent.
After draws with QPR and Juventus in the Champions League, Chelsea returned to winning ways in a hard-fought clash with Stoke last weekend before demoslishing Wolves 6-0 in the Capital One Cup in midweek. The Blues also had to go through John Terry's Football Association hearing, which resulted in the defender being found guilty of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers centre-half Anton Ferdinand and suspended for four matches. If he chosed not to apply then he will miss this match.
Team News :
Arsenal Team News :
The Gunners will welcome back Captain Thomas Vermaelen after he recovered from a virus. First-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny remains sidelined with an ankle problem so Vito Mannone will continue in goal. Emmanuel Frimpong returned to action from a long-term knee injury for the midweek Capital One Cup win over Coventry, but, along with fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle) will not be involved in this match but instead play for the Under 21's game on Monday.
Czech winger Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and defender Bacary Sagna (broken leg) are still some way from returning to first team action.
Chelsea Team News :
Terry looks set to captain Chelsea unless he decides whether to appeal against his four-match ban. Di Matteo is set to bring back the regulars who did not feature in the 6-0 win over Wolves in the Capital One Cup. Marko Marin returned from injury to make his debut in that game off the substitutes' bench, although Daniel Sturridge misses out with a hamstring injury.
The likes of Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz, John Obi Mikel and Eden Hazard are all expected to br back in first team action.
Predictions :
Get on Arsenal to get the win here as Chelsea will be missing the services of Drogba who has been influential in the past.
The Pick :
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal to win
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Go for Arsenal and give the 1/2 ball.
