Two Premier League teams with surprisingly different trajectories relative to their preseason expectations clash in London as Chelsea play host to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues slogged through a difficult season last year that cost Mauricio Pochettino his job, but Enzo Maresca has surprisingly rescued the side in the first few months, with the Blues sitting fourth and looking like a true top-four contender.
An eye-popping 8-0 win over Armenian minnows Noah FC on Thursday in European play has sent Chelsea into dreamland, coming into this match in electric form.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are in a world of hurt thanks to three consecutive defeats in all competitions and a mounting injury list that has seen their Premier League title hopes take a massive hit.
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Chelsea vs. Arsenal prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean:Â Draw (+250)
- Score prediction:Â Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Chelsea have been strong of late, especially at home, but they have also put up some attacking stinkers against better clubs. The Blues scored one combined goal against Man United and Newcastle in their last two domestic matches, and could only muster one on 0.99 xG against Liverpool not long ago.
Arsenal are struggling through a difficult time, but not so much defensively. Their issues are more so in the attacking third, where they’ve been blanked in consecutive games against Inter and Newcastle. These two sides have a decent chance of canceling each other out.
| Â | BetMGM (USA) |
| Chelsea win | +175 |
| Draw | +250 |
| Arsenal win | +145 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -185 N:Â +125 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
O: -150 U: +110 |
| Arsenal -0.5 goals |
+130 |
| Chelsea +0.5 goals |
-190 |
Chelsea vs. Arsenal match facts
- Date:Â Sunday, November 10, 2024
- Kickoff Time:Â 4:30Â p.m. local (11:30Â a.m. ET / 8:30Â a.m. PT)
- Location: Stamford Bridge (London, England)
- Referee: Michael Oliver, VAR: Andy Madley.
- Last meeting:Â Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea (Apr. 23, 2024 | Premier League)
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Chelsea vs. Arsenal best bet
- Pick:Â Under 2.5 total goals
- Odds:Â +110 (BetMGM)
As mentioned above, these two teams may end up cancelling each other out thanks to a combination of style, injuries, and form.
In the past, a clash between Chelsea and Arsenal often resulted in peak chaos, but these two sides just aren’t that kind of team anymore. The Blues have newfound organization under Enzo Maresca, while Arsenal are without a number of key players and in an attacking slump.
Thanks to a number of factors, neither of these teams are in the Premier League top five for expected goal differential this season. Add in the potential absence of Cole Palmer, and there could be a lack of attacking volume in this game.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal prop bet
- Pick:Â Nicolas Jackson 2+Â shots on target
- Odds:Â +340 (FanDuel)
- Pick:Â Bukayo Saka 2+ shots on target
- Odds:Â +270 (FanDuel)
While goals could be at a premium, chances will likely be concentrated on a few players who will look to carry their sides up front.
The potential absence of Cole Palmer could benefit Nicolas Jackson, who has improved greatly on last season’s finishing struggles to boast a newfound efficiency in front of net. The Chelsea frontman has one of the best shot on target efficiency in the Premier League, putting 14 of his 23 efforts on frame so far.
On the other side, Bukayo Saka has garnered consistent double teams from opponents and has still managed to not only lead Arsenal in shots but do so with strong production. Even in the muted attacking performances against Man United and Newcastle of late, he still managed to produce some volume up front. In Arsenal’s striker-less setup, he remains a key figure.