Prediction: Chelsea vs Arsenal

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

With London bragging rights up for grabs on Wednesday night, Chelsea will welcome a struggling Arsenal to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have seen their Champions League adventure come to an end last week, the Blues are enjoying a largely impressive run of form. Last seen over the weekend when picking up a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace and booking their spot in the final of this year’s FA Cup, Thomas Tuchel’s men have won each of their last three matchups across all formats. Appearing to cruise their way to another top-four finish this season, the former Borussia Dortmund boss will be smelling the chance for his side to lay down a marker here. Bouncing back from their minor blip when opening April, Chelsea should also be boosted by a rather rampant record against Wednesday’s opponents. Including a 2-0 victory at the Emirates when the two sides faced off back in August, they have collected back-to-back victories against the struggling Gunners.

Team News

Suffering an ankle injury against Crystal Palace over the weekend, midfielder Mateo Kovacic looks set to miss out here.

While Ross Barkley could make his return from an illness, the duo of Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi are still dealing with injury issues.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have entered March’s international break enjoying a purple patch, the Gunners have largely come crashing back down to earth. Last seen over the weekend when putting in another downbeat display, Mikel Arteta’s side were hit with a worrying 1-0 defeat away at Southampton. Appearing to have lost their new-found confidence, the north London outfit are now tipped as a real underdog to pinch a Champions League return this season. With it looking like there is some growing pressure on Arteta once again, Wednesday’s guests have lost each of their last three Premier League contests on the spin. Likewise, collecting just three points from their last five top-flight matchups, Pep Guardiola’s former right-hand man will know that his side face a stern test here. Suffering back-to-back defeats against Southampton and Brighton over the past week, Arsenal really have the feel of a side seeking a boost.

Team News

Arsenal remain confident that full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu could make his return from a long-term injury issue on Wednesday night.

However, the duo of Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney will once again miss out at Stamford Bridge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back in August, Chelsea picked up a 2-0 victory at the Emirates.
• Arsenal have lost each of their last three Premier League matchups on the spin.
• Likewise, the Gunners have collected just three points from their last five top-flight contests.
• Chelsea have won nine of their last 11 matchups across all formats, a run that stems all the way back to February 27th.
• The Blues have lost just one of their last 11 home fixtures against Arsenal.

Conclusion

Managing to book their spot in the final of this season’s FA Cup over the weekend, Chelsea should be smelling the chance to lay down another marker here. Winning nine of their previous 11 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to the end of February, Wednesday’s hosts will be looking to cash in on a downbeat Arsenal squad. Losing each of their last three Premier League matchups on the spin, including back-to-back losses against Southampton and Brighton, the Gunners should face a stern test here. With Chelsea picking up a 2-0 victory when the two sides faced off at the Emirates back in August, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet