Premier League

Arsenal vs Chelsea prediction

Can Arsenal end their rotten run of form on Boxing Day? Hear me out…

The Gunners head into their London derby winless in seven, failing to score in the first five of those. But their last two performances must give supporters hope. They rescued a point at home to Southampton despite Gabriel’s red card, and put in a credible performance in defeat at Everton last time out.

I actually have faith in Mikel Arteta coming good, albeit thinks don’t look so good whilst Arsenal are all the way down in 15th, in a season that many fans have top four aspirations.

Chelsea on the other hand, I never thought looked as good as the Premier League table suggested when they beat Leeds United at Stamford Bridge to start the month. Since then, they’ve been beaten 0-1 at Everton and 1-2 at Wolverhampton Wanderers before bouncing back with a 3-0 thrashing of West Ham United on Monday night.

Arsenal will have had two additional days to rest, recoup, celebrate Christmas and prepare for this game, which means I wouldn’t be surprised if Frank Lampard makes a lot of rotations. On top of that, the Blues play just two days later, whilst Arteta’s side get an additional day’s rest. I think Lampard drew the short straw with the Christmas fixture list.

On top of that, Arsenal came from behind to beat their rivals in the FA Cup final back in August. Although they had an in-form Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang that day, I still think they won the tactical battle, certainly after the opening 20-25 minutes.

I see this as a value bet because Chelsea are odds on, away from home and have not fared well against good tactical managers this season. It may seem a long shot to many to put Arteta in that box but I am willing to put my money where my mouth is on Boxing Day.

Value bet: Lay Chelsea at 1.94 with Betfair