Premier League

Arsenal vs Chelsea prediction

Arsenal could hardly have made a worse start to their 2021-22 campaign as they were beaten 0-2 in Brentford’s Premier League debut on opening night.

20-year-old Folarin Balogun lead a young front line for the Gunners that included Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli. Neither Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette were involved in the matchday squad.

Aubameyang is still expected to depart the Emirates Stadium this summer whilst Lacazette was missing after testing positive for coronavirus. Mikel Arteta will be hoping the latter is available for the first home game of the season when London rivals Chelsea are in town.

The Blues started their season with a comfortable 3-0 thrashing of Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace last weekend, which included Trevor Chalobah getting among the goals. Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League holders had Timo Werner up front but the German was still unable to get among the goals.

Chelsea have a wealth of depth among their squad, which includes the returning Romelu Lukaku. The returning striker could feature in North London this weekend.

Lukaku, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, Werner, Kai Havertz and co all have the beating of this Arsenal defence that didn’t look any better at Brentford last weekend than they did last season.

The bookmakers agree as Chelsea are odds on favourites to win at the Emirates. Whilst the value is not great, I am confident in an away game and the game is televised if you prefer in-play betting.

Best bet: Chelsea to win is 1.80 with Betfair