Arsenal v Chelsea Match Preview – EFL Cup, 24th January 2018

Arsenal v Chelsea Preview, Stats and Betting Tips, Wednesday 24th January 2018, Emirates Stadium, Kick off: 20:00 GMT

Man City’s long unbeaten streak in the Premier League finally came to an end last weekend during their thrilling 4-3 defeat to Liverpool. With hopes of an invincible season now gone, Pep Guardiola will need to ensure none of his players’ heads drop ahead against Saturday’s home clash against Newcastle.

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Arsenal v Chelsea Preview, 24th Jan 2018

It’s slight advantage Arsenal coming into this game after securing a draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of this two game contest. The Gunners were forced to ride their luck a little in the away test, needing some wasteful Chelsea finishing to maintain their clean sheet. It’s this lack of a clinical touch which has been a regular feature of Chelsea of late and Alvaro Morata is often one of the worst offenders. The Spaniard missed some guilt edge chances during the 2-2 league draw with Arsenal a few weeks ago and his lack of form only has added to Chelsea’s desire to bolster their attacking ranks this transfer window.

Both managers named strong sides for the first leg contest and you can expect much of the same here. Although they were both able to employ some rotation in the earlier stages, doing so now could well prove to be a disastrous move. Silverware is within touching distance for both clubs and neither of them will want to lose against a London rival. Chelsea especially will be keen to avenge their FA Cup final defeat at the hands of the Gunners last season.

This game has not fallen at an especially ideal time for either side who are both struggling for form. Chelsea have been drawing too many games of late, usually due to their inability to score and Arsenal suffered somewhat humbling defeats to Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. With neiter side anywhere near the top of their game, we could perhaps be in for a somewhat scrappy affair with little to separate the two sides.

Relevant Stats, Injuries and Suspensions

Despite Arsenal’s lack of form, the Emirates is not a place they lose at very often and they boast one of the strongest home records in the English top-flight. Their defeat to Manchester United in December ended a near nine month unbeaten stint at the Emirates. If they are going to play closer to their potential, it’s on home soil where it is far more likely to happen. As for Chelsea on their travels, they have done well in the big matches. A win over Spurs plus draws against Liverpool and Arsenal in the league is a record any side would be happy with.

Alvaro Morata and Pedro were both given their marching orders during the FA Cup replay against Norwich mid-week but the pair will be available for selection here. There could also be appearances from the trio of new signing Ross Barkley, Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas who may be deemed fully fit in time for Wednesday.

As for Arsenal, doubts surround Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscienly but it would be no surprise to see either feature. Mesut Ozil was suffering from a bout of knee inflammation recently but this is unlikely to stop him playing a part in this game.

Arsenal v Chelsea Tips

A draw will be enough to send Antonio Conte’s side through providing it’s not a goalless one and it’s a result worth backing at 5/2 with BetVictor. These two sides have been all square after 90 minutes in their last four meetings so it certainly appears to be a good value bet. There was plenty of goalmouth action when the London pair met in the league but we should be in for a game more reminiscent of the first leg clash.

With the tie currently at 0-0, the first goal in this game is so crucial and both sides will be very careful to ensure it’s not them on the receiving end it. With this in mind backing under 2.5 goals at evens with Ladbrokes makes for an attractive wager, especially with Chelsea looking so lacklustre in attack the past few weeks.