Football
Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Venue: The Emirates Kickoff Time: 13:30 (UK Time) Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates on Sunday, 16 March, in the Premier League. For the hosts, a win will ensure they maintain their outside hope of challenging for the league, but for the visitors, a win sees them keep relevance for a Champions League spot next season. This is a London derby, and so there will be no love lost between the two – so expect a highly competitive fixture here. Online football betting sites see Arsenal as convincing favourites ahead of this one.
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Noni Madueke of Chelsea is fouled by Jurrien Timber//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Home: 8/10 (1.8) – 54%
Draw: 47/20 (3.7) – 25%
Away: 34/10 (4.4) – 21%
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (Premier League)
10/11/2024: Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal
23/04/2024: Arsenal 5–0 Chelsea
21/10/2023: Chelsea 2–2 Arsenal
02/05/2023: Arsenal 3–1 Chelsea
06/11/2022: Chelsea 0–1 Arsenal
Arsenal Current Form – WWWLD
Arsenal have struggled to score goals in the Premier League, but that hasn’t spilled over into other aspects of their season. They have dynamic attacking players who have had to play in unfamiliar positions in recent weeks, but given their defensive aptitude, Arsenal will always be a difficult team to break down.
Arsenal enjoys a great record against Chelsea, largely dominating the fixture over the years. They will be looking for another positive performance here and given their performance in Europe during the week, their confidence will be through the roof.
Key Players to Watch
- Martin Odegaard: Odegaard hasn’t necessarily enjoyed his greatest season, but after overcoming injury earlier in the campaign, his ability and leadership have been vital to Arsenal enjoying a competitive season.
- Leandro Trossard: In the absence of other attacking options at Arsenal, Trossard has (time and again) showed his versatility and consistency in the final third. His contributions to Arsenal’s offensive threat have seen his inclusion in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI and they will be hopeful of another big performance here.
- Mikel Merino: Merino has been a standout player for Arsenal this season. Not necessarily in terms of his statistics of individual performances but given his openness to play various roles for his team. He is a midfielder who has showcased his ability in bridging the gap between Arsenal’s defence and their attack, but he has also been asked to play up front in recent weeks as well.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal is still hurt by many players missing out due to injury. Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring injury), Bukayo Saka (hamstring injury), Gabriel Jesus (cruciate ligament injury) and Kai Havertz (hamstring injury) are all still sidelined – deeply weakening Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also still a doubt as he struggles with a knee injury and after seeing a red card brandished against West Ham, Myles Lewis-Skelly is set to miss this encounter.
Chelsea Current Form – LWLLW
Chelsea now finds themselves inside the top four of the Premier League. They have a real opportunity to continue to put together another run of positive performances and ensure they secure Champions League football for next season.
They come into this game off the back of two convincing victories over Southampton and Leicester respectively and now face a much sterner test in Arsenal. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will likely feel as though his side is in a better position – in terms of player availability – than their hosts, but they won’t be naive to the challenge that awaits here.
Key Players to Watch
- Enzo Fernandez: Enzo continues to be a lynchpin for Chelsea in midfield. Defensively, he is incredibly consistent, but he also contributes to their offensive advancements up the field. He will be vital for Chelsea here.
- Mar Cucurella: The Spanish defender continues to show his energetic ability on the flank for Chelsea. He plays with width and an incredible defensive work rate, supporting the attacking outcomes of his side as well as ensuring he covers his defensive duties. Keep an eye out for Cucurella here again.
- Levi Colwill: He continues to be a player who is crucial to the defensive stability of Chelsea. A versatile defender, Colwill has played at centre back and left back for the Blues this season and has quickly become a stalwart for Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea Team News
The Blues are still having to navigate injuries to many of their big names. Nicolas Jackson is still sidelined with a thigh injury, along with Noni Madueke. Marc Guiu is struggling with a hamstring strain while Reece James remains a fitness doubt too. The saga around Mykhalio Mudryk continues and so we aren’t likely to see him for the remainder of the season.
Predicted Line-Up
Arsenal, 4-3-3: Raya, Calafori, Magalhaes, Saliba, Timber, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Trossard, Merino, Nwaneri.
Chelsea, 4-2-3-1: Sanchez, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku, Neto.
Suggested Bets
SportsBoom suggests the following bets for this Premier League encounter.
Arsenal Win: They are arguably the more complete side – even with all of their injuries. They have really strong home form this season and we are backing them to come away with all three points here. 8/10 (1.8) with BetWinner
Over 2.5 Goals: Both of these two football teams have displayed a willingness to attack with freedom and confidence. Backing Over 2.5 Goals seems like a smart option. 17/20 (1.85) with Stake
Both Teams to Score (Yes): Alternatively, back both teams to score to take advantage of the fact that both teams have an attacking prowess. 8/10 (2.85) with Betway
Value Bets
For punters looking for a little more value, consider these betting strategies.
Arsenal + Over 2.5 Goals: Combine these two betting angles for maximum value. 37/20 (2.85) with Betway
Arsenal Win/Draw + Both Teams to Score: The value of backing both teams to score allows us to add a little extra cover on the match bet without losing too much in terms of a betting price. 12/10 (2.1) with 1xBet
1st Half (Draw): Back a tight start to this encounter at generous odds. 12/10 (2.1) with Pinnacle
Prediction: Arsenal to Win
As much as Arsenal have huffed and puffed in recent weeks, they still boast a quality lineup and are worthy favourites to win this game. Back Mikel Arteta’s chargers to return to winning ways here and claim the three points on offer.
For those football fans interested in exploring options to wager on this matchup or others, check out some of the top online sports betting platforms to help ensure you get the best odds and markets available
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.