MY ACCOUNT
– Arsenal have been knocked off top spot by Manchester City
– Chelsea have lost their last five games in all competitions
– Recommended bet: Arsenal to win to zero
Arsenal’s title bid has unraveled in recent weeks due to a combination of dropped points and Manchester City’s relentless winning pursuit, but the Gunners should at least see off a woefully out-of-shape Chelsea on Tuesday.
City’s win at Fulham on Sunday means the reigning champions are back at the top of the table but, with five games still to play, nothing is settled yet.
Chelsea have had a dismal time of it since Frank Lampard was reappointed manager on an interim basis until the end of the season.
So far, Lampard’s record reads: Played five, lost five.
Admittedly during that run they have faced Real Madrid twice in the Champions League, but domestic defeats at home to Brentford and Brighton, and on the road to Wolves, show just how far the Blues have fallen this season.
Some of the problems, despite the huge January transfer splurge, are obvious.
Chelsea do not have an out-and-out centre-forward and are desperately struggling for goals, with just one managed since Lampard took over for his second spell in the post.
Facing an Arsenal side still trying to dream of the title and one that, despite their problems recently, has still plundered 16 in their last six games, means another chastening evening at the Emirates could be in store for Chelsea.
Team news
William Saliba’s absence from the Arsenal defence with a back injury has been keenly felt in recent weeks and he is set to miss out again, while Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also unlikely to return in time for Tuesday.
Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe are pushing for starts for the hosts if Mikel Arteta opts for changes following the defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
Chelsea also have key players unavailable, with Reece James and Mason Mount both set to miss the rest of the season, while Kai Havertz will be given a late fitness test in the hope he will be available after the forward was absent for the defeat to Brentford last time out.
The stats
After winning seven games on the spin in February, March and into April to move clear at the top of the table, Arsenal’s form has nosedived of late with three draws and a defeat in their last four matches.
The Gunners have let 2-0 leads slip against both Liverpool and West Ham in that run, while bottom-of-the table Southampton were 2-0 and 3-1 up before a late comeback saw that entertaining clash at the Emirates Stadium end 3-3.
Chelsea have scored just one goal in their last seven outings in all competitions.
The Blues have been beaten 2-0 home and away by Real Madrid in the Champions League last eight and also slipped to home defeats to Brighton (2-1), Brentford (2-0) and away at Wolves (1-0) since Lampard returned as interim boss.
Arsenal have won the last three meetings between the London rivals in all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-2.
The reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in November finished 1-0 to Mikel Arteta’s side and was settled by a second-half Gabriel goal.
Prediction
Hardly anyone is now giving Arsenal a chance of recovering and beating City in the title race, and it is difficult to get away from the feeling that the Gunners have let the opportunity to finish top of the pile this season slip through their fingers.
That said, they are still likely to get the better of London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday, who approach this clash down in 12th place, without a win in their last six league games and seemingly just desperate to get a torrid campaign over with before regrouping under a new manager in the summer.
The Blues’ lack of goals is a major problem and it means an Arsenal win to zero is a tempting selection in what could be a one-sided London derby.
Back Arsenal to win to zero at 31/20 with LiveScore Bet.
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