The Premier League is back in our lives once again this weekend, and not a minute too soon. The constant rumour mill that has been swirling around in relation to the January transfer window is a little bit exhausting, and ‘little bit’ probably doesn’t do it justice. There are so many different stories to pick through that it’s kind of difficult to know where the accuracy begins and ends. Nevertheless, though, it’s time to put all of that to one side, as we gear up for a weekend of action that should remind the masses why we love this division so much.

The game that many fans are looking forward to the most will take place at the Emirates, as Arsenal go head to head with Chelsea. The two London rivals are both firmly in the running for a spot in the top four, and in addition to that, they’re also considered to be the leading favourites to win the Europa League. Both have the end goal of forcing their way back into the UEFA Champions League, and while both of them could manage it, we happen to think that only one will end up competing in the competition next season.

At this moment in time, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to be Arsenal. There are some very clear and obvious problems in play at the Emirates right now, and it seems as if a lot needs to change if they want to turn things around. It’s not like they’re at a complete loss because nobody is ever beyond help in the top flight, but they need to be making some serious investments. With time running out in the January transfer window in which they can do that, it would appear as if Emery has a lot of work to do.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are slowly but surely starting to put the right pieces in place for the rest of the season. Maurizio Sarri appears to be more motivated than ever to keep improving this Blues team, and he’ll do so regardless of what it costs financially. They’ve been steadily improving throughout the course of the campaign and they’ve kept themselves in the fight, which is all you can really ask for. Sure, they aren’t a finished product and they need to find more consistent goalscorers, but they’re in the driving seat when it comes to the back and forth between themselves and Arsenal.

Arsenal’s last six game stretch has been a little bit hit and miss, and that’s probably putting it lightly. They kicked things off with a nice 3-1 triumph over Burnley, but they were unable to keep that good run going against Brighton & Hove Albion. They drew 1-1 with the Seagulls, setting themselves up perfectly for yet another major downfall against Liverpool. They bounced back with consecutive three-goal victories over Fulham and Blackpool, but the 1-0 loss against West Ham United at London Stadium really did bring them back down to earth with a thud.

Chelsea have also had their fair share of struggles, mainly because they don’t seem to know how to put teams away which is always going to cause issues. Their last six game run began with a 2-1 win over Watford, before they narrowly edged out Crystal Palace. A 0-0 draw against Southampton served as a major reminder that there are still issues at play, but they did well to edge past Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. They lost the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi final against Tottenham which gives them a lot to do in the second leg, and they were somewhat uninspiring in their recent win over Newcastle.

With a rivalry that dates all the way back to 1907, it should come as no surprise for fans to learn that these two teams are very familiar with one another. Arsenal have, historically, been the better side, which is highlighted in their 76-63 lead in the overall head to head standings – with 57 draws. Their last meeting took place back in August, with Chelsea defeating Arsenal 3-2. That was Arsenal’s big wake up call in many ways, as they went on to register a 22 game unbeaten streak that has kept them in with a shout of finishing in the top four to this day.

Arsenal fans will be pleased to know that they don’t have quite as much to worry about regarding injuries as they once did. Welbeck, Holding, Mkhitaryan and Mavropanos are the only four names that will be unavailable, which opens the door up nicely for Unai Emery to mix things up selection wise. Lucas Torreira is set to return to the first team after he was dropped, with the gaffer having a bit of a selection headline between Xhaka and Guendouzi. Either way, though, we’re expecting to see both men at some stage throughout the course of the game.

Barkley and Kovacic will continue to jostle for a place in the starting XI, as has been the case since the start of the campaign. Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to miss out once again, which will likely push him further and further towards a possible move to Germany. Morata is on the verge of leaving the club and probably isn’t going to feature, whereas the big question is whether or not Gonzalo Higuain will be signed in time. Giroud will be campaigning for a start against his former club, but an appearance off the bench seems much more likely.

Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Prediction

It isn’t going to take long for this one to descend into chaos, and we’re fairly confident in that regard. Both teams are going to give it their all but momentum can be a funny thing in football, and ironically enough, we actually think it’ll be the home side who get the upper hand early on. They’ll throw everything they’ve got against the wall in search of a big win, and we’re of the belief that they can race into a two goal lead fairly handily. No, we aren’t kidding around here, this is legitimately how we think it’s going to go.

Then, Chelsea will start to settle down, and Arsenal will start to tire after their electric start. The Gunners don’t have the defensive strength necessary to keep the visitors out down the stretch, and we’re going to see that unfold in a big way. We’re predicting Chelsea to pull one back before half time, before they eventually equalise just after the break. Then they’ll start to really kick on at the expense of Unai Emery’s men, scoring twice more to take the lead and secure an efficient 4-2 victory.

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