Both sides are in disastrous runs of form and our tipster is backing the Gunners’ shooting woes to continue in Arteta’s maiden home game as manager
Mikel Arteta is searching for his first win as Arsenal manager when Chelsea make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The former Gunners captain led his side to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on his managerial debut on Thursday and will hope to condemn Frank Lampard’s men to a sixth defeat in their last eight Premier League games.
Arsenal have won just one of their last 11 league matches and are out at 15/8 (2.87) with bet365 to arrest a run of three straight home defeats in all competitions by beating Chelsea here.
The Blues are priced as 13/10 (2.30) favourites to take the points here, having won 2-0 at Tottenham – another north London side – in their last away game just before Christmas.
A point is unlikely to be celebrated by either side and is offered at 11/4 (3.75) by the online bookmaker.
Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic came off the bench in Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Southampton but the duo could start this one. Ross Barkley was an unused substitute and could feature for the first time since October after recovering from injury.
Calum Chambers is available once again after being suspended for the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, whilst Granit Xhaka may be dropped after reportedly agreeing a January transfer with Hertha Berlin.
It has been a colossal fall from grace for both these sides this season, with Arsenal currently sitting in 11th position after picking up just three wins from their last 17 Premier League outings.
Chelsea’s has perhaps not been quite so huge but has certainly been no less dramatic, with Lampard’s men still fourth but six points from the last available 21 have seen their nine-point cushion cut to just three over the last month.
Scoring goals has been the main issue for both teams in recent matches, with Arsenal scoring just one in their last three league games whilst the Blues have netted only six in their last seven.
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The Gunners have had just 78 shots on target this season – fewer than 12 other teams – and with them managing just eight across their last four games, the 11/8 (2.37) quote from bet365 on them to have under 3.5 shots on target looks excellent value here.
This would have paid out in each of Arsenal’s last four matches, whilst Chelsea have allowed under 3.5 shots on target in each of their last three in the Premier League.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Arsenal to have under 3.5 shots on target at 11/8 (2.37) for a 2pt stake at bet365