Chelsea vs. Arsenal: ‘Blues expected to out-gun visiting rivals’

Chelsea and Arsenal face each other on Tuesday evening (20:15 GMT) off the back of disappointing results for both sides at the weekend.

Chelsea lost at Newcastle with the last kick of the game after Isaac Hayden’s header left them stunned.

The Blues had 70% possession, 19 shots and 10 corners in a dominant display, but could not find an elusive opener and were ultimately punished for their profligacy in front of goal.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 7 2019: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea celebrates scoring a goal during the Europa League match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kyiv at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal, meanwhile, also conceded late in a 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United, which leaves them ten points behind their opponents Chelsea, who currently occupy fourth place.

Realistically, this match represents last chance saloon for Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes, at least via a league position.

The bookmakers expect their slim chances to be killed off, however, with Chelsea 3/4 favourites to take the three points.

The draw is 14/5, with Arsenal 7/2 underdogs to win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since October 2011.

While a Chelsea win does feel the most likely outcome, their odds seem a little on the short side given their relative struggles at home this season. Arsenal are also unbeaten in five away from home, having drawn four of those five games.

Admittedly, though, the Gunners’ chances are not improved by the continued absence of their top goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through suspension.

His replacement, Gabriel Martinelli, did score Arsenal’s opener on Saturday, however, with Aubameyang tweeting in response: ‘Gabi [Martinelli]’s gonna be a superstar. Not because of the goal [sic] because of the attitude energy and mindset.’

The Brazilian is 3/1 to score once more. Fellow forwards Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette are 7/2 and 9/5 respectively.

For the hosts, Tammy Abraham is odds-on at 5/6 to score for Chelsea. The England striker scored the dramatic late winner in last month’s 2-1 victory at the Emirates.

The Blues’ likely attacking midfield triumvirate of Mason Mount, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all 13/5 to score anytime.

Frank Lampard may choose to utilise three conventional central midfielders, though. If so, N’Golo Kante represents good value at 13/2, as he would likely bomb forward with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic siting deeper.

The French midfielder missed a glorious opportunity at St James’ Park on Saturday having been played through on goal, and he has scored three goals in just 13 starts in the Premier League this season.