Gunners to raise their game

A ‘must not lose’ for Arsenal if they’re to remain in contention for a Champions League place.

Home comforts

Gunners fans of the view that Unai Emery overseeing a 22 game unbeaten run pointed to a new era for Arsenal, have been brought crashing back to earth with an inconsistent set of results symptomatic of their team in recent years.

Their annual Anfield capitulation was quickly followed by an inept showing at the London Stadium to make it five without a win on the road. But while Arsenal have showed little sign of toughening up away from the Emirates, they continue to rack up the points on home soil.

Only Manchester City and Liverpool own a better home record than Arsenal who have won 8 from their 11 played and the last four on the bounce. They've scored an average of three a game too. In a season which has begun to unravel in true Arsenal fashion, there’s a crumb of consistency that may just see them edge this London derby.

Chelsea’s lack of punch

The signs were promising early on with Sarriball looking as if it would take the Premier League by storm to see Chelsea challenge for the title. But just like their opponents, little has come of an encouraging start and The Blues are also faltering.

It’s not hard to pinpoint where their problems lie though. The goals that were coming at a fair old rate at the start have dried up to the extent that they’ve failed to score in three of their last six league fixtures.

If Eden Hazard isn’t firing on all cylinders, neither are Chelsea it seems and while the Belgian has the potential to win a game on his own, he does need help on occasions. Neither Morata or Giroud appear capable and so it’s little surprise to see The Blues scour the market once more for a number 9 to boost their goal return.

Six-pointer?

Is it too early to say Arsenal will be out of contention for the top 4 if they lose this game? Well, with 13 games left to play, perhaps it would be slightly premature to rule them out completely.

Chelsea will be firmly in the driving seat should they win though. A nine point gap looks beyond this Arsenal squad in truth. They’d need Chelsea to lose three of their remaining fixtures (and win themselves) which is by no means impossible but highly unlikely with Chelsea having lost just three of their 22 games so far.

Arsenal also have a resurgent Man United to fend off. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed to close the gap between 6th and 5th to just goal difference and has another favourable set of fixtures to look forward to. Ideally a win will see Arsenal enhance their top 4 chances but a draw is the bare minimum to ensure Arsenal at least remain in the mix.

Betting tip

Weird to say maybe but Arsenal’s need for the points is greater than that of Chelsea - they simply need to stay in touch. Because of this I’m tipping the hosts to come out on top. I’ll do so via a DNB though - being a derby and a top 6 clash, these games often have a habit of being close affairs.

Arsenal’s record at the Emirates actually surprised me and they’ve shown they can raise the game when the better teams visit already this season as the draw with Liverpool and win over Spurs suggest.

Nick’s tip: Arsenal DNB @ 11/10 (2.14) with Unibet

More news and promotions

Claim a first rate bonus for football betting with Betway!

Football 1 November 2021

Betway are without a doubt our football betting site of choice and they're offering you the chance to claim a world class welcome bonus for all the biggest and best matches and ... Read more

Betway Cricket is offering a massive bonus of ₹8000

Betway India are offering all new players a chance to claim a fantastic cricket bonus ahead of IPL 2021! Read more

Bet9ja promotion will change your sports betting forever!

30 October 2021

Bet9ja is one of the best Nigerian betting sites out there today. We'll show you how you can kickstart your betting journey with a top of line Bet9ja bonus. Read more

Betway Ghana's brand new bonus is a must have for sports betting!

28 October 2021

Betway Ghana have rolled out a new bonus for their top of the line sportsbook. Here's how you can claim your bonus and get started today Read more

How to claim Kenya's best football bonus - don't miss out!

28 October 2021

The 22Bet Kenya Bonus is a must have if you're looking for a great sign up offer and top quality sports betting. Here's how you can get your hands on it... Read more