There isn’t a single match on the Premier League calendar that gets me more amped than the London Derby between Chelsea and Arsenal. Few other rivalries have produced such memorable moments by some of the greatest players to ever grace the English top flight. While the two teams haven’t competed for direct supremacy on the EPL table in a few years, their head-to-head matchups are always momentous and draw intense interest from neutrals and passionate supporters alike. Sunday’s edition of the fixture will be no different, although, with the Gunners currently sitting atop the standings, the Blues will have a fantastic opportunity to play spoiler at Stamford Bridge.
Recent history tells us winning this contest will be a difficult task for CFC, which, as a club, has struggled mightily against its cross-town rival for a few years now. The Blues have won only once in their last six competitive meetings with Arsenal and also fell victim to a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Mikel Arteta’s men during a pre-season friendly back in July. Much has changed for both sides since this last encounter, most notably the man who will be roaming the home touchline, but the pride of London’s lack of success against the Gunners cannot be discounted. I’m certainly hesitant to pick the 2020/21 European champions, even with their solid value at +165 odds on the moneyline.
There is one pro-Blues bet that I will no doubt be placing ahead of kickoff, though. Much discussion has been had about comments made by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang toward his former manager in a leaked video last month. The Gabonese international claimed that Arteta is incapable of managing star players and relies on compliant youngsters to follow his tactics without any room for creativity. Aubameyang, who departed the Emirates for Barcelona last January, has since apologized for his criticism of the Arsenal gaffer, but there are clearly unresolved feelings between the two men. I’m still looking to hit my first anytime goalscorer prop on the betting guides, and I don’t think there’s a better opportunity for me to do so than this Sunday. I really like Auba to find the back of the net at +175.
I’m also confident that the former Gunners captain won’t be the only player to score in the match. Arsenal’s 30 goals this season is second in the EPL behind only Manchester City, while Chelsea ranks in the top half of the league in scoring as well. I’m leaning towards taking over 2.5 total goals at -110 odds, and the last ten meetings between these two clubs would suggest I have a solid chance of winning. Three or more goals have been scored in seven of these clashes, so each side’s supporters will undoubtedly be expecting a lively affair. Key injuries in defense, most notably to Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, are just more reasons to back the over.
Official Chelsea odds (via FanDuel as of November 4)
Chelsea ML: +165
Arsenal ML: +165
Draw: +230
Over/Under: 2.5 (-110/-110)
My picks
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, I would be hyped to watch this match even if I wasn’t betting on it. With that being said, raking in a solid take while enjoying an entertaining sporting spectacle would certainly be the best-case scenario. Give me the aforementioned Aubameyang anytime goalscorer prop at +175 odds, over 2.5 goals at -110 odds, and ole’ reliable, the both teams to score prop at -144 odds. Thanks to the under, I miraculously avoided a second consecutive winless guide against Dinamo Zagreb. Now it’s time to get back on track and collect some winnings. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.