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Chelsea host Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime in the pick of the Premier League’s weekend’s fixtures.
This is set to be an explosive encounter with Andre Villas-Boas and Arsene Wenger coming head to head for the first time.
A few weeks ago, you would have had this down as a home banker. However, in the last few weeks, Arsenal have shown significant improvement.
Not so long ago they were the crisis club of the Premier League, having been hammered 8-2 by Manchester United. This embarrassing defeat was quickly followed by negative results at Blackburn and local rivals Tottenham.
However, since the reverse at White Hart Lane, they have show signs of recovery. They have won their last four games in all competitions and have moved up to 7th in the Premier League in the process.
This is not where they want to be of course, they will still want a top four finish, but they are getting back to better form.
A lot of this has been down to the goals of Robin Van Persie. He has led from the front of late, scoring six goals in his last four league games. He is without doubt the most important player at the club right now.
As for Chelsea, they haven’t had a mixed week. They lost to QPR last weekend – a match which saw John Terry at the centre of a race row and Didier Drogba sent-off – before winning at Everton in the Carling Cup during the week.
Given the excellent form of Manchester City of late, Chelsea will know they need to get back on track this weekend with three points. They are currently six points behind the league leaders and they will not not want this gap to get any bigger.
Looking at the team news for this one, Chelsea will be without the suspended Drogba with the returning Fernando Torres set to come into the starting line-up.
For Arsenal, Thomas Vermaelen looks set to make his first Premier League appearance since August, while Carl Jenkinson faces a late fitness test.
Match odds
Despite Arsenal’s improved form, Chelsea go into this one as favourites. They are 1.57 (4/7) to pick up three points with SkyBet, while Arsenal are the outsiders at 5.50 (9/2).
The draw meanwhile is 4.00 (3/1) with Bet365.
Correct score
Looking at the correct score betting market, one of the most popular selections looks set to be a 1-1 draw at 8.00 (7/1) with most bookies.
Then, for a narrow home win you can back 2-1 to Chelsea @ 9.00 (8/1) with Betfair. For the Gunners to nick it 1-0, you can get odds of 19.00 (18/1) with BlueSQ.
If you fancy a few more goals, 3-2 to Chelsea is available at 26.00 (25/1) with 888Sport. Then, for both teams to cancel each other out at 0-0, you can get odds of around 15.00 (14/1).
First goalscorer
If Didier Drogba was playing, there is no doubt that he would be leading the way in this market. He has a sublime record against the Gunners.
However, with the Ivory Coast international suspended, Fernando Torres is the favourite to score first at 5.00 (4/1) with BoyleSports.
Arsenal’s best chance of opening the scoring is predictably Robin Van Persie, available at around 8.00 (7/1) with most bookies.
Looking beyond the main candidates, you can back Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta at 17.00, while Chelsea’s John Terry is 26.00 (25/1) to put a negative week behind him with a goal.
Recommended bets
Chelsea to win 2-1 @ 9.00 (8/1)
John Terry to score first at 26.00 (25/1)
