Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Odds – Arsenal get more “Blues” as Chelsea runs wild

Arsenal has been an online betting disappointment against the upper echelon of the Premiership, and they’re coming off an awful beating at home at the hands of Manchester United. It gets no easier this weekend as they head to Chelsea to face the league leaders, and now that Chelsea has their first-choice strikers back, it could get ugly for the Gunners.

The Storyline: Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Arsenal is six points behind Chelsea in another edition of a London derby, but the Sunners are coming off an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Manchester United at home in which they looked completely overmatched. First-place Chelsea lost a golden chance to increase their lead when they drew 1-1 at Hull City on Tuesday. The Blues are trying to soldier on despite the off-field distractions surrounding club (and England) captain John Terry, who apparently had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of former club (and current England) teammate Wayne Bridge. If Arsenal is going to pounce, it has to be now, but Chelsea is amazing at the Bridge.

Offensive Matchups: Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Arsenal’s once-potent attack has scored just two goals in their last three matches, and clearly, Cesc Fabregas needs some help going forward. Outside of the tricky midfielder, Arsenal has no one to unlock the opposition’s defense. Andrei Arshavin has been inconsistent, and it’s telling that Arsenal’s lone goal was scored by defender Thomas Vermaelen, who has six on the year.
Chelsea was off-target against Hull, but they should be ecstatic that Didier Drogba is back from the African Cup of Nations. Drogba’s free kick saved the Blues, and his return should create space for Nicolas Anelka, who was injured while Drogba away. The return of this duo should also help out the attacking midfielders, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Joe Cole.

Betting Edge: Draw

Defensive Matchups: Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Arsenal’s downfall came on the counterattack, as they failed to deal with the breakout speed of United last week. Vermaelen probably had the best game among the four defenders, while Gael Clichy was destroyed by Nani on the left wing. Finally, Manuel Almunia offers no confidence to Arsenal fans.
Terry hasn’t looked distracted by the problems he has off the pitch, but Chelsea did give up their goal against Hull from a set piece, a place where Chelsea hasn’t looked as strong as in recent years. Petr Cech has looked shaky at times.

Betting Edge: Chelsea

Notable Injuries: Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Sol Campbell (groin) has yet to make his first-team debut in his second Arsenal stint, while Eduardo (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (calf), whom Arsenal missed badly last week, are also questionable for this match.
Jose Bosingwa (knee) is close to returning, but he’s not likely to play this week. Michael Essien (knee) and Julian Belletti (calf) are definitely out.

Betting Edge: Arsenal

Totals: Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Six of the last 10 between these two have gone under the posted total in your sportsbook, but the Gunners have been sloppy defensively as of late, and Chelsea has their first-choice strike pair back. Drogba netted a pair against Arsenal away from home back in November, and this will be at the Bridge, where Chelsea has scored 37 of their 58 goals.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Arsenal vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Chelsea has won five and drawn three of their last 10 meetings with Arsenal, and they ran over Arsenal at the Emirates in November. With Drogba and Anelka back and in good form, the Arsenal back line will have to be better than they were against Manchester United. Arsenal can definitely grab a goal in this game, but will they be able to stop Chelsea? The injury to Diaby, a tough-tackling midfielder, could be the difference.

Todd’s Pick: Chelsea -116

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