Chelsea vs Arsenal Betting Odds - Depth, defense gives Chelsea win against ailing Gunners
Arsenal’s sports betting chances are in danger of falling with a glut of injuries, especially to the forward position. The Gunners will host leaders Chelsea in a London derby on Sunday in a match that could put them out of the running for the title, and the Blues will win through their outstanding depth and the best defense in England, locking down a potent but ailing offense.
| Chelsea vs Arsenal betting odds: Arsenal +150; Chelsea +165; Draw +210 |
| WHAT: Soccer betting |
| WHEN: Sunday, November 29, 11:00 AM ET |
| WHERE: Emirates Stadium, London, England |
| KEY STAT: Chelsea has won four and drawn four of their last 10 against Arsenal |
| PICK: Chelsea +165; OVER 2.5 |
Chelsea vs Arsenal betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Blues have a five-point lead over Manchester United in the Premiership, and they haven’t lost in their last eight matches overall, the last of which was a 1-0 win at Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday. Arsenal’s loss at Sunderland last weekend dropped them eight points back of the leaders, but they rebounded to beat Standard Liege in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arsenal can’t afford to drop too many points if they want to maintain a legitimate title run, but they’ll have to do it with a number of injuries.
Betting Edge: Arsenal
Chelsea vs Arsenal betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
Chelsea haven’t been shut out in any competition this year, and they’re second in the Premiership in goals scored. Didier Drogba is third in England’s top division with nine goals, while the Blues also get a lot of goals from midfield between Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, and even Michael Essien can chip in with a score.
Arsenal still leads the league in goals, but last week’s loss at Sunderland highlighted how much they’ll miss the injured Robin van Persie, a pure striker. The Gunners had plenty of possession and scoring chance, but they couldn’t put them away. They fared better against Standard Liege in midweek with goals from Samir Nasri and Denilson, but someone has to step up as a target man for captain Cesc Fabregas.
Betting Edge: Draw
Chelsea vs Arsenal betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Blues will be going for their fourth successive clean sheet in all competitions, and the central-defensive trio of captain John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Alex is as good as any in Europe in front of Petr Cech. The defensive midfielders have gotten even stronger since John Obi Mikel came back from injury.
Arsenal’s defense has been surprisingly strong, powered by a strong central duo of Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas. Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby, two defensive-minded players, have been injured over the last month, and that can’t help their sportsbook odds.
Betting Edge: Chelsea
Chelsea vs Arsenal betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The only notable injury is Jose Bosingwa (knee), who will be out until January. Deco (groin), Lampard (thigh) and Ballack (knee) should all be ready to go.
Van Persie (ankle) is gone until January, while Diaby (calf), Kieran Gibbs (ankle) and Clichy (back) all hope to be healthy for Sunday.
Betting Edge: Chelsea
Chelsea vs Arsenal betting odds maker breakdown: Totals
The last three meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, but Arsenal’s finishing problems will raise some questions, especially against this water-tight Chelsea defense. Andrei Arvashin and the returning Theo Walcott will have to have a big day.
Pick: OVER 2.5
Chelsea vs Arsenal betting odds breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Arsenal’s injuries and Chelsea’s depth will be the difference in this match. The Blues have an array of players they can cart out if someone gets injured, especially in midfield. Up front, Arsenal is in trouble without van Persie and the injured Nicklas Bendter, Theo Walcott and Arvashin can step up. Still, with Chelsea’s defensive strength and depth, you have to take the leaders to deal Arsenal’s title hopes a crushing blow.
TODD’S PICK: Chelsea +165
Todd gives you the best online betting analysis in the industry when it comes to making soccer betting picks, so bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.
