Chelsea v Arsenal (12.45pm Saturday)

Arsenal have almost become the forgotten team in the Premier League race.

Ever since they dropped off top spot the spotlight has been firmly on Chelsea, Liverpool’s monumental progress and Man City who have dropped to fourth but have three games in hand over Chelsea which would be enough to send them back to the top if they were to win all three.

But Arsenal are still VERY much in the race. A battling win over Spurs last weekend has lifted them into a share of second spot with Liverpool and a win over leaders Chelsea would narrow the gap to just a point. (LIVE ON BT SPORT at 12.45).

That’s the maths out of the way. We SHOULD be in for a treat at lunchtime on Saturday. I say SHOULD because these Super Sunday’s, Cosmic Saturday’s or whatever else you care to hype them with have a habit of disappointing.

But we have the added element of it being Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th match in charge of Arsenal so hopefully it will live up to expectations.

If it was anything like the scoreline in October 2011 then the party will be well and truly on for Wenger and Arsenal’s supporters.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Dec 2013 Premier Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Oct 2013 C One Cup Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea
Jan 2013 Premier Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
Sep 2012 Premier Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea
Apr 2012 Premier Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Oct 2011 Premier Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal
Dec 2010 Premier Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
Oct 2010 Premier Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
Feb 2010 Premier Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
Nov 2009 Premier Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Chelsea have shown two contrasting sides to their game in the space of just two days. GOOD Chelsea came past Galatasary to win midweek in the Champions League, that win has been rewarded with a tie against PSG in the quarter finals. BAD Chelsea came off the rails at Villa Park last Saturday – losing 1-0 with Mourinho sent to the stands by referee Chris Foy after going on to the pitch following a red card being shown to his player Ramires. Mourinho has been subsequently charged by the FA for improper conduct over this incident.

Mourinho hasn’t exactly been a shrinking violet when it comes to Arsenal either. Last month, he branded Wenger a “specialist in failure”. The handshakes could be interesting if nothing else 😉

Chelsea are without Ramires and Willian who are both suspended following the Villa game and also missing will be Ashley Cole who is continuing his recovery from a knee ligament injury.

As good as the result was for GOOD Chelsea midweek – Arsenal could well be the fresher team having had a week to prepare for this.

I’m with Arsenal on the supremacy and again long on the bookings with Star Spreads. I can’t see anything other than a high pressure match.

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)

SELL CHELSEA / ARSENAL for 10 points at around 0.60 with Star Spreads
BUY BOOKINGS for 10 points at around 58 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (MARCH): PROFIT 288.00 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): PROFIT 388.50 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.