Arsenal have suddenly seen a massive slump in form so the Chelsea vs Arsenal tie this week will be really important for the North London sides, for one reason than one.
The Gunners have a game in hand in the Premier League but they will need to pick up a win in this midweek clash or else their dream of playing in the Champions League next season will never become a reality. They still have a chance to re-enter the top-four by beating Spurs in the North London Derby but for that to happen, they will have to keep winning every match till that point.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have more or less cemented the third spot on the table and despite their UCL exit, the Blues will be buoyant because they are playing some really nice football.
Arsenal have lost four out of their previous five matches whereas Chelsea are in peak form after just securing a spot in the FA Cup final. The Blues have scored 11 goals in their last three matches so they will be the heavy favourites to pick up a win on Wednesday.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Injury news:
Chelsea:
Mateo Kovacic sustained an ankle injury in the first half of the Blues’ FA Cup win over Crystal Palace and he is likely to be an absentee for the Chelsea vs Arsenal game.
With Kovacic ruled out, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will pair up in central midfield against the Gunners.
Ross Barkley will also miss out due to illness while Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Apart from these players, Thomas Tuchel has no other injury concerns.
Arsenal:
Arsenal have serious injury issues because they have a very small squad and several of their key players are out injured.
Tomiyasu was scheduled to return to training after the Southampton game so he will not be available for the Chelsea vs Arsenal tie.
Earlier this month, the Arsenal manager had said: ‘Takehiro is making progress in his recovery from a muscle injury. It is hoped [that he] will be back in full training after the match at Southampton.’
Tierney is ruled out for the remainder of the season while midfielder Thomas Partey will return to action sometime next month.
Alexandre Lacazette has tested positive so Eddie Nketiah might once again have to lead the line.
Recent form:
Chelsea: LLWWW
Arsenal: LWLLL
Kick-off details:
Timing: Thu, Apr 21 2022, 19:45 GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Chelsea vs Arsenal telecast:
UK: Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Main Event, BBC Radio 5 Live
USA: Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, USA Network
India: Star Sports Select HD2, Star Sports Select 2, JioTV, Hotstar VIP
Prediction:
Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal
Chelsea vs Arsenal odds:
Chelsea to win: 1.85
Draw: 3.5
Arsenal to win: 4.2
