Competition: English Premier League 2016-17
Date: Saturday, 4th February, 12:30 GMT
Stadium: Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Preview
Chelsea has been struggling as of late with two winless performances in their last four matches. The team has kept their place on top of the English top flight table, though, as they are still nine points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal with 15 rounds to go this term.
The Blues are coming off a 1-1 draw with fellow contending side Liverpool last Tuesday on the road at the Anfield, as per BBC Sport.
Brazilian defender David Luiz opened the scoring in the 24th minute for head coach Antonio Conte’s side with a goal off a rebound after Willian’s shot hit Simon Mignolet’s post, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage at the break.
However, the Reds were able to find the equalizer in the 57th minute with a six-yard shot by Georginio Wijnaldum after a mad scramble near Chelsea’s goal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal succumbed to only their fourth loss of the season after getting upset by lowly team Watford, 1-2, at their own home field of Emirates Stadium also last Tuesday, the Telegraph reported.
The Hornets scored two early goals, courtesy of Younes Kaboul and Troy Deeney in the 10th and 13th minutes respectively, to stun the Gunners and take a 2-0 lead at the half.
Head coach Arsene Wenger’s side was able to trim the gap in the 58th minute with a volleying shot into the far corner of Thibaut Courtois’ goal, but the team was not able to salvage a draw as time expired.
Arsenal has dropped to third in the overall standings, tied on points with Tottenham but has a lesser goal differential.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
Chelsea starting lineup (3-4-3 formation): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kanté, Matic, Alonso; Willian, Costa, Hazard
Arsenal starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Cech; Gabriel, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Coquelin; Iwobi, Özil, Sanchez; Giroud
The predicted result is a tough 2-1 victory for Chelsea.