Top of the table Chelsea look to increase the gap between themselves and Manchester City to five points again with a win over Arsenal. Jose Mourinho has already stated that his side are a definite challenger for the Premier League title and they have responded in great fashion with five wins and a draw from their first half dozen games. The only blot on that record was the 1-1 draw away to City last time out when Frank Lampard came back to haunt his old club. The major difference between last season and this one is they have been much more efficient in the final third and have already managed 19 goals which is five more than anyone else in the league. They face another challenge with the visit of their London rivals Arsenal but we all know that Mourinho relishes the big games, especially when he pits himself against Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal received a much needed boost in midweek with a resounding 4-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League. It was their first win in three games across all competitions and although they haven’t yet tasted defeat in the league, they have not managed to do enough to win games which could prove vital come the end of the season. That was the story last Saturday in the North London derby when they only managed a draw against Spurs. It’s no secret that Wenger has his philosophy and he seldom switches from it but it also means the opposition know how to combat it and if Arsenal can’t get an early goal then they often struggle to break defences down.
There have been constant doubts about the fitness of Diego Costa, especially playing two games in a week, but he looks set to face his third game in eight days when he lines up on Sunday. He is such an influential player that it makes it impossible to leave him out. He has struck up an exciting connection with Cesc Fabregas who will be facing his old club for the first time since leaving three years ago. Having been the two big money buys for Chelsea, a lot was expected of them and they are living up to those expectations with their early season form.
Danny Welbeck netted a hat-trick against the Turkish side on Wednesday and Arsenal fans will be hoping that it’s the start of a lot more goals. Having only netted once before that game, those goals should mean he is in confidence mood ahead of the visit to Chelsea. He’s one of several players who has the undoubted ability to hurt the league leaders on Sunday but as so often is the case with Arsenal, belief is key to performances against the top teams – especially away from home.
These two sides are the only undefeated clubs in the Premier League so there is plenty riding on the outcome. Arsenal have to prove that they have what it takes to come out on top in these fixtures but it won’t be easy, infact, it’s probably the toughest test they will have. Mourinho is a master at finding a way to win these games. I think they’ll come out on top here, but I can also see Arsenal having enough to breach the Chelsea defence so both teams to score and a home win is the bet here.
Chelsea and BTTS 23/10 @ Betfair
