The busy English schedule means there are midweek games and the best match-up of the week takes place Tuesday January 21, 2020 as Chelsea host Arsenal. Chelsea are still fighting for a Champions League spot, while Arsenal are looking to hang in the Europa League race.
Even with a recent dip of form Chelsea still occupy the fourth spot, and the final Champions League spot, in the Premier League. Through 23 games Chelsea have 39 points and are five points clear of fifth place Manchester United. The Blues still have plenty to play for as they are in the Premier League Champions League race, the FA Cup fourth round and are through to the Champions League knockout stage.
Arsenal can’t seem to put any team away and currently sit in 10th place on the table with just 29 points through 23 games. Even with the mid-table standing, Arsenal sit just five points back of Manchester United for the Europa League spot. The Gunners still have competitions to play for this season as they are still in the Europa League race, are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and are also through to the Europa League knockout stage.
Below is my pick for the Premier League action between Chelsea and Arsenal. All odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Chelsea (-135) vs Arsenal (+360) Draw (+290)
Last time out Chelsea dominated play, but gave up a 94th minute goal and fell 1-0 at Newcastle. Chelsea will be bitterly disappointed with this result after obtaining 70% possession, 19 total shots, four shots on target and having 10 corner kicks. It was as dominant of a performance as you can have without getting any points. The Blues are eighth in the Premier League at home with 17 points in 11 homes fixtures.
Arsenal continued their poor job of finishing opponents off and ended up drawing, at home, 1-1 with Sheffield United. The Gunners took a 1-0 lead right before the half, but gave up the game tying goal in the 83rd minute. The draw was Arsenal’s fifth draw in their last 10 games across all competitions. Arsenal are ninth in the Premier League on the road with 12 points in 11 road fixtures.
Series History: Chelsea won their most recent meeting 2-1, but Arsenal still leads the all-time series 76-58-65.
Game Prediction: I think this one ends in a stalemate, so I am backing a draw at +290 on Tuesday.
2020 Results: 8-4