The latest instalment of the Chelsea vs Arsenal saga continues in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and with a place in a Wembley final at stake – it promises to be a real ding-dong encounter between two well-matched sides. The most recent match between the sides was an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium on the 3rd January – a game that has whetted the appetite going into this one.
Carabao Cup – Chelsea vs Arsenal (1st Leg) – Stamford Bridge – Wednesday 10th January 2018 – 20:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/4 at Skybet |
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Chelsea
ArsenalChelsea
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are in the midst of a superb domestic run that has seen them unbeaten in their last 7 matches in all competitions. Their last-gasp win over Bournemouth in the previous round has left them two games away from Wembley and with their Premier League defence currently faltering; the Carabao Cup could present a welcome opportunity to win silverware. Alvaro Morata notched the winning goal in the last round against Bournemouth and he’ll be keen to add to his tally of 12 goals in all competitions.
Arsenal
The Gunners have been plagued by inconsistency all season and they sit an incredible 23 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race. Similarly to Chelsea, the Carabao Cup could well be a distinct trophy opportunity this season and Arsene Wenger is famed for using his whole squad in this particular competition. Alexis Sanchez has notched 8 goals for the Gunners this term and with speculation re: his future rife, it will be interesting to see how much of a role he plays in this game.
Head to Head
With two of the biggest names in English football meeting at the semi-final stage, this promises to be a highly entertaining encounter between two excellent sides.
Arsenal edge the historical head to head with a 72:62 lead with 57 competitive draws also taking place between the two English giants. The two teams have already met on 3 previous occasions this term with both Premier League matches ending as draws (0-0 at Stamford Bridge and 2-2 at the Emirates), as well as a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Community Shield where Arsenal prevailed on penalties.
Chelsea v Arsenal – Betting Odds and Predictions
Two-legged ties can invariably be cagey in the opening leg but both of these sides will be going for the jugular.
Both teams to score – YES – looks a strong bet at 8/11 with Betfair.
These sides have been impossible to separate all season and this game could well end a draw too.
The match to finish as a draw looks a sensible bet at 11/4 with PaddyPower.
Alvaro Morata has struggled for Chelsea in recent weeks but will be looking to put that right here.
Alvaro Morata to score anytime looks great value at 7/6 with Unibet.
Alexis Sanchez is always the go-to man for Arsenal in big games and he always relishes the big occasion.
Alexis Sanchez to score anytime is an unbelievable bet at 28/11 with 888 Sport.
Score Prediction
Chelsea 1 – 1 Arsenal – 7/1 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip Chelsea v Arsenal
Both sides will be desperate to press home an advantage in the tie but with the two teams so closely matched, they could end up cancelling each other out. Both teams to score and the match to end as a draw looks superb value at 4/1 with BetVictor.