Peter Crouch says Arsenal can stay ahead of the pack on Sunday
Having seen off their North London rivals Spurs last week, Premier League leaders Arsenal take on the Fancy Dans of Chelsea this Sunday in another tasty capital clash – can they stay on course for their first title in 22 years? Peter Crouch gave us his thoughts along with a cheeky Bet Builder for Arsenal v Chelsea…
Arsenal to win
Viktor Gyokeres to score
Cole Palmer to have 1+ shots on target
Moises Caicedo to commit 1+ fouls
A Bet Builder on these selections pays at approximately 9/2 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 4:30pm
WHERE: Emirates Stadium
WATCH: Sky Sports Main Event
Arsenal had their bump in the road with those recent draws and City are certainly back in the title picture – it really is squeaky bum time at the top.
They did well enough to get past Spurs on Sunday in the derby but I expect Chelsea to pose a bigger problem.
When I looked at the two sides lining out for the derby on Sunday, and especially in the forward positions, there was no real creativity in the Spurs team. If you compare the forward lines between Arsenal and Tottenham, how many Spurs players would you put in a combined XI?
You’d probably pick the entire Arsenal team, if I’m honest.
I don’t think you could say the same this Sunday as Chelsea have the kind of players that can hurt Arsenal – Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro.
Not that their recent results have reflected that.
They’ve let their last two league games slip from winning positions. The new manager, Liam Rosenior, had a decent start but dropping points like that could become an issue in their battle for a Champions League spot next season.
The 1-1 draw against Burnley in particular was so disappointing. They had the sending off of Wesley Fofana – that’s their SIXTH dismissal in the league this season – so were down to ten men for much of the game, but to not see out the result at home against a team that has one win in their last 17 league games really hurts.
And that could cost them come the end of the season. They are level on points with Liverpool now, there could be a fifth Champions League place next season, but they have to secure that and it gets tougher when you dropping points in games you should win.
Arsenal to win
Arsenal have already beaten Chelsea twice under their new manager in the Carabao Cup semi-final. We saw Chelsea play quite negatively even in the second leg at Stamford Bridge of that tie which was a bit frustrating.
When you look at how Brentford tested Arsenal recently – of course, the Gunners are top of the league and going for four trophies this season, so Brentford set up to play compact, narrow and deep, but they also caused a lot of problems too, got a result and could’ve even won that game.
I don’t think Chelsea did enough last time to challenge Arsenal and while they have dangerous attacking players, I have to go for Arsenal to win on Sunday. I’d fancy 3-1 as a scoreline.
Viktor Gyokeres to score
The Arsenal striker played really well last week. It was his best game since he signed in the summer Even before the goals, his hold-up play was good and he looked strong against the Spurs centre-halves, including Micky van de Ven.
Fofana’s suspended now for Chelsea, and you saw Gyokeres’ confidence lift with those goals in the game last week, so he can kick on now and I’ll take him to score again on Sunday.
Cole Palmer to have 1+ shots on target
I’ve said Chelsea can score against Arsenal. Joao Pedro’s their topscorer with 11 league goals, and they’ve several other threats too, but Cole Palmer’s got eight in nearly half the playing time, so he is my pick for them. He’s also had six shots on target in their last three games and that makes sense to me for a Bet Builder.
Moises Caicedo to commit 1+ fouls
He’s averaging almost two fouls per game in the league this season and has the most cards of anyone in a Chelsea squad that’s had disciplinary issue this season. One foul isn’t much to ask against Arsenal in a game that’s big
Arsenal to win
Viktor Gyokeres to score
Cole Palmer to have 1+ shots on target
Moises Caicedo to commit 1+ fouls
A Bet Builder on these selections pays at approximately 9/2 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
*All odds quoted are correct at time of publication but subject to change
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