English League Cup: Chelsea vs Arsenal - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

Chelsea host Arsenal on Thursday morning New Zealand time in an English League Cup fixture at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors are six points clear at the top of the league, while the hosts are adjusting to life under Liam Rosenior after Enzo Maresca was sacked on New Year’s Day. Chelsea come into this following a 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup. Arsenal are the form team in the country, but these London derbies are rarely predictable.

I have looked at the form and the recent squad changes to find the best value. From the latest injury updates to the tactical matchups, here is everything required for those keen to have a swing on betting sites in NZ, including a $4.10 play that I recommend.

Chelsea

Liam Rosenior has enjoyed a perfect start to his tenure, but Arsenal represent a significant step up in quality. His squad looks revitalised - particularly Alejandro Garnacho - who has become a key part of their attack since his signing. That said, Chelsea still struggle defensively, and haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last five matches.

The absence of Moises Caicedo is a concern, though Enzo Fernandez will likely look to dictate play from deep. Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson are Chelsea’s main goal threats. Even so, they will need more discipline from the midfield to avoid being overrun. Chelsea will likely look to exploit Arsenal on the break through Garnacho and Pedro Neto.

Team News: Moises Caicedo is suspended and Robert Sanchez is out with a muscle injury. Marc Cucurella is also unavailable after his red card against Fulham. Reece James has returned to training but is still in doubt as a starter.

Predicted Lineup: Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Badiashile, Veiga; Fernandez, Santos; Garnacho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Arsenal

Arsenal are head and shoulders ahead of any other English side at the moment. 

Mikel Arteta has his team playing with immense confidence, something which has only grown with strong signings in Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres. Despite Gyokeres being on a six-match goal drought, his presence still allows Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli more freedom to find space in the final third.

The visitors boast the best defensive record in the Premier League and have shown they can control games through possession. The addition of former Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has provided extra depth too, and with a place in the final at stake, Arsenal are unlikely to rotate heavily. They should dominate the ball and squeeze Chelsea in their own half.

Team News: Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are fit. Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are expected to start in the midfield.

Predicted Lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

• Arsenal have won four of their last five visits to Stamford Bridge in all competitions.
• Chelsea have conceded at least two goals in four of their last five matches.
• Gabriel Martinelli has scored four goals in his last three appearances.
• Arsenal have kept the most clean sheets away from home in the league this season.
• Chelsea scored five goals in their first match under Liam Rosenior.

Arsenal should get the result in this first leg. They are more organised and have a superior tactical structure compared to Chelsea, who are still getting used to the way their new manager rolls.

Chelsea have the individual quality to score, especially through Palmer or Garnacho, but their makeshift defence will likely struggle to contain Arsenal’s attack. The lack of Caicedo in the middle is a big blow for the home side.

When it comes to football betting, I am picking a 2-1 win for Arsenal. It’s a scoreline that reflects their dominance without being a total blowout, putting their noses in front ahead of the second leg at the Emirates.

Arsenal to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $4.10

This bet offers the best value I can see across betting apps on this clash. Arsenal are favourites to win, and should do so, but Chelsea have enough talent to find the net at least once. Cole Palmer is a match-winner, while Garnacho’s directness will cause problems for the Arsenal defence.

Getting over $4.00 at Bet and Play for an Arsenal victory where both teams score is great value. It accounts for Chelsea’s renewed energy, while still recognising that Arsenal are the better team overall.