Chelsea v Arsenal
15:00
It’s funny to think that the 3-0 schooling Arsenal gave Chelsea back in September would prove to be the most significant moment of the season as it forced Antonia Conte to change to a 3-5-2 formation. The Blues haven’t looked back since, romping their way to the Premier League title with a record number of wins. They’ve beaten the likes of Man Utd and Spurs on the way to the final and with a fully-fit squad start as deserved favourited to complete the domestic double.
In contrast, Wenger is facing a defensive crisis with Gabriel joining Mustafi on the sidelines, while Koscielny is suspended, leaving Holding and Mertesacker as the only two available centre-backs in the squad. Like Chelsea, the Gunners have benefited from a change in formation, winning eight of their last nine, but at this rate may struggle to even field three centre backs.
Arsenal’s record against the top teams has once again proved their Achilles heel as they’re W2-D3-L5 to the top-six this term. However, they failed to score in only one of these and with the likes of Sanchez and Ozil amongst their ranks will always be a threat going forward. So solid in the middle part of the season, Chelsea’s defence has been less sure during the run-in, keeping just five clean sheets in their last 19. Both teams to score looks a fair price at 1.73, but considering Wigan’s 2013 triumph over Man City was the only instance of the underdogs coming out on top in a FA Cup final since 2000/01, we’ll back a fully confident Chelsea team to come out on top.
Recommendation: Chelsea to Win & BTTS at 3.4
Betting intelligence provided by Football Form Labs
