NBC and its family of networks have been running promotions for this match between Arsenal (20-6-6, 66 Points) and Chelsea (23-7-2, 76 Points) more than any other match it has had on this season.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Chelsea is garnering 64.3 percent of the bets so far in this match, which isn't all that surprising considering how well it has played against the top opponents in the EPL this season. Still, the Blues are only +220 on the moneyline, a clear underdog to Arsenal at +135.
The total is one of the lower ones of the weekend on the Premier League odds at 2.5 (under -135).
KEY INJURIES
Minor questions still have to be asked for Chelsea about Loic Remy and Didier Drogba, both of which have been dealing with minor injuries. Jose Mourinho though, has a bigger concern in the form of Diego Costa, who remains out of training thanks to a hamstring issue.
The Gunners are relatively healthy as well, save for Mikel Arteta, who still just hasn't ever gotten going this year for Arsenal.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I want every player to be respected, and for Cesc Fabregas, when he comes to the Emirates on Sunday, to be respected because he deserves it. He is a great player. It is difficult for every player who has played almost every game this season to be at the top of his game, but he is a great player." – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Cesc Fabregas, who is returning to the other side of London wearing enemy colors this season
RECENT FORM
After getting knocked out of the Champions League by PSG, Mourinho had to find some motivation for his squad. Putting away the Premier League has become the only concern, and it is a concern which the Blues have taken care of with ease. Chelsea has won four straight fixtures.
The Gunners have crept up to second on the table in the Premier League thanks to a stunning 10 straight Premier League victories. Few teams have ever managed to put together that type of a run in this league, and Arsene Wenger deserves a ton of credit for it.
TALKING TOTALS
The Blues have had a history of going on these 1-0 binges, and they are in the midst of one right now. They have won two straight matches by identical score lines, and they are playing their best defense of the season at the present time.
Two straight under results have broken up a trend of mostly overs of late for the Gunners. Their offense has been fantastic, though a 2-1 win in extra time over Reading in the FA Cup semifinal and the 1-0 win at Burnley weren't the most impressive offensive displays ever.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This London derby is clearly interesting, if nothing else, and neutral supporters should get to see a nice display of Chelsea's strong defense and Arsenal's sudden attacking unit, one which only has two fewer goals than what the Blues have scored this season.
Remember that last week though, Chelsea was clearly superior to Manchester United. This isn't the same fixture, and it is a fixture which is played on the road. Still, we don't truly believe that the Blues should be underdogs of this big of a margin. Taking them is a home run choice, but we prefer just the straight bet on the draw instead.
Arsenal 1, Chelsea 1
BookMaker has live Premier League odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Arsenal opened as a +135 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2.5 (under -135). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Emirates Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.
