Arsenal wishes to overturn their late miserable run of defeats into a win to restart the top four hunt facing a rejuvenated Chelsea team thriving to end the season on a high.
Chelsea knocked out Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi final by winning 2-0 to make it to another cup final. In contrast, Arsenal lost for the third consecutive time in the Premier League at the hands of Southampton this time to leave the gap between the top four to three points.
CHL vs ARS Match Details :
Date: Wednesday 20 April 2022/ Thursday 21 April 2022
Time: 20:00 (BST)/ 00:30 (IST)
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
CHL vs ARS Match Preview :
Having lost the Champions League defense against Real Madrid coming close to qualify for the last four, Thomas Tuchel men made sure they do the business against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semifinal to keep the hope of winning a silverware this season alive. Chelsea reached a 6th cup final under Tuchel winning three of them. That includes the Club World Cup while narrowly losing an epic penalty shootout against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final. A side that once showed promise to challenge for the title is now potentially looking at one major final to avoid being trophyless in the campaign. The various on and off field issues caused fractures but Chelsea remained professional and did the best they could. Back in league action, the Blues face their rivals struggling with form but capable to strike back as they did in similar circumstances at the venue last season. Never have Chelsea lost three consecutive games at home in all competitions in 29 years so the derby matters them as well along with pride.
There is lot riding on Arsenal in this London derby than Chelsea who are only looking to solidify the third place and create some momentum. Something greatly lacking in the opposition camp as Arsenal succumbed to a third successive league loss against Southampton. Jan Bednarek scored the only goal of the game aided by impenetrable gloves of Fraser Forster. Injuries to key players in the crucial part of the season and Alexander Lacazette not finding his shooting boots, the Gunners have lost their early mojo to be in the Champions League places. Further, the Frenchman has spoken about transfer offers from elsewhere as his contract runs down this summer to spoil the positivity the group had only weeks away in the dressing room. Four defeats in last five doesn't sound nice so Mikel Arteta first job will be to find a cohesion in the squad to battle out the rest of the fixtures. Arsenal face fellow chasers Manchester United after this and also have the North London derby early next month. They are desperat to restore their winning combination again but feels it's wrong time to face the Blues.
Recent Form (all competitions)
Chelsea: WWWLL
Arsenal: LLLWL
CHL vs ARS Team News :
Mateo Kovacic was substituted in the second half of the FA Cup semifinal win over Crystal Palace with a swollen ankle. The extent of his absence is not known but he will most definitely miss this clash. Been Chilwell and Callum Hudson Odoi are long term absentees.
It is not known whether Alexander Lacazette will be able to recover from Covid-19 in time for the trip to Stamford Bridge. He missed the defeat against Southampton last Saturday. Emile Smith Rowe could be handed a start. Kieran Tierney, Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey continue to be on the sidelines due to their respective injuries.
CHL vs ARS Expected Lineups :
Chelsea: Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Marcos Alonso; Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz
Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale; Cedric Soares, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Nuno Tavares, Granit Xhaka, Sambi Lokonga, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli
CHL vs ARS Head to Head :
Arsenal were outclassed by Chelsea in the other fixture this season back in August. Romelu Lukaku marked his return to the club by scoring his first goal in a Chelsea shirt and Reece James got on to the act as the Blues ran out 2-0 winners. The Gunners have also collected three points only once in the last five outings at Stamford Bridge. The victory came last season in May, Emile Smith Rowe tucking the ball inside the net after a howler at the back from Chelsea. The Blues also have not defeated Arsenal in the last two league games at home.
CHL vs ARS Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Mendy (8.5)
DEF: James (9), Gabriel (9), Rudiger (9.5), Alonso (9.5)
MID: Saka (10), Mount (9.5), Odegaard (9)
FW: Werner (8.5), Havertz (9), Martinelli (8.5)
