Arsenal v Chelsea
Arsenal v Chelsea continues the unrelenting Premier League schedule, in the first of three January clashes between the pair. The game is taking on increasing significance for Arsenal who are now six points behind Liverpool in the chase for a Champions League spot, and with significantly worse goal difference to their main rivals for that coveted fourth spot. Chelsea will be equally keen to consolidate their position of course.
The bad news for Arsenal is that the resurgent Mesut Ozil will face a late fitness test, which Laurent Koscielny is also a doubt. The former is the more likely participant and that would be a big boost for Arsene Wenger who will be without Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud and Nacho Monreal.
Chelsea are without David Luiz, but are otherwise free of problems which gives them a clear boost coming into this one.
It looks like Arsenal might be forced a little into damage limitation more, and given they will enjoy home advantage, it could pay to back the stalemate here. The pair have drawn four of their last 13 meetings, which makes the 5/2 available with Coral or Betway on the draw look reasonable value in our eyes. The Gunners are certainly no pushovers at home, having won eight of their ten so far this season - only Man United have won a game at the Emirates this season, and of course, the pair have already drawn twice this season - once at Stamford Bridge and once at Wembley.
1pt Arsenal v Chelsea to be a draw at 5/2
Possible Arsenal starting XI
Cech, Chambers, Mustafi, Mertesacker, Bellerin, Wilshere, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, Sanchez, Lacazette
Possible Chelsea starting XI
Courtois, Azpiliceuta, Christensen, Cahill, Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso, Hazard, Morata