
It's the big one. Chelsea vs Arsenal. 1st vs 2nd. But who's going to come out on top at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening? If Chelsea win, the gap closes to three points. If Arsenal win, they are in pole position for their first title since 2004.
Our very own football tipster Nathan Joyes provides his best bet for this mouthwatering fixture.
Fresh off the back of battering Barcelona 3-0, Chelsea couldn't be in better form. Six matches unbeaten, winning all three Premier League matches to nil, Enzo Maresca's side are certainly title contenders.
The way in which Chelsea played Barcelona off the pitch was eye-catching, to say the least. And although Barcelona finished the match with 10 men, Chelsea certainly could have - and perhaps should have - scored more.
Enzo Fernandez has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, but all the talk is about their Brazilian wonderkid Estevao. The 18-year-old was sensational midweek, and his goal will certainly give Maresca something to think about when it comes to his starting XI.
As flawless as Chelsea have been, Arsenal are in the same position. A Champions League midweek victory against Bayern (3-1) showcased how Mikel Arteta's side are seriously going to be challenging for multiple titles come the end of the season.
Since losing to Liverpool, Arsenal have gone 16 matches unbeaten, winning 14 of those. More impressively, the Gunners have kept 11 clean sheets, conceding just six goals. It has been quite the campaign for Arsenal.
Arsenal's strength in depth is perhaps what is going to set them apart this season. Martinelli returned from injury to wrap up the points against Bayern, while Noni Madueke also scored - his first for the club - on only his second start after returning from his knee injury.
Look away now, Chelsea fans. That's because Chelsea haven't beaten Arsenal since 2021 in any competition. Six of the last eight meetings since that victory have gone to Arsenal, with the other two ending in a draw.
Last season both sides shared the points at the Bridge with a 1-1 draw, whereas Arsenal narrowly won 1-0 back in North London.
With both sides heading into this standout weekend clash in top form, something has to give in what looks to be a huge match in the race for the title. Nathan Joyes has looked at the Premier League betting for this fixture and found an angle worth backing.
Chelsea (12/5 with Betfred) haven't been entirely invincible at home, having lost to both Brighton and Sunderland this season. However, key wins over Liverpool, Barcelona and Benfica have shown that when they turn it on, Maresca's side can beat anyone.
But looking closer at the teams they have faced at home in the Premier League, the only side sitting in the top 10 is Sunderland - one of the two teams Chelsea have lost to. Don't get me wrong, Chelsea are growing as the season develops, but their fixtures at home haven't been that testing as of yet.
And so can Arsenal (6/5 with Betano) take advantage? Of course they can, but we may see a slightly more reserved approach from Arteta than what we have been used to this campaign.
Keeping their six point lead will be very important for the context of this season, and Arteta will know his side must avoid defeat - even after just 12 matches. It would be foolish for Arsenal to go all out attack and take the game to the hosts.
And with some narrow victories on the road, Arsenal may have to settle for a point. Both sides are in great form, but that might just see them cancel each other out.
TIP: Back the draw at 12/5 with BetMGM.
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