It’s the weekend before another international break, and we’re going to make the most of the Premier League fixtures before the Nations League rudely interrupts our fun.
One man with impeccable manners is top pundit and bloke Peter Crouch, so much so that he ever-so-decently dropped his thoughts on Chelsea v Arsenal this Sunday to Paddy Power News, including a few picks for a Bet Builder into the deal. Wharra legend, eh?
Chelsea v Arsenal betting tips
Chelsea to win
Nicolas Jackson to have 1+ shots on target
Bukayo Saka to have 1+ shots on target
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
- A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 7/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP
WHEN: Sunday, November 10, 4:30pm
WHERE: Stamford Bridge, London
TV: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League
Arsenal suffered another defeat this week in Europe, but it was decided by a very harsh handball call – I mean f*****g hell, what’s Mikel Merino supposed to do there?! The ball’s deflected half a yard away from him and onto his arm.
And the other thing to come out of that game is Kai Havertz suffering what looked like a bad head injury. That could rule him out for Sunday.
Martin Odegaard came on for him, though I don’t think Mikel Arteta really wanted him to play as he’s still working his way back from that ankle injury. He only got a few minutes and I still don’t think he’ll be ready to start for Sunday – it’s just a bit too early for him.
If Havertz has to go out too, it’s really disappointing. Declan Rice has missed time too this week, and they are going through a tricky spell at the moment even without these injuries.
They had loads of the ball against Inter but I have to say the hosts looked pretty comfortable defending once they got ahead.
That’s coming after a disappointing result away at Newcastle for Arsenal. St James’ Park is always a difficult place, but that came after the Bournemouth loss as well, so people are saying they’re wobbling and I suppose it’s up to Arsenal to answer those critics now.
You’d prefer to try to do that against a different team than Chelsea though.
I’ve said before how impressed I’ve been by Enzo Maresca and the way he’s managed a tough situation.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: Head Coach Enzo Maresca of Chelsea in action during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and FC Internazionale at Stamford Bridge on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
They are are possibly going to be without Cole Palmer after he was hurt against United. That would be a massive blow for them.
If any team can cope with an injury, it’s Chelsea – you might’ve heard they have quite a lot of players – but Cole Palmer is the one that they can’t really replace. We’ll have to see whether he makes it but it’d be a shame to see him sit out this game. At least the manager has plenty of choices if he can’t play – Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho, he could shift the team around and use any of these, or a few others, to fill in for Palmer.
Moises Caicedo scored a great goal against United last week and has formed a nice partnership with Romeo Lavia. Whenever I’ve seen Lavia I’ve always thought he was a real player, he’s just had problems with injuries. Now he’s back fit he looks exactly like the player I thought he could be.
I feel for Enzo Fernandez, but Lavi’s forced his way in there and I think he’s the best of the Chelsea midfielders.
And with Arsenal struggling with a few injuries we could see that on Sunday.
Chelsea to win
You would like to think Arsenal would bounce back after their recent bumpy patch, but with Rice in doubt, Odegaard not up to speed, and Havertz also hurt, it’s a big ask for Arsenal to go to Stamford Bridge.
I worry about Cole Palmer missing for Chelsea. He’s such a big player for them, but they do have the squad depth to switch things around at least, where Arsenal look like they’re going to be missing quite a few big players.
For that reason I think Chelsea can edge this.
Nicolas Jackson 1+ shot on target
I’d usually go for Cole Palmer but I’m not sure if he’ll play and Jackson’s been a real threat this season. He has a shot on target in all his appearances so far for Chelsea, so I’ll take him to do it again versus a weakened Arsenal team.
Bukayo Saka 1+ shot on target
It’s an easy one for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka’s back fit and such a threat, so a shot on target for him is a no-brainer.
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
Thomas Partey is probably going to be busy in the Arsenal midfield and usually is good for a foul, so I’ll add him to the Bet Builder for this game.
Peter Crouch’s Chelsea v Arsenal Bet Builder tips
Chelsea to win
Nicolas Jackson to have 1+ shots on target
Bukayo Saka to have 1+ shots on target
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
- A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 7/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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