Six matches take place in the English Premier League on Tuesday evening with two shown live on TV thanks to BT Sport. The highlight of the night goes in London where derby rivals Chelsea and Arsenal face off at Stamford Bridge from 20:15 GMT. This will be a thriller from kick-off to the final whistle, but which side will come out on top? Who will claim the bragging rights, Frank Lampard or Mikel Arteta?
It’s anyone’s guess at this stage but if you have a strong feeling on how this match will go, bookmakers offer the chance to boost your bank balance with a bet. Pick the winner and place your stake down or play one of the many specials on show. These include first goalscorer, total goals, correct score, half time/full time, handicap and plenty more besides. There’s a bet to suit every pocket and type of punter.
Live derby football is a joy to follow but it can’t quite compare to turning a profit while you enjoy the show. Bet pre-match or in-play, many of the original markets remaining live throughout the course of the 90 minutes. Our team of football betting experts and content writers look at the odds and betting before offering our tips and predictions.
Blues Seeking Consistency
Chelsea has struggled for consistency so far this season, but they are holding their own in the race for a top-four finish and qualification to next season’s Champions League. They started poorly under Frank Lampard and critics had them down as a team likely to finish no higher than midtable. Blooding several youngsters due to a transfer embargo, it appeared Lampard was working with one hand tied behind his back. The early signs certainly weren’t too promising for fans. Thankfully, the Blues were able to turn things around.
The home team embarked on an impressive unbeaten run in autumn and early winter, winning matches, putting points on the board and building confidence. Their away form made headlines and it wasn’t long before the same critics who had written them off were raving about Chelsea and the turnaround. A group of young, hungry and ambitious players had everyone connected to the Premier League excited. It was great for Chelsea and it was great for English football.
The Blues seemed to stumble during the festive period, however. At a time when experience pays, with games coming thick and fast, the young players lost their form. Was that because of the fixture pile-up or had they lost the golden touch? We will find out in this match and in the games to come during winter. A home win has been priced as the favourite with all major bookmakers. Chelsea can be backed at 8/11 with William Hill, which looks rather tight.
Arteta Makes a Fine Start
Arsenal is another team with a story to tell this season. They made a poor start and that cost manager Unai Emery his position. Replaced by former player Mikel Arteta, the Gunners took a real gamble with their future. This is Arteta’s first appointment as a senior football manager, but he did enjoy a glittering career at Arsenal and has recently worked under Man City manager Pep Guardiola. As far as apprenticeships go, they don’t get any better than that.
The visitors have some making up to do, both in terms of their opponents and in the race to finish top four. They will be desperate to avoid another season spent in the Europa League and need the financial bonuses that come with qualifying for the Champions League again. Arsenal began 2020 with a morale-boosting win over Man Utd on Wednesday 1 January, beating The Red Devils 2-0 in London. A perfect start to the year. Pepe scored inside eight minutes to set the pace for that match and Arsenal held on backed, by the support, to record Arteta’s first win as manager of the club.
Supporters hope it’s the first of many, but they had to be content with a draw next time out when ending all-square away to neighbours Crystal Palace next time out. The London rivals fought out a determined 1-1 finish to share the points in a game Arsenal were expected to win. The visitors took the lead early through Aubameyang but were tugged back when Ayew netted an equaliser. Another draw is 3/1 with Betfred, the away win 18/5 at the same bookie. There looks to be real value in the latter as Arsenal is good enough to make a game of this.
