A Lonon derby will dominate the English Premier League midweek clashes as Chelsea host bitter rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The two teams faced each other just three weeks ago with Chelsea the 2-1 victors.
Chelsea has been impressive under Frank Lampard but the Blues lost their last match away at Newcastle and are in danger of surrendering their hold of 4th spot on the table.
Meanwhile, Arsenal has on just one league match under Mikel Arteta and has a history of not winning away to a big six side in recent times. The Gunners are 10th in the table with 29 points from the first 23 matches.
Arsenal needs a win for morale while Chelsea needs one too to keep up their pursuit of Champions League football next season.
Team News
Mateo Kovacic could again miss out with Mason Mount, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante expected to line up in midfield, while Callum Hudson-Odoi should again feature in the final third of the field.
Kurt Zouma is also pushing for a recall at the expense of Andreas Christensen, but Tammy Abraham should again lead the line despite Michy Batshuayi again featuring off the bench against Newcastle.
As for Arsenal, Calum Chambers, Kieran Tierney and Reiss Nelson are still on the treatment table, while the club’s leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will again miss out through suspension.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos did not feature against Sheffield United due to illness, but the center-back is in line to return on Tuesday night, while Sead Kolasinac could overcome a thigh issue to feature.
There are not expected to be too many changes further forward, though, with Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe expected to start, while Martinelli’s goal and positive performance at the weekend could see the 18-year-old keep his spot in the XI.
Betting TIP
Over 2 goals @1.73