The Premier League returns this weekend and in becoming fashion.
Not one however two London derbies await and front-and-centre, Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.
Two former league title rivals, newer seasons have seen the 2 sides tread alternating paths.
But, each time west and north London have met prior to now, the sparks have flown. This weekend must be no completely different.
A touch of type
For Chelsea, the season to date has not a been a shiny begin to a brand new period underneath Mauricio Pochettino.
Certainly, because the Blues sit eleventh within the standings, the membership resume heading towards November within the backside half of the desk.
Nevertheless, profitable simply as soon as of their opening six league outings, Chelsea regarded to have turned a nook. Of types.
Stopping the rot and selecting up successive league wins earlier than the worldwide hiatus, a sterner take a look at of their progress now awaits.
Good vitality! đź’™ pic.twitter.com/vEVDnQxIPK
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 20, 2023
Certainly, Arsenal, degree on factors with Tottenham, may very well be high of the desk come the top of the weekend, if outcomes go their method.
And, having thumped Bournemouth earlier than lastly ending their Manchester Metropolis hoodoo final day out, the Gunners are in positive fettle.
So what kind of contest are we anticipating on Saturday?
Battle of Stamford Bridge?
From a punter’s perspective, the weekend’s conflict ought to once more deliver greater than a touch of capital spice.
In all Chelsea’s eight league video games this time period, not less than 5 playing cards have been proven, because the Blues’ intense fashion of play ramps up underneath Pochettino.
That development is more likely to proceed.
Within the corresponding fixture final time period, no fewer than seven playing cards had been proven by referee Michael Oliver.
Chris Kavanagh is probably not essentially the most prolific of stewards within the bookings division, however the man within the center can anticipate a busy night, given sterner directives.
Gallagher-Enzo 11/2 double
On the coronary heart of Chelsea’s try so as to add some much-needed chew to their midfield, Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez are central.
So far as self-discipline goes, the 2 have shared 4 yellow playing cards throughout half their video games performed this time period.
The Argentine, Fernandez, has been cautioned 3 times to Gallagher’s lone reserving in defeat to Nottingham Forest, at Stamford Bridge.
Within the case of Gallagher although, the midfielder obtained a yellow card each residence and away in opposition to Arsenal final time period.
Bukayo Saka’s availability stays up within the air, but when the Gunners can unleash Saka, along with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, the guests will probably be set-up to interrupt at tempo.
That leaves the door open for playing cards to tot up.
For each Gallagher and Fernandez to be carded, an 11/2 punt with William Hill appears to be like inviting.
In the meantime, 7/2 odds for over 2 playing cards to be proven in every half is one other engaging various.
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Chelsea host Arsenal within the Premier League on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, kick-off 17:30 BST.
