English Premier League - Match Day 23

The EPL match week is upon us once again, and with the second half of the season in full swing there is little room for error as teams jockey for European positions, and the opportunity to remain in the top league in the world. 

Liverpool start the round at the top of the table after narrowly slipping by Brighton last weekend, the Reds remain 4 points adrift of defending champions Manchester City who seem to be picking up steam as just the right moment.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all being pushed by a suddenly resurgent Manchester United side. The Red Devils have taken off since sacking Jose Mourinho last month, now currently 6th in the top flight standings, the 13 time Premier League champs are only 6 points off the top four pace. 

Arsenal vs Chelsea 
Emirates Stadium, London, England 
1-19-2019 - 12:30 pm ET - NBC / SKY Sports 

The featured match on Saturday's card is another classic London derby, with two of the leagues 'Big Six' clubs on full display for all interested parties to observe. Arsenal and Chelsea will start round 23 separated by a full 6 points, with the Gunner's on the outside looking in at a top four position, the Blues will be reluctant to give up ground in their own pursuit of European glory.

Arsenal return too the Emirates after a shameful loss to West Ham last weekend. The Gunner's had failed to lose on the Hammer's ground in 12 years, making their most recent trip a colossal disaster, and could have ever lasting consequences with only 16 matches remaining on the current schedule.

Unai Emery came under heavy scrutiny after the lethargic loss, sending out a starting eleven that failed to score for the first time in 11 road matches. Emery failed to select a player who could create any type of offensive creativity moving forward in attack, with Arsenal only placing a few clear shots on target, it was a unexpected performance from the English giants. 

The Gunner's Plan of Action

The hosts seem steadfast on leaving out a true number ten once again against this Blues side, with both Mesut Özil and Aaron Ramsey left off the projected starters list. It will be interesting to see who steps up and fills that role, using keys passes and pin-point service into the partnership of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who have combined for 21 domestic goals on the current season, who truly need assistance from others to be at their absolute best.

Arsenal's Struggles Against the Blues

The north Londoner's were left on the losing end of a 3-2 result in the opening month of the new campaign, after falling behind 2-0 they soon stormed back with 2 goals of their own before the halftime whistle, before ultimately conceding the winner in the later stages to keep their poorest run of form up against this Chelsea side. 

Arsenal have had their hands full with Chelsea over the years, posting a record of 1-3-6 in their last 10 meetings alone. The Gunner's have found collecting points against their west London rivals a daunting task, although they did salvage a stoppage time draw last season on their home pitch, they still seem to wither at the site of the Blues who have taken full advantage of this situation. 

Emery will be desperate to reverse this forgettable trend immediately, he must make the correct tactical alignment in order to combat Chelsea's new free flowing style of play. The three man back-line within the hosts 3-4-2-1 formation will play an integral part on Saturday night, the combination of Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Laurent Koscielny will be under steady pressure, they must stay organized and help cut off threatening passes and service into the box, while staying in front of Chelsea's dynamic runner's in the final third of the pitch. 

Arsenal were riding a 22 match unbeaten streak in all competitions, since they have went 3-1-4 in all competitions, and seem to be back sliding as the matches continue to roll in. The Gunner's inconsistent play has been worry-some for their loyal supporters, only recording one clean sheet, while conceding an average of 2 goals per match over this challenging run of form.

Chelsea will arrive at the Emirates riding a 4 match unbeaten streak, while winning 6 of their last 8 domestcially. The Blue's have also been busy at the Winter transfer window, shipping out uniformed striker Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid, while bringing in new marks-man Gonzalo Higuain to assume the same role, who will attempt to make his debut during round 23.

Maurizio Sarri will be thrilled to reunite with his former danger-man while at Napoli, under Sarri's guidance Higuain posted the best numbers of his career, which the Italian hopes to re-invent while with the Blues, and keep the Juventus loanee on the books for an additional season. 

Sarri's New Style of Play

The first year manager has proved his worth on English soil after arriving from Serie A over the Summer. Sarri immediately went to work distancing Chelsea from their prior defensive idenity under both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, now with a up-tempo 4-3-3 in tact, the Blues are a true force who have the capability of scoring at a moments notice.

Eden Hazard has been the main benefactor since the Italian's arrival, after being handcuffed too showcase his true skill-set, the Belgium has erupted for 10 goals and 10 assists using his pace and true skill on the ball, now with the arrival of Hiquain he will be able to move from the false nine position and resume his normal winger responsibilities, where he truly excels as one of the top players on the planet.

Player Prop
Eden Hazard - Anytime Goal Scorer  -120 / 1.83

The dangerous tally's man has also enjoyed facing this Arsenal side during his time in west London, scoring 3 goals over his last 4 appearances, giving him great value to keep that impressive trend alive. 

Chelsea's Irreplaceable Midfield Connection

Hazard may be the teams most fear player, but the two most important figures reside in the visitors midfield. Jorginho and N'Golo Kanté have been invaluable during their time partnered together, seeming to have played together for several years they have quickly created a true rapport on both sides of the pitch. Jorghino offers a true creator in the middle of the pitch, his movements in tight placements and ball distribution is unmatched, while Kanté continues to erase any mistakes that are made by his fellow players, while being asked to move further up the pitch where the team can utilize his passing and timely scoring abilities.

Chelsea have a strong grasp on the 4th position in the standings. The Blues currently find themselves only 1 point behind 3rd place Tottenham, who will now be without Harry Kane over the next two months, making them a vulnerable target for the Blues too surpass.

Arsenal vs Chelsea - Match Prediction

The eyes of the footballing world will certainly be on the Emirates during match day 23, with these two English powers set to go head to head for the second time this season, there should be no shortage of story-lines as the opening whistle arrives.

Arsenal should be motivated to put their last performance behind as they return home where they have won 13 of their last 16 home matches, we should see a more inspired Gunner's squad in front of their home crowd. I do worry about the home sides overall creativity in the attacking half of the pitch, when at their best they utilize their wingers in open space, using through balls and service to place their electric danger-men in valuable positions to succeed. I will be interested to see who Emery selects to spark his offense during this must win situation.

Chelsea have no such problems creating chances, they have been challenged to finish those opportunities in front goal. The Blues are another strong unit down the wings, allowing their creative players to flourish with ball at their feet, the inclusion of Pedro and Willian will be instrumental within the teams starting eleven, playing off Hazard with their own blend of precision and pace, we should see a very confident group moving forward throughout Chelsea's front-line who seem to have a decided advantage in this contest.

Match Prop 
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  -120 / 1.83 

I anticipate seeing both squads hitting the back of the net, with the total eclipsing 2.5 goals in a combined 18 of the last 24 matches these teams have been involved in. Each club have been proficient at lighting up the score-board, while also struggling to keep clean sheets along the way, I will expect another multi-goal performance as the first day of action closes out in the Premiership.

 Arsenal vs Chelsea - Betting Tips 

Chelsea -0.25  +100 / 2.0 - Full Time Spread
Chelsea - Team Total Over 1.5  +100 / 2.0 - Goals

EPL - Bonus Match Tips 

Wolves vs Leicester City 
1-19-2019 - 7:30 am ET 

Over 2  -130 / 1.77 - Total Full Time Goals 

Newcastle vs Cardiff City 
1-19-2019 - 10:00 am ET 

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Under 2.25  -125 / 1.8 - Total Full Time Goals 

Cardiff City +0.25  -110 / 1.91 - Full Time Spread

Bournemouth vs West Ham 
1-19-2019 - 10:00 am ET 

Over 2.75  -125 / 1.8 - Total Full Time Goals 
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  -120 / 1.83
Bournemouth - Team Total Over 1.5  -110 / 1.91 - Goals 

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace 
10:00 am ET 

Over 1.25  -120 / 1.83 - Total 1st Half Goals 
Liverpool  -0.75  -120 / 1.83 - 1st Half Spread

Manchester United vs Brighton 
1-19-2019 - 10:00 am ET 

Manchester United  -0.5  -120 / 1.83 - 1st Half Spread 

Southampton vs Everton 
10:00 am ET 

Both Teams To Score - YES   -140 / 1.71 

Watford vs Burnley 
1-19-2019 - 10:00 am ET 

Both Teams To Score - YES  -120 / 1.83
Over 2.5  -120 / 1.83 - Total Full Time Goals 
Watford - Team Total Over 1.5  -130 / 1.77 - Goals 

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