Chelsea host Arsenal in a high-calibre EFL Cup semi-final first leg, and goals look likely to be on the menu at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea face their London rivals Arsenal in a heavyweight EFL Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
The Blues are playing their first home game under new manager Liam Rosenior, who oversaw a 5-1 FA Cup victory at Charlton on Saturday.
Arsenal eased past Portsmouth 4-1 in their FA Cup third-round tie and they are aiming to win the League Cup for the first time since 1993.
The Gunners are favourites to claim a first-leg lead but they were held to a 1-1 draw in November’s Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge despite playing against 10 men for the entire second half.
We have selected a 9/1 bet builder for Wednesday’s big game in west London.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Bet Builder
Over 2.5 goals @ 17/20
Leandro Trossard to have 1+ shots on target @ 19/20
Marc Cucurella to be carded @ 21/10
Pays out at 9/1
Goals should flow in first-leg clash
Chelsea and Arsenal both enjoyed high-scoring FA Cup victories over lower-league opponents last time out and over 2.5 goals looks a solid selection in Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg.
It has been a winning bet in all three of the Blues’ League Cup ties this season as they beat Lincoln 2-1, Wolves 4-3 and Cardiff 3-1.
Four of Chelsea’s last five Premier League matches also featured over 2.5 goals and Arsenal’s defending has been less convincing recently.
They drew 0-0 at home to Liverpool last week but both teams had scored in their previous four games including entertaining league victories over Aston Villa (4-1) and Bournemouth (3-2).
Leg 1: Over 2.5 goals @ 17/20
Refreshed Trossard can make his mark
Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard was rested for Sunday’s FA Cup win at Portsmouth, where his fellow left-winger Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick.
Trossard has been in great form himself and he can rack up at least one shot on target against Chelsea.
He has scored five times in 842 minutes of Premier League action since October’s international break and notched Arsenal’s second goal in their 2-0 EFL Cup third-round win at Port Vale.
Leg 2: Leandro Trossard to have 1+ shots on target @ 19/20
Cucurella could add to card collection
Marc Cucurella generally finds himself in trouble when Chelsea face Arsenal and the Spanish left-back has been booked in four of his last five appearances against the Gunners.
That trend may well continue on Wednesday as Cucurella was sent off against Fulham in his last league appearance, meaning he missed Saturday’s FA Cup win at Charlton due to suspension.
He was also banned for the EFL Cup quarter-final trip to Cardiff, having picked up yellow cards in his first two outings in the competition, and he should expect an awkward 90 minutes against Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber down Arsenal’s right flank.
Leg 3: Marc Cucurella to be carded @ 21/10
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