by Tom Allen
A Christmas cracker on Monday and Arsenal versus Chelsea is certainly festive football to savour.
Following the recent spate of abandonment's, not much has changed at the top of the Premier League over the past fortnight but three huge points are at stake at the Emirates Stadium and it is a match neither team can really afford to lose.
With current leaders Manchester United expected to pick up the maximum haul versus Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, the two London clubs will be all too aware that defeat would be extremely costly and, at the prices, it is Chelsea that I want to be with, despite their recent troubles.
Having not won in five top flight matches, making a case for the champions isn't easy but this game is all about recognising value and Chelsea are simply too big.
A whopping 7/4 across the board, including with the likes of VC Bet and 888sport, the visitors are looking to extend their winning sequence over the Gunners to an impressive six consecutive matches and Chelsea have dominated Arsene Wenger's men in that time.
A 2-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge in the early weeks of this season, thanks to strikes from Alex and Didier Drogba, took Chelsea's total goals tally to 13 in that winning period and it is hard to see a shaky Arsenal back line keeping them at bay on Monday.
In addition, the Gunners have found a way past Petr Cech just twice in reply and clearly the Blues have the psychological edge over their opponents at present.
I was keen to oppose Chelsea when they were due to play Manchester United on Sunday, before that clash was claimed by the weather, but I think Arsenal away from home represents a challenge much more to Carlo Ancelotti's sides' liking and I want to be with them in the draw no bet market.
Ancelotti could welcome Frank Lampard back to the starting line up, he would feature alongside Michael Essien, and it is in midfield where Chelsea hold the edge.
Arsenal lacked ideas when frustrated in defeat at Old Trafford last time out and, with John Terry perhaps returning to something near his best over the last couple of matches, he impressed at White Hart Lane, the hosts could be found wanting in front of goal.
The even money with Blue Square or William Hill will do for me and our stakes shall be returned if the game ends in a stalemate.
2pts Back Chelsea (Draw no Bet, vs. Arsenal) @ evens (William Hill, Blue Square)
