Arsenal To Edge Out Chelsea In Tight Cup Tie

Arsenal’s bid to end their trophy drought in 2013-14 was not helped by the Capital One Cup last-16 draw pitting them against London rivals Chelsea.

The Gunners have not lifted silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2005 and are desperate for success. To put their wait into perspective, Chelsea have won 10 trophies in that time and the Blues will be determined to prolong Arsenal’s misery in the League Cup.

Arsenal needed penalties to get past West Brom in the previous round, while Chelsea eased to a 2-0 victory at League One Swindon. BetVictor has Arsenal at 8/1 to go all the way and win the Capital One Cup, with Chelsea at 15/2.

It will be interesting to see whether Arsene Wenger continues with his policy of rotating his squad for the cup. The Arsenal boss gave opportunities to youngsters like Serge Gnabry, Ryo Miyaichi and Isaac Hayden against the Baggies. Given his need for a trophy and the strength of the opposition, it is likely Wenger will select a strong side.

Jose Mourinho made 10 changes to his team for the tie at the County Ground but it was still littered with internationals, which highlighted Chelsea’s depth. Whoever the Portuguese sends out at Emirates Stadium, he will be confident of pushing Arsenal all the way.

The two sides last met in the competition in the 2007 final, when Chelsea won 2-1. That was the fourth time they had lifted the League Cup and they have not done so since. Arsenal have enjoyed success twice before, in 1987 and 1993.

Capital One Cup ties are traditionally difficult to predict as managers tend to shuffle their pack and give fringe players a run out. Both clubs will take this particular clash seriously.

Both sides are in good form and have match-winners all over the pitch. Home advantage gives the Gunners the edge and we think they will sneak through, but there is going to be very little in it. One thing is for sure: the sides that make it through to the quarter-finals will be relieved to see the back of either Arsenal or Chelsea.

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