Samir Nasri Set to Shine Against Chelsea

We're just a short period away from kick-off in the Arsenal vs Chelsea fixture on Monday- arguably the most widely-anticipated match-up of the holiday season. You can't really ask for more match-winners on the pitch at the same time and that really creates an interesting betting atmosphere for this one. 
 

The simple statistics indicate that Arsenal don't really have the best record against Chelsea, or top teams in general, while the Blues are knee-deep in one of the worst skids they've been on since Abramovich took over. 
 

Arsene Wenger made mention that Didier Drogba has been a key factor in Chelsea's lean spell and that's an interesting way to put pressure on the Ivorian. One of tonight's subplots will be how Drogba answers back to Wenger's claims- which could certainly backfire. 
 

Arsenal get the slim edge from the bookmakers in this one and you'll find them priced around a 6/4 listing while Chelsea are available at 9/5 odds with most major bookmakers. The draw is available at 9/4 and that's likely to take the bulk of the betting volume from the neutral punters. 
 

On the betting exchanges, Chelsea appear to be the microscopic favourite as their price has edged below 2.8 while Arsenal are trading around 2.9. The draw is hovering around 3.35 and there is still plenty to be matched there- clearly a bet favoured by the layers. 
 

The form player coming into the match really looks to be Arsenal's Samir Nasri. The young French sensation has been going from strength to strength this season and you can expect him to play a prominent attacking role with only Robin Van Persie set to lead the line. He's trading at a 9/4 price for an anytime goal and that definitely looks to be the play today. Didier Drogba is the favoured goalscorer at 6/4, however, and if either of these individuals grabs man of the match status- then their teams will likely be taking all three points.