Arsenal vs Chelsea Bet Builder 1 - 9/5 (0.5pts)

1st Selection: Joao Pedro 2+ Fouls Won

João Pedro is averaging 2.12 fouls won per 90 minutes and has already won 5 fouls across his opening two league games this season. That gives him a strong statistical foundation for the 2+ line.

The matchup also suits him. João Pedro is excellent at receiving the ball with his back to goal, using his strength and close control to hold defenders off and turn them. That can be particularly effective against a physical Arsenal side, with Gabriel, Mosquera, Bruno Guimarães, Rice and Lewis-Skelly all capable of applying aggressive pressure.

There is also encouraging head-to-head evidence. João Pedro was fouled 2, 4 and 4 times in his three meetings with Arsenal last season, reaching 2+ on all three occasions. His ability to draw contact when defenders try to stop him turning makes this a particularly appealing matchup. 

Overall, his current foul-winning numbers, his style of play and his excellent record of drawing fouls against Arsenal make João Pedro 2+ fouls won a strong selection.

 

2nd Selection: Myles Lewis-Skelly 2+ Fouls Won

Myles Lewis-Skelly has already been fouled 3 and 2 times in his opening two league games, showing how effective he has been at drawing contact early this season. He has also been fouled 2+ times in seven of his last eight starts for Arsenal, giving this selection an excellent level of consistency.

His style of play is a major reason for those numbers. Lewis-Skelly is comfortable carrying the ball through midfield, using his strength and body to shield possession before gliding past opponents. When defenders step in to stop his progress, he is capable of drawing contact and winning fouls in dangerous areas.

That could be particularly relevant against Chelsea, who are likely to try to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm and prevent Lewis-Skelly from driving through midfield. The physical presence of Moisés Caicedo and Reece James should provide plenty of pressure in those central areas, potentially creating further opportunities for Lewis-Skelly to be fouled.

With his 3 and 2 fouls won already this season and a 7/8 record of 2+ in his last eight starts, Lewis-Skelly 2+ fouls won stands out as a strong selection.

 

Arsenal vs Chelsea Bet Builder 2 - 13/2 (0.25pts):

Joao Pedro 3+ Fouls Won

Myles Lewis-Skelly 3+ Fouls Won

Worth backing higher lines on both selections at a huge price too.