Can Chelsea rise for Hazard’s farewell, or will Arsenal make a statement on Mkhitaryan’s behalf?
2019 Europa League Final betting preview – Chelsea vs Arsenal
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| Chelsea | +145 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
| Draw | +240 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
| Arsenal | +210 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
Wednesday, May 29 – 11pm local time – Baku Olympic Stadium, Azerbaijan
The 2019 UEFA Europa League final is an all-English affair between two teams that could do with a trophy right about now.
Chelsea did just enough to secure third place in the English Premier League and a run in Europe’s top competition next year, but they were nowhere near the leading duo of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Wednesday’s decider in Baku could be the last time we see Eden Hazard in a Chelsea shirt, as the Belgian superstar has made it clear that his future lies outside London.
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It might also be goodbye for head coach Maurizio Sarri, who has reportedly agreed terms with Juventus after a single season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
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No matter how ordinary the Blues are feeling at the moment, they can thank their lucky stars they aren’t Arsenal.
After some positive signs early in the season, Unai Emery’s men bombed out of EPL title contention and wound up in fifth place.
Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck are both leaving the club, but the more immediate concern is Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The Armenian midfielder has decided to stay home due to safety concerns amid ongoing political tension between Azerbaijan and his homeland.
The situation has escalated into an outright scandal, with UEFA warning Arsenal that any open display of support for Mkhitaryan could result in sanctions.
It could be just the motivation the Gunners need.
Eden Hazard Europa League goalscorer specials
| Hazard to score anytime | +137 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
| Hazard to score the first goal | +450 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
| Hazard first goalscorer/Chelsea win | +700 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
There is a strong case for saying Eden Hazard is the best footballer in the world right now.
The Belgian playmaker has been everywhere for Chelsea this season, finishing the EPL campaign with 16 goals and a league-high 15 assists.
What better to way to wave farewell to the Blues faithful than with a decisive goal in a European final?
Chelsea vs Arsenal Europa League betting predictions
| Chelsea to lift the trophy | -138.89 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
| Over 2.5 total goals | -111.11 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
| Chelsea win/both teams score | +350 at Bet365 | Place Bet |
The real question is not who will win, but who will finish the season in the least disappointing fashion.
Both these sides limped to the finish line in the Premier League and cannot wait for the summer to start.
There are super players in each squad, especially in attack, so it might come down to which defence makes the fewest errors.
Chelsea veteran David Luiz has a history of making bad decisions in big moments, but Arsenal’s stoppers are hardly any better in that regard.
Both teams will want to send off their departing stars in style, while the Gunners have the additional motivation of the Mkhitaryan saga.
This is a derby game, after all, so we can expect a feisty affair regardless.
Chelsea will have to work hard to keep the likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette quiet, but Hazard and company should get the Blues home.
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