Arsenal vs Chelsea: Blues’ alarming disciplinary record makes this derby bet impossible to ignore

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates in Sunday evening's London derby, with the Blues' explosive attack facing its biggest test yet against a Gunners side with one of the most disciplined defences in Europe's top five leagues.

Mikel Arteta's side have made the perfect start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, beating Coventry 3-0 and Aston Villa 1-0 without conceding, while Xabi Alonso's Chelsea have also won their opening two games, edging Fulham 3-2 and Brighton 4-3.

Arsenal go into the weekend as 7/10 (1.70) favourites, with Chelsea out at4/1 (5.00), but away from the result, two markets stand out.

Chelsea's shocking discipline record makes over 2.5 cards worth backing

Chelsea have battled with disciplinary problems in recent away matches, receiving three or more bookings in each of their last three Premier League games on the road, stretching back to last season.

The Blues picked up seven red cards in the Premier League last season, one of the highest totals in the division at the time.

That reputation has been especially pronounced against Arsenal, with Chelsea reduced to 10 men in their most recent two league meetings with the Gunners.

Taking that into account, the over 2.5 away cards market, priced at 10/11 (1.91) with William Hill, appears an appealing angle for Sunday.

Kai Havertz to haunt his old club again?

Few Arsenal players carry more history into this fixture than Kai Havertz, and the numbers explain why he is worth considering in the anytime scorer market at 7/5 (2.40) with Bet365.

Havertz already has a goal to his name this season, opening the scoring in Arsenal's win over Coventry, and he will be looking to build on that start against his former club.

Since leaving Chelsea for Arsenal in 2023, the German attacker has scored three times against his former club, and every one of those goals has come at the Emirates, including a second-half brace in a 5-0 win and a stoppage-time Carabao Cup winner.

With the Blues having already shipped five goals in the league under Alonso, there is a case for Havertz to add to his impressive record against his former club on Sunday.