EPL: SUNDERLAND - ARSENAL
Strange game in as much as these two meet here again in the FA Cup next week, there is a strong case for arguing that a win today is more important for the Gunners and next week for the home side.
Arsenal are coming off a rare free midweek, so have had seven days to bask in the glow of their 7-1 defeat of Blackburn Rovers and Arsene Wenger at least knows his team are creating plenty of chances ( 54 in their last two starts, or one every 3.33 minutes), even if that was the first time they have really cut loose in many weeks, probably since the Wigan game in early December. Oxlade-Chamberlain looks the real deal already and he, along with Thierry Henry take some of the pressure off RVP, add the return of Arteta in midfield and suddenly, despite their defensive issues, they look a real team again. They do have the small matter of a midweek trip to Milan to consider, but first priority is a top 4 place and already trailing Chelsea and Newcastle United and with Liverpool now just a point behind and coming on strong, the Gunners have to go all out for three points today, especially with their next two league starts against Tottenham and Liverpool.
For the hosts, this will be their fifth start in 13 days and after extra time on Wednesday night, a lengthy injury list , secure in eighth spot in the EPL and with no realistic ambitions of a higher position and a big game next week, they can be forgiven for letting the intensity drop just a little. I have to take Arsenal and will opt for the bigger handicap now that they have found their touch in front of goal. 1.5 units Arsenal -0.75 ball 2.49 asian line.
Strange game in as much as these two meet here again in the FA Cup next week, there is a strong case for arguing that a win today is more important for the Gunners and next week for the home side.
Arsenal are coming off a rare free midweek, so have had seven days to bask in the glow of their 7-1 defeat of Blackburn Rovers and Arsene Wenger at least knows his team are creating plenty of chances ( 54 in their last two starts, or one every 3.33 minutes), even if that was the first time they have really cut loose in many weeks, probably since the Wigan game in early December. Oxlade-Chamberlain looks the real deal already and he, along with Thierry Henry take some of the pressure off RVP, add the return of Arteta in midfield and suddenly, despite their defensive issues, they look a real team again. They do have the small matter of a midweek trip to Milan to consider, but first priority is a top 4 place and already trailing Chelsea and Newcastle United and with Liverpool now just a point behind and coming on strong, the Gunners have to go all out for three points today, especially with their next two league starts against Tottenham and Liverpool.
For the hosts, this will be their fifth start in 13 days and after extra time on Wednesday night, a lengthy injury list , secure in eighth spot in the EPL and with no realistic ambitions of a higher position and a big game next week, they can be forgiven for letting the intensity drop just a little. I have to take Arsenal and will opt for the bigger handicap now that they have found their touch in front of goal. 1.5 units Arsenal -0.75 ball 2.49 asian line.
Good Luck.
No comments:
Post a Comment