ARSENAL v BLACKPOOL
Football : English Premier League
Saturday, August 21st 2010 - Start 3:00PM GMT

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Arsenal are in mid-table, lying 9th and clearly they look set to miss out on a Champions League place, which will mean the departure of Fabregas, Van Persie and any other players worth over £1m to Barcelona.

Wenger will also leave, seeing as he'll only be left with Fabianski. Blackpool meanwhile, will want to move back to the top of the table, lying 2nd only on goal difference.

Oh ... that's right the season is only one game old ;-)

ARSENAL

So, the first game is behind us, and it was definitely one of the big away fixtures for us. Away at Liverpool is a tough ask for most, and Arsenal showed the same attitude as last year. Fighting till the very end to score a late one to get a point. The 2 new signings, Chamakh and Koscienly did very well, but the Polish born defender will have to sit this one out, due to his red card against Liverpool.

Beginning this game for Arsenal will be Van Persie, and captain Cesc Fabregas will be back to lead the side, and I have no doubt that he'll be of the impression that we dropped 2 points last week and shall treat this like a cup final. Indeed, any game at home, against a team belonging in the 2nd half of the table is a must-win. Lose, and it will cost you bigtime come May.

Nasri was not as good as he is capable of, but is now out for a month after minor knee surgery. Diaby and Arshavin were also below standard and you'd expect them to change that around at home to get the club their first win of the season, badly needed in order to not have the front 2 disappear out of sight this early.

Rosicky was good, forcing a great save from Reina, and along with Cesc, they can be relied on to be a threat themselves, when not releasing Persie and Chamakh towards the Blackpool goal. Almunia will begin in goal again, and is desperate to prove he should be the No. 1 so I expect him to be good value to keep a clean sheet and not make any mistakes.

BLACKPOOL

What a start for Ian Holloways side, registering a 4-0 away win at helpless Wigan. With the biggest upset so far, Blackpool look like they have come into the elite league with the right attitude.

They'll soon find out however, that coming in gung-ho, all guns blazing might net you some upset wins around the country, but not at slick Arsenal. Expect the new boys to try and go toe to toe, but get hit on the break often.

The Tangerines (yep, really) I feel will not come in here with the right frame of mind. On a high from the unexpected big win to get things started, they will suffer a letdown here, or be too confident for their own good, meaning regular chances for Arsenal to utilise their lightening quick play to score on the break goals. And once the lead is taken, the floodgates will open.

BETTING VERDICT

The Arsenal will come alive and show everyone they mean business. Ruthless home win.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Arsenal to win

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Arsenal to win @ 1.20 (Pinnacle) - MAIN BET
(include Arsenal in all accumulators)

Time of 1st goal (before 27 minutes) @ 1.83 (Bet365)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Arsenal -2 @ 1.80 (Pinnacle) MAIN BET