Champions League
2010-11-03 - Shakhtar Donetsk vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 - Kickoff 7:45PM GMT
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
That last Champions League game was not the kind of result this team is used to, let me tell you. Shakhtar Donetsk are undefeated at home in 11 league games, in fact, they've got 11 wins there! Overall, they have but 1 loss in domestic football, and aren't exactly mugs when it comes to playing in Europe either. They were the UEFA Cup champions not long ago, and so to come to London and get thumped 5-1 wasn't exactly nice.
Shakhtar are still in 2nd place in this group, behind their opponents Arsenal, who have never won on Ukrainian soil. This group looks like it will be sending these 2 teams to the next round, but Arsenal are more or less qualified, and will be expected to beat the other opponents anyway, so many suspect a less than complete effort, leaving Donetsk with a great chance to give their home fans a famous win.
I would not put anyone off a punt on Shakhtar at great odds, but feel there are other bets to be had that wouldn't make me feel like I just pimped my mother out.
ARSENAL
The Gunners returned to old habits from last year, in leaving fans with their balls in their mouths, wondering if it was going to be one of those days again. On Saturday, I too had that feeling, until Song popped up for yet another goal, which proved to be the winner against West Ham and a very admirable performance by Robert Green (nah mate, we're alright with the Poles)
So, on a bit of a streak here since that wake up call against West Brom (and the second one against Chelsea after we clearly used the snooze button) Arsenal have now thrashed Manchester City, Newcastle United and Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 2 weeks and have one foot in the next round of the Champions League, while the club sit in 2nd place in the Premier League. And Jack Wilshere has just signed a new contract. Life is good.
But, as many can see in the matches from Tuesday, a thumping in one match does not guarantee a similar result in the reverse fixture. After being soundly beaten before HT by Inter, Spurs won 3-1 back at home, in a result far more impressive than their 4-3 loss. Shakhtar are at home for this, where they have bossed their opponents, and I really wouldn't like to dabble in an Arsenal win here, as much as my heart wants me to.
BETTING VERDICT
There is a very good chance Shakhtar win this match, or at least draw. At home, over 90 minutes, they are bound to score against Arsenal, who are due a bad result after the run they've been on.
But, with the amount of talent this Arsenal club is loaded with, it would take some effort to keep the visitors out for the whole game. Take both teams to net in this one.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Both teams to score
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Both teams to score @ 1.83 (Bet365)
