English Premier
2011-09-17 - Blackburn Rovers vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premiership
Saturday 17th August - Kickoff 12:45pm
Blackburn
Rock bottom Blackburn Rovers remain one of 5 teams yet to register a win this season and on Saturday their task doesn't look any easier when Arsenal visit Ewood Park.
Steve Kean's side sit at the foot of the table with 1 point from their opening 4 games, the bonus is this came last time out and away to Fulham in a 1-1 draw. The bad news is that we can't ignore them losing their opening 4 games including both home games.
Rovers have never been a great traveling side so their Ewood Park form is detrimental to their top flight success and ultimate survival. Whilst the current level of play isn't good enough to maintain Premiership survival I'm sure the side can't keep playing this badly and we definitely saw an improvement last time out.
With a horrible August behind them, Kean strengthened the side on deadline day with the signings of Dann, Vukcevic and Yakubu. With Rovers being notoriously low scorers the extra firepower going forward will certainly help via Yakubu but Dann a Liverpool and Arsenal target will help replace Phil Jones in the central of defence.
Whilst Dann should help out the defence we can't ignore that this side has kept zero clean sheets this season and against Arsenal it's hard to see them starting here. The bonus is that despite the awful start only once in the first four games have Blackburn failed to score so they may cause the Gunners some problems at the other end.
Team news is that Dunn, Grella, Hoilett, Nelsen, Pedersen and Samba are all doubts although only Nelsen and Hoilett may miss out. Pedersen's hamstring should be ok after he missed out last week whilst Samba's back injury shouldn't keep him out of this one either. It means that Goodwillie will start up top supported by Dunn in what looks like a 5 man midfield.
Predicted Blackburn Lineup:
Robinson, Salgado, Dann, Samba, Givet; NZonzi, Dunn, Formica, Rochina, Pedersen; Goodwillie.
Arsenal
After beating Swansea last time out at the Emriates, Arsenal finally registered their first win of the season and went up 5 places to 12th. Having been battered by United 8-2 a few weeks ago it was essential that Wenger's side got back to winning ways as soon as possible and whilst the performance wasn't great they got the three points.
This week, Arsenal visit Ewood Park having drawn 1-1 in Germany against Dortmund midweek in their Champions League opener. The Gunners played well in spells and went in front only to be denied at the death, however despite lots of praise for gaining a "solid point". Dortmund missed several great chances after defensive blunders only for shocking finishing or poor composure costing the German side when the goal was gaping.
In the last Arsenal domestic away game they got battered by Man United and were punished for all their mistakes, Dortmund didn't punish them and luckily for Arsenal it seems as though Blackburn won't either. I think the side is getting better but against top sides you can't make rookie mistakes but Arsenal does have the ability to score goals.
By scoring goals I feel at least for this game Arsenal will come away with a result. Blackburn has problems much worse than Arsenal's and this side contains the likes of Van Persie, Ramsey, Gervinho and Walcott all of whom can win games but I don't see game winners at Blackburn.
Team news is that Rosicky, Santos, Ramsey are doubts whilst Diaby, Wilshere, Vermaelen, Squillaci are all missing through injury. New signings Mertersacker and Arteta should both start this one and Ramsey is expected to recover in time for the game. The front three will be Walcott, Gervinho and Van Persie in what looks a very good attacking lineup. Walcott is sure to keep the Blackburn defence busy whilst Gervinho keeps impressing game by game.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup:
Szczęsny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott, Gervinho; Van Persie.
The Betting Verdict
Whilst Rovers have caused Arsenal some problems in the past, I feel this side is quite brittle right now even after their improved performance at Fulham.
The Gunners are slowly recovering from that 8-2 drumming from United having beaten Swansea and drawing in Dortmund. This has Arsenal slip up written all over it but it's hard to see how Rovers will hurt Arsenal for the whole 90 minutes.
I can't pick a winner and if I was going to back Arsenal I'd want at least evens so the 1.90 doesn't appeal.
Instead I'll try overs despite it being the early kick off, Arsenal always seem to score and Blackburn could be good for a goal as well as a result I'll try over 2.50 goals at a decent 2.08.
Good Luck.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Blackburn 1-2 Arsenal
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Over 2.50 goals at PinnacleSports Bookmaker @ 2.08
