Champions League
2009-04-15 - Arsenal vs Villarreal
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This will be Arsenal's biggest match to date as they plot the downfall of Spanish side Villarreal in order to join the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea who have confirmed their spots for the Semi-finals of the Champions League.
As the season draws to a close, Arsenal have reached their best form when it matters most and are now going out all guns blazing. In the Premiership they are currently unbeaten in their last 18 games and looks to have secured the 4th and final place for the Champions League spot next season. And now with just three games away they are within touching distance of booking the final of the Champions League which will be held in Rome, Italy. They will be eager to reach the final and if possibly go on and win it since they were beaten in the 2006 final by Barcelona.
Waiting in the last four will be either Manchester United or Porto if Arsenal can make their home advantage counts. The ball is in their hands after they secured a decisive away goal at the Estadio El Madrigal last week.
They had Emmanuel Adebayor to thank for after he equalized for the Gunners with the Spanish side taking the lead from Marcos Senna. A goalless draw will see Arsenal through but they know they cannot play for that and will go out looking to get the win here.
The home side's defence has been weakened by the absence of Johan Djourou (knee) and Gael Clichy (back)through injury. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is also out injured so Lukasz Fabianski will start in goal while Mikael Silvestre and Kieran Gibbs will slot in at centre-back and left-back respectively as centre-back William Gallas is also out with a knee injury.
Midfielder Abou Diaby and striker Eduardo return to the squad but playmaker Tomas Rosicky remains a long-term absentee and attacker Andrey Arshavin is cup-tied.
As for Villarreal, they enter this match knowing that they have lost just once in their last four visits to England. But they will also remember that it was Arsenal who knocked them out back in the semi-finals 2006 enroute to losing the Final against Barcelona.
They will not having influential midfielder Marcos Senna as he will miss out with a hamstring injury he sustained last weekend. Midfield duo Cani and Mati Fernandez have been included in their 20 man team that travelled to England even though they did not play at the weekend through injury.
Jordi Pablo, who is a teenager has also been included in midfield however Santi Cazorla is out for the next three months after breaking his leg in a league match against Almeria.
Take Arsenal and give the 1 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal to win 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Arsenal and give the 1 ball away here.
