English FA CUP
2011-01-08 - Arsenal vs Leeds Utd
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football : England : FA Cup 3rd Round
Saturday, 8th January 2011 - Kickoff 12:45
Arsenal
The Christmas period has been dealt with reasonably well by Arsenal, with two wins and two draws from four games - and with the squad looking to be almost at full strength it seems likely that manager Arsene Wenger will play team rotation.
Arsenal Team News :
Captain Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Laurent Koscielny are all set to be rested, so the likes of Denilson, Craig Eastmond, Nicklas Bendtner and Tomas Rosicky should all start.
Emmanuel Eboue will come in at right-back for the suspended Bacary Sagna, while Kieran Gibbs is available again after an ankle injury.
That's a lot of changes, and bearing in mind that we saw a much changed Arsenal side have to settle for a 2-2 draw at Wigan in the League over Christmas I would not want to be lumping on this Arsenal side to win at prices of 1.25 to 1.35
Leeds United
Leeds United created headlines last season, knocking Manchester United out of the FA Cup at this stage and then only going out to Tottenham after a replay - but that was the first time that Leeds had reached the fourth round in seven seasons.
This season, Leeds United are making a very good fist of their bid for promotion from the Championship this season, sitting in 5th place after 26 games.
However, recent form has been just a little bit off, with three draws against Leicester, Portsmouth and Middlebrough followed by a 1-2 loss at Cardiff City.
And I do wonder whether Leeds REALLY want to be dealing with another FA Cup run this year, or whether a focused tilt at promotion back to the Premier League is the Yorkshire clubs main aim.
Leeds United Team News :
Manager Simon Grayson said: "We're depleted somewhat by injury as it stands. Leeds trio Sanchez Watt, Lloyd Sam and Andy O'Brien are all doubtful for the 3rd round clash.
Striker Watt, on a season-long loan from the Gunners, has been given permission to play by Arsene Wenger but sustained a head injury after stepping off the bench in the midweek defeat at Cardiff.
The Betting Verdict :
I know that - unless you are a Leeds United fan - you think that I'm mad to say that this match is not a banker home win ... but just take a look at last season to see what Leeds did at Old Trafford. This is a mixed Arsenal side - that does not have the experience of a full-strength side.
So I don't like the price on a home win - but what I do like are the odds on offer for OVER 2.5 GOALS with both sides seemingly prefering to play an attacknig brand of football.
Leeds have a 46:43 goal difference after 26 games at an average of 3.42 total goals per game, while Arsenal are 42:22 from 21 games at an average of 3.04
I know that Arsenal have just played out a 0-0 draw with Manchester City, but to my mind this game has the look of a good cup-tie about it - and at least 3 goals in the game.
The Pick :
Arsenal 3-1 Leeds United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take OVER 2.5 GOALS which is available at 1.53 at Bet365Leeds United fans will probably think a tenner on the away win is value - and I would not disagree.
