English Premier
2006-03-18 - Arsenal vs Charlton
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
ARSENAL (5th) 14-5-10 45:23
LAST 10 FORM = DWLLWDLLWW
Arsenal are starting to play with a bit more confidence now - especially at home at Highbury where the pitch is always perfectly prepared for their passing game.
The Gunners have racked up a 10-2-2 league record at home, and have scored 32 goals in those 14 games as Thierry Henry and co have enjoyed the benefit of home support.
With no games in midweek this week or next week, Arsenal have been free to focus on this league clash and so I expect a strong side to be named and Arsenal fully focused on claiming three points.
CHARLTON (13th) 11-6-12 34:38
LAST 10 FORM = WDDLWLDDDW
Charlton's recent form has taken a dramatic change in tone, and manager Alan Curbishley seems to have taken a pragmatic approach in recent league games with Charlton already recording four 0-0 draws in 2006.
Faced with a tough fixture list the Addicks have managed 0-0 draws at both Newcastle and Liverpool and also battled to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea too.
Charlton have an FA Cup quarter-final to look forward, with a home tie against weary Middlesbrough on Thursday, and it is possible that this is proving a bit of a distraction with nothing to play for in the league.
HEAD TO HEAD
Arsenal have tended to get the better of Charlton in recent seasons winning 4 of the last 5 games at Highbury, and also winning 1-0 at the Valley in the reverse fixture played on Boxing Day.
26/12/05 Charlton v Arsenal 0 - 1
02/10/04 Arsenal v Charlton 4 - 0
28/02/04 Arsenal v Charlton 2 - 1
02/03/03 Arsenal v Charlton 2 - 0
04/11/01 Arsenal v Charlton 2 - 4
26/08/00 Arsenal v Charlton 5 - 3
THE VERDICT
Arsenal are slowly getting their injury list reduced, and are fully focused on this fixture while Charlton may have an eye on their FA Cup quarter-Final.
Addicts have proved to be a tough nut to crack by getting three top away draws with tenacious defence, but may find this game a test too far.
The Pick :
Arsenal 2-1 Charlton
