English FA CUP
2012-02-18 - Sunderland vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
This is the only Premiership clash of the fifth round in the FA Cup as Sunderland welcomes Arsenal to the Stadium of Light. Arsenal willwant to bounce back after the humiliating 4-0 defeat suffered at the hands of A.C Milan in the Champions League which means they have the impossible task to come back in the second leg. Arsene Wenger's men have slipped out of the Premier League title race and defeat at the Stadium of Light on Saturday would all but end any hopes of a title this season yet again.
Last weekend in the league Arsenal won 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp winner from Thierry Henry, who will be unavailable for this weekend's clash after completing his short-term loan stint from New York Red Bulls. Sunderland's defeat was only their second loss in 12 encounters in all competitions, with their resurgence under manager Martin O'Neill having lifted them to ninth in the Premiership.
Sunderland will be eager for revenge today and hoping to take advantage of a shattered Arsenal side as they bid to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since they reached the final four eight years ago. As for Arsenal they last won a title back in 2005 when they lifted the FA Cup and will want to progress further in the competition.
Team News :
Sunderland Team News :
Midfielder Lee Cattermole could be back in the side after a hamstring injury. Nicklas Bendtner is back in training but, as the Denmark striker is on loan from the Gunners, he is ineligible for the fifth-round clash against his employers. David Vaughan (ankle) is still out as are Wes Brown (knee) and Titus Bramble (Achilles/calf).
Arsenal Team News :
Arsenal are missing centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny for the visit to the Stadium of Light. Mertesacker (ankle) is out for the long term, while Koscielny (knee) should be missing for only one week.
Gervinho returns from Africa Cup of Nations duty, but defenders Carl Jenkinson (back) and Andre Santos (ankle) are still out, along with midfielders Abou Diaby (hamstring) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) for the Gunners.
Predictions
On Level ball handicap, go for Arsenal not to get beaten in this match.
The Pick :
Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for Arsenal to get the win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
On Level Ball Handicap take Arsenal to bounce back from the midweek defeat and progress further in the FA Cup.
On Level Ball Handicap take Arsenal to bounce back from the midweek defeat and progress further in the FA Cup.
