English Premier
2012-04-08 - Arsenal vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : English : Premier League
Sunday, April 8th, 2012, 1:30PM GMT
PREVIEW
Call me crazy but I think Arsenal have a chance at a win in this one. The loss against QPR looked like a blip for a team clearly enjoying some great form, and if they can shake it off to put in a concerted effort in front of the home fans, a result looks likely. Manchester City come here on the back of some shaky performances, so backing them to now win away at Arsenal would feel misguided.
Manchester City will be 8 points behind Manchester United, who should bet QPR in the earlier kickoff. They will know that nothing short of a win will do, but that does not mean they will get that win. Just look at the past few weeks, as United continue to grind out results, only to find Manchester City fail to cope with the pressure and drop points.
The wobbles have been big ones too, in totally winnable games. To lose 1-0 at Swansea, then draw 1-1 at Stoke and then the 3-3 draw at home, when they were being soundly beaten for most of the game by Sunderland, hardly inspires confidence. Make no mistake, there are doubts in this team, and that sort of thinking is like a virus.
Arsenal and City have played some hot-headed fixtures in recent meetings, with the last 3 games having no fewer than 3 red cards shown. This should be no different, and the bookings market looks worth a good long look.
Arsenal have dropped just 1 of their last 14 games at home, winning 11 of them. Against Aston Villa, in their last home game, the Gunners cruised from start to finish, winning 3-0. What might get picked up is the fact Arsenal have failed to score in 5 of the last 6 matches against City, including the last 3 played here. However, City have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 visits to the Emirates too!
One man you should definitely take a good look at in the anytime scorer markets is Robin Van Persie, who has been a bit quiet of late and is surely due. You can get him at even money to net, and with the captain already netting against 16 of the 19 teams in the league, you would have to fancy him to add City to that list as he makes his way towards the Golden Boot award. If he does score, he will become only the 4th player to score against 17 different clubs in the same season. Wrighty was the only other Gunner to accomplish the feat.
Manchester City have scored just 5 goals in their last 9 Premier League away games and won just 1, losing 4 and drawing 3 times. For me, despite the big price, they are not worth taking, as Arsenal look good for at least a point. Of course, I'm a Gooner, so will bet on my team to get past City, but a punt on the draw would not be a bad decision, as the last 2 matches here with City have ended in draws.
BETTING VERDICT
I suggest you take Arsenal to win, or consider the draw, because City are just not looking like champions at this stage. The Arsenal have showed amazing fight and spirit in recent games, and when you look at the way they fought to win so many games when trailing, you'd rather have your money on them if betting on a team to show some fire.
I'm having a greedy weekend, so with the 3-3 draw in City's last game fresh in my mind, will take a chance on Arsenal to come good and net a few goals at a huge price. Fingers crossed!
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal to win
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Bet :Take Arsenal Team Total Goals - Over 2.5 goals @ 4.50 (Bet365)
Or consider Arsenal Team Total - Over 1.5 goals @ 2.10 (Pinnacle) as your safer option
