English Premier
2006-12-16 - Arsenal vs Portsmouth
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Arsenal managed to beat Wigan in their last match courtesy of a goal from Emmanuel Adebayor late tin the match. Now they will have to face Portsmouth who are currently in 4th place and the visitors have only conceded 8 goals away from home which is the second best away defence after Manchester United and Chelsea with 5 each.
Portsmouth in their last four away games have come up against difficult opponents and suffered three defeats and managed a good draw against Liverpool at Anfield, to the surprise of many. They were prior to that beaten when they came up against the likes of Chelsea 2-1, Manchester United 3-0 and Newcastle United 1-0. Only Manchester United score 3 goals against them and that was the highest they have conceded on their travels this season.
There is only one point separating each side here and though Arsenal starts this match as red hot favourites, I think the handicap here is way too high especially when you consider that they are missing Theirry Henry. Arsenal did score three goals when they played with Tottenham but Tottenham were poor travellers on the road, Portsmouth have managed to lose by just one goal against Chelsea and managed to hold Liverpool in their last away match.
The bookies I feel are relying on past results here as in previous seasons The Gunners did enjoy to win handsomely by 4-0 and 3-0 in the past two season.s That is wrong as if you go back further a season before those huge wins, Porstmouth did managed a 1-1 draw. But those results were all achieved at highbury those 4-0 and 3-0 so it is a different ball game now I feel.
Harry Redknapp will also want to prove they can compete for a place in Europe and will be giving all the have in this match here. Redknapp however have several players out such as Andy Cole (Achilles), Tresor Lomana Lua Lua (thigh) and Benjani Mwaruwari (hamstring) while former Arsenal man Nwanku Kanu faces a late fitness test to see if he can play this match. Their midfield will be strengthen however with the return of Pedro Mendes after serving a suspension.
As for Arsene Wenger's side, they will also conduct a late fitness test on William Gallas (thigh) and Tomas Rosicky (groin, hamstring) to see if they can play here. Adebayor will once again lead the attack with Robin van Persie with Captain Thierry Henry out injured still. Cesc Fabregas will start this match after coming in the second half and assisted the pass that led to Emmanuel Adebayor scoring.
Most are expecting Arsenal to get a big win here. But I think a slim win is on the cards here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Arsenal to win 1-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
However take Portsmouth and accept the 1 1/4 ball here.
