English Premier
2012-08-18 - Arsenal vs Sunderland
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Arsenal kicks off their campaign against Sunderland and they will begin their season knowing that they have gone seven seasons without winning any trophies and their challenge is to win a trophy in the next 12 months.
And after losing the likes of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City last season, this season they have lost their Captain Robin van Persie, who is heading to Manchester United after revealing that he would not be signing an extension to his Arsenal contract because of a 'disagreement over the way the club should move forward'.
And after scoring 30 goals to become the Premiership top scorer no doubt Robin van Persie's departure leaves a void but Wenger has at least recruited a number of new attacking recruits in the shape of Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and the versatile Santi Cazorla.
As for Sunderland, they started and were struggling at the midway point, before Martin O'Neill replaced Steve Bruce as manager and changed things. Their transfer window has been quiet and they finishes last season in 13th spot. Carlos Cuellar has arrived to bolster the defence and Louis Saha was signed on Thursday on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham earlier in the summer.
Team News :
Arsenal Team News :
Cazorla will be checked before kick-off after featuring in Spain's friendly win over Puerto Rico, while Theo Walcott is also doubtful after withdrawing from England duty with a bruised thigh. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also pulled out of Roy Hodgson's squad with an ankle problem and has not recovered in time, while Laurent Koscielny (calf) also misses out.
Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere is still not ready to make his eagerly-awaited comeback from knee and ankle problems and Tomas Rosicky (tendon), Bacary Sagna (leg) and Emmanuel Frimpong (knee) are also out. Giroud and Podolski could make their debuts in a new-look strike-force, while Thomas Vermaelen has been appointed their new Captain.
Sunderland Team News :
Saha is available to make his debut at Emirates Stadium after completing his move in time for the weekend, while fellow summer signing Cuellar is also set to start at centre-back position. Phil Bardsley will be out for a few weeks after undergoing surgery on his ankle.
Stephane Sessegnon has returned to training after sustaining an ankle problem earlier in pre-season and O'Neill is hopeful he can feature at some stage. Wes Brown and David Vaughan have also made good progress following recent injuries but this match comes too soon for them.
Predictions :
Take Arsenal and give the 1 1/4 ball here to get off to a win in their first match.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Go for Arsenal to clear the -1 1/4 ball handicap here.
Go for Arsenal to clear the -1 1/4 ball handicap here.
