ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - FULHAM V ARSENAL

English Premier

2008-08-23 - Fulham vs Arsenal

A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner

Fulham v Arsenal
English Premier League
Craven Cottage, London,
Saturday 23rd August 2008 - KO 17:30

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FULHAM

Fulham's 1-2 away defeat at new boys Hull City last weekend was a bit of a surprise, as I felt that Fulham has strengthened quite a bit during the close season with Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), Bobby Zamora (West Ham), Zoltan Gera (West Brom), and Andy Johnson (Everton).

Of course it might be a while until we see Johnson on the park, but te problem appears to be in midfield, where Hull seemed to run the game in the second half and were probably worth the win.

Roy Hodgson generally has Fulham playing a good passing style, but unfortunately for the Cottagers that matches up badly against "The Arse" who did the double over Fulham last season.

ARSENAL

Arsenal "only" beaqt West Brom 1-0 at the Emirates last Saturday, a result that pundits have been quick to pronounce as disappointing a line that's been picked up quickly by fans.

But, if you'd watched the game, or even looked at the stats then you'd have seen that the Gunners managed 24 shots (14 on target) and dominated possession with 61% of the ball.

Yes Arsenal were over-elaborate in front of goal - yes they missed some sitters - but Arsenal had the lead after just four minutes and on another day the score could have been 4/5 to 0/1.

Winning was the important thing, and that result should allow Arsenal to play with their usual passing freedom at Craven Cottage.

Cesc Fabregas is training again, but will be saved for the Wednesday Champions League fixture against FC Twente, which means that Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Mikael Silvestre are all likely to be included in the sqaud for the quick 15km trip.

HEAD TO HEAD

Arsenal have been dominant agaisnt Fulham in the Premier League holding a 12-1-1 record at all venues, and an impressive 6-0-1 record at Craven Cottage.

Last season Arsenal crusied to a 3-0 win here thanks to goals by Adebayor(2), and Tomas Rosicky.

THE VERDICT

Arswenal like playing against Fulham, enjoying the battle of passing styles, and the Gunners do have some impressive talent up front to create plenty of chances.

Adebayor was wasteful last week, but the big man doesn't usually have a string of off-days and he's priced up at 2.50 at PaddyPower to find the net anytime..

I'll go for Arsenal to score at least a couple of goals, and that should be enough for the win.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take ARSENAL to win.

If you want a better price then consider ADEBAYOR to SCORE ANYTIME at 2.50 at PaddyPower.

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