Arsenal vs Swansea Betting Preview

Arsenal League Position: 17th League Form: DLL

As weak as Arsenal’s side appeared ahead of their match with Manchester United last weekend, an 8-2 defeat was beyond the realms of the most pessimistic fan’s nightmare. The unbalanced side became more and more demoralised as their rivals in red ran riot.

Since then Arsene Wenger has delved into the transfer market and brought in established talent. Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun, Andre Santos, Park Chu-Young and Per Mertesacker, addressing issues across his side. Just as important could be the return to the side of Bacary Sagna, Arsenal’s most consistent over the past couple of seasons, whilst Emmanuel Frimpong’s suspension finishing leaves them with depth in the first team and on the bench.

They still have undoubted class too. Although they have only scored two goals this season, star striker Van Persie cannot be accused of being off his game, having scored 4 midweek for The Netherlands in an 11-0 victory over San Marino.

Swansea League Position: 15th League Form: LDD

Swansea are slowly adapting to life in the big time. They have so far found that Premier League defences are not as accommodating as those that they are used to. No goals in their opening three games, from a side expected to take to their task of survival in style like Blackpool before them, has been a major surprise for many.

Their first Premiership experience came against another of the big boys, Manchester City. They kept the ball brilliantly at times, but in areas of little danger, and may be comfortably managed in the same way by many other top flight sides. Slowly, the greater talent of the men in blue shone through.

The pace of Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge will look to drive at a shaky defence with the ball at their feet. However, the most impressive performer has been goalkeeper Michel Vorm. It’s easy to imagine he will need to perform more heroics this weekend.

Match Prediction: Arsenal WIN – 1.36 Sky Bet, Bet 365

Arsenal’s poor performances this season have come from summer months of turmoil, matched with poor timings for injuries and suspensions. New signings have filled positions that were looking shorn of Arsenal standard talent, and know even with players out they have a team Swansea fans would dream for.

Swansea’s lack of goals could come to haunt them against class opposition like Arsenal, who will be happy to back themselves in a game of who can create and take more chances.

However, it is unlikely Arsenal will defend solidly as Manchester City, and will leave themselves open. Swansea should expect to create opportunities to open their Premiership accounts, but will only win this game if Arsenal capitulate. The international break may have come at an ideal time for Arsenal to gather themselves after their awful defeat, and the manner of it may also come as a shot in the arm. With new blood revitalising them, Arsenal could finally come out fighting.

Their top scorer this season Theo Walcott is still a decent price to score first if he shakes off the injury that kept him off international duty midweek, whilst it is hard to see Robin Van Persie not carrying his goalscoring form from the Holland games into this tie.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.67 Bet 365, Boyle Sports, Sky Bet, Ladbrokes
First Goalscorer: Theo Walcott – 8.00 William Hill
Correct Score: 4-1 – 21.00 Stan James, Sky Bet
Win/Score Double: Arsenal/Robin Van Persie – 2.00 Blue Square

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