Stoke v Man United Betting Preview

Manchester United take on Stoke in the evening kick off on Saturday and they are looking to extend their best ever start to a season under manager Alex Ferguson. Stoke though, have also started the season very well and currently sit in 5th place in the league after 5 games. Both these sides won their midweek Carling Cup games and will be looking to continue that good form in the league. This fixture finished 2-1 to Man United last season, but will Stoke have something more up their sleeve this time round?

Stoke v Man United Betting odds

Stoke City

Stoke have had a good start to the season so far, they currently sit in 5th place in the league, have progressed in the Carling Cup and have made a solid start to their Europa League campaign. It could though, have been even better for Tony Pulis as his team suffered a shock 4-0 defeat away at out of form Sunderland last week. Although the Potters have had a good Premier League start, none of their players have more than 1 goal in their opening 5 and they have only scored 3 goals. New signing Peter Crouch is still looking for his first goal for Stoke and the big striker is looking a good bet at 4.33 with William Hill to score at any time. Stoke have a poor record against Man United in recent seasons and have lost all 6 of their previous meetings with the current champions. However, the direct style of Stoke could prove too much for Man United’s young defence and so betting on a home win with odds of 7.0 from Paddy Power may not be a bad idea.

Man Utd

Man United have had a great start to the campaign and could even afford to miss a penalty in their victory over Chelsea last Sunday. With 5 wins out of 5 in the league so far this season, the Red Devils are firm favourites to win at the Britannia on Saturday. A correct score of 3-1 is looking good value at 13.0 from bet 365, as Man United have scored plenty of goals this season but have still looked a little soft in defence. The current champions have started their last two games against Leeds and Chelsea very brightly and so betting on Man United to score in the first 10 minutes with odds of 5.5 from Skybet is also looking good. Wayne Rooney has started the season in fierce form after netting 9 goals in 5 games and is great odds at 4.5 with Paddy Power to open the scoring on Saturday.

Highlighted bets

Stoke WIN – 7.0 Paddy Power
Crouch anytime scorer – 7.0 Paddy Power
3-1 away WIN – 13.0 Bet365
Wayne Rooney first scorer – 4.5 Paddy Power

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Brighton v Liverpool Betting Preview

Brighton: League Position (Championship): 3rd, League Form (Championship): DWWWL

Brighton have had a fantastic start to life in The Championship and life at their brand new stadium, known as The Amex. Gus Poyet’s team have stepped up a level in class and taken the transition in stride, unbeaten in all competitions until defeat by Leicester on Saturday.

They have also continued their attacking approach to the game, playing swift passing football. Summer signing Craig Mackail-Smith has added to their style, and also brings a hard working ethic to their front line.

They have already knocked out Gillingham in the first round and Sunderland in the next round. Another Premiership team at their brand new ground comes in the form of Liverpool, and there is no chance Brighton will sit back and try to steal victory.

Brighton v Liverpool odds

Liverpool: League Position: 8th, League Form: DWWLL

Liverpool’s great start to the Premier League campaign has been blighted by two away defeats on the run. A harsh defeat at Stoke was followed by a humbling destruction at White Hart Lane by Spurs. Although they had two men sent off, they were being outplayed by Tottenham, which may lower expectations of a title assault and remind the players and fans about the challenge of securing a top four spot this season.

Liverpool have lost three of last five away games, but showed in the last round at Exeter that they will take this competition seriously. Reina, Skrtel, Adam, Suarez and Carroll all played, and with no European distractions this season Liverpool could take this competition seriously.

They will be without Skrtel and Adam after their red cards, Agger suffered a fractured rib and also Meireles (now of Chelsea) from the team that beat Exeter. The quality in their side is evident, so the motivation and the squad depth will be tested here.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 4.00 Betfred

It is hard to look past Liverpool in this tie. Although poor away from home, Dalglish’s side appear to be taking the competition seriously, mixing fringe youth players, with Premier League experience themselves, and established stars. Liverpool have only failed to score once in their last 38 meetings with lower league opposition in the League Cup, and with at least one of Suarez, Carroll and Bellamy likely to play they should be expecting to score.

Brighton themselves are an attacking side, and have scored six in their three home league ties this season, although also conceding three which shows teams are scoring there.

Brighton’s top scorer Ashley Barnes is at 10.00 with Ladbrokes to score first, and is the best value of all the punts on offer. An attacking side out to prove their quality at home will be on the front foot from kick off.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.67 Stan James
First Goalscorer: Ashley Barnes – 10.00 Ladbrokes
Correct Score: 2-1 Liverpool WIN – 17.00 Bet Fred
Both Teams To Score – 1.75 Blue Sq

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Chelsea v Fulham Betting Preview

Chelsea face Fulham on Wednesday in the Carling Cup as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. This is both sides first game in the competition this season but Chelsea were knocked out in the 3rd round last season to Newcastle and Fulham also suffered defeat in that round to Stoke. The Blues do have history in the cup, winning the competition 4 times as recently as 2005 and 2007, but Fulham have only ever reached the last 8.

Chelsea v Fulham Betting odds

Chelsea

Chelsea suffered an early season title blow on Sunday when they lost out 3-1 away to Manchester United in a game that included an early contender for miss of the season from striker Fernando Torres. New manager Villas-Boas will be wanting to bounce back from that defeat and may see the Carling Cup as an early chance to win some silverware. With this in mind, a 2-0 home win for Chelsea is looking like a good bet at 7.5 from Skybet. It is quite difficult to predict what sort of team Villas-Boas will pick, however it almost certainly won’t be full strength after 2 games last week and another home game against Swansea coming up this Saturday. However, Chelsea’s reserve team should still be strong enough to fend off what could be a changed Fulham side. Juan Mata has impressed since his arrival from Valencia in the summer and the midfielder is looking a good bet at 7.0 from Bet365 to open the scoring.

Fulham

Fulham relieved some of the pressure on boss martin Jol on Sunday when they battled back from 2 goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City. However, it has been a less than satisfactory start for the Cottagers and they currently sit 3rd bottom with just 3 points from 5 games. Manager Jol also has the Europa League to think about, so it looks likely that he will rotate his squad for this game with Chelsea. Fulham’s bad start to the season is represented in their odds for Wednesday night and the Cottagers are priced as long as 10.0 at Stan James. Bobby Zamora has scored 4 goals in all competitions this season and is most certainly the danger man for the away side. The big striker is looking a good bet at 4.5 with Skybet to score at any time during the match. Fulham have only scored 1 goal away from home this season though, and Chelsea have hardly been prolific so betting on under 2.5 goals at Skybet is looking a good choice.

Highlighted Bets
Chelsea 2-0 WIN – 7.5 Skybet
Mata first scorer – 7.0 Bet365
Fulham WIN – 10.0 Stan James
Zamora anytime scorer – 4.5 Skybet
Under 2.5 goals – 2.5 Skybet

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Man Utd vs Chelsea Betting Preview

Manchester United, League Position: 1st: League Form: WWWW

Manchester United have started this season like a team who want to prove their domestic dominance, scoring 18 goals in four games, and winning all of them. Even with injuries in their back line, young defenders Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones have stepped in seamlessly, defending fantastically and launching attacks from the back. Nemanja Vidic remains sidelined for this weekend’s fixture, but Rio Ferdinand should return.

The midfield will be missing young English midfielder Tom Cleverley after he was injured in the 5-0 win at Bolton last Saturday, but the Champions still have options. This is the most contentious area when it comes to Manchester United’s line up. Park Ji-Sung, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs all featured midweek in a solid draw away at Benfica in the Champions League, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be wary of the strength of Chelsea’s midfield. Big game players like Fletcher and Park could feature, whilst Giggs was a pivotal player in their success against Chelsea last season. Four wins from five matches against each the boys from Stamford Bridge could be a sign that United have the knack in this fixture.

Man Utd vs Chelsea Odds

Chelsea, League Position: 3rd: League Form: DWWW

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted Chelsea are still a threat, and that manager Andre Villas-Boas has had a good start. Yet it’s the Manchester sides that head the table, not only in position but performance too. The discussions about Chelsea centre on the continued struggle of Fernando Torres and not of a title assault.

Who leads Chelsea’s attack is hard to guess. A front three of Sturridge, Anelka and Mata looked mobile and threatening in victory over Sunderland, yet Torres created both goals in the Champions League victory at home to Bayer Leverkusen midweek. However, one goal in 23 appearances is not the kind of record you want for a striker about to face the Champions. Didier Drogba misses out, and this will be a real showing of how low his manager’s confidence in him is if Torres does not start.

John Terry and Frank Lampard return after a midweek rest, and their experience could be as crucial as their ability here. Only one clean sheet in their past eight league games is very un-Chelsea like, whilst the fragility shown by their defence in ties against Sunderland and Norwich so far this season will be a welcoming sight to their upcoming opponents.

Match Prediction: Manchester United WIN – 1.91 Ladbrokes

It is hard to look beyond Manchester United for any game, but a home tie in the form they are in points straight to United victory. When the big games came last year the Reds found ways to beat Chelsea, Javier Hernandez finding the net in three of those five matches last term.

Chelsea’s lack of clean sheets and Manchester United’s prolific scoring makes both teams to score a very tempting bet. Chelsea will be very hard pushed to keep a clean sheet, and their manager must be expecting them to need goals.

The positives for goalscorers are in the Manchester United side of the market. Rooney has scored more goals (eight) so far this term than any other team, aside from Manchester City. He also takes penalties and freekicks. Hernandez came back into the side like he hadn’t been away, and three goals in five games against Chelsea last season is hard to ignore.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.91 Coral, Stan James, Blue Sq, William Hill
First Goalscorer: Javier Hernandez – 7.00 Ladbrokes
Correct Score: 2-1 Manchester United – 10.00 Ladbrokes
Both Teams To Score: Yes – 1.83 Coral, Blue Sq
Wayne Rooney to Score Anytime – 2.25 Sky Bet, Victor Chandler, Stan James, William Hill

By Chris Wilkerson

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Tottenham vs Liverpool Betting Preview

Tottenham League Position: 15th League Form: LLW

Spur’s league campaign was stunted by the postponement of their opening fixture against Everton and while they suffered drubbings against both Manchester clubs they managed to find their first 3 points with a 2-0 victory over Wolves last weekend.

Tottenham vs Liverpool Betting odds

New signings Scott Parker and Emanuel Adebayor were stand out performers with Luka Modric also on song and the ex-Togolese captain scoring on his debut. The strong on loan striker has a good record against Liverpool after he scored against them in 2008. If you can see him scoring against a Liverpool defence, which hasn’t looked at its best this season so far, why not back him at 3.25 on Ladbrokes to score any time in the fixture.

Rafael van De Vaart has is yet to open his account for this season and will be hungry for goals after being omitted from the Europa League squad. Last season the Dutch hitman opened the scoring for Spurs against Tottenham with a superb strike, so his odds of 8.5 on Victor Chandler to score first could be cause for a few quid ventured on him being the first goalscorer.

Liverpool

The last time Liverpool beat Tottenham was back in January of 2010 where Dirk Kuyt bagged both of the goals. Kuyt has featured this season and should keep his starting berth ahead of Andy Carroll and if you fancy him to bag a brace against Spurs again then he is tipped at good odds of 26.0 on Blue Square, which must be worth some money.

The last 5 meetings between these sides haven’t warranted any more than 4 goals so a good bet might be to tip the game to have under 4.5 goals at odds of 1.14 on Victor Chandler.

Luis Suarez will be picked out as the danger man in this squad and will be looking to add to his tally of 2 goals this season by scoring here. Tottenham’s defenders aren’t the quickest and with Suarez’s dribbling he could cause them problems as they tire so why not tip him to score last at odds of 7.5 on Victor Chandler.

2-1 has been the score in 2 of the 3 most recent games between these sides so tipping a 2-1 to the side more in form after their win last weekend could prove a good bet at odds of 11.0 on Ladbrokes.

Article by John Fernandez

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Ayr Gold Cup betting and odds

All eyes will be on Scotland this weekend as the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup takes centre stage with 27 runners expected to do battle over the sharp 6f, writes Mikey Mumford. Pepper Lane is currently the market leader for trainer David O’Meara after winning her last three handicaps. However, there are several contenders queuing in behind to put an end to her four-timer and look out for those bookmakers paying out on five places.

Ayr Gold Cup runners

Regal Parade Winner of this race in 2008 for Dandy Nicholls but has struggled to hit top gear so far this year. Made no impression at York last time over 7f but does seem better at slightly shorter and is one of only a handful in the race with previous course and distance winning form. It will be interesting to see which way he goes in the market.

Hawkeyethenoo Trainer bidding to become first to saddle winner of this race in 36 years and his representative does have a good record at Ayr. He was impressive in the Victoria Cup at Ascot where he won going away and a repeat of that performance would put him bang there. Has won over a little bit further but 6f will suit and everything in place for a bold bid.

Tajneed Been largely disappointing the last twice but ran a cracker behind Hoof It at York in July after being help up early on. Done all his winning on good and good to soft so would appreciate a little cut in the ground and chances if putting his best foot forward.

Pepper Lane Clinging on to favouritism but up and coming trainer has had a good year so far and the nature of his last three wins were most impressive. Particularly at Ripon last time where he made all from stall 17 and had the beating of quite a few of the rivals he will face here. Has easily the best recent form on offer and major chance of completing four-timer.

Eton Rifles Handsome winner at Goodwood on his penultimate run and came up a little short last time after he led 2f out. However, he is a largely consistent performer and another who wouldn’t mind the ground running a little soft. Will probably have to settle for minor honours rather than win purposes.

Mac’s Power Tough sort who is often in the thick of things and has run some creditable races in defeat this year. Should give another good account in this sphere and will get his head in front sooner or later but not sure if it will be here.

Colonel Mak Does have a bit to find with Pepper Lane and a few others on the back of his Ripon sixth two starts back. Another who displays previous course and distance winning form so has a liking for Ayr and chances should he get a good toe into the race from stall number 15. This task is a significant step up from his recent Ffos Las success but at least he comes here in good heart.

Mayson Difficult to discount the Hanagan and Fahey combination in these big field handicaps and the lightly raced Mayson ran a decent race when 40/1 a Ripon last time. He finished third that day but that was his first run of 2011 and expected to be better for that outing and can make his presence felt once more.

Very difficult to call with all 27 runners having earned their placed in this sphere but a couple do stand out. None more so than David O’Meara’s Pepper Lane who has been most impressive winning her last three handicaps and she has easily the best form on offer. But her winning streak could be about to end and HAWKEYETHENOO can take advantage. He failed in his bid in this race last year but has won some decent events in the past twelve months and it could be his and Jim Goldie’s year. Mayson can get in the money for Richard Fahey after his likeable return at Ripon while Colonel Mak can run into some place money. [Mikey Mumford]

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Blackburn vs Arsenal Betting Preview

The Saturday lunchtime kick off in the Premier League sees two sides struggling after poor starts and looking to get points on the board. Arsenal have taken only 4 points from 4 games and their title challenge has taken an early blow, but Blackburn have managed only 1 point from 4 and they currently sit bottom of the pile. The Gunners won this fixture last season 2-1, but their recent record at Ewood hasn’t been great with the home side managing to win 5 of the last 18 matches between the sides.

Blackburn vs Arsenal betting odds

Blackburn

The pressure is really mounting on Blackburn boss Steve Kean, with just 1 point in the league so far this season and 7 goals conceded, the fans have started to make their feelings known. Blackburn have brought in a lot of players since January and the recent good performance against Fulham may suggest that they are starting to gel. Unfortunately they face a tough challenge on Saturday when a rejuvenated Arsenal side come to town. But because of Arsenal’s poor start, Rover’s odds aren’t as long as expected and the best price available comes from Bet365 at 4.5. Scoring goals has been Blackburn’s main problem this season and they have only managed 3 in their 4 league games. Ruben Rochina scored a great goal last Sunday though and the Spanish striker is looking a good bet at 12.0 with Skybet to open the scoring on Saturday. Like Rovers, Arsenal have also struggled for goals this season and so betting on under 2.5 goals at 1.91 with Paddy Power is looking like a shrewd move.

Arsenal

A terrible summer for Arsenal saw them lose 3 of their top players and a poor start to the season was inevitable, but nobody saw the 8-2 defeat to Man United coming. Since then, Wenger has gone into the transfer market and strengthened his squad considerably. The quality isn’t perhaps the same as departed Fabregas and Nasri, but Mertesacker has added some much needed steel to the side. These new additions should give the Gunners enough to see off a struggling Blackburn side and a correct score of 2-1 is looking good at 8.5 from William Hill. Robin Van Persie scored a good goal in Dortmund on Tuesday and the Dutch striker is looking good at 2.2 with Coral to score at any time during the match. Despite bringing in a lot of new players, Arsenal still look vulnerable at the back and so betting on both teams to score in the 1st half at 5.0 from Skybet is looking like another good bet.

Highlighted bets

Blackburn WIN – 4.5 Bet365
Rochina first goal scorer – 12.0 Skybet
Under 2.5 goals – 1.91 Paddy Power
Arsenal 2-1 WIN – 8.5 William Hill

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Chelsea v Bayer Leverkusen Betting Preview

The Champions League returns this week and Andre Villas-Boas makes his Chelsea bow in the competition at home to German team Bayer Leverkusen. Former Chelsea player Michael Ballack could play against his former club in London, as Bayer Leverkusen are looking to cause an early upset against one of the pretournament favourites.

Chelsea v Bayer Leverkusen odds

Chelsea have a good record in the Uefa Champions League in recent seasons, managing to qualify for the knock out stages in all 8 of their previous campaigns. However, they have not managed to lift the trophy which Roman Abramovich wants, although manger Villas-Boas did win the Europa League with Porto last season. The Blues have been efficient if not spectacular in the Premier League so far this season, and so a 2-0 win could be a good bet with odds of 7.0 available from William Hill. Fernando Torres was left out of Saturday’s win at Sunderland, but the Spaniard could well make a return on Tuesday night. The Striker is looking a good bet at 2.1 from Ladbrokes then, to score his first goal of the season at any time during the game. The Blues have also struggled to keep a clean sheet this season, with only 1 to their name, so betting on both teams to score at 2.05 with Stan James could give a decent return.

Bayer Leverkusen qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2004 last season when they enjoyed a great campaign and finished runners up behind Borussia Dortmund. Leverkusen have also started well in this season’s Bundesliga as they currently sit in 4th place with 10 points from 5 games. The German side have a couple of injury doubts to Rene Adler and Tranquillo Barnetta, but they have some good players who could cause Chelsea some serious problems at Stamford Bridge. Striker Eren Derdiyok is one of those, the Switzerland international impressed against England in June and is looking a good bet at 13.0 at Paddy Power to open the scoring. Although clear under dogs at 9.0 with William Hill, Leverkusen had the perfect preparation at the weekend when they enjoyed a good 4-1 win away at FC Augsburg. Apart from that win though, goals have been hard to come by for Leverkusen, as they have only managed 2 goals in their previous 4 league games this season.

Highlighted Bets:
Chelsea 2-0 WIN – 7.0 William Hill
Torres anytime scorer – 2.1 Ladbrokes
Both teams to score – 2.05 Stan James
Under 2.5 goals – 1.8 Bet365
Eren Derdiyok first goal scorer – 13.0 Paddy Power

Article by Sam Markham

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Manchester City v Napoli Betting Preview

Manchester City: League Position: 2nd, League Form: WWWW

The dog days are over at Manchester City. Not only have they arrived on the major international club tournament, the holy grail of the Champions League, they seem to have abandoned the desperate desire to defend at all costs, the 1-0 victories a thing of the past. 15 goals in their opening four Premier League fixtures, beautiful passing football, even more big names in Nasri and Aguero, and now Dzeko has found his scoring boots they look a force.

And now for the big test. As close to a group of death as they could have picked, Mancini will take solace in starting in front of their own fans. Napoli, this week’s opponents, Bayern Munich and Villarreal join Manchester City in Group A, and it’s clear the blue side of Manchester will have proven it’s presence is deserved if they can qualify for the knockout stages.

However, in the form they are in, with the players they have got, and the confidence they carry, it’s hard to see many sides stopping them. Proven Champions League players mixed with proven Premier League stars and a manager with experience make for a good recipe. Nasri, Aguero, Tevez, Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva and even ‘keeper Joe Hart will say this is where they belong, and now we’ll see.

Napoli: League Position: 2nd, League Form: W

Just like their opponents, Napoli are also new to the competition in its modern format, although they did participate in the 1987/88 and 1990/91 Champions’ Cups. They also fell at the last 16 stage of the 2010/11, and thus have similar European experience as a club. The difference is that they are inexperienced in Champions League football as players. Finishing 3rd last season in Serie A is a huge achievement, and they established themselves at home again. With their Europa League run last year they have also shown they can balance domestic and European pursuits.

The heart of their team is classy playmaker Marek Hamsik, who will control the pace of the midfield if allowed space and time. He supports an exciting array of attacking talent. Both Ezequeil Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani have been linked with big money moves to England, and to Manchester City, and have pace, skill and potential in abundance. New loan signing Goran Pandev is also full of talent, and in many ways this Napoli side will surprise many who expect slow, methodical, and in many ways traditional Italian play. The attacking players will interchange positions with ease, play attractive football and test their opponent’s backline. An opening day 3-1 away win over Cesena shows they will attack with intent, even on the road.

Match Prediction: Manchester City WIN – 1.4 Betfred

As good a side as Napoli have become, and even as much in common as they have (first Champions League appearances, last 16 of last season’s Europa League, third place in domestic league) there is still a massive gulf between these sides. Manchester City’s money has enabled them to build a world class squad, let alone just a first XI, filled with unbelievable talent. And whilst last year they seemed to hold much in reserve, this year they look like an attacking force that will dominate any weaknesses.

15 goals in four Premier League games. Aguero and Dzeko both in goalscoring form, supported by Nasri and Silva. It is not just personnel that has made this City side exciting. Full backs are flying forward, there is no reliance on Tevez, there is free-flowing football. Mancini may also feel that with such a tight group they must win at home, they can be reserved on the road but they cannot throw away points in front of their own fans. This, on top of their remarkable form, makes City the team to be with. Napoli are by no means a poor side, but the wave of optimism is hard to fight against. And with Dzeko looking a world class front man, rested at the weekend too, back him to score first.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 goals – 1.8 Stan James
First Goalscorer: Edin Dzeko – 5.5 William Hill
Correct Score: 3-1 Man City Win – 13.00 Sky Bet

Article by Chris Wilkerson

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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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