Arsenal vs Montpellier betting preview

The UEFA Champions League enters game week five where it’s time for teams to push on for qualification. Montpellier sit bottom of Group B whereas Arsenal are in the mix to qualify for the knockout stages. The reigning Ligue One champions have not had a great start to their domestic campaign, lying in thirteenth position following a one all draw against fifth place Valenciennes. Arsenal won five two against their north-London rivals Spurs at the weekend which will give the team a lot of confidence. Choose from over £500 in free bets for this match.

Arsenal 2^nd – 7 Points

Last time these two teams, Arsenal came from behind to win two one in France. Star striker Oliver Giroud is looking a fine player now, scoring five in his last five and answering his critics. He is facing his old teams and to pay respect may score against his former team mates. Another man in form and in the news is Theo Walcott. The Englishman has nine goals to his name this season and as the weeks go on, the pressure to sign a new contract will increase.

In defence, Arsenal have been good and bad. With assistant manager Steve Bould joining in the summer, the Gunners have been a lot tighter however the personnel has let down the team at the times.  Questions have been asked about Mertesacker’s lack of pace and the great Andre Santos’s shirt swap however Arsenal are expected to dispatch this French outfit.

Montpellier 4^th – 1 point

The debutants to the Champions League have struggled in their first season, only picking up one point. Although it is mathematically possibly for them to qualifier, Montpellier will require maximum points from their games and miracles in other fixtures. Losing striker Giroud to Arsenal has not helped however Younes Belhanda has tried to carry his team forward with the aid of Souleymane Camara’s four league goals.

To help resurrect their stuttering league start an early exit from Europe could benefit Montpellier’s league defence however that is also highly unlikely. Arsenal too have had a up and down start to the season so we could be in for either a dull nil nil or a classic European group game.

Betting tips

Oliver Giroud first to score, 11/4 on William Hill

Belhanda to score anytime, 10/3 on Bet365

Arsenal to win 3-2, 25/1 on BetFred

Podolski to score 2 or more, 5/1 on Paddy Power

Written by Kelvin Morgan

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