Arsenal

Arsenal v Newcastle

The Gunners turn their focus back to the Premier League after their near heroics in the Champions League midweek. The Gunners nearly overturned a 4-0 first leg deficit against AC Milan back at the Emirates, winning 3-0 on the night. While it wasn’t enough, it did confirm the good form that Arsenal are in at the moment, building up a run of four successive wins in the Premier League as well. Their last two wins have been against Spurs and Liverpool, so there have been tough, character building games in there. Granted, they were second best completely against Liverpool, and they needed the incredible form of Robin van Persie to earn three points for them there. But all in all, you really can’t argue with the turnaround in form which Arsenal have enacted after losing all three of their league matches in January. Suddenly they look a much more confident side, are more balanced on the ball, are have stiffened up at the back. However, Arsenal are not perfect at the back, as they are still liable to give away goals. They have had to come from in their last three matches to secure wins, so if they can add clean sheets to their form going forward, then a third place finish, which looked wholly unlikely a while ago, seems like a real possibility. The Gunners will also have seen third placed Spurs lose again, this time against Everton on Saturday, and now Arsenal can pull within one point of their North London rivals with a win over the Magpies. Arsenal’s home form reads W9 D2 L2, and they have won three of their last four home matches in the Premier League. Robin van Persie has netted six in the last four league matches, so he is always a valuable wager in the Goalscorer markets for your betting. Arsenal are favourites here as they are averaging over goals per game at home this season, and Newcastle are not in great away form.

However, there is reason for Arsenal to be a little cautious, as Newcastle won this fixture 1-0 last season, and they continue to look a solid side. However, Alan Pardew’s men are without a win in their last three Premier League matches, and they have lost three of their last four away matches. In two of their last three away matches in the EPL, Newcastle has conceded five goals (against Fulham and Spurs). But they are still a top six side and they will look to consolidate that with at least a point away at the Emirates on Monday night. With a decent run of form Newcastle can still push for a Champions League spot and taking points off one of the main challengers for that spot, Arsenal will be a huge boost for the Magpies. Demba Ba does have the pace and power to trouble the Arsenal back line, and it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Newcastle get on the score sheet. Newcastle hold a W5 D3 L5 record on their travels in the Premier League, but their defence has not been anywhere near as tight away from home as it is back at St James’ Park. Nearly 60% of all Newcastle’s points this season have come at home, and with them not being in the hottest of form outside of Tyne and Wear their winless streak could continue. They will go as underdogs at the Emirates, and you have to seriously weigh up their away form. There has been five losses in their last eight away matches, so they could be up against it in London again. You may remember that famous 4-4 draw at home last season against Arsenal, where the Magpies came back from 4-0 down, and there was their 0- draw against the Gunners this season.

Verdict: As impressive as Newcastle have been at times this season, they haven’t really delivered against the top sides, apart from that big 3-0 home win over Manchester United. They are fully capable of turning up and earning themselves what would be a precious point, but the Gunners should end their three game streak against Newcastle without a win.

Form: Arsenal DWWWW, Newcastle WWLDD

Key Stat: The Magpies have not enjoyed any great success on their travels to London this season. Out of three visits to the capital this season, Newcastle have only picked up one point, and so they haven’t done great down there. They have also conceded five goals in two of their last three matches away from home, and that is away weaknesses which should really be punished by an in form Arsenal.

Odds: Arsenal 4/9, Draw 10/3, Newcastle 13/2 at Bet365

Recommended Bet: Why not have a wager on Robin van Persie to open the scoring at odds of 3/1 with Bet365 for this one? The man is just a goal scoring machine. His stats are just truly remarkable.

Just sixteen teams remain in this season’s FA Cup and with neither Manchester club still standing, an opportunity for someone different to lift the trophy has emerged in what is now a wide-open field – though it would take a brave punter to look beyond the obvious quarter of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Some were saying the FA Cup simply doesn’t do romance any more. Well think again. While genuine giant-killings have been few and far between, the absence of the Premier League’s leading duo – Manchester City and Manchester United – is a massive turn up for the books in itself.

So who of the remaining sixteen will capitalise on their absence? Bookmakers are undecided, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all priced up as 7/2 co-favourites while Arsenal are also prominent in the better at 6/1.

Chelsea have been outright favourites ever since the draw for the third round, thanks in no small part to the draw favouring them and not their rivals. But their frantic league form, coupled with the fact their main rivals have been handed reasonable ties in the sixth round, means they no longer head the market.

The Blues, winners in 2010, have been drawn at home to Birmingham City – a tie they should win fairly comfortably one would imagine. However, Chris Hughton’s Brummie are thee in-form team down in the Championship, going their last ten unbeaten, while Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea extended their dismal run without a league win to four with a 2-0 loss at Everton last time out.

It could have been a whole lot worse for Chelsea. They could have drawn Martin O’Neill’s resurgent Sunderland away, which is precisely what Arsenal managed to do. The Gunners will be a demoralised bunch following Wednesday’s Champions League hammering in Milan, so Sunderland will feel revenge is definitely on the cards as these two square up for the second time in a week – Arsenal having won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light last Saturday courtesy of Thierry Henry’s last-gasp winner.

Liverpool and Tottenham have won this competition 15 times between them. Neither are expected to fall at the last-sixteen hurdle, not after the draw was kind to both. Tottenham head to League One Stevenage while Liverpool host Brighton of the Championship, conquerors of Newcastle in the previous round.

FA Cup romantics will be ecstatic to see a team from League Two still alive and kicking, with Crawley Town – fifth in League Two – the lowest ranked team left in the tournament. That might not be the case for too much longer though, as the Red Devils have been drawn against Premier League Stoke. They are at home though, while the Potters will only of had a few days to prepare having faced Valencia in the Europa League on Thursday.

Finals were once a regular occurrence for Everton, who have appeared in no fewer than thirteen – more recently in 2009, when narrowly losing out to Chelsea. With several new additions in the winter window, and with the team in buoyant following their recent scalps of Chelsea and Manchester City, David Moyes’ Toffees may finally fulfil their potential by capturing a first FA Cup for seventeen years.

You’d fancy Blackpool to be no match for Everton at Goodison Park, with Iain Holloway’s Tangerines more set on a return to the Premier League than a successful run in the cup.

The other two ties sees Bolton tackle Millwall at The Den and Norwich entertain Championship big-spenders Leicester, who at 3/1 appear outstanding value to spring a surprise at Carrow Road.

FIFTH ROUND TIES IN FULL

Saturday, 18 February 2012

Chelsea V Birmingham (12:30, LIVE on ESPN)

Everton V Blackpool

Millwall V Bolton

Norwich V Leicester

Sunderland V Arsenal (17:15, LIVE on ITV1)

Sunday, 19 February 2012

Crawley V Stoke (12:00, LIVE on ESPN)

Stevenage V Tottenham (14:00, LIVE on ITV1)

Liverpool V Brighton (16:00, LIVE on ESPN)

OUTRIGHT BETTING

Chelsea – 7/2 (Bet365)

Liverpool – 7/2 (Ladbrokes)

Tottenham – 7/2 (PaddyPower)

Arsenal – 6/1 (Coral)

Everton – 12/1 (SkyBet)

Sunderland – 16/1 (Coral)

Stoke – 18/1 (Bet365)

Norwich – 28/1 (Coral)

Bolton – 33/1 (WilliamHill)

100/1 Bar The Rest

AC Milan V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 15 February 2012 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: San Siro

Preview

In a repeat of their duel four seasons ago, Arsenal lock horns with AC Milan in the last-sixteen of the Champions League in what promises to be another intriguing battle over two-legs.

The Italians are marginally favourites to progress (10/11 with Ladbrokes), and to secure a first-leg advantage with victory at the San Siro (11/10 with PaddyPower) – they are, after all, the reigning Italian champions as well as the second most successful club in European history with seven titles – but Arsenal (10/11 to Qualify with Ladbrokes, 3/1 to win the first-leg with Bet365) have been underdogs before against the Rossoneri and prevailed; so can the Londoners repeat the feat of Fabregas & Co, or will Milan have its revenge?

Tall order for Gunners

Arsene Wenger has won just about everything during his 15-year spell as Arsenal manager, that is with the exception of the Champions League. It hasn’t been without the want of trying; in three of the last four seasons they have reached the quarter-finals or better, while 2006 saw them lose a final in agonising fashion to Barcelona. What does 2012 have install? My hunch is not a lot.

It is impossible not to have reservations with the Gunners. They allowed two players of Champions League calibre to leave during the summer in Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri; defensively they scare the living daylights out of me, though Per Mertesacker not being available is a definite plus point; while there is still an over reliance on Robin Van Persie.

As far as this opening leg goes, away from home is where Arsenal are at their most exposed. Six of their eight Premier League defeats this season were on the road, as were 26 of the 35 goals they have conceded. Thierry Henry scored a vital goal at the weekend to secure maximum points away at Sunderland in the league, but that was only their fifth away win of the season and came after a truly awful sequence of results at Bolton (0-0), Fulham (2-1) and Swansea (3-2).

If you aren’t able to keep the likes of Fulham and Swansea at bay, what hope is there of containing a formidable AC Milan attack comprising of Brazilian duo Alex Pato and Robinho, not to mention one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen in Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic – especially inside the San Siro. The Rossoneri have averaged two goals per home game in the league this season, conceding just five, and have won twelve of eighteen at home in all competitions.

Fortunately for Arsenal, Milan have hardly been scintillating of late. Saturday’s scrappy win at Udinese was their first four games, having lost at home to Juventus in the Cup earlier in the week, scoring just three times during this dismal run of theirs. But they are a lot more cohesive than their opponents; Massimiliano Allegri has his team to playing to a system; the full-backs bomb forward whenever possible, as do the midfielders, while the back-four are shielded by the always combative Mark Van Bommel, who has helped Milan to ten clean sheets in eighteen home games this season.

Whereas Milan play more as a unit, as a team who know and understand their respective roles, far too often Arsenal have require individual performances to see them through games. The likes of Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Alex Chamberlain all need to have huge games at the San Siro if Arsenal are to take anything away from the first leg, while the back-four have to be flawless. It’s asking a lot if you ask me.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

- This is a repeat of their last-16 tie four seasons ago (2007/08): with the opening leg finishing goalless in London, Arsenal qualified with a 2-0 victory at the San Siro thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor.

- AC Milan have been eliminated at the Round of 16 stage in each of the last two seasons, and on both occasions their nemesis was English opposition: Manchester United in 2009/10 and Tottenham in 2010/11 – both of whom were victorious at the San Siro in the first leg.

- Arsenal, meanwhile, have been triumphant on four of their last six visits to Italy in continental action, the latest a 2-1 victory at Udinese in a Champions League Play-Off last August.

AC Milan

- The Rossoneri (W2 D3 L1) finished runners-up in a tame Group H containing competition rank outsiders Bate Borisov and Viktoria Plzen as well as reigning European champions Barcelona, who finished seven points clear at the summit.

- At the San Siro in Milan, AC recorded two wins – over Viktoria Plzen (2-0) and Bate Borisov (2-0) – but were defeated 3-2 by Barcelona in Group H.

- Their 2-1 come-from-behind win at Udinese in Serie A at the weekend ensured Milan’s winless streak of three matches came to an abrupt halt, although Massimilano Allegri’s team have conjured up a meagre three goals in their last four matches.

- Zlatan Ibrahimovic has netted in all four of his Champions League appearances this season, the Swedish striker who netted twice for Barcelona against Arsenal during the 2009/10 knockouts.

Arsenal

- The Gunners (W3 D2 L1) topped a competitive-looking Group F containing Marseille, Olympiacos and Borussia Dortmund, with their only defeat occurring in Greece to Olympiacos in their final group game – but by then qualification was already assured for Arsene Wenger’s men.

- Like AC Milan, Arsenal also came from behind to win over the weekend – the north Londoners fought back from 1-0 down at Sunderland to win 2-1 thanks to Thierry Henry’s dramatic late winner; their second consecutive league win, having beaten Blackburn Rovers 7-1 at home the previous weekend.

- Including their play-off against Udinese last August, Arsenal have won only three of their last twelve away matches in the Champions League (W3 D2 L7).

Betting

The preview was self-explanatory; far too much has to go Arsenal’s way for them to exit the San Siro with a positive outcome. Of course, this is the Champions League, the biggest and greatest competition in club football, where players can become overnight superstars, so it isn’t a stretch to think Arsenal can collectively raise their game for the biggest of occasions. But on the basis of what we’ve seen this season, I wouldn’t want to be on the Gunners, even at alluring odds of 3/1.

There is only one way Arsenal can play, which is with attacking ambition and enterprise. So they’ll be giving it a right good go. Their opponents, though, are well-drilled defensively, dynamic in midfield, and ooze goal potential. Scoring past them will be difficult in itself, but keeping the likes of Alex Pato, Robinho and Ibrahimovic at bay is a formidable task for an Arsenal defence that has shipped on average two goals per away game in the Premier League. Looks ominous for me.

Match Prediction: AC Milan to WIN @ 11/10 (Bet365)

Value Bet: AC Milan 2-0 (Correct Score) @ 9/1 (WilliamHill)

Match Odds

AC Milan – 11/10 (Bet365)

Draw – 12/5 (SkyBet)

Arsenal – 29/10 (StanJames)

Arsenal V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 13:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Two teams in urgent need of a win will seek out comfort in each other this weekend, as Arsenal, without a win in four Premier League games, take on third from bottom Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with the Lancashire club bidding to repeat their four-goal heroics in last September’s seven-goal thriller between the two sides.

It was one of the most remarkable, memorable games in Premier League history – Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal; 17 September, 2011. A seven-goal spectacle that the underdogs somehow edged. You’ll get mammoth odds on a repeat (500/1 for Blackburn 4-3), with the Gunners overwhelming favourites to reverse that scoreline (3/10 on an Arsenal victory) – emphatically so, too. Whether they do remains to be seen, as they haven’t shown an awful lot of late to suggest they’re even capable of dishing out a spanking.

Arsene Wenger would settle for just a win right now, let alone a convincing one. Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Bolton was, believe it or not, Arsenal’s first Premier League point of 2012; previously, they had suffered defeat on visits to Fulham (2-1) and Swansea (3-2) as well as at home to Manchester United (1-2). So that point did at least put the brakes on their three-match losing streak in the league, although they remain without a win in four, since edging out QPR at home 1-0 on 31 December, 2011.

Worrying times then for the Gunners, who have slipped to seventh, five-points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, after going over a month without a league win – they are, however, into the fifth-round of the FA Cup following January scalps of Leeds (1-0) and Aston Villa (3-2). So it’s imperative the North Londoners get back to winning ways as soon as possible, and who better to face than struggling Blackburn?

Only Bolton (15) and Wigan (14) have slumped to more defeats this season than Blackburn (13), who went down 2-0 on Wednesday at home to Newcastle to leave the Lancashire club two-points adrift of safety in 18TH. However, Rovers are unbeaten in three top-flight matches away from home, a run which even includes their shock 3-2 victory at Old Trafford over Manchester United on 31 December, 2011.

Worryingly though, manager Steve Kean did not strengthen sufficiently during the January transfer window, bringing in only Bradley Orr and Anthony Modeste (on loan from Bordeaux). And, if anything, the dressing room has lost its most influential player, with club captain Chris Samba yet to feature in the first-team since handing in a written transfer request last month.

Match Pointers

Last PL Meeting: Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal (17 September, 2011); a remarkable contest that left everyone speechless at full-time. The Gunners had taken the lead twice through goals from Gervinho and Mikel Arteta, before Blackburn stormed back with four goals of their own, two from Yakubu, to secure a memorable 4-3 triumph.

- Arsenal are unbeaten in eight home Premier League games versus Blackburn (W7 D1 L0), whose last victory in this fixture (at Arsenal) was a 2-1 win on 26 October, 2002.

- Blackburn have failed to score on six of their last eight visits to Arsenal in the league.

Arsenal

- The Gunners (League Position: 7TH; Form: WLLLD) ended a run of three straight league defeats with a 0-0 draw at Bolton in midweek, though they have now registered one solitary point from their last four matches.

- Arsenal have scored precisely one goal in each of their previous five Premier League home games – four of which were netted in the second-half.

- At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have won seven and lost twice in the Premier League this season (W7 D2 L2).

Blackburn

- Wednesday’s 2-0 home loss to Newcastle meant Blackburn (League Position: 18TH, Form: WLWDL) remained in the relegation zone, two-points off safety.

- Just two teams (Norwich & Wigan) have conceded more away goals than Rovers (23 from 11 away PL matches).

- Away from home, Blackburn have won only one of eleven (W1 D6 L4).

- Blackburn are unbeaten in the English capital this season, drawing 1-1 at both Fulham and QPR.

Betting

Prediction: Arsenal to WIN @ 3/10 (Bet365)

I would love to oppose Arsenal in the form they are in, especially at the odds, but that would mean putting some form of faith in a Blackburn team destined for relegation. Yes they did beat Manchester United at Old Trafford a few weeks ago, but that was a significantly weakened United team shorn of Wayne Rooney and the like. You could even argue that playing away from home is also a positive for Steve Kean and his players, considering the fractious relationship between the team and it’s home supporters. Even so, I cannot bring myself to back anything other than a home win.

Arsenal have been very disappointing in 2012, even in the FA Cup. So many are failing to produce, particularly in the attacking third of the pitch. I never thought they’d miss Gervinho as much as they have, simple because Theo Walcott has been extremely poor. However, Walcott and the rest of his attacking chums have a shot at redemption here, attacking a Blackburn defence that concedes on average two goals a game. I’m expecting them to score a few here, something they haven’t done for a while at home in the league.

Value Bet: Aaron Ramsey to Score @ 3/1 (Ladbrokes)

Following my own logic that Arsenal will score a few, it could pay to back someone other than Robin Van Persie netting at the Emirates, whom accounts for four of Arsenal’s last six league goals. Theo Walcott recently scored at Swansea so he’s no longer due; Wenger may opt to rest Oxlade-Chamberlain and go with Henry, who is far too shore to be backing; so it leaves me with the midfielders. Both Mikel Arteta (7/2) and Aaron Ramsey are handsomely priced, yet it is Ramsey who finds himself on the end of more scoring opportunities who appeals more at 3/1.

Match Odds

Arsenal – 3/10 (Bet365)

Draw – 9/2 (PaddyPower)

Blackburn – 12/1 (BetVictor)

At the weekend it was the FA Cup, now the focus in England switches swiftly to the Barclay’s Premier League as various tussles across the entire division resurface on Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb).

Straight to matters at the summit and after Manchester City’s dramatic late win over Tottenham Hotspur on 22 January, it would seem the Premier League trophy is staying in Manchester. That aforementioned result ensured Roberto Mancini’s Citizens remained three-points clear of neighbours United, leaving Spurs lagging eight-points off the pace of the leaders.

Premier League Title Betting with Bet365: Man City 2/5, Man Utd 9/4, Tottenham 20/1

It could be all change, though, depending on Tuesday’s results, with all three title protagonists involved in proceedings.

Tottenham (1/4 WilliamHill) are presented with a fabulous opportunity to get straight back to winning ways in the league with a home clash against Wigan (16/1 BetVictor). The Latics currently prop up the division in 20TH and are without a win in seven, shipping ten goals in their last three away PL matches combined, but were, however, 1-0 winners on their last visit to White Hart Lane, in August of 2010.

Manchester United (3/10 888Sport) have won seven of their eight Premier League tussles with Stoke City (12/1 PaddyPower), including all three in Manchester, so any chance of the Red Devils slipping up at Old Trafford would appear slim. But the Potters did hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in their most recent Premier League away game, while it was they who were the dominant force when the two sides locked horns earlier in the season at the Brittania in a 1-1 draw back in September.

Meanwhile, Man City (20/23 Boylesports) take on David Moyes’ inconsistent Everton (15/4 BetVictor) at Goodison Park. It is, however, a fixture the Citizens came unstuck in last season, losing 2-1 despite dominating the opening 45 minutes and taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval. Revenge is on the cards, though – Everton have won only two of their last eight home PL games, scoring just six times in the process, whereas City are searching for their fourth straight league win and are firm favourites to do so having had the weekend off due to their early exit from the FA Cup.

The race for fourth hots up with Chelsea and Liverpool both in action on Tuesday, at Swansea and Wolves respectively, with Arsenal taking on Bolton at The Reebok 24 hours later.

Top-Four Finish Betting with WilliamHill: Chelsea 2/5, Arsenal 2/1, Liverpool 7/2

Chelsea (17/20 WilliamHill) are the current occupants of fourth and are five-points clear of their closest pursuer, Arsenal, while Liverpool are a point further back in seventh. The Blues are the most likely to come a cropper. Though, you feel – Swansea (4/1 SkyBet) have been beaten just once in eleven home Premier League games this season and will still be buoyed by their 3-2 victory over Arsenal in their last encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking of Arsenal (8/11 Ladbrokes), the Gunners won’t have it easy either. Arsene Wenger’s side were unconvincing in the FA Cup at the weekend, edging past Aston Villa at home, and must now go to a resurgent Bolton (9/2 StanJames), who beat Liverpool 3-1 last time out at The Reebok in the league, desperate to avoid a third consecutive away defeat. Moreover, The Reebok was where Arsenal’s world came crashing down around them last season, with a 2-1 loss confirming the end of their title bid last April.

As for Liverpool (3/4 WilliamHill), well they are very much expected to complete a routine win at Wolves (17/4 StanJames) – a fixture they cruised to a 3-0 success in last season. Kenny Dalglish’s side have lost their previous two away league games, at Bolton and Man City, but responded emphatically with quick-fire eliminations of Man City and Man Utd from the Carling Cup and FA Cup. Now the Reds are hotly tipped to dispatch of second from bottom Wolves, who are without a league win in eight and have suffered four defeats in their previous five matches at Molineux in all competitions.

Elsewhere…

Mark Hughes’ QPR (4/1 BetVictor) go to Aston Villa (17/20 WilliamHill) with both sides searching for back-to-back Premier League wins; a Newcastle (7/4 Bet365) side thumped 5-2 at Fulham last time out in the league pay relegation favourites Blackburn (13/8 StanJames) a visit at Ewood Park; the previously mentioned Fulham (10/11 WilliamHill) entertain Roy Hodgson’s inconsistent Baggies (15/4 bWin), while a cracking contest could be in store at the Stadium of Light as Martin O’Neill’s invigorated Black Cats (17/20 WilliamHill) host Paul Lambert’s high-flying Canaries (15/4 BetVictor).

Full list of Premier League fixtures for Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb):

Swansea V Chelsea

Tottenham V Wigan

Wolves V Liverpool

Everton V Man City (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester United V Stoke

Aston Villa V QPR

Blackburn V Newcastle

Bolton V Arsenal

Fulham V West Brom

Sunderland V Norwich (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Arsenal V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 29 January 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

FA Cup, Fourth Round

Preview

The final FA Cup Fourth-Round tie of the weekend is an all Premiership affair as Aston Villa, buoyed by their 3-2 victory over local rivals Wolves, head to north London to tackle an out of form Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium – where the Villains recorded a 2-1 win on their last visit, on the final day of last season. You’ll get handsome odds on a repeat, mind.

Only eleven-time winners Manchester United have lifted the FA Cup more times than Arsenal (10), whose most recent triumph in this competition was in 2005 when they beat the aforementioned on penalties at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. They’re 15/2 third-favourites to claim their eleventh honour, which looks a precarious bet considering they are by no means guaranteed to be in Sunday’s Fifth-Round draw.

You’d think a home draw would be beneficial. It should; the Gunners have only lost three times at their swanky Emirates home all season (W13 D3 L3 in all competitions) – though their most recent occurred just seven days ago, to Manchester United, and it was preceded by league defeats away to Fulham and Swansea, which came either side of a nervy and unconvincing performance against Leeds in the third round. They prevailed, of course, otherwise we wouldn’t be talking about them now.

It was fans favourite and club legend Thierry Henry who sparred Arsenal’s blushes in the previous round, coming off the bench to score the only goal of the game on his return following the completion of his loan deal from MLS club New York Red Bulls. The Frenchman is however doubtful for Sunday meaning Arsene Wenger has little choice but to start Robin Van Persie, the prolific but injury prone Dutchman who has been rapped up in cotton wool on occasions this season.

Being without Thierry Henry is the least of Arsene Wenger’s problems. Once again the Gunners tactician will be shorn of key players – in defence especially – with Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh all unavailable. There is some good news, though – Mikel Arteta should return to partner Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey in midfield while there may even be a place on the bench for Bacary Sagna, the full-back who has spent the past three months recovering from a broken ankle.

Once again Arsene Wenger may have to select four central defenders in defence, meaning there will be two makeshift full-backs on the pitch. That could be a crucial factor in determining who progresses, as Villa do boast ample pace on the flanks. Charles N’Zogbia has been ruled out but Gabriel Agbonlahor is available and he along with Marc Albrighton will look to terrorise this unconvincing Gunners rearguard that has shipped seven goals in its last three Premier League games.

Up front for the visitors meanwhile will be the resurgent pairing of Darren Bent and Robbie Keane, with the pair accounting for all three of the team’s goals in last week’s 3-2 win at Midlands rivals Wolves. Keane, on loan from MLS side LA Galaxy, bagged in a brace in that game. However all eyes will be on Darren Bent on Sunday, as it was his brace in last season’s corresponding fixture which earned Villa a shock 2-1 victory at the Emirates.

Match Pointers

- In order to get this far, Arsenal had to overcome Leeds at home (1-0) while Aston Villa faced opposition from League Two in Bristol Rovers (1-3).

- Arsenal were 2-1 victors when the two sides met at Villa Park in the Premier League in December, reversing Villa’s 2-1 victory at the Emirates on the final day of last season.

- Aston Villa have succumbed to defeat on just one of their previous five visits to North London to face Arsenal (W2 D2 L1 – Villa’s last five at Arsenal).

- Arsenal have now lost three league games on the spin following last week’s 2-1 home reverse to Manchester United, conceding seven times during this retched run.

- Alex McLeish’s Villa have incurred more defeats at home than they have on their travels in this season’s Premier League (Villa’s Away Record in PL: W3 D6 L2) – they’re also unbeaten in their last five away matches versus top flight opposition (W3 D2).

Betting

Arsenal’s reputation in the FA Cup has clearly gone before them, as no way are they 4/7 favourites here. They host this tie on the back of three successive league defeats, their record against Aston Villa is hardly a source of encouragement – they’ve only beat them once in their previous five meetings in north London, losing twice – while they’re still missing a host of key players, particularly in defence, where they are especially vulnerable having shipped seven in their previous three matches against Premier League opposition.

It’s alright pointing out the obvious, that Arsenal are once again understrength – as they’ve been for most of the season, but you can only oppose them with the right opponent. To their credit, they have coped admirably; they sit 5TH and are firmly in contention for a top-four finish, but they’re up against a team in Villa whose pace on the flanks willpose Arsenal’s makeshift full-backs all sorts of questions. Agbonlahor and Albrighton will be a constant threat out wide all afternoon and if they supply good service to the in-form strike duo of Robbie Keane and Darren Bent… you know the rest.

For me, Arsenal are ridiculous odds. As are Aston Villa, who should be a lot shorter than their 5/1 quote. Get on Alex McLeish’s resurgent Villains at staggering odds!

Prediction: Aston Villa to WIN @ 5/1 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Darren Bent to Score @ 9/4 Bet365

Match Odds

Arsenal – 8/13 Ladbrokes

Draw – 16/5 BetVictor

Aston Villa – 5/1 PaddyPower

Swansea V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 15 January 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Liberty Stadium

Preview

When these two clashed at the Emirates in September, it was a close-run thing; Andrey Arshavin scored the only goal for Arsenal of what was a tight affair, but Swansea gave a very good account of themselves and created some really good chances. On another day, who knows what the final score might have been. So it promises to be an intriguing contest when the two, of similar styles and qualities, reconvene for the second time this season, only this time it will be on the Welsh side’s terms.

Considering how there was very little to choose between them some four months ago, surely hosts Swansea must be made tentative favourites? That is anything but the case, which is surprising seeing as only champions Manchester United have gone to the Liberty Stadium and won so far this season, or that Arsenal have lost precisely half of their away fixtures.

It’s a cliché, but Swansea really have made their home stadium a fortress. Just one defeat in their own backyard all season is outstanding really, exceptional even, especially when coupled with their supernatural defensive record; Brendan Rodgers’ men have kept six clean sheets and conceded just four times at the Liberty Stadium. In their most recent encounter there, they gave title chasing Tottenham a proper going over.

Arsenal, meanwhile, slumped to their fifth away loss of the campaign at Fulham last time out in the league. Their response was to labour to victory over Championship side Leeds in the FA Cup, but they were anything but convincing, in a game they were also favourites to win. If anything, Thierry Henry popping up with the winner only highlighted how much Arsenal struggle to create and score goals when Robin Van Persie isn’t in the team, with the Dutchman rested for the third round tie.

Bringing Henry back on loan could be a shrewd acquisition by Arsene Wenger, but it’s also a common sense purchase as well. The reliance on Van Persie has become too great to ignore, to the point where when he doesn’t fire, Arsenal don’t collect as many points as they perhaps should. Just two wins over the festive period emphasised their urgent need for fresh impetus, as well as their needs for goals, having mustered just six in as many league games.

Despite the buzz around North London surrounding Thierry Henry, the iconic figure is likely to begin proceedings on the bench at Swansea. Robin Van Persie is set to return after sitting out Arsenal’s narrow FA Cup triumph over Leeds, while Theo Walcott is also in contention after missing several games over the festive period through illness. However, a whole host of defenders are still missing, including the dependable Thomas Vermealen.

As for the hosts, Swansea are just about at full strength for this fixture. Manager Brendan Rodgers did rotate for last week’s FA Cup tie with Barnsley, with striker Danny Graham netting a hat-trick in a 4-2 success, so it should be a fresh and reinvigorated Swansea side who host Arsenal in the Premier League for the very first time. You won’t be at all surprised to hear that this game has been sold-out for a while.

Match Pointers

- Only their second meeting since 1983, with Arsenal edging out Swansea in their Premier League encounter in September at the Emirates; Andrey Arshavin’s first-half strike doing the damage in a 1-0 success for the Gunners.

- Swansea have kept six clean sheets in ten home Premier League games, and can boast the strongest home defence in the top flight with only four goals conceded.

- Four of Swansea’s five top flight victories this season were earned at the Liberty Stadium in Wales (W4 D5 L1), although the Swans have only managed one win there in their last five.

- Five of Arsenal’s six league defeats this term were away from home (W4 D1 L5), where they’ve kept just two clean sheets in ten and conceded 22 times – no team has shipped more on their travels than Arsene Wenger’s side.

- Arsenal have not played out a draw away from home since the opening weekend; however, Swansea have drawn their previous two home games, the latter against Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham (1-1).

Betting

I’m glad this game is on Sky as it should be a good watch. Both teams prefer it when they have the ball at their feet so it could boil down to whichever monopolises possession the better.

On the basis of their performance at home to third-place Tottenham, my money would firmly be on hosts Swansea, whose record at home in the Premier League is nothing short of outstanding. Only Manchester United have left Wales victorious this season, while just four of the ten teams who have so far visited the Liberty Stadium have managed to score past Michel Vorm, who at times has been superhuman in goal.

Having forward Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie fit and available is a huge plus for Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger, but for me there is too much onus on the midfield trio of Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta, who simply must hold their own in the middle of the park, and especially Alex Song. The latter will be tasked with shielding this frail defence – the porous in the Premier League away from home, with 22 conceded in just 10 outings – shorn of natural leader, with Thomas Vermealen joining a whole host of defensive personnel on the sidelines.

Personally, I don’t make Arsenal favourites. It’s incredible how well Swansea retain possession, something Arsenal were previously renowned for, but also how well they defend. The same cannot be said for the Gunners who go to Wales with a makeshift back-four, a midfield trio who are steadily improving but are by no means a finished article, and a forward line that has struggled for the past month.

The draw has obvious appeal, however, with Swansea striker Danny Graham recently netting a hat-trick recently in the FA Cup, I feel the Swans may edge this and record a famous win. They are certainly value to do so.

Match Outcome: Swansea to WIN – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Danny Graham First Goalscorer – 9/1 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Swansea – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Draw – 11/4 Coral

Arsenal – 5/6 VictorChandler

Aston Villa V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 21 December 2011 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

Darren Bent scored twice at the Emirates to earn Aston Villa a surprise 2-1 victory over Arsenal on the final day of last season – at home, though, they’ve not recorded a league win over the Gunners since 1998, losing six of the subsequent twelve meetings at Villa Park. Gabriel Agbonlahor is back from suspension, after missing Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, but goalkeeper Shay Given is out until the New Year while the aforementioned Bent is doubtful with a thigh problem.

Villa now sit tenth in the league following their weekend reversal to Liverpool, which was their second in succession at home after losing 1-0 to Man Utd on 3 December. Alex McLeish’s men have now faced four of the top six and failed to register a single point, plundering just the one goal but conceding nine. Next up is Arsenal, whom they conceded four to in last season’s corresponding fixture in Birmingham, which they lost 4-2.

Arsenal suffered their first league defeat in over two months when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by league leaders Man City on Sunday, ending a run of eight games without losing for Arsene Wenger’s side that included seven wins and one draw. Their performance merited a great deal more though, which is why I really fancy them to bounce back with three points here provided they overcome the loss of Alex Song in the middle of the park, who is suspended.

Johan Djourou, Carl Jenkinson, Bacary Sagna, Andre Santos and Jack Wilshere are all out injured, while midfielder Abou Diaby and full-back Kieran Gibbs are doubtful for the Gunners, who will once again be spearheaded by the Flying Dutchman, Robin Van Persie, who only needs two more goals to equal the feat of Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who once scored 35 Premier League goals in a calender year.

Stat Attack

- Arsenal are unbeaten in twelve visits to Aston Villa in the league, winning six.

- Aston Villa have failed to register a single point against the top six teams in the Premier League this season, losing 4-1 at Man City, 2-0 at Tottenham, 1-0 at home to Man Utd and losing last weekend’s home clash with Liverpool 2-0.

- The Gunners had won three on the spin away from home in the league before losing 1-0 to Man City at Eastlands on Sunday, recording wins at Chelsea (3-5), Norwich (1-2) and Wigan (0-4).

- Darren Bent has six goals in his last eight league appearances versus Arsenal, including both in Aston Villa’s 2-0 win at the Emirates back in May.

- Robin Van Persie has netted 18 goals in his previous 17 away Premier League appearances but has never scored at Villa Park.

Our Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 4/5 PaddyPower

Villa have lacked cutting edge against the classier sides in the division, failing to penetrate either of Liverpool, Man Utd or Tottenham. Having Gabriel Agbonlahor back from suspension will certainly bolster the levels of creativity, but Darren Bent remains a doubt and without him it is almost impossible to highlight where their goals will come from. There aren’t too many teams who have scored fewer goals than them (18 in 16 games), and most of those were with Bent in the side.

Losing their first league game for over two months is a huge mental blow for the Gunners, but they gave as good as they got away to Man City and definitely deserved at least a share of the spoils, possibly even more. Defensively they were resolute, something we never thought we would say of Arsenal, while the pace of Gervinho and Theo Walcott on the counter caused one of the strongest defences in the Premier League in Man City’s countless problems.

Manchester City were left breathing a huge sigh of relief on Sunday; Arsenal were a constant a threat and a performance of the same intensity would see them tear this uninspired, toothless Villa team to shreds.

Value Bet: Robin Van Persie First Goalscorer – 7/2 bWin

Match Odds

Aston Villa – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Draw – 11/4 SkyBet

Arsenal – 4/5 PaddyPower

Arsenal V Everton

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Like all good teams do, Arsenal responded in spectacular fashion to dropping crucial points by thrashing a sorry Wigan 4-0 at the DW Stadium last week. That emphatic victory came a week after they were held to a bitterly disappointing 1-1 draw by Fulham at the Emirates. So you can’t help but feel for their opponents this weekend, an Everton side whose record against the Gunners is very dispiriting in itself.

No win in their last eight top flight encounters with Arsenal, losing six, we think it is fair to say Everton plainly have it all to do on Saturday. They’ve not been victorious away to the Gunners for 15 years! Runs are there to be broken, however, as Fulham did at the end of November, when ending Arsenal’s five-match winning sequence at the Emirates in the league. Whether Everton, a side who have already slumped to defeats against Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd, can pull off something similar really does remain to be seen.

Arsenal

League Position: 5th

League Form: WWWDW

Now that the group phase of the UEFA Champions League has concluded, with the Gunners assured of a place in the last-16 as group winners, Arsenal can focus all their energy and commitment on the domestic front and continuing their resurgence.

Last week’s 4-0 whitewash of Wigan at the DW was their sixth win in a seven-match unbeaten spell that has helped them rocket up the table into fifth, to within just two points of the Champions League spots. A few more like that and it won’t be long before they are named potential title protagonists. If that is to be the case, slip-ups, like the one which occurred on 27 November at home to Fulham, need to be few and far between.

Arsene Wenger made wholesale changes for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Olympiakos in Greece, so expect a completely different side to the one which slumped to a 3-1 loss to tackle Everton at the Emirates. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, defender Thomas Vermealen – the Belgian who has netted in three of Arsenal’s last four Premier League matches, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Gervinho and Robin Van Persie were among those who didn’t feature and should return to the starting XI.

One player who is definitely out is left-back Andre Santos. Now that does leave Wenger with a problem, as full-backs Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna are both out injured while young Carl Jenkinson is doubtful. The Brazilian injured his ankle in Greece and is likely to miss all of Arsenal’s festive fixtures. Abou Diaby, who made his first competitive appearance of the season at Wigan last weekend as a second half sub, is also out.

Everton

League Position: 10th

League Form: LLWWL

The Toffees were shaping as though they could potentially inflict some telling damage in this fixture, after ending the month of November with successive victories over Bolton and Wolves. Then along came Stoke, who produced an industrious display at Goodison Park to consign Everton to their third defeat in four at home. Now we’re left scratching our heads as to how competitive they can really be in a fixture which has bore next to no fruit for some fifteen years.

To register two miserly points from their previous fifteen trips to Arsenal in the league just about says all you need to know. This is an horrific fixture for Everton, who have also fared woefully against the sides directly above them in the league. Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd, heck even Newcastle, have gotten the better of David Moyes’ side this season. It would be a genuine shock if Arsenal weren’t added to this growing list.

Everton’s away record stands at a mixed W3 D0 L3, though that in itself tells us a lot. Their three wins all came against sides situated in the lower reaches of the league in Blackburn (18th), Bolton (19th) and Fulham (13th), while their defeats were all routine-like at Chelsea (4th), Man City (1st) and Newcastle (6th).

Neither Sylvan Distin nor Royston Drenthe were deemed fit enough to make the bench against Stoke, so doubts remain over their possible participation at the Emirates. Distin has been back in training for a little while now and should return, meanwhile Drenthe, who scored on his last visit to London, in Everton’s 3-1 victory over Fulham, is struggling with an ankle problem.

Match Pointers

- Arsenal won home and away versus Everton last season and are unbeaten in eight Premier League meetings with the Toffees (W6 D2), who last won away from home against the Gunners in 1996.

- Each of the previous six league encounters have featured both teams scoring.

- The Gunners have won five and lost none of their last six Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium, though they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham last time out there.

- Arsenal have won six of their last seven in the league, with their most recent being a 4-0 whitewash of Wigan at the DW Stadium.

- Central defender Thomas Vermealen has three in his last four Premier League starts for Arsenal, netting in each of his last two turn outs at home.

- Everton have a mixed away record; winning three, drawing none, and losing three.

- The Toffees have failed to score on five occasions this season, and some of those include defeats at home to Liverpool and Man City as well as their loss at Man City.

Betting

Arsene Wenger could afford the luxury of naming a weakened side for Tuesday’s Champions League game with Olympiakos, which was effectively a dead rubber for them seeing as they were assured of top spot in the group before the match kicked off. A young Arsenal team were comprehensively beaten on the night, losing 3-1 out in Greece, but virtually the entire team-sheet for Saturday’s home game with Everton will be comprised of players who didn’t feature in midweek.

A revitalised, refreshed Arsenal should wipe the floor with Everton, who couldn’t conjure a single shot on target at home to Stoke last week, with Robin Van Persie, the inspired Dutchman who has so often played a leading role in dismantling the Toffees in recent Premier League encounters, at the forefront of their success – again!

Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 4/7 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Robin Van Persie First Goalscorer – 7/2 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Arsenal – 4/7 PaddyPower

Draw – 16/5 VictorChandler

Everton – 6/1 Ladbrokes

Wigan Athletic V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 3 December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: DW Stadium

Preview

Although their overall record against the Latics is very impressive, winning nine of their twelve Premiership meetings, Arsenal have encountered unexpected problems on recent ventures to Greater Manchester. Last season saw them squander a 2-1 lead, despite having a numerical advantage, while the season before Wigan produced one of the greatest ever comebacks in the Premier League, storming back from 2-0 down to score three in the final ten minutes of the game to seal a quite stunning 3-2 success. Will there be even more drama this time around at the DW?

Wigan go into the game on a high, after recording a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last time out – their first maximum haul since August, would you believe, ending a drastic run of nine matches without a win. That result cost Steve Bruce his job as Black Cats manager, and it kind of makes you wonder how on earth Roberto Martinez is still at the Latics helm, after his side’s retched run of eight consecutive defeats from September to November. It’s now two games unbeaten for the Spaniard and his charges, though.

Last Saturday’s stalemate at home to Fulham will have left a bitter taste in the mouth of Arsene Wenger, who will have targeted maximum points in that fixture. To be honest, they were fortunate to ground out a draw and that setback, which ended a run of five consecutive league wins, combined with the disappointment of Tuesday’s Carling Cup defeat at the hands of a second string Man City team, and you could argue this is an opportunistic time for a club like Wigan to stand toe-for-foe with the mighty Gunners.

Wigan Athletic

League Position: 19th

League Form: LLLDW

After taking four points from their last two matches – this on the back of eight straight defeats – Latics boss Roberto Martinez has paid tribute to the character of his players ahead of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal at the DW Stadium, where they’ve not won now for a little over three months. Last week’s 2-1 win against Sunderland was their first since 27 August, ending a dire run of nine without a win.

Finally, things are looking up for Wigan. To take four points from a possible six is massive, a huge step in the right direction considering they registered a huge 0 in their previous eight. Even more remarkable has been their upturn in fortune in front of goal, having plundered five in two games – though equally remarkable is how they didn’t manage to win their last home game, against rock-bottom Blackburn, despite scoring three times.

That 3-3 draw with struggling Blackburn was Wigan’s last outing at the DW, which has never really been a fortress, more a happy hunting ground for everyone else. The stadium is never, ever full, not even when the top four or five teams in the country visit. Nevertheless, a half-hearted ground hasn’t stopped Martinez’s men from making a real fist of things against Arsenal in recent seasons, registering four points and scoring five goals in their last two encounters in Greater Manchester.

Roberto Martinez does have to content with any fresh absentees, so all his focus and concentration will go on shoring up a defence which has kept a clean sheet since their last victory at the DW, back in August when they beat QPR 2-0. They’ve conceded a minimum of two goals in all four of their home matches since. If that run holds up, Wigan won’t be taking anything from this fixture.

Arsenal

League Position: 7th

League Form: WWWWD

The past few weeks and months have been something to savour for Arsenal supporters. The same cannot be said for the past seven days, though, which could be further compounded at the DW this weekend – which is a real possibility when you consider how they’ve not won their since April 2009, conceding five on their last two visits.

With the top seven sides in the table so tightly group, a third consecutive slip-up away to Wigan is unthinkable. Last week’s hugely deflating 1-1 draw with Fulham at the Emirates dropped the Gunners back down to seventh in the table, twelve points adrift of leaders Man City but crucially three behind fourth placed Newcastle and the Champions League places. So victory is a must this weekend, especially given the nature of the fixture – this is arguably the easiest away outing for any team in the Premier League.

Exiting the Carling Cup at the quarter-final stage was far from ideal preparation, with a half-decent Arsenal XI beaten 1-0 by a second string Man City team. In the long run, that defeat could benefit their various causes, but in the short-term, considering the draw with Fulham was demoralising enough, it could affect the overall mood in the dressing room. I doubt it will be enough to deny Arsenal three points though, as the Gunners were playing some really tidy football – they had won five on the spin in the league before last week’s Fulham stalemate.

Gradually, this Arsenal team are coming together. They are by no means a finished product, while there are some who simply aren’t good enough – in my honest opinion – namely full-back Andre Santos and centre-half Per Mertesacker, but you can’t argue with their form: it’s now six unbeaten in the league (W5 D1) and if they can improve on last week’s lethargic showing, they should have too much class for a feeble Wigan.

Match Pointers

- Just one of the 12 Premier League meetings between these two sides were won by Wigan (a 3-2 win at home during the 2009/10 campaign), although the Latics have registered four points from the previous two encounters at the DW.

- Wigan ended their winless run of nine matches by beating Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light last weekend. Their last win at home, however, was back in August when they recorded a 2-0 win over QPR.

- Latics midfielder Ben Watson has two goals in his last two starts versus Arsenal at home in the league.

- Arsenal dropped their first Premier League points for well over a month last time out, with a 1-1 draw with Fulham in North London ending a five-match winning sequence for the Gunners in the league.

- Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Man City in the Carling Cup was Arsenal’s first defeat in eleven games in all competitions, a run which consists of eight victories.

- Robin Van Persie has five in his last two appearances for the Gunners away from home in the league, while he netted a hat-trick against Wigan in last season’s league encounter at the Emirates in London.

Betting

Results wise, Wigan will take a tremendous amount of heart and belief from their last two outcomes, beating Sunderland on the road last time out and drawing at home to Blackburn in their most recent clash at the DW. However, you do have to take into account the quality of the opposition, which wasn’t great on either occasion, and the fact they’ve been woeful pretty much all season.

So naturally I expect the Latics to struggle this weekend, against far superior opposition to anything they have faced recently in the form of an Arsenal side still riding the crest of a wave after going six unbeaten in the league, winning five. Granted they weren’t entirely convincing away to Norwich in their most recent away encounter, but the fact they grounded out a 2-1 win shows how far this team has come in such a short space of time.

With Thomas Vermealen back in the side, bringing some organisation and discipline to the defence, Arsenal shouldn’t concede the sheer number they have done in recent ventures to Wigan. Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta will try to take the game by the scruff of the neck in midfield and with Gervinho and Theo Walcott providing pace and width on the flanks, I don’t see how the Latics will contain their visitors – nor a striker in such prolific form as Robin Van Persie, whom scored a hat-trick at the Emirates against this very opponent last season.

Match Outcome: Arsenal to WIN – 8/13 Coral

Value Bet: Arsenal 3-0 (Correct Score) – 11/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Wigan – 11/2 Totesport

Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Arsenal – 8/13 Coral