English Premier
2009-12-27 - Arsenal vs Aston Villa
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This is the first of the two Super Sunday Boxing Day matches and it promises to be a cracker as Aston Villa travels to the Emirates Stadium intending to show that they have what it takes to break the dominance of the big four sides.
What makes this match special is that Martin O'Neill's Villa could move into second place, albeit for a short while before Manchester United play their game if they can get a win here. Make no mistake that Arsenal knows that Aston Villa is a real threat and Villa are a different side from the one that lost to Wigan on the opening day of the season.
And Aston Villa will be coming with a mission that is to complete a quartet of victories over the perceived elite of England's top four if they leave North London with a win, having already beaten Liverpool, Chelsea and defending champions Manchester United this season!
Last season Villa almost finish in the top four but O'Neill's men have an improved squad and looks determined to break the dominance of the top four.
Arsenal on the other hand will want to prove they can catch up with Chelsea and Manchester United at the top. It has been a frustrating season for the Gunners as just when they appear to be title contenders they suffer a surprise setback for example when they drew with Burnley.
Arsenal comes into this match after a controversial win over Hull that grabbed the headlines for the wrong reasons and both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players following a bad-tempered encounter. Villa's last match was a hard-fought 1-0 win over Stoke City.
With regards to the team news, Arsenal could have captain Cesc Fabregas back from a hamstring injury, while Armand Traore undergoes a test on his hamstring injury as well. Wenger still have a long injury list as he is missing the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Tomas Rosicky and Gael Clichy.
Dutch striker Robin van Persie is another player on the sidelines and Wenger has confessed that he may look to sign a forward in the January transfer market.
As for Aston Villa, their biggest injury worry is Emile Heskey. They are hoping he can be fit for the crunch match with Liverpool on Tuesday. The England striker suffered a groin injury during the 1-0 home success against Stoke that kept Villa in the top four. If he does not feature then John Carew will be his replacement.
Take Aston Villa to battle for the draw here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1 or 2-2
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a draw.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Aston Villa and accept the 3/4 ball here.
