English Premier
2010-03-06 - Arsenal vs Burnley
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : England : Premier League
Saturday 6th March 2010 – Kickoff 3pm
Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time…
Arsenal
Last weekend's match was draining, both physically and emotionally, as Arsenal finally did what they hadn’t done in almost 28 years, win at Stoke. But breaking the hoodoo came at a high price.
With the game poised at 1-1, Stoke hardman Ryan Shawcross came in recklessly hard, missing the ball and connecting instead with Welsh prodigy Aaron Ramsey. With Ramseys foot firmly grounded, there was no room for give and he suffered a horrific compound fracture as both bones in his leg were broken.
Memories of Eduardo came flooding back and the Arsenal players were clearly shaken, with several even being sick upon seeing the extent of the injury. Ramsey’s season is done, but what was telling was the Arsenal response.
Two years ago, this team threw away a lead at Birmingham under the same circumstances. What they proved this year, was that lessons had well and truly been learned. Fabregas proved his leadership to any who still doubted it and rallied his team to fight even harder, and the rewards rightly followed.
Cesc kept his nerve to score a penalty for 2-1, before Vermaelen tapped in a late third to complete the win. It was no more than Arsenal deserved and I’ve no doubt that fire ignited in the Arsenal’s bellies will still be raging come Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal’s recent form has been excellent since losing those two games to United and Chelsea. They kept clean sheets against both Liverpool and Sunderland and only the one goal was surrendered to Stoke. All three games were wins.
Gallas is still a doubt so the reliable combination of Vermaelen and Campbell will continue, which leaves me quite confident of the team keeping a clean sheet. Since the arrival of Campbell, the sheer physical power of the defence has grown, and the experience that Campbell brings to the team is priceless.
Up front, Bendtner will be looking to add to his recent goals, as he was on the scoresheet for Denmark in midweek too. Nasri, Walcott, Eduardo all look fit too, with Arshavin and Denilson returning. Song is still suspended, and joining Persie as long term absentees will be Ramsey and the team have vowed to go win this game for him.
Burnley
Burnley started this season sensationally, boasting wins of over the likes of Manchester United, but it’s all gone downhill with the form abysmal and the confidence clearly missing.
After a visit to the Emirates to face an Arsenal side clearly on the warpath, Burnley will be lucky to leave with any pride still intact. Their fight to move up out of the relegation zone will surely be on hold. They currently lie 19th on 23 points, 2 points below the drop.
In the reverse fixture, a long time ago, Burnley did manage to hold Arsenal to a 1-1 draw. But they’re not at Turf Moor now, and things have changed. Burnley have only the one win in their last five matches, including three losses on the trot.
The change in manager hasn’t helped. The team was on a 10 match winless streak before Coyle left, and under Laws they’ve just the one unconvincing win in eight.
The away form is enough to make any supporter cry. This team has recently lost to Fulham, Villa and even Portsmouth, who lie rock bottom of the table. The one and only away win came more than 3 months ago and their away form this season reads 0-1-13. I don’t think this requires much more analysis, do you?
THe Betting Verdict :
Yes, this has banker home win spray-painted all over it, but with the low price of 1.20, many will be looking at Arsenal to cover a large handicap, which would normally make sense. But this is where I would advise caution.
Arsenal may be looking to do a number on someone, but keep in mind they have a huge match in just 3 days, entertaining FC Porto in the Champions League, where they will hope to overturn the deficit from the 1st leg.
That is enough reason for me to not unload on Arsenal winning by miles, as they might get in front and then rest their stars once the match is safe. Take Arsenal to win in an accumulator with Chelsea which looks a banker to me.
FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE :
Sol Campbell has been been ruled out due to a groin injury, leaving one of the small bets void, and strengthening my belief that bettors should not go heavy on Arsenal winning by a huge margin.
I still believe the team is strong enough to win, but that is all they will be out to do. Collect the three points and keep everyone healthy for the key visit of Porto.
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal & Chelsea in a double banker @ 1.50 (Bet365)Consider taking a score anytime bets :
Fabregas to score @ 2.25 (Bet365)
Eduardo to score @ 2.25 (Bet365)
Bendtner to score @ 2.25 (Bet365)
Vermaelen to score @ 4.50 (Bet365)
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
