Champions League
2010-11-23 - Braga vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:The Gunners enters this match knowing that just a draw here would be good enough to send them to the last 16 of the Champions League. When both sides last met in their opening match at the Emirates Arsenal won that clash 6-0 but then were beaten by Shaktar Donetsk and seem to be losing their top spot.
Braga have managed to beat Partizan Belgrade home and away and now will be keen to exact revenge on the Gunners. As it stands now Arsene Wenger's men are level on nine points with Shakhtar at the top of the group and three clear of Braga. That means that a draw would guarantee they finish above the Portuguese due to a superior record in head-to-heads.
Arsenal will want to finish top of the group and will want to win their final two group games to get an easier draw in the next round.
It will also give them some confidence after they were beaten by Tottenham despite leading 2-0 only to lose the game 2-3 at home.
As for the team news, Arsenal will be having some fresh players as he looks to leave out the players who are not fully fit. The likes of Gael Clichy has been left behind because of a back problem, while Andrey Arshavin is rested after being heavily involved this season.
Robin van Persie has also been left behind as Wenger feels he could do with a little more work at the training grounds at home.
That means we will see the duo of England left-back Kieran Gibbs and Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner starting this match. Arsenal have a number of players out injured which includes the likes of Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (elbow), centre-half Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) and midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) are all sidelined, while Aaron Ramsey continues his rehabilitation following a broken leg.
As for the home side Braga, they have their own injuries to contend with as well. They will not have Paulao who has missed the last month with a thigh problem and Quim out until the New Year with a damaged Achilles tendon.
Manager Domingos Paciencia is nevertheless in confident mood ahead of a match Braga will feel they have to win. A draw is not too bad for them if Shakhtar also fail to beat Partizan.
Take Arsenal to get the win here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal 1-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Arsenal and give the 1/2 ball here.
