English Premier
2011-02-01 - Arsenal vs Everton
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premier League
Tuesday 1st February 2011 - Kickoff 7:45pm
Arsenal
Last 5 Arsenal games at home : W3-D1-L1 F10-A5
The Gunners are flying high this year and currently occupy second place in the league table with 46 points. Wenger's men trail leaders United by 5 points but having played equal games now that United have played their games in hand. As a result Arsenal know what the gap is and must keep winning and hunting down the Red Devils and hope that so long as they keep the pressure is on, there’s always a chance United will drop points.
Up next for Arsenal is Everton at the Emirates in what will be a very tough match, Arsenal had to play for a whole half with 10 men on Saturday after Squillaci's red card but it was the early kick off and most regulars were rested.
Unfortunately Nasri a very key first teamer started and hobbled off with a hamstring injury and is out for 3 weeks. His creativity and vision is key to this side and it is a massive loss for Wenger's side. I don't think his loss is going to effect the outcome in this game - but if he is still missing against Barcelona in a few weeks then it is a massive blow.
The Gunners can't stop scoring right now with the last 2 league games ending in 3-0 Arsenal wins, the last 2 FA Cup games in 2-1 and 3-1 wins whilst the League Cup semi final second leg was also won 3-0. So in 5 games that's an aggregate score line of 14-2!!
Arsenal has scored 2 or more league goals a league high 16 times this season from 23 games and has gone onto winning 13 of these games. Given that they are averaging exactly 2 goals a game in the last 5 league games and over 2 goals overall at home I can't see Everton keeping them out. And as per the stat above when scoring 2 or more it ends as a home win 81% of the time and I like that stat!
Team news for Arsenal has Frimpong, Vermaelen, Nasri and Squillaci are out with Fabianski and Sagna doubts. Djourou is likely to step in for Squillaci reforming his partnership with Koscielny at centreback.
Elsewhere the likes of Song, Clichy, Fabregas, Walcott, Van Persie and Wilshere are all set to be recalled to the starting lineup having missed out on the starting lineup for the weekend FA Cup tie .. Arshavin would seem likely to retain his starting role given the injury to Nasri, while Szczesny is expected to return in goal.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup:
Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Walcott, Song, Wilshere, Arshavin, Fabregas, Van Persie.
Everton
Last 5 games Everton away : W1-D3-L1 F6-A7
After a week off from playing league football it's back to business for Everton who have a tricky trip away at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
David Moyes's side occupy 14th in the league and only have 27 point from their 23 games, as a result the Toffees sit just 4 points above the relegation zone but if they lose at Arsenal and results go against them they could be 1 defeat away from the bottom three!
It's hard to pin point where this club has gone wrong but like I mentioned for Saturday's preview I think it's a mixture of 2/3 things.
Firstly, when Cahill is absent or doesn't contribute with his goals the side is losing a massive offensive weapon but not just his goals but also his leadership. The way he plays drives his teammates on and again the Australian misses out on Tuesday as he is still travelling back for Asia on Australia International duty.
Secondly, the lack of output from playmaker Arteta has hurt the midfield, whilst Cahill has been brilliant Arteta has struggled to pull the strings. His assists and goals are down and many question whether the injury sustained last year has had a longer lasting impact on his game. Against a very good Arsenal midfield he must "show up" in this encounter.
Finally the home form has dropped this year compared to last year, I wont go into this as Everton is away on Tuesday but with too much reliance on Cahill, not enough from Arteta and a not good enough home record has cost this team.
A counter stat to when Arsenal score two or more, is Everton's record when conceding two or more. The Toffees have only let in 2 or more in 8 games but have yet to lose! That's some stat right there but my fear is this side was at full strength at the weekend v Chelsea whilst Arsenal rested a few players. With only 2 days rest I feel Arsenal are better prepared and should still win this.
Team news for Everton is that Cahill sits out with Anichebe and Hibbert also doubts. The striker has a groin injury whilst Hibbert a virus, both are likely to make the bench for this one. Jagielka should start this one with Heitinga making way whilst Saha will continue up front following his goal v Chelsea at the weekend. Elsewhere the side remains unchaned.
Predicted Everton Lineup :
Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell, Arteta, Osman, Saha.
The Betting Verdict
Despite losing Nasri, I feel that Cahill's absence is a bigger deal and with Van Persie and Wilshire etc being rested ahead of this game I feel the Gunners have too much for a spirited Everton and take this one by a couple of goals. Home Win.
Good Luck.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal 3-1Everton
BEST BETTING TIP :
The home win is poorly priced.Instead try Arsenal -1 AH 1.90 @ PinnacleSports
