English Premier
2011-02-23 - Arsenal vs Stoke
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Arsenal knows that if they can get all three points here they will move to just within a point behind Manchester United with the Red Devils playing in the Champions League away to Marseille.
Arsenal will be looking to put more pressure as the leaders has games coming up against Wigan and Chelsea in the coming weeks. Last week Arsenal beat Barcelona 2-1 and will now hope that is enough to bring to the second leg.
However they were dissappointing last weekend when they could only draw against Leyton Orient but they will be confident of getting the result at the Emirates here tonight.
It has to be said that since their 1-0 defeat to United in December, Arsenal have won their last six home games and are unbeaten in their last nine league games. The Gunners also have the chance to clinch the club's first piece of silverware in six years on Sunday as they face Birmingham in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley.
But it must be said that Stoke have given problems to Arsenal since being promoted to the Premier League in 2008, though, winning two of their five meetings and beating them 3-1 in the fourth round of last season's FA Cup.
Arsenal have won the other three, and there have been some exchange of words mainly due to after Stoke's 2-1 victory at the Britannia in November 2008.
It also has to be said that Wenger has criticised Stoke's physical style of play, especially after Aaron Ramsey suffered a horrific injury in their last meeting at the Britannia last February. However, Stoke boss Tony Pulis has defended his players and his playing philosophy, insisting Ryan Shawcross' challenge on Ramsey was not malicious at all.
Stoke have won five of their last eight games to stay in the top half and book an FA Cup quarter-final tie with West Ham which is why he cancelled a pre-match press conference on Tuesday to focus on his team's recent form.
As for the team news, Arsenal will be without Robin van Persie who has a hamstring problem, and has scored 12 goals in his last 10 games, and the Dutch striker is set to replaced by Nicklas Bendtner in the side. Defender Laurent Koscielny (back) will also be out but he and Van Persie should be available for Sunday's Carling Cup final.
Meanwhile, Johan Djourou is expected to come in for Koscielny after missing the FA Cup draw at Orient, although Abou Diaby is suspended and long-term absentees Thomas Vermaelen and Lukasz Fabianski remain sidelined.
As for Stoke, Matthew Etherington is a big doubt for Stoke despite playing in Saturday's FA Cup win over Brighton only to suffer a back problem.
Asmir Begovic will return in goal ahead of Thomas Sorensen, who has so far played in all Stoke's FA Cup ties, while Dean Whitehead is set to return into midfield having been rested as an unused substitute against Brighton.
Mamady Sidibe out with Achilles and Abdoulaye Fayewho is down with hamstring are the only definite absentees for the visitors.
Take Arsenal to win this match and give the 1 1/4 ball away.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Arsenal to win 3-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Arsenal and give the 1 1/4 ball.
