English Premier
2011-09-10 - Arsenal vs Swansea
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Premier League
Saturday 10 September 2011 - Kickoff 3pm
Arsenal
There has been plenty of time between the Arsenal's last game, that disappointing defeat at Old Trafford, and this one and there will also be a few new faces in the line up as they take to the field at the Emirates. This is a big game for Arsene Wenger who needs to get his side moving in the right direction back up the table.
A poor start to the season has seen the Gunners pick up just 1 point from their 3 League games and leaves the team in 17th position in the early Premier League table. They have lost their only League game at home to Liverpool, but Arsenal did beat Udinese here in the Champions League Qualifier.
Arsenal drew 0-0 at Newcastle on the opening day, but have since conceded 10 goals in 2 League games as the defence has been decimated by injuries and suspension. The 8-2 defeat at Manchester United will have embarrassed Wenger, and he is certain to want to see a reaction against one of the promoted teams. The Gunners have won just 2 of their last 7 home games in all competitions.
Thomas Vermaelan has been ruled out for a month at least so Per Mertesacker is likely to join Laurent Koscielny at centre half in his debut. Kieron Gibbs is injured and Carl Jenkinson is suspended meaning Andre Santos may also be in line to make his debut. Alex Song and Gervinho complete their own suspensions, while Jack Wilshire and Abou Diaby are injured.
These lack of options in midfield means the likes of Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun could be making their debuts too, although Emmanuel Frimpong is back in the squad as is Bacary Sagna.
Swansea
If Swansea were unsure how difficult it will be for them to survive in the Premier League, the opening month of the season will have at least given them plenty of ideas. Brendan Rodgers did really well to get this side up to the big time, but Swansea look out of their depth so far.
The Swans are up to 15th in the Premier League table having gained 2 points from their opening 3 games of the season. However, they are yet to score a goal in the League and have played 2 of those games in front of their passionate fans at the Liberty Stadium. Rodgers can at least look at some of the positives and say his team have kept clean sheets in their last 2 games.
Those clean sheets are down to the impressive start made by new signing Michel Vorm in goal. He saved a penalty to earn a point against Wigan and made some crucial saves to deny Sunderland last time out. Swansea lost their only away game of the League season at Manchester City 4-0, and have also been beaten 3-1 at Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup. Funnily enough, no Swansea player has scored this season, the goal at Shrewsbury coming courtesy of an own goal.
Garry Monk, the club captain, is still a major doubt having not played this season. Alan Tate is a long-term absentee, but there are no new injury worries.
Head to Head
This will be the first meeting between the sides since 1983. Arsenal won that game 2-1 at Highbury.
Prediction
While I am not overly impressed with the signings made by Arsenal before the close of the transfer window, I think they will make a good start against an overmatched Swansea side that will have a struggle on their hands this season.
The Gunners still have plenty of quality in their side to take care of the lesser sides in the Premier League, although I remain in doubt that they will finish in the top 4 this season.
Arsenal's pace should cause Swansea plenty of problems, especially as the away side are known for trying to play football as much as they can.
Much like their opening game at Manchester City, I think the fitness of the Arsenal players will tell towards the end of the game and I can see them winning this with a little bit to spare.
The biggest concern I have to stop Arsenal scoring goals is the form of Michel Vorm in goal for Swansea, with the Dutchman being in fantastic form to open the season, but I think the pressure will tell and Arsenal will get too many chances for him to keep them out.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal 3-0 Swansea
