Champions League
2012-09-18 - Montpellier HSC vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Arsenal kicks off their Champions League with a tricky match against Montpellier and for Olivier Giroud he will be set to face his former team mates since making the switch to Arsenal. The France international was a key player in Montpellier's Ligue 1 success last season as he was their top scorer with 21 goals. Giroud has yet to score so far this season but will be hoping to score at the Stade de la Mosson where he played last season.
Arsenal heads into this match with confidence after starting out in impressive form in the Premier League. From four games they have managed eight points, putting them third in the standings and just two points behind leaders Chelsea. They have conceded just one goal to date in the Premiership.
Meanwhile, French champions Montpellier have lost three of their opening five Ligue 1 matches. This will also be their debut in the Champions League. They will hope a full capacity 30,000 hoem crowd can inspire them to a win here. Montpellier will have a slight advantage, as Wenger will not be on the touchline to give any instructions to his team as he has to serve the first of a three-match ban for confronting the referee during Arsenal's defeat by AC Milan in the round of 16 in March.
Team News :
Montpellier Team News :
For the hosts, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Remy Cabella both are available for selection after being rested at the weekend by Montpellier coach Rene Girard.
Arsenal Team News :
Arsenal will be without first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny because of an ankle injury, meaning that Italian custodian Vito Mannone will start in goal. Arsenal will be without first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny because of an ankle injury, meaning that Italian custodian Vito Mannone will start from the bench.
The likes of Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna and Emmanuel Frimpong all are out with injury, while Russia international midfielder Andrey Arshavin has been left behind in London. The good news is that midfielder Abou Diaby has recovered from a hip problem and has been included in the squad.
Predictions :
Take Arsenal to win this match and give the 1/4 ball away.
The Pick :
Montpellier 0-1 Arsenal
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Arsenal to win
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main BET:
Go for Arsenal and give the -1/4 ball handicap away here.
Go for Arsenal and give the -1/4 ball handicap away here.
