English FA CUP
2013-02-16 - Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English FA Cup
Saturday 16 February 2013 - Kick Off 3pm
Arsenal
While the FA Cup clearly represents the best chance for Arsenal to end their 8 year wait for silverware, it is also clear that the players may just be overlooking this tie with the big Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on deck. It was something that Arsene Wenger was speaking about Arsenal's chances of winning the Champions League if they can beat Bayern Munich, and I think it will be interesting as to how his players approach this game.
Arsenal have beaten the likes of Swansea and Brighton to get to this stage and they couldn't have asked for much more than facing a side from the Championship to reach the Quarter Final of the FA Cup. While the Champions League is the glamour game, Wenger was also right to point out that the FA Cup is the 'easier' competition to win, even though Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all still involved.
Since a 2-1 loss at Chelsea, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions and they have won 4 of those games. They have won 3 of their last 4 home games in all competitions since a 0-2 loss to Manchester City. Arsenal have won 5 of their last 7 games at home in all competitions.
Thomas Vermaelan has returned to the squad, but Laurent Koscielny and Jack Wilshire are doubts. There are bound to be some changes to the first team with the game against Bayern Munich in mind.
Blackburn Rovers
Things have been a little quiet at Ewood Park in recent weeks, surprisingly to say the least, and Michael Appleton has been getting on with his new job in relative peace. The form of Blackburn Rovers since Appleton arrived has been good and they are an outsider that could get involved in the Play Off picture as they look to get back into the Premier League for next season.
They have admitted that the FA Cup is not the priority this season with a return to the Premier League the main concern, but Blackburn Rovers are not going to roll over at the Emirates Stadium and let their tummies get tickled. The side have beaten two fellow Championship clubs to get to this stage of the FA Cup including an impressive 0-3 win at Derby County in the Fourth Round.
Blackburn are unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions and they come into this one having lost just 1 of their last 10 games. They have also won 6 of their last 10 games in all competitions to pick up momentum they hope they can carry through until the end of the season. Blackburn are unbeaten in 4 away games in all competitions since a 1-0 loss at Middlesbrough.
Karim Rekik has signed on loan from Manchester City and is available for selection.
Head to Head
Arsenal thumped Blackburn Rovers 7-1 here in the Premier League last season and they have also recorded 6-2 and 4-0 wins here in the last four seasons.
Arsenal have won 8 of their last 9 home League games against Blackburn Rovers, although they have also drawn 0-0 in the FA Cup here back in 2007.
Prediction
This is a tough game to predict as Arsenal have a big Champions League game up next, but surely will take this one seriously as it does represent a big chance to win some silverware this season.
However, I do think there will be changes to the side and Arsenal have had it a little tough in front of goal recently. I would be surprised if Blackburn Rovers try and make this an open game and I would expect the latter to try and keep things tight and make the home side nervous.
I think Arsenal win, but I think a small interest at dutching the 1-0 and 2-0 correct scores could be worth a play. The home side won't be going gung-ho to win this one by a large margin and the changes could make their attacking play a little less fluent than normal.
Arsenal could be doing just enough to win the game and I think Blackburn will look to keep things tight and the two scorelines combine to pay at 5.14 and look worth a small interest.
The Pick :
Arsenal 1-0 Blackburn Rovers
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Arsenal Win 1-0 @ 12.00 (Bet Victor)I'll back Arsenal Win 2-0 @ 9.00 (Bet Victor)
If either selection wins, the payout is 5.14
