English Premier
2006-02-25 - Blackburn Rovers vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
If Arsenal can win at the Bernabeu Stadium against Real Madrid then surely that can see of Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park right? I'm not so sure.BLACKBURN ROVERS (7th) 12-4-10 33:31
(Last 10) LWWWD WWLLW
Blackburn Rovers have been impressive at home this season with an 8-2-2 record that includes victories in 7 of their last 9 home league matches.
Rovers are a scrappy sort of side. They're going to get stuck in and compete for everything, very much in the style of Wigan Athletic or Bolton Wanderers and it's significant that both of those sides have got the better of Arsenal recently.
ARSENAL (5th) 12-5-9 39:21
(Last 10) WWDDW LLWDL
The Gunners are a young side this season and their problems with winning away in England have been well documented. Arsenal are 9-2-2 at Highbury, but only 3-3-7 when playing away from home.
In my opinion this marked difference is a direct result of the high paced, confrontational nature on English football - rather than playing away. Arsenal are 4-0-0 when playing away in the Champions League as opponents give them space.
Arsenal surprised nearly everyone with their 1-0 midweek win over Real Madrid, but in retrospect I think that it's fair to say that the nature of the opposition suited Arsenal.
Real Madrid are not the sort of side to pressure too quickly or kick and scrap. The Spaniards are the sort of team that will try to out-football opponents - and that suited Arsenal.
Blackburn are far more likely to get stuck in - and that does not look good for Arsenal here.
HEAD TO HEAD 0-1 0-2 2-0 2-3
Typically, Arsenal have had too much style, pace and experience for Blackburn and the Gunners have a very good record against Blackburn in recent years.
Arsenal have faced Blackburn 6 times in the last 2.5 seasons, and won every game without conceding a single goal.
Earlier this season Arsenal won 3-0 at Highbury, and Arsenal have also won three of the last four clashes at Ewood Park.
THE VERDICT
This game is an enigma to me. Arsenal at their best can simply breeze past Blackburn as Rovers lack the international level of players to trouble the Gunners.
But in England the pattern has been established by Wigan, Bolton and others. Get stuck into Arsenal and see if the Gunners want to compete or whether they'll fall apart.
Given recent domestic form - I have to side with Blackburn at home here - as they price is too good to turn down.
The Pick :
Blackburn 2-1 Arsenal (or 1-1 draw)
BEST BETTING TIP :
I cannot argue against either the home win or the draw - there does seem to be plnety of value worth backing for BLACKBURN fans.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
However, I'll settle for taking BLACKBURN with a +1/4 goal headstart on the handicap. This will payout if Blackburn can avoid defeat.
