THE bare facts would seem to provide good reasons for a red warning light to begin flashing in the head of anyone thinking of backing Arsenal at 1/3 this weekend, but the Gunners should deliver at home to Stoke on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal were admittedly quite abject at times in Monday night’s damp squib of a contest at Old Trafford, where the Gunners lost 1-0, but that has not been their only ‘let down’ performance of late. Late goals from Walcott and Nasri saw Arsenal to a 3-1 win over Partizan Belgrade in a Champions League contest that created much more stress on the home fans than many would have expected, while a 2-1 home win over Fulham prior to that contest hardly inspired huge amounts of confidence in Arsenal as stereotypical ‘home bankers’. Arsene Wenger’s men have also lost at home to Newcastle and Spurs, while scrapping past bottom club West Ham 1-0 thanks to an 88th minute winner.
In addition to Arsenal’s dubious recent form, Stoke have continued to represent themselves as a strong mid-table outfit under Tony Pulis. Prior the last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Blackpool, Stoke were unbeaten in five games, including creditable wins at home to Liverpool and away to West Brom, all backed up by a 1-1 draw at home against Manchester City. However, in away games against the top sides in the division, Stoke have not traditionally fared that well. This season they have already suffered away defeats at Chelsea, Sunderland, Everton and Bolton and their record at the Emirates is two defeats from two.
On the positive side for Arsenal, third choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who will likely start again Saturday, had a solid game against Manchester United and his appearance in goal does not provide cause for concern. Cesc Fabregas didn’t start for Arsenal on Monday but should today, and the captain’s creative presence in midfield could be enough in this game.
Although Arsenal’s three home defeats this season are bettered only by West Ham’s four, they are still ‘good things’ to beat a Stoke side who are not usually set up to get points off the top teams away from the Britannia Stadium. It is hardly bold to select a 1/3 side to win, but I continue to buy into what Arsene Wenger is selling, and the Gunners should be able to justify that price and more this afternoon on their way to picking up three critical points.
SUGGESTION:
Arsenal WIN (1/3 @ Paddy Power)
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