Arsenal VS Birmingham City
17/10/2009, 22:00
17/10/2009, 22:00
Arsenal (5th) 5-0-2 24:10
Arsenal continue to be "the entertainers" of the Premier League under manager Arsene Wenger, especially at the Emirates where the last five league games have all seen 4+ goals scored.
Wenger insists that he has the talent to challenge for the title, although most Gooners believe that the side is still fragile when it comes to defending, and the games against Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers underline that.
However, perhaps that is the price to pay under Wenger's flowing football systems, and certainly when the side can answer back as well as they did against Blackburn, then perhaps does not matter that you concede goals if you can score four plus per game.
Of course, when the opponents are top class and the games get tight, then I suspect that this weakness will again be highlighted.
(team news online Friday)
Birmingham City (14th) 2-1-5 5:8
Birmingham City have had a tough time in their return to the Premier League, and the Brummies are battling hard in every game to scrap for the points on offer.
A feature of Birmingham's results so far has been that ALL of the league games have been decided by a margin of one goal, with a pair of 1-0 wins, and a mix of 0-1 and 1-2 losses.
This season has felt like a bit of holding pattern for Birmingham with the protracted takeover by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung seemingly taking forever. Yeung has romised to make £40m available for transfers during the January window.
Until then I think that we will see Birmingham taking this very steady and hard-to-beat approach.
(team news online Friday)
The Betting Verdict
Once again, the international break will have an effect on the fluidity of Arsenal's approach play, although the Gunners are fortunate to have a gome game scheduled meaning that the nice flat wide surface of the Emirates Stadium will suit.
The Arsenal have been scoring goals for fun at home, but a quick look at the visitors goal difference underlines that City do not concede many goals, especially allowing for away trips to Old Trafford and White Hard Lane already.
Birmingham have proven to be a tough side to beat with all three away losses only by a single goal margin - and I don't expect this match to be a goal-fest like the previous three home games.
However, Arsenal should come out on top and secure all three points.
THE PICK:
Arsenal 2-0 Birmingham City (or 1-0)
PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE:
Arsenal 75% - Draw 20% - Birmingham City 5%
FIXED ODDS BETTING:
I expect ARSENAL TO WIN but the price is low - especially when you consider that 1.33 would be fair value.
A bet on ARSENAL TO WIN TO NIL could be a better play.
Arsenal 2-0 Birmingham City (or 1-0)
PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE:
Arsenal 75% - Draw 20% - Birmingham City 5%
FIXED ODDS BETTING:
I expect ARSENAL TO WIN but the price is low - especially when you consider that 1.33 would be fair value.
A bet on ARSENAL TO WIN TO NIL could be a better play.
