Tag Archives: Gunners

Goalless Gunners face Anfield test

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Following Saturday’s Premier League action, there are three games to look forward to on Sunday with Arsenal’s visit to Liverpool the highlight at 1.30pm.

Liverpool v Arsenal (1.30pm)
Liverpool (11/10) have come in for criticism for letting Andy Carroll go without, in the end, bringing in a replacement but face an Arsenal (5/2, draw 12/5) side who similarly failed to splash the cash on deadline day.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers made it clear on Thursday and Friday that he wanted at least one more addition to his frontline but, for whatever reason, he failed to land Clint Dempsey from Fulham and now must approach the next three months will very little cover for Fabio Borini and Luis Suarez.

Scoring goals was their biggest problem last season and could well haunt them again this time around as, taking into account their Europa League games against Hearts as well as the two league games so far, missing chances have again been a feature of their early matches.

However, the Reds were impressive last weekend against champions Manchester City and, but for a shocking back-pass from Martin Skrtel, would have got a deserved 2-1 win, so there is optimism they can get three points against the Gunners.

Finding the back of the net has also been a worry for Arsene Wenger as Arsenal have begun slowly with two unimpressive goalless draws against Sunderland and Stoke.

The Frenchman will hope Oliver Giroud, Lukas Podolski and apparent Liverpool target Theo Walcott begin to fire soon, preferably on Sunday, as they look to get a win under their belts.

Despite a lack of goals from both sides, then, this one should be entertaining with Liverpool tipped to win by the odd goal. Go for 2-1 in the correct score market at 9/1.

Newcastle v Aston Villa (4pm)
Newcastle (8/13) host Aston Villa (5/1) after their Europa League success on Thursday and will hope to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at Chelsea last time out.

The Magpies began with a 2-1 win over Spurs and many believe they can again battle for a top-six spot after last year’s surprise bid for a top-four place. They host a poor Villa side and this looks nailed on a home win.

Villa have began the campaign dreadfully and last week’s 3-1 reverse against Everton was as bad a performance the home faithful witnessed under old boss Alex McLeish.

The deadline-day signing of Christian Benteke is designed to provide Darren Bent with a decent strike partner but it remains to be seen if a side who many are now tipping for relegation, can be revitalised by Paul Lambert.

Two games in remains very early to judge a side but the signs are not good for Villa and we cannot see anything other than an away defeat on Sunday to leave them point-less after three games.

Southampton v Manchester United (4pm)
United go to top-flight new-boys Saints (5/1) hoping to find a bit more rhythm as Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-chasers have been rusty so far.

A deserved defeat at Everton was followed up by a sloppy 3-2 home victory over Fulham and they will need to be wary of a Southampton side bound to be pumped up for what will undoubtedly be one of the occasions of the season at St Mary’s for the home fans.

Robin van Persie did get off the mark well last week and appears to have hit the ground running in his new surroundings so the Dutchman is worth backing in the first goalscorer market at 4/1.

Expect a tight opening 45 minutes in this one as Nigel Adkins sets his side up with two banks of four but United are eventually tipped to break them down with a narrow away win on the cards (Draw/United – HT/FT – 10/3).

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Can Reds and Gunners fire?

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There’s two big Premier League games on Sunday with Arsenal and Liverpool both hoping to open their goal accounts but the two top-four hopefuls face tough tests as the Gunners go to Stoke and Brendan Rodgers’ side entertain champions Manchester City.

Stoke v Arsenal (1.30pm)

The early kick-off features the Potters at home to Arsene Wenger’s side with both clubs hoping they can turn the draws they earned on the opening weekend into a win.

Arsenal are favourites to come out on top at 23/10 in the match betting but plenty will see value in the home side triumphing in this with 5/2 looking generous, considering the Potters are traditionally very hard to beat in front of their loud home fans.

Tony Pulis’ side kicked off the campaign with a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Reading but it was so nearly a 1-0 win as Michael Kightly’s goal was only cancelled out by Adam Le Fondre’s last-minute spot-kick at the Madejski Stadium.

Stoke are always up for it at the Britannia – as are those fans – and Wenger’s men may have to weather an early storm on Sunday lunchtime with the Potters eager to get off to a flying start. With that in mind, Peter Crouch to score the first goal is worth backing at 8/1.

Arsenal have only won once at Stoke in the last four seasons but created enough chances in the ultimately disappointing goalless draw at home to Sunderland in their opener to suggest goals will not be a problem this season, despite Robin van Persie’s exit.

The onus is on summer signings Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud to fill the void left by the Dutchman, while more will be expected from the likes of Theo Walcott in the final third. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns to the Gunners’ squad and he could even earn a start with his pace a worry to the Potters.

Including pre-season friendlies, Stoke have drawn their last five games 1-1, which can be backed at 6/1, and another draw could well be the outcome here although an entertaining 2-2 is predicted in the correct score market at an attractive 14/1.

Liverpool v Manchester City (4pm)

All eyes then turn to Anfield for an eagerly-awaited clash between Rodgers’ men and Roberto Mancini’s title favourites. City are on offer at 11/8 to win with Liverpool 2/1 shots and the draw 12/5 in the match betting.

Rodgers could be the first Liverpool manager to lose his first two league games since a certain Bill Shankly suffered that fate and, if the Reds are beaten by the champions – and there will be plenty expecting the visitors to come out on top in this – the pressure will be turned up a notch on the former Swansea chief.

The Merseysiders folded badly when losing Daniel Agger to a red card at West Brom last weekend and ultimately slipped to a thoroughly disappointing 3-0 opening-day defeat.

A workmanlike 1-0 success over Hearts on Thursday in the Europa League will have done little to ease fans’ worries that it will be another difficult season for the Reds and they will hope to raise their game, like they did last season against the better sides, when City come to town.

However, Mancini’s men look too strong, even without Sergio Aguero up front, for a side still very much getting to grips with a new system and manager and expect them to pick up all three points to make it two out of two for the title-chasers.

Their entertaining 3-2 win over Southampton last weekend was a lot closer than many thought and this could equally have just one goal in it with City fancied to triumph 2-1, which is on offer at odds of 9/1.

In Aguero’s absence, Mario Balotelli will hope to get the nod ahead of Edin Dzeko to partner Carlos Tevez up front and the Italian is well worth backing at 7/4 to score anytime.

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Can Reds and Gunners finally fire?

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There’s two big Premier League games on Sunday with Arsenal and Liverpool both hoping to open their goal accounts but the two top-four hopefuls face tough tests as the Gunners go to Stoke and Brendan Rodgers’ side entertain champions Manchester City.

Stoke v Arsenal (1.30pm)

The early kick-off features the Potters at home to Arsene Wenger’s side with both clubs hoping they can turn the draws they earned on the opening weekend into a win.

Arsenal are favourites to come out on top at 23/10 in the match betting but plenty will see value in the home side triumphing in this with 5/2 looking generous, considering the Potters are traditionally very hard to beat in front of their loud home fans.

Tony Pulis’ side kicked off the campaign with a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Reading but it was so nearly a 1-0 win as Michael Kightly’s goal was only cancelled out by Adam Le Fondre’s last-minute spot-kick at the Madejski Stadium.

Stoke are always up for it at the Britannia – as are those fans – and Wenger’s men may have to weather an early storm on Sunday lunchtime with the Potters eager to get off to a flying start. With that in mind, Peter Crouch to score the first goal is worth backing at 8/1.

Arsenal have only won once at Stoke in the last four seasons but created enough chances in the ultimately disappointing goalless draw at home to Sunderland in their opener to suggest goals will not be a problem this season, despite Robin van Persie’s exit.

The onus is on summer signings Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud to fill the void left by the Dutchman, while more will be expected from the likes of Theo Walcott in the final third. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns to the Gunners’ squad and he could even earn a start with his pace a worry to the Potters.

Including pre-season friendlies, Stoke have drawn their last five games 1-1, which can be backed at 6/1, and another draw could well be the outcome here although an entertaining 2-2 is predicted in the correct score market at an attractive 14/1.

Liverpool v Manchester City (4pm)

All eyes then turn to Anfield for an eagerly-awaited clash between Rodgers’ men and Roberto Mancini’s title favourites. City are on offer at 11/8 to win with Liverpool 2/1 shots and the draw 12/5 in the match betting.

Rodgers could be the first Liverpool manager to lose his first two league games since a certain Bill Shankly suffered that fate and, if the Reds are beaten by the champions – and there will be plenty expecting the visitors to come out on top in this – the pressure will be turned up a notch on the former Swansea chief.

The Merseysiders folded badly when losing Daniel Agger to a red card at West Brom last weekend and ultimately slipped to a thoroughly disappointing 3-0 opening-day defeat.

A workmanlike 1-0 success over Hearts on Thursday in the Europa League will have done little to ease fans’ worries that it will be another difficult season for the Reds and they will hope to raise their game, like they did last season against the better sides, when City come to town.

However, Mancini’s men look too strong, even without Sergio Aguero up front, for a side still very much getting to grips with a new system and manager and expect them to pick up all three points to make it two out of two for the title-chasers.

Their entertaining 3-2 win over Southampton last weekend was a lot closer than many thought and this could equally have just one goal in it with City fancied to triumph 2-1, which is on offer at odds of 9/1.

In Aguero’s absence, Mario Balotelli will hope to get the nod ahead of Edin Dzeko to partner Carlos Tevez up front and the Italian is well worth backing at 7/4 to score anytime.

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Gunners must clip Canaries wings

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With the FA Cup final taking place later in the day the Premier League serves up an interesting appetiser in the form of Arsenal against Norwich at 12:45pm. For the Gunners it is a must-win game given recent results as they look to hold onto third. Could a care free Norwich throw a spanner in the works though?

The Gunners fans might have expected their team to have wrapped up third by this point, with two matches to go, given they were well clear off the chasing pack at one point. However, with Arsenal having failed to win any of their last three they have been reeled in by the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham, with both teams just a point behind.

Arsenal must now win their last two games against Norwich and West Brom to make sure of a place in next season’s Champions League, with fourth not guaranteeing anything this year due to Chelsea’s participation in the final against Bayern Munich.

Arsenal won seven home games on the bounce in all competitions before the shock defeat to Wigan and will need to rediscover that golden touch to find a way past Norwich. While the Canaries have lost their last three they have shown on a couple of occasions they can hang with the Premier League’s big boys, winning on their last trip to north London when they beat Tottenham.

If you fancy Norwich to complete a north London double you can back them at 14/1 in the match betting, with Arsenal 2/9 and the draw 5/1. Given that they have secured their place in the top flight for next season you might imagine the Norwich players are already ‘on the beach’. However, Paul Lambert will be keen to get a good performance out of his team following defeats to Manchester City, Blackburn and Liverpool.

Norwich have won five games away from home this season, four of which have come in 2012 as they took three points away from QPR, West Brom, Swansea and Tottenham. However, keeping a clean sheet on the road has been a big problem for Norwich and they have yet to manage it away from Carrow Road.

With that in mind between three and five goals at 4/6 could be worth a punt, especially with Robin van Persie having ended his mini drought last week.

The Football Writers’ Player of the Year has had a fantastic season and his equaliser against Stoke was his 38th goal of the season in all competitions and he can be backed at 2/1 to score two or more against the leaky Canaries.

Van Persie will lead the line again for Arsenal as Wenger gets set to name an unchanged line-up from the one that drew with Stoke last week. The Frenchman has just one new injury to contend with after Abou Diaby was ruled out for the rest of the season.

As far as Norwich are concerned Lambert might decide to make changes to his starting XI after their disappointing display against Liverpool last weekend, with Grant Holt pushing for a recall.

The Gunners should be comfortable winners if they can rediscover a bit of the form which saw them catapult themselves into third and can be backed at 8/13 to beat the Canaries with a minus one handicap if you are looking for a bit more value.

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Rampant Gunners to worry Latics

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Monday night’s clash at Emirates Stadium is a big one for both Arsenal and Wigan Athletic, but perhaps more so for the visiting Latics (Arsenal 7/2, draw 9/2, Wigan 10/1).

Wigan go into the game in North London lurking dangerously above the relegation zone, with just five games left to secure another term in the Premier League.

They hold a two-point lead over third-bottom Bolton Wanderers, having played one game more, and a three-point cushion over out-of form Blackburn Rovers.

With Blackburn and Wolverhampton Wanderers in desperate form and short of points, it looks like one from three for 18th spot.

Inconsistency is a trait of all the sides at the bottom. However, Wigan, as they always tend to do around this stage of the season, have started putting results together.

Roberto Martinez’s side have won three of their last four games, including an historic double – a first Anfield win over Liverpool and a first-ever victory over Manchester United at the DW Stadium. They were also unfortunate in a controversial 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

There has been a slight shift in emphasis of late, with Wigan less reliant on good football and more willing to roll their sleeves up and work hard for their points.

The midfield pairing of James McCarthy and James McArthur have played a key role in Wigan’s recent resurgence.

Shaun Maloney was the hero in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over United and he is 16/1 to open the scoring against Arsenal.

Skipper Gary Caldwell scored a rare goal in front of the Liverpool Kop last month and the Scot is 14/1 to score at anytime on Monday.

Arsenal need a win for their own reasons. The Gunners have managed to turn a disappointing campaign into a respectable one with nine wins in their last 10 games.

They have leapfrogged rivals Tottenham Hotspur into third spot and will cement a Champions League spot with victory over Wigan.

However, the charge has come too late as far as some Arsenal fans are concerned. Damaging back-to-back defeats to AC Milan and Sunderland ended their hunt for silverware and stretched their trophyless run to seven years.

The Gunners faithful will expect a more successful summer in the transfer market as they bid to return to the top of English and European football.

First things first, they need to secure Champions League football for next season.

Despite Wigan’s resurgence, you would expect the hosts to run out comfortable winners.

They have won their last seven home games in all competitions and should have too much firepower for Wigan. Robin van Persie is the obvious dangerman (first goalscorer 2/1), while defender Thomas Vermaelen represents good value at 14/1.

Wigan can only boast one win from their previous 13 Premier League meetings with Arsenal, but have proved recently that history counts for little.

There is plenty of fight in the Latics side, but they will struggle to contain a rampant Arsenal side on their own patch. It is hard to look past a home victory in this one.

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Gunners eye Italian Job

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Wednesday’s football highlight is undoubtedly Arsenal’s trip to AC Milan in the Champions League as Arsene Wenger puts aside the Gunners’ Premier League top-four chase and instead focuses on his quest for European glory (Arsenal 20/1 – Champions League Outright).

The north Londoners may have returned to fourth spot after a dramatic win at Sunderland last time out, but with the top three of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham almost home and dry, the pressure will be on Arsenal right up until the end of the season.

The 2005/06 finalists travel to Milan for the first leg of the last-16 tie and Wales star Aaron Ramsey certainly believes attack is the best form of defence against the current Serie A leaders, who have shipped just five goals domestically in the San Siro this term.

The midfielder wants the Gunners to go for the jugular although it could be argued his view is one seen through rose-tinted spectacles.

Ramsey told Arsenal’s website: “If we can go there and get a few goals and then come back to the Emirates then that’s going to be a fantastic result for us.

“Hopefully, we can get a couple of goals and keep them out as well.”

True, Arsenal do have a 100% winning record from two European trips to the San Siro but it must be remembered the last time they went there was four years ago and much has changed at the Emirates since then.

In 2008, Wenger’s side managed a 2-0 win thanks to goals in the last eight minutes and the same scoreline this time around is an 11/1 shot.

Milan used to enjoy a commanding record against British clubs on home soil but that has changed over recent seasons, although they could well restore their reputation this year against a leaky Arsenal defence.

The one fear hanging over them must be Thierry Henry who returns to MLS after this game following a loan spell and the Frenchman is – along with captain Robin van Persie – a tasty 13/2 to score the last goal.

Serving as a palatable starter to the main course in Milan is the night’s other Champions League game on Wednesday between rank outsiders Zenit St Petersburg (80/1 – Outright) and Benfica (50/1), which is an early kick-off at the Stadion Petrovskiy.

Neither the Russians nor the Portuguese outfit are expected to be crowned the Kings of Europe but one must make the quarter-finals.

Zenit eliminated another Portuguese side in their last European game after a goalless draw at Porto, although they did ride their luck at times.

However, the cold of a Russian winter might not appeal to Benfica on the night and they will be happy to return to Portugal still in touch with the 2008 UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup winners so the 6/5 about a home win looks too inviting a price to miss out on.

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Gunners will find it hard

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Arsenal may have already secured top spot in Champions League Group F but there is still plenty to play for on match-day six with Marseille, Olympiacos and even a remote chance Borussia Dortmund can qualify in second place.

Olympiacos v Arsenal

The Gunners go to Greece to take on Olympiacos safe in the knowledge they are already through to the last 16 but their opponents on Tuesday can still qualify as runners-up if Marseille fail to win at Dortmund. The Greek side will also progress if the Bundesliga outfit win by win by four goals or fewer so it’s no surprise to see the home side 20/21 favourites in the match odds.

The Gunners (3/1 to win) claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture at the Emirates earlier in the group but it likely to be a much-changed Arsenal side on Tuesday.

The very best the Londoners could hope for from this game is a draw, on offer at 5/2, but even that looks optimistic given the context of the game.

Boss Arsene Wenger will rest plenty of his top stars with qualification assured so expect a young Gunners side to get beat in Greece.

Wenger’s men are on a fine run of form in the Premier League, with the 4-0 win at Wigan on Saturday their seventh in eight league games, and it’s fair to say this clash is not the Frenchman’s priority – even though he is bound to talk up the benefits of maintaining momentum and form with a win beforehand.

Olympiacos to win 2-0 looks tasty at 13/2 while it is also worth taking them at 7/2 in the half-time/full-time market.

Borussia Dortmund v Marseille

The French giants head to Dortmund knowing second place and qualification for the knock-out stage is in their hands and they will be looking for the victory that assures them of second spot in the group on Tuesday.

Even a draw could be enough if Olympiacos fail to beat Arsenal in the other game as they prepare to take on the Bundesliga side – who know qualification for them is possible – but extremely unlikely.

Dortmund need to beat Marseille by four goals or more and hope Olympiacos lose, or by five goals or more should Olympiacos draw – but those scenarios look remote bearing in mind the Greek side entertain the already-qualified Gunners.

Dortmund’s Mats Hummels has admitted his side’s chances of securing second are “nearly impossible” and they have underperformed in the Champions League so far – picking up just four points from their first five matches.

With what’s at stake, Marseille look great value at 9/2 to win the game while draw/Marseille – HT/FT at 8/1 is also very tempting.

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Gunners starting to fire

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There are a whole host of intriguing matches to feast on as the Premier League resumes following the international break with key matches at both ends of the table in a jam-packed Saturday.

Norwich v Arsenal 12:45

The opening fixture of the weekend promises to be an entertaining affair with Norwich defying pre-season expectations to lie in ninth place, just two places below Arsenal, who have now started to click after a torrid start.

The Gunners go into the match on the back of a four-match winning streak and the threat of goals is apparent with Over 2.5 a 4/6 favourite in the Total Goals market, particularly with Norwich yet to keep a clean sheet.

Robin van Persie is simply irresistible at the moment with eight goals in those four games and is worth a stab at 4/1 in the first goalscorer betting, while he is priced at 11/10 to score at any time.

However, it might not be all one-way traffic though as Norwich have shown their penchant for attacking football but it is hard to see beyond an Arsenal win.

Man City v Newcastle 15:00

The Premier League’s two unbeaten teams go head-to-head at the Etihad as top entertains third but the betting suggests Newcastle’s run will come to an end with City 1/3 favourites to make it six out of six at home.

The match pits the best attack against the best defence but there are many who will argue that this is the Magpies first serious test of the season, despite having already played both Arsenal and Spurs.

There will be those who see value in the 10/1 about an away win and 4/1 on the draw but Newcastle have a poor away record in this fixture, and a reality check is about to dished out.

Wigan v Blackburn 15:00

A massive match looms at the foot of the table as well with the bottom two going head-to-head and although a win for either side would not take them out of the bottom three, it would keep them in touch with the sides above them.

Wigan are unbeaten in the last four against Rovers, including a thrilling 4-3 win ion this fixture last season, and are 6/4 favourites to take the three points.

However, they have lost their last eight games and can hardly be full of confidence going into the match and, despite having just one win to their name, Rovers are more than capable of getting something from this one.

The draw is priced up at 6/4 but a Rovers win is available at 19/10 and there are those who side with Steve Kean, like him or loathe him, and believe that Blackburn have deserved more than what they have got so far this season.

Elsewhere, and Everton and Wolves go head to head at Goodison but it is hard to see the Toffees as 8/13 favourites with just one win at home this season, and Mick McCarthy’s men may be able to take a point home with them at 11/4.

Stoke have not had Europe to worry about this week and can bounce back from the Bolton horror-show and justify 5/6 favouritism against inconsistent QPR , while Fulham can pick up a point at the Stadium of Light at 23/10 with Sunderland firing blanks in five of the last six matches between the two.

West Brom have struggled of late and will struggle to justify Evens favouritism against a Bolton side who have the incentive of climbing out of the relegation zone and above Saturday’s opponents with a win at 14/5 (the draw 5/2), while Manchester United are expected to be the first visiting team to win at the Liberty Stadium at 8/15 – although do not expect many goals in the day’s final game.

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Gunners to exact Baggies revenge

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For those of us who prefer a Saturday morning lie-in the early Premier League kick-off between Newcastle and Everton might be too early, but there are still five traditional 3pm games which promise fireworks.

Arsenal v West Brom

The Baggies pulled off one of the shocks of the season last year to inflict a 3-2 defeat on the Gunners at the Emirates and a repeat 2-3 scoreline can be backed at 50/1.

But before punters get too carried away it must be pointed out that win was West Brom’s first at Arsenal since 1983 when Billy Joel was topping the UK charts with ‘Uptown Girl’.

West Brom have problems up front for this one and will come up against an Arsenal side still buzzing from last weekend’s demolition job at Chelsea.

Last season: Arsenal 2-3 West Brom

Prediction: In-form Robin van Persie to score two or more @ 10/3

Aston Villa v Norwich

A couple of seasons ago these two sides were separated by a couple of divisions but now they are just a point apart in the Premier League – with the Canaries a place better off in eighth spot.

It’s debatable whether or not the men from East Anglia will be in the top half when the season ends but they have already enjoyed wins over Sunderland and Bolton and held Liverpool at Anfield.

Factor in creditable performances in losing causes against Chelsea and Manchester United and it is easy to make a case for Paul Lambert’s men.

However, Villa have been hard to beat this season and the most the Canaries can surely hope for is to plunder a point.

Last season: N/A

Prediction: A 2-2 draw pays out at a tasty 14/1

Blackburn v Chelsea

Poor old Steve Kean can’t seem to shake off the boo boys this season thanks to a record of played 10, won one, drawn three and lost 6.

Amazingly that one victory came against Arsenal – albeit a shambolic one – and the pressure will not be easing this weekend when Chelsea come to town.

Back-to-back defeats in the Premier League for the Blues is simply unheard of since the Roman Abramovich takeover of 2003 but that is the record they take to Ewood Park courtesy of London derby defeats at the hands of QPR and Arsenal.

But they are too good a side to not bounce back against a Rovers outfit who are currently even money to be playing in the Championship in 2012/13 – although a clean sheet might be hard to come by in Lancashire.

Last season: Blackburn 1-2 Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea to take it 3-1 @ 10/1

Liverpool v Swansea

The Reds may be sitting in sixth spot in the table after 10 games but it has been a slow-burning start to the season for Kenny Dalglish’s men whose unbeaten home record masks three draws from their five games in front of the Kop.

Norwich and Sunderland are two of the clubs to have taken a point home with them which underlines how hard Liverpool sometimes find it to meet expectation levels.

In contrast, away wins at Arsenal, Everton and West Brom have kept them in with a shout of the top four.

This weekend represents a great chance to take three more points against the worst travellers in the Premier League so far this season, with promoted Swansea shipping 14 goals in five games on the road to date.

Last season: N/A

Prediction: Liverpool to win 3-0 @ 7/1

Man Utd v Sunderland

History tells us Steve Bruce has never beaten his old boss in 17 attempts since becoming a manager and that statistic is underlined by the fact the former Red Devils star has used more clubs than Tiger Woods in attempting to pull the feat off.

It would be easy to simply put this one down as a banker home win – for good reason as Sunderland have not won at Old Trafford since 1968 – hence odds of 1/4 about a United victory.

United also know any slip-up will play into current league leaders Manchester City’s hands so there are enough factors at play to back up the form book as Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 25 years at the helm.

Last season: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland

Prediction: United to win 4-1 @ 12/1

Suggested treble: Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool

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Gunners set to fire at Ewood

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After a busy and somewhat disappointing week of European action, as far as the English sides were concerned, we turn our attentions back to the Premier League on Saturday with six intriguing matches. The day kicks off with Arsenal travelling to Blackburn at 12:45pm, before five 3pm matches take centre stage for what are likely to be close encounters.

Blackburn v Arsenal (12:45)

The Gunners head to Ewood Park off the back of what was a good point at Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League opener. Having been outplayed for much of the game, Arsenal were lucky to take a point against the German champions. That result will have served to boost the confidence of Arsene Wenger’s men though and they will fancy their chances of getting the better of Blackburn.

Arsenal are a decent value 10/11 for the win against bottom club Rovers, who are 10/3 with the draw 12/5. The Gunners will also be boosted by the return of Alex Song and Gervinho from suspension, the latter having looked very lively in midweek. Arsenal will still be missing a number of first team regulars through suspension, as too will Blackburn, but should have enough to see off Steve Kean’s strugglers.

Match bet – Gervinho to score at anytime @ 11/8

Aston Villa v Newcastle

After all the drama of Alex McLeish taking over at Villa Park the Midlands outfit have made a solid start to the season, maintaining their  unbeaten start with a 2-2 draw at Everton last week. They now play host to a Newcastle side who also look to have come on since last season, so this should be a tight encounter.

Traditionally the home side has come out on top in this fixture, with three points staying with the host in seven of the last eight meetings. With that in mind, it is no wonder Villa are 10/11, with Newcastle 10/3 and the draw 12/5. Given how evenly matched the two sides appear to be on paper a low scoring draw looks to be a safe bet.

Match bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 5/6

Bolton v Norwich

Bolton’s start to the season couldn’t have been much tougher and they’ll probably still be licking their wounds after the 5-0 mauling they were on the end of last week against Manchester United. However, they need to get themselves together quickly for the visit of Norwich, a game they should win if their confidence hasn’t taken too much of a blow.

Bolton’s recent home record is poor, with two wins from six, but with a fixture against a Norwich side who already look like they are going to struggle, the Trotters could have found the answer to their prayers. The Canaries have looked good in most of their games, but only have two points to show from their first four games. With Bolton’s Premier League experience you’d expect them to get the better of the newly promoted side, especially as they’ve won all seven of their previous home games against Norwich.

Match bet – Bolton to win @ 4/5

Everton v Wigan

These two have made solid yet unspectacular starts to the season, with Everton so far dealing well with a lack of investment this summer. The Latics were found wanting at Manchester City last week, but they won’t be the only team to get rolled over at Eastlands this season. Latics boss Roberto Martinez kept the majority of his squad together during the off season and they look to have picked up from where they left off at the end of the last campaign.

Wigan haven’t won at Goodison Park since 2005 and have a pretty awful record on the road, hence why they are 6/1 to claim the three points. If Everton are to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle, then this is the kind of game they need to be winning.

Match bet – Everton to win to nil @ 13/10

Swansea v West Brom

The Swans have been so unlucky not to have won a game yet this season, the Welsh outfit pushing Arsenal all the way last weekend. Brendan Rodgers’ side deserved something from their trip to north London and should be full of confidence for the visit of West Brom. The Baggies were a bit fortunate to come away with three points last weekend but with Roy Hodgson in charge, West Brom have looked a more solid outfit.

Even so Swansea’s hard work will give them just reward before too long and Saturday could be the day they finally get their reward of a first Premier League goal. The Swans are 20/21 to score first on Saturday and that could be enough to see them to their first win.

Match bet – Swansea to win @ 13/8

Wolves v QPR

Has the bubble burst for Wolves already? That will be the question on the lips of Wanderers fans after they saw their unbeaten start to the season ended by Tottenham last week. The visit of an upbeat QPR side probably isn’t the fixture they wanted after the 2-0 lose to Spurs, but Mick McCarthy won’t have let his team stay down in the dumps for too long. Wolves are traditionally tough to beat at home but have only taken maximum points twice from the last seven at Molineux.

QPR did everything but score against Newcastle on Monday and Neil Warnock was understandably pleased. With so many new additions it will take time for everyone to bed in, but Rangers should have enough about them already to at least take a point from their visit to the Black Country.

Match bets – Joey Barton – First Goalscorer @ 12/1 and draw @ 12/5

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