Arsenal should have the edge when they host Udinese in the first game of a two-legged Champions League qualifier on Tuesday but at a match price of 1/2 it is advised to keep your powder dry.
The Italians could prove slippery customers after raising eyebrows when finishing fourth in Serie A last season but only speculative punters would surely be tempted by the 6/1 about Zebrette given that they are not yet involved in domestic action.
The clue here is that nothing is likely to be decided in north London and the 3/1 about the draw comes into play for two teams stepping into the unknown.
The Gunners imploded late last season in the Premier League so now have the unwanted distraction of facing Italian opposition – a surprise when you consider they have featured in every group stage of Europe’s elite club competition since 1998/99 and can boast an unbeaten run of 10 European home games since a 3-1 loss to Manchester United in the 2009 semi-finals.
They lacked teeth going forward in a tempestuous Premier League opener at Newcastle on Saturday and have also been hit by Cesc Fabregas’ transfer to Barcelona and more conjecture over the future of Samir Nasri.
The fans’ reaction to another relatively quiet window of transfer activity would also suggest manager Arsene Wenger’s previously untouchable status is in the balance.
Udinese’s only previous group stage campaign came in 2005/06 and they too are difficult to pin down because they are in pre-season mode.
A 12-1 friendly win over Serie D whipping-boys SP Tamai is hardly ideal preparation for a European qualifier but an indication they can at least find the net without Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez, a summer capture for Spanish champions Barca.
Midfielder Gokhan Inler has also swapped Udinese for domestic rivals Napoli so it is unclear how the rest of the squad will react in a competitive fixture.
With this in mind, a low goals projection is a logical recommendation – or, better yet, a watching brief ahead of the second leg at Stadio Communale Friuli.
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