Saturday's early kick-off will pit newcomers Blackpool FC against title contenders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. It would appear that Blackpool believes anything is possible after their 4-0 hammering of Wigan Athletic last weekend. Marlon Harewood recorded a brace at the
DW Stadium and it is likely that Ian Holloway will field the same starting line-up.
Arsene Wenger's 1-1 draw with Liverpool last Sunday was bittersweet. On the one hand, he can be happy that Reina fumbled the ball in the 90', giving his team an extra point. On the other, Arsenal were not potent enough to break through Liverpool's defense even when outnumbering them on the pitch. Wenger will look to return to winning ways against Blackpool, whom they are fancied to beat by a wide margin.
English Premier League, Matchday 2: Arsenal vs. Blackpool
Date: 21 August, 2010 - 16:00 CET
Venue: Emirates Stadium - London
Referee: Mick Jones (Chester)
Arsenal:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Almunia
Defenders: Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen, Gael Clichy, Johan Djourou
Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby
Forwards: Andrei Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh, Robin van Persie
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Injured: Samir Nasri
Booked: -
Blackpool:
Keeper: Matthew Gilks
Defenders: Alex Baptiste, Ian Evatt, Craig Cathcart, Stephen Crainey
Midfielders: Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Charlie Adam, David Vaughan, Elliot Grandin
Forwards: Marlon Harewood, Brett Ormerond
Manager: Ian Holloway
Injured: -
Booked: -
Blackpool will try to ride the wave of form after dispatching Wigan 4-0. Weather in London will be about 20 degrees with a 30% chance of precipitation. Mick Jones from Chester, England will oversee the match.
Last meeting: 20.03.1971 Arsenal - Blackpool 1:0
Wins Arsenal: 28
Wins Blackpool: 13
Draws: 13
Blackpool's dream start could come to a halt here. However, I was not too impressed with Arsenal's performance at Anfield and I believe the visitors will keep a low scoreline. They are a tough team and will try to keep the game from reaching any kind of flow. Good odds are offered for +2.5 asian handicap and I believe this will prove a fruitful pick.
Tip: Blackpool +2.5 in Asian Handicap market.
The best odds to this game you find at
Betfair,
Tipico and
Interwetten.
