The bookmakers had a narrow escape on Wednesday, after the Gunners failed to close out the North London derby against Tottenham. Going into the 90th minute, Arsenal led 4-2 against their fierce rivals, yet firms avoided getting chinned thanks to Jermaine Jenas and Aaron Lennon scoring for the visitors and squaring the match 4-4. Surely the Gunners would prefer an easier place to visit than Stoke on Saturday, with the Potters sure to provide yet another test of the visitors’ title credentials?
Although Arsene Wenger’s men won 2-0 at West Ham in their last away match, I wouldn’t be in a rush to back them at a best price of 9/20 (Sporting Bet) to win at the Britannia. You are gambling on a team who have been dealt a huge psychological blow by Spurs, and who have failed to put Fulham and Sunderland to the sword on their travels this term. Indeed, if you fancy the Potters to get something out of this match, they can be backed at 15/2 (Blue Square) to win, 19/5 (VC Bet) to draw or 6/1 (888sport) on the Draw No Bet market. Stoke have won their last two on home soil and this match has the makings of a shock.
Meanwhile, Hull City travel to Old Trafford in a match that pitches fifth against sixth in the Premier League. Despite the Tigers’ lofty position, Stan James offer 18/1 that they repeat their amazing win at the Emirates, with firms very much expecting a damage limitation exercise from the visitors. Manchester United are 1/5 (Ladbrokes) to collect another win that keeps them moving towards the summit, although it’s quite possible that they might take a while to break down their opponents. Draw HT United FT seems to be the best call at 4/1 (totesport), while Ronaldo must be supported to score again (6/5 William Hill).
Finally, Chelsea are also massive odds-on (2/9 Ladbrokes) to beat Sunderland on Saturday, although they’ll still form the cornerstone of many accumulator bets. After all, they won 3-0 at Hull with the minimum of fuss and will be keen to bounce back after relinquishing their unbeaten home record against Liverpool. The Black Cats (20/1 bet365) were poor when losing 1-0 at Stoke, and I’d be confident of backing the home team with a -1.5 handicap at 3/5 (Paddy Power). Florent Malouda has two in his last three league games and rates as a value proposition at 3/1 (Paddy Power).