John Carew can punish the Gunners.
VILLANS CAN STEAL THE POINTS
By Chris Hammer
Sky Bet's Odds
Compare all prices
Betting Box Tipping Guide
|
BETTING BOX
|
|
FIXED ODDS
|
 |
1pt Aston Villa to beat Arsenal at 3/1 (Paddy Power, Stan James). |
Arsenal are suffering from mental and physical fatigue and Villa can take advantage. |
 |
1pt John Carew to score anytime v Arsenal at 11/4 (Paddy Power). |
The giant Norwegian has sunk Arsenal in the past and can take advantage of a weary defence. |
 |
1pt draw-Chelsea double result v Manchester City at 7/2 (General). |
Manchester City must fight hard for survival but Chelsea will have enough in the end. |
Aston Villa v Arsenal
It's staggering to think Aston Villa have played just three times since February 3 inclusive while Wednesday's opponents Arsenal have chalked up no fewer than nine games due to their domestic and European cup commitments.
Although Villa are short on match practice, the Gunners are suffering from mental and physical fatigue which has contributed to three cup defeats, poor league form and difficulty scoring goals.
Martin O'Neill's side on the other hand couldn't be fresher having only played three home games in 2007 and remain unbeaten there having drawn with Chelsea before winning twice against West Ham and Watford.
Of course the lack of matches could have an adverse affect but what better way to get back into action than against an over-worked side at their lowest ebb.
With little seemingly resting on this fixture - Villa are more or less safe while Arsenal look set for a top four finish - it's hard to judge who'll be more motivated but at 3/1 with Stan James we're tempted to back the home win.
Meanwhile in the anytime goalscorer market, John Carew looks a great bet at 11/4 with Paddy Power having scored two goals in his last three.
And if you look back through time, the giant Norwegian has broken Arsenal hearts before having scored a late winner for Valencia in the 2001 Champions League.
Verdict: Aston Villa 2 Arsenal 1
Man City v Chelsea
Manchester City are going through troubled times again having slipped perilously close to the relegation zone as well as suffering a disappointing FA Cup exit to Blackburn at the weekend.
City are without a Premiership victory since New Year's Day and have lost their last three home league games, conceding six goals and scoring none.
Their supporters could hardly be more angry with the manager and players, who must now feel even more duty bound to put in a performance everybody can at least be proud of.
Of course not even that should be enough to cause problems for a Chelsea side who have shown the character to stage two late comebacks in the past week to avoid elimination from the Champions League and FA Cup.
And although their title hopes are fading fast with leaders Manchester United almost incapable of dropping points, Jose Mourinho's men will be desperate to go for the victory and keep another chance of silverwere alive until the bitter end.
With this in mind we feel the 7/2 about the draw-Chelsea double result is the way to go, given the hosts will give their all to keep things tight at the back but ultimately fall short as the Blues keep grinding away.
Verdict: Man City 0 Chelsea 1
Preview posted at 2055GMT on 13/03/2007.
© Bettingzone.co.uk 2010, all rights reserved.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Part of 365 Media Group
Sports News & Entertainment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Betting & Gaming
| | |
|
| |
| | | | |
Mobile, Fun & Games
|
|
----------------------------------------------------------------
© 2010 365 Media Group Ltd, All Rights Reserved.
- -
- -