Blackburn Vs Arsenal. Predictions and betting suggestions

By Aries (Arsenal Analysis odds analyser) and 1970’s Gooner

Trying to arrive at a reasonable prediction for this game is a tough task. This is because there are still unknowns about both teams.

Arsenal’s line up is still to be decided with a doubt about Eduardo’s fitness and the pending decision by Wenger whether he should start him even if he is fit. This is because Eduardo’s inclusion is likely to mean a shift for Hleb to one of the wide positions.

Wenger may be loath to do that as it will mean changing a winning formula. Also he may not want to give Eduardo his first Premiership game at such a difficult away encounter especially coming after injury without proper training behind him.

Blackburn have a doubt about McCarthy but if he is unfit they still have Roberts to pair with new boy Santa Cruz. The real question however is what strategy and formation will Hughes deploy for this game. This decision will dictate whether he plays with one man up front or with two.

The fact that they got hammered last season home and away by playing the rather brave more attacking approach suggests to me that he will approach this game the same way in that FA Cup victory last season at Ewood Park. Conservatively.

Although Arsenal are a superior side, they had a relatively hard game away in Prague. They will be the more technical side on the day but Blackburn are a tough side.


Prediction by Aries:

Draw, 1-1

I fancy half time : draw, full time: draw

I also fancy Arsenal to score a penalty which is good value at 5/1.

This is because Blackburn will be defending a lot and with Arsenal’s intricate passing in the penalty area mistimed challenges are more than likely. Remember Arsenal were awarded a penalty against Fulham and had a clear penalty decision not given.


Prediction by 1970’s Gooner:

If Wenger sticks to the same formation Away win,0-1. Flamini could ghost through.


Best Odds at time of writing

Arsenal to win : 14/11 Pinnacle
Draw: 23/10 Paddy Power
Blackburn to win : 5/2 Coral

Score: 1-1 6/1 Blue Square
Away win 0-1 7/1 Stan James, Ladbrokes
Half time: Draw and full time: Draw 4/1 Extrabet, Stan James

Flamini to score first or last goal : 28/1 Bet 365
Arsenal to score a penalty: 5/1 Bet 365

Good luck!


Underrated Flamini can do a job at Blackburn

Walcott and Clichy should be the wide players against Blackburn