Arsenal v Everton, Saturday 9th January

My Thoughts

Given the current wintry weather that be affecting these here isles, this game may not even go ahead. But nonetheless, this writer's going for writing up the game, and preparing as if the game will be taking place- after all, it's what Arsene Wenger and David Moyes will be doing, isn't it?

The Verdict
Assuming the game does go ahead, there can be no denying that Everton have a real task on their hands to get anything out of this game. Despite recent improvement (unbeaten in their last 5 league games, although 4 of those were draws), Everton are still nowhere near as tough a proposition as they were the last 2 seasons, when they were very much Best of the Rest in 5th. It's extremely tempting to conclude that they still have not fully recovered after being utterly destroyed 6-1 on the opening day at home to, yep, you guessed it, Arsenal. Their away record (2-2-5) befits that of mid-table stragglers, and a lack of available strikers means that they will struggle to improve their average of 1.33 goals scored per away game this season.

Arsenal, on t'other hand, are playing majestically, swatting aside almost all comers in December - a 1-1 draw away to Burnley the only blip on an otherwise perfect league record for December. Last Sunday's FA Cup tie at West Ham produced another win, this time 2-1, but what was intriguing was that the Gunners were 1-0 down with 12 minutes remaining, yet were able to show what many lazy pundits call The Mark Of Champions, which is the ability to score late goals to win games from losing positions. This writer always thought that The Mark Of Champions was Premier League Winners Medals, such as those adorning the hairy chest of Ryan Giggs.

Arsenal's stats this season are almost as ridiculously good as Barcelona's, which I guess is kind of what Arsene Wenger was aiming for when he changed his side's shape this season- an average of 3.11 goals per home league game, 51 in total scored so far this season, and goals raining in from all parts of the team. It might not be 6-1 again, but expect another comfortable win for Arsenal.

The Bet
Usual banter here, folks- I'm at work, so will get odds put up tonight. Arsenal outright are unlikely to be much better that 2/5, so best check out some other markets. Given the sheer number of goals they score, and the continued absence of some of Everton's key defenders, over 2.5 goals has to be worth a look- also think about a cheeky punt on Aaron Ramsey anytime scorer- with Fabregas set for another week or 2 out, Ramsey is a probable starter (best wait until the starting XIs are confirmed before placing the bet) in an advanced central midfield position