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Champions League
Preview - 07 Nov 2007
Slavia Prague v
Arsenal. Wednesday 19:45.
So Arsenal hammered this lot 7-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Shouldn't they be expected to win easily again? Probably not,
actually.
Arsene Wenger has chosen not to include a host of first-teamers
including Cesc Fabregas and Alexander Hleb - the architects of that
seven-goal beating. Tomas Rosicky and Kolo Toure have also not
travelled, so expect a few of the Carling Cup mob to get a rare
European run-out.
While the likes of Eduardo, Diaby and Denilson are still good
enough to shine against relatively weak opposition, it's hard to see
them carving out an easy victory against a side flying high in the
Czech league, and who are usually tough to beat at home. Arsenal
have rarely impressed in these kind of trips in the past, grinding
out narrow victories against the likes of Sparta Prague and Thun,
and failing to beat Panathinaikos and Rosenborg in recent seasons.
A point is all Arsenal need to effectively progress to the last
16, which makes the decision to rest Fabregas and co.
understandable. Rather than oppose the in-form Gunners, it makes
more sense to get low on goals. Key defender Brabec returns for
Slavia, having missed the trip to North London, whilst their most
potent goal threat - Vlcek - is unavailable.
The best value is on the spreads where you can sell total goals
at 2.7. A price that seems almost entirely based on one result.
Don't expect Slavia to cave so easily in front of their own fans.
Also try half a point e/w on Abou Diaby to score first. The
box-to-box midfielder has been in fine form when called upon this
season, and is always a genuine goal threat. Betfred's 20/1 is too
big with 1/2 the odds for three places.
Recommendation: 3 pts sell total
goals @ 2.7. Sporting
Index. 1/2 pt e/w Abou Diaby to score first
@ 20/1 Betfred (1/2 odds 3 places)
Ilunga
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