STANDARD LEIGE v ARSENAL
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP H
7.45pm Wednesday STADE MAURICE DUFRASNE LIEGE
At first glance, Arsenal should walk this game. They are one of the biggest clubs in Europe facing a much smaller club, admittedly one of the biggest clubs in Belgium.
The Gunners are rocking after losing at Manchester City on Saturday and will be looking to put that behind them and get their Champions League Group H campaign off to a winning start. They have plenty of experience at this level having got to the semi-final last season before losing to Manchester United 4-1 on aggregate.
Last season, Liege put up a very good performance against Liverpool in the third qualifying stage, narrowly losing out 1-0 on aggregate. They proceed to knock Everton out in the UEFA Cup first round and recorded wins against Seville, Partizan Belgrade and Sampdoria in the group stage before crumpling 4-1 on aggregate to Braga in the last 32.
In their domestic league this season, they are unbeaten after six games. On their last outing, they beat Mechelen 3-0, and the game before that, they help Anderlecht 1-1 away. Serbia international Milan Jovanovic has already banged home five goals in five appearances this season and will have to be closely watched by the Gunners defence.
However, despite these impressive figures, Arsenal should be more than capable of sweeping aside what is average opposition. The Gunners attacking options far outweigh anything that Liege can offer and should cause ample problems for the Belgian side’s defenders.
Liege are a best-priced 16/1 to win this group, while the Gunners are favourites at a best-priced 4/11.
This game should not pose too many problems for Wenger’s men and should be taken to completely dominate this game. However, there’s no value in backing Arsenal at around ½ to win this tie. If the Gunners’ match plan is effective, then they should score early and withhold that advantage. Don’t bet against Arsenal centre back Vermaelen scoring on his return to his home country.
RECOMMENDED:
Half-time/full-time ARSENAL /ARSENAL 17/12 BETFAIR
Over 2.5 goals 19/20 BET365
Vermaelen to score at anytime Best price 10/1
Loading ...