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Arsenal takes on Anderlecht at the Emirates, hoping to make a giant step towards Champions League qualification. This pick comes a little later than usual from my part, but with almost 7 hours before the game, surely it is worth writing, especially as I really fancy this bet I am going to make.
Arsenal finally seems to have found some groove this season, the Gunners are on a three match winning streak, including a 2-1 win over Anderlecht two weeks ago. It has to be said that it was a poor game from Arsenal back then and a lucky win, but a morale boosting one – they went on to beat Sunderland 2-0 and Burnley 3-0, playing much better football. Arsenal has 6 points in this group and really need to win this, with two very tough games coming up vs. Dortmund and in Turkey.
Anderlecht is in absolutely horrendous form – the Belgium side (who has 1 point in this group) managed to win just 1 time in the last 7 matches in all competitions, and we`re talking about a lot of games with poor opposition in the Belgian league. Last time out, Anderlecht barely equalized Lokeren in injury time to get a 1-1 draw at home.
Bet on Arsenal – Anderlecht with the best Champions League odds at Pinnacle Sports.
Team news & lineups
Arsenal has the usual injury list – Ozil, Koscielny, Giroud, Debuchy, Ospina, Wilshere. The Gunners are actually healthier than usual, Ramsey and Walcott are back, they only have the long term injuries to deal with. Anderlecht will have to do without N’Sakala, Suarez, Defour and Nuytinck.
Arsenal: Szczęsny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Arteta, Flamini; Alexis Sánchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla; Welbeck.
Anderlecht: Proto; Deschacht, Heylen, Mbemba, Vanden Borre; Acheampong, Praet, Tielemans, Najar; Mitrović, Cyriac.
It seems like Wenger will not rotate the squad too much here, which is a little bit surprising, but says a lot about how important this match really is for Arsenal. I really fancy Arsenal to win this, they are in good form, meet an inferior opponent in poor form and on top of it, they need the points. The Gunners are particularly strong at home and their record in the Champions League at Emirates really leaves virtually no chance for Anderlecht – The Gunners have never (!!!) lost points at home in UCL against a side like Anderlecht in the last 10 years! There were some draws vs. the likes of Ajax or Fenerbahce, but even those were 6-7 years ago. I have little doubt that Arsenal will win this, but I also think they will cover a 1 goal handicap, they have amazing offensive strength and depth, while Anderlecht is in bad form and not really cut out for this level.
My tip is Arsenal to win with a 1,5 goal handicap, I expect the Gunners to play dominating football, similar to the one they played in the 4-0 drubbing at Galatasaray in their last Champions League home game. Prediction: Arsenal – Anderlecht 3-0.
Pick: Arsenal (-1,5)
Odds: 1.93 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 9.30
Event date: 2 November
