Arsenal only need a single point at most from either this game or the next one (away to Olympiakos) to seal their qualification to the next round. A win tonight guarantees the Gunners top spot as well.
Having lost to Sunderland in the weekend, Wenger must reshuffle his cards and make a brand new start to get his side back on track, but –fortunately- for the Frenchman the visitors are not at their prime either.
In fact, if Arsenal’s run of 13 undefeated games was put to an end on Saturday, Gent put an end to Liege’s short run of 4 undefeated games on the same day.
At home, Arsenal are still on an impressive 13 games winning streak. That run started with the home win over Stoke last season, and includes 2 friendly games in the pre-season, as well as 5 EPL games, 3 in the CL and 2 Carling Cup fixtures this season.
On contrary, Standard Liege are winless in their last 5 away games, and –generally speaking- are too vulnerable on their travels to pose a real threat to the Gunners at the Emirates.
I won’t make much of the 1st leg in Belgium. That one ended in a 3-2 win for Arsenal, who were lagging behind by 2 goals after just 5 minutes, but still managed to come back from behind to win the game.
However, much has changed since that game, and Arsenal have lost a few players due to injury, while Standard had there ups and downs form-wise, so I’m not taking that game into consideration.
Still, I am willing to back Arsenal at home to win at home, but I’m not sure if I should accept a -1.5 goal handicap on the Asianhandicap market especially knowing Arsenal are playing hosts to Chelsea next weekend in a game that should have a great bearing on the rest of their season.
Maybe the double result punt (Ht/Ft) is the most suitable option today. Arsenal should start strong to put the game to bed early, and then will probably save their energy for Chelsea. Otherwise I cannot really find value in any other market.
Pick:
Ht/Ft: Arsenal/Arsenal @ 1.83 w/ Paddy Power