*All odds in copy are correct at time of publication and they’re always bang on with our clever betting banners.
You can always tell a manager is under pressure when he’s using completely arbitrary statistics to try and force home a point that doesn’t need to be made. Recently, Mikel Arteta pointed to the fact that his side were producing more crosses in a game than any side in the Premier League. That’s an interesting statistic, but it probably didn’t serve the purpose he hoped for.
In their last three games, they’ve played Burnley, Wolves and Spurs – lost them all. Each of them has at least one towering centre half who’s a considerably better header of the ball than any Arsenal player who could be attacking it.
Wednesday 6pm: Arsenal v Southampton
Amazon Prime Video
The bottom line reads like this: 13 – 10 – 5. That’s 13 points – 12 points off the summit after 12 games in a season where nobody has been consistent. That’s 10 goals – the fourth-lowest total in the entire division and one fewer than Fulham who up until recently were being called one of the worst teams in Premier League history – and 5 without a win.
In most years, Southampton at home is a godsend. Now? They’re fourth and have scored as many goals as league leaders Spurs. Here’s a same-game multi for you fine folks to enjoy alongside this potential car crash.
MORE TIPS FOR WEDNESDAY: Leeds win and Everton goal fest will see this 9/1 double land
Southampton to Win
I understand the logic behind trading – I really do. To make Arsenal too big a price with the quality they have in the final third, coupled with both the probability and inevitability of this horrendous run coming to an end, would be potentially dangerous for the book. At the same time – they’re absolute certified dogs**t.
Southampton are carving teams open left, right and centre and while there’s been a touch of fortune about some of their goals to date, having a striker as lively as Che Adams to complement both Danny Ings’ clinical edge and James Ward-Prowse’s set piece delivery means they can score from almost any situation.
I cannot let this opportunity pass without backing Southampton to Win against Arsenal at this price.
Theo Walcott to Have 3 or More Shots
One of the key areas Arsenal struggle in is having the balance in their wing backs. Hector Bellerin’s only strength as a footballer was his energy and even that seems to be gone now. Maybe it’s all those crosses he’s piling into the box for no reason.
Either way, Arsenal don’t have a six who’s capable to cover these flanks when they’re exposed, and given a point is no good here, I don’t think they’ll be conservative – allowing Theo Walcott to have all day to pick his spot.
Half-Time: Southampton
Sometimes I like to picture what this would be like if there were fans in the grounds. Here, I fancy Southampton will have hit them early with a half time lead and Arsenal would be booed off after 45.
And I encourage you to do this from home, Arsenal fans. Just mind the expensive 4K telly you picked up last week – it’s not the Samsung’s fault ye keep crossing the ball to footballers who don’t want to ruin their hair.
Over 2.5 Goals
I suspect there’ll be plenty of Southampton goals here and Over 2.5 Goals, but also that Arsenal themselves will find a consolation out of nothing, which will then be the focal point of the press conference thereafter. Unfortunately for us, we’ll then have to watch Mikel Arteta on loop on Sky Sports News for four days talking about his xG.
Tips for Arsenal v Southampton
Southampton to Win
Theo Walcott to Have 3 or More Shots
Half Time: Southampton
Over 2.5 Goals
These four selections in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 13/1 with Paddy Power.
*All odds in copy are correct at time of publication and they’re always bang on with our clever betting banners.
BET BUILDER ACCA INSURANCE
If one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder lets you down, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Acca Insurance per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
More top tips for Wednesday
- Our 25/1 acca for Wednesday’s action across Europe
- Kane to publish Liverpool as Spurs head to Anfield
- Brighton and Palace away wins will seal 10/1 double
Thursday’s best bets
Sheffield United v Man Utd
Aston Villa v Burnley
Read More
- Vince McMahon to offer Xhaka WWE contract after impressive chokeslam
- Dublin punter revels in Arsenal’s misery to net €13k off just a €5 stake
- Next Celtic manager odds: Former boss O’Neill favourite to replace Lennon
The Paddy Power Guide To Responsible Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
