Premier League 
/ Jaymes Monte / 23 April 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Time is running out for mentally weak Arsenal side.
"Bolton are looking to avenge their humiliating defeat at Wembley last weekend while Arsenal aim to demonstrate that they are not as spineless as they have looked in recent weeks."
Arsene Wenger's reluctance to blame his players for recent dropped points is starting to wear a little thin, anything less than three points here would surely end their title chances.
Daniel Sturridge will return to the Bolton side after being ineligible for the Wembley semi-final last weekend. Matt Taylor and Mark Davies could also return having overcome recent injuries.
Abou Diaby hobbled off in the midweek draw at Spurs and is unavailable here while Tomas Rosicky is doubtful due to illness.
Match Odds - Bolton 5.2, Arsenal 1.8, The Draw 3.9
Both teams go into this game with plenty to prove. Bolton are looking to avenge their humiliating defeat at Wembley last weekend while Arsenal aim to demonstrate that they are not as spineless as they have looked in recent weeks.
Arsene Wenger pointed to the fact that his team are unbeaten in 15 games following the midweek draw against Spurs. While that may not be enough to win you a Premier League title it is enough to put us off backing Bolton here. At the same time, however, I couldn't advise backing Arsenal on current form.
In fact this fixture looks ideal for those who like to do their betting In-play. Begin by laying Arsenal at the short [1.8], and be prepared to lay them again at shorter prices should they take a lead, or lock in a profit if they go behind. Adopting a similar approach in the Gunners' previous six games would have yielded notable profits.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Perhaps uncharacteristically Arsenal have struggled in front of goal more so on home soil than on their travels recently. Away from the Emirates it has been their leaky defence that has cost them points.
Eight goals scored and six conceded in their previous three games on the road are testament to that.
Bolton's defence is also likely to be particularly fragile following the five goals conceded against Stoke. With Sturridge back in the starting XI they also provide a considerably greater threat in front of goal themselves.
All pointers suggest a high scoring game and we should back Over 2.5 goals at odds of [1.75] accordingly. If you're feeling adventurous the [2.8] on Over 3.5 goals may also be worth a nibble.
Penalty Taken?
Wojciech Szczesny is undoubtedly a very talented goalkeeper and, unlike Manuel Alumnia and Lukasz Fabianski before him, the 21-year-old certainly looks to be the real deal.
However, he still looks extremely raw at what is an exceptionally young age for a goalkeeper. His shot stopping and positioning possess no concerns but his decision-making is often questionable - something that will improve with age.
This point is highlighted somewhat by the statistic that Arsenal have conceded five penalties in the ten Premier League game's that Szczesny has played. There is value at odds of [3.6] for a penalty to be taken (by either team) in this game.
To Score
The two obvious selections in this market are two of the league's in-form strikers. Robin van Persie has now scored 19 goals in his last 20 games for club and country while Daniel Strurridge has six goals in seven starts since joining Bolton on loan in January.
The Dutch striker looks a solid, if not particularly rewarding, bet at odds of [2.2] to add to his impressive tally. But considering Arsenal's leaky defence better value comes from backing Sturridge at odds of around the [3.5] mark.
Top Stat: Arsenal have conceded 10 goals in their last four Premier League away games.
Best Bet:
Back Over 2.5 goals @ [1.75]
Other Recommendation:
Back Sturridge to score @ [3.5]
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