Arsenal FC to continue title ambitions against Aston Villa

Premiership betting got exciting last weekend when Arsenal FC orchestrated the huge upset in the sports betting market, defeating Manchester United 2:1. Just as sports bettors had Arsenal FC all but out of Premier League title contention, they are back in the title race. They overhauled Manchester United from third place in the Premiership table and now they have another opportunity to establish themselves firmly in the race when they host Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium.

A simple mathematical calculation reveals fifth place Aston Villa is separated by three points from third place Arsenal FC (and only one point from Manchester United). And given that they are just on the butt of Premier League title contention, one does not need to be a mathematical whiz to gather a victory over Arsenal would catapult them up the table (provided one of two variations also occurs – Manchester United would draw or lose their upcoming match).

Several variations are on the line; not unusual at this stage of the Premiership derby. So with quite a lot at stake, which side will rise to the occasion?

Soccer Betting Line:

Arsenal FC -1 -105 -185 2½ O -135 U +115 Draw +270

Aston Villa +1 -115 +600 2½ O -135 U +115 Draw +270

Match Time: 07:45 AM Eastern Time, Saturday November 15, 2008

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Arsenal FC (-185) – Arsenal is the odds makers favourite in this match for several reasons. They are enjoying a run of good results – undefeated in their last three matches and in title contention. Things did not look as promising three weeks ago as a draw against Tottenham and a loss to Stoke City – one of the lesser sides in Premiership action – saw their title ambitions set back quite a bit. But just as sports bettors were about to cross them off the list the Gunners came back with an impressive victory over Manchester United. Most recently, they beat Wigan 3:0.

Aston Villa (+600) –Since Villa suffered back-to-back losses and they appear to be in danger of losing their advantageous position in the table, it is not surprising they enter this matchup as the underdogs. What is though is the price tag!! Tipped at +600 they are so far flung on the underdog plane that the bookies seem to suggest this match will be one-sided. Is that a fair assessment?

I do not think so! They are fifth in Premiership action and in with an outside chance of getting back in to the title race. They should not be so easily discounted.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Given the intangibles in this matchup, this battle is shaping up to be one of the more exciting ones of the weekend Premiership instalment. Arsenal is riding a winning streak but Villa will be anxious to get back on track. Both teams will adopt an attacking game and try to take the initiative. There should be many goals.

Soccer Free Picks: Given the price tag, only a bet on an Aston Villa win would be profitable. Arsenal is a great team but at -185, the odds are hardly worth mentioning. The value in this matchup lies in the draw at +270 – an occurrence that would not be conducive to the consummate performance Arsenal hopes to achieve but could happen considering the striking power of both benches – and in the Over/ Under odds. Take the over 2.5 goals at -135.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room