Euro Bet

Sunderland play host to Aston Villa in a fortnight’s time in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. Steve Bruce’s men have suffered from the loss of Asamoah Gyan and Danny Wellbeck in the summer meaning that they are lacking comparable striking options to this time last season. They have had a shaky start to this year’s campaign because they have not been able to score enough goals and I would consequently expect their home advantage to be of little significance in this game. Alex McLeish has replaced the departing Ashley Young with Charles N’Zogbia and the young Frenchman has settled in well so far at Villa Park. Darren Bent has also been in fine goal-scoring and it might be a question of how many they get against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light as they have been tearing teams apart recently. Stilian Petrov’s passing has improved even further in his twilight years while the arrival of Shay Given from Manchester City to keep net for them was an inspired signing. I would expect Aston Villa to win this encounter comfortably. (more…)

In January last season Arsenal were still challenging for all four major trophies yet ended the season empty handed. This consequently led to the departures of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy in the summer and Wenger’s men have not looked the same since losing their captain, their most creative player and their left back in the transfer window. Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun were signed to replace Fabregas and Nasri but do have the same level of quality, while Sagna is now playing left back despite being right footed due to the fact that Kieron Gibbs is currently injured. Arsenal have also signed Mertersacker and Gervinho in the close season but it is going to take some time for this new look Arsenal side to gel and I would imagine that this will happen too late in the season for them to be able to challenge for the league crown. Jack Wilshere’s ankle injury has not helped, nor has the Arsenal fans’ disgruntlement following some poor results at the start of the season. They have already lost three games – including an 8-2 mauling against Manchester United at Old Trafford – and I would be surprised if they are able to finish above fourth this year. (more…)