Gareth Bale must be looking forward to taking on the vulnerable Arsenal defence this weekend in what could be a goal-fest
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After another successful selection of tips last weekend we are in danger of moving into the black, and with two and a half months to go in the season, there is still plenty of time to end up with a healthy profit come May, which is obviously good news.
Tottenham Hotspur have been flying this season and contrary to what many people expected, they are not showing any signs of slowing down. However, Sunday's match at Arsenal will be a typical north London derby, which means anything is possible.
Even after their Champions League mauling in Milan and their FA Cup exit at the hands of Sunderland, it is perfectly plausible that Arsenal find their form for the visit of their big local rivals and end up beating Spurs. It would sum up Arsenal's season, in many respects.
It is also equally possible that Tottenham will run riot against the weak, vulnerable Arsenal defence and win at the Emirates. The way Arsenal's midfield disappeared in Milan and against Sunderland does not bode well for taking on Scott Parker, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
From a betting perspective it's tough to pick the right side - Arsenal have a strong home record and look tempting at 6/4; Spurs are a good price at 7/4 and the draw makes sense at 12/5 as well. However, the best way to go could be to go for three goals or more to be scored in the match, at 7/10.
Betting bullets
- Bet of the weekend: Three goals or more in Arsenal v Tottenham - 7/10 bet365
- The weekend punt: Sunderland to win at West Brom - 2/1 bet365
- The weekend treble: QPR, Newcastle and Stoke to win - 13/2 bet365
Only twice in the past six seasons, including this one, have the two teams failed to come up with three goals in a match, and one of those was a cup tie. Therefore, take the total goals bet and let's make that the bet of the weekend.
Sunderland have been a side transformed under Martin O'Neill and should be buoyant after knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup last weekend. They are now organised, driven and well drilled and they are a match for anyone on their day.
This weekend they travel to West Brom, who ought to be safe in the end but whose inconsistency keeps their fans on their toes. The Baggies have lost eight of their 12 home games this season, while Sunderland have been improving on the road.
I think Sunderland are too good for West Brom and all things being equal, they can win this one as well. At 2/1 they are good value and they are the weekend punt.
And so to the weekend treble. Last weekend we landed a 6/1 selection so let's see if we can do something similar again. Queens Park Rangers look overpriced at 13/8 to beat a Fulham side who have won just once away all season.
Newcastle United should be too strong at St James' Park for managerless Wolves, so let's take them too at 4/7. And Stoke can bounce back from their Europa League exit by outmuscling Swansea, at 11/10.
Put those three together and you get a treble that works out at 15/2, which, if it comes in, might just take us into the black for the first time this season. Good luck!
RUNNING TOTAL (as of Feb 24): -5.57pts
(Based on: 3pts stake for bet of weekend and 1pt each per weekend punt and weekend treble)
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondent
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Simon Cambers
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant
