Arsenal v Sunderland
Saturday 18^th August 2012, KO 15:00

After splashing the cash this summer, Arsene Wenger will be expecting much better things from his Arsenal side and has been quoted in the press this week saying he fully expects them to be challenging for the title. Sunderland on the other hand have been very quiet in the transfer market, but have let seven players leave the Stadium of Light.

Match Betting Odds

Arsenal Win 2/5 with Paddy Power
Sunderland Win 9/1 with Bet Victor
Draw 4/1 with Bet Victor

Not an easy opening fixture for Arsenal by any means but certainly not the worst game they could have been faced with to begin their 2012-13 Premier League campaign.

Although they finished last season a lot better than they started it, Arsenal fans will want a lot more from their side this time around and with the quality players that have arrived, they should get just that.

Sunderland have been surprisingly quiet where the transfer market is concerned and Martin O’Neill could well have his hands tied by lack of funds at the club. He kept his team in the Premier League last season which was what he was brought in to do and it will be interesting to see how things play out this time around with no fresh faces.

Arsenal will be desperate to get off to a good start this season and with home advantage here, they should do just that. There is no value in a straight win bet, but the HT/FT wager at evens with Paddy Power, makes plenty of appeal.

Tipster’s Best Bets

Arsenal HT/FT at Evs with Paddy Power (1pt)
Olivier Giroud to score first at 5/1 with bet365 (1pt)

Useful Stats

Last Season 2-1
Head To Head
Arsenal 54
Sunderland 50
Draws 38
Recent Form Arsenal WDDDLW
Recent Form Sunderland LLDDDL

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