Premier League Betting: Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspurs

Arsenal returned to winning form mid-week in Carling League Cup action, beating Liverpool 2:1 in their fourth round clash of the competition. The victory over Liverpool was an important test for the Gunners that they passed with flying colours, but after they let Arsene Wenger down against West Ham at the weekend, letting a two-goal lead slip through their fingers, it is the upcoming derby against Tottenham Hotspur that is earmarked as the more crucial test.

Battles such as this derby will have important consequences when it comes down to the final race for the Premier League title. Tottenham enter the London derby tied on points with Arsenal but at the wrong end of the mark because of a poorer goal difference. That Tottenham and Arsenal are neck-and-neck in the table, currently fourth and third, should make this a compelling battle and the match of the weekend. 

Soccer Betting Line:

Arsenal  -1  -110   -175   3  O -120   U Ev   Draw   +300    

Tottenham Hotspur  +1  -110   +425 3  O -120   U Ev   Draw   +300    

Match Time: 08:45 am Eastern Time Saturday October 31, 2009

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Soccer Betting Analysis:  Arsenal are after a confident performance against Liverpool in Carling League Cup action, making up for their hiccup against West Ham United somewhat. The Gunners have been largely impressive on the early season and they don’t need extra incentive to win – but the three points they would take away from this match would see them remain close to Chelsea and Manchester United the two sides that have been alternating as leaders in the race for the Premier league title.

Tottenham Hotspur are after a surprising loss to Stoke City at the weekend. More surprising was the fact that Stoke City earned the honour of handing the Spurs their first loss on the season on home patch. The Spurs rebounded quickly in Carling Cup action by beating Everton 2:0 in their fourth round fixture in the competition. It was but small consolation though for having allowed Arsenal with only the point on the draw with West Ham to overhaul them in the table at the weekend.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Considering everything that is at stake in this match and how important the three points are, we should end up with a very exciting battle – if a little bit cautious especially at the start. Both sides will certainly play for the win though. And both play a lovely attacking game that should give us many goals. Arsenal are the favourites to win outright, tipped at -175, while Tottenham are a disadvantaged at +425, discouragingly so.

Arsenal are prohibitive favourites in my opinion at the Emirates making them the better play on the money line. The attacking potential of both suggests this game should give us a high goal tally so the over odds are a good bet. Finally, if Tottenham live up to their big four pretensions they should keep this game to a close margin, therefore I recommend taking them to cover the spread.

Soccer Free Picks: Arsenal -175| Over 3 -120 | Tottenham Hotspur +1 -110