Gunners keep marching on

Gunners keep marching on

TAB soccer bettors are in for a challenging week as there seem to be a number of upset results on the cards both on the local and international front, but that is also the recipe for big payouts, proven by an online bettor who collected R98,000 this weekend playing a R576 TAB Soccer 10 perm.

By Mark Gleeson

If there were any doubters as to Arsenal’s credentials to go on and become league champions, then Sunday’s home win over Manchester United must have significantly cut their numbers.

There is now every chance for them to hold on to their lead and win a first Premier League title since the days of Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles in 2004, even if they must still play champions Manchester City home and away in this season’s league campaign.

Manager Mikel Arteta will know he now needs judicious management of his playing stock as the club compete for not only the championship, but also the Europa League, where they are considered among the favourites.

There is also the FA Cup and by a delicious twist of fate Arsenal have been drawn away to City in a mouthwatering appetizer on Friday.

But will Arteta play his strongest side or rest players given the exertions that lie ahead?

His hands might be tied because Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has already said he is taking the FA Cup seriously, so in a way Arteta might have no option but to turn out his best team at the Etihad Stadium because City will be pitching with intent.

It is an exciting start to a weekend full of upset opportunities as the cup reaches the fourth round, with holders Liverpool away at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday and struggling West Ham United’s visit to League One’s Derby County on Monday.

Before that, the League Cup sees the semi-final first leg ties with Southampton hosting Newcastle United tonight and Nottingham Forest up against Manchester United tomorrow. The return legs are next week with the final at Wembley on Sunday 26 February.

After losing to Arsenal, it might be Manchester United’s best hope for silverware this season, although Newcastle might have other ideas. They are the two sides fancied to reach the final.