Sutton United v Arsenal
Monday, 19:55
Live on BBC One
Sutton United
It has been a miraculous run by the non-league side after Sutton United
reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time. Paul
Doswell's side stunned Championship play-off challengers Leeds United
after a 1-0 win in the last round. Prior to that, Sutton claimed a
replay win at League One side AFC Wimbledon.
Their run to the last-16 of the competition is all the more amazing
considering the team are languishing 17th in the National League. Since
their FA Cup heroics, Sutton have failed to win with
one draw and three successive defeats.
This may not be all that
surprising considering their heads were bound to be turned by this huge
tie against the 12-time winners of the trophy.
Arsenal
The Gunners come into this clash under intense scrutiny with Arsene
Wenger's position, beyond the end of this season, in severe doubt.
Arsenal produced another woeful capitulation on Wednesday after being
thrashed 5-1 at Bayern Munich in the Champions League. It leaves the FA
Cup as once again their only realistic prospect of silverware.
Arsenal fans have endured far too many disappointments lately and their Premier League
defeats to Watford and Chelsea have scuppered their title hopes with
more than three months of the season left. Qualifying for the Champions
League is certainly no foregone conclusion either with Liverpool and
Manchester United closely behind them in the race for the top four.
Losing to Sutton seems unthinkable and defeat to the huge outsiders
would surely end any debate over Wenger's future.
Match Odds
Sutton are given no chance with odds as big as 19.00 to pull off one of the biggest shocks
in the history of the competition. Some may see this as worth a punt
considering Arsenal's dire showing in Munich. But there is a world of
difference between facing the German champions and taking on the
National League side so realistically it is hard to fancy the hosts.
Arsenal are overwhelming favourites at 1.18 but the visitors are unbackable
at these odds. It is easy to see why the Gunners are such a short price
coming up against opponents four tiers below them. But there is no
temptation to lump on them even if their record against lower league
sides is very strong.
The draw is reasonably big at 8.80
and if there is to be a shock then this may be the bet as taking
Arsenal to a replay would be a stunning feat for Sutton.
Four of
United's last five home games have been draws including
one of their FA Cup ties. But only one of Arsenal's last 18 matches
have ended level and the visitors are fancied to outclass Sutton.
Arsenal to win both halves
The Gunners should prove too strong for Sutton although their price in
the outright betting or to cover a one-goal handicap is far too short to
consider. But four of Arsenal's last six wins,
including the 5-0 victory at Southampton in the last round, have seen
them win both halves. Wenger's side should come out fired up after the
stinging criticism recently and are fancied to assert their control
early on. Backing the visitors to win both halves appeals at 21/20.
Opta Stat
Theo Walcott has scored five times in his last two away FA Cup games for
the Gunners. The Arsenal forward is to 8/11 to score against Sutton.
Recommended Bet
Back Arsenal to win both halves @ 21/20 (Sportsbook)
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