Arsenal take on Middlesbrough in battle of under pressure sides

Published on April 13th, 2017 8:22 pm EST
Written By: Cian Murray
Here are two clubs who are in severe turmoil, but for two very different reasons.

It's looking unlikely that Arsenal will finish in the top four and many of their fans believe it's time for Arsene Wenger to step aside.

Middlesbrough fans would kill to have problems akin to this. They're dropping without a trace and it looks as though their brief return to the Premier League is coming to a close.

The Gunners' 3-0 defeat against Palace on Monday may have been the final nail in the coffin for Arsene Wenger's managerial job. Arsenal have only won one of their last three games and to the outside observer, it looks as though Wenger has lost the faith of the dressing room.

If you fancy them to continue their fall from grace, you can back Middlesbrough to win at a price of 5/1.

The Gunners have been terrible lately, but we are not quite sure they have dropped to that catastrophic level.

'brough have been dismal lately and haven't won any of their last six games. They have got a few draws during that poor run though - if you think these sides will share the spoils, you can back it at a price at 16/5.

Surely Arsenal won't fall to that level - they are far more likely to grab a win, which still won't be enough to push them into contention for the top four.

This obvious result is at a 1/2 price.

The Gunners did not score in their last game and neither did Middlesbrough, so the goalless draw may appeal - it is priced at 11/1.

We just don't see Arsenal's glut of under-performing stars being flummoxed by a team that will be playing second-tier football next season.

Despite the team's poor showing overall, Alexis Sanchez has once again been brilliant this season.

He is 10/3 to get the first goal here. Olivier Giroud is the sort of player that goes into spurts of form. If you fancy him to hit the right notes and score the opener, you can back him at a price of 7/2.

In terms of Middlesbrough players, former Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo is top of the market. He is priced at 8/1 to get the opening goal.

We don't think they will get off the mark, so you would be bet best advised putting your money elsewhere. Perhaps placing a few quid on Arsenal to win to nil? This is priced at an enticing 13/8.

Considering the league placings between these two teams, that would not be surprising at all.