Sunderland v Arsenal: Steer clear of match betting in this one

One common trend ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Sunderland is that the clash pits together two sides who have had difficulty scoring the opening goal in their fixtures in 2013.

Sunderland have managed this feat just once in their seven outings, while Arsenal have struck first in two of their nine fixtures, which happen to be both the games that they have triumphed 1-0.

A 1-0 Arsenal win here is available at 6/1.

The interesting fact relating to Sunderland though, is that they have not conceded in the opening 45 minutes of a home game since Chelsea left with victory in early December.

Throw in that Arsenal have only scored in the first half in two of their last seven games and a Sunderland clean sheet at the interval may prove the best bet on offer here at 10/11.

In terms of match betting, aside from four straight wins in December and a pair of successes in September, the Gunners struggle to string together back-to-back Premier League victories.

Having beaten Stoke last time, this may put punters off the 5/6 for an Arsenal win at Sunderland.

However, Sunderland have only triumphed in one of their six home games against opposition currently in the top half and this takes away the appeal of the 10/3 that they collect three points.

This fixture follows no real trend in terms of winners at Sunderland, with the last six reading, two home wins, two away and two draws.

Therefore, it may be best to steer clear of identifying the result and instead both teams to score has some appeal at 8/11.

Sunderland have been on target at home to Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool already this season, while Arsenal have only kept one away clean sheet in nine road trips in all competitions.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date