Live on ESPN: Sun 13.30: Arsenal are Stan James’ 6/5 favourites to beat Swansea in the FA Cup but the Swans could nick it.
Since Swansea’s return to the top flight in 2011, they’ve faced Arsenal three times, winning twice and just over a month ago Michael Laudrup’s men notched twice without reply at the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium.
Nevertheless, as the pair prepare to renew hostilities at the Liberty Stadium in an FA Cup third round tie, it’s Arsene Wenger’s troops that are strongly favoured by bookmakers, Stan James pricing them at 6/5 to get through to the next stage at the first attempt.
Despite enjoying home advantage, Swansea are 23/10 outsiders with BetVictor to card a third straight success over the Gunners and it’s 11/4 via bet365 to finish all square, a price that isn’t without appeal when you consider that stalemates have been the most frequent result in both the Swans’ home matches and Arsenal’s fixtures on the road in the league.
However, given both the previous meetings between the two and the fact that the visitors failed to convince at Southampton last time out, the temptation is to side with the hosts to shade it. Of course a bit of insurance can’t do any harm and with that in mind, Laudrup’s charges certainly catch the eye at 6/4 in Ladbrokes’ ‘Draw No Bet’ market.
More ambitious punters meanwhile, can tackle bet365’s 9/2 for Swansea to shade it by a one-goal margin and in a game that’s a safe-looking 4/7 (Stan James) to see both teams find the net, BetVictor’s 12/1 for a 2-1 home triumph is worth considering.
Recommended Bets:
Swansea to beat Arsenal – 23/10 (BetVictor)
Compare all FA Cup odds and bet at the best price.
