Ludogorets v Arsenal: Gunners to win but hosts may offer a fright
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In a far cry from 12 months ago, Arsenal head into Gameweek 4 of the Champions League group stage knowing that they could qualify at the end of it. And on the basis of recent form, that seems highly probable.
This time last year Arsene Wenger’s charges had just three points to their name thanks to a heroic performance versus Bayern Munich.
But this time around the north Londoners sit on seven points, and with a very realistic shot of topping Group A.
After hammering Bulgarian champions Ludogorets 6-0 a week ago, it’s no surprise to see Arsenal deemed 1/3 favourites for victory in Bulgaria.
The hosts are 9/1, but the best value appears to lie in the Premier League side to win and both teams to score at 7/4.
The 4-1 win over Sunderland at the weekend ensured Arsenal have now conceded in four of their last six away games.
Couple that with Ludogorets netting in 17 of their last 18 competitive fixtures on home soil – including versus PSG – and the Gunners to win a goal-fest looks assured.
Currently enjoying a fine 14-game unbeaten spell, Arsenal are 17/20 on the -1 handicap, with 21/10 on -2.
However, the Bulgarian outfit have lost only one of their last 25 home games and so a narrower encounter may be in store.
One man who could shine is Olivier Giroud, who marked his return to Premier League action with a brace on Saturday.
Alexis Sanchez also scored twice past the Black Cats, and the in-form Chilean has now bagged eight goals in addition to seven assists in all competitions this season.
Plenty will surely be backing the former Barcelona star to score first at 7/2, or the 10/11 anytime.
It’s been some time since Wenger’s charges enjoyed this sort of run, and there is very little to suggest it will end this week.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
