11th Aug 2013 | Football
Arsenal 2013-14 Preview
The Gunners have spent the summer courting Luis Suarez. So far unsuccessfully.
Best odds to win league: 11/1 (Ladbrokes)
Last season: 4th
Reasons for hope:
If the Gunners can re-create their form from the second half of last season for a full campaign then they will be title contenders. Wenger’s boys averaged 2.11 points per game from New Year’s Day with only Man Utd fairing better (2.22) in 2013.
Possible bet: Straight forecast - Man Utd/Arsenal 25/1 (Betfred)
Reasons to worry:
Luis Suarez hasn’t signed yet and so far only 20-year-old French prospect Yaya Sanogo has arrived at the Emirates. The lack of big arrivals is familiar to Arsenal fans but no less disappointing for that.
Possible bet: Top Arsenal League goalscorer: Olivier Giroud 7/2 (Skybet). Still the main out-and-out striker at the club and has more shots per game than all his team-mates.
Verdict:
With Suarez, or any new world class striker, they would become title contenders. Without, it will be more of the same.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:07 11th Aug, 2013 but subject to change
