Arsenal v Udinese: First goalscorer tip

In these most unsettled of times at Arsenal, a tricky opponent lies in wait for Tuesday’s Champion’s League qualifier. Udinese, having finished fourth in Serie A, will be relishing the opportunity to qualify for the lucrative knockout stages having got to this point for the very first time in their history.

The Gunners are legitimate strong favourites but things could get worse before they get better. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Antonio Di Natale break the deadlock and send the Emirates into a state of panic. At best odds of 7/1 with Boylesports, the leading scorer in Italian football for both of the past two seasons is greatly overpriced.

The Naples-born striker netted 28 league goals in 2010-11 to finish top of the scoring charts. It was no flash in the pan either as the Italian international grabbed 29 league goals the season before. A danger from set-pieces, and just about anywhere, the diminutive forward is almost certain to cause problems at the very least.

Without Fabregas, Nasri or Van Persie, Arsenal are going to lack some firepower. It’s a big ask to expect Gervinho to deliver straight away. This will make an opening goal harder to come by and the more time passes, the more likely Di Natale is to get his chance. With such a formidable strike rate, it’s a mistake to put him someway down the betting, even if his team are underdogs.

Back Antonio Di Natale to be first goalscorer at odds of 7/1 with Boylesports.