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14th Mar 2014 | Premier League

Set Piece Of Cake

Arsenal's giant centre back scored home and away against Spurs last season and the Lilywhites are crumbling defensively again.

The North London derby looks like an interesting opportunity for a cheeky long shot with Per Mertesacker an intriguing option at 25/1 in the first goalscorer market. Take the bet each-way with Skybet and get paid out out at 1/3rd odds if he scores later on instead.

Before anyone dismisses this out of hand, consider that the German international scored home and away against Tottenham last season. With so many of the Gunners’ creative talents out injured, he may prove one of the more likely candidates again.

The real kicker here is that Spurs have recently capitulated in defence. Michael Dawson is out with a hamstring injury while Kyle Walker is a doubt. Younes Kaboul was sent off last week, won his appeal, but then blundered twice against Benfica on Thursday. Jan Vertongen had his own nightmare moment against Chelsea as well.

Put it all together and you fear for Tim Sherwood’s boys on set pieces, particularly against man-mountain Mertesacker. The 6ft 6in centre-back scored at the Etihad and he could just continue his run against Arsenal’s greatest rivals on Sunday.

*Each-way bets are paid out on the first five goals in the match with Skybet.

Odds correct at time of publishing: 22:15 14th Mar, 2014 but subject to change

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