HULL face Arsenal on Monday still in a fight to stay in the Premier League. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) looks at the odds.
Hull v Arsenal | Monday 20:00 | Sky Sports 1
It’s remarkable to think that Hull are still just one point above the relegation zone despite two superb back to back wins against Crystal Palace and Liverpool. It seems almost unfair doesn’t it?
The reason is that four of the sides all directly bidding to avoid a relegation place have hugely upped their game in recent weeks. Leicester (five wins in six), Sunderland (two wins in four), Aston Villa (two wins in four) and of course themselves (two wins on the bounce). It must be tough to take as one of these sides should go down.
I didn’t see this Hull revival on the cards to be honest. I thought Crystal Palace may be too smart for them last weekend while their Liverpool win deserved plaudits. Can they continue the run against Arsenal on Monday night? I don’t think so.
With Chelsea clinching the title on Sunday, it may look like there’s nothing for Arsenal to play for, but surely the lure of avoiding a Champions League qualification tie or finishing second burns brightly?
Arsenal are all about (too?) small steps so the concept of finishing second will be embraced by the club and their manager. It will be their highest finish in 10 years and should point them in the right direction for next season. They’re currently three points behind Man City in third place with two games in hand so a win here would put them in the right direction.
Will they get it? Yes, I believe so. For a start, the pressure is off, which always suits Arsenal. In many ways the pressure has been off throughout this unbeaten league run of nine. It began on the 10th February where they sat down in sixth in the table so there was no real concept of winning the title back then.
I don’t think Arsenal are the kind of side that slumps when they fall out of a title race and with eight wins in their last nine Premier League matches they should be too strong for Hull here.
The bet I like is for Arsenal to win by exactly one goal at a big 14/5 with BetVictor. That method of victory has been achieved in their last four away league matches against similar level of opponents (Palace, QPR, Newcastle and Burnley). Expect Hull to put up another battling show but Arsenal to prove too strong for them overall.
Best Bets
Hull v Arsenal – Arsenal to win by exactly one goal (14/5 BetVictor)
7/1 Arsenal Beat Hull
How about 7/1 on Arsenal on Monday night? Decent eh?
Just join Paddy Power before kick off and they’ll give you that price.
TOPICS English Football Tips Football Premier League Tips
