FA Cup 
/ Frank Gregan / 29 January 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Arsene Wenger will play a few 'squad' players against Huddersfield - but it's not a bad squad to choose from
"I've kept pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming but odds against have been matched on Arsenal winning this game to nil."
Frank Gregan can't believe his eyes - near even money on a home win 'to nil' - fill yer boots time!
Sunday January 30
Kick Off 12:00, live on ESPN
An Arsenal fan returning from a 12 month expedition to the jungles of Borneo could be forgiven for thinking that his team have been relegated. This will be the Gunners' fifth game in seven matches against opposition from outside the Premier League. Their record in the last four games against the underdogs reads won two, drawn one and lost one, a return of only seven points had they been league games.
That's not the kind of return Wenger's men are used to but of course they were cup games and the bottom line is they progressed in both competitions - job done. At home to a side from League One, the Frenchman is unlikely to pick his strongest side but he won't be taking the opposition for granted.
Huddersfield come into this tie lying in third place in their division but they have conceded goals away from home recently. They lost 4-1 against Southampton at the end of last month and if they defend like they did against Carlisle last week in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy (they were beaten 4-0), the Gunners fans may have to take their shoes and socks off in order to keep the score!
Arsenal should be able to welcome Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring), Tomas Rosicky (virus) and Abou Diaby (calf) back to the squad. Huddersfield will be without the injured Jordan Rhodes (ankle) and youngster Benik Afobe who is on loan from the Gunners and is ineligible because of FA regulations relating to youth contracts.
Match Odds - Arsenal [1.14], Huddersfield [23.0], The Draw [10.5]
The [1.14] available on the Gunners is marginally bigger than their midweek starting price against Championship side Ipswich and if the Arsenal line up is strong there will be plenty out there happy to take a 14% return on their investment. The trend-buckers may have a go on Huddersfield at [23.0] but will probably opt to have the draw on their side by pressing the Arsenal lay button.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Another lop sided market with overs priced at [1.36] and unders at [3.7]. Those odds reflect the fact that eight of Arsenal's 11 home league games this season have yielded over 2.5 goals and against a side two divisions below it will be a shock if this is a low scoring affair.
Correct Score
Any unquoted (either team to score four goals or more) is available to back at [2.52] which is almost an identical price that was available in midweek prior to Arsenal's Carling Cup game against Ipswich. Keep an eye on this market In-Play because after 20 minutes on Tuesday night the price had swollen to [4.0] and with half an hour on the clock and the scores still level it was [5.0]. When Arsenal scored their third it plummeted to [2.3] affording plenty of opportunity to trade. Huddersfield will be desperate not to concede early and if they manage to hold out for 20 minutes or so a much more tempting price will be available.
Arsenal to Win to Nil
The old saying 'if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is' has been modified in the investment world with definitely replacing probably! However, I've kept pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming but odds against have been matched on Arsenal winning this game to nil. I understand the importance of the team-sheet and I accept that Lee Clark is a bright, attack-minded young manager but Arsenal are one of the best clubs in the country (and Europe) at home against a League One side and odds against represents tremendous value.
Best Bet: Back Arsenal to win to nil at [2.04] or better.
Other Recommendation: If Arsenal don't score early back any unquoted in the correct score market as soon as [4.0] or better becomes available.
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