LeeDixon

Arsenal's rehabilitation continued in midweek with a Champions League point at Borussia Dortmund. Okay, the performance wasn't perfect, but it was a great result and the positivity in the camp should ensure the Gunners return from the north west with three Premier League points.

Blackburn finally ended their losing streak last week with a much-needed draw at Fulham. There were a few encouraging signs too, with Junior Hoilett looking lively as the focal point of their play. He's 50-50 to make Saturday's game as it stands, and Arsenal will need to keep an eye on him if he does.

Steve Kean is talking everything up at the moment, but the bottom line is always your league position and the players and fans know that. Despite Arsenal's relatively poor start, they still possess most of the quality and they should win.

Match Odds
Looking back at my own career we always enjoyed playing at Ewood Park, regularly getting good results against Rovers. And that run has generally continued since my playing days came to an end as the Opta stats underline - Rovers have lost nine times in the Premier League at home to Arsenal, more than against any other opponent on their own patch. Football is a psychological game as much as a physical one and I just see Arsenal being too strong for Rovers both in the head and on the pitch. The price of 1.93 is generous enough to make a simple back of the away team my first bet of the weekend.

Over 2.5 Goals
Just because I fancy Arsenal to win, I wouldn't discount Rovers from scoring. Per Mertesacker is still bedding in and has relationships to build with his team-mates at the back. I think there may be some communication issues with this back four and I can see a Blackburn player getting on the scoresheet, but Arsenal should have too much firepower once the final whistle goes.

Booking Odds
Rightly or wrongly, I still think some teams like to go after Arsenal and we could witness a few tough tackles here. And when we see tough tackles we usually see yellow and red cards.

Recommended Bets
2pts Back Arsenal to win @ 1.93
2pts Back Over 2.5 goals @ evens
1pts Back 9pts or more in the booking odds market @ 2.08

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