LeeDixon

Marseille v Arsenal, 19:45, live on ITV1

It was an improved performance from Arsenal last time out and, after the start the Gunners have made to the season, it's good just to be going in the right direction - regardless of the deficiencies in Sunday's performance.

Being an optimistic man I'm going to focus on those positives before we get stuck into the Marseille game.

The first 25 minutes saw us playing some good football, possibly back to our attacking best. Upfront, Robin van Persie was in stunning form, bringing back memories of Dennis Bergkamp. At the back, Wojciech Szczesny produced a save that was world-class too. Without that stop from Lee Cattermole's point-blank header, Sunderland would have taken an unexpected lead at the break and the pressure would have been on the Gunners once again.

But can Arsenal keep this nascent good run going in Europe on Wednesday night?

Match Odds - Marseille 2.38, Arsenal 3.4, the Draw 3.45
First things first, this game is certainly not in the 'must win' category. There are four group fixtures remaining and even a defeat would not be the end of the world for Arsenal. But I don't think it will come to that, with a stalemate the most likely result after 90 minutes in the Stade Velodrome.

Marseille have not been in good form in Ligue 1 with just one win all season, and the Arsenal boys will be aware of that. However, they will also know that Dider Deschamps' outfit have won both Champions League fixtures. It's unpredictable stuff from the French side and Marseille are clearly some way between their domestic and European results. I imagine Arsene Wenger has targeted a four point haul from the next two games and he'll be happy to pick one of them up on Wednesday night.
Back the draw at 3.45.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals
I feel we are in for a low-scoring affair here. Marseille are yet to concede in the Champions League while Arsene will surely look to keep it tight. I can't see either side running out big winners and if one is victorious it will only be by the odd goal. I'm happy to take the slight odds-on quote of 1.9 about this one finishing 'unders'.

To Score
I've established above that I don't think this will be a goalfest - and that possibly makes betting on a couple of players to score a strange decision - but Arsenal's goals are coming from regular sources so far this season. If we do get one it's more than likely that either Robin van Persie or Theo Walcott will provide the final touch. Check the lineups before following me but I will be backing both men to score.

Recommended Bets
Back the draw @ 3.45
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.9
Back Robin van Persie to score anytime @ 3.0
Back Theo Walcott to score anytime @ 4.2

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