Football betting: Premier League - Arsenal vs Blackburn

Manchester United's unexpected defeat and Chelsea's subsequent draw at the weekend has left the door open for Arsenal to stretch their Premier League lead to five points when they play Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium on Monday tonight (live on Setanta at 8pm).

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The Gunners are certainly the form team of the Premier League. From being 12/1 shots to claim the title in the summer, they are now 5/6 favourites with most bookmakers. Anyone who bothered to listen to this column pre-season should lay them off now while the going is good.

At present having beaten Fulham, Newcastle twice and Manchester United's conquerors, Manchester City in their last four league matches, Arsene Wenger's men are playing at their peak. They have scored three goals in each of those games, with Emmanuel Adebayor emerging with a creditable seven goals.

Adebayor has become the division's second-most lethal striker, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring in each of his side's last eight fixtures, and it will be no surprise if he continues that run at the Emirates.

However, with the possible exception of Man City, who can upset anyone on their day, Arsenal's recent opponents have not exactly been world-beaters and with the right approach it is possible to stifle the Gunners on their own patch.

Birmingham proved as much a month ago when they held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw, and with the hosts missing the dependability of Kolo Toure at the back, Blackburn could well take advantage of Philippe Senderos's erratic presence. In fact both Senderos and Mathieu Flamini may not win their fitness race in time for the visit of Rovers, which could mean Gilberto Silva will be deployed as an emergency centre-back, leaving the Gunners short of ball-winning midfielders.

Mark Hughes will be fully aware that this is an opportunity to claim a big scalp. His side held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park earlier in the season, managed a goalless draw in the FA Cup before knocking the Gunners out last term and have not lost in the Premier League since before Christmas plus they have the in form David Bentley in their ranks.

It might be a bit much to expect Arsenal to lose this match, as they are such a potent goal threat, but Paddy Power's 15/4 about the draw makes for the most appeal.

Verdict: 2pts draw @ 15/4 (Paddy Power)
Already recommended: Arsenal to win title @ 12/1

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