Arsenal vs Blackburn Betting Preview

CLEAN UP WITH HENRY<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> The Millennium Stadium will come alive this weekend when the two FA Cup semi-finals take place, which could potentially set up an epic clash between Arsenal and Man Utd in the Final. Indeed, the bookies believe, and there is therefore little to be gained by backing in the outright markets - Arsenal, who face Blackburn on Saturday, are around 4-9 to prevail - but the 5-4 on offer with Coral and Stan James about Arsenal/Arsenal in the half-time/full-time market makes plenty of appeal. The Gunners are notoriously quick off the blocks. In nine of their last 20 matches in all competitions, they have led at half time en route to victory - that's a strike rate of almost 50% in the half-time/full-time sphere. Blackburn have improved significantly since Mark Hughes has taken hold of the reigns - they've only suffered one defeat in their last nine matches (against arsenal incidentally) - and are extremely dogged in defence. Rovers have conceded in just two matches within that nine-match period - conceding only one goal on each occasion - and have held both Liverpool and Man Utd to goalless draws. However, the nature of an FA Cup semi-final is far less tactical. The usual cautionary approach is kicked to the curb and hell is unleashed. And I think hell is exactly what Arsenal will unleash and I'd be surprise if Blackburn's defence will be able to repel the bombardment that awaits. For their part, Blackburn are not completely blunt in the goal-scoring department - they did net three against Southampton last weekend - but they will feel more inhibited opening up their attacking channels against an Arsenal side rich in attacking flair, who they know ill punish tem on the counter attack if they let down their guard. Arsenal have only lost one in their last 12 matches - against Bayern Munich in the away leg of the Champions League - and Henry has been scoring for fun, netting hat-tricks in two of Arsenal's last four Premiership matches. With this in mind, the 10/11 offered by VCBet about Henry in the Anytime Goalscorer market looks well worth a decent bet. Arsenal have beaten Blackburn both times they have met in the Premiership this season - 3-0 at home then 0-1 away just a couple of weeks ago - and Arsene Wenger seemed pretty confident that his charges could beat the Ewood Park outfit again. In the latter of the two matches, Arsenal took all three points courtesy of a 43rd-minute goal from Robin Van Persie. Blackburn were, to be totally candid, lucky to concede just the one goal, and never looked like scoring. Chances are, the Gunners will blow Rovers away with Henry leading the way. Go to VCBet now for a free bet on this game