Tuesday Premiership Games - Arsenal vs Manchester City

There are five Premiership matches on the first working day of the New Year, of which Manchester United v Spurs is the live on Sky Sports. It is though the game at Highbury that catches the eye with regards a potential bet. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Take away Sol Campbell from the Arsenal team and the defence doesn't look particularly strong. A back five of Almunia, Lauren, Cole, Toure, and the centre-back replacement - Swiss teenager Phillippe Senderos, will give Manchester City plenty of hope for their visit to North London. Even with the England International in the line-up, Arsenal are not the most secure at the back compared to other top ten clubs. The Gunners have conceded on average a goal a game at home this season. Without Campbell, the prospects for at least one City goal do look rather promising. Whether Arsenal's expected defensive frailties are enough for City to claim maximum points is another matter. It is in attack where the Gunners are most dangerous as their average of just under three goals a game at Highbury proves. Based on the above information, an investment in there being at least three goals at odds of 3/4 at bet365 do look worthwhile. Spreads players may instead may prefer to buy the total goals at 3.2 or alternatively look to sell the time of first City goal at 64. An argument could also be made for a high scoring encounter at Old Trafford in the live game given the tendency for goals in the Premiership between Man Utd and Spurs. However, with United missing Rooney and Van Nistelrooy, the appeal lessens. Given the run Spurs have been on of late with six victories from seven league games, some may be tempted by the 7/1 on the away win. Unfortunately Man U have also hit form of late with four consecutive three-pointers. There is also the small matter of Tottenham not winning at Old Trafford in fifteen years.