Friday Double

Friday's action sees a few games kicking off in France and Holland.
Not much here to set the heart on fire by way of value in the fixtures.
The only two teams that interest 84:

French Ligue 2

• Evian Thonon Gaillard @ 8/13
  

DutchLeague

• PSV Eindhoven @ 4/9

Both should win, maybe worth a small double.

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Stoke vs Man. City

Stoke v Man City (1-3) Man. City Win, 19/20

Stoke are a difficult team to beat at home, but the timing of their meeting with Mancini's Millionaires couldn't be any worse.
3 points behind faultering leaders Chelsea, the team clicked a Fulham last week, almost as though they had realised that they were actually quality footballers, wanted to win and did it playing flowing football, closing in on realising their aspirations as Champions' League contenders.
If all their player's turn up on any given day, regardless of opposition, they're going to be hard to see off, but more often than not, they don't. Why for example is Yaya Toure playing so far forward? His excellent touch, turn and finish for his goal are not enough to make me wonder why other players who are naturally more gifted attackers are not being used.
Stoke will struggle if City get their game going, but this is not an easy place to walk away with anything.

1-3.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa

EPL: Saturday, 27 November 2010

Aston Villa v Arsenal (1-2) Arsenal Win, 21/20

Saturday's drawing near, so i thought it was time to get ahead on predictions for the weekend and yes, though predictable 84Nil's first hunch will be @ 21/20 (William Hill) Arsenal to win at Villa, hopefully doubling a small amount of money.

Wins at Man. City, Newcastle, Wolves and Everton give Arsenal the best Away form in the EPL over the last 6 games (4-1-1) and should see Arsene Wenger's men grabbing 3 points that are (once again) needed to get their season back on track.

Still not satisfied with the newly-forming defence, especially with no Vermaelen (fake-sounding, untraceable pain) Diaby (long-sounding ankle), Eboue (month of in the sun) or Fabregas (supect repeat-hamstring). We may see the return of Almunia and Clichy, but for the bet's sake, i hope only the latter makes an appearance.

Not to be underestimated, Villa are now unbeaten @ home in 7 and don't concede many..
Gerard will be boosted by the return of John Carew and Mr. Houllier will be keen to kick start what's been a mediocre @ best start to his campaign - Villa definitely need the points more than Arsenal or they could find themselves clinging on in the latter stages..
Dangermen will be Ashley Young and Downing on the wings, watch out for them on the break..

In summary though, any Claret aspirations of Europe look best left for another year and i can see them coming unstuck against Nasri, Arshavin and Co, sending the ex-Liverpool manager into a January spending frenzy.

1-2.

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