Cologne vs. Arsenal Match & Betting Preview

Following on from their comprehensive performance and solid win against arch rivals Tottenham at the weekend reducing their neighbour’s league lead to a solitary point, the Gunners head to the continent to play Cologne. Arsenal have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa league and need only a point to secure top spot and a favourable tie in the next round.

Form

Supporters taking a punt on the results follow many different football betting strategies but more often than not form is a key part of the research.

After a shaky start to the season Arsenal have managed to pick up some decent results and despite being miles off the pace at the top of the league they’re in the mix with the chasing pack waiting for Guardiola’s Manchester City to slip up.

Cologne are in terrible domestic form and are languishing in 18^th place in the Bundesliga – their last win came in the Europa League, a 5-2 win over BATE Borisov

Team News

Olivier Giroud may be available after he picked up a thigh injury on international duty and Santi Cazorla remains a long-term absentee. Generally Arsenal have a clean bill of health for the rest of their roster although it is likely Arsène Wenger will play many fringe and youth players in this match and save his star players for the weekend.

To make matters worse for Cologne, their poor form is compounded by injuries and suspensions. Christian Clemens, Marcel Risse and Marco Höger are likely to miss this match joining long-term absentees Zoller, Heintz and Hector on the sidelines. Another player who won’t be lining up for the German side is Claudio Pizarro who is ineligible.

Betting Tips

There’s no doubt that Arsenal are by far the better side in this contest, however the Gunners have previously displayed a proclivity for losing to opponents they have underestimated. Some people have claimed that Arsenal have stagnated over the last few seasons but if Saturday’s performance is anything to go by this side has title winning pedigree – they just need the consistency.

Wenger’s side has plenty of talent throughout the team and the manager has bought extremely well in recent years adding plenty of firepower, creativity and grit.  

Alexis Sanchez has been in fine form for Arsenal and given Cologne’s woes he would be a solid bet to be first scorer if the manager doesn’t bench him. The Gunners won’t go into this match looking to settle for a point – that’s just not their style. North London’s pride will look to secure top spot in the group in style so a big win could be on the cards. 

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