Derby v Arsenal: Gunners to Slaughter the Rams?
Do you really need any advice on who to back in this Premier 10 match? I seriously doubt it but I’ll give you my opinion anyway. It’s my job after all. Does anyone think that the relegated Rams can shock the Premier League and beat Arsene Wenger’s young guns? The answer in all likelihood is no. The worst side in Premier League history entertains a wounded Arsenal side determined to end the season on a relative high. It all points to yet another dismal Derby defeat this weekend.
The Head to Head Spells Doom for Derby
Not only are these two sides poles apart in terms of quality but they’re also poles apart in terms of athleticism. Whilst the Arsenal side is full of youthful vitality, Derby’s aged side are beginning to resemble a punch drunk boxer who has taken part in one fight too many or in the Ram’s case 35 fights. Unfortunately for Paul Jewell’s side they are likely to be down on the canvas yet again after this match. After all, the recent head to head record points overwhelmingly in Arsenal’s favour. The Gunners are unbeaten in the last 12 encounters with Derby (in all competitions), this run includes 10 wins. The Rams have not beaten the North Londoners in 11 years since a 3-0 home League win, November 1997. Wenger’s side has won all 3 of their last 3 visits to Derby, so expect this weekend to be number 4.
No Pressure, More Points for the Gunners
Arsene Wenger’s young guns cracked under the pressure of competing for both the Premier League title and the Champions League but can now throw off the burden of expectation and play their free-flowing care-free football once again. They won at a canter against Reading at the weekend which should have rebuilt some of their recent lost confidence and now Emmanuel Adebayor is back on form (4 goals in his last 4 starts) they should be far too strong for Derby, even on a bad day. Despite a recent dip in form the Gunners have still scored in 14 of the last 15 League games and will relish the chance to get amongst the goals against the worst defence in the League.
Rams Run into an Arsenal Side Scorned
Paul Jewell inherited an extremely poor side and his numerous new recruits have hardly improved matters. Their shameful season in the top flight will soon be at an end but they’ve still got to endure the misery of 3 more games and this fixture should be the worst of the lot. Some of the best sides in the country and throughout Europe have struggled to get to grips with Wenger’s one touch passing team, so god knows how the Rams will cope. They were thrashed 5-0 at the Emirates back in September when their Premier League adventure was only just beginning and some confidence remained. Now, they will enter this match devoid of hope or belief and should be ripe for the picking.
This encounter is a no-contest of a match and although Derby only narrowly lost 1-0 to Manchester United at Pride Park a month ago the Gunners are the type of side who’ll punish these whipping boys. I can see Arsenal scoring a few goals after tiring the aged Rams by making them chase the ball at every opportunity. Therefore back the Gunners on Premier 10 this week to kick the Rams whilst they’re already down.
Pundit’s Pick: Rams gunned down in cold blood (away win) Do you agree with this result for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Arsenal, Derby, Gunners, Premier 10 preview, Premier League, Rams
