Arsenal v. Middlesbrough Preview

Arsenal v Middlesbrough

Sunday 26 April 2009,

Emirates Stadium

Kickoff: 13:30

Arsenal

Arsenal drew 4-4 with Liverpool on the road in their last league match, ending a run of five straight wins.

In their last five league matches, Arsenal have won four and drawn one picking up 13 from 15 points. The Gunners are currently fourth in the league, six points behind third placed Chelsea and eight points ahead of fifth placed Aston Villa.

Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia and defender Johan Djourou have both returned to full training and are likely to feature. Emmanuel Adebayor may also be fit for the match after missing out on the draw with Liverpool with to a hamstring problem.

However, the Gunners will still be without Robin van Persie due to a groin injury.

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough drew 0-0 with Fulham at home in their last league outing. In their last five, Boro have won one, drawn two and lost two, earning five points from the 15 on offer.

Middlesbrough are currently 18th in the league, three points behind 17th placed Blackburn, and one point ahead of 19th placed Newcastle.

Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil will returns from suspension for this match, and Didier Digard may be fit for this match after a two month absence. However, Boro will still be without Emanuel Pogatetz, whilst Chris Riggott is doubtful.

Prediction

The two sides drew 1-1 earlier this season, and last season's Arsenal v. Middlesbrough match ended with the same scoreline.

After their sensational 4-4 draw with Liverpool during the week, the Gunners showed that they can still play at the very best level in spite of a huge absentee list.

With Middlesbrough in the relegation zone and fighting for Premier League survival, the battling Boro side are unlikely to pose too much of a threat to an Arsenal side that will likely be boosted by the return of some key players.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 19 league matches and there is nothing to suggest that this match will not become their twentieth. With the home advantage as another big added factor, the Gunners will enter this encounter as strong favourites to win.

Read the complete preview with the odds from the best bookmakers at the Arsenal vs Middlesbrough preview page now!

Then read previews of the other weekend matches: West Ham vs Chelsea, Hull vs Liverpool and Man Utd vs Tottenham at Sports Betting Review.