The Premier League season is down to just one week of fixtures, but prior to the last day of the campaign, Arsenal (21-8-7, 71 Points) finds itself in a crucial duel against Sunderland (7-16-13, 37 Points), one which will have a huge impact on both the top and the bottom of the table.
If the Gunners take at least a point in this match, they will secure a Top 3 finish and an automatic spot into the group stage of the Champions League next year. A loss, and Manchester United can still run Arsenal down on Sunday.
Sunderland too, needs a point to ensure safety for next season. The Black Cats look good at the moment, as they are three points clear of Hull City, the last team to be relegated at the moment. Any positive result will remove the pain of that last day fixture.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Knowing what's up for grabs with a draw suiting both teams, you'd figure the match to be relatively level.
Instead, Arsenal is a huge 2-goal favorite on the Asian handicap, as it still senses the possibility of finishing second in front of Manchester City as well.
The moneyline spread is a lofty -370, while the total is set at a flat 3.
KEY INJURIES
The story on the injury front hasn't really changed for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy, Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all long-term absentees and won't play in this one or likely for the rest of the year.
Sunderland heads into this match without Jack Rodwell to go alongside Wes Brown and Ricardo Alvarez.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We will go out there to try to win the game, the same as Swansea did. But if you go out there to play for one point, you have no chance. We still have to do something by ourselves." – Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat on what his team needs to do to survive for another year in the EPL
RECENT FORM
Arsenal has had a couple chances to put away second place this season, and it just hasn't done it down the stretch. A 1-1 draw at Manchester United wasn't a bad result, but the Gunners weren't in good form for most of that game. That followed a truly disappointing 1-0 loss in their last home match against Swansea.
Give Advocaat all of the credit in the world for the way the Black Cats have responded to his assignment to the team. Sunderland has gone 3-2-1 in its last six matches, and that's why it is on the verge of safety for another year.
TALKING TOTALS
Two straight Arsenal matches have failed to reach the total after a 3-1 thrashing of Hull was an easy over.
Tight defensive player has kept goals out of the back of the net for Sunderland. It has allowed one goal or fewer in five of the six matches since Advocaat has taken over, and that has led to a 4-2 record for under bettors in that stretch.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Sunderland still has to be sweating with road matches against Arsenal and Chelsea left to play. The Black Cats won't want to take any chances here, but we just don't think they have enough offense to get the job done.
Arsenal is a team which still has a lot to play for. If nothing else, Arsene Wenger needs to make sure that his side is in tip top shape going into the FA Cup Final in a couple weeks.
Even though a draw would suit both, a win for the Gunners would be a much better result for them. We have to think that Sunderland is going to need some help on the last day of the season to be sure of its survival.
Arsenal 2, Sunderland 0
The English Premier League lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with Arsenal lined as a -370 moneyline favorite and a total of 3 (over -115). Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between Arsenal and Sunderland is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 2:45 p.m. ET at Emirates Stadium. The match will be televised live on NBC Sports Live Extra.
