Cup play often ends up superseding play domestically, and when you get a team like Sunderland who is merely trying to avoid relegation, odd results sometimes happen. Arsenal is a massive favorite for a good reason in this battle between the top team in England at the moment and a team seemingly destined to drop into Championship next season, but we're not sure this game is an open and shut case as it seems.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arsenal -433
Sunderland +1115
Draw +575
Over/Under 3 (over -120)
ODDS ANALYSIS
Arsenal is actually favored by nearly two full goals in this match. The spread as of publication of this article is set at the Gunners -1.5 and -156 vig. A price of over 11 to 1 on Sunderland might end up being worthwhile.
The total is understandably high at a flat 3, though FA Cup matches, especially this early in the proceedings, tend to be higher scoring regardless of the foes.
KEY INJURIES
The real question isn't so much who is hurt, rather who is actually going to be on the pitch. Sunderland has a history of playing its heart out in these matches under Sam Allardyce. Jack Rodwell and Younes Kaboul are both likely to sit this one out regardless as to whether they're truly fit or not, as there won't be any risks taken with relegation still threatening the Black Cats.
Arsenal is likely to turn this match over to a younger side. Arsene Wenger certainly wants to win, but he isn't going to risk any of the men who are even remotely nicked up. That means no Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky or Santiago Cazorla even if they do get back in training before the weekend.
RECENT FORM
Sunderland has had it incredibly rough of late. The Black Cats had to play against Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in succession in the Premier League, though last Saturday's 3-1 win against Aston Villa was a huge boost for a team which otherwise hasn't had a lot going for it.
Arsenal went to the top of the table in the Premier League thanks to a 1-0 win over Newcastle to kick off 2016. The Gunners have won four five straight matches played here at the Emirates, not the least of which was a 3-1 win over this Sunderland side on December 5.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
We love this price of 11 to 1 on the Black Cats. Arsenal is a tired side, and it is sure to be ready for a week off after the holiday turnaround. The Gunners won this competition last year, but Sunderland made it all the way into the fifth round proper before bowing out to Bradford City, the darling team from League 1.
But let's not forget that last year alone, we saw Sheffield United upset QPR, Ipswich force a replay against Southampton, Bradford City upset Chelsea, Leicester City (in its poor form) upset Totteham, Fulham force a replay against this same Sunderland side, Middlesbrough upset Manchester City, Bolton force a replay against Liverpool... and that's just the Premier League sides which were beaten or forced to replays at home in the third and fourth rounds of this tournament.
Jermain Defoe is in fine form at the moment, and the Black Cats are looking threatening in front of goal. One moment of brilliance might be all that it takes for the visitors to pull off this shocking upset, and we're all about taking Sunderland on the Asian Handicap at +1.5. Don't be afraid to at least take a stab on the moneyline as well.
Sunderland 1, Arsenal 0
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between Arsenal and Sunderland will take place at 10:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Emirates Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
