Champions League Betting: AZ Alkmaar v Arsenal

Champions League / James Eastham / 19 October 2009 / Leave a Comment

Andriy's the man: Arshavin has already scored two goals in three games in this season's competition and is worth backing again

Recommended bets: Back Arsenal -1 Asian handicap @ 1.88; Arsenal clean sheet @ 2.3; Andriy Arshavin to score anytime @ 2.7.

The hosts have yet to show the sort of quality that suggests they can compete against the better sides in this season's competition, so back Arsenal to enjoy a comfortable evening in Holland on Tuesday, writes James Eastham. Best bet: Arsenal to keep a clean sheet @ [2.3].

Arsenal have an excellent opportunity to virtually seal qualification for the last 16 of the competition when they travel to face AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday night.

Arsene Wenger's side have taken maximum points from two games so far, and nothing in AZ's two performances suggests they have the quality or power to prevent the English visitors earning a third consecutive victory.

The Gunners may have made life hard for themselves on matchday 1, when they had to come from behind to win 3-2 after conceding two goals in the opening five minutes at Standard Liege, but after that initial scare they played with their usual fluency at home to Olympiacos three weeks ago, patiently probing the Greeks before making the breakthrough in the second-half to win 2-0.

AZ, making their debuts in the group stages, lost 1-0 to Olympiacos in Athens on matchday 1 before conceding a last-minute equaliser at home to Standard (1-1) three weeks ago after dominating the game. That result severely diminished the Dutch side's chances of reaching the last 16, which is why they're [2.92] to make the knock-out stages, with Olympiacos a much more appealing [1.69].

Even at [8.0] I wouldn't recommend AZ to win on the night. After 10 games they're already 11 points off the pace in the Dutch League, and a last-minute defeat away to Twente on Saturday was hardly the ideal way to warm-up for this match. Arsenal are [1.52], making them [1.88] with a -1-goal start on the Asian handicap. I'll take that, as there's no doubt the Gunners can run out comfortable winners if they score early and the game opens up.

An even better bet is Arsenal to keep a clean sheet at [2.3]. The large price reflects Arsenal's propensity for playing football at the expense of defending, but doesn't take into account AZ's lack of proven attacking ability at this level. I'd have thought Arsenal would be nearer the evens mark, so I'd advise you take the [2.3].

You can take your pick among Arsenal's scorers for this match. Robin van Persie will head the anytime market at [2.1], followed by Eduardo [2.6], Andriy Arshavin [2.7] and Nicklas Bendtner [2.7]. Thomas Vermaelen [7.5] and William Gallas [8.0] will also attract money considering they've scored eight goals between them this season. Arshavin's my pick, as the price is appealing on a player who's scored twice in three 2009-10 Champions League appearances.

* AZ Alkmaar v Arsenal, Sky Sports Xtra, Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off)