Arsenal to win another midweek epic

Arsenal may be stuttering in the league but Christian Crowther expects them to overwhelm League Two side Bradford...

Bradford v Arsenal, Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Bradford 8.6, Arsenal 1.4, The Draw 5.4

 

Arsene Wenger may have been accumulating doubters at a rapid pace this season but when it comes to his record in reaching the latter stages of this competition, the  Frenchman deserves commendation.

 

As Opta tell us, Arsenal have now reached the quarter-final stage of the League Cup in each of the last ten seasons, the longest consecutive run of any team in the  competitions history.

 

Impressive stuff indeed, though significantly this trophy still eludes Wenger, who has twice picked up a runners-up medal after losing to Chelsea and more recently  Birmingham in the final.

 

All said, this is a poor conversion rate, but this year more than ever Wenger will be desperate to land some silverware as his past glories fade into the distance alongside  many fan's patience levels at the Emirates.

 

With this in mind, it seems likely that Monsieur Wenger will field a really strong side when they walk out at Valley Parade. An embarrassment at this stage could hold  cataclysmic consequences for the Gunners' once unquestionable leader.

 

Bradford deserve huge credit for their very presence in the last eight considering they currently ply their trade three divisions lower than their visitors, albeit in the upper  reaches of League Two. They also haven't lost a cup match all season.

 

Even though victory was delivered by virtue of penalties against Wigan, beating the Latics will have given the Bantams huge belief in their ability, though Arsenal of course  provide a far more daunting challenge, one that should prove to be a task too far for the Yorkshire outfit.

 

As Opta reveal, Arsenal have never lost a League Cup tie (eight ties) against a team from the fourth tier of English football, conceding just five goals in 12 matches.

 

Over/Under 4.5 goals

 

Of course Arsenal were involved in one of the most incredible ties in the competition's history against Reading in the fourth round, coming back from 4-0 down to race out to  7-5 winners after extra-time.

 

The Gunners' defence certainly appears capable of conceding at any point so there could be scope for a Bradford goal but, with so much attacking talent, Arsenal should be  looking to rack up a hatful.

 

As Opta tell us, Arsenal have scored 13 goals in the League Cup this season; a competition high despite playing only two games to date.

 

Best Bet: Back over 4.5 goals @ 4.3

 

Bet HERE !

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