Arsenal vs Ludogorets Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Arsenal extended their winning streak to six matches on Saturday as they beat Swansea, but the 3-2 victory wasn’t without discomfort. The hosts looked to be cruising after Theo Walcott’s first half brace, but a goal from Gylfi Sigurdsson brought the visitors back into the game. Mesut Ozil restored the two goal lead, but Borja Baston pulled another back and made for an uncomfortable final half an hour for Arsenal fans.

The hosts managed to hold out though, and as a result drew level at the top of the table with Manchester City. This, along with their four points in the first two Champions League group games, has made for an excellent start to the season for the Gunners. They are unbeaten since the opening day of the season and have won eight of their ten matches since.

Much of Arsenal’s success can be attributed to the excellent form of Theo Walcott. Main striker Olivier Giroud has suffered from fitness problems for the majority of this season, but Walcott has stepped up to the plate. He has netted seven times in all competitions this season, whilst Alexis Sanchez has bagged five goals and five assists. Giroud is expected back from injury on Wednesday, but whether Arsene Wenger will reintroduce him when their setup is working so well is another question entirely.

Ludogorets have their own star men to call upon though. Wanderson and Jonathan Cafu have netted 15 goals between them in all competitions this season, so if Ludogorets are to take advantage of Arsenal’s shaky back line after the weekend then it’s likely to be them causing the problems.

Arsenal’s defence in general has been pretty sturdy, with four clean sheets from their last five matches. They have conceded eight goals in their five home matches though, and Ludogorets are in good shape going forward.

They have netted 19 times in their last six matches, helping them to five wins and one defeat. This defeat came against PSG, but they still managed to get on the score-sheet against the French giants. Obviously going away from home against Arsenal will be a lot tougher than playing in the Bulgarian First League, so it could be difficult for them to continue their scoring streak.

Whether Arsenal can rediscover their defensive form is up for debate, but their scoring form needs no alteration. They have netted at least three goals in four of their five home games this season and in four of their last six home and away. With Walcott and Sanchez in such good form I don’t fancy Ludogorets’ chances of keeping the scoreline low, especially since they have conceded six goals in their last four outings. Odds of 4/6 for Arsenal Over 2.5 Team Goals look very good value to me, and I’m going for that along with a 4-1 correct score prediction at 14/1.