Emery Faces Stiff Test and Long Odds in First EPL Assignment

When looking at the Premier League’s Matchday 1 Sportsbook slate, it isn’t difficult to determine why Arsenal and Manchester City were given the highly regarded Sunday finale. Two of the most prestigious clubs in the EPL, the Gunners and Citizens are at opposite ends of respective rebuilds and the defending champions will enter enemy territory at the Emirates in North London as justifiable favorites.

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A New Era for Arsenal Under Emery

It took some time but Arsenal finally moved on from the Arsene Wenger era and they can now focus on the future of the club. New man Unai Emery has his work cut out for him with a spurned fan base at his doorstep and a ravaged defense to work with but the Spaniard’s resume speaks for itself and all signs are pointing towards positivity in the red half of North London.

Earning a result against one of the best teams in Premier League history as his first real task as manager, though, seems like a longshot given the patchwork backline that will take the pitch for the Gunners on Sunday.

City’s attacking options would be frightening to even the tightest of defensive units and if they’re hungry on Sunday, Pep’s forwards could take Arsenal for a pound of flesh.

While this seems like a cruel introduction for Emery, expectations are relatively low. If Unai was able to grind out a draw or win in the opener, he would be an instant hero to the Arsenal faithful. As long as his team plays with some passion, he’ll endear himself to a group of jaded fans and help remove Arsenal from the category of “banter club”.

Curse of the Champion

Four years have passed since a defending Premier League Title Sportsbook secured three points in its Sportsbook EPL match but interestingly, the Citizens were the last club to accomplish that feat when they dispatched Newcastle 2-0 on Matchday 1 of the 2014-15 season.

Prem Sportsbooks have also had trouble following up their Titles with respectable campaigns the next season but Man City seems to be the exception to the rule. They finished second to Chelsea in 2015 after winning the previous year and this team is built to repeat.

I wouldn’t worry about any kind of hangover or regression for this record-setting club.

City has Been Outgunning Arsenal in Recent Outings

It’s difficult to draw conclusions from past outings between these clubs considering the change in regimes but the last three results in this series – which saw City outscore Arsenal 9-1 – illustrate the difference in class between these teams.

Man City has played beautiful, organized yet piercing football under Pep Guardiola and they have the ability to break down any team on the planet. Arsenal, on the other hand, is yet to figure out its identity under Unai Emery and the fear is that they’ll revert to Wenger-ball tactics when faced with adversity.

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook are expecting goals in this one, setting the total at 3 and that makes a lot of sense when you look at the attacking options available on both sides of the ball. This game could have goals galore and if you’re a neutral or an OVER bettor, that will suit you just fine.