arsenal

Las Vegas - Sipping my first cup of coffee from my 20 oz. Arsenal mug, staring at a signed Arsenal ball on my desk, while a framed Arsenal jersey is over my shoulder. YEA, I'm a FANATIC!!! Since 1972!!! So, as you read this, just know that my heart & soul are with the Gunners.

We finally have action in the Premier League as Manchester City hosts Arsenal. City is a monster favorite, around -$320 depending on where you shop, while Arsenal is a big FAT +$700 underdog.

Kinda conflicted here because I'm being pulled in both directions. My Gunners were playing superb football before the lockdown, and were unbeaten in the league this calendar year, with four wins and four draws.

On the other side of that coin, City's manager, Pep Guardiola, has never lost a home match against Arsenal in his managerial career, winning six of seven games. Wow.

However, home field advantage AIN'T what it used to be. There will be NO fans at the Etihad Stadium, similar to the restart in the German Bundesliga. Of the 36 games since they ramped back up in Germany, 18 have been away wins, 10 have been draws, and just 8 have been home wins.

So, NO home field edge. Sadly, the Citizens have more talent than my boys from North London, so I'm just gonna watch, scream, and maybe pipe in some of that crowd noise.

Do think that Sheffield United is the side against Aston Villa. The Blades from Sheffield have been fabulous and STINGY on the road, allowing just 12 goals in 13 away league matches so far this season. The only team with a better record is league leader Liverpool. Gimme some Blades.

And in the Coppa Italia, we're gonna ride with Cristiano Ronaldo and the Old Lady from Juventus to squeeze past Napoli.

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