Premier League Injuries: Arsenal to feel Jack's absence

 

Christian Crowther files his weekly report on the Premier League's walking wounded and offers up a few bets to go with it...

 

Jack Wilshere - Swansea v Arsenal (Saturday, 15:00)

Any news of an injury to England's new golden boy will have Arsenal fans wincing. This is understandable when the Gunners' midfield maestro spent over 15 gruelling months on the sidelines as a result of his last injury. Mercifully, it's the other ankle this time and Wilshere should only miss a month out according to reports. However, the collateral damage on Arsenal's attempts to claim a top-four spot may be greater. While Arsenal did reclaim some credibility by beating a strangely under-par Bayern, they now face a Swansea side who have already humiliated them at the Emirates in the league and forced an FA Cup replay at the Liberty Stadium. Without Arsenal's best player available in Wilshere, Swansea's task of getting a result is made significantly easier.

Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 3.55

 

Pepe Reina - Southampton v Liverpool (Saturday, 15:00)

Liverpool's long-serving stopper has come in for his fair share of criticism in the last few seasons as the Spaniard's error count has crept up. However, there's no disputing that Reina would still walk into most Premier League starting XIs as his shot-stopping prowess is only rivalled by the very best. Against Wigan, Reina's eye-catching performance was essential in his side's clean sheet - his second in a row in the Premier League - so it was cruel that he wasn't able to play in the Tottenham game due to a calf injury. Now Liverpool travel to St Mary's, where they haven't fared well in recent times: losing on the south coast in three of their last four trips. His replacement Brad Jones has let in five goals in his last two starts.

Recommended Bet: Back Rickie Lambert to score @ 3.65

 

Jimmy Kebe - Manchester United v Reading (Saturday 17:30, ESPN)

Reading find themselves in a right royal mess ahead of their uninviting trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. The visitors will kick-off this game second from bottom in the Premier League and with a caretaker manager in the dugout after owner Anton Zingarevich decided to oust Brian McDermott after the loss to Aston Villa. Reading's wafer-thin chances of pulling off a miraculous result against United will be further reduced by the absence of one of their best performers too. Jimmy Kebe has notched five goals for his struggling side this term and, alongside Jobi McAnuff, proves Reading's most likely provider from out on the wing. Without the Frenchman, the Royals' attacking threat is heavily blunted.

Recommended Bet: Back Manchester United to win to nil @ 2.06

 

Bet HERE

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