Stoke City U21 vs Arsenal U21 tips and predictions

Arsenal U21 price doesn't appeal

The floodgates could well be opened even if the match odds look bang on the money.

Let's start this preview with a disclaimer; it has a low confidence rating but the away side price is too short.

Looking at their respective results ahead of this match, the hosts have secured 5 home wins from their last 10 games. With differing fortunes the visitors have been defeated in 6 of their last 20 matches, home or away. This doesn't look like the recent record of a side that would be such a short price.

Stoke City U21 need to see that the visitors are complacent to improve their odds. They must take their chances. When they've played at home they have looked comfortable on the ball. Their recent 8 home matches have them averaging an impressive 2.6 goals per game while consolidating with some good defensive stats. They've only conceded an average of 1.7 goals over their last 3 games at home.

There have been periods when Arsenal U21 have lacked the fundamentals in their 18-yard box. They have conceded at least once in 15 of their last 16 matches. They won't be expecting to be adding to those stats though. Remember that form is temporary and class is permanent. They are the favourites for a reason.

To be fair it might be a turn-up for the books just to see the sides end up in deadlock. The betting markets imply that both sides can get in on the act despite the favouritism for Arsenal U21. It's all about value though and with the odds-against price on BTTS No, that seems the better option here.