Opta Big Match Stats: Late drama in Swansea v Arsenal

Danny Welbeck has scored five goals for Arsenal this season

A study of the Opta trends flags up three intriguing odds-against bets for Swansea and Arsenal's clash...

Swansea v Arsenal
Sunday, 16:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: Swansea 3.711/4, Arsenal 2.26/5, The Draw 3.55n/a

There have been nine goals scored in the last ten minutes of Swansea and Arsenal's last six meetings

You might question the selection of this showdown as our Opta Big Match, but ask yourself this: how many other Premier League matchday 11 fixtures feature two teams who started the weekend in the top six? The stats hint that it will live up to the Super Sunday billing too, with four of the duo's five Liberty Stadium collisions delivering over 2.5 goals. An even fiercer trend - unsurprisingly given the above Opta insight that recent scraps averaged 1.5 strikes in the 81st minute or later - is that all of their past six head-to-heads produced more second-half goals than first-half efforts. Indeed, the aggregate score in that period was First Half 1-15 Second Half.

Recommended Bet: Back the second half to have more goals @ 2.26/5

Arsenal have scored exactly two goals in each of their last five away trips to Swansea

Though Arsenal have endured a few poor results lately, like draws at home to Hull and Anderlecht, finding the net hasn't been the problem - at least not to the same extent as issues such as fielding far-from-critically-acclaimed left back Nacho Monreal at centre back due to a defender shortage. The Gunners actually grabbed at least two goals in every single one of their previous five games, as well as three of their last four away encounters. Swansea were breached twice in three of their latest five matches, against Newcastle, Stoke and Liverpool sides who are all below Arsenal.

Recommended Bet: Back Arsenal to score two goals or more @ 2.111/10

Danny Welbeck has scored three goals in three Premier League appearances against Swansea

With Olivier Giroud edging closer to a comeback, Welbeck must convince Arsene Wenger that he is Arsenal's best line-leading option, or else risk a return to the bench or, worse still, the dreaded wing. However, the England international hasn't fared too shabbily, firing eight times for club or country since September, and has a fine record against Swansea. Welbz scored in both of the Swans' clashes with Man United last term, including a brace at the Liberty Stadium on the opening day to give the misleading impression that 2013/14 would be a vintage season for the forward and David Moyes.

Recommended Bet: Back Welbeck to score @ 2.56/4