"A win against Argentina would be a massive shot in the arm for Scottish rugby, " said Scotland's captain, Jason White, this week. While it's been some time since Argentina could be considered minnows, to hear a Six Nations captain refer to them in the deferential manner usually reserved for Tri-Nations sides is still remarkable. On face value, it's deserved.

Argentina have beaten the best and second-best teams in Europe, topping the toughest pool in the competition. Scotland couldn't muster a point against New Zealand, or a try as they squeaked past Italy. Read between the lines though, and it's possible to see the potential for a tight game. Argentina beat France on opening night with a ludicrously intense performance, but the nervous French were truly awful, making more unforced errors than a Paris crowd had ever seen. Ireland, as you may have heard, were not the force they were once rumoured to be, and were chasing a particular result, easily combated by getting the ball as far from goal as possible. Argentina have achieved their pre-tournament goal, and may struggle to match previous intensity against unglamorous and dogged opponents. Scotland's Chris Paterson has been nailing his kicks, while out-half Dan Parks was best on show against Italy. If Scotland's forwards come close to breaking even, they can keep this interesting and get to within a score.

ARSENAL TO SCORE FOUR OR MORE GOALS AGAINST SUNDERLAND IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE THIS AFTERNOON 11-4
Odds quoted are from Paddy Power
Roy Keane did a spot of reminiscing this week, fondly remembering the encounters with Arsenal from his playing days . . . the crunch of the bone, the flecks of the spittle, ah, 'twas good to be alive and slightly demented with intense rage. With Arsenal in such surprisingly sparkling form this season, we doubt Keane will be keen to fly Emirates anytime soon. The quote of 14-1 about Sunderland this afternoon is sadly justi"ed. Keane certainly seems to have instilled in his players an uncanny ability to score late goals, but they've merely served to "atter his side on recent occasions. Transfer dealings have been uninspired while the Irish striking invasion have "ailed at this level.

Arsenal have purred, with Cesc Fabregas already touted as player of the year material and Emmanuel Adebayor finally showing some consistency alongside Robin van Persie.

At home this season, Arsenal have put three on Portsmouth and five on Derby. You'd wager that Sunderland are somewhere in between.