The Premier League action continues on Sunday with two games that could have huge implications for the outcome of the season at both ends of the table with leaders Manchester United (4/7 Premier League outright) travelling to Molineux to face struggling Wolves while top four-chasing Newcastle host Norwich.
The early game sees relegation candidates Wolves take on United in what promises to be a superb game with both sides desperate for the points (Wolves 15/2, draw 4/1, United 4/11).
The Molineux side are currently on a shocking run of form having won only once in 2012 and, despite a change in manager, have continued to struggle. However, they beat United last season and are sure to take heart from that result going into Sunday’s game.
If they are to have any chance of winning, the performance of striker Kevin Doyle will be vital. The Irishman’s form has dipped this season but he appears to be motivated for this match after commenting in the press this week that he feels the ‘pain’ of his side’s recent poor form.
On the other hand, United are currently flying in the league and, after going ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table, are now favourites to retain the Premier League. However, they were thoroughly outplayed against Athletic Bilbao in the week but will see their elimination from the Europa League as a positive, as it means they can fully concentrate on the title race.
Their player to watch will surely be their talismanic striker Wayne Rooney (8/11 to score at anytime). The England international struggled at the San Mames but still managed to get on the score sheet and will be looking to have a big impact on Sunday’s game.
United will be confident going into the game and, although Wolves will put up a good fight, the Red Devils should win comfortably.
The late game sees Newcastle take on Norwich in a match that could be a real cracker as both sides like to play attacking football (Newcastle 4/5, draw 11/4, Norwich 7/4).
After a brilliant start to the season, Alan Pardew’s men have struggled to keep pace with the top teams and haven’t won in their last four league games.
Key to them getting back on track on Sunday could be the performance of striker Papiss Cisse (5/2 to score at anytime) who has somewhat of a point to prove after being dropped for last Monday’s defeat at Arsenal.
The Senegalese international has struggled to adapt to life on Tyneside since his January move but is expected to start against Norwich and will be looking impress both his manager and the club’s fans.
Despite being expected to struggle at the start of the season, Norwich currently sit comfortably in mid-table, fourteen points clear of the relegation zone. They will be looking to claim all three points as a win could just about seal their Premier League future.
With Newcastle likely to have the majority of the ball, the performance of the Canaries’ skipper Grant Holt will be vital if they’re to win. The experienced targetman was expected to struggle with the pace of the league but has adapted well and Paul Lambert’s men now rely on his ability to maintain possession.
However, with home advantage, Newcastle should win, but it will certainly be close.
Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.
Crawley Town could record one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history if the Red Devils can beat the slightly more famous Manchester United Red Devils at Old Trafford on Saturday (United 1/16, draw 8/1, Crawley 28/1).