After the mid-week international action we return to the Premier League and are treated to a huge match to kick off the weekend as Manchester City travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Arsenal are also in action, while there is a six-pointer at the Hawthorns between West Ham and West Brom.
Manchester United v Manchester City (12:45pm)
City boss Roberto Mancini must have ended last weekend with a huge smile on his face after his side thumped West Brom and the rest of the top four either lost or drew. City are now five points behind United and that gap could be even closer come three o’clock on Saturday. You would expect a response from United after their first defeat of the league campaign for Wolves. However, City have pushed United close at Old Trafford in recent fixtures and have what it takes to get the better of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side this weekend. Either way, let’s hope for a better game than the one at Eastlands.
Match Bet – City to win @ 18/5
Arsenal v Wolves (3pm)
These two had very contrasting weekends seven days ago and expect that to have a bearing on this game. Arsenal are likely to have had their confidence shaken by Newcastle’s comeback and this won’t be the walk in the park it might have been two weeks ago. Wolves have been excellent against the top sides this season, beating Liverpool, Chelsea and most recently Manchester United. Expect Arsenal to win, but not by much.
Match Bet – Draw half-time/Arsenal full-time @ 10/3
Birmingham v Stoke (3pm)
Some would probably consider Stoke lucky to have taken all three points against Sunderland last week. However, that never say die attitude the Potters have has served them well this year and they could be looking at Europe if their away form picks up. Stoke have a poor record against Birmingham but Blues aren’t as strong at home as they were 12 months ago and Stoke’s luck should hold to see them through this game.
Match Bet – Stoke to win @ 2/1
Blackburn v Newcastle (3pm)
Is this going to be a case of after the Lord Mayors show for Newcastle after their comeback last week? Probably. They were so poor in the first half and if they give Blackburn a similar head start they are unlikely to complete another remarkable comeback. Rovers haven’t been in the best run of form but have a habit of turning teams over who find themselves in mid-table. This should be a much more low scoring affair than these two sides found themselves in last week.
Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 5/6
Blackpool v Aston Villa (3pm)
For Blackpool fans the trap door back to the Championship is beginning to come into view after five straight defeats. The points tally for this season is likely to be so high that the Seasiders good start is unlikely to save them. In contrast Villa have lost just one in the last seven and are going well. Their frontline should enjoy a fruitful day against a Blackpool defence that has conceded 16 in the last five.
Match Bet – Darren Bent first goalscorer 4/1
Liverpool v Wigan (3pm)
The old saying goes that Kenny Dalglish is magic and based on last Sunday few could dispute that right now. When Roy Hodgson was in charge Reds fans would have looked at this fixture with a bit of trepidation. However, with Dalglish in the hot seat they’ll expect to turn over the Latics with few problems. Wigan are pretty awful on the road and will look at this game as a bonus match, rather than a chance to pick up points.
Match Bet – Liverpool to win 3-0 @ 7/1
West Brom v West Ham (3pm)
February is usually the month when the six-pointer term creeps into the press. This game certainly qualifies for that tag as the Baggies remain outside the drop zone on goal difference alone. They have a new manager in Roy Hodgson but he will watch from the stands this weekend. Expect Hodgson’s arrival to give West Brom a lift but whether they win will depend on which West Ham side turns up. Time to get splinters and sit on the fence with this game.
Match Bet – Draw @ 12/5
Sunderland v Tottenham (5:30pm)
Tottenham could have their minds on other things when they head to Wearside with an impending Champions League tie to come against AC Milanin midweek. Harry Redknapp is caught between a rock and hard place though as a win on Saturday will lift them above Chelsea and into fourth. However, the lure of Tuesday’s trip to Milan might be too much for Tottenham’s players and Sunderland are ready to pounce. They will feel hard done by after last week and will fancy their chances of bouncing back at home.
Match Bet – Sunderland to win @ 13/8
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