Tag Archives: Toon

Take Toon to make point

Posted on by
Reply

There are four Premier League games on Sunday with the stand-out clash coming in the north east when Newcastle host Manchester United.

Newcastle v Man Utd (4pm)

The Magpies (3/1) may well fancy their chances of causing an upset at home against a Manchester United (10/11, draw 11/4) side who it is fair to say have yet to really get going this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have stumbled their way through the opening six weeks of the season and lost their second game of the campaign at Spurs last weekend.

They followed that up with just a narrow win over minnows CFR Cluj in the Champions League in midweek and will not find it easy at the Sports Direct Arena.

Alan Pardew’s side were convincing 3-0 winners over Bordeaux in the Europa League on Thursday and, in the shape of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, have the strikers to trouble a shaky Red Devils’ rearguard.

Goals are likely and a score draw is predicted in an exciting game.

Prediction - 2-2 at 14/1.

Southampton v Fulham (1.30pm)

Sunday’s early kick-off sees a recently-promoted Southampton (8/5), who have struggled to adapt to life back in the top flight, against a Fulham (7/4, draw 12/5) side who have had a mixed campaign so far.

Saints did see off Villa 4-1 in their last home game but that is the only high point in a series of five defeats from their opening six games and Fulham will surely relish this trip to St Mary’s.

The Cottagers only narrowly lost to champions Manchester City 2-1 last weekend and can make amends with the three points in this one.

Prediction - Fulham to win 2-0 at 11/1.

Liverpool v Stoke (3pm)

Incredibly, Liverpool (1/2, draw 16/5) have won just two league games at Anfield in 2012 and a victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side is a must against the Potters after an overall poor start to the season.

Last weekend’s 5-2 victory at Norwich points at better things to come for the Reds as they finally got the goals earlier performances had been threatening but they will be tested by a dogged Stoke (13/2) side, who are always difficult to beat under Tony Pulis.

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch (5/2 to score anytime) is in great form and he will fancy it against his old side while ex-Reds Charlie Adam, Jermaine Pennant and Michael Owen – if he gets on – will also be fired up.

It looks like being tight and the home side will hope not to make the sort of crucial defensive mistakes that have blighted their season so far. If they manage to keep a clean sheet the Reds might just edge it.

Prediction - Liverpool to win 1-0 at 6/1.

Tottenham v Aston Villa (3pm)

Spurs (4/9) are improving under Andre Villas-Boas and, after a slow start, have begun to pick up points with last week’s win at Manchester United the highlight of an inconsistent campaign so far.

They have generally been unconvincing at home in the league, though, drawing against Norwich and West Brom, while they were lucky to see off QPR last time out after falling behind in the first half.

But Villa (7/1, draw 10/3) have hardly been pulling up trees under new boss Paul Lambert and only just scraped a 1-1 draw at home to local rivals West Brom last weekend. The midlanders were embarrassingly beaten 4-1 by newcomers Southampton on their last away trip and will want to erase that memory as quickly as possible.

Sadly, with a rejuvenated Spurs the opposition, we predict another long 90 minutes for Lambert and his players.

Prediction – Spurs to win 3-1 at 10/1.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Chelsea to call the Toon

Posted on by
Reply

The focus on Wednesday evening is very much on the top end of the Premier League table with three of the four sides chasing a top-four place in action, although Bolton are desperate for points themselves as they bid to climb out of the relegation zone.

Arsenal are seemingly nailed on at 1/12 to secure one of those Champions League berths – which may be reduced to three depending on the result of the this year’s final – but the Gunners will be keeping a close eye on proceedings on Wednesday with Tottenham (8/11), Chelsea (11/10) and Newcastle (6/1) all in with a chance of closing the gap.

Arsene Wenger’s men have at least a four-point cushion over their rivals but have played a game more, and victories for the two of the three chasing clubs will really set up an exciting run in.

Chelsea v Newcastle 7.45pm

Chelsea have been in tremendous form under Roberto di Matteo, losing just one of 16 games under his stewardship, and go into the match on the crest of a wave, having knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League as well as crushing QPR 6-1 in an embarrassingly one-sided west London derby on Sunday.

Fernando Torres looked every inch the star footballer that persuaded Roman Abramovich to splash out £50m to sign him from Liverpool  and he won the man of the match award after scoring a hat-trick.

It has been a difficult season for the Spain hitman and that treble doubled his league tally for the season to six, although he has scored 11 goals in total in 47 appearances in all competitions.

However, it was the manner of his performance that will have got the Blues fans excited – with two cup finals approaching – as he looked sharp and dangerous and wanted the ball, as well as finding the net on three occasions.

Whether he starts remains to be seen as di Matteo may opt to change things around again but if he does start, he has to be considered in the goalscoring markets.

Newcastle have surprised so many for so long and a recent six-match winning streak kept them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.

However, that run was emphatically ended at the weekend and although it was no disgrace to lose to Wigan at the DW Stadium, given Latics recent run, the manner of the defeat and the 4-0 scoreline leaves cause for concern.

The Magpies do not usually travel well to Stamford Bridge, having not won there in 18 matches, but should provide more of a test than the Rs as they have kept 14 clean sheets this season – only the Manchester clubs have kept fewer – and have a distinct goal threat in the shape of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba.

Branislav Ivanovic is a welcome return for the Blues as David Luiz and Gary Cahill are still ruled out and given the way they have been playing recently, coupled with the fact they won 3-0 at St James’ Park, Chelsea should come away with the points (Chelsea  8/15, Draw 16/5, Newcastle 11/2 Match Betting).

Bolton v Spurs 8pm

Spurs managed to rediscover the winning formula over Blackburn last Sunday, easing to a 2-0 win in a match where Rovers did not muster a single shot on goal, either on or off target.

Whether the Lilywhites rediscover the spring in the step that made them a title challenger earlier in the season now that the England situation has been sorted out (although it was never an issue in the first place apparently) remains to be seen, but they still remain in the hunt for a top-four place despite a horror run of form.

Harry Redknapp’s men had won just one of nine matches going into the Rovers clash although they did get the better of Bolton during that time in the FA Cup.

That cup win over the Trotters did come at White Hart Lane though and they need to turn around a dismal away run to keep pace with the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea and of course Arsenal.

Spurs have not won any of their last eight Premier League away games and have not scored in the last four, although they are the favourites at 10/11 in the match betting to end that run on Wednesday.

However, it could come down to a question of whose need is greater with Bolton knowing any kind of positive result will take them out of the bottom three with just two games to go.

Owen Coyles men are priced at 3/1 to pick up maximum points although a draw, given the Trotters defensive woes this season, at  13/5 could be the way to go.

Spurs have never won at the Reebok and are hardly in the best of nick, while Bolton are unbeaten in the last three Premier League games which gives sway to a positive ‘home’ argument, despite the fact that the Lancashire outfit has picked up more points on the road this term.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Toon value to upset Liverpool

Posted on by
Reply

There are two Premier League matches on Sunday, with the focus very much on the race for European places with Newcastle entertaining Liverpool and Tottenham hosting Swansea.

The Magpies of course surprised everyone with their successful start to the season but continue to impress and still remain in contention for an unlikely Champions League berth.

Alan Pardew’s men are five points behind fourth-placed Spurs and level with Chelsea going into the weekend’s fixtures, while a victory on Sunday will take the Toon 11 points clear of Liverpool.

That would surely secure a Europa League spot at the very least if it were to happen, although the match betting suggests Liverpool will take the points as they are priced at 7/5, with Newcastle at 15/8 and the draw at 12/5.

However, Newcastle look good value to pick up the win as they have bounced back from a blip in form to record back-to-back wins, looking impressive last week in a 3-1 win at the Hawthorns.

The Magpies have only lost twice at home all season – to Chelsea and West Brom – while they have won five and drawn two of their seven games at St James’ Park this year.

Papiss Cisse has made a hugely impressive start to his career on the North East with five goals in just six appearances – only Wayne Rooney has scored more in the Premier League in that time – and he must be considered in the goal scoring markets, priced at 11/2 First/Last Goalscorer and 3/2 Anytime.

The Senegalese forward has forged a useful partnership with Demba Ba on Tyneside and looks better value to reward backers given that his compatriot (5/1 First/Last, 11/8 Anytime) has scored just once on his return from African Cup of Nations duty and none in his last six games.

Liverpool did beat Newcastle 3-1 in the reverse fixture at Anfield and have won six of the last seven meetings but look a shade short in the betting considering their recent run of form.

Kenny Dalglish’s men have lost five of their last six league matches, winning only two of 11 this year, have lost their last three on the road and have recently been beaten by strugglers QPR and Wigan.

Pardew enjoyed a 3-1 win in this fixture last season in his match at the helm and he can celebrate again come Sunday, which would all but secure that top six berth.

Spurs’ title challenge has petered out of late while they are also in danger of missing out on the Champions League but remain strong favourites at 2/5 to get back to winning ways in the league, with Swansea on offer at 15/2 and the draw at 7/2 in the match betting.

Harry Redknapp’s men have not won in the Premier League since trouncing Newcastle in February but of course have kept their FA Cup run going, impressing in a 3-1 win over Bolton on Tuesday.

It has not all been doom and gloom though in the top-flight of late and with a bit more luck could have picked up better results, but Aaron Lennon’s expected return is a welcome boost as it will restore a bit more balance to what is arguably the best footballing side in the division.

Swansea though have enjoyed their debut in the Premier League and have now won their last three matches on the road, despite only securing their first away-day success in January.

The Swans have also recently beaten Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium so will not be over-awed going to White Hart Lane, although Everton eased to a 2-0 win in South Wales last week.

The price about the Swans will look tempting to some with all the pressure on the hosts to come up with the goods, but that could still work in Spurs’ favour and there is no doubt they have the talent to beat any side on their day – and they need to to keep pace with arch rivals Arsenal.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Baggies to extend Toon slump

Posted on by
Reply

There are seven Premier League matches taking place on Wednesday, with five of the top seven teams in action. While the two Manchester clubs attempt to open up a gap at the top, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle will all be looking to keep pace in the chase for Europe.

Newcastle v West Brom (19:45)

After an outstanding start to the season, Newcastle have hit a wall in recent weeks and have gone five games without a win. Demba Ba is still posing a threat up front, but injuries at the back have had a big impact.

West Brom, meanwhile, looked a much-improved team in victory at Blackburn on Saturday and their away form, with three wins and two draws in eight games on the road, suggests they can make it a miserable Christmas on Tyneside.

Suggested Bet: West Brom to win @ 10/3

Man City v Stoke (19:45)

Played eight, won eight is the record at Eastlands for City so far and Stoke appear unlikely to stop Robert Mancini’s men. A crucial win over Arsenal, to bounce back from defeat at Chelsea, will have eased the pressure and the leaders should have too much for the Potters.

Stoke will be buoyed by their win at Wolves on Saturday, and it was their third away win of the season. But the Potters have not won at City since 1997 when the pair were in the second tier.

Suggested Bet: City to win 3-0 @ 13/2

Fulham v Manchester United (20:00)

United have not enjoyed their trips to Craven Cottage in recent years, losing twice and drawing once in their last three visits. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men seem determined to right the wrongs of their Champions League exit with Wayne Rooney ending his recent goal drought with three goals in the last two games.

The Cottagers should be good enough to avoid a relegation tussle, but the continuing speculation over Bobby Zamora’s future could be an unwelcome distraction. Martin Jol’s men may struggle to break down the United backline, which has re-grouped under the leadership on Rio Ferdinand.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Man Utd FT – 10/3

Aston Villa v Arsenal (19:45)

Villa have major issues at the moment and their Christmas schedule doesn’t do them any favours, with fixtures away to Stoke and Chelsea to come this month. Alex McLeish’s men have scored just two goals in their last five games.

Arsenal were a bit unlucky to end their unbeaten run at Man City last weekend, but will have taken heart from the display. Robin van Persie is likely to cause the Villa defence problems, while a lack of pace in the Villa back four could be exploited by the likes of Walcott, Gervinho and co.

Suggested Bet: Arsenal to win @ 8/11

Wigan v Liverpool (8pm)

Latics have proved the critics wrong again in recent weeks and will go into this game full of confidence, especially if they look at their recent record against the Reds. Liverpool have failed to win in their last three visits to the DW Stadium – with last season’s clash finishing in a 1-1 draw.

Kenny Dalglish’s men have responded to defeat at Fulham with back-to-back wins and not conceding a goal against Aston Villa and QPR. The Reds’ away form has been excellent this season and that is likely to tip the balance in their favour.

Suggested Bet: Liverpool to win @ 8/15

Everton v Swansea (8pm)

These are both struggling for goals, but the pressure will be on Everton to come up with a win after salvaging a draw against Norwich on Saturday. Both need strikers in the transfer window and January can’t come soon enough for Moyes and Rodgers.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Draw FT @ 9/2

QPR v Sunderland (8pm)

It’s nervy times at both clubs at present and both managers are counting down the days until the January transfer window opens. The two teams would probably be happy with a share of the spoils, especially after weekend defeats, and that looks the most likely outcome.

Suggested Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Stoke strength to end Toon run

Posted on by
Reply

Newcastle United have been one of the surprise packages of the season but will have their work cut out on Monday night when they travel to the Potteries to take on Stoke City (Stoke 6/5, draw 23/10, Newcastle 5/2 – Match Betting).

Alan Pardew had to deal with the loss of Andy Carroll in January and although he recruited wisely in the summer, there would not have been too many predicting an unbeaten start for the Geordies in the league this deep into the campaign.

Newcastle lost their first match of the season in midweek in the Carling Cup, going down 4-3 to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, although it did take a goal right at the death of extra time to seal the win for Steve Kean’s men.

What may worry punters is the fact that Newcastle left it late to force the extra time, needing two goals deep into stoppage time to level matters against a side that was bottom of the Premier League table at the time.

It was not a second string side fielded by Pardew either so it is hardly the best performance to take to a notoriously difficult place for away teams. This makes Stoke worthy 6/5 favourites to win the match.

Tony Pulis’s men are unbeaten at home in the league, triumphing over Liverpool and Fulham while holding both Chelsea and Manchester United to draws. Meanwhile, Luis Nani’s strike for the champions has been the only goal conceded in the league at the Britannia Stadium.

Liverpool did gain some revenge with a 2-1 win at Stoke in the Carling Cup but the Potters will be up for the challenge on their return to Premier League duty and look value to take all three points.

The North East club have the better head-to-head record with 39 wins to 23, but Stoke have never lost to Monday’s opponents in the Premier League and completed the double over them last season, winning this fixture 4-0.

It may be a bit fanciful to think there might be a repeat scoreline (priced at 66/1) as Pulis’s side has scored just seven goals this season in the Premier League, but the home side should still be too strong on their own patch.

There have been just 22 shots on target from Stoke players this campaign but 71% of their goals have come from set pieces so there could be a big price coming good in the goalscoring markets.

Peter Crouch heads the betting at 11/2 to be First/Last Goalscorer and 3/2 Anytime Goalscorer but their threat from set-piece situations is no secret and the likes of Robert Huth (20/1 First/Last, 11/2 Anytime) and Ryan Shawcross (25/1 and 7/1) offer some real value.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Toon to extend unbeaten record

Posted on by
Reply

Bet on the Premier LeagueNewcastle United travel to QPR for the Monday night fixture and expect them to extend their unbeaten record against the newly promoted Londoners (QPR 11/8, draw 23/10, Newcastle 21/10 – Match Betting).

Toon boss Alan Pardew will be delighted with his side’s start in the league despite not managing to land any big name signings before the transfer window closed.

They come into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory over Fulham at St James’ Park and have been good value for the points they have picked up so far.

Their most impressive performance this season came against North-East rivals Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne derby. They continued their fine record in the fixture despite going into the game as underdogs, winning 1-0 at The Stadium of Light.

Davide Santon is set to make his debut for the Toon at Loftus Road. The Italian full-back has played seven times for his country and was once regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the world. The 20-year-old now has the opportunity to express his talents in the Premier League in Newcastle colours. It could turn out to be a real scoop for Pardew who signed the player on a five-year contract.

Leon Best has got off to a flyer this season and the in-form striker should be backed to score the first goal at 6/1. The 24-year-old looked a real threat against Fulham and added two goals to his account on that afternoon. Best is blooming with the quality of service he has received so far and can be trusted to continue his rich vein of form.

The last time Newcastle won at Loftus Road was with a 3-2 victory and the same result is a good bet at 28/1 to occur again. Both sides are capable of scoring goals as neither have particularly strong defences. There has also never been a league game between these two sides that has finished goalless and it would come as a complete surprise if it were to happen this time around.

Neil Warnock is likely to hand a debut to Joey Barton against his old club as well as starts for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Luke Young. Rangers were busy in the transfer window, bringing in half a dozen new players, and it may just take a while for them to gel as a team.

Their start to the Premier League season has been hit and miss. They have had just one win although it was an impressive 1-0 success at Goodison Park against Everton. However, they were well beaten in their opening game against Bolton (0-4) and at Wigan they were very much second best in a 2-0 defeat.

The hosts have yet to prove themselves in the top flight this season and are still one of the teams tipped to be relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Trouble in Toon?

Posted on by
Reply

With under a fortnight to go until the new Premier League season gets underway Newcastle appear to be doing their best to create more problems for themselves than any of their top-flight rivals could ever dream of as skipper Kevin Nolan has been jettisoned to West Ham, Jose Enrique wants out and Joey Barton is being given a free ticket out of Toon.

Newcastle are no strangers to pressing the self-destruct button, going back to the cruel axing of the late, great Sir Bobby Robson seven years ago as he was replaced by Graeme Souness who only managed to take the club further away from the higher echelons of the Premier League.

Following the alienation of club legend Kevin Keegan a couple of years later and the subsequent relegation in 2008, they finally managed to get on track as Chris Hughton guided the Magpies back to the top flight at the first attempt in May 2009.

However, the Tynesiders, led by the controversial owner Mike Ashley, started their new destabilising process last winter when the extremely popular Hughton was harshly dismissed to be replaced by Alan Pardew, whose appointment left the Toon Army faithful hugely under-whelmed.

Within a month star striker Andy Carroll was sold off to Liverpool for £35million during the January transfer window.

The remaining players brushed off that exit as they comfortably got over the end-of-season finishing line in a creditable mid-table spot – albeit surrendering their status as the north east’s top dog to Sunderland (Newcastle 11/8, Sunderland 4/7 – Season Match Bets) courtesy of a final-day, three-goal giveaway against West Brom.

Over the summer the club decided to let Nolan join former Toon boss Sam Allardyce at relegated West Ham and full-back Enrique has made no secret of his desire to leave the Geordies for pastures new, which has only served to inflame the relationship between the fans and the club’s hierarchy.

Disgruntled at goings on behind the scenes, controversial midfielder Barton hit out at the board on his Twitter account for turning Newcastle into a selling club that is not capable of securing a top-six finish (Newcastle 12/1 – Premier League Without Top 6).

And before he could make an announcement over his future at 4pm on Monday, the club stole his thunder by confirming that he is available on a free transfer.

Barton’s impending loss will leave a huge void in the middle of the park, while Alan Smith has also been told he is free to leave if a suitable offer comes in.

That means Pardew’s summer arrivals will be under immediate pressure to adapt to the pace and style of English football as soon as the first ball is kicked against Arsenal (Newcastle 13/5, Arsenal 5/6, Draw 12/5 – 90 Minutes) at St James’ Park on August 13.

Winger Sylvain Marveaux has joined from Rennes, while former Lille man Yohan Cabaye will be tasked with filling the gap left by Nolan in the middle of the park.

Both are highly rated, but the French Ligue 1 and the Premier League are two very different animals and how Newcastle fare could well hinge on how quickly the new boys settle in.

It is not all negative news, though, as Demba Ba (33/1 – Premier League Top Goalscorer) – who impressed with seven goals in 10 starts for a struggling West Ham side last term – has arrived to try and take over from Carroll, while the impressive Hatem Ben Arfa should soon be fit after missing the majority of last season with a broken leg.

Defender Steven Taylor has enjoyed a good pre-season after working his way back to full fitness and is looking at the new season positively.

He said: “I think it’s a completely new team. You’ll see a different style and a different way of playing.

“They’ve excited me. The new players look fantastic – their technique is phenomenal.

“Next year we’ll be just as strong as a unit.”

However, Newcastle#s shift in direction seems to be too much too soon and is similar to what Gareth Southgate tried at Middlesbrough in the summer of 2008 when he allowed the likes of George Boateng and Mark Viduka to depart and brought in French midfielder Didier Digard and Dutch striker Marvin Emnes.

Digard proved to be an injury-prone flop, while Emnes has taken several seasons to find his feet in the English game and in the meantime Boro went from a mid-table Premier League side to a struggling Championship side over the following three seasons.

Could the same fate which blighted the Teessiders await them in seasons to come? (6/1 – Relegation).

Newcastle’s future appears to be at a crossroads at this moment in time with the potential to go either way in the new season and there should be plenty of interest in how their fortunes will pan out.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Gunners can add to Toon fears

Posted on by
Reply

There’s another busy day of Premier League action on Saturday, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all looking for big results in the title race, while the Gunners could also put more pressure on Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Newcastle v Arsenal (Sat 3pm)

The Gunners have already won 4-0 on Tyneside this season, with a crushing Carling Cup victory, and Arsene Wenger’s men can torment the Magpies again on Saturday. Newcastle, just six points outside the drop zone, may have won at the Emirates earlier in the season, but the now-departed Andy Carroll scored that day and, with a lack of striking options, Arsenal’s normally shaky backline could have a trouble-free afternoon.

Match Bet – Arsenal to score in both halves @ 7/4.

Wolves v Man Utd (Sat 5:30pm)

Mick McCarthy’s men have beaten Manchester City and Chelsea at Molineux and will pose a real threat to United’s unbeaten league run. There has been only one goal in it when the two teams have gone head-to-head at Molineux in the Premier League, with Utd 1-0 winners last season and Wolves victorious by the same margin in 2004. Individual mistakes have cost the home side recently, but a solid display can see them earn a point, against a United team who have been less than impressive on the road.

Match Bet – Draw @ 10/3.

Man City v West Brom (Sat 3pm)

City have slipped off the pace in recent weeks and desperately need a big win to show their rivals and fans that they can still claim the title. A stuttering Baggies outfit may prove the type of opponents that City will relish, as they look to collect their eighth home win of the season. Carlos Tevez has already bagged five goals since the turn of the year – West Brom defenders beware!

Match Bet – Tevez to score 2 or more @ 11/4.

Tottenham v Bolton (Sat 3pm)

Spurs have struggled for goals in recent weeks and they strike force will be put to the test against a stubborn Bolton defence. Tottenham have won five of the last six meetings between the sides at White Hart Lane and now they need a win to keep in touch with the top four.

Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11.

Everton v Blackpool (Sat 3pm)

The Tagerines appear to be on a slippery slope with four consecutive defeats and Ian Holloway admits they need to stop the rot soon. They may well do that at Goodison Park this weekend, as they look to take advantage of Everton’s poor home form. David Moyes’ men have won just three of their 11 home games this term and the pressure from the home fans will make it a tense affair.

Match Bet -  Blackpool to win @ 6/1.

Stoke v Sunderland (Sat 12:45pm)

Both of these teams have aspirations of a top-six finish this season, with Sunderland looking to more likely to challenge for Europe. They will find it tough at though at fortress Britannia, with Tony Pulis describing Saturday’s match as a game his side “need to win”. The Black Cats lack of strike power is a concern against a strong Stoke backline as the Potters look to make it four games unbeaten at home.

Match Bet – Stoke to win 2-0 @ 8/1.

Aston Villa v Fulham (Sat 3pm)

Villa appear to have turned the corner since the arrival of Darren Bent, although that theory will be put to the test against an in-form Fulham outfit. Mark Hughes’ men have lost just one of their last seven games and are slowly pulling clear of trouble. On paper these two teams look evenly matched, although Villa’s attacking threat may just give them the edge.

Match Bet – Darren Bent to score first @ 7/2.

Wigan v Blackburn (Sat 3pm)

A Lancashire derby at the DW Stadium is another tough one to call, with both sides suffering from erratic form. Blackburn on paper look the paper side, but Wigan have the attacking flair that can break down any team in the league. Hugo Rodallega is the key man for Latics, a good performance from him and the points will go Wigan’s way.

Match Bet – Wigan to win @ 7/5.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Toure demands Toon success

Posted on by
Reply

Manchester City star Kolo ToureKolo Toure has stressed how important it is for Manchester City to follow up their win over Chelsea last weekend with another victory on Sunday against Newcastle United (City 2/5, Newcastle 15/2, draw 10/3).

Roberto Mancini’s side inflicted a first defeat of the season on the champions last Saturday to add credence to claims they can break into the top four of the Premier League.

The win follows up an earlier success over Liverpool at Eastlands too but Toure says it is vital they not only pick up three points against the big sides but also against the so-called lesser teams – like Newcastle.

The defender said: “We just need to be consistent in our results. The Newcastle game is really important because we need to show we have improved.

“Every time we play a big team we play well but when we play a team we are supposed to beat we struggle a bit. We hope to change that on Sunday.”

City, who could move a point behind the leaders if results go their way this weekend, were held by Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday but there are real signs the expensively-assembled squad at Eastlands is beginning to gel and that they are becoming a real force to be reckoned with (City to beat Newcastle 4-0 – 16/1).

Vincent Kompany is again set to partner the former Arsenal man at centre-half against the Magpies and Toure has been very impressed with the Belgium international – whose preferred position is really in midfield.

“Vincent is a really intelligent player,” added the Ivory Coast ace. “He was strong last season and is doing really well in this campaign.

“It is not easy playing centre-half when you have been in midfield. It takes time to get used to it but he is doing really well at the back, which is good for the team.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.