Aston Villa vs Birmingham City takes place today in what promises to be another fierce second city derby in the SkyBet Championship.
Both sides are at opposite ends of the table, the hosts, Aston Villa, are in the midst of a promotion push as they are just behind the top two spots. The visitors have found some form as of late which has seen them climb out of the relegation zone, however they will still be checking their shoulders with a lot of matches still to play.
One thing is for sure, the atmosphere will be electric.
Villa are currently third in the SkyBet Championship, just one point behind fellow promotion hopefuls, Derby County. They have accumulated 56 points from their 30 league matches with some rather impressive goal scoring statistics too. Steve Bruce’s side have scored 46 goals in their 30 matches, with Albert Adomah stealing the headlines having scored 12 goals with three assists.
Lewis Grabban has also joined the Villians on loan recently, having spent his first half of the season with Sunderland where he also scored 12 goals. In their last outing, they defeated bottom of the table Burton, 3-2, can they turn their run of four wins on the bounce to five?
Birmingham are 19th in the Championship with 30 points, from just as many games. Steve Cotterill’s side have not imposed themselves in front of goal this season however their recent form will give the Blues fans a glimmer of hope. They have taken seven points from their last three matches and striker Sam Gallagher seems to have found his feet at St Andrews.
The attacker has scored 6 goals this season and will remain Birmingham’s biggest goal threat. The blues will be hoping they can keep a clean sheet, something they have struggled for much this season having conceded 41 goals.
Can Cotterill’s men cause an upset?
Stats
Aston Villa have scored two or more goals in 60% of their home Championship matches this season whilst Birmingham have only achieved this in 13% of their matches on the road. Aston Villa have been awarded an average of 4.4 corners this season and Birmingham have been awarded an average of 4.8. Referee Peter Bankes will take charge of the fixture. The official has awarded an average of 41.6 booking points in his 19 Championship fixtures.
Prediction – 1-1 draw.With the buzz surrounding the match and Birmingham’s recent form, I can’t see either side getting the upper hand.
Aston Villa vs Birmingham – Suggested Tips (BET365)
Correct Score – 1-1 Draw – (link no longer available)
First Goalscorer – Lewis Grabbon – (link no longer available)
Over 2.5 Goals in the Match – (link no longer available)
Aston Villa vs Birmingham – Suggested Tips (SKYBET)
Scorecast Boost – Aston Villa v Birmingham – Albert Adomah to score first and Aston Villa to win 2-1 – 28/1
@FootyAccums RequestABets – Aston Villa v Birmingham – Aston Villa to score 2+ goals, 5+ Aston Villa corners and 20+ Birmingham booking pts – 3/1
Popular RequestABets – Aston Villa v Birmingham – Birmingham to score 1+ goals, 4+ Birmingham corners and 20+ Aston Villa booking pts – 7/2
Huddersfield vs Bournemouth – Match Preview
Huddersfield vs Bournemouth Preview, Sunday 11th February, 12:00pm. Two sides striding in opposite directions of the league meet at the John Smith’s Stadium as Huddersfield desperately try to stop the rot against Bournemouth.
After a fantastic start to life in the Premier League, the wheels seem to have come off The Terriers’ season – and whilst two victories against Championship sides in FA Cup (Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City) have seen them into the fifth round, three points in the Premier League has evaded them since December 16th. Consequentially the dreaded relegation zone has been entered, and Huddersfield are now 19th.
That makes it nine games without a win, but even more worryingly Wagner’s side have lost the last five on the spin and only scored one goal in their last six league fixtures. This slump has coincided with competitor teams’ upturn in form – West Ham have only lost of their last seven, Brighton and Southampton won their last game, and Swansea have seen a remarkable turnaround since appointing Carlos Carvalhal. Something needs to change and with the division so tight in the bottom half, a decent run of results can make all the difference and a game in front of a passionate home crowd against Bournemouth could be the perfect catalyst.
Bournemouth too have perhaps enjoyed the greatest turnaround of recent weeks. After a wretched run from the end of November into late December that saw no victory in eight league games, The Cherries are unbeaten since Boxing Day.
Four wins have come in that time, against Everton, Arsenal, a sublime 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, and a 2-1 comeback win against Stoke last time out.
Remarkably, Bournemouth are now 9th – where they finished last season – and the consensus is now that Eddie Howe’s side are looking up the table rather than down.
Stats
Michael Oliver is officiating this one – no one has overseen more than his 21 Premier League games this year. He comes in at 7th out of 19 referees for average booking points given per game with 39.0 – or 3.4 yellow cards and 0.2 red cards per game.
Only Watford have received more than the 3 red cards given to Huddersfield this term, alongside their 42 yellow cards put them 5th in the league for average booking points received per game with 19.0 – so the smart money would be on them to continue their poor disciplinary record.
Whilst goals have been no issue whatsoever for Eddie Howe’s men – they have scored two or more in seven of their last eight league games – with only five clean sheets only Stoke have recorded less (4) this campaign. Huddersfield in comparison have got seven but are the lowest scorers in the league (tied with Swansea) with just 19 goals – and have failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League matches. Mainly due to the generally poor defences, both teams to score seems a reasonable bet.
The money would say to back Bournemouth in terms of corners, 140 corner-kicks place The Cherries with the league’s 8th highest total. Huddersfield, in relation to their league position have received a fair amount too though, they come in at 13th with 116.
Prediction – Huddersfield 1-2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth have been scoring goals for fun recently and their attacking options will eventually overpower a depleted Huddersfield.
Suggested Tips – Huddersfield vs Bournemouth (BET365)
- Correct Score Huddersfield 1 – Bournemouth 2 – (link no longer available)
- First Goalscorer – Josh King – (link no longer available)
- Anytime Goalscorer Steve Monie – (link no longer available)
Suggested Tips – Huddersfield vs Bournemouth (SKYBET)
@FootyAccums RequestABets – BTTS, 3+ corners each team and 30+ match booking pts – Huddersfield v Bournemouth – 5/2
Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Huddersfield v Bournemouth – Rajiv Van La Parra to score first and either Huddersfield to win 2-0 or Huddersfield to win 2-1 – 50/1
Scorecast Boost – Ryan Fraser to score first and Bournemouth to win 3-1 – 200/1
RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – King to score, Bournemouth to win and Cook & Mooy to be carded – 80/1
Manchester City vs Leicester City – Match Preview
Manchester City vs Leicester City. Manchester City hosts Leicester at the Etihad Stadium, aiming to move 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
After dropping points at Burnley at the weekend, Pep Guardiola will be desperate for his side to get back to winning ways. With Everton the only side to come away from the Etihad with anything this season, Leicester will have their work cut out. After Leroy Sane ruled out for six weeks following his injury it City’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Cardiff, the club had hoped to bring in Foxes’ winger Riyad Mahrez. That deal collapsed on deadline day, with Mahrez yet to play or train since. The Algerian winger appears to now be on strike, hurt by Leicester’s failure to help secure him a move away from the club.
As a result of that failed deal, Guardiola named just six substitutes in their draw with Burnley at the weekend. This drew a vast amount of criticism, with many questioning why Guardiola didn’t simply move someone from City’s 200 million-pound academy. Having already offered first team football to a number of academy graduates, it’s clear the Spaniard was merely illustrating a point to his board; he needs reinforcements. In midweek City face a trip to Basel in the Champions League before facing Wigan in the FA Cup, a week that could make or break their season. With City’s high number of injuries, it will be interesting to see how Guardiola rotates his squad for three games in nine days.
With Mahrez missing, Leicester will be looking for someone to fill that void as they go in search if three points. New signing Fousseni Diabate impressed on his debut against Peterborough as he grabbed two goals in their 5-1 win. Many have pointed to the Frenchman’s direct skilful play as an indicator he could replace the Algerian, whilst Foxes’ fans will be hoping to also see more of Demari Gray. With the hopes of another European tour, this time in the Europa League, on offer, Leicester cannot afford to lose ground in the race for seventh. With just one defeat from eight games, Claude Puel’s side have every chance of finishing the season in that spot, a testament to how well the Frenchman has done since taking over from Craig Shakespeare.
Manchester City have won two of their last six fixtures against Leicester. The Foxes have a good recent record against City, winning and drawing four of those meetings. Having met twice already this season, Puel’s side will be hoping to gain a victory, having lost the reverse league fixture 2-0 and losing on penalties in the Carabao Cup fifth round. Mike Jones has been appointed as referee for this fixture. Jones has refereed just ten Premier League fixtures this campaign, dishing out 3.3 yellow cards per game and one red card. His average booking points total of 35.5 is fairly average and in keeping with his fellow officials.
Despite Leicester’s fairly good recent record against Manchester City, I think they’ll lose out. Guardiola’s men are a different beats this campaign and despite a depleted team, they should still have enough quality to win this game.
Manchester City vs Leicester City will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City
Suggested tips – Manchester City vs Leicester City (BET365):
Correct score, City to win 3-1 – (link no longer available)
BTTS and over 2.5 goals – (link no longer available)
Suggested tips – Manchester City vs Leicester City (Skybet):
Sterling and De Bruyne to both score – 4/1.
Diabate to score in 90 mins – 7/2.
Aguero to score a brace – 2/1.
Scorecast Boost – Aguero to Score First & Manchester City to win 3-1 – 33/1.
Sheffield United vs Leeds United – Betting Preview
Sheffield United vs Leeds United – New Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom will be desperate to start his reign with three points as they face Sheffield United in a Yorkshire derby.
After sacking Thomas Christansen, Leeds moved fast to appoint his successor. After signing a new contract at Barnsley just last week, this move will have come as a major surprise to most, not least the former Barnsley boss himself. Heckingbottom took over the club in League One and guided them to promotion, before consolidating them in the second tier of English football. He has earnt his move, now it’s time to prove he can do it on a bigger scale. One thing I would say is vital, Leeds have to give him time and money in the summer to craft his squad. Over a longer period, the success he had at Barnsley was evident and he needs the same conditions to be a success in East Yorkshire.
With Leeds seven points adrift of a play-off place, they may have to try to build for next season, but a good run of games could definitely see them catapulted into the top six. Without a win since boxing day, Leeds have lost five of their last seven and have picked up four red cards from their last five outings. A tough upcoming run of fixtures could make or break Leeds’ season but if the club show patience I definitely feel Heckingbottom has the right character to be the man to make them successful again.
After a run of just four wins in 15 games, Sheffield United have fallen out of the play-off places. The Blades now sit in eighth, five points behind sixth. Whilst United have massively overachieved this year, their recent run of form has been disappointing. The goals have dried up for top-scorer Leon Clarke, with just one goal from his last nine games. Chris Wilder has tried to freshen the team up with the introduction of his January recruitment but that has failed to pay off as of yet.
With one of the smallest squads amongst the challenging sides, United have finally run out of steam and they need a big win to try and get them back on track. Ever since Paul Coutts’ season-ending injury at Burton, they’ve looked a shadow of their former selves; it’s time for someone to step up to the plate if they want to finish in the top six.
Andrew Madley has been appointed as the referee for this Yorkshire clash. Madley has officiated 24 Championship games this season, more than anyone else. He has averaged 30.6 booking points per game and has yet to show a red card this season.
This will be a very interesting game, with two teams who’re out of form. Sheffield United will always try to go and win the game, especially at home, so the real test for Leeds will be trying to soak up the pressure and hit the Blades on the counter-attack.
Sheffield United vs Leeds United will be televised in the UK live on Sky Sports – Kick off at 12:30 GMT.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-2 Leeds.
Suggested tips (BET365):
Correct score, 2-2 draw – (link no longer available)
To Score at Any Time – Pierre-Michel Lasogga – (link no longer available)
Suggested tips – Sheffield United vs Leeds United – (Skybet):
BTTS and FT result draw – 7/2.
Lasogga to score and win – 11/2.
BTTS in both halves – 22/1.
Clarke to score first and United to win 2-1 – 20/1.
Spurs vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Potential Champions League places and North-London pride are on the line at Wembley for a mouth-watering derby between Spurs vs Arsenal.
Just four points and one league position separate the two teams, with Pochettino’s side faring narrowly better in 5th and just a single point away from Chelsea in 4th.
With an FA Cup replay against Newport comfortably navigated in-between, this huge North-London derby comes in the middle of an extremely tricky run of fixtures – however they dismantled Manchester United in a 2-0 victory and then claimed an injury time equaliser courtesy of controversy and a Harry Kane penalty against Liverpool. A win over their bitterest of rivals could complete a very strong couple of weeks for Spurs in a now seemingly-customary late-season surge of form.
Arsenal have had yet another turbulent season, with abject performances, constant transfer speculation and managerial insecurity but in familiar fashion are just about clinging on to any top four chances. A climatic end of the January transfer window saw the acquisition of Henrikh Mkhitaryan (as Alexis Sanchez went the other way to United) and world-class striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – and whilst both names are difficult to say after a few pints their ability is undeniable, and both hit the ground running in the 5-1 demolishing of Everton.
A second consecutive season outside of Europe’s elite competition beckons barring a somewhat spectacular turnaround (due to the level and number of teams competing for the same spots) and with a humiliating 4-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest already suffered in the FA Cup it would leave the Europa League as Arsene Wenger’s last saving grace.
Arsenal have already proven their capability this season, dispatching Spurs 2-0 in the reverse fixture. Whilst doom and gloom seem to surface at the club after every defeat, beating their North-London counterparts would put just a point between the teams and potentially mean Wenger’s side are within just a game’s turnaround of breaking into the top four. Football’s a funny old game.
Stats
In an ever-feisty North-London derby between two great rivals one can always expect a flurry of cards to be thrown into the mix. Arsenal are one of seven teams yet to receive a red card this season, but this could very much be the day that changes. Factor in that Spurs have received marching orders twice this year and that no referee has given more yellow cards this year than the match official Anthony Taylor (average of 3.8 per game), and a recipe for refereeing action is prevalent.
Whilst Spurs are often lauded (probably correctly as one of the division’s best teams defensively, Arsenal only have two less clean sheets this term. Saying that, only Manchester City (12), Chelsea (13) and Manchester United (15) can boast more than Spurs’ 11 shutouts. However, this game very much has the feel that attack will be king – with the danger of lethal finishers in Harry Kane and Aubameyang on the prowl.
If this season is anything to go by, then the game should produce a large number of corners. Spurs have the division’s second highest total of corner kicks (170) and Arsenal are only three spots further behind (159). Easily accountable due to the dominance often held by both sides.
Tottenham vs Arsenal will be televised in the UK on BT Sport – Kick-off – 12:30 GMT.
Prediction:-
Arsenal’s away form to plague them again and Spurs to continue hot streak by seeing off their rivals.
Spurs 2-0 Arsenal
Suggested Tips – Spurs vs Arsenal (BET 365)
- Correct Score – Tottenham to Win 2-0 – (link no longer available)
- Tottenham to Win to Nil – (link no longer available)
Suggested Tips – Spurs vs Arsenal (SKYBET)
- Kane and Aubameyang to both score in 90 minutes – 9/2
- Harry Kane Brace – 9/2
- Scorecast Boost – Dele Alli to score first and Tottenham to win 2-0 – 85/1
Millwall vs Cardiff City – Match Betting Preview
Friday night Championship actions see Millwall vs Cardiff City live on Sky Sports. Millwall will be hoping to continue their fine run of form as they meet promotion-chasing Cardiff City at the New Den.
After a run of one defeat in seven games, Millwall have moved clear of the relegation zone. Neil Harris’ side now sit in the 14th place, 12 points clear of danger. Whilst they have always been impressive at home, it is their recent away record that has caught the eye. Back to back victories against Leeds and Reading has only boosted morale around the camp, with the club now seemingly safe on their return to the division.
Despite their good run of results, Millwall were knocked out of the FA Cup by Rochdale in midweek. With a spot in the 5th round up for grabs, Harris will be disappointed by the loss, especially against lower-league opposition. With 13 points separating them and the top six, a late play-off surge looks unlikely.
Most fans would have been thrilled with avoiding relegation at the start of the season, which only further illustrates their overachievement. Having beaten Derby and Leeds at home, whilst holding Wolves to a draw, the Lions will feel they have little fear ahead of the Bluebirds’ visit.
Cardiff’s 4-1 thumping of Leeds illustrated why they sit fourth in the Championship. With Neil Warnock’s side just three points behind Derby, with a game in hand, the Bluebirds are flying and look certain to secure a top-six finish at least. Deadline day addition Gary Madine made his debut at Elland Road following his six million pound move from Bolton.
The former Sheffield Wednesday striker has ten goals this season, more than any Cardiff player so far. If Madine can have a similar second half to the campaign then Warnock will be hoping that injection of attacking quality can help see them over the line.
After a blip in results during December, Cardiff are firmly back on the winning trail. Having built their promotion push on defensive solidity, only conceding four goals in their last six games will have pleased Warnock. Having picked up their first league away win since boing day last time out, they will be in good spirits ahead of this tough test.
Cardiff have lost just one of their last 11 games against Millwall. The Bluebirds only loss in that run came in 2014 at the New Den, with their last victory coming in 2012 at this ground. The last two meetings have finished 0-0 and the two before that were separated by just one goal, so this should be a tight contest.
Keith Stroud is the referee on Friday night. In his 17 Championship matches this season, Stroud has issued 4.3 yellow cards per game. His average booking points total of 48.8 is the third highest in the league, whilst he has also shown four red cards.
As the stats would suggest, I see this being a tight game. In the Championship, consistency is key and I think that if you offered Warnock a point now he would take it. Coincidentally, that’s what I think his side will pick up as they look to continue to build momentum.
Millwall vs. Cardiff City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports 1 with kick-off at 7:45 PM GMT.
Prediction: Millwall 1-1 Cardiff City
Suggested tips – Millwall vs Cardiff City – (BET365):
Correct score – Draw – 1-1 – (link no longer available)
To Score Any Time – Gary Medine – (link no longer available)
Suggested tips – Millwall vs Cardiff City – (Skybet):
Gregory and Zohore to both score – 8/1.
Madine to score and win – 10/3.
Hoilett to score and Cardiff to win 1-0 – 30/1.
Watford vs Chelsea – Match Betting Preview
FA Premier League: Watford vs Chelsea. Chelsea take a trip across London to Vicarage Road as they face Watford as they look to consolidate their top four place.
New signing Oliver Giroud could be in line to make his debut following his 15.3 million pound move from Arsenal. Despite being 31, the Frenchman represents fine value for money in an extremely bloated market. After five years in the division, Giroud brings guaranteed Premier League goals, unlike a number of their other reported targets. He offers support and is a good back-up to Alvaro Morata; his presence within the squad may even raise the game of the Spaniard.
There’s no doubt that if he is given game time he is capable of scoring 15 league goals. I’ve always felt he’s a fantastic second striker, but not quite good enough to fire you to a league title. With Morata in close tandem, they could be key as Chelsea look to regain their title next season.
After a shock home defeat to Bournemouth in midweek, it’s imperative the Champions get back on track or risk getting further embroiled in a heated top four scrap. After a run of just one win in 14 games, Watford sacked Marco Silva. His replacement, Javi Garcia, got off to a losing start last weekend as they went out of the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton. After such an impressive start to the campaign, their recent slump has seen them drop to 11th, three points above the relegation zone.
The January window saw Gerard Deulofeu return to England with the Spanish winger signing on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The former Everton winger’s pace and trickery could be the catalyst to reignite the Hornets stuttering form. With crucial fixture’s against relegation rivals West Ham and West Brom to come later in the month, building momentum for those game is vital to their hopes of staying up.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 13 games against Watford, winning ten of those meetings. Their last defeat came at Vicarage Road back in 1999, almost 20 years ago. Craig Pawson is the referee for Monday night’s match, fresh from officiating West Brom’s 3-2 FA Cup win over Liverpool. Pawson has the highest average booking points total in the division, averaging 42.9 per game. He also averaged a grand total of 3.7 yellow cards per match, which means booking points may be a good bet.
With the impetus of a new manager, I could see Watford taking something from this game. After their defeat to Bournemouth, Chelsea have proved they’re vulnerable and an early goal for Watford could further dent the Champions low confidence.
Prediction: Watford 1-1 Chelsea.
Watford vs Chelsea – Suggested tips (BET365):
Correct score, draw 1-1 – (link no longer available)
Giroud to score first – (link no longer available)
Watford vs Chelsea – Suggested tips (Skybet):
Hazard to score and Chelsea to win – 7/4.
BTTS and Watford to win – 10/1.
Deulofeu to score first and Chelsea to win 2-1 – 145/1.
Super Bowl 2018 – Match Betting Preview
In the biggest game of the year it’s time for the Super Bowl 2018 Prediction between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles!
The Eagles who finished number 1 in the NFC have gone from a presumed Super Bowl participant earlier this year, to big playoff underdog because of quarterback Carson Wentz’s injury, which turned the team over to QB Nick Foles. New England enters Super Bowl 52 as the favorite to repeat, with hall of fame QB Tom Brady building off an unprecedented comeback in Super Bowl 51 to have one of his best seasons, even at age 40.
The Eagles were the NFL’s No. 3 rushing offense in the regular season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 132.2 yards per game. The Patriots had the No. 20 rushing defense, giving up an average of 4.7 yards per carry and 114.8 yards per game. For the Eagles to win they will have to establish a run game early to control the ball.
Brady averaged 47 pass attempts per playoff game last year. This year, he’s averaged more than 45. The Patriots are comfortable with him dropping back that many times again, as the Eagles, even with their strong offensive front four, were tied for only 15th in sacks this season.
The Patriots are going for their sixth Super Bowl ring and have plenty of guys who have gone through winning a championships. Two of them now play for the Eagles, Blount and Long. The Eagles embraced their underdog status in the NFC playoffs, and the disrespect card will be played in their favor again. When it comes to coaching the Eagles are at a disadvantage as the Pats are coming in with arguably the greatest coach of all time.
I was wrong with both picks last win with upsets on both sides, in the biggest game of the season it’s easy to often times go with experience after all. For experience runs hand and hand with history and in this rematch in Super Bowl 52 I see the same result from Super Bowl 39. This game has the feel of a back-and-forth affair with neither team starting slow. It probably comes down the last possession, and Brady will need only one final minute to push the Patriots to victory and the first Super Bowl repeat since they beat the Eagles in Super Bowl 39.
The Super Bowl will be televised in the UK on Sky Sports and BBC 1.
Prediction: – I have the Patriots winning 30-27
Super Bowl 2018 Suggested Bets – New England Patriots vs Philadelphia Eagles
Correct Score RequestABet Specials – New England Patriots 31 – Philadelphia Eagles – 28 – 100/1
(We will request our prediction of 30-27 from SkyBet via our twitter page so keep checking there)
Tom Brady – Over 293.5 Passing Yards – 10/11
Tom Brady – 2 or more touchdowns – 150/1
Gronkowski to have over 100 Recieving Yards – 2/1
Dion Lewis – Over 55.5 Rushing Yards – 10/11
Recommended Bet: ESPN RequestABet Specials – Tom Brady to score 2+ Passing Touch Downs in each half & 150+ Passing Yards in each half – 10/1
Keep checking back next season for more NFL betting tips in our tips and previews area.
Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Betting Preview
This afternoon’s Super Sunday big game is Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur. Both sides will be looking to make further ground in the race for the top four.
After bouncing back against Huddersfield in midweek, Liverpool atoned for their defeat at Swansea. A comfortably 3-0 win and a clean sheet was vital after back to back defeats. That results left them fourth, five points clear of their visitors as both look to secure Champions League football next season. With no more additions entering the club following the arrival of Virgil van Dijk, the Reds appear happy with their squad despite not replacing Phillipe Coutinho.
With Nabby Keita also set to join the squad at the end of the season, next summer seems the best time for Liverpool to bolster their side. Roberto Firmino added his 19th goals of the season at the John Smith’s Stadium; the striker’s third goal in four games. Following Daniel Sturridge leaving to join West Brom for the rest of the season, it’s vital the Brazilian can continue in this vein of form to catapult Liverpool into Europe. Liverpool still have huge games in the Champions League still to come this campaign, the burden has been left firmly on Firmino, Mohamad Salah and Sadio Mane’s shoulders.
Tottenham will be looking hoping to add to their win over Manchester United with a victory at Anfield on Sunday. Deadline day addition Lucas Moura could be in line to make his debut after signing from PSG for a reported fee of 25 million pounds. The Brazilian winger brings another dimension to Spurs’ squad as he possesses the natural width and pace they have missed.
Whilst Tottenham are blessed with a number of great players, they have at times lacked an outlet and someone who can carry them up the pitch when they are under pressure. After drawing their last two away games, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be desperate to try and grab three points against such a close rival. Despite those draws, they remain unbeaten in eight games and have scored 20 goals in that time.
Liverpool have lost one of their last 11 league games against Tottenham. That loss was, however, in the reverse fixture last year, with Spurs coming out 4-1 winners. Their last win at Anfield came back in May 2011 under Harry Redknapp. Jonathan Moss will referee Sunday afternoon’s fixture, having last referee Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Brighton. Moss has a booking points average of 38.8 which is amongst the highest in the league. He has the fourth highest yellow card average at 3.6 per game across 17 games.
I think this is a really tough game to call. Liverpool tend to turn up in the big matches, which is part of their infuriating nature. Tottenham, by contrast, have only won one game against the ‘big six’ this season, with both victories coming at Wembley. I think a draw might be on the cards, but the safest bet would be for BTTS or BTTS and over 2.5 goals at larger odds.
Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur will be televised in the UK, with Kick off at 4:30PM GMT on Sky Sports 1.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham.
Suggested tips Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur (Skybet):
Correct score, 2-2 draw – 11/1.
BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 5/6.
Kane and Salah to both score – 4/1.
Firmino to score first and Liverpool to win 2-1 – 25/1.
Tottenham to win by exactly one goal – 5/1.
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United – Match Betting Preview
Sunday afternoon’s early kick off comes from Selhurst Park which see Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United. Palace host Newcastle in a crunch fixture at the bottom of the Premier League. A win for either side could move them into the top half of the table.
After a run of one defeat in four league games, Palace will be looking to further distance themselves from the bottom three. Roy Hodgson’s side sit in 12th spot, three points above the relegation zone. With games against three of the top four to come, it’s vital that Palace pick up some results against the teams around them. Having already beaten Southampton and securing a draw against West Ham in recent weeks, another victory against the Toon Army would be greatly received. After missing out on Diafra Sakho, Palace appears to have turned their attention to Preston striker Jordan Hugill. Despite being out of contract in the summer, it could take a reported ten million pound bid to prise away the Lancashire club’s top scorer, which is a lot of money for someone who’s unproven in the Premier League.
Newcastle come into this game having lost their last two games. In the league, however, they have suffered just two defeats in six. With the club still up for sale and no closer to being sold, Newcastle have again failed to invest in their squad during the transfer window, much to Rafa Benitez’s frustration.
To me, it appears that if the club doesn’t get sold or Mike Ashley doesn’t help to bolster the squad, they risk losing Benitez and possibly their Premier League status as well. The lack of depth in the squad is a major issue and whilst they have improved of late, the team are desperately crying out for offensive reinforcements. With 22 goals in 24 games they are amongst the lowest scorers in the league and with them sat just one point above the drop zone they need some more firepower.
Newcastle have lost just one of their last 14 games against Crystal Palace and secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture this season. Their last two games have finished by that same scoreline, however, they did lose 5-1 on their last visit to Selhurst Park, their only loss in that impressive run.
Similarly, they haven’t won away in the league at Palace since 2013, despite that solitary defeat. Andre Marriner has been selected as the referee for this match, fresh from officiating Tottenham’s game against Manchester United in midweek. Marriner has a booking points average of 28.8, which low compared to other officials.
Given their recent form against relegation rivals, I think Palace will win this game. Selhurst Park has become a tough place to go and Newcastle don’t travel well as it is.
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle will be televised in the UK on Sky Sports from 1:30PM GMT.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 3-1 Newcastle United.
Suggested tips Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United (Skybet):
Correct score, Palace to win 3-1- (link no longer available).
To Score In Both Halves – Crystal Palace – Yes – (link no longer available)
Suggested tips Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United (Skybet):
Zaha to score and win – 7/2.
Benteke to score first and draw 1-1- 25/1.
BTTS and Newcastle to win – 13/2.
Gayle and Sako to both score – 8/1.
Today’s game between Tottenham vs Liverpool will be up later in our tips and preview section as well as Monday night’s match featuring Watford and Chelsea.