Hull vs Leeds United takes place on Tuesday night in the SkyBet Championship game. Both sides haven’t enjoyed the seasons they would have wanted so far, with both sets of fans enduring frustrating campaigns.
Hull are currently 21st in the SkyBet Championship, sitting one place above the relegation zone. They have only accumulated 25 points from 28 matches, with their defensive frailties being at the forefront of their struggles. The Tigers have conceded a whopping 45 goals in the league; one of the highest tallies in the competition.
Nigel Adkins side Hull City will be expecting a strong test from Leeds United
In their previous outing, Hull defeated fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round. That result, has helped them progress to the next stage of the competition. Two first half goals from Jarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko was enough to see off Forest, whose second half goal was nothing more than a consolation. Jarrod Bowen has been a bright star in this Hull side with eleven league goals, he could be the difference on Tuesday. Nigel Adkins side face a very tough test.
Leeds United are currently 9th in the Championship standings, five points behind the play-off spots. Thomas Christiansen’s side have managed to score 40 goals in their 28 league matches however have conceded 33 goals in the process. Their inconsistent defending has led to a frustrating campaign thus far, as they sit only a few places above where they expect to be.
Kemar Roofe will be looking to back on the scoresheet for Leeds United on Tuesday night. Photo Credit: Yorkshire Evening Post
In their previous outing, Leeds came out worse in a 4-3 thriller at home to Millwall. Despite having the lead with only ten men and a few minutes left, goals from Millwall’s Tom Elliott and Jed Wallace broke many Leeds hearts in the 91st minute of play. Leeds will be hoping to carry that form in front of goal into this match, despite the defensive issues. Kemar Roofe has 8 goals and two assists in the league so far, could he help Leeds to a massive win?
Can see the quality of the Leeds team being too much for the weak Hull defence. Despite their league position Hull have scored two or more goals in 64% of their home games. Leeds have scored two or more in 50% of their away matches. This could be a goal-fest!
Tony Harrington, will take charge of Hull vs Leeds United.
Hull have been awarded an average of 4.9 corners per match, Leeds have been awarded an average of 3.8 corners per match.
Tony Harrington will take charge of this fixture. The referee has awarded an average of 36.1 booking points in 18 matches.
Prediction – 2-0 Leeds.
Hull vs Leeds United – Suggested Tips (Odds Provided by BET365):
Correct Score Match Betting Hull vs Leeds United – 2-0 Leeds – (link no longer available)
Both Teams to Score Match Betting Hull vs Leeds United – (link no longer available)
Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score (YES) Match Betting Hull vs Leeds United – (link no longer available)
Any Time Goal Scorer Match Betting – Hull vs Leeds United – Kemar Roofe – (link no longer available)
Clean Sheet Match Betting – Hull vs Leeds United – Leeds – Yes – (link no longer available)
Cardiff City vs Manchester City – Match Betting Preview
Today’s final tie of the afternoon features Cardiff City vs Manchester City. Championship high-flyers Cardiff host Manchester City looking to create a huge upset in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Aguero grabbed a hat-rick last weekend to end any hope of a Newcastle comeback on the weekend.
Manchester City come into this tie following their return to winning ways against Newcastle. Saturday’s 3-1 win over Rafa Benitez’s side re-established the Citizens 12 points lead at the top of the Premier League. Sergio Aguero was back in the goals for Pep Guardiola’s men as his hat-trick was enough to seal all three points. City glided into the fourth round of the competition, beating fellow Premier League side Burnley 4-1. It’s worth remembering that City were 1-0 down at half-time in that game, before coming back to book their place in the next round. After opting against signing both Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Sanchez, City are still looking to bolster their defensive options. The latest speculations has seen them linked with a 60 million pound move for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte. To enable the deal, City would be required to trigger the Frenchman’s release clause and this would secure them the services of one of Europe’s hottest young centre-backs.
Cardiff needed a replay to secure their spot in the fourth-round, eventually beating Mansfield 4-1 in the return leg. Neil Warnock’s promotion-chasing side have won two of their three games, after previous losing four in a row. Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday kept the Bluebirds in third spot, two points behind second-placed Derby County. With the push for automatic promotion very much alive in the Welsh capital, this will be a great opportunity for them to pit their wits against the Premier League’s very best. Neil Etheridge record this 12th clean sheet at the weekend, the third highest in the league. With Cardiff’s promotion charge built around defensive solidity, it will be a real test for Sean Morrison and Co as they look to shut out the most potent attack in England’s top flight.
Lee Mason takes charge of today’s final cup tie of the fourth round between Cardiff City vs Manchester City.
Cardiff have lost just one of their last four meetings with Manchester City. They’ve also won their last two home games against the Citizens, with the last coming back in 2013. Lee Mason has been appointed as the referee for Sunday’s standout fixture. He has an average of just 25.5 average booking points, which registers as the fourth lowest in the Premier League. He has produced just 33 yellow cards and is yet to send anyone off this campaign.
After the recent loss to Liverpool, I can’t see Pep Guardiola taking anything for granted in this tie. With City securing their place in the Carabao Cup final in midweek, I think they’ll be desperate to continue their push for a domestic treble. As a result, I think they’ll have too much for Cardiff, who will want to concentrate on the Championship.
Prediction: Cardiff 0-3 Manchester City.
Suggested tips (Skybet):
Correct score, City to win 3-0 – 13/2
Aguero to score a brace – 11/4.
City to win and over 2.5 goals – 4/6.
Sterling and De Bruyne to both score – 5/1.
Zohore to score and win – 10/1.
Chelsea vs Newcastle United – Match Betting Preview
An all-Premier League tie sees Chelsea vs Newcastle fight for a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
After crashing out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, Chelsea have only the FA Cup for domestic silverware this season. Despite Eden Hazard’s early strike, Chelsea came unstuck 2-1 as they watched their London rivals progress into the final to play Manchester City.
In the last round, Chelsea needed penalties to progress against Championship side Norwich in a game that saw the Champions reduced to nine men. Despite putting four goals past Brighton in their last Premier League outing, Chelsea have still managed just six goals in their last six games. Hazard’s return to form could be key, as the Belgian looks to secure the club a top-four finish and some silverware come the end of the season. With Chelsea reportedly close to finalising a deal for Roma pair Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri. Dzeko will provide much-needed cover and support for Alvaro Morata, with reports suggesting Michy Batshuayi could head the opposite way on a loan deal. The Bosnian forward has vast Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City and could be the perfect tonic to revitalise a faltering attack.
Newcastle’s new signing Kennedy will be unavailable to make his debut after signing on loan Stamford Bridge. The winger has struggled for game-time at Chelsea and a move to Rafa Benitez’s side could help unleash the Brazilian’s undoubted potential. Benitez will be sighting further additions to bolster his squad, with a striker at the top of his wish list. Despite the club being up for sale, Mike Ashley has promised Benitez January funds in order to keep his side in the Premier League. In the last round of the cup, Newcastle avoided an upset against an in-form Luton Town side as they came away 3-1 winners. They have lost just two of their last seven wins and have beaten both Stoke and West Ham, two clubs fighting against them in the battle to avoid the drop.
Chelsea have won four of their last six fixtures with Newcastle, losing just once. The Toon army’s last win at Stamford Bridge came back in May 2012, over five years ago. Whilst Newcastle are unbeaten in their last four meetings at St James’ Park, winning three, it will be a much tougher order away from home. Kevin Friend has been appointed as the referee for Sunday’s game. He has an average booking points of just 26.9, brandishing an average of 2.7 yellow cards per game. He is also one of just five Premier League officials yet to brandish a red card this campaign.
Despite their poor run in front of goal, I think Chelsea will be buoyed by their recent win over Brighton. If Hazard plays, I think it’ll be extremely tough to stop the Chelsea man in his current form. Without the Belgian, Chelsea are a different proposition and it has been proven this season they can be vulnerable.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle
Suggested tips (Skybet):
Correct score, Chelsea to win 2-0 – 5/1.
Hazard to score first and Chelsea to win 3-1 – 25/1.
Batshuayi and Willian to both score – 9/2.
Chelsea to win to nil – 5/4.
Chelsea to win and under 2.5 goals – 5/2.
Liverpool vs West Brom – Match Betting Preview
Liverpool vs West Brom is the final fourth round tie for the day, in an all-Premier League affair, both sides look to seal a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
After losing to Swansea City on Monday night, Liverpool will be desperate to atone for their defeat with a win against Alan Pardew’s side. Monday night’s results was strangely predictable, as Liverpool followed up a fantastic result against the league leaders with defeat to the Premier League’s basement club.
During Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club, Liverpool’s Achilles heel has always been their results against inferior opposition. On such a high from their victory against Manchester City the week before, the Reds were undone by a corner which cost them three points. Set pieces, in general, have also plagued Klopp’s time at the club, which is an area most teams would target against them.
Despite the addition of Virgil van Dijk, it remains to be seen as to whether the towering central defender can end their defensive woes. Uncharacteristically, Liverpool struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities against the Swans and when they did get into good attacking positions, there was a lack of quality about their play.
After losing just one of their last six matches, West Brom appears to be finally picking up some form under Pardew. With two wins and a draw from their last three games, they seem to be much more organised and carrying a greater threat going forward. Last time out in the cup they defeated League Two side Exeter 3-0, with this trip to Anfield a much tougher assignment. Salomon Rondon’s recent performances have been a catalyst to WBA’s recent improvements.
The Venezuelan was the man of the match as the Baggies earned a deserved point at Everton last time out. With speculation still rife surrounding the future of defender Johnny Evans, it is vital the club bring some additions into the club. Regardless of Evans’ future, another attacker to help bolster the squad is essential as the Baggies have managed just 19 goals in 24 Premier League games.
Whilst West Brom haven’t beaten Liverpool since 2013, they have only lost two of their last six games against the club. They’ve also drawn two of their last three trips to Anfield, including a 0-0 draw back in December last year. Despite the contrasting league positions of these two sides, games between the pair are always tight, with their last eight games being separated by one goal or less. Craig Pawson is in charge of this all-Premier League tie and he has the highest average booking points total in the top flight. Similarly, Pawson has shown 0.2 red cards on average in his 17 Premier League matches, the joint highest in the league.
Whilst I still think Liverpool will make it to the fifth round of the FA Cup, I think this will be tight. The statistics back this up, and team selection, as always, could play a huge part. A good bet might be Liverpool to win by exactly one goal. The game will be televised in the UK on BT Sports 2 live at 7:30PM.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 West Brom.
Suggested tips (Skybet):
Correct score, Liverpool to win 2-0 – 5/1.
Salah and Firmino to both score – 11/4.
Liverpool to win by exactly one – 3/1.
Btts and FT result draw – 6/1.
Correct score group betting, Liverpool to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 13/8.
Keep checking our tips and previews section of the site for our picks from tomorrow’s fourth round ties.
Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur – Betting Match Preview
Another potential FA Cup Giant Killing fixture on the cards, with Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur taking place on Saturday evening.
After cruising past League One opposition in the shape of AFC Wimbledon in the last round, Spurs again face lower league opposition. Harry Kane’s brace sealed Mauricio Pochettino’s men a spot in round four of the competition and they’ll be hoping to be in the draw for round five after this tie.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to field a strong enough team to avoid any cup upset. Photo Credit: FourFourTwo
With Pochettino starting a strong line-up in the last round, it’s clear he values the threat of the underdogs. Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele all started that game, which shows a sign of respect from the Argentinian manager to his opposition.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Southampton at the weekend, Spurs will be desperate to get back to winning ways. With their next four games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus, it’s clear their season could be shaped by these results. With that in mind, Pochettino could opt to ring the changes, with the first of those four tricky games on Wednesday against Jose Mourinho’s side.
After beating Leeds United at Rodney Parade in the last round, Newport will be hopeful of causing another shock in the FA Cup. The League Two outfit currently sit in eighth in the league table, only one point and place outside the play-off places. Having struggled to avoid relegation the last two seasons, this season has been a massive achievement.
Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to contain the threat of Robbie Wilmott the former Tesco employee. Photo Credit: Sky Sports
The home side come into this tie in great form, having gone six games without defeat. Crucially, they have also won four of those games, which is what has seen them rise up the League Two table. Former Wolves and West Ham striker Frank Nouble is expected to lead the line. The nomadic striker has been finding his best form since signing at for Michael Flynn’s team in 2017. On the wing, Robbie Willmott is also a constant menace and has attracted interest from a number of teams in the higher leagues.
Roger East is the referee appointed to be in charge of Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur
The two clubs have only ever met in the FA Cup. Their last meeting back in 1960, nearly six decades ago. Tottenham, unsurprisingly, have won all four of the meetings, scoring 15 goals in the process. Roger East has been appointed as the man in the middle for this fixture and has averaged 3.2 yellow cards in his 11 games in charge this season.
His average booking points total is 34.1, which is mid-table when compared to other Premier League referees. By contrast, in the four Championship games he has officiated, East has the third highest booking points average at 48.8. This might be something to bear in mind due to the increased physicality in lower league matches.
I think Tottenham’s team selection will have a massive impact on the result of this game. If Spurs go with a strong team then I think their class will shine through. A weakened side, however, could struggle in tough conditions at Rodney Parade.
Prediction: Newport County 1-3 Tottenham.
Suggested tips (Skybet):
Correct score Spurs to win 3-1 – 9/1.
Nouble to score and Newport to win 1-0 – 260/1.
Kane to score a brace – 13/8.
Son and Llorente to both score – 9/4.
BTTS and over 2.5 goals– 5/4.
More FA Cup games are being previewed this weekend which available in our Tips and Previews section.
Yeovil Town vs Manchester United – Betting Match Preview
Yeovil Town vs Manchester United takes place on Friday night. The premier league side will travel to League Two side, Yeovil, in a fixture that really captures the magical nature of the FA Cup.
The hosts are currently 21st in League Two, only two points adrift from the relegation zone. They are the lowest ranked club in English football left in the competition.
The visitors are currently second in the Premier League, meaning there are 86 places between the two clubs. With the Premier League seeming to run away from the Red Devil’s, they will be sure to want a long cup-run in this competition.
Yeovil Town’s, Marcus Branes post-match against Bradford in the third round where he found the scoresheet.
The hosts beat League One side, Bradford City, 2-0 in the third round. Goals from young striker, Marcus Barnes and Bournemouth loanee, Jordan Green, was enough to cause a welcome cup upset for the home fans to enjoy. They have no recent success in any cup competitions however the draw alone will feel like a victory. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Yeovil players; many of which are young, to face off against the world’s best. A big task ahead, but wouldn’t it be something if they pulled it off.
Manchester United beat Championship side, Derby County, in their previous FA Cup outing.
Two late goals from the in form Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku left many United fans relieved after Derby made a good account of themselves under the Old Trafford lights. Jose Mourinho’s side have enjoyed a strong run of form recently; unbeaten in their last 7 matches. New signing, Alexis Sanchez could make his debut for the club after being part of a swap deal with Arsenal that involved Henrikh Mhkitaryan. United are the clear favourites and shouldn’t find it too troubling to advance to the next round of the competition.
Yeovil will give their all and I don’t see it being an embarrassing scoreline but they are facing too many world class players.
Manchester United have scored two or more goals in 58% of their Premier League matches. Yeovil Town have scored two or more goals in 39% of their League Two matches.
Paul Tierney takes charge of Friday nights live FA Cup fourth round game on BBC1.
United have been awarded an average of 6.2 corners per league match whereas Yeovil have been awarded an average of 4.1 corners.
Premier League official, Paul Tierney, will take charge of this fixture. Tierney has awarded an average of 25.6 booking points from his 9 Premier League matches this season.
The tie between Yeovil Town vs Manchester United will be televised in the UK on BBC1 at 19:55 (GMT).
Prediction – Yeovil Town 0 – Man United 3
Suggested tips (Skybet):
Yeovil to Win – 18/1
Correct Score – Manchester United win 3-0 – 11/2
Both Players to Score -Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku to both score for Manchester United – 9/4
To Score in Both Halves – Manchester United Yes – 4/7
BTTS – Yes – 5/4
Odds as off 22:10 GMT on Thursday 25th January 2018.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Betting Match Preview
After a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal will be hoping home advantage is decisive as they host London rivals Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
With the Alexis Sanchez saga now drawing to a close, the Gunners can set their focus on sealing a place at Wembley. With Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to join Arsene Wenger’s side in exchange, he will be hoping to integrate the Armenian quickly.
There’s no doubt Arsenal are getting a player who on his day has proven to be real quality. The big task for Wenger is to get that level of performance from Mkhitaryan on a regular basis. With Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere both looking set to sign new deals, it’s important Wenger has one last strong push to rebuild his squad.
Ozil was back in the goals on the weekend as he got one of Arsenal’s four goals vs. Crystal Palace
With only the Europa League offering Arsenal any form of silverware this season, winning the Carabao Cup could be key to boost the confidence of his players. Saturday’s thumping of Palace will have breathed confidence into the group after a run of five games without a win. Ozil, in particular, shone on his return from injury. It’s key that Wenger gets the best from his German World Cup winner again on Wednesday night.
Chelsea returned to winning ways after four consecutive draws with a 4-0 victory over Brighton. Eden Hazard ran the game as he helped himself to two goals and the man of the match award. Hazard took his tally for the season to 14 goals as he took centre stage with Morata missing.
After the Spaniard missed the win at the Amex Stadium, it’ll be interesting to see if Antonio Conte throws the former Real Madrid forward back into the starting line-up. Whilst he didn’t score, Michy Batshuayi played well at the weekend, linking up impressively with both Hazard and Willian.
Morata has seen more red cards than goals in his last 6 games for the blues.
With more red cards than goals in his last six games, Morata is going through a real rough patch in front of goal. He is low on confidence which could pave the way for Batshuayi to start.
Chelsea are without a win in their last five meetings against Arsenal. They have however lost only one of those games, with that defeat coming last May in the FA Cup final. In the league, however, it’s a different story, with Arsenal winning just once in the clubs last 14 fixtures.
Michael Oliver will be the referee for the second leg between Arsenal and Chelsea
Michael Oliver will referee Wednesday’s London clash, which could be a feisty affair. Oliver has brandished an average of 39.5 booking points per game this season, including 70 yellow cards over 20 games.
With the winner of this fixture facing either Manchester City or Bristol City, both teams will be desperate to book their place at Wembley. I’m really struggling to call a winner between the pair and I think it could take extra-time and even penalties to separate the two teams.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea (Chelsea to win on away goals AET).
Suggested tips (Skybet):
Chelsea to win in extra time – 10/1
Hazard to score first and Chelsea to win 2-1– 25/1
Lacazette to score and Arsenal to win – 7/2
BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 1/1
Both teams to score in both halves – 12/1
Bristol City vs Manchester City – Betting Match Preview
Bristol City will be hoping to overturn a 2-1 deficit from their first leg, as they host Manchester City in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night at Ashton Gate.
Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time winner ensured that Manchester City came into this match with a slender lead. After finding themselves 1-0 down at the break, it was key that Pep Guardiola’s men reacted and managed to get themselves back in the game through Kevin De Bruyne.
After being caused a multitude of problems by their Championship counterpart at the Etihad, City will take nothing for granted when they face off at Ashton Gate. Guardiola’s side will be buoyed after their return to winning ways at the weekend, beating Newcastle 3-1.
Aguero grabbed a hat-rick on the weekend to end any hope of a Newcastle comeback on the weekend.
Aguero was in the goals again as he grabbed a hat-trick as City responded from their defeat at Anfield the week previous. After conceding defeat in the race to sign Alexis Sanchez, City will turn their attention to summer for new recruits. For now, the focus is on competing for four trophies, the first of which being the Carabao Cup. With the league seemingly sewed up before February, City can focus on the Champions League and FA Cup as they look to secure the club’s best ever trophy haul.
The hosts come into this game without a win in six games. After five straight defeats, the Robins stopped the rot with an impressive 0-0 draw at second-placed Derby on Friday night. The goals have dried up recently for Lee Johnson’s men, with just two goals scored in those six games.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson will be hoping talisman Bobby Reid recalls his goal-scoring touch against City.
Top scorer Bobby Reid has cut an isolated figure at times, whilst record signing Famara Diedhiou has only just returned from injury. Reid has 14 goals to his name, the next best is six, underlining the Robins’ reliance on their main talisman. As Reid hasn’t scored since the defeat to Manchester City, it has seen a dip in results.
If they want to secure promotion to the Premier League, it’s key Johnson targets another forward to offer support to Reid. If they don’t, they risk becoming too one dimensional. However, after claiming several Premier League scalps en route to the semi-final, Ashton Gate will be rocking on Tuesday night. Whilst City are massive favours, we saw from the first leg that Bristol City can certainly cause the Champions elect some problems.
Graham Scott takes charge of the second leg between Bristol City & Manchester City at Ashton Gate.
Graham Scott has been selected as the referee for this game. Scott may be detrimental to those looking to back booking points. Scott has produced just one red card this season and has averaged just two yellow cards a game. This takes his average booking points total to just 21.9, the second lowest of all Premier League referees this campaign.
I think this game could be very similar to the first leg. Roared on by the Ashton Gate crowd, I expect the hosts to come fast out the blocks to put City under pressure. Despite this, I think City will have the edge and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a repeat of the scoreline from the first leg.
Prediction: Bristol City 1-2 Manchester City.
Suggested tips(Skybet):
Correct score, Manchester City to win 2-1– 17/2
Aguero to score a brace – 9/4
Reid to score first and City to win 2-1 – 240/1
Aguero and Sterling to both score – 2/1
Manchester City to win in extra time – 28/1
On Wednesday night, the winners of this tie will find out who they will face in the final. Don’t forget to miss our betting preview for the return leg of Arsenal vs. Chelsea.
Swansea City vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Liberty Stadium plays host this Monday evening with Swansea City vs Liverpool in the Premier League. Can the Swans pull off a shock win?
After ending City’s unbeaten Premier League start, Liverpool have been in the headlines all week. After such a fantastic display, the onus is now on them to make sure they take three points against basement side Swansea. Even without Phillipe Coutinho, the attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamad Salah ran riot with all three finding themselves on the scoresheet against Pep Guardiola’s side. Firmino, in particular, has come in for praise, with Jamie Carragher labelling the Brazilian ‘the most underrated player in the league’. When you look at his stats, it’s hard to argue. For someone who is commonly thought of as an unorthodox number nine, Firmino has 17 goals already this season, more than Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata.
Firmino has shown that Coutinho’s departure will not have too much of an affect on Liverpool Photo Credit: skysports.com
Having preferred Firmino to Daniel Sturridge during his time at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has got everything he requires from his central striker. The 26-year-old’s ability to press backlines with intelligence is a highly sought attribute and something that was instrumental in Liverpool’s win against City. In addition to his impressive work rate, Firmino’s link up play is exceptional and when he drops deep to receive the ball, it allows Mane and Salah to exploit the space behind him. He’s also now adding goals to his game. Now in his third season at Anfield, Firmino managed just 24 goals in his first two seasons. With 17 already this term, he has a great chance of going on to record double that amount.
After just one defeat in his first five games in charge, Carlos Carvalhal’s side knocked out Wolves in their FA Cup replay in midweek. Whilst both sides named much-changed teams, Swansea seem to have improved under their Portuguese head coach. With four points from their last three games, recent results will give Carvalhal confidence his side can pick up points against the teams around them. With games against Brighton, West Ham and Huddersfield to come in February, it’s vital Swansea can build some confidence going into those fixtures. Whilst they still sit bottom of the Premier League, they are just four points adrift of safety.
Ayew grabbed the first in the FA Cup win over Wolves Photo Credit: skysports.com
Despite losing 5-0 in the reverse fixture this season, Swansea have won two of their last four meetings with Liverpool. Having defeat Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium in 2016, there may be hope for the Swans when the Reds come calling. Liverpool have however won seven of their last nine meetings, scoring 22 goals. Neil Swarbrick has been placed in charge of this game. The experienced ref has averaged just 24.6 booking points this season, the third lowest in the division. Swarbrick is also yet to brandish a red card during his 13 matches this campaign.
After such an impressive win last time out, it would be typical of Liverpool to lose this game. Despite the Swans recent improvement though, I think the Reds will take all three points in South Wales, but it will be tighter than most might expect.
Prediction: Swansea 1-2 Liverpool
Suggested Tips
(SKYBET)
CORRECT SCORE – LIVERPOOL TO WIN 2-1 – 15/2
FIRMINO TO SCORE FIRST AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN 3-0- 19/1
SALAH AND MANE TO BOTH SCORE – 7/2
AYEW TO SCORE AND FT DRAW – 16/1
BTTS AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN – 21/10
LIVERPOOL TO WIN BY EXACTLY ONE GOAL – 11/4
Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview
Mauricio Pochettino returns to St Mary’s with Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday from St Mary’s Stadium. Spurs will hope a win can move them into the Champions League places.
Last week’s 4-0 mauling of Everton will have boosted Spurs’ morale ahead of this one, with the North London club sitting three points behind Liverpool and Chelsea in fifth. After Liverpool’s impressive display against Manchester City, they moved level on points with Antonio Conte’s men, which has further intensified the race for Champions League football. With Manchester United only three points ahead of third and fourth, this has now become a four-way battle between the Premier League’s biggest hitters. With Arsenal now eight points adrift of fourth, it appears that any three of those four teams will join City in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Son has been in great form for Spurs, scoring and providing assists Photo Credit: skysports.com
Son Heung-Min caught the eye against Everton after his man of the match performance. The South Korean grabbed a goal and an assist on his way to scoring for the fifth consecutive home game as Spurs took apart Sam Allardyce’s side. Having been a bit part player in the last two years, Son has shown his best form this campaign, with his pace and willingness to stretch defences a real asset to Spurs. With players like Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Dele Alli who all want the ball to feet, having someone to run in behind is vital. Son has provided that this season and with eight goals and four assists to his name, he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Ward-Prowse scored a brace in the draw against Watford last weekend Photo Credit: skysports.com
After being controversially denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser last week against Watford, Southampton are without a win in ten league games. An impressive first-half display against the Hornets should have seen Mauricio Pellegrino’s side take all three points and they would have but for Abdoulaye Doucoure’s late ‘handball’ goal. Southampton put in a much better performance last week and topped that off with two first-half strikes, something the Saints hadn’t done all season. With the pressure building on Pellegrino, it’s important they produce a similar display against a much better Spurs side. With Southampton just one point and place above the drop zone, they need to turn St Mary’s into a fortress, starting on Sunday.
Spurs have won nine of their last 11 meetings with Southampton, including four of their last five visits to St Mary’s. Having racked up 11 goals in their last three meetings against the Saints, including five in the reverse fixture back in December, Spurs love playing against Pochettino’s former club.
Kevin Friend is the referee for Sunday’s fixture and an average booking points total of just 25. In his 12 Premier League games this season he has issued just 30 yellow cards and is yet to show a red card.
Despite their improved performance last week, I think Spurs will run out winners on Sunday. Pochettino’s men are in good form, whilst the same can’t be said for the hosts and thus I think they will prove too strong for them.
Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Tottenham
Suggested Tips
(SKYBET)
KANE TO SCORE A BRACE – 3/1
SON TO SCORE FIRST AND SPURS TO WIN 2-0 – 22/1
CORRECT SCORE – 3-1 SPURS – 12/1
LONG AND ALLI TO BOTH SCORE – 9/1
BTTS AND SPURS TO WIN – 9/4
(BET365)
ALTERNATIVE TOTAL GOALS – OVER 3.5 GOALS – (link no longer available)
DOUBLE CHANCE – SOUTHAMPTON OR DRAW – (link no longer available)
FIRST GOALSCORER – HEUNG-MIN SON – (link no longer available)
ANYTIME GOALSCORER – JAMES WARD PROWSE – (link no longer available)