Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur - FA Cup - 4th Round - Live on BBC1 at 5:30PM

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

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

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

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 1-0260/1.

Kane to score a brace13/8.

Son and Llorente to both score9/4.

BTTS and over 2.5 goals5/4.

More FA Cup games are being previewed this weekend which available in our Tips and Previews section.

 

Yeovil Town vs Manchester United - FA Cup Fourth Round. Live on BBC 1.

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.

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.

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 - Carabao Cup - 2nd Leg - 23 January 2018

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

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.

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 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 time10/1

Hazard to score first and Chelsea to win 2-125/1

Lacazette to score and Arsenal to win7/2

BTTS and over 2.5 goals1/1

Both teams to score in both halves12/1

 

Swansea City vs Liverpool

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

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)

Conference Championships

The NFL Conference Championships are here this weekend with four teams battling it out for a spot at the Super Bowl on the 4th February 2018. Will the New England Patriots make it to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive year and win it?

Conference Championships

AFC: Jags at Patriots 

The Pats are the number 1 seed and will be looking to go to their 8th Super Bowl this century. They are the favourites here at home and rightfully so, as they are the more experienced team on both sides of the ball and with their coaching. The Jags are the number 2 ranked defense in football, and pulled off the upset last week against the Steelers. The question being, are they on an emotional high from last week or are they focused on the main goal? The Jags have that destiny team attached to them and as the old saying goes, offense wins game, but defense wins championships! IN THE UPSET of the season and possibly in modern history, late in the game I have the Jags winning.

Jags To Win 24-21 

Bortles: 285 YDS, 1 TDS

Fournette: 125 Total YDS, 2 Rushing TDs

Skybet RequestAbet 11/2 to 10/1 – Jacksonville to win match & R.Gronkowski & L.Fournette both to score a TD – 9/1

NFC: Vikings at Eagles

These top two teams in the conference meet with the SB berth on the line. The Vikings are looking to become the first team in NFL history to host a home Super Bowl game. Both QBs are new to this moment and because of that I see this as a defensive game. In that sense, the number 1 related defense in the league in the Minnesota Vikings will come up with more stops than the Eagles. On the road I have the Vikings making history.

Vikings To Win – 20-14

Keenum: 225 YDS, 2 TDS

Diggs: 88 YDs, 1 REC TD

Skybet To Score a Brace – Stefon Diggs – 10/1

 

**Win Double – Jags and Vikings to Both Win5/1 – (Skybet)**

Jos Luhukay will be hoping for his first league win as the Owls boss with Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff City from Hillsborough this Saturday evening in the Skybet Championship.

After drawing 0-0 in the Steel City derby, Luhukay grabbed his first win against Carlisle in the FA Cup third round replay. A 2-0-win saw Wednesday progress into the fourth-round where they will face Reading. Luhukay will be happy with two goals and another clean sheet in his first two matches. Long-term absentees such as Barry Bannan, Keiran Lee and Fernando Forestieri still missing, the Owls have looked to the loan market for reinforcements. With a new manager in charge and an injury-hit squad, January was always going to be a difficult month for Wednesday to bolster their squad. They have, however, agreed a deal for Heracles midfielder Joey Pelupessy.

Joao has started the last three games as a centre forwad but has failed to score in those games Photo Credit: skysports.com

The new 3-5-2 system that Luhukay has installed seems to be having a desired effect. Despite being under heavy pressure at times against Sheffield United last week, the Owls defended resolutely throughout. When the likes of Gary Hooper, Bannan, Forestieri and co return, I think this system will suit the Owls. The last two results will have given the squad a massive shot in the arm ahead of another tough test, and I think this could help them end their five-game winless run at home.

After four defeats on the bounce, Neil Warnock’s side responded with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Sunderland at the weekend. They then followed that up with a 4-1 win in their own FA Cup replay as they saw off Mansfield Town in midweek. Warnock will be desperate to compound Wednesday’s misery, as the former Blades boss looks to take his current side back into the automatic promotion places. With Cardiff just two points behind Derby, who occupy second place, a win could take them above the Rams, depending on their result on Friday night. There’s no doubting Warnock has built a solid team in Wales, with plenty of Championship experience and quality throughout the team. I do wonder whether they have the firepower to take them out the division, and their recent poor run of form has only strengthened those doubts.

Hoilett has impressed for Cardiff City this season providing goals and assists Photo Credit: skysports.com

Wednesday haven’t lost in their last six meetings with the Bluebirds, and only a stoppage-time equaliser prevented them taking all three points at the Cardiff City stadium in the reverse fixture. Roger East has been appointed as the man in the middle for this fixture and has the averaged the second highest number of yellow cards this season. Despite only refereeing three Championship matches this campaign, East has the third highest average booking points at 51.7. This is considerably higher than those below him, with the fourth highest at 47.9.

People may think this is a strange call, but I’m going for a home win in this one. A change in manager seems to have rejuvenated this depleted Wednesday squad and I think they’ll secure their first win.

 

Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Cardiff City

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE: SHEFF WED TO WIN 2-1 – 9/1

RHODES TO SCORE FIRST AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN – 10/3

ZOHORE AND JOAO TO BOTH SCORE – 8/1

BTTS AND CARDIFF TO WIN – 9/2

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 13/8. BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS – 13/8

HOILETT TO SCORE FIRST AND DRAW 1-1 – 33/1

(BET365)

EXACT TOTAL GOALS – 3- (link no longer available)

FIRST GOALSCORER – JUNIOR HOILETT- (link no longer available)

HALF TIME/ FULL TIME – DRAW/SHEFF WED- (link no longer available)

Manchester City vs Newcastle Utd in the Premier League this Saturday evening from the Etihad as City look to restore normal order after their defeat to Liverpool last week.

After finally surrendering their unbeaten Premier League record, Pep Guardiola will want his side to return to winning ways. Despite their defeat at Anfield, most of the recent talk has been about City’s pursuit of Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean forward now looks set to join City neighbours Manchester United after City refused to match the Red Devils offer for the Arsenal forward. Without Sanchez, City have Aguero as their only fit senior striker. Gabriel Jesus is expected back in the next month, which means they will probably wait until the summer before bolstering their striking options.

Aguero has been below average in the last few games and needs to get back to his best Photo Credit: skysports.com

Sunday’s defeat came as a shock to most, with City surrendering the game within a frantic nine-minute spell. What struck me most during the game was the lack of leadership on the field for City. Without both Vincent Kompany and David Silva, there was nobody to get hold of the players around them and calm them down. If City could have managed to regain some composure after Mane’s goal, they may have come away with something from the game. It was just an off day for the Citizens, with a number of players failing to meet the standards they’ve set for themselves this season. It happens, the most important thing is how they react.

Despite just one defeat from their last five league games, Newcastle sit just three points above the drop zone. Whilst nobody will be expecting Rafa Benitez’s men to get anything from the Etihad, it’s important they put in a good performance. They currently sit in 15th, three points above the relegation zone, but also three points from tenth, underlining how tight this year’s battle to beat the drop is. With fixtures against relegation rivals to come, it’s vital the Toon carry as much momentum as possible going into those fixtures. Yes, it won’t be games against teams of City’s calibre that will decide their fate, but they could still prove influential at the end of the season.

Joselu grabbed a goal against Swansea in the last fixture Photo Credit: skysports.com

City have lost just one of their 22 meetings with Newcastle and haven’t lost at home in the league against them since 2000. In their last four fixtures at the Etihad, City have racked up 19 goals, including a 6-1 win in October 2015. Despite only refereeing eight Premier League matches this season, Paul Tierney is the man in the middle for Saturday tea-time game. Tierney has averaged just 2.8 yellow cards this season and is yet to send anyone off. Only Tierney and Chris Kavanagh have refereed eight matches this season, whilst every other official has managed nine or more games.

Despite last week’s defeat, I think City will get back to winning ways here. They have a particularly strong record against Newcastle at home, and I think Benitez will have his mind firmly fixed on more important fixtures to come.

 

Prediction: Manchester City 4-1 Newcastle United

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE – CITY TO WIN 4-1- 12/1

AGUERO TO SCORE A BRACE- 13/8

STERLING TO SCORE AND CITY TO WIN 3-0- 17/1

BTTS AND CITY TO WIN- 5/4

CITY TO WIN BY THREE OR MORE GOALS- 10/11

SANE AND DE BRUYNE TO BOTH SCORE- 4/1

BET365

EXACT TOTAL GOALS – 5 GOALS- (link no longer available)

TO SCORE AT ANYTIME- JAMAAL LASCELLES- (link no longer available) 

FIRST GOALSCORER – RAHEEM STERLING- (link no longer available)

Brighton vs Chelsea

Saturday’s early kick off sees Brighton vs Chelsea from the Amex Stadium. Without a win in four games in the Premier League, can the Seagulls gain a much needed win?

After a bright start to the season, the Seagulls have struggled of late, registering just one victory from their last 12 league games. With just six points separating 18th and 10th place, the race to avoid the drop is tighter than ever. Brighton sit in 16th place, just three points above Stoke who occupy the final relegation spot.

Izquierdo has been in good form for the Seagulls so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Goals have been the issue for Chris Hughton’s side, with Brighton managing just 17 goals from their 23 games, the second lowest in the division. Defensively they’ve been sound conceding just 29 goals, the eighth best in the league. With the defence sorted, it’s imperative Hughton signs a goal-scorer this window if he wants to cement Brighton’s second consecutive season in the top flight. Glenn Murray has done well but with only six league goals, he needs help to secure their status in the top flight.

Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Leicester last weekend meant the club had drawn three consecutive blanks for the first time in the club’s history. Two cup draws followed by their stalemate at Stamford Bridge means the Blues are without a win in four games. Now down to fourth, Chelsea need to rekindle their attacking fire if they’re to ensure a top-four finish this season. They sit level on points with Liverpool and three points behind second-placed Manchester United. However, with Tottenham breathing down their necks, three points behind them, it’s important that Conte gets his side firing again.

Hazard has not been the same in the last few games, underperforming for Chelsea Photo Credit: skysports.com

Alvaro Morata has now gone five games without a goal. With just two strikes in his last ten games, the Spaniard is going through a lean spell in front of goal. A red card in the FA Cup replay against Norwich showed his frustration in front of goal. Conte clearly doesn’t trust Michy Batshuayi having opted to play Eden Hazard as a false nine instead of his Belgian teammate, the club may look to bolster their options in January. My guess is they may wait until the summer, but it’s clear that Morata needs some help and if Conte isn’t confident with Batshuayi then they need to sign a replacement.

Chelsea have never lost a league game against Brighton. They beat the Seagulls 2-0 in the reverse fixture in December, which is the two clubs only meeting in the Premier League era. One ray of hope for Brighton is Chelsea haven’t won an away game since their 3-1 victory against Huddersfield on December the 12th. Whilst they haven’t lost any of those games either, Brighton’s strong home form could offer them some confidence.

John Moss will referee Saturday’s lunchtime fixture. Moss has the third highest average booking points total this season with 39.4 points per game. Despite only showing one red card in his 16 matches this season, he has averaged 3.6 yellow cards a game.

With Chelsea not at their best recently, I think we could see a surprise result on Saturday. Brighton have been playing well without picking up the results and I think they could grab a point in front of their home crowd.

 

Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Chelsea

SUGGESTED TIPS

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE DRAW 1-1- 13/2

HAZARD TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 2-0- 12/1

BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 2/1

CHELSEA TO SCORE A PENALTY 5/1

MORATA TO SCORE AND WIN- 5/4

(BET365)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – SHANE DUFFY – (link no longer available)

TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES – CHELSEA TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES – (link no longer available)

DOUBLE CHANCE – BRIGHTON OR DRAW – (link no longer available)

 

 

Derby County vs Bristol City

The Friday evening fixture in the Skybet Championship comes from Pride Park with Derby County vs Bristol City. The Rams are in great form, can City stop them and gain a much needed win?

The hosts will be hoping to widen the gap between them and the play-off positions, as Wolves are a massive ten points ahead of the Rams at the top of the table. Bristol City will be hoping to turn their recent form around having lost their last four in all competitions, however they are still comfortable in the play-off positions.

Gary Rowett’s side have become a formidable force this season in the Championship. They currently sit in second place, with many fans hoping this will finally be the season they can see it all the way through. For years now they have constantly fallen at the final hurdle, however they seem to have a more solid and considered approach to their matches. Striker, Matej Vydra, is in the form of his life having scored 15 goals in the league; sharing the accolade of top scorer with Sheffield United’s Leon Clarke.

Matej Vydra is joint top scorer in the Skybet Championship alongside Sheff Utd’s Leon Clarke with 15 goals Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Rams have also been good at shutting up shop at the back, having conceded only 23 goals in their 27 league matches. They are the team no one will want to face right now; can they keep on marching forward?

Skybet Correct Scxore Group Betting – Derby to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 13/2

Bristol City have had an eventful January so far, with their eagerly awaited Carabao Cup second leg tie with Manchester City just around the corner. Bristol will want to head into that second leg with confidence, and a win against Derby would give them just that. Just like their opponents, they have a talisman playing well in Bobby Reid who has 12 goals and 3 assists in the league.

Reid has 12 goals so far this season for Bristol City and will be a real threat to the Derby defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

However, their recent form makes for grim reading and they will have to quickly tighten things up against an organised Derby side. Can Lee Johnson’s men turn their fortunes around, having given a great account of themselves in their last televised match against Manchester City?

Skybet Match Result – Bristol City to Win – 13/5

 

Score Prediction: 2-1 win for Derby. Both sides like to attack however recent form and fatigue will give the Rams the upper hand.

Both Derby County and Bristol City have scored two or more goals in 51% of their SkyBet Championship matches.

Derby County have been awarded an average of 4.9 corners per match and Bristol City have been awarded an average of 5.6 corners.

Darren England will take charge of the fixture. England has awarded an average of 39.7 booking points in his 17 Championship matches.

 

Suggested Tips

(SkyBet)

  • Both Players to Score – Vydra and Reid – 6/1
  • Penalty Specials – A Penalty Awarded – 5/2
  • Full Time Result and BTTS – Derby and Yes – 10/3

(BET365)

  • Alternative Total Goals – Over 3.5 – (link no longer available)
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Jamie Paterson – (link no longer available)
  • To Score in Both Halves – Derby to score in both halves – (link no longer available)