Andy's Saturday tips - Arsenal to nick win
Incredibly, given that we're only two weeks into the season, Chelsea are the only team with a pair of wins and sit at the top of the table after scoring 12 goals without reply! All in all, this weekend's fixtures look like throwing up some cracking matches. Let's see if I can call them right...
Blackburn v Arsenal
I honestly think that when the fixtures come out this is the one, more than any other, that Sam Allardyce looks out for - and relishes. It's a chance to show everyone that, whilst his side may lack the silky skills of an Arsenal or a Chelsea, they can beat anyone on their own patch by playing their own, unique brand of football. Let's not forget they won this fixture 2-1 last year.
They'll be in Arsenal's face from the off and will look to get a few tasty tackles in early on in the game. They'll also try to get some good crosses in as soon as they can and put Arsenal's defenders and goalkeeper under pressure before they've settled.
That will be the Blackburn game plan but Arsene Wenger's side will have their own and that will involve keeping plenty of possession for large spells to try and frustrate the home side as they chase shadows. Right now we don't know if Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie are fit enough to start, but I'm sure that if they are, Arsene won't hesitate in throwing them into what is a big, important match.
With Marouane Chamakh now in the team it may mean that Van Persie plays just behind him and that Cesc Fabregas reverts to playing a more classical central midfield role to give the team greater balance. Either way, a side that features those three plus the likes of Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky is certainly a pretty potent attacking force.
What then of Theo Walcott? Well, his performance against Blackpool was a reminder to everyone of just what he can do on his day, but scoring a hat-trick against the red-hot favourites to finish rock bottom (who went down to ten men) isn't exactly doing the business when the chips are down. Walcott needs to follow up a performance like that with three or four impressive ones in trying circumstances - and a trip to Ewood Park certainly fits that description.
This won't be easy for Arsenal, it never is at Blackburn, but I think that extra little bit of class could separate these two on Saturday and show everyone the Gunners are true contenders for the title.
Recommended Bets:
Back Arsenal to win at [1.66]
Back both teams to score at [1.9]
Back Arsenal to win 2-1 at [9.2]
Manchester United v West Ham
I'm guessing that when a lot of punters are looking for a home banker for their weekend Multiple this match will be their starting point. And with all due respect to West Ham, you can't really blame them. On another day Nani would have scored that penalty at Fulham, wrapped up the match and United would have had a one hundred percent start to the campaign. But he missed, Brede Hangeland scored, and they ended up drawing a match they really should have won.
Irrespective of that slip up, I've been impressed with United and of course the man everyone is talking about, Paul Scholes. The whole point about the wee man being retired from international football is that during international weeks he gets a chance to put his feet up, relax and recharge his batteries. Then he's ready to go when United need him. When the Champions League comes around Sir Alex will have to manage his workload a little more carefully but for the time being he'll carry on picking him.
I can't really see West Ham troubling United at Old Trafford and for the home side this should be a pretty straightforward task, catalysed by another Scholes masterclass...
Recommended Bets:
Back a Manchester United clean sheet at [1.75]
Back Manchester United 3-0 at [8.0]
Andy's other Saturday correct score predictions...
Blackpool v Fulham
A point each as Fulham go about their business in typically quiet fashion.
Correct score: 1-1 at [7.4]
Chelsea v Stoke
More goals at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea stay top of the pile.
Correct score: 3-1 at [13.0]
Tottenham v Wigan
Wigan's start to the campaign isn't about to get any easier at White Hart Lane.
Correct score: 2-0 at [7.4]
Wolves v Newcastle
Newcastle to be brought back down to earth as Wolves show they're strong at home.
Correct score: 2-1 at [11.0]
Andy Gray is now on Twitter so follow him for his exclusive tips and his take on the biggest stories in football each week.
Published: 27 Aug 2010
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