Andy's Saturday tips - Arsenal to stumble
In addition to the televised lunchtime game between Arsenal and Aston Villa, there are a massive seven 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League this Saturday. Here's how Andy Gray sees it all going...
Aston Villa v Arsenal
This is a fantastic match to kick off the weekend and it should be one of the most open contests of the season. Villa played a very open, attacking style against Manchester United in their last home game and they were unlucky not to beat Sir Alex Ferguson's men. Arsenal are very hard to predict at the moment and I'm not sure how they will react to a very disappointing Champions League defeat in midweek.
Gerard Houllier was known for keeping things tight when he was Liverpool manager but I'm not surprised to see Villa playing expansive football under him. I expect the team to become more defensive but Villa's current injury list means that they have to play an open game. As it is, this side is built for counter-attacking and if Arsenal don't sort out their problems they could be in trouble here.
I was confident about Arsenal winning at Goodison Park a couple of weeks ago but I feel differently about this match. Their problem is that they cannot keep clean sheets away from home. In attack - with Marouane Chamakh particularly impressive - they have no problems, but at the back they are making fundamental errors.
Both these sides are adventurous - that's why I expect an entertaining game - but Villa certainly have the better defence. If James Collins returns, they will be more confident about stopping the Gunners and Ciaran Clark might move into midfield. Arsene Wenger will be gutted about losing Cesc Fabregas for three weeks and he may bring in Robin Van Persie.
We could well see a similar game to Villa's draw against Manchester United two weeks ago. The home side will definitely try to win the game but Arsene Wenger will be desperate to get his team back on track and might be happy with a draw.
Recommended Bets:
Back draw at [3.45]
Back the 2-2 draw at [16.5]
Back both teams to score at [1.74]
Andy's predictions for Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...
Bolton v Blackpool
After last week's win against Wolves, Blackpool's excellent season continues. The Reebok is a tough place to go to though, especially with Bolton in good form.
Recommended Bets: Back Bolton at [1.65]; 2-1 at [9.0]
Everton v West Brom
West Brom are fading fast and I'm backing my old club to return to winning ways at Goodison.
Recommended Bets: Back Everton at [1.63]; 2-0 at [8.4]
Fulham v Birmingham
Fulham are unpredictable under Mark Hughes and I think Birmingham can build on last week's win against Chelsea.
Recommended Bets: Back Birmingham at [4.1]; 0-1 at [11.0]
Manchester United v Blackburn
Manchester United remain unbeaten this season: they haven't been at their best at Old Trafford so far but I'm backing a routine victory for the home side.
Recommended Bets: Back Manchester United at [1.3]; 2-0 at [7.0]
Stoke v Manchester City
Manchester City's win against Fulham was vital for morale and for their title prospects. Getting a win at the Britannia is difficult but I fancy Roberto Mancini's men to come out on top.
Recommended Bets: Back Man City at [2.3]; 1-2 at [10.0]
West Ham v Wigan
The Hammers have to win soon. The fans deserve something to celebrate and I don't even think the manager is doing such a bad job. I'm backing the home side.
Recommended Bets: Back West Ham at [2.1]; 2-0 at [10.5]
Wolves v Sunderland
This is a tough one. Wolves have had some terrible luck this season while Sunderland are up and down; beating Chelsea with the performance of the season then drawing at home to Everton. I'm backing Mick McCarthy to get a point at his old club.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.35]; 1-1 at [7.2]
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Published: 26 Nov 2010
KING GOONER (November 26, 2010 9:52 AM) said:
have to agree with you on this one-it's anyones game & a draw is about right-however,had it been the arsenal of old,with their backs against the wall,i would have put my house on them getting a result why?in one word "CHARACTER"-something this bunch have yet to show on a consistant basis-or some would say never at all..