Andy's Saturday tips - Arsenal to nick win
There were big changes at both ends of the table after the last two rounds of matches over the festive period. And given that the grind continues for another few days, I get the feeling the next couple of games will be as much a test of stamina and strength of the different squads as it will be of pure footballing ability. Here's hoping this column doesn't run out of steam after a few mince pies and a couple of glasses of wine over Christmas...
West Brom v Manchester United
Having won just once away from home all season, you would have thought Manchester United were finally going to improve on that record when they were 1-0 up at St Andrews with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.
Manchester United fans may well argue that the late equaliser should have been ruled out on a couple of counts, but the truth is that match should have been closed out long before that, they certainly had had the chances to do so.
This may be a cracking opportunity to put things right though. West Brom have done okay so far this season but three defeats on the trot is worrying by any team's standards and you really don't want to be playing Sir Alex's boys when you're a little low on confidence.
That draw at Birmingham aside though, Manchester United have started to look their old ruthless selves again in recent times and one of the key performers has been Anderson. His time at the club has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride so far. He was tipped as the next big thing when he first arrived, had a great first season then lost his way a little.
Whether there were off-field distractions that hindered his progress or whether a couple of injuries affected him is something only him and the staff at Old Trafford will know but he's certainly playing some great football at the moment and I have a feeling that in the near future we'll see him add the one thing his game has lacked so far - goals.
This could end up being a really open and entertaining game of football to kick off the weekend's action but for Manchester United it could also prove to be an important turning point. If they can find a way to start winning some away matches, the league title will all of a sudden seem a far easier prospect.
Recommended Bets:
Back Manchester United to win at [1.56]
Back Manchester United to win 3-1 at [16.0]
Back Manchester United to score in both halves at [2.2]
Birmingham v Arsenal
This must be a really frustrating time to be an Arsenal fan. Having finally beaten Chelsea a couple of days ago, and in pretty convincing style at that, they then went and drew away at Wigan after leading 2-1 and after Wigan had gone down to ten men.
If they don't win the league this year, Arsene Wenger will look back at that match as a good example of why this young side aren't there just yet - they're simply not ruthless enough.
Birmingham will put up a good fight in this match, especially after showing great spirit to come back and get a point when trailing Manchester United by a goal. In the last 15 months or so, only Everton have won at St Andrew's in the league and part of the reason for that is that they do defend extremely well at home.
The return of Cesc Fabegas after suspension will be a big boost to the Gunners because for all the brilliance of Samir Nasri, unpredictability of Andrey Arshavin and finishing of Robin van Persie, the skipper is the one who dictates the tempo of the game and keeps the play ticking over.
I don't expect many goals here but if Arsenal can get ahead I think they'll be better at doing the one thing that Manchester United didn't do so well the other night and that's keep the ball when Birmingham are the ones chasing the game.
Recommended Bets:
Back Arsenal to win at [1.74]
Back Arsenal to win 1-0 at [7.6]
Back under 2.5 goals at [1.9]
Andy's predictions for Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...
Liverpool v Bolton
Liverpool were too bad on Wednesday night for me to be tipping a home win whilst Bolton continue to impress.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.8]; 1-1 at [8.2]
Manchester City v Blackpool
Manchester City are looking increasingly solid and a regulation home win is what I think we'll get.
Recommended Bets: Back Manchester City to win at [1.33]; 2-0 at [7.6]
Stoke v Everton
Stoke have blown hot and cold recently whilst Everton are finally beginning to turn performances into points. Bet accordingly.
Recommended Bets: Back Everton to win at [2.84]; 0-1 at [9.0]
Sunderland v Blackburn
Sunderland have been extremely good at home and I'm not sure this Blackburn side will be able to live with them on the day.
Recommended Bets: Back Sunderland to win at [1.94]; 1-0 at [7.4]
Tottenham v Fulham
Spurs are on a roll whilst Fulham are consistently inconsistent; I can't see the home side dropping points in this match having played so well in recent weeks.
Recommended Bets: Back Tottenham to win at [1.48]; 2-0 at [7.8]
West Ham v Wolves
This is a huge match in the context of the relegation battle and one I think the Hammers will come out on top in.
Recommended Bets: Back West Ham to win at [2.1]; 2-1 at [10.0]
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: 31 Dec 2010
Moruph (December 31, 2010 7:53 AM) said:
Football of nowadays can never be predicted. U can see d way d big 4 have been droping point, is nice to see dat d quality of d game have improved.
gutrot (December 31, 2010 12:23 PM) said:
generally agree with you andy, but your comments regarding arsenal are a little misguided, for a few seasons now, pundits and commentators have been lazy in their analysis of arsenals lineups, calling them young and inexperienced, look at the lineup against wigan, and taking away koscielny and fabianski where is the inexperience?