Andy's Sunday tips - Arsenal won't slip up
It won't come as a huge surprise to many that Blackpool are in this position but the fact that Aston Villa, who play later in the day, are in a relegation dogfight is perhaps a little more unexpected. Let's try and predict how they'll both get on this Sunday...
Blackpool v Arsenal
Whether Blackpool go down or not, they have plenty of positives to take from this season. They've won at the likes of Liverpool, gone 2-0 up at home to Manchester United and travelled up and down the country playing at wonderful stadiums and entertaining everyone who has been lucky enough to watch them.
It's been an exciting season for the fans, the manager and the players. 12 months ago, none of these people could have imagined that Blackpool would be playing Premier League football at all.
If they do go down, they'll have to try and come up again without the help of Charlie Adam though. That lad is simply too good to not be playing at this level and all the other clubs playing in this league next year know that.
It's unfortunate that at a time when they desperately need a home win, they're up against Arsenal. The Gunners have had a tough time of late themselves but we all know that when they get going, they're incredibly dangerous.
They'll be wounded after that draw at home to Blackburn last week and for my money they'll have to win every single match from now till the end of the season to be crowned champions, starting with this one.
These are two entertaining sides and, if you can't get to Blackpool to watch, tune in on the telly because there should be plenty of goals.
Recommended Bets:
Back Arsenal to win at [1.42]
Back Arsenal to win 3-1 at [13.0]
Back over 3.5 goals at [2.2]
Aston Villa v Newcastle
I spoke about Aston Villa last week in my No Gray Areas column and identified a few reasons why I think this season has been a tough one for them. I still think they'll be safe and, even though Ashley Young is unlikely to be amongst the playing staff next term, I think we'll see a much-improved team.
There were signs against Everton that we'll see an improvement in their performances between now and the end of the season. I suspect we'll see a better one on Sunday.
Newcastle have done okay this season. They had to deal with a change in the manager as well as losing their star player and a lot of credit goes to the senior players who have set the standard on the pitch.
That's guys like Shola Ameobi and Kevin Nolan for starters and, whatever you might say about Joey Barton and his chequered past, he's been magnificent this season and for the most part, he's kept his nose clean and made the headlines for all the right reasons.
Newcastle aren't a side of big star players and, when that's the case, team ethics and working as a unit is worth more than having a couple of wonderful match-winners.
I don't think Newcastle will go down either but they may have to wait to pick up more points because I think Villa will win this one. Back that man Darren Bent to get amongst the goals.
Recommended Bets:
Back Aston Villa to win at [1.93]
Back Aston Villa to win 2-1 at [9.0]
Back Darren Bent to score at anytime at [2.2]
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: 9 Apr 2011
Leave a comment