Andy's Saturday tips - Bolton to hold Spurs
Manchester United have a chance to close within two points of Chelsea, while Tottenham can climb past Manchester City into fourth on Saturday. Here's what Andy Gray makes of those games...
Bolton v Tottenham Hotspur
How this match goes all depends on how well Spurs manage to recover from their midweek Champions League exploits. They put in a massive effort to beat Inter Milan with a stunning performance. I was at White Hart Lane and the sense of euphoria was immense, however that can sometimes leave players a bit flat in the following days.
I expect Harry Redknapp to make some changes for what will be a tough trip to the Reebok Stadium. The likes of Robbie Keane, Jermaine Jenas and Wilson Palacios, who didn't start in midweek, may all get a chance. Harry has an excellent squad and could easily play a completely different midfield. I think he will relish the chance to freshen up his side.
Bolton are always difficult to play against. They've become a more attractive proposition under Owen Coyle but they are still direct and they showed last weekend against Liverpool how difficult they can be to play against.
Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies will put themselves about up front and both are capable of finding the net if Spurs give them chances. Having said that, Bolton don't score a lot of goals and Spurs haven't been the most prolific on the road this term, so I do like the look of under 2.5 goals at [1.9].
Odds of [2.5] for Spurs and [3.15] for Bolton are a fair reflection of the form but I'm not sure the markets have correctly factored in the possibility of a Spurs hangover from midweek. This is a tough game for the away side and I'll be backing the draw at [3.45]. Under the circumstances, I think Harry might be happy with that. For a correct score, 1-1 screams at me at [7.4].
Recommended Bets:
Back the draw at [3.45]
Back the 1-1 draw at [7.4]
Back under 2.5 goals at [1.9]
Andy's predictions for Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...
Birmingham v West Ham
Both of these sides were defensively obdurate last week so I expect another low scoring affair here. The home side can nick it though.
Recommended Bets: Back Birmingham at [2.0]; 1-0 at [7.6]
Blackburn v Wigan
This north-west derby between two strugglers will be a hard fought encounter but I fancy Big Sam's men to come out on top.
Recommended Bets: Back Blackburn at [1.87]; 2-1 at [9.0]
Blackpool v Everton
Blackpool picked up their first home win last weekend but my old club are finding form and I expect it to be a happy trip to the seaside for the Toffees.
Recommended Bets: Back Everton at [1.87]; 0-2 at [10.0]
Fulham v Aston Villa
Villa are not as strong this season and Fulham remain very difficult to beat at home. I do expect goals though.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.35]; 2-2 at [19.5]
Manchester United v Wolves
Manchester United are still not at their best but they are managing to win games at home and I expect a routine victory here.
Recommended Bets: Back Manchester United at [1.26]; 2-0 at [6.8]
Sunderland v Stoke
Sunderland will be traumatised by their derby mauling but Steve Bruce can inspire his team to bounce back on Saturday.
Recommended Bets: Back Sunderland at [2.18]; 1-0 at [7.6]
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: 5 Nov 2010
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