Andy's Sunday tips - Everton to win derby

The Merseyside derby is always a massive occasion on the football calendar but even more so this week, given what's been going on with Liverpool off the pitch. Elsewhere, Manchester City look to keep their winning run going...

Everton v Liverpool

I wonder what odds you have got on Everton and Liverpool being in the bottom four seven matches into a Premier League season. And I wonder if there's ever been a previous occurrence of these two being placed 17th and 18th respectively by the time the first Merseyside derby of the season has come about.

In some ways, I suspect the Liverpool players will be glad this fixture is coming up. As the mess regarding the ownership of the club drags on in the courts, they can focus on matters on the pitch and just worry about doing their jobs once the match kicks off.

Both teams have had a nightmare start to the season but at least Everton can feel like they're carrying some sort of momentum after an away draw at Fulham and a super win at Birmingham. That's the sort of result that gives you belief as a team and, as I've said before, the Toffees have been unlucky this season and are just an in-form goalscorer away from some very good results.

It's not often I fancy Everton to come good in this fixture, and the stats suggest it's not often they do, but being at home plus the simple fact they're currently playing the better football means they get my nod.

Recommended Bets:
Back Everton to win at [2.5]
Back Everton to win 2-0 at [14.0]
Back Tim Cahill to score at [3.6] or better

Blackpool v Manchester City

I must admit I didn't expect to see Blackpool in this position now. They're ninth in the league and have won at Wigan, Newcastle and, most impressively, Liverpool. Those achievements are a result of the spirit Ian Holloway has brought to this squad and the togetherness and resilience that we see displayed every time these Blackpool players step out on to the pitch. I still think they'll struggle to stay up but they've been a credit to newly-promoted teams and I've seen far worse sides than this one in the Premier League in recent years.

I mentioned the impressive wins they've achieved so far this season and you wonder why they can't replicate that sort of form at home. The answer, I think, lies in their mentality. They've been underdogs ever since they booked their place in last season's Championship play-offs and I think they're more comfortable going into matches with that tag than being the side who is expected to take the game to the opposition.

That's why I think they'll find this game difficult. City will be content to be patient and wait for their chances rather than go all guns blazing and leave holes at the back. If that's how the game pans out, you've got to expect the quality of a Carlos Tevez, Adam Johnson or David Silva to make the difference and hand Roberto Mancini yet another win, thus really putting the pressure on Chelsea.

Recommended Bets:
Back Manchester City to win at [1.65]
Back Manchester City to win 2-1 at [9.0]
Back Manchester City not to keep a clean sheet at [1.56]

And on Monday...

Blackburn v Sunderland
Blackburn should overpower and outmuscle this Sunderland side who have saved their best performances for the Stadium of Light.
Recommended Bets: Back Blackburn to win at [2.18]; 2-1 at [8.4]

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: 16 Oct 2010

• Facebook
• Digg
• Stumbleupon
• Reddit