Andy's Boxing Day tips - Fulham will win
For some, the highlight of the Festive season is to be found right in front of them on the dinner table. For others, the main Christmas feast is the extra helpings of football we get at this time of year, with virtually non-stop action between Boxing Day and the start of the second week of January.
I like a nice big portion of turkey and a glass of sherry as much as the next man, but I like the sound of Arsenal and Chelsea that little bit more.
That fixture is the pick of the action from this next round of matches but there are plenty of other mouth-watering games on offer. Let's try and make some money from them and finish 2010 in style...
Fulham v West Ham
Those who are critical of Fulham's home record can point to the fact that Mark Hughes has guided them to just two wins from nine - Mark would argue that they've only lost two.
Fulham have drawn more matches so far in the league than anyone else and the reality of things is that, if that trend continues, the Cottagers simply won't have enough points on the board come May. You only have to look at Ian Holloway's approach over at Blackpool to see that winning a few matches, even if it means losing a fair few along the way. That approach leaves you in better health than endlessly drawing them.
West Ham will feel a win here would put them right back in business - after all, Fulham are one of their relegation rivals. They will have taken plenty of heart from their point at Blackburn and will feel that if they can get their strikers scoring goals, they can defy the stats and avoid relegation despite being bottom at Christmas.
This is a huge match for both teams. Fulham rarely lose at home and need to be winning matches such as these if they want to be in this division next year. I think Mark Hughes will be that little bit more adventurous this time round. This could be an edgy affair with few chances but I'm going to give the home side the nod to nick it.
Recommended Bets:
Back Fulham to win at [2.02]
Back 1-0 Fulham at [7.6]
Back under 2.5 goals at [1.74]
Aston Villa v Tottenham
I'm really looking forward to this match. A quick glance at the league table suggests these two are poles apart but I actually think they're far closer in terms of quality than their points tally suggests.
Spurs have done really well to be where they are in the league when you consider that this is their debut season in the Champions League. It's one thing for the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United to fight on two fronts and be successful after well over a decade of doing so, but the north Londoners have learnt the game quickly: rotating the squad, recovering from midweek setbacks and using a 'horses for courses' approach to systems and team selection.
Of course it helps when you have a very big squad, something Gerard Houllier clearly doesn't possess. He's got some talented youngsters but I'm sure he would have preferred to let them find their feet in this league rather than drop them in at the deep end. There's a very good chance that Steve Sidwell will leave the club in the transfer window and if the money from that sale is available to the Frenchman I'm sure a proven goalscorer would be at the top of his wish-list. Not a 25-goal-a-season man - that would cost you £25 million these days - but someone with a proven track record of scoring at the highest level. Please post a comment below suggesting who you think would fit the bill ... I'm sure Gerard would appreciate any suggestions!
This is a match they will be desperate to win and with a few key players starting to come back from injury, I think they may just manage that. Spurs' home record is excellent but their away form is mixed and we've seen Villa raise their game when the big teams come to town, earning very creditable draws against Chelsea and Manchester United. I think they can go one better here and pick up a win that will see them make a significant move up the table.
Recommended Bets:
Back Aston Villa to win at [3.25]
Back Aston Villa to win 2-1 at [12.5]
Back both teams to score at [1.72]
Blackburn v Stoke- There isn't much between these two on paper and I think the result on the day will reflect that. Back the draw at [3.35]; back 1-1 at [7.0].
Blackpool v Liverpool - Liverpool away wins have been few and far between this season but I can see the returning Steven Gerrard inspiring his team-mates to a priceless three points. Back Liverpool to win at [1.8]; back 0-1 at [9.0].
Bolton v West Bromwich Albion - Roberto Martinez's players won't fancy this trip against a side whose home record is right up there with the very best in the division. Back Bolton to win at [2.18]; back 2-0 at [13.0].
Everton v Birmingham - Momentum is a big part of football and Everton will be full of confidence after that super win at Eastlands. They'll be keen to build on that and there's no reason why they can't follow it up with another win. Back Everton to win at [1.67]; back 2-1 at [9.4].
Manchester United v Sunderland - Sunderland have become one of the toughest sides to beat and will put up a decent fight here but this is Man Utd at Old Trafford and that should really only mean one outcome. Back Manchester United at [1.31]; back 2-0 at [6.8].
Newcastle v Manchester City - City will need to win this if they're to get back on track as regards their title aspirations. There's a significant difference in terms of quality amongst the players on both sides and that should see Roberto Mancini's boys take this one. Back Manchester City to win at [2.38].
Wolves v Wigan - These two sides are desperate for a win but home advantage makes me think Wolves will be the ones getting it. Back Wolves to win at [2.2]; back 1-0 at [8.0].
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: 23 Dec 2010
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