Andy's Saturday tips - Liverpool will climb
We're entering the busy festive period where the games start coming thick and fast. Momentum is a crucial part of football at any level and positive results this weekend will set teams up for a productive next couple of weeks. Let's try and predict who can come up with the goods...
Sunderland v Bolton
I can see why not too many people will be cancelling their Saturday lunchtime plans to ensure they watch this one but we should take a minute to reflect on the achievements of these two teams so far this season. They lie seventh and sixth in the table, miles ahead of the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Everton and not many would have predicted that would be the case at the start of the season.
Sunderland are alongside Manchester United as the only sides unbeaten at home so far, while Bolton have lost just once in front of their own fans. I'm not saying they'll both still be up there come May but huge credit must go to both managers for guiding their respective sides to such consistent results.
Darren Bent will always score goals, though they have admittedly dried up a little of late, but it's the improvement in players such as Lee Cattermole, Jordan Henderson and Kieran Richardson that's allowed them to take a step up and perform the way they have.
As for Bolton, they've obviously found a system that suits them and which the players like. They're playing with greater freedom, are keeping the ball on the deck a lot more than in previous years and have become far more entertaining to watch, which can only be good for the game.
These two sides are playing at a very similar standard at the moment and I think this match and the final scoreline will reflect that. Expect the usual suspects to be the ones coming up with the goals.
Recommended Bets:
Back the draw at [3.4]
Back the 1-1 draw at [7.2]
Back Darren Bent to score at anytime at [2.5]
Back Kevin Davies to score at anytime at [4.0]
Liverpool v Fulham
Roy Hodgson has said time and time again over the past few weeks that he feels he's up to the job and that sooner or later his side will start to get the results the fans expect.
This match couldn't have come at a better time for him because whilst Liverpool's home record continues to be strong, Fulham's away form continues to be pretty awful, with not a single win on the road from eight attempts. That's not necessarily Mark Hughes' fault, as the two or three previous managers in charge of Fulham didn't do too much better away from Craven Cottage.
Liverpool looked pretty confident against Aston Villa a couple of weeks ago and defended solidly. If they get their noses ahead, I can't see Fulham fighting back, the stats suggest that just won't happen.
All eyes will once again be on Fernando Torres to lead the line and make the most of the chances that come his way and he's too good a player to not start scoring again sooner or later. Roy needs to win these matches if he's to have a future at Anfield and I'm pretty confident he'll get three points from this one.
Recommended Bets:
Back Liverpool to win at [1.6]
Back Liverpool to win 2-0 at [7.8]
Back Liverpool to keep a clean sheet at [2.0]
Andy's predictions for Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...
Arsenal v Stoke
The Gunners looked a little flat at times against Manchester United so maybe they've slightly lost their rhythm but they should do enough here to get back on track.
Recommended Bets: Back Arsenal to win at [1.32]; 1-0 at [8.4]
Birmingham v Newcastle
This could be a more entertaining match than you'd instantly think and one which the home side should win narrowly.
Recommended Bets: Back Birmingham to win at [2.5]; 2-1 at [11.0]
Blackburn v West Ham
I haven't seen anything to suggest the Hammers will start performing away from home anytime soon and, Allardyce or no Allardyce, Blackburn should be too good for them.
Recommended Bets: Back Blackburn to win at [1.85]; 2-0 at [10.5]
Wigan v Aston Villa
Pound for pound, Villa are probably the slightly better side but home advantage should even things out.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.3]; back 1-1 at [7.4]
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: 17 Dec 2010
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