Andy's Sunday tips - Liverpool to bow out
There are four FA Cup third round matches taking place on Sunday, including the reunion of master and protege when Sven-Goran Eriksson's Leicester host Roberto Mancini's Manchester City and the tie of the round as Manchester United welcome Liverpool. Here's Andy Gray's take on each game...
Leicester v Manchester City
Sven-Goran Eriksson may feel he has a score to settle in this one after being dismissed by Manchester City a couple of years ago. So far the ex-England boss has made a decent start to his tenure at the Walkers Stadium and he may yet have Leicester in play-off contention at the end of the season.
But I'm afraid Manchester City will have too much for the Foxes on Sunday. Of course, as is the case right across the weekend's fixtures, much will depend on what side the Premier League team fields and I have a feeling Roberto Mancini will leave one or two big names out.
Manchester City are playing well. Their away form has been particularly impressive this season and Leicester will struggle to contain their powerful, combative style of play.
Carlos Tevez is unlikely to play in this one so I'm going to swerve him in the goalscorer markets. In fact, I think it would be wise for Betfair punters to keep an eye on team selections before piling into those markets this weekend. Personally, I'd like to see English players James Milner and Adam Johnson get a run out in the cup and, of the two, I prefer the latter to find the net on Sunday if selected.
On a final note, I see you can get [8.6] on Manchester City to win the FA Cup. If they are to fulfil their ambitions about being a top club, they will need to put some silverware in the Eastlands trophy cabinet soon. But does Mancini want to win the FA Cup? It's hard to say but if he fields a strong side on Sunday, we'll know he means business in the competition.
Recommended Bets:
Back Manchester City to win 3-1 at [16.5]
Back over 3.5 goals at [3.15]
Back Adam Johnson to score at [3.6]
Manchester United v Liverpool
This tie is often described as the biggest derby in English football but with both managers likely to rest key players, it might not be the dramatic affair fans would have relished.
Sir Alex Ferguson has already said that Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand probably won't feature and, if Roy Hodgson takes the same approach as he has done in Europe, Liverpool will rest big names too.
If Hodgson does field his best 11 then Liverpool will have a chance. Manchester United's record at Old Trafford this season is excellent and it is for that reason that they lead the Premier League despite their patchy away form. But if Liverpool, and it is a big if, go full strength and take the game to their rivals, they might just be worth a small wager at [6.2].
Victory at Old Trafford would be exactly what Liverpool need at this stage of a troubled season. The manager has said that he believes he has the backing of the owners but by beating Manchester United, he would rally the fans and give the campaign a real shot in the arm.
At the moment, the Anfield club can be backed at [21.0] in Betfair's FA Cup winner market but the if they win on Sunday, that price will plummet. If you're going to back Liverpool, now is the time to do it.
So will they win on Sunday? I can't see it. I think Manchester United will shade this one regardless of who plays. We saw a very exciting league game here between these sides in September but I don't expect this cup tie to follow suit. We almost certainly won't see another goal fest.
Recommended Bets:
Back Manchester United to win at [1.65]
Back Manchester United to win 1-0 at [7.4]
Back under 1.5 goals at [3.7]
Tottenham v Charlton
Spurs are flying at the moment while Charlton have just sacked their manager. Any chance of a famous away win in this London derby? Not likely.
Recommended Bets: Back Tottenham to win at [1.3]; 3-0 at [9.8]
Chelsea v Ipswich
The Premier League champions' demise has left fans (and commentators) incredulous and any team managerless Ipswich put out are sure to fight for everything. But I'm backing Carlo Ancelotti's men to come good at last.
Recommended Bets: Back Chelsea to win at [1.25]; 3-0 at [9.2]
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: 8 Jan 2011
g.matthews (January 8, 2011 2:27 PM) said:
roy who long live the king
magnumopus (January 8, 2011 2:49 PM) said:
Too late for Roy to do some good but not too late for Liverpool to beat the manure! YNWA... now Liverpool have the King to help out.
City (January 9, 2011 12:59 AM) said:
Can see ipswitch running chelsea close, and don't right off charlton!