Andy's top-flight tips - Liverpool will lose
There are a number of Premier League matches on Saturday sure to impact on the relegation battle, while Sunday sees Arsenal try to keep their title bid alive against Liverpool. Here's how I see things going...
Arsenal v Liverpool
This is a must-win match for Arsenal. I'd say that they need to win all seven of their remaining fixtures if they are to stand any chance of hauling in Manchester United in the title race. It's a tall order but they need to do their own bit and hope that Sir Alex Ferguson's men slip up. One of these wins will have to come against Manchester United at the Emirates.
Liverpool were excellent against Manchester City on Monday and Kenny Dalglish will demand more of the same here. Arsenal will be nowhere near as easy to break down as the Citizens were at Anfield though and Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll will need to be at their best if they are to continue their fine form on Sunday.
I think they have makings of an excellent partnership. Just look at Chelsea and you'll see that even the best strikers can take time to adjust to a new team and a new style of play. However, there are rare instances when it doesn't take time and two forwards simply develop an instant understanding. Suarez and Carroll could well be one of those.
Of course, big Carroll gave the Gunners back four a torrid time here for Newcastle earlier this season when he scored in a 1-0 win for the Magpies. I'm not sure he'll get on the scoresheet this time but I will be having a bet on both teams to score at [1.87] and I'll back Suarez to get Liverpool's goal.
But will it be enough to secure them a point? With Steven Gerrard out for the remainder of the season and Glen Johnson struggling with a hamstring injury, the Reds are potentially vulnerable. Lucas Leiva and Jay Spearing work their socks off in midfield but they could be exploited by the guile of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas. Similarly, Andrey Arshavin could trouble the young right back John Flanagan.
I'm going to side with Arsenal in this one. I just think that, after their gutsy win at Blackpool, Arsene Wenger will be able to motivate his players to go out and win this one. Home advantage will tell and, although Liverpool are making big strides at the moment, Arsenal are a far more complete outfit and still have their eyes on the Premier League prize.
Recommended Bets:
Back Arsenal to win at [1.79]
Back Arsenal to win 2-1 at [9.0]
Back Luis Suarez to score
Andy's predictions for Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...
Birmingham v Sunderland
Sunderland are on an abysmal run, whereas Birmingham picked up a decent away point last week and are unbeaten in two.
Recommended Bets: Back Birmingham to win at [2.3]; 2-1 at [9.6]
Blackpool v Wigan
This is a relegation six-pointer and a north-west derby too. Blackpool have played with great attacking verve this season and a win here would do their chances of staying up the power of good.
Recommended Bets: Back Blackpool to win at [2.4]; 3-1 at [20.0]
Everton v Blackburn
This should be a tight match between two teams that have underperformed this season. Home advantage makes me side with my old club.
Recommended Bets: Back Everton to win at [1.72]; 1-0 at [8.4]
West Brom v Chelsea
What a great job Roy Hodgson has done in turning around West Brom's fortunes. Chelsea will be smarting from their Champions League exit but, despite the Baggies' fine form, I'm backing an away win.
Recommended Bets: Back Chelsea to win at [1.73]; 0-1 at [9.0]
West Ham v Aston Villa
Both teams need the points and we've seen some lively contests at the Boleyn this season so I'm expecting an exciting draw.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.45]; 2-2 at [15.0]
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: 16 Apr 2011
scud78 (April 15, 2011 9:07 AM) said:
you dont seem to have taken arsenals recent home form into account. didnt u also predict a win for city on monday night ? i wonder.
Betfair Football (April 15, 2011 9:33 AM) said:
There's definitely a case for Liverpool as they chase a quartet of victories over the current Premier League top four under Kenny Dalglish, and if you do think they'll win you can get odds of [5.3] on Betfair.
However, in answer to your queries, Andy went for a draw on Monday, while despite the bore draws with Sunderland and Blackburn, Arsenal are unbeaten in nine at the Emirates in the league, conceding just one in their last seven! Should be an interesting one.
Melvin (April 15, 2011 10:16 AM) said:
Arsenal will definitely win this one. I won't expect to see Liverpool winning this game and delivering the title to Man. Utd which will increase their top division titles to 19 as both Liverpool and Man Utd are at 18 each. I'm certain Liverpool doesn't want to be beaten by Manchester United in terms of top-division titles.
Ian Rush (April 15, 2011 8:11 PM) said:
The only reason Liverpool will not beat Arsenal on sunday is the 19th title.If manure were not in the title race then Liverpool would crush Arsenal no doubt. And even taking that into cosideratio the price of 5.3 on Liverpool is real value.
flops (April 16, 2011 1:54 AM) said:
I might fancy a draw instead rather than an outright win. I think Liverpool has the quality to shut down Nasri, I might even go for a +0.5 @ the Asian handicap to Liverpool if it comes available, dont trust the Arsenal defence
Surely, Sunderland will be up for a win finally.