Andy's weekend tips - Liverpool won't win
It's a strange sort of weekend with some teams in league action, others not and two fighting it out for the honour of being 2010-11 Carling Cup champions. More on that Wembley showdown elsewhere but here are my thoughts on how to make some money from the Premier League action...
West Ham v Liverpool
West Ham are the epitome of inconsistency, mixing Carling Cup semi-final exits with all manner of Premier League results and a good campaign in the FA Cup. They're scoring enough goals (eight in their last two matches) but they haven't kept a clean sheet in their last nine in all competitions and that probably explains why they're in a pickle in the league.
Did they do the right thing in keeping faith in Avram Grant? We'll have to wait till the end of the season to know the answer but they have looked a better side over the past few weeks and will feel like they made a new January transfer window signing now that Thomas Hitzlsperger is finally fit.
He's a fine player with good experience of this league and provides them with two things they've been lacking all season: goals from midfield and good deliveries from set pieces.
As for Liverpool, they look a side very much on the up since Kenny Dalglish took over. With due respect to Roy Hodgson, they really look like they want to play for their new manager. We're finally seeing the best of Raul Meireles whilst the controversial decision to play Glen Johnson at left back and Martin Kelly at right back looks to be vindicated.
It seems Andy Carroll won't be fit to play a part in this match which is a shame because he had a really good game for Newcastle at Upton Park earlier in the season and it's nip-tuck whether Steven Gerrard will feature too. If those two were playing, I think the visitors would just about edge it but without them I think West Ham will be able to secure what they will see as a good point.
Recommended Bets:
Back the draw at [3.5]
Back the 1-1 draw at [8.0]
Back Liverpool not to keep a clean sheet at [1.6]
Andy's predictions for Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...
Aston Villa v Blackburn
There are plenty of attacking options at Villa these days and they'll outscore a decent Blackburn side in a close match.
Recommended Bets: Back Aston Villa to win at [1.81]; 2-1 at [10.0]
Everton v Sunderland
The Toffees will have taken huge confidence from their FA Cup heroics and should have a little too much for Sunderland at home.
Recommended Bets: Back Everton to win at [1.78]; 1-0 at [8.0]
Newcastle v Bolton
This will be an action-packed match with plenty of goals and ultimately a share of the points.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.45]; 2-2 at [18.0]
Wigan v Manchester United
It's a busy period for Manchester United right now but there's a gulf in class here and the away win is a pretty safe bet.
Recommended Bets: Back Manchester United to win at [1.55]; 1-2 at [9.0]
Wolves v Blackpool
I expect a point apiece which both teams may feel are two points dropped.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.9]; 1-1 at [9.0]
And on Sunday at 3pm...
Manchester City v Fulham
Manchester City are probably out of the title race now but they'll want to secure their top-four finish as soon as possible and this is a good chance to add another three points.
Recommended Bets: Back Manchester City to win at [1.53]; 2-0 at [8.0]
And on Monday night...
Stoke v West Brom
The hosts will have too much power, noise and determination for West Brom to handle as Stoke go about their business.
Recommended Bets: Back Stoke to win at [1.97]; 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: 25 Feb 2011
Horace Horlicks (February 27, 2011 11:17 AM) said:
Good tipping so sar Andy. If you're watching the football on your couch, sofa, so good. I disagree slightly on the outcome of the two Sunday Premier games. I think Man City will beat Fulham 3-0 and West Ham will be a 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
don.flynn@harrisbalcome.co.uk (February 28, 2011 11:24 AM) said:
Horace Horlicks is a rubbish tipster. I think he's worse than Andy Gray. Can't Betfair go in to the transfer market a buy a proper professional tipster to give us advice?