Andy's Sunday tips - Man City to win again
After a slightly slow start to the season, Manchester City seem to have found their feet and have passed most of the tests that have come their way so far, but Arsenal will present a different sort of opposition to anything they've faced. This should be a fascinating match that will act as a barometer as to just how far City have come. Elsewhere, Manchester United and Liverpool try to get back on track after last week's respective disappointments...
Stoke City v Manchester United
It's not nice to kick 'em when they're down but try telling that to Stoke's Tony Pulis. Having seen this weekend's opponents throw away a two-goal lead for the umpteenth time this season against West Brom, Pulis will be smelling blood and have his troops set up to give Manchester United a torrid time.
That's all well and good but you don't remain as Manchester United manager for 20-odd years without delivering the goods when your team has their backs against the wall. United have nothing if not character, experience of getting themselves out of trouble and belief that if they can play to their potential, they can beat anyone at any ground in any circumstances.
This won't be easy and it most definitely won't be pretty but my money is on Sir Alex outfoxing Tony Pulis and putting his team's troubles aside.
Recommended Bets:
Back Manchester United to win at [1.79]
Back Manchester United to win 2-1 at [10.0]
Back both teams to score at [1.92]
Manchester City v Arsenal
That win against Chelsea was important in showing everyone that Manchester City can handle the big occasions and aren't intimidated by anyone in this league. But in some ways we already knew that, so their scrappy 3-2 win over Blackpool last week perhaps told us more about the character of this team than the Chelsea game.
They were a little sloppy in midfield, didn't defend well in the second half and struggled to create anything at all for large parts of the game, but win the match they did. Taking three points when you're not playing well is an ominous sign for their rivals and the mark of a champion team. Admittedly they need to find another source of goals other than Carlos Tevez if they're to keep on winning but that's a discussion for another day.
We all know just how good Tevez has been so far this season but the other key man for me has been the much-maligned Nigel de Jong. I've discussed "that tackle" already and he'll have his critics but he's a top class player in my books, shielding the back four and facilitating the transition from defence to attack. He's what I'd call an insurance player, he protects you against anything and everything!
De Jong will have to play well to stop Arsenal doing what they do so well, which is pass teams off the park. Give the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri space and you'll pay the price so the Dutchman's role will be even more important than ever on Sunday. I've said I'm pretty sweet on City finishing in the top two, if not better, but to do so they'll have to do what Chelsea have been doing to this Arsenal side with alarming frequency over the years and that's beat them at home. I think they will.
Recommended Bets:
Back Manchester City to win at [2.56]
Back Manchester City to win 2-0 at [15.5]
Back James Milner to score at [5.0]
Liverpool v Blackburn
No match is straightforward for Liverpool these days and if they can't win this one, their troubles are even greater than we think but I'm going to side with them just this once.
Recommended Bets: Back Liverpool to win at [1.7]; 1-0 at [7.0]
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 Oct 2010
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