Andy's Sunday tips - No upset for Man City
There are two FA Cup ties on TV on Sunday and another on Monday, and here's what our top tipster Andy Gray is backing in each of those encounters...
Manchester City v Notts County
Despite problems behind the scenes, Notts County won League Two last season and have by no means disgraced themselves in League One this term. Paul Ince will relish the chance to test his side against one of the strongest squads in the Premier League. Eastlands is a great place for a League One club to visit and I hope they learn from the experience and generate some big bucks.
Manchester City were knocked out of FA Cup by Nottingham Forest at home two years ago but Roberto Mancini's side are a different proposition. They've slipped up from time to time this season and they struggled to break down their Greek opposition in midweek but they rarely crash to the type of silly defeats that used to dog them.
Whatever team Mancini selects should be too strong for County. This could well be an opportunity for maligned striker Edin Dzeko to kick-start his career in England with a few goals after the manager criticised his performance in midweek.
So far the Bosnian has scored only one goal but it's far too early to write him off. I believe he has got what it takes to be a success in English football but he may need time. Strikers need to play themselves into a side and the team need to adapt their system to his strengths. The boy is clearly confident and that is a very good quality in a front man.
Manchester City will have too much for Notts County on Sunday afternoon. I have a feeling that they will keep a clean sheet and seal victory with a goal in each half.
Recommended Bets:
Back Manchester City -1.5 on the Asian Handicap at [1.61]
Back Manchester City to win 2-0 at [7.6]
Back Manchester City to lead at half-time and full-time at [1.66]
Leyton Orient v Arsenal
Following their midweek Champions League match against Barcelona, Arsenal will surely put out a second string side for this match.
Two divisions separate the sides for this London derby but I'd be surprised if we see the type of physical, battle of attrition we often get in this type of match up. One of the reasons for that is the pitch at Brisbane Road. Orient have a very good surface which, on this occasion, might not be to their advantage.
Whichever side Arsene Wenger selects, especially if he brings in young players, Arsenal will look to get the ball down and outplay Orient. The home side are no mugs though, they've scored ten goals in their last three matches and they could trouble the Gunners' defence.
Russell Slade's men sit in tenth place in League One, only three points off the play-off spots, so it's debatable whether a cup run would really be to their advantage. Regardless, they will be keen to give a good account of themselves on Sunday.
Orient will have the crowd behind them and Brisbane Road will be rocking. Arsenal will ultimately be too strong but I wouldn't be surprised to see the home side sneak a goal and I'm going to back both teams to score.
If you fancy a punt on who will get that goal then consider Orient's Alex Revell. He's got 11 league goals this season but, if you're going to play safe and back an Arsenal player, my advice is to wait until the teams have been announced.
Recommended Bets:
Back Arsenal to win at [1.31]
Back Arsenal to win 3-1 at [14.0]
Back both teams to score at [1.9]
And here's his verdict on Monday's televised tie...
West Ham v Burnley
West Ham are having a bizarre season in the league - stringing together wins then producing abject displays which keep them in the relegation zone - but Avram Grant is a wily cup operator.
Recommended Bets: Back West Ham to win at [2.04]; 2-1 at [9.4]
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: 19 Feb 2011
Leave a comment