Andy's Sunday tips - Man U will beat Reds
Andy Gray offers his betting advice for Sunday's three Premier League games, including arguably the match of the season so far between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford...
Manchester United v Liverpool
Is this still the biggest derby match in English football? I certainly think so and I reckon you'd be hard pushed to find anyone who would disagree. We've seen some crackers between the two north-west giants over the years and I'm excited about Sunday's game.
Both teams have a tendency to go into this match and turn their recent form on its head. Liverpool were not good against Birmingham last week and Manchester United struggled to find their rhythm against Rangers in the Champions League. The likes of Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov might have made the difference in that match but Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased that many of his big players are fresh for Sunday's match.
Liverpool remain tough to break down and the hosts might need to patient. Despite recent criticism of Fernando Torres, I still believe Roy Hodgson's side are potent up front. The Spanish striker has an excellent understanding with Steven Gerrard, which won't evaporate overnight, and Joe Cole could be important on his return from suspension. Remember, he scored a vital goal for Chelsea at Old Trafford last season.
Of the two teams, Manchester United are playing better. Dimitar Berbatov is in really good form and I'm backing him to find the net again on Sunday. All eyes will be on Wayne Rooney and this is the type of game he has to influence if he's to cement his status as one of the world's best players. I don't expect a lot of goals but, in the end, I think home advantage will tell.
Recommended bets:
Back Manchester United to win at [1.74]
Back Manchester United to win 2-1 at [9.6]
Back Dimitar Berbatov to score
Chelsea v Blackpool
I'm really looking forward to watching Blackpool. They've made a good start to the season, last week's win at Newcastle could be invaluable come the end of the season and Ian Holloway says that his team will take the game to Chelsea on Sunday. That's a dangerous game plan to take to Stamford Bridge; the Champions are ripping teams apart at the moment, Didier Drogba will be back and fresh and Frank Lampard may return too.
You don't win the title in September though and there is still a long way to go. Chelsea are sure to have a bad spell - teams always do, even the best - but they are playing exceptionally at present and it already looks ominous for their rivals.
The return of Michael Essien has made them even better. He didn't feature in their double-winning season and his return is like having a new player. Deco and Michael Ballack have moved on but, with Essien, the Chelsea midfield is quicker, stronger and has more goals in it.
The Premier League is a very difficult league to win. Only one team has gone through an entire season unbeaten and I don't expect Chelsea equal Arsenal's feat this year. Chelsea play Manchester City soon and that is where their test will come. This week, against Blackpool, I expect them to win comfortably.
Recommended bets:
Back Chelsea to win 3-0 at [7.4]
Back over 2.5 goals at [1.33]
Back Michael Essien to score
And this is Andy's take on the non-televised game...
Wigan Athletic v Manchester City
Wigan are struggling but Manchester City really need to start winning. I believe that Roberto Mancini's side will prove too strong for the Latics but don't expect the kind of big score we've seen at this ground so far this season.
Recommended Bets: Back Manchester City to win at [1.8] and to win 2-0 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: 18 Sep 2010
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