Premier League Betting Tips 11/12 February
A dramatic comeback for Manchester United at Chelsea on Sunday followed by Liverpool’s inability to score against Tottenham on Monday night ensured a perfect record last weekend (with Sunderland winning at Stoke). A 2 hour cup-tie at Middlesbrough midweek has put me off backing Sunderland this weekend, but I have come up with 3 picks for you none-the-less.
Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:
Manchester United v Liverpool
Manchester United produced an impressive second half comeback at Stamford Bridge last weekend after falling down 3-0 after 50 minutes. I thought they were the better side in the first half when they went in 0-1 at the break and were prime for laying.
Liverpool were on top of a tired-looking and managerless Tottenham side on Monday but failed to take advantage. Luis Suarez missed a guilt-edge close range header whilst Andy Carroll was wasteful.
This 12.45 Saturday kick off will feature around the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra racism row but I’m not expecting any fireworks between those 2 on the pitch. Liverpool stole a later winner in the FA Cup tie between these two at Anfield last month and held United to a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool the lead midway through the second half; Danny Welbeck equalised inside the final 10 minutes.
Lucas is a season-long injury for Liverpool whilst Jose Enrique missed Monday’s match with a hamstring problem. Otherwise Dalglish has a full squad to choose from, including Luis Suarez who made his return at the start of the week.
Nani could be in line to make his return for Manchester United, whilst Ashley Young played 50 minutes on Sunday. That’s two additional creative midfielders at Ferguson’s disposal, to go with Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs who have been in fine form of late.
Manchester United will be determined to top the Premier League on Saturday night and a victory will do just that. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wayne Rooney to find some goalscoring form following his two penalties against Chelsea last time out. Valencia’s playing well. I see Manchester United beating Liverpool for the first time in four games and they’re a very good price to do it.
Blackburn Rovers v Queens Park Rangers
Mark Hughes comes up against one of his former sides this weekend as he takes his Queens Park Rangers side to Ewood Park. The former Rovers player and manager had picked up 4 points from his last 2 heading into last weekend’s home tie with Wolves.
A moment of madness just after the half hour mark saw Djibril Cisse sent off when QPR were 1-0 up and in command of the game. They ultimately ended up losing the game. Bobby Zamora looked fine up front, scoring on his debut. Hughes has several alternatives to replace the suspended Cisse with this weekend, including top goalscorer Heidar Helguson.
Adel Taarabt found some form in the middle of the pitch. Fine saves from Wayne Hennessey ensured his side held on for a vital 3 points at the end of play.
Arsenal’s midfield found a lot of room to work with, particularly down the wings against Blackburn last weekend. Shaun Wirght-Phillips has plenty of pace and has shown a bit of creativity this season. No player has had more shots in the Premier League without scoring this season, but don’t be surprised to see him break his Rangers duck this weekend. On the left side, Jamie Mackie has 2 goals and a couple of assists to his name.
Blackburn Rovers aren’t as bad as last week’s performance and result suggests. The sending off of Gael Givet at 1-3 in the first half played its part, although ultimately the back four looked unstable without Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen.
Should Chris Samba not return this weekend, there’s little going for Blackburn in the middle of the defence and the defence on the whole. I see Mark Hughes’ side testing this out and ultimately succeeding from it.
Lay Blackburn Rovers at 2.48 with Betfair
Double Chance: QPR to win or draw 8/13
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Manchester City were in control of their game throughout on Saturday, producing a 3-0 victory over Fulham. The following day, Aston Villa were beaten 2-1 at Newcastle, leading to a Tweet from Charles N’Zogbia saying he was not enjoying football for the first time in his career.
A number of Aston Villa supporters were against Alex McLeish from the start, but despite at least one of his players losing faith in his tactics, his side go into the weekend’s fixtures in 13th position and only 2 points behind the top half.
Still, they have picked up just 2 points from their last 6 at Villa Park and have conceded 9 goals in their last 4 games including the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Manchester City have scored 10 in their last 5. Roberto Mancini’s side are still without the suspended Mario Balotelli, but Sergio Aguero looked on fine form last weekend. The strong and quick Argentine should fancy his chances against Richard Dunne and Carlos Cuellar in the middle of the Aston Villa defence.
Aston Villa could be without Gabby Agbonlahor, Stephen Ireland and Marc Albrighton who are all listed as doubtful.
I see this being a game when Manchester City dominate the midfield battle and have too much going forward for Aston Villa to defend. Yes, Darren Bent and Robbie Keane can hurt Manchester City on the counter attack, but if need be City can outscore their opponents. Their odds are slightly higher than I was expecting too.
