Liverpool to Take Out Rivals

Best Bets:

1 Pt on Liverpool to win v Manchester United (6/4 Paddy Power)

1 Pt on Spurs v Sunderland – Jermain Defoe anytime scorer (4/1 Paddy Power)

1 Pt on Manchester City v Crystal Palace – Manchester City to win to nil (6/4 Sky Bet)

The January “grind” continues for the Premier League teams as weekend fixtures follow a frantic midweek schedule yet again. Some teams are struggling more than others with the congestion and have a number of key injuries, however there is no time to feel sorry for themselves as many points are up for grabs. We saw a spirited Newcastle pick up a precious point midweek against 6th in the league, so now is time to test themselves against 5th as West Ham visit what should be a bouncing St James’ Park as the Magpies rediscover some belief. We have avoided this fixture, but have three tips for the weekend’s fixtures.

1 Pt on Liverpool to win v Manchester United (6/4 Paddy Power)

After a spirited last minute 3-3 draw against Arsenal, the Kop should be in full voice for the visit of their bitter rivals from down the motorway. Manchester United fans are somewhat upbeat also after a free-scoring game against Newcastle, but they are likely far less pumped than Liverpool after conceding as many goals in a 3-3 draw. The form and ability of both teams is inconsistent this year, but we think home comforts should give Liverpool the edge in this one.

1 Pt on Spurs v Sunderland – Jermain Defoe anytime scorer (4/1 Paddy Power)

Jermain Defoe would have been our tip for top English scorer this season if we had been live when that market was available. Though he may not finish there, he is currently the most in-form English striker around with 5 goals in 2 games. We think it could be one of those typical fairy-tale stories that crop up so often. We like him to make it 6 in 3 against his former club demonstrating he still has the ability at the elite level.

1 Pt on Manchester City v Crystal Palace – Manchester City to win to nil (6/4 Sky Bet)

Manchester City just drew 0-0 at home against Everton. Rarely do City fail to score at home, but their clean sheet was highly encouraging. It is unlikely that Palace will be able to shut out City and their incredible variety of attacking options. Palace on the other hand have been struggling. Since their 2-1 win at Stoke in mid-December, Palace have not scored in the last four games. This has been against opposition that included Swansea, Bournemouth and Aston Villa. These teams occupy 3 of the bottom 5 positions in the league. In this form Palace are unlikely to trouble the City defence at the Etihad.