Man Utd – Man City, Sunday 14:30h

Place to be fear off

When we’re talking about Manchester United, there isn’t necessary to say it is the strongest collective in England. As in previous season, Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t spend a lot on the transfer market, but they look so dominant I have an impression he actually didn’t have to. His system of rotation that keeps players from fatigue works great, giving him even a luxury in the biggest derby of English football (against Liverpool, of course) to keep on the bench his iron fist – Rooney, Nani, Hernandez! But really scary thing about Man Utd is their home record. In their last 25 games at Old Trafford, they have dropped only two points with 19 wins in a row! Last four times when Man City made a visit, games ended with home wins with at least two balls in the back of their net. Interesting fact is in all of those four at least one goal was scored in last 15 minutes, three times in the stoppage time.

Great feel sitting at the top

Well, it was only the matter of time (I believed and new manager as well) when the squad consisted of such fantastic players will start to produce results. Mancini has that much options he easily rested 5-6 players against decent Aston Villa side and trashed them 4-1, eventually! After United took only a point from Liverpool, they finally occupied the top of the table. Now, that’s not necessary a big deal at this part of the season, but big morale boost certainly is. Players are full of confidence and are announcing they’ll go for a win not for a point, but the key question is what Mancini thinks about that. I am pretty sure he won’t lose his head and set an open formation, knowing that would see him finished beaten in the dust. Despite his winner in the dying seconds, Sergio Aguero looks extremely unfit playing only 30 minutes at Tuesday. So it won’t be a big surprise if Mancini drops him and set his 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite all that euphoria at Midlands, he would probably take a point with no hesitation if someone offered it now. Mancini will be prepared for a tactical battle, hoping in some moment of individual inspiration from his superstars.

Clash of the titans

This will be an absolute blockbuster and while I am counting the hours till the kick-off, I am also struggling to find a profitable bet. Individual players’ quality is definitely on City’s side, but Utd have better manager (in my honest opinion), better team spirit (even without mentioning Carlos Tevez) and play at home. It has represented a good value against any top-six side, for a while. Now, I am not quite sure Ferguson would be completely disappointed with a point. With Mancini’s predicted attitude, this could be 0-0 or 1-1 game. I will suggest two bets.

Betting Picks

Bet 1:

Draw @ 3.50 (SkyBet)

Bet 2:

Manchester City Half Time Lead And Fail To Win @ 11.00 (William Hill)

Arsenal – Stoke, Sunday 14:30h

The crisis has been averted

First time after a while, Arsene Wenger looks completely calm. Aaron Ramsey’s strike in the second minute of stoppage time brought a win at Marseille and continued Arsenal’s great current form (after a terrible start of the season). The Gunners have won five out of last six competitive games (with one painful defeat though, in the North London Derby vs. Spurs). Even more, the most critical line in the team – defence looked rock solid, keeping the clean sheet against French. Robin Van Persie has regained some of his old form as well and while their fans expect “place number three” till Christmas, Wenger insists the recent win is just a small step forward. However, bad luck with the injuries continues and he’ll miss several of his key players. Sagna, Vermaelen, Wilshere and Diaby are certain to miss out, while Jenkinson and Gibbs are doubtful. Beside them, this match will be very emotional for Aaron Ramsey who suffered a horrifying injury against Stoke two seasons ago.

Problems outside Britannia

The Potters have been showing two different faces, when they play at home and away. At Britannia, they always look like a safe choice for bet. Just one defeat of last 21 competitive games (vs. Wigan at the last day of previous season, in a game without any importance for them), this season defeated Fulham and Liverpool and stopped Man Utd and Chelsea on just a point. Meanwhile, they look clueless on their trips. In last two away games (vs. Sunderland and Swansea), Stoke haven’t even scored (conceded six). Tony Pulis’ intention to be competitive in Europa League additionally makes them vulnerable in the game after. For the visit to Emirates, probably Pulis won’t make any big surprise. He’ll leave the possession to Arsenal and try to make something from set pieces and with Rory Delap’s long throw-ins (which worked well against Arsenal in the previous season and made Wenger crazy). No big worries about injured players (only Ricardo Fuller is definitely out), while Crouch, Walters and Delap were all rested against Maccabi Tel Aviv. There’re some concerns about Palacios and Higginbotham, but they’re expected to play.

Different football philosophies

 Arsenal have technically dominant players and like passing game, Stoke’s players are physically very strong and like aerial combats. The Gunners will try to keep the ball down and look for possession, The Potters will try to bully home defence waiting for Delap’s missiles from the touchline. If Arsenal establish their style of play (and I think they will), home win should be a certain thing. And quite frankly, I am well surprised with the odds. Also, Lee Mason is a strict referee and I like the possibility of a penalty kick.

Betting Picks Recommended bet:

Arsenal -1 (asian handicap) @ 2.03 (Pinnacle)

Other bet:

Penalty In Match – Yes @ 3.25 (Victor Chandler)

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Lambert happy to keep Sunderland guessing

Since Paul Lambert’s arrival at Carrow Road, he has taken them from League One to the Premier League in the space of the two seasons. They didn’t heavily invest in the transfer market (probably the most known names are Vaughan from Everton and Morison from Millwall) and despite they were tipped as number one contenders to go down, the Canaries are doing well so far. A win, two draws and two defeats with decent displays (that saw them pushing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge) is a decent base for growing optimism. In the previous round they defeated Bolton on the road (2-1), in a game where Lambert made six changes to his starting line-up. Additionally, The Canaries have only four players who have played all five games so far and just one who has started all five. Steve Bruce must have a headache trying to guess which eleven his side will face. Sure thing is centre-half Zak Whitbread will miss again, while another two defenders, Elliott Ward and Dani Ayala, both remain out.

Familiar territory for boss Bruce

Steve Bruce had been suffering heavy critics after his team noticed only two points of four opening games (and knocked out from the Cup from second tier side – Brighton), while his press conferences were more interesting then club’s games (you must have a sympathy for someone who says: “Mass hysteria for me it was nothing more than a storm in a teacup”). Then he proved his point by trashing a side that was proud on their defence, Stoke. Impressive 4-0 victory brought some smiles at Stadium of Light, but trip to Norfolk should be a real test of their abilities. Bruce will not have injury worries against his former club (made 80 appearances as a player for City between 1984-87 before moving on to captain Manchester United), full-back Phil Bardsley sits out the second of a four game suspension, while goalkeeper Gordon and forward Campbell continue with their rehabilitation from injury. If Black Cats avoid defeat they will have gone five games on the road without a loss, their longest unbeaten run away from home since November 1999 (six games) in Premier League.

Another close affair at Carrow Road

The bookmakers made Norwich as slight favourites for this encounter, but I can’t overlook the fact they still haven’t won at home (same as Sunderland haven’t won away). They have advantage in home ground (will be packed), Sunderland in pure quality. They made a great win in previous round, Sunderland demolished Stoke. No, I cannot separate these two sides and see draw as the only logic conclusion! The Canaries have conceded penalties in each of their five league games equalling the record set by Wimbledon in season 1999-2000.

Recommended bet:

Draw @ 3.40 (Bet365)

Other bet:

Penalty in match – Yes @ 4.33 (William Hill)

Rangers still haven’t scored at Loftus Road

Queens Park have been noticing a decent start of the season with seven points of five games. The thing that concerns their fans is Neil Warnock’s men still haven’t scored at home. At the opening day they were demolished by (weak) Bolton, in other league game played a draw against Newcastle and lost in Carling Cup vs. third tier outfit – Rochdale (0-2). However, in last round squad made an encouraging victory at Molineux, defeating Wolves 3-0. Joey Barton (a skipper, already) scored his first goal in the blue white shirt, while rest of the team showed some improvement as well. Warnock will hope to name same side that defeated Wolves. Danny Gabbidon took a knock, but his knee injury is less serious than initially feared and he should be fit for the game. DJ Campbell is pushing for a start after came from the bench to score. Dyer, Mackie and Hulse remain sidelined, while Clint Hill has joined Nottingham Forest on loan.

Turning jeers into cheers

After five opening rounds Villa are still undefeated, but there’re plenty of things for their fans to be worried about. First, those five games include four draws. And despite a defence line is more solid than usual, midfield looks not creative and lightweight and attacking force looks shy in front of the goal (with the exception of Agbonlahor). After being a boss of ultra defensive Birmingham, Alex McLeish is still looking for the best system for squad that had been playing pretty offensively. In the midweek Cup game, he named the strongest line-up but suffered a fiasco. After a depressing 2-0 home defeat to Bolton, McLeish and his team were booed off at the final whistle. Now, idea is to bounce back immediately. But, there’re also some individual problems inside the team. Charles N’Zogbia needs some time to settle and currently he’s struggling to live up to the expectations to replace Ashley Young. Darren Bent (rated at 50-50 for the game) has only one goal on his account (out of seven competitive games) and looks very nervous. Good news, however, comes from the medical service. Defender Carlos Cuellar is expected to return to full training after missing the start of the season through injury.

Open affair

Queens Park still haven’t scored at home, but they’ll be confident after excellent win at Wolverhampton. They have six new signings (from the last day of transfer market) and squad looks much more serious than at the start of the season. Villa were embarrassed in Cup and will want to bounce back. Great attacking potential on both sides. I will oppose the bookmakers, predict open affair and would suggest goals as a main bet.

Recommended bet:

Over 2.5 @ 2.35 (888bet)

Other bet:

Shaun Wright-Phillips anytime goalscorer @ 5.00 (Unibet)

Manchester United – Chelsea, Sunday 17h (CET)

Four games – 18 goals!

I guess there’s not a single person on the planet that likes football and is not impressed (even if they don’t want to admit it) with the way Man Utd and Wayne Rooney have started the season. Four games, four wins and terrifying 18 goals on their balance! Of those 18, Rooney has scored eight, averaging two goals per a game! Last season, they defeated Chelsea four times of five games (both home and away) and in this one they’re actually stronger! Alex Ferguson freshened up his team for the midweek Champions League match in Portugal (Benfica 1-1) and he will have no problems with the fatigue of his players. Despite only one point, in the group with Benfica, Basel and Otelul, Man Utd should easily win top spot and this game shouldn’t be looked as a not “that good” performance. Skipper Vidic is out, as well as Fergie’s young players, Welbeck and Cleverley. Rio Ferdinand could return.

Don’t write us off!

After an opening-day draw at Britannia (Stoke 0-0), Chelsea have noticed three straight wins. And despite being accused for not playing impressive, the Blues have been collecting points. But with no disrespect to West Brom, Norwich and Sunderland, these games couldn’t be indicators about Chelsea’s capabilities this season. The real test for Andre Villas-Boas and his lads will be trip to the place where no one wants to go – Old Trafford. He’ll have to prove his managerial abilities by answering on one question. How to stop them and not to be lambs for the slaughter? Wenger had a problematic idea to attack United with the pace and Arsenal did score twice and had penalty missed… I think AVB will try to cut Utd’s passing game with the warriors in the midfield (expect Meireles and Lampard, maybe even Mikel), to rely on Mata’s speed and talent and to hope Torres’ two assists against Leverkusen were signals he’ll start scoring soon.

A blockbuster encounter

I would ignore the statistic that says Chelsea have earned 22 points from 19 Premier League visits to Old Trafford – six points better than any other club. The Red Devils are reasonable favourites, full stop. My only problem is to accept 1.85 for a home win. In the four opening games, Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet and haven’t conceded just once in their 14 previous meetings with Utd. Meanwhile, only three of Man Utd’s last 11 home games have produced less than three goals.

Recommended bet:

Over 2.5 @ 2.00 (Bet365)

Other bet:

Half Time/Full Time Draw/Man Utd @ 5.00 (Unibet)

Tottenham – Liverpool, Sunday 14:30h (CET)

Real test for Spurs

Spurs started the season at Old Trafford, place where they haven’t won for more than 20 years and defeat wasn’t so unexpected. But then, at first home game, they got a smack in the mouth conceding five goals against another title contender, Man City. If Spurs had not beaten Wolves in the last round (2-0 away), then Redknapp might be under a bit of pressure. His job still isn’t jeopardized, but another failure against a top side would indicate they are not ready for more than Europa League spot. Game at Greece (Paok 0-0) was a chance for “young guns” and few fringe players, the first teamers will be fresh and ready for the Reds. However, “Arry” has some problems with injured players. Van der Vaart, Lennon and Gallas are making good progress in their recovery and could play some part in the game. Pienaar, Huddlestone and King will face fitness tests but Dawson and Sandro are out.  Tottenham have won last four competitive matches against Liverpool at White Hart Lane and all four games produced three or more goals.

The fear of new failure

This is the season of big expectations for Liverpool and their fans. They splashed some cash on the transfer market, brought some quality and battle for the trophies is their ambition. Opening draw at home against Sunderland was quickly forgotten when “King Kenny” and his army conquered the Emirates (Arsenal 2-0). But another failure, against Stoke at Britannia put them down. Now they’re travelling to North London with an intention to re-build their title ambitions, but also with a fear the new failure would remind them on the past few bleak seasons and probably judge them on Champions League spot as an objective target. Kenny Dalglish is happy the dressing room atmosphere is still good, despite some players are already under the media fire (in particular, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson). Glen Johnson is injured and won’t play, Stevie G is near to return but won’t be risked at White Hart Lane (some pundits say he has no place in this Liverpool squad, anyway), while defender Martin Kelly will have a late fitness test.

Are they ready to risk?

The most of the bookmakers give the equal chances to both sides. Despite being a start of the season, this game has been already marked as a “clash for 4^th place”. Assumption is the first three places will take Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea (not necessarily in that order). However, both sides have had not so good start of the season and my opinion is they will rather accept a point than risk to be defeated. Therefore, I predict a conservative approach and a draw.

Recommended bet:

Draw @ 3.40 (Bet365)

Other bet:

Correct score 1-1 @ 7.00 (BetOnline)

Manchester United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday and we’ve got a fantastic free bet offer to add to the excitement of the biggest game of the Premier League season so far.

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Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have made an exhilarating start to their Premier League title defence, scoring 18 goals in only four games, while the introduction of Juan Mata and an in-form Daniel Sturridge make Chelsea formidable foes.

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Blackburn – Arsenal, Saturday 13:45h (CET)

Against Arsenal and own fans

That’s pretty usual thing, when club’s owner(s) doesn’t know too much about the game. Venky’s family completed the takeover of Blackburn in last November. I guess their idea was to fight for the title, very soon they sacked Sam Allardyce and started announcing big-name targets, like Ronaldinho… Eventually they were saved from relegation, but start of the recent season shows a cruel reality. They opened the campaign with three straight defeats (Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton) and a draw in last round at Craven Cottage (Fulham 1-1). And while they can complain about a bad luck against Everton (missed two penalties and lost by a penalty goal in the stoppage time), other games clearly showed that Rovers seriously lack in quality. Management made some bad deals on the transfer market and tough battle for avoiding relegation is something that fans should be ready for. And fans seem not to have too much patience (although club’s board called for unity), they’ve already announced a protest walk before the game, demanding manager Steve Kean be sacked. Only good news is midfielder, Vince Grella, is expected to be in contention for a first-team after seven months on the sidelines.

Every point is crucial

Arsenal are noticing very disturbing start for their fans. After an opening draw against Newcastle, the Gunners suffered two painful defeats against Liverpool and Man Utd. Three points came against newcomers Swansea at Emirates, but they didn’t look confident and visitors even had a chance to equalize in the stoppage time. Departure of his keys, Fabregas and Nasri, Wenger tried to overcome in the last hours of the transfer market signing Arteta, Mertesacker and Benayoun. We will see what they’re capable for and where are Arsenal comparing with previous season, but the fact is they’re already eight points behind Manchester’s duo on the top and every new failure could mean the end of the dream about title. Now they’re going on the road and on their last trip they conceded eight goals (Old Trafford, 2-8)! Good thing is Arsenal have great history results playing against Blackburn, they’ve lost just once out of last nine competitive games (both home and away). They played a decent game in Germany (Champions League draw at Dortmund), but Wenger will have to rotate players. Thomas Vermaelen is ruled out until November and deadline day signing, Per Mertesacker, will play his third consecutive game for the club.

Arsenal should use the unrest at Ewood Park

It’s a very difficult situation for Blackburn. They’re playing Arsenal, but they’ll also feel the pressure from the crowd. If Rovers don’t do something in the first 25-30 minutes, fans could easily turn against them. On the other hand, there’s no room for calculations. Arsenal have already lost decent number of points and if they want to challenge for the title, this is the kind of a game they simply have to win. Van Persie and Walcott have scored three goals each in the club’s total of seven.

Recommended bet with the best betting odds:

Arsenal to win @ 1.91 (Bet365)

Other bet:

Robin Van Persie 1^st goalscorer @ 5.75 (Victor Chandler)

“Our season starts now!”

Queens Park returned to the top flight after 15 years, but suffered worst possible start losing heavily at home against Bolton (0-4 at home). In next game shocked Everton on the road (1-0) and after that, in one weird game where they were actually better side lost after two superb long-shots by Franco Di Santo (Wigan 0-2). Meanwhile, club got a new ambitious chairman (actual is his intention to bring Beckham in the club when his contract with LA Galaxy expires) who started with spending and manager Neil Warnock stated that the game against Newcastle is new beginning of the season. In the last days of transfer market, six new faces arrived at Loftus Road. The most interesting will be to see “bad boy”, Joey Barton, debuting against his former club. Beside him, new Rangers became Anton Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jason Puncheon, Luke Young and Armand Traore. In my opinion, enough quality to avoid relegation. Defender, Clint Hill, returns after suspension and DJ Campbell has recovered from a virus.

Pardew remains optimistic

Oppositely from the hosts, the Toon made a very good (and pretty unexpected) start of the season, best since 1995. At the opening day, they surprised the Gunners and grabbed a point (0-0 at home). Then defeated their arch rivals in a Tyne-Wear derby (Sunderland, away 1-0) and Fulham at home with a routine performance. However, manager Alan Pardew had an idea to reinvest 35 mill pounds that they received from the transfer of Andy Carroll to Liverpool. Unfortunately for him, club’s owner Mike Ashley doesn’t share his vision and Pardew eventually had to be satisfied with only two new players. Gabriel Obertan was rejected at Old Trafford, while from Inter Milan has arrived David Santon, young Italian star. However, my impression is they seriously lack in quality. They lost Carroll in attack (last winter), Barton in midfield and Jose Enrique in defence. Ashley has announced some buying in January, but it sounds more like promising a candy to a baby. Newcastle are unbeaten in the last four games against QPR, winning three of those.

Low scoring affair?

Hosts have scored only one goal in four games this season, visitors in four conceded only twice. Naturally books have offered some ridiculous price for under 2.5. Other thing is this game is with TV coverage, those game statistically produce more goals. My intention is to back Queens Park since I feel they have potential for more than they recently have been showing, while Newcastle will start losing positions very soon. Man to watch, Adel Taraabt.

Recommended bet:

QPR to win @ 2.50 (Paddy Power)

Other bet:

Adel Taarabt anytime goalscorer @ 4.10 (Unibet)