There is a full Premier and Football league schedule taking place over the weekend.
Here's why I’m predicting joy for Roberto Martínez and tipping up a 5.0 shot in the Championship.
Big-match tips
The stand out tie takes place at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Liverpool. This clash would have been penciled in as a potential title decider at the start of the season, but Liverpool’s poor early-season form has left them struggling even to finish in a Champions league spot. United however have been at their best all season – anchored by Wayne Rooney’s brilliance in front of goal. The home side are trading around the 1.7 mark which seems about right considering Liverpool’s resurgence of late. Rafa Benitez’s men have only conceded five goals in the past twelve games and will be a tough nut crack for United this weekend. Expect the home side to struggle for the first sixty minutes then achieve the breakthrough in the second half. So the draw halftime, United full time looks worth a punt at 4.5.
Away day value
Huddersfield did everything but win the game last weekend against table-topping Norwich, and they travel to Leyton Orient knowing that they need to win the game in order to sustain their promotion hopes. Orient have only won one of their last eight games and were beaten 4-0 in the reverse fixture in October. The Terriers are a 2.5 shot and should see off the east-Londoners with a bit to spare.
Banker of the weekend
Since the departure of Owen Coyle, Burnley have not looked the same side. Brian Laws seemed like the wrong option at the time and results have not suggested otherwise. What has remained since Coyle’s departure has been their awful away record, one point from a possible 45. Wigan were hugely unlucky against Aston Villa last weekend and have a recent home victory in the bank over Liverpool – this one should be a walkover for The Latics. Wigan are trading at 1.8 and are the banker of the season, let alone the weekend.
Upset the formbook
Bristol City parted company with Gary Johnson in the week following a hugely successful spell in charge, which saw the Robins progress from League One strugglers to within reach of the Premier League. Keith Millen will take charge of the side for the daunting visit of Newcastle on Sunday. But it wouldn’t be a huge shock if the caretaker magic rubs off on the players like it has on many clubs this season, most notably with Brian McDermott at Reading. City have only lost three games at Ashton Gate this season, which has included wins against high flying West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough. Newcastle are within touching distance of securing promotion but still are not the force that their successful results suggest. Back Bristol City at 5.0 to give Millen a dream start to his caretaker reign.
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