Sunday Plans

I had intended to put up an ACON pick last night but it just didnt happen and i must admit i didnt take my choice which was the double of Cameroon and Egypt. Of course they decide to steamroll the opposition, which was just typical as i didnt back either.
There was a report in the papers linking Sam Allardyce to the Ireland job yesterday so his odds have been cut down to 20 or so. I hope a few of you got on him at the bigger prices as i advised. Theres still a long ways to go in this though and it could be dragged out by the FAI for another few weeks yet.

Anyway onto todays selections, No African cup picks for me as i havent seen some of todays teams in action yet.


Manchester United V Tottenham

Man Utd come into this one with a hugely impressive record at Old Trafford. 11 successive victories and an amazing 29 goals scored to just 3 conceded is a statistic that other clubs can only dream about. Their last home game was the 6 – 0 drubbing of Newcastle though in truth they could easily have gone into double figures as the ripped the Magpies apart.
Today though they face a Tottenham side brimming with confidence after humbling near rivals Arsenal 5 – 1 in the midweek carling cup. Strangely enough Ferguson had his men out in Saudi Arabia during the week to play in a testimonial. The long flight and full 90 minutes of play was hardly the ideal preparation for this tie. Ferguson sees the Cup as third in his list of priorities behind the premiership and champions league so he may give some pitch time to some of his fringe players today.
Ben Foster, Mickael Silvestre, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are all injured, and Louis Saha is very doubtful.

As mentioned before Tottenham bridged a 21 game run and finally beat Arsenal and did it in sensational fashion. Robbie Keane and Berbatov have been playing very well together and goals has not been a problem this year with 44 scored. Their main problem has been in the defence but with Ledley King back they look more assured at the back though it will take a massive effort to keep Rooney, Ronaldo and co out for 90 minutes.
Ramos has a reputation as a cup expert so it will be interesting to see how he gets on today. United have only conceded 3 goals at home but if theres a team that can score there then its Spurs.

Verdict
I’m a little concerned that United may be a little tired after their trip to the Middle East during the week. Tottenham’s confidence is sky high and they will attack the game from the start. I think United may just edge this one though but I still fancy Spurs to get on the score sheet. Both teams to score is priced up at 1.71 at expect and looks good to me.

Sheffield United V Manchester City

Two teams that just cant hit the net. Man City’s success this season has been built on a solid defence in which they have conceded 24 goals (6 coming in one game). Anyone who watched their two games against West Ham Last week could identify their attacking as a big weakness.
I am not going to over analyse this one too much. 15 of their 23 league game have gone under 2.5 goals and 8 of their 11 games away from home have also gone under.

Sheffield United have slipped down the league table and they don’t look like a team that was competing in the Premiership a few short season ago. They are here today courtesy of a 1- 0 win over Bolton in the last round but can be found at prices of 3/1 to claim another premiership scalp today. Goals have also been a problem for them with 31 scored this season, a stat among the lowest in the championship. Sheffield United's 14 home games have produced just 35 goals in total and eight of their last nine matches in all competitions have come in under the 2.5 line,

I won’t go any further with this. I expect Man City to win and 1 – 0 looks like the best shout. Under 2.5 goals all the way for me.


Real Madrid V Villareal

Real Madrid are playing like a side possessed this year. They have built up a commanding 7 point lead at the top of the table and have taken 50 points from a possible 60!
At the Bernabéu they have been simply unstoppable with 9 wins from 9 and have averaged almost 2.5 goals a game.
After their victory over Athletic they were given a welcome 2 days rest and although their Cup dreams are over for another year they should be in good spirits for this game. With Capsules and Van Nistlerooy on top form the odds for the home win look good.
Pepe, Gabriel Heinze and Javier Saviola are out while Wesley Sneijder is doubtful. Christoph Metzelder, Arjen Robben and Roberto Solgado are all back to fitness but unlikley to play any part.
Villareal will be out for revenge after being hammered 5 – 0 by Real on matchday 2. They seem to have left their poor early form behind then and have crept up to third place
They were in action midweek with a hard earned 0 – 0 draw with Barcelona. Good news for them was Matías Fernández, Josico and Jon Dahl Tomasson all returned from injury and played without any problem.
While Madrid look set to win the league again, Villareal’s aim of a top 4 finish and a champions league spot looks a little trickier. There are several clubs fighting it out for 3rd and 4th place but its some of the upcoming games against Mallorca and Murcia that may be key to their success. Their away form has been patchy and despite some notable victories such as the 4 – 3 win over Atletico, they have been largely unpredictable and were easily accounted for losing 3 – 0 to Espanyol last time out.

Verdict
Villareal had a tough game midweek, which will have drained their energy. They love to attack from the start but if they attempt this tonight then theres no more lethal team than Madrid to catch them on the break.
Its just too hard to ignore Real’s home form, and they should have another 3 points tonight.


PICKS
Man Utd V Tottenham- both teams to score = yes ( 1.71 @ expect) 4 points

Sheffield Utd V Manchester City - under 2.5 goals (1.70 @ betsense) 5 points

Real Madrid - 1 asian hdcp ( 1.88 @ mansion) 4 points