The FA Cup third round took over last weekend, meaning we have a double header of Premier League action this week. After the midweek games on Tuesday and Wednesday, the teams are quickly back in action starting from Saturday afternoon, with more massive clashes taking place throughout the division. Football fans have had plenty to enjoy this week.
Sunday could end up being a highlight, despite all the great games that will have come before. The Super Sunday double header sees Liverpool taking on Manchester United, then Arsenal travelling to Stoke. Those two matches could change the look at the top of the table, affecting the race for Europe, the fight for the top four and the title battle. Here we’re previewing those games and the rest of the weekend’s live action, and we’re giving our tips on who we think you should be backing.
Saturday January 2016
Tottenham v Sunderland (12:45) – Tottenham to win to nil (21/20 with Coral)
The opening game of the weekend sees Tottenham preparing for their third game at White Hart Lane in six days, with Sunderland coming to town. The Black Cats have been struggling all season, but with Sam Allardyce in charge they’re expected to kick start a fight against the drop pretty soon. Can the Mackems do that here, shocking Spurs at the Lane to get an unlikely push for survival started? It’s a tall order, the Lillywhites have lost just once at home this term, and they’re being talked of as title contenders.
It’s not something you’d normally expect from Spurs, but they’ve put together a fantastic defence. Their centre back pairing is probably the best in the league at the moment, while their midfield pressing is helping them to be a lot more solid throughout the team. They aren’t conceding as many goals now, and that’s what their great form has been built upon. Eric Dier has been a great aide to the defence in his new role in defensive midfield, and that’s why we think Tottenham will do well here. With Sunderland’s dodgy away from, and Spurs’ improved defence, we’re backing Mauricio Pochettino’s team to win and keep a clean sheet against the Black Cats.
Aston Villa v Leicester (17:30) – Leicester to win (11/10 with Betfair)
The late game would have been a relegation six pointer last term, but now it’s a clash between sides at opposite ends of the table. Leicester are still flying high, and their poor run of form looks to have ended after they drew 2-2 at White Hart Lane on Sunday. They got back to scoring ways without Jamie Vardy or Riyad Mahrez, both of whom should be back for the trip to Villa Park. The Foxes proved they’re more than a two man team, and confidence should be sky high after that.
As for Villa, they toiled against a League Two team on Saturday, and Remi Garde’s spell at the club hasn’t gone well. He’s still yet to win a game with the club, and he seems to have nothing to spend in January. Barring an incredible transformation, they’ll be playing in the Championship next term, because they don’t look capable of winning games. It’s hard to make a case for them picking anything up against Leicester, so we’re backing Claudio Ranieri’s team to take all three points on Saturday evening.
Sunday January 2016
Liverpool v Manchester United (13:30) – Draw (12/5 with Betfair)
The big game of the weekend is the renewal of this massive rivalry, the first since Jurgen Klopp took charge. There’s always a lot expected from this game, but it’s hard to see any fireworks here, with the situation these two find themselves in. United might be winning again but it’s marginal, and the fans aren’t happy. They’re doing well at the back, but they have no spark up front. Louis van Gaal has got his team playing functional football, but it’s horrible to watch. Their display against Sheffield United told you all you need to know about their troubles, with their philosophy acting as a cure for insomnia.
Liverpool are the opposite, with their manager infecting the club with bright enthusiasm. That has taken a hit with the players slightly over doing things, and winding up with half their squad on the treatment table. A fixture pile up is to blame, with games coming thick and fast for the Reds. They come into this one on the back of a huge game against Arsenal, and with their limited squad, it’s hard to see them recovering in time to win this one. United are in no shape to dominate either, so we’re backing a draw between these two great rivals.
Stoke v Arsenal (16:00) – Stoke to win (16/5 with Coral)
Arsenal’s title challenge has faced a few tough tests so far, and they’ve not exactly passed all of them. Missing the chance to go top by losing 4-0 at Southampton springs to mind when you think of the Gunners just not turning up. Could that be the case again on Sunday, as they face that challenge they can never seem to pass? Can they prove their title credentials by finally coming out on top in their trip to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke?
The Potters always seem to get the better of things in this fixture. Their recent home displays have been mixed, but against the top sides they always seem to pull off a win. They beat both Manchester City and United here, and they saw off Chelsea. The Gunners could be another important name to add to that list, as Stoke seem to know just how to beat them. While Arsenal have been impressive this term, pushing ahead on multiple fronts, we think they’ll fall short here. Coming to Stoke days after a tough game at Liverpool doesn’t bode well for them, so we’re backing a home win in this one.