Yesterday was probably a poor day for a majority of football punters, several goalless draws made for disappointing viewing. Never mind onto today's fixtures and hopefully some real quality football.
The early kickoff pits old rivals Manchester United against Liverpool, this should be an open game even thoe early kick offs historically struggle for goals. Manchester United have averaged 2.6 goals per game in their last five matches but have conceded in six of the last ten at home. Liverpool's last five matches have averaged over three goals and away from home they have scored in eight of their last ten away matches. Five out of the last six times these teams have played at Old Trafford have seen three goals or more. Seven of the last eight league matches Manchester United have played has seen over two first half goals also. All indicators for this match points towards goals and several, my only concern will be Liverpool will attempt to dominate the ball and kill the hosts momentum. Liverpool's problem could well come from United switching play quickly and Liverpool's narrow midfield being caught out by Uniteds wide players. Liverpool must get quality ball to Suarez especially in wide areas and test Vidic's mobility. Pace and movement will be vital if Liverpool are to get a result today and it will be interesting to see if Sturridge starts or instead Liverpool choose a more defensive setup. Overall my selection unsurprisingly is for goals in this match.
The late kick off is another vital match at the top end of the premier league, the champions travel to the Emirates. Last year in this match City set out looking to keep the game tight and maybe pinch a goal. This surprised me at the time because City needed points and they are in the same situation today. They could be ten points behind at kick off and that would appear to be a mountain to climb especially as United face the majority of their rivals at home in the second half of the season. Arsenal have lost twice in their last ten at home but also have only won five of these ten. Manchester City have lost just once out of ten on their travels. In the last five meetings between these two when Arsenal play at home have all seen under three goals and I wouldn't be surprised again if City try to pinch a result here today. The emphasis will be on Arsenal to set a high tempo because City will be happy the longer it stays goalless. This is a game that if we see a early goal it could well see over four goals but if we get to half time close to goalless it will probably be a one nil. Interestingly both teams average time of first goal is after 34 minutes so this could well lead to some value backing over 1.5 goals in play for a reasonable price. The early tempo and the visitors intent will make me decide on the goals outcome. But I believe City will get some type of result today. They would happily take a point and it will be down to Arsenal to break City down.
Anyway thanks for reading people and good luck today in your matches !!!
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