July 13, 2014; Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL; Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil (8) reacts from the pitch against the Argentina in the championship match of the 2014 World Cup at Maracana Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
This weekend’s Premier League action is highlighted by two very important and mouthwatering derbies.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal
Both teams come into the North London Derby in blazing form. The Gunners and Spurs are ripping teams to shreds and making it look easy. Alexis Sanchez will not play but it won’t stop Wenger from putting out a dangerous midfield, which may include both Mesut Özil and Theo Walcott. The last 3 premier league meetings between these rivals has gone under 2.5 goals, including a 1-1 draw earlier this season at the Emirates, but prior to that, the previous 8 meetings went over 2.5 goals. This reversal of trend suggests that both clubs have buckled down, as this fixture is too heartbreaking to lose for both sets of fans. Therefore the draw offers too much value to pass up.
Pick: Draw (+250)
Everton vs. Liverpool
Jul 30, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Liverpool FC manager Brendan Rodgers shakes hands with midfielder Steven Gerrard (8) as Gerrard comes out of the game during the second half of a game against Manchester City FC at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
If the Merseyside Derby were to be summarized in a movie title could there be any other choice than “There will be blood”. Since Boxing Day Liverpool have the best record in the Premiership, and remain completely under the radar. Rodgers has tinkered with his team and found a formation (3-4-3) that works, and 11 players that he can plug in and out of various matches within this scheme. Add to that the return of Daniel Sturridge and they look to be a serious contender to make a top 4 run.
Pick: Liverpool (+140)
Manchester City vs. Hull City
Through 23 games this season, Champions City have scored 46 goals. After 23 games last season they scored 68. The Citizens are no where near as prolific begging the obvious question -where have all the goals gone? I don’t have an answer for you but if there is any team to break out of a funk against it’s the Tigers. Man City are chasing down Chelsea not only in points, but in goal differential. They’ll try and put up a cricket score in this one and I doubt Hull will provide much resistance.
Pick: Man City -2 goals (+140)
West Ham vs. Manchester United
RANDOM FOOTY FACT: West Ham midfielder Alex Song has 27 siblings
United are getting decent results but are failing to impress. They play with a total lack of pace, and Rooney, among others, is looking lost in his midfield role. Playing that way will suit Alex Song well who will sit in front of the defense, break up play and spring the counter attack, where West Ham do not lack speed. They’ll be running at the United backline with Downing, Valencia and Sakho and if style’s make fights the Hammers have the edge.
Pick: West Ham or Draw (-140)
LA LIGA SPECIAL: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
If you take away last year’s Champion’s League final which had many mitigating circumstances and a miraculous Sergio Ramos last minute goal, Atletico Madrid under Simeone have owned the Galacticos under Ancelotti. They turn these games into a brawl and make life miserable for Ronaldo and co. Real also played a make up game against Sevilla mid week and James broke his foot and Ramos pulled up with a hamstring injury. “There will be blood” in this one as well just don’t mention that to Diego Godin.
Pick: Atleti draw no bet (+110)
Last Matchday’s record: 3-3 (+1.1 units)
Overall: 28-21 (+12 units)