Sport
£1,600,000 PICK 15 PREVIEW: 18TH MARCH
Alex McMahon takes a look at this weekend’s upcoming football from around the continent with his £1,600,000 Pick 15 preview. Search 769FYCAJ to join his syndicate:
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs DERBY COUNTY
Derby sacked Steve McLaren earlier this week but the Rams can get back to winning ways after losing to Brighton last weekend. Forest have won just one of their last seven league games and it may prove prudent to side with the visitors.
Selection: Away win OR Draw
BLACKBURN ROVERS vs PRESTON NORTH END
Rovers last tasted defeat over a month ago and it would take a brave man to back Preston for the win at Ewood Park. The visitors have won just once away from Deepdale since the turn of the calendar year and Blackburn to win or draw looks a safe shout.
Selection: Home win OR Draw
STOKE CITY vs CHELSEA
Chelsea just keep going from strength to strength and Antonio Conte will be confident of yet another win this weekend. Stoke have a decent record on home soil but the Blues are lethal right now and it is impossible to back against the Premier League leaders on current form.
Selection: Away win
SUNDERLAND vs BURNLEY
The Black Cats have lost their last three without scoring a goal but I’ll be backing the hosts to end that run in this clash. Burnley have struggled to inspire confidence away from home this campaign and Sunderland might get the better of their relegation rivals.
Selection: Home win
CRYSTAL PALACE vs WATFORD
Sam Allardyce’s side have won two on the spin in recent weeks and home advantage could prove crucial in determining the outcome of this one. The visitors won away at Arsenal last month but that was a fluke; back Palace to win OR draw for some insurance.
Selection: Home win OR Draw
WEST HAM UNITED vs LEICESTER CITY
Inconsistency continues to haunt Slaven Bilic’s side this year; they have now failed to win in each of their last four Premier League games. Meanwhile, Leicester have flourished since Claudio Ranieri’s departure and the Foxes may secure another positive result here.
Selection: Away win OR Draw
WIGAN ATHLETIC vs ASTON VILLA
Warren Joyce-less Wigan are in serious trouble and the Latics will struggle to snatch a draw if Aston Villa bring their A-Game. The visitors have won four of their last five league games and Steve Bruce’s men will be confident of extending that run at the DW Stadium.
Selection: Away win
CARDIFF CITY vs IPSWICH TOWN
The Bluebirds have been much better under Neil Warnock but a run of four straight games without a win could play on their minds when Ipswich come to town. With six draws in as many games, the visitors are tough to beat but I fancy Cardiff on home soil.
Selection: Home win
AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs SWANSEA CITY
Swansea’s defeat to Hull last weekend shouldn’t affect the Welsh outfit too much and I’ll be backing the visitors to prosper against Bournemouth. The Cherries earned a 3-2 victory over West Ham last time out but Swansea should be good enough to avoid defeat.
Selection: Away win OR Draw
ALAVES vs REAL SOCIEDAD
A difficult one to call. Alaves have been phenomenal this season and it is hard to go against the Copa del Rey finalists on current form. Real Sociedad were well beaten last time out and I’m going to back the home side to just about get the job done.
Selection: Home win
LEEDS UNITED vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Garry Monk’s men are in a real battle for one of the lucrative playoff spots and victory over second-placed Brighton will help their chances. The Seagulls are six points clear of third spot but Huddersfield could close the gap if Leeds win at Elland Road.
Selection: Home win OR Draw
AC MILAN vs GENOA
Milan had won five of the last six before falling short against Juventus last time out and the hosts will be well backed ahead of this clash. At the other end of the spectrum, Genoa have won just once in 10 league games – you’ve got to opt for Milan in this contest.
Selection: Home win
LEGANES vs MALAGA
Leganes have won their last two home games and it would take a brave man to back against them when Malaga come to town. The visitors have struggled since the festive period and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Leganes pick up the three points.
Selection: Home win
SAMPDORIA vs JUVENTUS
The hosts are unbeaten in seven league games but Juventus will give them a stern test if the defending champions bring their A-Game. Massimiliano Allegri’s men have been sublime in all competitions this year and another win could be on the cards on Sunday.
Selection: Away win
SPORTING GIJON vs GRANADA
Roll the dice and take a pick. Had Granada been at home, I’d have been all over them but it is hard to back the visitors with their poor away form. Sporting Gijon aren’t exactly in decent nick but I’m tipping them to just about edge it at home.
Selection: Home win
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