Sport
£1,600,000 PICK 15 PREVIEW – K.O. JAN 28TH
Tips to win £1.6m!
Read my Pick 15 preview
Resident writer Alex McMahon casts his eye over this week’s Pick 15 pool in a bid to win the £1.6 Million prize fund…
Motherwell vs Rangers
A simple decision. Rangers are miles behind league leaders Celtic but Mark Warburton’s men are still the second best team in Scotland. Motherwell’s last home victory came back in November and I’m siding with the visitors in this one.
Selection: Rangers
Oxford United vs Newcastle
Rafa Benitez’s side needed a replay to get past Birmingham in the third round but I fancy the Magpies to get through at the first tasking of asking here. Oxford have been decent at home but Newcastle’s class should shine through.
Selection: Newcastle
Reading vs Cardiff City
Reading have been simply sublime at home this campaign and Jaap Stam’s men will fancy their chances against their Championship rivals. Cardiff have come into a bit of form since Neil Warnock’s appointment but it is hard to back against Reading here.
Selection: Reading
Rotherham vs Barnsley
A tough one to predict. Rotherham are rooted to the foot of the table but two wins in their last three home games could give them a boost. Meanwhile, Barnsley lost in their last away encounter and a draw could be on the cards if the visitors don’t snatch a win.
Selection: Draw or Barnsley
Queens Park Rangers vs Burton Albion
Ian Holloway’s appointment has given QPR a much-needed boost but Burton will be tough to beat and a stalemate could ensue. The two sides shared the spoils in their Championship clash in September and I’m backing a similar result this weekend.
Selection: Draw
Preston North End vs Ipswich Town
Preston’s last defeat came back on Boxing Day and it is difficult to back against the hosts on current form. However, Ipswich could nick a point. Mick McCarthy’s men have enough quality to test North End and might salvage a draw if lucky…
Selection: Preston or Draw
Inverness Caledonian Thistle vs Patrick Thistle
The hosts are rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table after winning three games this season. Patrick Thistle are unbeaten since December 20th but the visitors might not have enough offensive talent to pick up all three points.
Selection: Draw
Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton secured a famous win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup this week and Saints will be full of confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash. Arsenal have bigger fish to fry and Arsene Wenger may give his second string a chance to prove their worth.
Selection: Southampton or Draw
Pick 15 picks!
Eibar vs Deportivo La Coruna
Eibar have won just once since November 25th but that run has to come to an end sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, the visitors are unbeaten in four games but still sit just six points above the drop zone. I’m backing a home win here.
Selection: Eibar
Leganes vs Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo’s away form is poor and Leganes could take advantage if they play at their best. The hosts have drawn five of their last six league fixtures and all signs point towards another frustrating draw this weekend.
Selection: Draw
Millwall vs Watford
The Den is one of the most unforgiving and hostile venues in English football and Watford will be under the cosh in this clash. Millwall’s last defeat came on December 17th and the hosts will be confident of a ‘cupset’ here.
Selection: Millwall
Udinese vs AC Milan
Udinese have lost three league games in a row and I fancy Milan to extend that winless run to four this weekend. The visitors aren’t the force that they used to be but two defeats in their last 10 Serie A matches suggests that Milan are hitting their stride.
Selection: AC Milan
Nice vs Guingamp
Nice have won just one of their last five Ligue 1 games but the hosts are still looking strong as the business end of the season approaches. Guingamp’s away record is very poor and I’m backing Nice to continue their unbeaten run here.
Selection: Nice or Draw
Toulouse vs St Etienne
St Etienne haven’t won an away game since November but the French giants could reverse that form on the road at Toulouse. The hosts have lost three games in a row and it is easy to see that poor run continuing on Sunday.
Selection: St Etienne
Las Palmas vs Valencia
Las Palmas have been solid at form this season and they can continue their excellent run against struggling Valencia here. The visitors have won their last two league games but I fancy the hosts to put an end to that mini run in the final game of the pool.
Selection: Las Palmas
