Connect with us

Sport

Martin Laurence’s Pick 4 Preview including the Merseyside Derby

Juventus vs Inter – 2-1, 1-0, 1-1

There’s yet another huge game in Serie A this weekend in what is shaping up to be the most competitive title race in Europe as Juventus host table topping Inter. The Old Lady’s domestic dominance has come under pressure this season, not least from their visitors tomorrow night. However, Max Allegri’s men looked back to their best to beat Napoli last weekend.

The 1-0 victory knocked Sarri’s men off of top spot and I can see a repeat of that in Turin. Another narrow Juve win would enable them to leapfrog Spalletti’s men to the summit, if only for the night. There’s plenty of attacking talent on display, of course, but Inter’s defence has been much improved since the arrival of Milan Skriniar, in particular and I don’t see this being a free scoring game.

 

Valencia vs Celta Vigo – 2-1, 3-1, AOH

High-flying Valencia suffered a shock first defeat of the season to ten-man Getafe last weekend and will be keen to bounce back against a side that are less likely to play a defensive game. Celta are one of La Liga’s more entertaining sides, scoring 26 goals thus far – more than both Madrid rivals – and conceding 21 at the other end. Their seven away games have seen 27 goals scored thus far (3.9 per game) and I think this will follow suit.

The hosts, after all, are the league’s second top scorers to Barcelona, notching 33 times, and this fixture has been packed with goals in recent times. Indeed, in the last six meetings between the sides there have been 24 goals scored (4 per game) and both have found the net in all but one of said encounters. With home advantage, Marcelino’s men should return to winning ways, but not without a fight.

 

Southampton vs Arsenal – 0-2, 1-3

The Gunners travel to St. Mary’s on Sunday looking to climb back into the top four following last weekend’s memorable match up with Manchester United and will be confident of doing so based on their meetings with Saints this year already. Playing away in the league and cup, Arsenal romped to a 5-0 win in the latter back in January before a comfortable 2-0 victory at the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger’s attack is looking scalpel sharp right now, even if they were blunted by an incredible David de Gea display last week, and while their hosts boast a solid defence it’s hard to see them keeping the visitors at bay. Besides a 4-1 win over Everton, Pellegrino’s men tend to either fire a blank or score just the one goal and I’d be shocked if they managed more than that on Sunday.

 

Liverpool vs Everton – 3-1, 3-0, 2-0

Neither of the two managers in opposing dugouts at Anfield come Sunday have ever lost a Merseyside derby, but then again this will be Sam Allardyce’s first as Everton boss! Klopp has had the Toffees’ number since his arrival in Liverpool and will be confident of extending a three-match winning run in this fixture this weekend given the form in which his forwards approach the game.

Sadio Mane has scored in each of his two appearances against Everton since signing for the Reds, while Philippe Coutinho – fresh off a Champions League hat-trick in midweek – has scored in the last two meetings between the rivals at Anfield. That’s not to mention top scorer Mohamed Salah’s first taste of the derby, and while the visitors have kept back-to-back clean sheets the prospect of Liverpool’s front four coming up against what has been a shaky defence for much of the campaign will be a frightening one for the travelling fans.

Ready to get on board Martin’s tips? Check out the Syndicate here!

Recent Posts