Sport
£1,600,000 PICK 15 PREVIEW – K.O. JAN 13TH
Resident blogger Alex McMahon helps dissect this weekend’s upcoming action with his £1,600,000 Pick 15 preview…
Leeds vs Derby
Leeds have won their last five matches in all competitions and it could prove wise to stick by Garry Monk’s men on Friday night. The Whites have lost just two of their last six against Derby and I fancy the hosts to notch another victory as they look to close the gap in the race for automatic promotion.
Selection: Leeds
Watford vs Middlesbrough
Both teams defeated lower league opposition in their respective FA Cup fixtures last week and I reckon a stalemate could be on the cards at Vicarage Road. Watford have won their last two home ties against Aitor Karanka’s men but the visitors are in solid form and neither side would turn down a point at this stage of the campaign.
Selection: Draw
Sunderland vs Stoke
The Black Cats have won this fixture in each of the past two years and I fancy David Moyes’ side to record another home success over the Potters. Stoke have lost three of their last four games in all competitions and Jermain Defoe could prosper if Mark Hughes’ men are off their game.
Selection: Sunderland
Hull vs Bournemouth
Eddie Howe has done a tremendous job at Bournemouth and the Cherries could be set for a top 10 finish this season. They were thrashed 3-0 by League One side Millwall last weekend but I’m backing them to get back to winning ways against troubled Hull; the Tigers will be up against it in this clash.
Selection: Bournemouth
Sheffield Wednesday vs Huddersfield
Huddersfield have won five of their last six Championship games but I reckon the hosts will get the better of their promotion rivals on Saturday. Wednesday haven’t lost at home since falling short against Ipswich Town at the beginning of November and Carlos Carvalhal’s men may continue that run here.
Selection: Sheffield Wednesday
Ipswich vs Blackburn
Ipswich have won just one of their last five league games and it is difficult to back Mick McCarthy’s men with any confidence right now. Meanwhile, the visitors are on a two-
match winning run and could nick a goal or two on the break if they defend well. A draw looks like a decent shout…
Selection: Draw
Leicester City vs Chelsea
Tottenham recently ended Chelsea’s incredible winning run but the Blues bounced back with a comprehensive FA Cup success against Peterborough United. Meanwhile, Leicester also showed promise while beating Everton in the same competition – but Antonio Conte’s side should be too strong for the defending champions.
Selection: Chelsea
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
The hosts will be quietly confident but it might prove wise to side with Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa in this Midlands derby clash. The visitors have won three of their last five league games before losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup and they will welcome a trip to Molineux this weekend.
Selection: Aston Villa
Deportivo La Coruna vs Villarreal
Villarreal were seconds away from defeating Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and the visitors will take plenty of heart from their brilliant effort against the Spanish giants. Deportivo have lost just one of their last six games but, while this won’t be straightforward, I fancy Villarreal to get the job done.
Selection: Villarreal
Cagliari vs Genoa
Both sides have struggled as of late and an uneventful draw could be on the cards. Cagliari have avoided defeat in each of their last three fixtures against Genoa and the onus might be on the hosts to try and force the issue; however I’m fancying a low-scoring draw on Sunday afternoon.
Selection: Draw
Udinese vs Roma
Roma are still in contention at the top of the Serie A table and I’m siding with the visitors in this particular clash. Udinese have lost each of the last six games against Roma and it is hard to envision the hosts giving them too many problems in what could end up being a relatively one-sided contest.
Selection: Roma
Lazio vs Atalanta
Lazio’s home form has been solid for the most part this campaign and that could be crucial in determining the outcome of this clash. Atalanta won their most recent away fixture at Chievo but have struggled to inspire confidence on the road at times – and that is why I’m backing Lazio for the three points.
Selection: Lazio
Manchester United vs Liverpool
The Red Devils have won nine games in a row; avoiding defeat in 15 successive fixtures – an impressive achievement to say the least. Liverpool pose their sternest test to date but Jose Mourinho’s men are capable of toppling their rivals if they perform at their best. It would be foolish to back against United on current form.
Selection: Manchester United
Fiorentina vs Juventus
Juventus are by far and away the strongest team in Italy and the defending champions will be quietly confident of notching another win as they bid to retain the title. Fiorentina have struggled as of late but I’m backing the hosts to snap their six-match losing streak against Juventus on Sunday.
Selection: Draw
Torino vs AC Milan
AC Milan left it late to beat Cagliari in their most recent encounter and they may find the going much tougher against a solid Torino outfit. Neither side has managed to come out on top in their last two fixtures at Torino and I fancy a third successive draw in this particular clash.
Selection: Draw
