After two weeks of non-stop Premier League action, the FA Cup is here and La Liga is back. Here are my thoughts.
Manchester United v Reading – Saturday 5 January – FA Cup – BET HERE
United were runners up in the cup last season and, since this is their best shot at silverware this year, I expect them to put out a strong side. They’ve won four in a row under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and finally kept a clean sheet when they beat Newcastle on Wednesday. Reading are second bottom in the Championship with only one goal in their last five away games. I see a big Home Win.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score No (Odds: 1.45)
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Manchester United 3 v 0 Reading
Blackpool v Arsenal – Saturday 5 January – FA Cup – BET HERE
These sides met in the League Cup in October with Arsenal winning 2-1, and I can see a similar outcome here. Blackpool haven’t won any of their last three home games in League One, but Arsenal have gone four games on the road without a win. The Gunners went out in the third round last year for the first time since 1996 and I think they’ll want to put that right here.
Match Tip: Over 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.50)
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Blackpool 1 v 2 Arsenal
Sevilla v Atletico Madrid – Sunday 6 January – La Liga – BET HERE
These two teams are directly behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings so there’s plenty at stake here. Sevilla are third and can overtake Atletico, and they’re in the form to do it with six straight wins at home in the league. However, Los Rojiblancos are unbeaten in their last 14 league games and have scored in eight of their ten away games this season. Sevilla beat the visitors twice in the cup last season but they’ve lost all of the last three meetings in the league. I see a Draw.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score (Odds: 1.85)
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Sevilla 1 v 1 Atletico Madrid
Getafe v Barcelona – Sunday 6 January – La Liga – BET HERE
It looks as though Barcelona have finally sorted out their leaky defence. They’ve won their last four matches in La Liga without conceding and, considering they’ve won eight of their last ten matches away to Getafe, I don’t think they’ll have too many problems here. The hosts are seventh but have only scored in four of their eight home league games this season. I’m backing a win for Barca.
Match Tip: Barcelona Win with -1 Handicap (Odds: 2.05)
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Getafe 0 v 2 Barcelona
Wolves v Liverpool – Monday 7 January – FA Cup – BET HERE
The league game between these sides two weeks ago was great to watch, with both sides having plenty of chances. Liverpool won 2-0 that night and they look really strong right now, but they’ve only won three of their nine FA Cup matches under Jurgen Klopp. Wolves knocked the Reds out two years ago but haven’t won any of their last six home games in the cup. I’m going for a narrow Away Win.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score (Odds: 1.75)
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Wolves 1 v 2 Liverpool