It’s been a long time since I did a football preview, so ‘d like plenty of feedback on this one. Sadly I missed all of the racing on Saturday, but I wouldn’t have done too well to be honest.
Well done to AP McCoy on landing yet another National on Synchronised, who is fair value at 14/1 for Aintree given that he’s shown he will stay all day and has brushed up his jumping. On that note, I’d be very keen on last year’s winner Don’t Push It – A compressed handicap means that he can only carry 4lbs more than when winning last season, and follow up attempters Hedgehunter and Comply Or Die have both run very well under big weights recently – And prices of around 16’s and 20’s are more than fair, with McCoy having already confirmed he will ride. One thing that did annoy me was Sam Winner being run in an absolute bog at Chepstow – His defeat has made a mess of the juvenile division, but I’d be certain he’s better than that and I’d give him another chance.
The third round of the FA Cup has already provided wonderful entertainment and countless drama, with Arsenal only just overcoming a shock against Leeds, and Notts County upspring high flying Sunderland at the Stadium Of Light, no mean feat given that some big teams haven’t won there this season.
The sacking of Kenny Daglish seems to have given Liverpool fans renewed optimism, and it’d be no surprise to see them put in an improved performance against arch-rivals MANCHESTER UNITED, but this wouldn’t be the first false dawn on Merseyside, with the new owners NESV seen as many as the key cog to get the red’s season moving again.
United are nearly unbeaten in all competitions as we enter 2011 (barring a 4-0 loss to West Ham in the Carling Cup) and I see no reason to see that run coming to an end. Putting aside the stunning 4-1 defeat from the 2008/9 season, United have won six of their last seven home encounters against their rivals and anyone who’s watched the their last three games - especially the 3-1 capitulation at Blackburn – will struggle to see the home side losing.
Stats over, the addition of a new manager doesn’t change the facts for Liverpool. They’ve lost three of their last 6 games – Including a loss at home to Wolves. They’ve lost the last two on the road, and not won in six. They’ve drawn two and lost four away from home, since beating Bolton 1-0 at the Reebok on 31 October.
After all I’ve said – What should be the danger? United won’t be at full strength. As much as they love beating Liverpool, the FA Cup will be behind the Champions League and Premier League in priorities and you can be sure that Liverpool will turn up with their best squad, which will include Gerrard, Reina, Torres, Meireles and Cole. As mercurial as they are – They are world class on their day and can turn the game round against any side.
Also, despite being the tournament's most successful side, United have a shaky record at home in the FA Cup during the last decade. They were stunned by Leeds United last season and by Portsmouth in 2008, while Arsenal and West Ham knocked them out in 2003 and 2001 respectively. Prior to those exits, Reading and Exeter were able to force replays before finally succumbing to the 11-time winners.
However, this Liverpool side are the worst seen for some while in terms of confidence and performance and I expect Manchester United to prove too strong for them.
Recommendation
3 pts on Manchester United to beat Liverpool (4/6 Betfred, VCBet, Blue Sq, Stan James, 888Sport)
anus
ReplyDelete