THE two Manchester clubs both stand atop the Premier League as we head into 2011, but neither should be backed to take victory on New Year’s Day.
Manchester United travel to West Brom on the back of a 1-1 draw against Birmingham, a result that means they have only one victory in eight away Premier League games this season. While their 0-0 draw at the City of Manchester Stadium may have been respectable, United have also failed to win at Fulham (2-2), Everton (3-3), Bolton (2-2), Sunderland (0-0) and Aston Villa (2-2). Sir Alex also saw his side beaten 4-0 at West Ham in the Carling Cup, and United’s traditional ability to score late goals and steal victories seems to have been replaced by an inability to kill games off. That inability also surfaced in United’s home game against West Brom, when the Old Trafford crowd watched their side give away a 2-0 lead and leave with just a single point against the Baggies.
West Brom are in no great run of form themselves however, having lost seven of their last ten Premier League games. The Baggies were deservedly beaten 3-1 at home by Blackburn during the week, and they suffered defeats at Bolton and Aston Villa prior to that result. However, West Brom can play some excellent football, and on their day are a danger to any team. It was only just over a month ago that West Brom won 4-1 at Everton, and they soon followed that up with a convincing 3-1 win over Newcastle.
United should have enough to overcome West Brom, but at a best price of 4/7 there are plenty of other better prices out there on New Year’s Day. United are not the trusted travellers that they once were.
As for Manchester City, there will be many a punter who views City as sure-things heading into a home contest against Blackpool. However, a best price of 3/10 reflects the confidence in the air about a home win, and is one that again should be left on the table. Many people seem to forgotten City’s 2-1 home defeat to Everton just a few weeks ago after convincing wins at Newcastle and against Aston Villa at home, but City’s inconsistency is still something to be very aware of. At the start of November, City drew 0-0 at home with Birmingham, and while Blackpool are a very different prospect to the Blues, a standout result like that draw cannot be completely written off.
Blackpool are unbeaten in five straight Premier League games, their last loss coming after Aston Villa snatched a last minute winner to claim a 3-2 success at Villa Park. Indeed, Ian Holloway’s men went to Sunderland in their last match, and while many will suggest the final result was fortunate, they ended the Black Cats magnificent home unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory. Those who thought Blackpool would be basement dwellers this season have been silenced thus far with the side currently in 8th position in the league. Captain Charlie Adam also returns for this match, after missing the game at Sunderland through suspension.
At 3/10, the risk verses reward on Manchester City simply does not make sense. Although Blackpool did receive hidings at Arsenal and Chelsea, their result at Sunderland shows the quality that the visitors have. Ultimately, it cannot be ignored that this game does place a so-called team of individuals against a team with tremendous spirit, and City did need a late Tevez goal to steal a 3-2 win at Bloomfield Road in October. City should win again, but don’t be too surprised by a surprise result on Saturday.
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