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Andy's Sunday tips: Villa's England hopefuls to get goals
This could be a big day in the race for fourth place in the Premier League with both Aston Villa and Spurs in action. Their opponents are both in a relegation fight so Sunday's action could have an important impact at both ends of the table.
Aston Villa v Burnley
If Burnley think they're going to avoid the drop having taken just one point away from home so far, they've got another thing coming. If they were winning most of their home matches they'd still be in with a chance but those early-season wins have dried up and unless they somehow remember how to win home matches and chip in with the odd away point, the reality is they won't be in this division next year.
All-out attack is not really Villa's style - even at home to a relegation-threatened side - but there is a big difference in ability between these two teams and I think this will be a rare occasion in which Villa will win comfortably. It's also worth remembering that the likes of James Milner, Ashley Young, Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor are all in contention for the England World Cup squad but none are certainties. Attacking players know the best way to make headlines is to score goals so they'll all be desperate to get on the scoresheet.
Recommended Bet: Back Aston Villa to score in both halves at [2.3]
Wigan v Spurs
Wigan are one of the most unpredictable teams in the league this year. One day they're beating Chelsea 3-1 the next they're making Premier League history for all the wrong reasons by going down 9-1 at White Hart Lane.
Sunday offers Roberto Martinez's side a chance to gain some sort of revenge against the team that humiliated them a few months back. Like so many other teams in this division, Spurs are a totally different prospect at home to what they are on the road and the confidence they have to attack, run at defenders and shoot on sight at White Hart Lane seems to evaporate once they leave north London.
That said, this is a match where I fancy them to get their act together against a team you know will allow them to create chances over 90 minutes. If Jermain Defoe has his shooting boots on and the likes of Luka Modric and Tom Huddlestone provide him with the ammunition he needs, I have a feeling it will be a happier coach ride home than usual. One final thought: Spurs need to go out and find someone who can score from the penalty spot. Twice they've had to endure FA Cup replays as a result of missing spot-kicks and sooner rather than later this problem needs to be addressed.
Recommended Bet: Back Spurs to win at [2.1]
Andy's Sunday predictions in full:
Aston Villa v Burnley - There's a huge gulf in quality between these two and that should be reflected in the scoreline. 3-0 at [11.5]
Blackburn v Bolton - Sam Allardyce ought to know a thing or two about this Bolton side - he created it! Home advantage should see the points stay at Ewood. 1-0 at [8.0]
Fulham v Birmingham - Fulham's good home form versus Birmingham's resilience and never-say-die attitude should cancel each other out at the Cottage. 1-1 at [7.2]
Man City v Liverpool - City's indifferent must change but if they're to break into the top four they need to be looking forward to these type of matches. I fancy them to nick it. 1-0 at [9.4]
Wigan v Spurs - A rare case of Harry Redknapp's side getting their act together away from home if Jermain Defoe has his shooting boots on. 1-2 at [9.4]
Bristol City v West Brom - West Brom will take all three points and stay in contention to win the division. 0-1 at [8.0]
Man Utd v West Ham (Tuesday) - United should win this but with squad rotation and fatigue are big factors at this stage of the season, I don't expect the floodgates to open. 2-1 at [10.5]
To let Andy know what you think of his predictions or get in touch with a question for our next podcast later this month, either leave a comment in the box below or e-mail andy.gray@betfair.com.
Published: 21 Feb 2010 - Tags: Andy Gray , Gabriel Agbonlahor , James Milner
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