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Back to domestic action
After the wildly unpredictable games in Europe in midweek, we return to the warm arms of domestic football once more.
We’re now into the quarter-finals of the world’s oldest cup competition with Crystal Palace and Brighton facing the prospect of an FA Cup semi-final rivalry if they can navigate past Watford and Millwall respectively.
Anyway, no time to faff about, let’s get started with matchday 14 of the Weekly JOE Group Bet, using Sky Bet’s Group Bet feature.
Fan Boy – Wayne: Over 2.5 goals in Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United
A Manchester United match cannot come or go this season without me assuming, rightly or wrongly, that we will win. I say “this season” but I really mean since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over.
While United are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the FA Cup represents our best chance at winning a trophy this season. Solskjaer has already discussed how much he would love to win the FA Cup and with an international break on the horizon he’s likely to play a full-strength side against Nuno Espirito Santo’s team.
Wolves have been at their best against the Premier League’s better teams this season, and performed brilliantly against Jose Mourinho’s United side at Old Trafford earlier in the season. Both of these teams play attacking football so I think there’s going to be lots of goals in this game. Do I still believe United will win? Yes, just about.
Dark Horse – Si: BTTS in Everton vs Chelsea
After their very brief renaissance following the League Cup final, Chelsea returned to their frustrating ways against Wolves at home last weekend. They avoided defeat thanks to a late Eden Hazard goal, but they were very disappointing. Fans could be heard jeering Maurizio Sarri, while Jorginho also came in for some stick when he was substituted in the second half.
Against Everton, Chelsea face another side who have been in disarray of late. The Toffees’ first season under Marco Silva has represented something of a microcosm of Silva’s career in English football to date. They promised a lot early on, but have disappointed enormously, with the odd moment of promise dotted throughout.
Neither of these sides are in a good place, but they each have attacks which can score and defences which can go missing. That’s why I’m backing BTTS in a close-run game.
Captain Obvious – Matt: Liverpool to beat Fulham
Yes, Liverpool are away from home this weekend, but crucially they are away from home to the league’s most porous defence. Fulham have conceded a painful 68 goals in 30 league games this season, coming in at roughly 2.66 goals per game. I firmly expect Liverpool, who have scored as many league goals as Fulham have conceded, to better that average at Craven Cottage.
With Manchester City playing in the FA Cup this weekend, this game represents an opportunity for Jurgen Klopp’s side to retake the lead in the Premier League – and, with talk of the pressure getting to the Reds, I firmly expect them to silence their critics with a comprehensive victory.
The Stat Man – Reuben: Brighton & Hove Albion to beat Millwall
As much as I hate to admit it, as a Crystal Palace fan, I cannot see Brighton & Hove Albion slipping up away to Millwall this weekend. They will be buoyed after their victory over *wipes away real tears* Palace last weekend, and will be keen to take advantage of a competition which could offer them some joy in a season that has struggled to get off the ground when it comes to league football.
Chris Hughton’s team sits just five points outside of the relegation zone, an indication of how crucial that win over Palace was, but remain likely to avoid the drop thanks to the fact that there are at least three worse Premier League teams than them. A run into the FA Cup semi-finals – and a potential rematch with Palace – would make this season much more memorable than a 13th-17th placed league finish could ever do.
