Robbo is back with his second batch of predictions after coming narrowly close to tipping a profitable double last Sunday in the two big derbies. Sunderland had many a chance to secure a tipped up 2-1 (11/1) win over their Toon rivals and were it not for the antics of Alan Wiley, Chelsea may well have hung on for the bore draw we all expected. Still, the beauty of betting on football is you can always get back on the horse!
The mid week exploits in the cup and the two big games on Sunday means Saturday provides some testing but potentially lucrative fixtures:
Man City v Middlesbrough
First up, the mercurial, frustrating and often unfathomable Man City. Last week, Sam tipped them up for what seemed a comfortable win at Stoke and they got beat 1-0. This week however, the key factor when backing them returns, Eastlands. At home, Man City have notched up 27 goals this season in the league (more than anyone else) and often seem to burst out of the blocks (a fact to which Hull can testify). Couple this with Middlesbrough's dismal run of games without a win which has seen them drop to second bottom and surely even Man City cannot fail here.
With Robinho and Bellamy working off the creativity of Ireland in midfield, the Boro back line of Bates, Riggot, Wheater and friends will surely have no answer. Southgate is in trouble this season. I don't see Man City helping him out this weekend.
Man City @ 8/13 Bet365
Wigan v Fulham
The JJB plays host to two of the surprise packages of the season when Fulham come to town. Going into February, few would have predicted 7th v 9th as the positions of Bruce and Hodgson's men at this stage in the season. Much like Man City above though, the location of the game is a huge factor here. Fulham have been immense at home but away from the Cottage, have only scored 3 times and haven't won once.
You could argue that this will change sometime and with the sales of Heskey and Palacious undoubtedly likely to weaken the Wigan side, why not Saturday? Well, a few reasons. The first being Jimmy Bullard who was Fulham's outstanding player of the season before he joined Wigan in the window. Secondly, the JJB is not an easy place to go. Bruce has his team well organised and with Valencia, Zaki and the unknown threat of Rodallega, they have more about them than Fulham. Thirdly, Wigan are Evens to win at home here and I think the bookies have got this one wrong.
Wigan @ Evens Coral
Everton v Bolton
Finally, in my treble for the day, I have gone for one of those rare things in football bets: The draw. What? I hear you ask. Everton in great form and buoyed by their mid-week win over Liverpool against a Bolton side who have won only once in seven. Well, it is precisely for those reasons why I think Bolton will get something Saturday. Everton's extra time efforts will have taken their toll and with Moyes still cursing injuries to many and falling out with Anichebe, his squad will be stretched and drained. For Bolton, their one win came last week against Spurs and arrived in a manner which will no doubt have lifted the spirits in the dressing room.
Everton will give a debut to Jo who has come in from Man City but from what we have seen of him, he isn't going to turn them into Champions League contenders. Megson is likely to go with 5 in midfield and use Taylor and Gardner to support a direct approach up to Kevin Davies. I don't expect a classic here either but I think it is quite plausible that Bolton can grind out a draw.
Draw @ 5/2 BlueSQ
Total treble price - 11/1
Good luck - Robbo
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