Here’s a look at the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixtures and the best bets to place this weekend.

Manchester United v Liverpool

All eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend when arch rivals Man United and Liverpool face off in what promises to be a fiery encounter (12.45pm O, Live on Sky Sports 2), and the home side are fancied at 1.91 with Paddy Power to come out on top

The game sees Patrice Evra come face to face with Luis Suarez for the first time since the Liverpool striker was banned for eight games after racially abusing the United defender and the atmosphere will be even more hostile than usual.

The good news as far as United are concerned team wise is that Tom Cleverley looks set to be involved after three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

The stats are also good as far as this fixture is concerned for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side as they have won six of the last seven meetings between the two sides on their own patch.

They have also lost just two of their last 15 games in the PL, and were arguably unlucky not to beat Chelsea after coming back from 3-0 down to share the spoils at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Wayne Rooney was outstanding in that game and is due a goal against the Merseysiders, however the value as far as i am concerned in the first scorer market is definitely Hernandez.

Sir Alex admitted after the Chelsea game that he had made a mistake in not giving him a start, as he looked real threat when coming on with his pace and runs causing all sorts of trouble for the Chelsea defence.

I don’t think he will make the same mistake again, and the young Mexican will sure play from the off – especially as he has also scored in the final 10 minutes of the last two Premier League games between the two sides.

He is a 6.5 shot with Paddy Power to net the opener and 2.7 with the same firm to score anytime. Both look worth a punt.

I fancy United to win this 2-1 or 3-1. The former is an 8.5 chance with bet365, while the latter is a 15 shot with Betfred and Boylesports.

Sunderland v Arsenal

Arsenal look cracking value at 2.15 with Paddy Power to take advantage of a weary Sunderland and bag all three points at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

The Black Cats have collected 22 from a possible 30 points since the arrival of Martin O’Neill but come into this having played 120 minutes in their midweek FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.

O’Neill will be forced to field a similar team due to the fact that he has a number of key injuries, and the Wearsiders will find Arsenal’s attack very hard to contain if they play anything like they did in their 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn at the Emirates last weekend.

When the two sides met at the Emirates Stadium, Robin van Persie scored Arsenal’s fastest-ever Premier League goal (29 seconds) and went on to notch another in a 2-1 win.

The Dutchman has scored 28 goals in 30 games for Arsenal in all competitions, and his goal tally currently stands at 40 goals in his last 41 Premier League appearances.

He is a 4.5 shot with Betfred and Boylesports to break the deadlock, and that makes plenty of appeal as does the 1.91 with bet365 andBetfred for him to score during the 90 minutes.

Make no mistake Sunderland will be no pushover, but Arsenal come into this by far the fresher team and have the class to make it tell.

For those that like to play the correct score market, I think a 2-1 win for the Gunners is worth a small interest at 9 with Betfred.

Bolton v Wigan

The Reebok Stadium plays host to a crunch Lancashire derby as relegation battlers Bolton face Premier League whipping boys Wigan, and it’s the visitors who are fancied to come out on top at 2.75 with bet365 and Betfred.

Both sides are desperate for points in the race for survival, but the situation is particularly bleak for the Latics who currently lie five points off safety in rock bottom with by far the worst goal difference in the top flight.

However, Roberto Martinez’s side have shown signs of promise in their last two games causing Spurs plenty of problems at White Hart Lane when they could easily have nabbed a pint in a game which eventually saw them get beat 3-1.

They then did well to grind out hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to Everton in difficult conditions, where they came within  seven minutes of a much needed win.

Bolton’s season seemed to be picking up when they notched recent wins over Everton and Liverpool, but they looked back to their poorest when  getting beat 2-0 by Norwich last time out.

So given that The Trotters have lost eight home games in the league this season, Owen Coyle’s men looks worth a punt at the odds on offer given that they will go for the jugular from the first whistle in a game which they simply must win at all costs.

Everton v Chelsea

Chelsea will need to be much more clinical if they are to beat Everton at Goodison this weekend, but at 2.6 with Paddy Power they look worth a bet to do just that.

They threw away a 3-0 lead against Man United last weekend, and I can’t help thinking that the tactics employed when they had the game in the bag left alot to be desired.

Any side that is gifted a 3-0 lead in such a game needs to know how to shut up shop and get the job done, and why AVB didn’t get his side to do so is a mystery.

As far as the stats are concerned Chelsea have won only two of the last 10 Premier League meetings with Everton, drawing six of the remaining eight encounters.

However overall, Everton have won just two of the last 22 PL games against the Londoners – albeit that they came in the last two meetings at Goodison Park.

So if Chelsea can keep things tight and attack like they are capable of then a win is surely on the cards given that David Moyes’ side have managed to win just one of their last six games in the league.

Daniel Sturridge has continued to impress in recent weeks and is likely to prove a real handful for the Toffee’s defence.

The youngster is a 7 shot with Paddy Power to net the opener and appeals as the player most likely to break the deadlock from a punting perspective.

He can also be backed at 3 with the same to score anytime during the 90 minutes and that looks a big price given that he is as short as 2.2 in a place.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Following Fabio Capello’s resignation as England manager, Castrol EDGE Performance data shows why Harry Redknapp is firm favourite to take over the reins.  Since the previous European Championships in 2008, Redknapp has secured an impressive win ratio of 49% with Portsmouth and Tottenham, guiding Spurs to their most successful season in the Premier League and securing European football for the past two seasons.

However, although Redknapp’s recent success is superior to English managers such as Roy Hodgson, there are a number of foreign coaches whose statistics warrant consideration. Indeed, Jose Mourinho is reportedly considering a return to England, and since 2008/9 he has an outstanding win ratio of 69%. Moreover, his ability to create well organized, defensive units is demonstrated by the fact that he has lost only 20 out of 174 matches in this time.

Guus Hiddink is also available, and the Dutchman has an experience of international management that neither Redknapp nor Mourinho possess. Chelsea supporters will also recall his remarkable stint as manager in 2009. At Stamford Bridge, Hiddink built an immediate rapport with the players and fans, winning 11 out of 13 matches and guiding The Blues to success in the FA Cup.

COMPETITION BREAKDOWN

Who do you think should take over from Fabio Capello as the next England manager?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Ahead of the Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur match on Monday night, we look at the return of Luis Suárez and how Liverpool have fared in the Premier League in his absence.

Luis Suárez returns to the Liverpool squad for Monday night’s game at home to Tottenham Hotspur following a much publicised eight-game suspension.

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that the Uruguayan is vital to Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League. Most significantly, Liverpool score a goal in the Premier League every 70 minutes when Suárez plays, compared with a goal every 86 minutes when he does not. As a result, Liverpool with Suárez have a win ratio of 44% and an average 1.72 points per game, whereas Liverpool without Suárez have a win ratio of 40% and an average 1.4 points per game.

Liverpool with & without Suarez – 2011/12

Suarez’s attacking threat is confirmed by the fact that he averages 4.5 shots per game, which is second only to Robin van Persie in the Premier League. He has also won the third highest number of free kicks (41), demonstrating that his quick feet are a constant problem for opposition defenders. The Uruguayan can also count himself as the unluckiest player in the league, hitting the woodwork more than any other (5).

Premier League Most Shots – 2011/12

Player	Team	Total shots	Games	Shots per game
van Persie, Robin	Arsenal	104	23	4.52
Suárez, Luis	Liverpool	81	18	4.50
Rooney, Wayne	Manchester Utd	90	20	4.50

Premier League Free Kicks Won – 2011/12

Player	Team	Free-kicks won	Games	Free-kicks won/game
Gutiérrez, Jonás	Newcastle Utd	58	22	2.64
Moses, Victor	Wigan Athletic	55	23	2.39
Suárez, Luis	Liverpool	41	18	2.28

Premier League Woodwork Hit – 2011/12

Suarez in the Premier League – 2011/12

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Daniele (from Red Rants) has a written a moving piece on the Munich disaster – here’s an extract:

Sam couldn’t have been more focused if he had been watching a movie, so I moved on: “Harry Gregg, United’s keeper, had been thrown out the cabin after the impact along with Bobby Charlton.” “He had thought Charlton was dead, and went back to the wreckage to rescue survivors to safety, despite the danger of an explosion.”

Sam stared at me, disbelief apparent on his face: “Are you telling me that he went into a burning airplane to carry out the survivors?”

He had been struck by the legend of the “Hero of Munich”.

Read the rest on Red Rants: The flowers of English football – the flowers of Manchester.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

According to Castrol EDGE Performance analysis, both Manchester United and Chelsea’s wingers have been key to both club’s positive play this season, with Antonio Valencia, Nani, Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge all enjoying impressive campaigns.

So far this season, only David Silva has provided more assists than Valencia, with the Ecuadorian’s teammate Nani in joint-third, along with Chelsea’s Spanish schemer Juan Mata. Indeed, Mata has hit the ground running in England, and has created more goal-scoring chances for teammates than any other player.

Andre Villas-Boas has also tended to use young England star Daniel Sturridge in a wide right role, with the striker providing two assists so far. However, Sturridge has still provided a potent goal threat from out wide, netting nine goals in the league this season, a joint-high for the Blues.

Premier League 2011/12 – Assists, Chances Created & Goals

The importance of the flanks to both sides is also highlighted by the number of goals the two Premier League giants have scored that have come from crosses. Indeed, only new-boys Norwich City have scored more goals after crosses than Manchester United, while Chelsea find themselves fourth in this ranking.

Premier League 2011/12 – Goals From Crosses

TORRES SHOWING SIGNS

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Fernando Torres has an impressive record against Manchester United, scoring four goals in nine appearances. Moreover, with Didier Drogba on international duty, the £50 million Spaniard will be crucial to Chelsea’s attack on Sunday.

However, despite glimmers of promise, Torres is still struggling to find his best form, and indeed he has not scored in the league since the 24^th September 2011. This can be explained by his poor shooting accuracy; in the last seven games, this has been languishing at 23.1%, which is worse than the 46.7% he averaged in the first fifteen games of the season.

Despite this, Torres’ work ethic has improved, perhaps suggesting an increase in confidence of late.  As a result, in the last seven matches he has averaged more touches, shots and tackles per game, creating on average 1.3 chances per 90 mins.

*improvements highlighted in yellow

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With the Manchester clubs tied on points at the top of the table and only Tottenham with an outside chance at the title, this year’s Premier League is almost guaranteed to be Manchester-bound.

But it’s not an easy road – Manchester United still have City, Tottenham and Chelsea (this weekend) away, plus Liverpool home. This weekend may be United’s best chance of beating Chelsea (in the league) since Roman Abramovich first arrived at Stamford Bridge. You have to remember that they won here in the Champions League last season (en route to progressing to the final) and drew in the league. Could this be the first win in so many years?

Chelsea v Manchester United

No doubting the big clash this weekend as Chelsea play host to arch rivals Manchester United in a Super Sunday double header (4pm KO, Live on Sky Sports 1).

It’s true to say Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a pay hunting ground in the league for United in recent years, with their last win in the PL against them coming 10 years ago.

However they have actually won five of the last six matches in all competitions against the Blues, and that makes them look overpriced at 2.9 with Betfred and worthy of a punt.

Having played Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in quick succession, and with Liverpool coming up again, United are now at a crucial stage of their season having hauled themselves level on points with Roberto Mancini’s men at the top of the Premiership.

It’s vital that they keep up the pressure on their neighbours who are now beginning to wobble at one point looked invincible, and Sir Alex is sure to have them primed for this now that the league is their sole focus.

The home side come into this in shaky form having lost three out of their last seven home games, and they will once again be without their key striker as Didier Drogba is still away on duty in the Africa Cup of Nations.

John Terry, who has been making the headlines off the pitch this week, has also been ruled out due to an knee injury.

As far as the United teams news is concerned, Tom Cleverley is available for the first time since October, while Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Nani are also fit.

Sadly Anders Lindegaard faces six weeks out with an ankle injury, so David de Gea is set to return in goal.

Rooney has scored four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against Chelsea and also netted on his last two visits to Stamford Bridge, one in the league and one in the Champions League.

He is a top priced 7 with Boylesports to net the opener, but from a punting perspective I like the look of him  in the anytime scorer market at a generous looking 2.6 with the same firm.

Newcastle United v Aston Villa

The first game on Sunday sees Newcastle take on Aston Villa at St James’ (1.30pm KO, Live on Sky Sports), and I like the look of the draw at 3.4.

This game may have ended 6-0 in favour of the Magpies last season, but they have not looed as sharp in front of goal in recent cup games, and the Villans have been in terrific form on the road.

Alex McLeish’s men have lost just two of their last 12 Premier League away games (W4 D6 L2) and none of the last five (W3 D2).

Among those victories was a win at Stamford Bridge, and they were arguably unlucky to go down 3-2 to Arsenal at the Emirates.

A repeat of either of those performances will, in my opinion, be good enough to give them a share of the spoils.

They also have an in-form striker in the shape of Darren Bent who has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances.

I can’t see there being many goals in this one, and for those that like to play the correct score market 1-1 appeals at 7 with Betfred.

Arsenal v Blackburn

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal need to get back to winning ways in the league and they are a top priced 1.3 with Betfred to just that in their game against Blackburn at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Gunners have not won any of their last four games in the Premiership and currently sit in seventh place as a result.

That is the lowest they have been in the table at this stage of the season since Wenger took over in 1996, and three points are vital if they are to close the game on fourth placed Chelsea to try and automatically qualify for the Champions League.

They are currently five points behind the Blues, and given that their next four league games after this are against a rejuvenated Sunderland on Wearside, Tottenham at home, Liverpool at Anfield and Newcastle back at the Emirates, they simply can’t afford not to win this.

So far as the stats are concerned everything looks rosy for Arsenal.

The Gunners had won the last seven successive home league games against the Lancashire outfit – scoring 25 goals – prior to their goalless draw last season.

They have also not lost in seven home games against sides from the bottom half of the league, winning five and drawing two.

Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in 12 games in all competitions against Blackburn, while Mikel Arteta has scored five goals in the Premier League against them.

The former is a 3.5 chance with Betfred and Paddy Power to net first, while Arteta is a tasty a 10 shot with bet365 and Betfred.

Split stakes on both looks the way to play.

Weekend Premier League Fixtures:

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Mark Hughes was very active on transfer deadline day, signing ex-Liverpool front man Djibril Cissé from Lazio and re-uniting himself with Bobby Zamora from Fulham. Castrol EDGE Performance analysis shows that with an impressive shooting accuracy of 57% and the ability to create a chance for his teammates every 40 mins, Zamora looks set to play an important role in QPR’s battle to avoid relegation.  But it was Cissé who made an immediate impact by scoring on debut in QPR’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

However, Hughes should not automatically dismiss the striking options that were available to him before his January spending spree.  In particular, 34 year old Heidar Helguson has been in form for the Hoops, scoring 8 goals in the league this season at a chance conversion rate of 26%.  This compares favourably to Zamora’s 5 goals at 22% and Cissé’s meagre 2 goals at 5%, as well as the misfiring Jay Bothroyd and Jamie Mackie.  Indeed, with the lowest conversion rate in Serie A for 2011/12, Cissé’s goal on QPR debut came as something of a surprise.

There are also interesting differences in the trio’s styles of play; whereas Cissé has attempted 34 dribbles this season, Zamora and Helguson have attempted 11 and 1 respectively, reflecting the Frenchman’s continuing reliance on speed and the ability to run at defenders. As a result, Cissé achieved 6 assists for Lazio this season, which is more than both Zamora (5) and Helguson (2).

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Ever since I saw the scoreline for Sunderland’s win against Norwich yesterday, the above title has been ringing around in my head. There’s always the uplifting effect that a new manager has on the club and yes, many of the mid-table clubs in the Premier League haven’t fared too well of late, but Sunderland’s sustained success in the last couple of months is heartening.

And then, this morning I saw the following ‘league table’ from Opta – looking at the Premier League since December 11:

As they say, the league table doesn’t lie. Sunderland have been best ‘form’ team since Martin O’Neill took charge. It’s certainly worth celebrating (and maybe even a cringe-worthy headline or two).

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Are you new to German football, and attracted to the much-lauded mix of exciting end-to-end football, standing fans, cheap beer and cheap tickets, not to mention the chance to watch football in a country where the national team can actually amount to something come crunch time?

In that case, the Bundesliga is the right choice for you. Follow the flowcart below (click to enlarge, then squint really hard if you still can’t see it) to find out which Bundesliga club you should be supporting.

Of course, you could skip the above and just get on with supporting Bayern Munich. You might not like them, but you’ll win a title every other year at least.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Here’s a look ahead at the biggest matches in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, along with top betting tips for each game.

Liverpool v Manchester United

No doubting the big game of this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round action as Liverpool play host to arch rivals Manchester united in what promises to be an action packed and explosive encounter.

There is always a hostile atmosphere when these two sides lock horns, but it’s going to be even more so in this lunchtime clash (12.45pm, Live on ITV1) in the wake of the fall-out from Luis Suarez’s eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

Both clubs have tried to ease tensions in the build-up,with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson pleading for calm in the hope that it is the football that takes centre stage.

The bookmakers make Liverpool favourites at 2.6, but it’s United who I fancy to come out on top at the 3.1 on offer with bet365 – despite the fact that they are battling with a growing list of injuries.

The Red Devils currently have 11 men on the treatment table, and Wayne Rooney is now a doubt to make the staring XI having not trained all week.

But hey have beaten their opponents on eight of the last nine occasions they have been drawn against each other in the competition, and have also only lost one of their last 16 FA Cup ties away from home.

Hernandez has scored in both of his visits to Anfield, and looks decent value at 8 with Paddy Power to net the opener.

The stats also reveal that e last seven times they have met in the FA Cup, the winning side has won by a single-goal margin so I am going to put up United to win 2-1 as the suggestion for those that like to play the correct score market.

That outcome is a massive looking 13 with Paddy Power.

QPR v Chelsea

Chelsea look a banker bet at 1.67 with Betfred to beat QPR at Loftus Road in a game which has already made the headlines ore than any other this week before a ball has even been kicked.

The Blues have only lost four of their last 35 FA Cup matches away from home, whereas the Hoops have lost 11 of their last 12 against top-flight sides.

Mark Hughes’ side win over MK Dons in the third round replay was their first in the competition since 2001, whereas Chelsea have a terrific FA Cup pedigree having won three of the past five finals.

there is certainly no love lost between the two sides, and much of the build up to this game has focussed on whether John Terry and Anton Ferdinand will shake hands before kick off.

It stems from an alleged racist comment made by Terry towards 26-year-old Ferdinand during the sides’ league clash at Loftus Road on October 23 which Chelsea lost 1-0, but he strenuously denies the charge and the case goes to court next week.

Paddy Power go 1.91 about there being no handshake, and I am pretty sure there won’t be one.

With Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou on international duty for the Ivory Coast in Africa, bookmakers make Dean Sturridge favourite to open the scoring. He is a 5.5 shot with the likes of bet365, Boylesports and Betfred and that looks decent value given that Fernando “how do I score” Torres has been chalked up at the same price.

I fancy Chelsea to win 2-1 and that scoreline is a standout 8.5 with bet365.

Arsenal v Aston Villa

On Monday night, Arsenal look a steal at 1.57 to beat Aston Villa at the Emirates if the stats are anything to go by.

The two sides have met nine times in the FA Cup with the Gunners progressing on six occasions.

They have also won five and lost just one of eight home ties in this competition against the Villans, who haven’t won an away tie against a top flight side since 2000.

An even more impressive stat though is that Arsenal have lost only one of 33 matches on their own patch under Arsene Wenger.

On the team news front the Gunners could be boosted by the return of Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta who missed the game against Manchester United with a groin strain.

On-loan Thierry Henry, who  was also missing against the Red Devils due to a calf problem, may also play a part if he passes a fitness test on Saturday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also likely to keep his place starting XI after a lively showing against United before being controversially substituted late on for Arshavin

The youngster has really impressed me in recent weeks and  appeals at the 8 on offer with bet365 to score first. He’s is also get 3 with Paddy Power about him scoring anytime and that looks a decent price given that he will be keen to prove that Wenger’s decision to take him off against United was the wrong one.

For those that like a punt on the correct score, I like the look of Arsenal to win 2-1 at a standout 8.5 with bet365.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News