As games go, Sunday’s Manchester derby was as good as it gets. The game was end to end right from the off and the last minute winner wrote another chapter in this enthralling rivalry. I thought Manchester City played the better football over the 90 minutes, but United got the result by being the better team. Roberto Mancini’s lot closed an eight point gap last season to end their title drought and they had far less time to do it than this season.
I’m expecting a reaction on Saturday when City travel to St James’ Park where they boast of a decent record against the Magpies. City have won four of the last five, drawing the other contest. I saw Newcastle get beat at Craven Cottage on Monday to condemn Alan Pardew’s side to another defeat. It’s often hard to replicate your form on the back of a cracking season and that’s exactly what Newcastle have found.
The ongoing Demba Ba contract situation and a whole raft of injuries have made for a difficult few weeks. Three of their next four games are against both Manchester clubs and Arsenal, so their league position could get a whole lot worse very quickly.
City need a big result here and given their record against Newcastle, I like their chances of returning to winning ways.
Sunday’s early KO promises to be a top game of football between two sides that play the right way. Tottenham and Swansea have been excellent to watch this campaign and I’m really looking forward to seeing them go toe-to-toe with their expansive styles.
Both sides narrowly lost out at the weekend and Spurs in particular will still be wondering how on earth they got beat with a 1-0 lead in the 89th minute. Swansea’s defensive efforts in the opening 30 minutes against Norwich were appalling as they shipped three before they had woken up. Michael Laudrup has got the Swans moving the ball brilliantly and their best performance came at the Emirates recently as Michu grabbed a brace to kill off the Gunners.
Michu has been the signing of the season for me and Spurs will need to defend better to keep the Spaniard quiet. I feel that Spurs are mentally stronger than their bitter rivals and that should be enough to see them over the line on Sunday.
There are goals in this one for sure and Spurs will have to stay switched on until the end as they keep conceding goals late on in games. I’d be backing both teams to score and Spurs to take the three points with home advantage being a big factor.
Betting on BETDAQ – Alan’s Punts:
Newcastle v Man City – Back Man City at 1.72
Tottenham v Swansea – Back Tottenham at 1.67
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