Two of the biggest rivalries in football are renewed this weekend as Liverpool make the short trip to Goodison Park and Arsenal visit White Hart Lane on Sunday. It all kicks off with Saturday lunchtime’s Merseyside derby and as usual we can expect fireworks.
The battle for Merseyside is usually a tight one and Everton have a much better chance of getting something given the game is at Goodison. I watched Everton against Villa the other week and was very impressed with them, even though it ended all square. I get a feeling with David Moyes’ lot that one injury would wreak havoc through their side. Leon Osman and Tim Cahill are vital for them and if either gets injured, there’s trouble. The likes of Ross Barkley and Marouane Fellaini offer support, but they still lack a genuine goalscorer.
Liverpool couldn’t be any different in the forward stakes and King Kenny has a vast pool of talent to choose from. Upfront lies the biggest difference between the sides and in Luis Saurez, the Reds have a player that can score from absolutely nothing. Steven Gerrard is finding his feet after a long time out and he’ll relish the opportunity to get stuck into a derby. There shouldn’t be a bucket loads of chances, but the ones that do come along I expect Liverpool to take better advantage of them.
On Sunday we have another cracker as Spurs look to get one over their North London rivals. A 3-0 win against Bolton still doesn’t convince me that the Gunners are back on track yet. The defence still looks all over the place and I just don’t rate Laurent Koscielny and co at the back. Arsene Wenger’s boys just look too soft in the middle and a pumped up Emmanuel Adebayor will give them a serious fright. The former Gunners man, loves playing against his old sides and he’ll be bang up for this.
A Spurs win is one of my bankers of the weekend and I really fancy Arsenal to be found wanting once again. Whatever the case, we’re in for an entertaining Sunday afternoon.
Before the North London derby, Chelsea head to the Reebok looking to build on their win over Swansea. Bolton are in a bit of trouble, but with their set up – they won’t be rushing to get rid of Owen Coyle. He’s a top class manager and he’ll get things right after a tough start.
Fernando Torres’ red card means that Didier Drogba is in line for a start and I hope he’s recovered from his trip to the Oktoberfest over in Germany. Chelsea will be too strong across the midfield and should cruise this one to add to the problems at the Reebok.
Betting on BETDAQ – Alan’s Punts:
Everton v Liverpool: back Reds at 2.5
Tottenham v Arsenal: back Spurs 2.17 SEE BETDAQ SPECIAL OFFER FOR THIS MATCH – CLICK HERE
Bolton v Chelsea: back Blues at 1.55
