English Premiership: Weekend Preview and Picks
By SHAWN YOUNG
The soccer season is in full swing and we've enlisted the help of a former European oddsmaker. Shawn Young is back with his weekly picks for the pitch.
SATURDAY
WIGAN vs. MANCHESTER UNITED (-0.5 -160 or -1 +120)
Wigan lost 1-0 at home to Wolverhampton on Tuesday. Manchester United lost 1-0 away to Burnley on Wednesday.
Man United’s shock defeat midweek gives us an interesting offer here. I think I might even have a little money left after backing the idiots on Wednesday. If “Man Ure” wins against Burnley, this line is likely -0.5 -225, so there’s value here. Man United outshot Burnley 18-8 (on target, 9-2) and earned 12 corners to Burnley’s one. Carrick missed a penalty. In short, they did everything but score.
Sir Alex has brought out the hair dryer for Thursday’s team chat and Antonio Valencia will likely start Saturday to try to provide more pace.
Wigan sent one of my bets from last weekend down in flames by beating Villa away, but looked very ordinary in a home loss to Wolves on Wednesday. Lots of shots, but precious few troubling mediocre keeper Wayne Hennessey. Wigan is overmatched here.
Rio Ferdinand is out until mid September for Man U but Vidic (ankle) is available. Wigan will likely miss out on N’Zogbia who foolishly aggravated an already tender ankle against Wolves.
Prediction: Wigan 0, Manchester United 2.
SUNDAY
BURNLEY vs. EVERTON (-0.5, +125)
Burnley defeated Man United 1-0. Everton crushed Sigma Olomouc 4-0 in Copa Europa on Thursday.
Here’s the other half of that shock. Wednesday’s result on the upcoming weekend’s card: Everton are now modest favorites away to Burnley and are worth a bet.
Complicating matters is the Joleon Lescott affair, who was dropped from Everton’s Thursday European qualifier because manager Moyes thinks he has a “bad attitude.” The betting number will bounce around depending on Lescott’s status for this match (starting, bench, scratched, or transferred to Man City). Put half your stake on it now and the other half after the team sheet comes out.
Everton were totally flat as Arsenal gave them six lashes last weekend. That’s OK - the betting public overreacts to a team’s most recent form, especially if it’s stellar or woeful. Coughing up six goals at home counts as woeful, so Everton at any better than even money is serious value here. Lescott or no Lescott, my grandmother could play fullback against Burnley and not be unduly troubled. Saha is scoring and Everton will come good.
Under goals is also worth considering if you can go under 2.5 laying no more than -125.
Burnley remain without their captain Steven Caldwell and Michael Duff. Everton have game time decisions to make on Jack Rodwell (twisted knee) and Steven Pienaar (bruised foot).
Prediction: Burnley 0, Everton 1.
KEEP AN EYE ON:
West Ham vs. Tottenham: Hammers could be a live underdog in this derby.
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa: If Villa is to challenge for a Champions’ League place, last season’s road form will have to be on display here. Thursday’s loss in Vienna is discouraging.