A full set of domestic football fixtures brings with it plenty of intrigue as we look to the what’s, when’s, where’s, why’s and how’s punters can expect to enjoy this weekend.
Injury Woe for United
Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini have all been ruled out injured for Manchester United against Watford tomorrow lunch time, and the Hornets will be buzzing as that leaves rookie James Wilson as the Red Devils’ only fit recognised striker.
This Watford side almost seems to pride itself on being unpredictable, but with a substantial part of United’s attacking arsenal missing the game, this could well turn into a low-scoring affair – as has become Louis Van Gaal’s trademark.
The Watford/Draw Double Chance is available at 19/20, and the Under 2.5 Goals market is available at 4/7.
Vardy Might Well Be Having A Party
He’s looking for the perfect ten, and Jamie Vardy will never have a better opportunity to equal Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record of ten goals in ten Premier League games than against a porous Newcastle United defence that has conceded 17 goals in their last eight games.
The bad news for the 29-year-old is that he is struggling with a hip injury that saw him miss England’s friendly games with Spain and France. He has trained since, with Claudio Ranieri as understated as ever in saying “I hope he is available. I speak with the doctor and the physio, if they tell me he is okay and 100%, he plays. If not, I don’t want to risk a player – not just Jamie.”
It will be one hell of a party should Vardy score, so back him from 5/4 to find the net anytime if the news comes through that he is starting the game.
Norwich Netting Looks Likely
‘Chelsea have allowed their opponents more shots on target from inside the box than any other Premier League team this season.’
That was one of the latest bulletins from Opta Stats via Twitter, and this weekend Jose Mourinho’s men take on a Norwich City side that has only failed to score in 17% of their league outings this campaign.
Either of the Both Teams To Score (Evens) or Over 2.5 Goals (3/4) markets look a cinch accordingly.
Martyn’s Tail is Wagging
Many thought that by moving to Rangers, former Leicester City, Wigan Athletic and England Under 21s star Martyn Waghorn’s career might stall.
Not a bit of it: he has rattled in 14 goals in 13 games for the Ibrox giants this season, and tomorrow they face a Livingston side that has conceded 22 goals in 14 outings this term.
Waghorn can be backed from 5/2 to be first goalscorer and 8/13 to score anytime; either looks distinctly plausible.
It’s Raining Goals
Halifax Town….God bless ‘em. They have now conceded 30 goals in their last eight games (that’s nearly four per match for any budding Carol Vordermans out there). With seven losses and one win, that run of results reads 0-2, 1-7, 3-1, 0-3, 0-7, 1-2, 1-2, 3-6.
On Saturday they travel to Gateshead, a team not pulling up any trees in the Vanarama National League by any means, but one that has scored 28 and conceded 31 in their 20 outings thus far.
Goals ahead? You bet. Take your pick from Both Teams To Score (4/7), Over 2.5 Goals (4/6) or Gateshead Win/BTTS at 12/5. Even Gateshead just to win at 19/20 looks undercut.