Shay Says - Episode 12
Welcome to Shay Says, the latest football betting blog from LeoVegas’ Irish ambassador, Shay Given.
This week, the Republic of Ireland and Premier League legend previews three fixtures from the Premier League, including the huge clash at the Etihad between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Let’s see what Shay Says!
Manchester City v Liverpool
This is a massive game for both clubs, with Liverpool going for that final Champions League position and Manchester City pushing for the title again.
There have been some great clashes between these sides over the years, and I’m really looking forward to it. The title won’t be over if City lose this weekend, but they really can’t afford to slip up in any game, and I think they’ll have enough for Liverpool this weekend.
Liverpool are however pushing hard for that fourth place finish, so it won’t be an easy game by any means. I’m going to go with 2-1 to City – I think they’ll have too much for the Reds on the day, especially at home. I can see Kevin de Bruyne scoring anytime – he’s a big game player and tends to step up when his team needs him.
SHAY SAYS: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 LIVERPOOL
Arsenal v Leeds
I can’t see Arsenal slipping up here.
Leeds are obviously trying to stay in the division – they’re two points above the relegation zone and got a great result against Wolves last time out, and they will try and make it as hard as possible for the Gunners.
I just think with the vein of form Arsenal are in, especially at home with the support of the crowd, they should have too much for Leeds. Mikel Arteta has them playing some brilliant stuff at the Emirates.
I’m going with 2-0 to Arsenal. I don’t think it will be a rout, but certainly a comfortable enough victory.
Bukayo Saka scored for England last weekend and he’ll be high on confidence coming into this game, so I’m backing him to score anytime again.
SHAY SAYS: ARSENAL 2-0 LEEDS
Newcastle v Manchester United
This is a big game – it’s not been too long since the Carabao Cup Final between the two sides, so I expect Newcastle will want a bit of revenge.
Newcastle probably didn’t play their best in that final and Manchester United deserved to win the trophy, but if Newcastle win here, they go level on points with them.
Eddie Howe’s men have picked up two victories in their last two games and it seems the confidence is slowly coming back into the squad again.
Hopefully their blip is over for the season – they had a rough patch for around six weeks, but it looks like they’re back on track.
I fancy Newcastle here with the home advantage – it’ll be an unbelievable atmosphere and I reckon they’ll sneak it by one goal.
I’m going with 2-1 to the Magpies with Alexander Isak to score – I think he’s the real deal and looks fit and sharp again.
SHAY SAYS: NEWCASTLE 2-1 MANCHESTER UNITED
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
I really fancy Everton to get a result here.
Spurs are in a bit of turmoil with Antonio Conte leaving – it would be different if a new manager had come in, but the fact Cristian Stellini is taking charge until the end of the season is a strange decision.
I don’t think having the assistant as the new manager for the rest of their campaign is a good appointment if I’m honest, especially as they’re still chasing a top four place.
The writing was on the wall for Conte – that rant after the Southampton game pretty much sealed his departure.
Everton are fighting for their lives and I think they will be really hard to beat – facing a Sean Dyche team away from home is a very tough task.
It’ll be a tight game, but I back Everton to sneak a 1-0 win here, with James Tarkowski getting on the scoresheet.
SHAY SAYS: EVERTON 1-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
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