Shay Says - Episode 15
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 two important fixtures from the Premier League this weekend as the title race begins to heat up.
We also have his thoughts on the two FA Cup semi-finals this weekend at Wembley.
Let’s see what Shay Says!
Arsenal v Southampton
Arsenal’s last two games against West Ham and Liverpool will have been a big blow for them confidence-wise. It shows that the pressure can get to anyone.
We spoke a few weeks ago about whether they could stay in the fight for the length of the season; they’ve never been there before, and the last few games has sort of shown that.
They have to beat Southampton here, especially with that huge game at the Etihad next Wednesday, and I think they will.
It’s difficult to see Southampton staying up after that defeat to Crystal Palace – they need an absolute miracle to stay up now.
It’s been a tough season for them, and they’ll look back on their decision to sack Ralph Hasenhüttl and bring in Nathan Jones and wonder if it was the right choice.
Appointing Ruben Selles from the inside was always going to be a tricky one, and I think those players really needed a fresh voice in the changing room to give them a bounce.
I think Arsenal will get back to winning ways here, so I’m going with 4-0 to the Gunners, with Gabriel Jesus to score anytime.
SHAY SAYS: ARSENAL 4-0 SOUTHAMPTON
Newcastle v Tottenham
Nothing is nailed on, but it would be a massive boost for everyone at Newcastle if they can get three points here.
They were well beaten against Aston Villa last week, who were easily the better team, and they didn’t deserve anything from the game.
It just shows how strong the Premier League is – you can’t switch off against any side or you’ll get punished.
Tottenham find themselves in a bit of turmoil after sacking Antonio Conte and not bringing in a fresh voice to rejuvenate the players and give them new ideas.
I find it very strange that they never appointed someone, especially with some of the big names who were free at the time.
I don’t know what’s going on at the club, but it just doesn’t seem a good place to be at the minute, so it’s a good time for Newcastle to play them.
I’m going to go with a 2-1 win for Newcastle, with Alexander Isak to score anytime.
SHAY SAYS: NEWCASTLE 2-1 TOTTENHAM
Manchester City v Sheffield United
I’d be surprised if City rested any players for this. We’re at that stage of the season where Pep Guardiola will feel the team needs to win every game and move onto the next one.
It's probably too early to say Erling Haaland is the best striker I’ve ever seen at Manchester City, but he’s definitely up there. To score 48 goals in your debut season is just a phenomenal record.
The players around him definitely help too – Jack Grealish is on fire at the minute and Kevin de Bruyne looks back to his best, they’re just a brilliant team.
Sheffield United are flying in the Championship, it looks like they’ll go up with Burnley and they’ve massively improved this season.
In a one-off game like this, they have nothing to lose, but they’ve still got some very good players and will want to show Manchester City that they’re good enough to be on the same pitch as them.
Despite that, I’m backing City to go through here – they’re in that type of form now, where they seem to simply bulldoze teams out of the way, so I can only see a City victory.
I’m going to go 3-0 to City, with Jack Grealish scoring anytime.
SHAY SAYS: MANCHESTER CITY 3-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
Brighton v Manchester United
Brighton have been an absolute revelation this season. People were worried when Graham Potter left at the beginning of the season, but the job Roberto De Zerbi has done since he’s come in has been phenomenal.
They’re absolutely flying at the minute – every player seems to want to get on the ball, and the way they’re playing is really exciting to watch.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will be big misses for Manchester United. A big reason the team improved was because of those two at the back, and they’re definitely a weaker side without them.
The way Brighton are playing, they certainly will create chances and invariably score goals as well.
I fancy Brighton to go through. They’re playing with a sense of freedom and don’t seem to change the way they approach games, they’re full of confidence at the moment.
I’m backing De Zerbi’s men to win 2-1, with Alexis Mac Allister getting on the scoresheet.
SHAY SAYS: BRIGHTON 2-1 MANCHESTER UNITED
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