Shay Says - Episode 3
Welcome to Shay Says, the third weekly football betting blog from LeoVegas’ new Irish ambassador, Shay Given.
This week, the Republic of Ireland and Premier League legend previews the mouth-watering FA Cup fourth round tie on Friday night between Manchester City and Arsenal.
We’ve also got his opinion on Roberto de Zerbi’s Brighton against a depleted Liverpool side, as well as a potential ‘cupset’ to look out for.
Let’s see what Shay Says!
Manchester City v Arsenal
It's a massive game for both clubs; Manchester City will have the home advantage, but Arsenal are playing unbelievable stuff.
This could be psychological – whoever wins this game could receive an extra boost for the Premier League games coming up too.
I’d be surprised if either side did too much rotation – I think both teams will go as strong as possible to be honest. Mikel Arteta will look at this game and think if they can beat them, then they can go to the league game and win that as well.
I think both Arteta and Pep Guardiola will be thinking it’s a game that they have to win in order to give the players the belief for the home stretch of the Premier League.
Looking at those two Premier League games between the two, it’s probably where the title will be won and lost.
I think it’s going to be a really tight game, but I reckon City will sneak it by one goal, so I’m going to go 2-1 to City. It should be a great FA Cup tie and I’m looking forward to it.
For a goalscorer prediction, I’ll go for Mahrez anytime for City – he’s in an excellent vein of form right now.
SHAY SAYS: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 ARSENAL
Brighton v Liverpool
Brighton have been amazing – they lost Graham Potter, who was one of the most exciting and upcoming managers, to Chelsea, but it’s as if he hasn’t even left the building!
We didn’t know much about Roberto de Zerbi before he joined the Premier League, but the confidence he’s got his team playing with and the goals that they’re scoring are brilliant.
Now I’ve seen him linked to Juventus!
It's hard to put your finger on why Liverpool are struggling so much. You question whether these players are flogged too much – everyone talks about the high press with players chasing people down and harassing opponents, especially with a World Cup sandwiched in between the season. It’s just so much football.
You think Jurgen Klopp can spin it around and maybe bring a few players in before the January window shuts and help strengthen the squad, but I don’t know what the finances are like.
I’m going to go with a 2-1 Liverpool win – although it’ll be a very tough game.
I’m backing Trent Alexander-Arnold to get on the scoresheet for Liverpool – I know he’s had a bit of criticism this season, but you can’t take away from his set-piece ability.
For Brighton, I’m going to go with Evan Ferguson!
Obviously you don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but I’m very excited about him and what he’s going to bring both to Brighton and to Ireland.
SHAY SAYS: BRIGHTON 1-2 LIVERPOOL
Wrexham v Sheffield United
It’s big news when Hollywood stars buy a football club and if you’re a Wrexham fan you’ll be dreaming of all sorts.
It’s a Hollywood story in itself – top of the league and going well in the FA Cup.
If you’re looking at an upset then the atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground will be phenomenal – Sheffield United are doing well too, so I think it’s going to be a really exciting tie.
It’s a no-win situation for Sheffield United – if they go there and win, they were simply expected to do so, but draw or lose then it’s front page of the newspaper.
Wrexham are top of the table and pushing to get into league football – confidence will be sky high, and you question whether the Blades will have their priorities focused on the Championship.
I’m going to put my neck on the line and say Wrexham are going to sneak it 2-1!
SHAY SAYS: WREXHAM 2-1 SHEFFIELD UNITED
LeoVegas Ireland is the only place to find Shay’s must-read football betting blog, Shay Says. Check out the new edition every week and follow our social media channels to get the content first.