Opta Stats: Goals galore in the Manchester derby

 

Using those all-knowing Opta stats as a guide, Christian Crowther picks out four bets for the upcoming Premier League fixtures...

 

Stoke v Aston Villa (Saturday, 15:00)

The last four Premier League games between these two sides have finished in draws; with just four goals being scored

This fixture has not been one for the purists to admire over recent seasons (then again nor has any game involving Stoke in the Premier League, some might say). The drab 0-0 draw they played out at Villa Park back in December was the second stalemate in the last four meetings between the sides, with the other two games producing a 1-1 scoreline. With the stakes so high, the tenseness of the occasion doesn't lend itself to this game breaking the mould either.

Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.75

 

Tottenham v Everton (Sunday, 14:05, ESPN)

Five of the last six Premier League clashes between these two teams have been won by the home team (one draw)

This game pits together two sides still chasing Champions League dreams, although Tottenham still hold the trump card as they start the game six points clear of the Toffees. Everton make more than comfortable hosts at Goodison Park, where they've won their last three in the league, but lousy travellers - especially of late, as they've taken just one point from the last nine available to them.

Recommended Bet: Back Tottenham to win @ 1.94

 

Newcastle v Fulham (Sunday, 15:00)

Newcastle have won three successive home league matches for the first time since April last year when they won four

No one, especially supporters of the club in question, seem to like the label "too good to go down". However, Newcastle really are that team, replete with half of France's national team and scorer of goals extraordinaire, Papiss Cisse. Geordie salvation looks very much like relying on their form at St James' Park, where they have been unshakable recently, as Anzhi found out to their peril in the Europa League round-of-16 the last time the Magpies' ran out there.

Recommended Bet: Back Newcastle to win @ 2.1

 

Manchester United v Manchester City (Monday, 20:00, Sky Sports 1)

Including the Community Shield match in 2011, the last five meetings between Manchester City and Manchester United (all competitions) have seen 23 goals scored - an average of 4.6 a game

If only this game had more than Mancunian bragging rights to fight over. As it is, the excitement will have to be shelved until next season at least with Man United coasting their way to City's title, 15 points in front. Still, the entertainment value should be high even if the stakes are not. Goals flying in at either end have quickly become a hallmark of these top-of-the table derby games since City discovered their riches.

Best Bet: Back over 3.5 goals @ 3.0

 

Bet HERE

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