Weekend Bets: Manchester derby a goal thriller, Sunderland to stun rivals Newcastle and Brighton continue unbeaten Championship run

Posted on October 22, 2015 in Features

After all the Champions and Europa League fun is over, domestic football returns once more. Kurt Bristoll gives his tips on a selection of games from the Premier League, the Championship and also La Liga.

Stoke v Watford – Stoke to win

Following a poor start to the season, Stoke look like a team that are finally starting to gel. After their impressive 1-0 win away to Swansea, the Potters are now unbeaten in five games and go into Saturday’s game with some real momentum. Watford were unlucky against Arsenal last weekend; after creating some good chances they ultimately slipped to a 3-0 defeat and now only have one point from their last three league games. I feel that Stoke will continue their good run of form in this match and take all three points at the Britannia.

Best odds: 23/20 (Bet365).

Brighton v Preston – Brighton to win and both teams to score

Brighton are playing some impressive football and are deservedly four points clear at the top of the Championship. They remain unbeaten in the league and have won four of their last five home matches. Preston have only won one of their last five away games and sit just point above the relegation zone. The hosts have conceded in their last four games, and for that reason, I feel that backing Brighton to win and both teams to score could be a bet of real value.

Best odds: 17/5 (Coral).

Celta Vigo v Real Madrid – Real Madrid to win and over 2.5 goals

Celta Vigo have been the surprise package of this season’s La Liga: they sit on 18 points and are second only on goal difference to Real Madrid. The hosts looked impressive when they beat Barcelona 4-1 at the end of September and I think they will prove a real test for the visitors. With that being said, I do think Real will take home all three points in this one; it seems they are really coming together under Rafa Benitez and have won three out of the last five away games, drawing the other two. Last season this fixture ended in a 4-2 victory for Los Blancos and I can see a similar scoreline again. So, for me, Real to win and over 2.5 goals in the game seems to be the best bet.

Best odds: 6/4 (Paddy Power).

Manchester United v Manchester City – over 2.5 goals

The Manchester derby usually provides great entertainment and goals. City sit top of the league and have scored 11 in their past two games, whilst United are just two points behind their local rivals after an impressive 3-0 away win against Everton. Over 2.5 goals seems a very safe bet in this game; last year this fixture finished 4-2 to United and in the past 10 meetings between these sides, only two games have had under 2.5 goals. With City scoring for fun and United looking like they’ve finally found the right system, this could be a great game with plenty of goals.

Best odds: 17/20 (BetVictor).

Sunderland v Newcastle – Sunderland to win

It seems the same old story for Sunderland and Newcastle: two teams who perennially find themselves struggling for form and sitting in the relegation zone. The Wear-Tyne derby is a must-win clash for both of these sides and a classic ‘six-pointer’. Whilst Newcastle were impressive last week beating Norwich 6-2, I feel that new boss Big Sam will grab his first victory for the Black Cats in this meeting. Sunderland always seem to up their game when Newcastle are in town and have won the last five five meetings between the sides.

Best odds: 8/5 (Coral).