Weekend Football Picks (November 24-25)

These are my picks for the weekend games in the Premier League and the reasons I have made them:


Manchester United v Queens Park Rangers Pick: It has been over 10 years since Manchester United have lost three games in a row and I think we are going to see a reaction from the loss at Norwich City last weekend.

Mark Hughes is gone as manager of Queens Park Rangers and it will be interesting to see what kind of reaction the players have.

However, as well as wanting to recover from the loss last week, I have no doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson will be reminding his team of the lack of effort QPR gave at the end of their match with Manchester City that ultimately cost United the title when it was clear that Rangers were not going to be relegated.

Fergie will not want his side to let up here and I think United can score a few goals in this one and cover the 2 goal handicap with an exact 2 goal win returning the stake.


Aston Villa v Arsenal Pick: I don't know if I can trust Arsenal fully after a couple of wins, but Aston Villa look a side that is struggling with the inexperience in the squad and they look ripe for the taking after a couple of big games against Manchester United and Manchester City in the last couple of weeks.

The side host Reading on Tuesday night and there is every chance that Villa are targeting that game as the one where they can pick up three points so I think Arsenal will be a little too good for them when all is said and done in this game.

Arsenal have won 1-2 on their last two visits to Villa Park and a similar scoreline is definitely in the offing in my opinion so I'll have a small interest that they pick up the three points in a game that has either 3 or 4 goals in total.


Swansea v Liverpool Pick: I don't really have a lot of statistics to back this pick up, but I do like over 2.5 goals between these sides as both have been scoring and conceding goals in equal measure at the moment.

Swansea will know what to expect from Brendan Rodgers and Rodgers will also be able to give his new team some insight into what the Swans will be doing.

Both sides will consider this a winnable game and I just think someone will win after both sides have at least scored one each so taking the over looks the call to me.


Southampton v Newcastle United Pick: Newcastle United have been a disappointment in recent games and I think they have struggled without the likes of Yohan Cabaye and that can only be more of an issue now Hatem Ben Arfa has been ruled out.

Southampton should be full of confidence thanks to their win at Queens Park Rangers last weekend, but they are always liable to concede at least one goal through a mistake and that does put the pressure on them to turn draws into wins.

However, I do like Southampton to win this game after their performance last week and I do think Newcastle have had some tough losses of late and confidence can't be high for this long trip down south.


Chelsea v Manchester City Pick: Why are Manchester City the underdog in this game? I know a new manager can bring a change of fortunes so Chelsea will be hoping for that in this one, but the fans are not happy with recent events at the club and that could cause a tense performance from the home side.

To make matters tougher for them, Chelsea have been conceding plenty of goals at the moment and have conceded at least 2 goals to the likes of Manchester United (twice) and Shakhtar Donetsk here at Stamford Bridge.

Confidence also has to be a little shot after a comprehensive loss to Juventus has left Chelsea's Champions League dreams in tatters, and I just think City can take advantage here.

It won't be easy for City who have a bad record at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons, but I just think they have enough firepower to prove they are better than being the underdog in this one and will back them for a small interest to win the game.


MY PICKS: Manchester United - 2 Asian Handicap @ 1.95 Bet Fred (4 Units)
Arsenal Win and either 3 or 4 Goals Scored @ 3.60 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Swansea-Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.83 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Southampton Win and at Least 3 Goals Scored @ 4.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Manchester City @ 2.90 Pinnacle (1 Unit)


November Update: 8-16, - 3.25 Units (32 Units Staked, - 10.2% Yield)

October Final: 9-9, + 5.44 Units (27 Units Staked, 20.1% Yield)
September Final: 17-11, + 21.19 Units (46 Units Staked, 46.1% Yield)
August Final: 12-13, + 1.29 Units (40 Units Staked, 3.22% Yield)