Napoli seeking to sink Inter Milan in Coppa Italia tussle

<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Napoli v Inter Milan</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; list-style-type: none; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Coppa Italia quarter-final</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tuesday, January 19th</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kick-off: 19:45</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stadio San Paolo, Naples</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Live on Sky Sports 2</li> </span></span></ul> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">More than just cup at stake in San Paolo scuffle</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday evening’s much anticipated <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box;">Coppa Italia quarter-final</span></span> meeting between first and third spots in Serie A, Napoli and Inter Milan respectively, carries meaning beyond it’s knock-out competition confines.</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: 24.5455px;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having slipped up in <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">the Scudetto race</span></span> at Atalanta this weekend, the Nerazzurri are now four points behind leaders the Little Donkeys, and a morale-boosting victory (priced at 3/1 with Coral) could work wonders for restoring the Milan men’s league bite.</span></div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While, there is also the allure of a semi-final two leg scrap with one of Lazio or Juventus, and a potentially dramatic Derby della Madonnina grand finale against already qualified AC Milan, who have a much kinder semis draw against either Spezia or Alessandria.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though, Naples-born and boyhood Napoli fan Maurizio Sarri’s extraordinary work this season means Roberto Mancini has his work cut out. Just two defeats all term have banished the memory of previous San Paolo boss Rafa Benitez, while the Campania club’s unbeaten home record makes even <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">a draw at 12/5</span></span> look a tricky prospect.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Higuain is the best centre forward in the world”</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Central to this storyline, as Napoli reach for the stars, is leading Serie A hitman Gonzalo Higuain, who has struck 20 times already this term, almost double the haul of closest competitors Paulo Dybala and Eder Citadin Martins.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should he feature in this feisty midweek fixture, alert Argentine Higuain is easily Napoli’s most likely to score, after he bragged a fantastic fifth brace of the season to scupper Sassuolo. Notably, the dangerman has already notched a double against Inter for good measure as recently as November, hitting four in his past four against them, including a winner in their last Coppa clash.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tactician Sarri certainly still sees even potential in his prolific striker, telling press:<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“If [Higuain] attacked the goal more the way he did in his first goal, he’d be even better. He doesn’t make that movement often, but he has everything it takes and if he made more of his characteristics he could do even better.</em></span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Having said all that, I remain confident at this moment Higuain is the best centre forward in the world.”</span></em></div> </div> <div> <em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While, the compliment was repaid by the Argentine attacker, who said of his coach:<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“I am working, I have confidence thanks to the coach, my teammates and the club. Sarri has a lot to do with my form, a lot. I thank him.”</em></span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This type of team spirit has been essential to the Neapolitan side’s superb season, with Spanish schemer Jose Callejon and Italian attacker Lorenzo Insigne also in fine form. While, Swansea City-linked forward Manolo Gabbiadini has found it difficult to grab gametime from that formidable trio, but could get a cup chance here to prove his worth.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Plum prices for Napoli success</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Southern Italian side already dispatched Inter 2-1 at home in the league this season, and are <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">better value at 7/1 to repeat that result</span></span> than <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">odds-on 8/11 shouts for an outright win</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This scoreline is made even more tempting by the fact that Napoli have not kept a clean sheet in four, though in that case customers might prefer to take a punt both teams to score, which is odds-on at 8/11.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inter actually have a woeful recent record against bogey team Napoli, with no win in the previous seven meetings either at home or away, and no victory on enemy turf since 1997.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Icardi worth a wager</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While, the Nerazzurri have been far from emphatic in front of net this term, with 1-0 wins a regular occurrence. Still, away from the pressure of the Serie A title chase, Mancini’s men may express themselves a little more.</span></div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Main marksman Mauro Icardi enjoys playing this opposition and was last, own goals aside, to get on the scoresheet for Inter. Compatriot Rodrigo Palacio was only a sub last time out, so could get the nod here, with Ivan Perisic also due a run out, proving Inter have plenty of potent potential.</span></div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs_j18qXyQR_FSaniqQ49q4EeLWyREHtd4Vv-2Koa022iLrG5ru8ZPaYZXBu2-Dfm31GD46hdXhHjBSvYfiJceikNINfhw5QYRCiu6Pdd4HwJBJNBkvX0GBybbshbfTYX7nCyyxujyA/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs_j18qXyQR_FSaniqQ49q4EeLWyREHtd4Vv-2Koa022iLrG5ru8ZPaYZXBu2-Dfm31GD46hdXhHjBSvYfiJceikNINfhw5QYRCiu6Pdd4HwJBJNBkvX0GBybbshbfTYX7nCyyxujyA/s400/35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> </em></div>

Napoli seeking to sink Inter Milan in Coppa Italia tussle

Napoli v Inter Milan Coppa Italia quarter-final Tuesday, January 19th Kick-off: 19:45 Stadio San Paolo, Naples Live on Sky Sports 2...

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Pemberton eyes Bristol City job by beating West Brom in replay

<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bristol City v West Bromwich Albion</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; list-style-type: none; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">FA Cup third round replay</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tuesday, January 19th</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kick-off: 19:45 GMT</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ashton Gate, Bristol</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Live on BT Sport 2</li> </span></span></ul> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Robins to put league form to one side</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Championship strugglers Bristol City will be aiming to give fans something to cheers about this season when they host Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box;">in this FA Cup third round replay</span></span>.</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caretaker coach John Pemberton has already worked wonders in his first match in charge since Steve Cotterill got he boot, as he oversaw the relegation zone-occupied Robins to a shock 1-0 win over table-toppers Middlesbrough.</span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: 24.5455px;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pemberton is also seeking the position on a permanent basis, and he will certainly have a strong case if he can upset top-flight team West Brom, who they are 6/5 with Coral to defeat (<span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">27/10 in normal time</span></span>).</span></div> <div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hosts have in-form attackers</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The club will certainly be in confident mood after their triumph over Boro and 2-2 draw with a strong-look Baggies at The Hawthorns, and will be hoping scorers that day Jonathan Kodjia and Kieran Agard can fire home again.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">French frontman Kodjia leads the way for the Robins this season with 10 goals to his name, and is 7/4 to net anytime, while <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">former Rotherham United forward and Everton youth player Agard (2/1)</span></span> came on as a sub to strike.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Captain Aaron Wilbraham has scored six times this term, meanwhile, and so can be backed at 7/4 too in the same market.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Berahino set to miss tie?</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the visitors, it seems they will be without wantaway star Saido Berahino and James Morrison, who both netted at Ashton Gate, with the former reportedly the subject of high interest from other clubs and the latter out injured.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, Rickie Lambert and Jose Salomon Rondon look likely to lead the line once more, and are respective 2/1 and 7/4 shouts in the anytime market.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">West Brom, despite losing most recently in the league to Southampton 3-0, are in decent form, having won two of their last four top-flight fixtures and drawn the other with Chelsea.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is understandable why the Baggies, therefore, are the 11/10 match favourites, and odds-on shouts to qualify at 8/13, though <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">a draw in normal time at 23/10 is quite possible</span></span>.</span></div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlB8MiPgZEpKP9vTrLPGusQEyuYsukH1P616bq3JLtUiP2NgMDtjAWJs4_076H3BzSionjOo83hWRuhhaqqB4z1s8C_e3Fh7wrE6IfjCLDYS2aHG_zdA3Zhz63LhvgHv8CifGo1uLMg/s1600/105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlB8MiPgZEpKP9vTrLPGusQEyuYsukH1P616bq3JLtUiP2NgMDtjAWJs4_076H3BzSionjOo83hWRuhhaqqB4z1s8C_e3Fh7wrE6IfjCLDYS2aHG_zdA3Zhz63LhvgHv8CifGo1uLMg/s400/105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div>

Pemberton eyes Bristol City job by beating West Brom in replay

Bristol City v West Bromwich Albion FA Cup third round replay Tuesday, January 19th Kick-off: 19:45 GMT Ashton Gate, Bristol Live o...

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Midweek FA Cup Tipsheet: Tractor Boys to roll over Pompey

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; outline: none;">Aston Villa <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="1" oldtitle="4/9" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">1.44</span> v Wycombe <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="2" oldtitle="8/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">9.00</span>; The Draw <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="3" oldtitle="7/2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">4.60</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aston Villa have performed only slighty better in recent weeks though their result suggest they have improved bundles given that they are now on their <span style="font-weight: 600;">longest unbeaten run of the season</span>... three games!</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Remi Garde</span>'s men were definitely disappointing in the original tie, but every man and his dog predicted a Wycombe win would be one of the shocks of the third round so on that basis we could argue that Villa did well to survive.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since then they've defeated Crystal Palace in the Premier League and drew with title-chasing Leicester, conceding just one goal in the process. And with home advantage here, despite how perilous their league position is, Villa are <span style="font-weight: 600;">very worthy strong favourites</span> to book a home tie with Man City in round four.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wycombe have lost their last two League Two outfits so perhaps they've been slightly distracted by this tie and I'm sure they will put in an <span style="font-weight: 600;">improved performance</span> at Villa Park and give the hosts a game.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But ultimately I believe the home side will win comfortably, and I think backing them to win with at least <span style="font-weight: 600;">three goals</span> scored in the match is worth chancing. Remember, Villa hosted League Two Notts County in the League Cup earlier in the season and prevailed 5-3.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Villa Win/Over 2.5 Goals @</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="4" oldtitle="9/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">2.80</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Portsmouth</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="5" oldtitle="6/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">2.48</span> v Ipswich <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="6" oldtitle="85/40" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">3.10</span>; The Draw <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="7" oldtitle="5/2" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">3.50</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm very surprised at the Match Odds for this market and rate Ipswich the <span style="font-weight: 600;">best bet</span> of the midweek replays.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What odds of <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="8" oldtitle="85/40" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.10</span></span> about the Tractor Boys winning means is that if this game was played three times, we'd need Ipswich to come out on top just once to make the wager <span style="font-weight: 600;">a value one</span>. Under the exact same circumstances in which they'll meet on Tuesday night, can you envisage Ipswich winning just one of three renewals? I know I certainly can.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">True, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Paul Cook</span>'s men are going very well in League Two and they have a great recent record at Fratton Park, and the manager is likely to field a strong side again on Tuesday night. But don't let the fact that Ipswich are a very good Championship side escape us.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Mick McCarthy</span>'s men are playing two divisions higher than Pompey at present, and although they can count themselves lucky that they actually drew the original tie at Portman Park it could be argued that they're actually <span style="font-weight: 600;">better on the road</span> at present.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ipswich are unbeaten away from home for three months, and prior to an excellent draw at Burnley they'd <span style="font-weight: 600;">won five on the spin</span> on their travels. I can see McCarthy playing a few more of his regulars here than he did initially, and odds of <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="9" oldtitle="85/40" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.10</span></span> for a highflying Championship side to win at a League Two club really appeal.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Ipswich to Win @</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="10" oldtitle="85/40" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">3.10</span></span> (best bet)</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Bolton</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="11" oldtitle="10/11" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">1.91</span> v Eastleigh <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="12" oldtitle="7/2" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">4.60</span>; The Draw <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="13" oldtitle="5/2" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">3.45</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bolton started the week with a <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">stay of execution</span></span> and can give their supporters further cheer with an <span style="font-weight: 600;">FA Cup win</span> on Tuesday night.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wanderers' winning form may have gone for a long walk very far away from Lancashire - they have tasted victory just twice - but this is still Championship v National League. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Class should tell</span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first game had the hallmarks of an upset - terrible pitch, big crowd squeezed into a tiny ground. You feel that Eastleigh missed their chance.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it really boils down to price. The <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="14" oldtitle="10/11" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.91</span></span> on a home win will surely look generous once the 90 minutes are up.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Bolton @</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="15" oldtitle="10/11" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">1.91</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Liverpool</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="16" oldtitle="3/10" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">1.30</span> v Exeter <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="17" oldtitle="10/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">11.50</span>; The Draw <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="18" oldtitle="5/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">5.80</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We may have been very close to a real upset in the original tie at St James' Park when these two sides met, largely due to a rip-roaring Friday night atmosphere, excellent play by <span style="font-weight: 600;">the Grecians</span> and a scratch side picked by Jurgen Klopp, but it's very hard to argue for a repeat of that at Anfield.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Klopp is sure to pick at least a marginally stronger side this time around, and although Liverpool are without a win in three league games going into this one, they acquitted themselves well<span style="font-weight: 600;">against Manchester United</span> at the weekend and were unlucky to come away with nothing.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exeter themselves are undefeated since that first game against the Reds and won well at Leyton Orient at the weekend, but this is surely a bridge too far for them. Liverpool with a one goal handicap at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="19" oldtitle="4/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.80</span></span> looks the call here.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Liverpool-1 at</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="20" oldtitle="4/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">1.80</span> or better</span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnz3mfjqzrjlxMxY74buWRzw_H2xeAYBfxP0-BCezJU-SQ1nPB2uD60JgN0vn0eU9UJW73hIMuWISgiwQbt8Ji5jokJAjidu73aQ1hD3c2GGXMwh40XOVwx3UI1tdYPDfzzMkdedSnw/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnz3mfjqzrjlxMxY74buWRzw_H2xeAYBfxP0-BCezJU-SQ1nPB2uD60JgN0vn0eU9UJW73hIMuWISgiwQbt8Ji5jokJAjidu73aQ1hD3c2GGXMwh40XOVwx3UI1tdYPDfzzMkdedSnw/s400/100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <br /></div>

Midweek FA Cup Tipsheet: Tractor Boys to roll over Pompey

Aston Villa  1.44  v Wycombe  9.00 ; The Draw  4.60 Aston Villa have performed only slighty better in recent weeks though their result su...

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De Gea heroics allow Rooney to win Man Utd battle at Liverpool

<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; list-style-type: none; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Liverpool couldn’t capitalise on strong first-half</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">De Gea heroics deny likes of Can and Firmino</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Rooney fires home after Fellaini hits bar from corner</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Man Utd move six points above Reds in table</li> </span></span></ul> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">De Gea and Rooney help Man Utd to crucial win</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just three points separated bitter rivals Manchester United and Liverpool<span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box;">before this Premier League battle</span></span> at Anfield, but the visitors ensured that deficit doubled as they carved out a 1-0 win.</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: 24.5455px;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Devils can largely thank their super stopper David de Gea, who stated before the clash he intends to stay at the club and become an Old Trafford legend, for keeping them in the game, after denying the likes of Emre Can and Roberto Firmino with wondersaves.</span></div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it was captain Wayne Rooney who came up with the goods at the other end of the field with a late strike, despite his side having limited chances throughout.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Northwest derby lacked usual bite for much of match</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An unusually tame start to the fixture finally sprang to life in the 10th minute, after Lucas Leiva’s brilliant ball from midfield to pick out Adam Lallana.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The England attacker could only use his head, however, with the outrushing De Gea putting him under pressure. The Spaniard palmed away, while Firmino was wide with the rebound.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tempers soon began to flare between the two sides, with Lucas and former Everton stars Marouane Fellaini locking horns, but both avoided bookings.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liverpool were the team who created the chances in the first half, and Firmino and Lallana combined again to put captain Jordan Henderson through on goal on the half-hour mark, but he shot just past the goal.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">United gradually begin to find feet</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anthony Martial finally found the first real opportunity for the visitors just before the break, but his effort was well blocked by Mamadou Sakho.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">German Can presented the first chance of the second-half, after great work from Firmino and Lallana once again, but somehow his left-footed shot was saved by the legs of De Gea.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United did show more promise after the swap of ends, and Martial came even closer to breaking the deadlock not long before an hour on the clock, but this time he struck wide of Simon Mignolet’s goal.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Henderson was handed another opportunity to fine the net, though this time he placed his effort straight into the hands of the keeper. De Gea, meanwhile, had to pull off sensational stops moments later, firstly outstretching to deny Can and then a cat-like swipe to deny Firmino.</span></div> <div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">De Gea’s heroics finally pay off as Rooney scores</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Man Utd’s moment finally came with just under 15 minutes to go, against the run of play, as Fellaini’s header onto the bar from a corner allowed Wayne Rooney to pounce and smash home from close range.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liverpool kept desperately pushing for an equaliser, and had half-chances through substitutes Jordon Ibe and Christian Benteke, but instead their win-less run in the Premier League extended to three.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Devils’ unlikely victory allows them to leapfrog West Ham United into fifth place, where they now sit two points behind the top four.</span></div> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP6MJH2Z9TBnR-tK6bACVuW96G2p23cS7DITIHBLiCtHQb7kYVHoTnBeHtlOo6RWdvV3eY9FrgXlxCwLxIg_ApjhCEcobvKqErib4yt_rPysNwDh5RXWLDA4DHILKP8U1r0np4T9zeg/s1600/133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP6MJH2Z9TBnR-tK6bACVuW96G2p23cS7DITIHBLiCtHQb7kYVHoTnBeHtlOo6RWdvV3eY9FrgXlxCwLxIg_ApjhCEcobvKqErib4yt_rPysNwDh5RXWLDA4DHILKP8U1r0np4T9zeg/s400/133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <br /></div> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.5455px;"> </blockquote> </div>

De Gea heroics allow Rooney to win Man Utd battle at Liverpool

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United Liverpool couldn’t capitalise on strong first-half De Gea heroics deny likes of Can and Firmino Roone...

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Swansea v Watford: Guaranteed goals at the Liberty

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Swansea v Watford</span><br />Monday January 18, 20:00 GMT<br />Live on Sky Sports 1</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Swansea</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A win for Newcastle against West Ham means that Swansea go into this match in the<span style="font-weight: 600;">relegation zone</span>. They will need to take all three points to move back up to 17th and who would have predicted that back in August when they beat Manchester United 2-1 on this ground?</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since then Garry Monk has been sacked - replaced by interim boss, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Alan Curtis</span>, till the end of the season - and they have sold Jonjo Shelvey to relegation rivals, Newcastle, in what has to be a questionable business decision.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things just aren't right in South Wales and while they have started <span style="font-weight: 600;">scoring goals</span> again recently, it's now three defeats on the bounce - including a humiliating FA Cup exit to League Two's, Oxford United.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Watford</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hornets have enjoyed a much better campaign as they are safely positioned in 12th place in the table and through to the fourth round of the <span style="font-weight: 600;">FA Cup</span>. They still aren't safe from being dragged into a relegation battle though and while they aren't in crisis, it is now just one point from a possible 12 in the league and three defeats on the spin.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their opponents have seemingly cottoned on to how to deal with the <span style="font-weight: 600;">Ighalo/Deeney</span> partnership by playing three at the back but I'm not convinced that the duo will prove ineffective against that formation - they just need to adapt their style slightly.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are also <span style="font-weight: 600;">no guarantees</span> that The Swans will opt to play that way as they have quite a settled defence that have only conceded 30 goals so far this year - the best return out of the bottom seven.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Match Odds</span><br />Swansea <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="1" oldtitle="6/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.46</span></span> Watford <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="2" oldtitle="12/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.40</span></span> The Draw <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="3" oldtitle="9/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.30</span></span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a market that I am very keen to <span style="font-weight: 600;">avoid</span> as there are so many variables. Will Swansea play three at the back? Will Watford be back to their best? Will the hosts dig deep to pick up a much needed win now that they are in the relegation zone?</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's definitely a <span style="font-weight: 600;">no bet</span> for me and I'd rather concentrate on goals.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</span><br />Over 2.5 Goals <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="4" oldtitle="6/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.46</span></span> Under 2.5 Goals <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="5" oldtitle="4/6" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.67</span></span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The market is predicting a low-scoring affair here but I don't really agree. Swansea had been struggling for goals but in their last three games they have <span style="font-weight: 600;">netted five times</span>. They still don't have a striker who's name sticks out as a potential 15-20 goal a season man, but they have at least started putting the ball in the net again.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately for them, the defence has <span style="font-weight: 600;">gone to pieces</span> and after keeping three clean sheets in a row, they then went on to concede two at Man United, three at Oxford and four at home to Sunderland in the week.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not concerned that Watford failed to score at St Mary's on Wednesday as The Saints have started playing well again. In <span style="font-weight: 600;">Odion Ighalo</span> they have the third leading scorer in the division this season and Troy Deeney is an excellent foil for him.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pair of them will be <span style="font-weight: 600;">licking their lips</span> at the prospect of facing a leaking Swansea defence and I can see them getting plenty of joy.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only do I think Over 2.5 goals is an <span style="font-weight: 600;">excellent price</span>, I would also back 'Yes' in the Both Teams to Score Market at odds-against as well.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Cash Out</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A correct score of <span style="font-weight: 600;">2-2</span> is currently trading at around the <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="6" oldtitle="20/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">21.00</span></span> mark and that seems a touch overpriced. I really can't see which way this game will go, but I expect plenty of goals.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Backing 2-2 at that kind of price could prove a <span style="font-weight: 600;">profitable</span> cash out option, even if the match doesn't eventually finish that way.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bets</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Over 2.5 Goals @</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="7" oldtitle="6/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""></span><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="7" oldtitle="6/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.46</span></span></span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Both Teams to Score @</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="8" oldtitle="21/20" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""></span><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="8" oldtitle="21/20" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.06</span></span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Best Cash Out</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Back a 2-2 Correct Score @</span> <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="9" oldtitle="20/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""></span><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="9" oldtitle="20/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">21.00</span></span></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yQvrDzTiCy9xtYubeJjMoRtyi-Ci-HwLIDJM11SIFNW4ElK-vOtYKw9jf-Slq5H31Gr2N8ncyv4thARdB6tePQU4WnTYD9ICKWKdEemP-N1Mg3xmjz8EVfcMeX0KAKhhGLXjKlTI1A/s1600/129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yQvrDzTiCy9xtYubeJjMoRtyi-Ci-HwLIDJM11SIFNW4ElK-vOtYKw9jf-Slq5H31Gr2N8ncyv4thARdB6tePQU4WnTYD9ICKWKdEemP-N1Mg3xmjz8EVfcMeX0KAKhhGLXjKlTI1A/s400/129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><br /></span></div>

Swansea v Watford: Guaranteed goals at the Liberty

Swansea v Watford Monday January 18, 20:00 GMT Live on Sky Sports 1 Swansea A win for Newcastle against West Ham means that Swansea go ...

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Eriksen double helps Tottenham turnaround Sunderland

<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tottenham 4-1 Sunderland</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; list-style-type: none; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pickford makes first-half saves from Kane and Eriksen</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Black Cats take lead against run of play</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Van Aanholt strikes for second time this week</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eriksen with immediate Spurs reply 90 seconds later</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dembele strikes on hour mark to complete Tottenham turnaround</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eriksen scores again with 25-yarder deflecting off Kirchhoff</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sunderland debutant Kirchhoff then concedes penalty</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kane converts from spot to seal victory</li> </span></span></ul> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Spurs put four past Big Sam’s Black Cats</span></h2> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: 24.5455px;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Premier League debuts to forget for Sunderland stopper Jordan Pickford and Jan Kirchoff saw Sam Allardyce’s side throw away a lead at Tottenham, with the hosts coming back to win comprehensively 4-1 at White Hart Lane.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patrick van Aanholt gave the Black Cats a surprise lead, but Christian Eriksen swiftly cancelled that out. Mousa Dembele then struck on the hour, Eriksen scored a second deflecting in off giant German defender Kirchhoff, who then conceded a late penalty converted by Harry Kane.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such a comprehensive defeat for Big Sam’s boys belied their brilliant midweek victory over fellow relegation battlers Swansea City. Sunderland have now slipped behind Northeast neighbours Newcastle United <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">in the Premier League</span></span> table on goal difference.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Early saves keep Sunderland in it</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spurs swiftly established themselves into the ascendancy, with Harry Kane forcing Black Cats goalie Pickford into an early fingertip save from Dembele’s lay-off.</span></div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poor Sunderland defending from a corner allowed England striker Kane to tee-up club and country teammate Dele Alli, but he blazed over the bar.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tottenham had muted penalty appeals twice against John O’Shea turned down with Kane and Alli going to ground in the Black Cats’ box. Erik Lamela later lashed a cross-shot wide.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Shock lead doesn’t last long</span></h2> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Van Aanholt’s opener came against the run of play five minutes before half-time, then. Adam Johnson’s perceptive through-ball found the Dutch full back, who survived a hint of offside to slot home from a tight angle past Hugo Lloris.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That Sunderland lead lasted little more than 90 seconds, however, as Spurs levelled after Pickford smothered from Kane. The loose ball fell to Eriksen and the Dane found the empty net, beating Lee Cattermole on the line who couldn’t clear the effort.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eriksen almost scored again to bring about a Tottenham turnaround, but Pickford turned his latest effort behind at full-stretch. Jermain Defoe, facing his former club here, fired just wide on a rare Black Cats counter early in the second-half.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Second-half collapse costs Sunderland share of spoils</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Alli header back across goal from Lamela’s diagonal ball dropped wide before consistent pressure on the Sunderland net finally told on the hour mark.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kane’s strike was palmed behind by Pickford, who then parried from Danny Rose when his defence failed to clear the resultant corner. The loose ball fell to Dembele and he worked an opening to fire Spurs ahead.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eriksen struck again seven minutes later, increasing Tottenham’s lead courtesy of a big deflection off Kirchhoff when rifling in from 25 yards. The giant German then chopped Rose down in the area, leading to a stonewall penalty coolly converted by Kane into the far corner.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spurs are now just four points off leaders Arsenal, and thus remain dark horses in the Premier League title race.</span></div> </div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG-h1QnZineBG4itPNztVtttdyGoVwrPLHGvMSfnkCv9mUq5lYTUeV3bMGLL0LOew4J3kVz_k088vUUUqXIshjipVC1MbC9GaPiovIPwCpoz8VBO7f7fYSkCFpWi5lycreRzySBBpow/s1600/131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG-h1QnZineBG4itPNztVtttdyGoVwrPLHGvMSfnkCv9mUq5lYTUeV3bMGLL0LOew4J3kVz_k088vUUUqXIshjipVC1MbC9GaPiovIPwCpoz8VBO7f7fYSkCFpWi5lycreRzySBBpow/s400/131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> </span></div>

Eriksen double helps Tottenham turnaround Sunderland

Tottenham 4-1 Sunderland Pickford makes first-half saves from Kane and Eriksen Black Cats take lead against run of play Van Aanholt s...

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