First and foremost I would like to thank James Hirst and John Mastrini for filling in for me over the last fortnight with a Five-Way each. I hope the experience hasn’t left a bitter taste in their mouth after they fell foul to some of the season’s biggest shocks – most notably the fighting Foxes’ comeback against Van Gaal’s United. But now we must look forwards, towards a weekend that appears to offer us the first FFW full house of the season.
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa – Saturday 27th Sept – K.O. 3pm
Prediction: HOME WIN
Odds: 1/4
The first of our selections brings first versus third together with one side that’s living up to their hype against another that is far exceeding expectations. It’s early days but Paul Lambert looks to have shown the footballing world the benefit of actually sticking with a manager for once, as the addition of Roy Keane to the coaching staff has given Villa’s young side the grit and fight they’ve previously lacked. But goals have still been a problem for the Villains who have hit the back of the net just four times (which is three goals fewer than Diego Costa has managed single-handedly) After last weekend’s haunting Chelsea will be looking to bury the ghost of Frank Lampard once and for all with a confident, comfortable win while Villa will still be shaking after their capitulation at the hands of a dominant Arsenal – HOME WIN.
Goals have still been a problem for the Villains who have hit the back of the net just four times (which is three goals fewer than Diego Costa has managed single-handedly).
Southampton vs. QPR – Saturday 27th Sept – K.O. 3pm
Prediction: HOME WIN
Odds: 7/15
This one pits second against 18th as Harry Redknapp’s men travel down to St Mary’s in the hope of becoming the first side to score against Southampton on their own patch this season. It is incredible to think that Koeman’s side is £92m of talent light on last year and yet somehow they are still competing at the highest level. Fishing for an answer to this conundrum I stumbled across an interview Koeman gave earlier in the week about his captain Jose Fonte. After the Cup win at Arsenal, the Saints had a day off scheduled but, after consultation with the rest of the squad, Fonte approached Koeman requesting the day off be cancelled. Not because they didn’t feel they deserved it but because they felt resting could hamper the momentum and high standards they were achieving. On the other hand, QPR have endured a comedy of errors this week: firstly £10m new boy Sandro was injured in training while knee-slide-celebrating a cheeky goal. And then defensive hardman Caulker was arrested outside his local Tesco’s after being wrongly accused of stealing a £1.82 tub of Philadelphia! So based on their mixed fortunes of late – HOME WIN.
Barcelona vs. Granada – Saturday 27th Sept – K.O. 5pm
Prediction: HOME WIN
Odds: 1/7
First versus eighth, which sounds interesting, but Granada travel to the Camp Nou facing a side yet to concede in the league home or away, knowing they have managed only two goals themselves, away from home. The only source of comfort for Granada is that on Wednesday, against Malaga, Barça failed to register a shot on target for the first time since before Guardiola took charge. Although Granada fell foul to a well-organised (17th placed) Levante three days earlier. Luis Enrique signed well this summer and has made Barcelona more organised and efficient, without compromising their characteristic flair – HOME WIN.
Inter vs. Cagliari – Sun 28th Sept – K.O. 2pm
Prediction: HOME WIN
Odds: 5/11
In Italy this weekend it is third versus 20th as an undefeated Inter Milan welcome a Cagliari side yet to register a victory. Under 22 years of Cellino ownership Cagliari had 36 managers – which left them yearning for stability – which they saw as a possibility when he sold the club back in January 2014. But their maiden season free of the tyrant hasn’t really gone to plan and they sit bottom of the league. Inter have struggled somewhat since the departure of enigmatic Jose Mourinho and have failed to keep pace with old rivals Roma and Juventus (something that already looks to be happening this season). But credit where credit is due, Inter have looked class – most notably in their 7-0 thumping of Sassuolo – HOME WIN.
Inter have looked class – most notably in their 7-0 thumping of Sassuolo.
BRAVEBET
Ipswich Town vs. Rotherham – Sat 27th Sept – K.O. 3pm
Prediction: HOME WIN
Odds: 20/19
This week’s Bravebet is a more sure thing than the odds suggest, meaning BIG returns are not just possible but likely! Rotherham head into the game without a win in their last five and they haven’t won at Portman road since the 17th October 1959! Whilst the Tractor Boys go into the clash on the back of three straight wins, including an impressive display away at Wigan last Monday – HOME WIN.
Ben Wright
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Check out past Friday Five-Ways here.
Odds accurate as of 7pm, 25/9/2014 sourced at oddschecker.com
