English Premier
2010-12-18 - Liverpool vs Fulham
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : England : Premier League
Saturday, December 18th, 2010 - Kickoff 5:30PM GMT
LIVERPOOL
Roy Hodgson will have his new side host his old one in the late kickoff, and although his side have climbed all the way to 9th following their shocker of a start to the season, there are mounting calls for his head thanks to an away form that leaves much to be desired. Thankfully, this one is at home, playing opposition that haven't won on their travels in well over a year.
Liverpool are on a run of 4 straight wins at home, with Fernando Torres having found his boots, put them on and gotten to work. The Spaniard has 5 to his name and leads his team-mates in goals scored. Still, it hasn't helped that in between those 4 wins are a lot of awful results away from Anfield, such as last week when the team travelled to Newcastle and got tonked 3-1. In midweek, Liverpool returned home to host Utrecht, but failed to even get on the scoresheet, as the match ended in a very dull 0-0 draw.
Looking back at last year's results, it's funny to see that Hodgson actually got his team to avoid defeat against Liverpool. The last match ended in a 0-0 draw, while the fixture at Craven Cottage ended 3-1 to Fulham! Sounds a bit like Liverpool this year, eh? But really, Liverpool are the stronger side, and with the team doing so much better at home, and with Torres finally scoring again, it is hard to seriously consider a bet on Fulham, who just cannot come near a win away from home, no matter what they try.
FULHAM
Mark Hughes brings his side up to Liverpool also under pressure, as his team lie 17th, teetering on the edge of the dreaded relegation zone. Although there is pressure to win, his job is not in jeopardy, as his boss is not one for sacking managers or meddling with the club.
Fulham have really felt the absence of Bobby Zamora, that much is clear. Dembele is out injured, while Andy Johnson looks a shadow of his former self. Only Clint Dempsey has done well for Fulham this season, and he is level with El Nino on 5 goals this season. Luckily, they have done well defensively to make up for their shambolic scoring record this season, otherwise they would surely be worse off at this stage. The team need that away win badly, and after well over a year since they last enjoyed one, I wonder if they might have a mental block now.
Their record of 2 wins, 10 draws and 5 losses does nothing to fill me with confidence at all in terms of suggesting a bet on Fulham. They'll do well to get a draw, based on talent alone, because on paper Liverpool are much stronger and really should get a win here.
BETTING VERDICT
I'm going to have to say Liverpool, but it might not be an easy match.
The Pick :
Liverpool to win
