EVERY FRIDAY, FOOTBALL writer John Brewin – who has clocked up countless air miles covering the European game over the past decade – looks ahead to five key fixtures from the Premier League and around the continent.
As well as explaining why you need to know about these matches, he’ll also pick out a tip for each one along with the latest William Hill prices.
This weekend, the Merseyside rivals have contrasting fortunes ahead of their derby at Anfield, Germany’s top two clash in Bavaria and there’s silverware on the line as Real Betis meet Valencia.
Liverpool v Everton, Premier League – 4.30pm Sunday
Everton's Richarlison and Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
Having swatted aside Manchester United with such ease, Liverpool welcome another deep-seated rival to Anfield. Everton continue to be in the relegation battle though Richarlison’s late, deflected equaliser against Leicester on Wednesday pulled them four points clear of Burnley, still yet to appoint a manager at time of writing.
Everton’s record in this fixture at Anfield had been hopeless until they managed to win there last season. In mitigation for Liverpool, the game was played that behind closed doors, with a heavy injury crisis wreaking havoc on Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Jordan Henderson partnered Ozan Kabak in defence as Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdssson got the goals. That was Everton’s first win at Anfield since 1999, when Kevin Campbell scored the sole goal ahead of a defence marshalled by Richard Gough and a young Richard Dunne. Steve Staunton was in the Liverpool team.
Toffees striker Kevin Campbell celebrates at Anfield in 1999 and (left) Jamie Carragher. EMPICS Sport
EMPICS Sport
So, it’s 23 years since Everton fans last saw their team win at Anfield, and few of them would expect to see anything like the same as last season. Where Liverpool are imperious, Everton have been playing chaotic football – Frank Lampard seeming to have little control over his team, with Seamus Coleman having to make some vital interceptions to stop Leicester running away with it on Wednesday.
The Toffees got back into the game after Lampard brought on Salomon Rondon, and the ball was launched up to the Venezuelan, who has suffered from his association with the previous manager, Rafa Benitez, but might just be a route to safety. Burnley would crave him, for example.
Not that such a route-one approach is likely to be much use against Liverpool, who have shown themselves capable of blowing away just about any opposing strategy. Thiago, on the end of a nasty tackle from Richarlison that curtailed his 2020-21 season, is in rich form and took apart Manchester United. Given the space Everton have often granted opponents, he may cut them to ribbons.
Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga – 5.30pm Saturday
Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham and Bayern's Lucas Hernandez. Imago / PA Images
Imago / PA Images / PA Images
Der Klassiker comes around again, and it can’t be said either of Germany’s big clubs are in the best state, despite them occupying the top two in the table.
A win for Bayern could crown them champions, to complete objective one under Julian Nagelsmann by wrapping up ten titles in a row. Yet, talk of Robert Lewandowski leaving the club casts a shadow.
Dortmund, meanwhile, have not impressed under Marco Rose and Erling Haaland, seemingly now bound for Manchester City, has become a distraction with the Norwegian not fit for much of the season.
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Such is Bayern’s malaise, however, it might not be a surprise to see their party delayed by at least a draw.
Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella (left) with Roger Ibanez of Roma when the sides met in February. Xinhua News Agency / PA Images
Xinhua News Agency / PA Images / PA Images
Jose Mourinho appears to be back in business. His Roma team have gone 12 matches without defeat, and, despite being fifth on Monday, played their part in the title race by snatching a draw at Napoli via an excellent late goal from Stephan El Shaarawy.
Now to try and do similar damage to Inter, where Mourinho is still held in the highest regard for leading the club to a treble back when he truly was the best coach in the world.
Inter have found a useful run of form, two points off the top with a game in hand on Milan, and beat their San Siro co-habitants 3-0 to reach the Coppa Italia on Tuesday.
Arsenal v Manchester United, Premier League – 12.30pm Saturday
Mikel Arteta with Mohamed Elneny after Arsenal's win over Chelsea. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
This ought to be a huge battle in the top-four race, one that Arsenal pulled themselves right back into with that chaotic 4-2 win at Chelsea on Wednesday.
United are just three points back on the Gunners and Tottenham, level on goal difference, and yet few would trust them to climb back alongside those rivals considering the hopelessness of their form under Ralf Rangnick.
Last week’s win over Norwich, and a shock defeat of Tottenham on 12 March both required Cristiano Ronaldo hat-tricks, and his involvement is unlikely considering the loss of newborn son.
Aside from those wins, United haven’t won in two months but announced yesterday that Dutchman Erik ten Hag will take the manager’s job on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
Real Betis v Valencia, Copa del Rey final – 9pm Saturday
Real Betis playmaker Nabil Fekir is tracked by Valencia's Dimitri Foulquier. Joaquin Corchero
Joaquin Corchero
The Copa del Rey final is where Spain’s focus is this weekend, despite Real Madrid being so close to lifting the Liga title. Betis only have to travel crosstown to the Estadio de La Cartuja, familiar from being used in the Euro 2020 finals.
Betis’s fine league season, where they were competing for a top-four place, has ebbed away a little while Valencia are tenth in the table. It seems fair to say both clubs’ cup adventures have provided a distraction.
The teams’ sole meeting this season was back in October, with Betis winning 4-1 at their own Estadio Benito Villamarin. Can near-home advantage tell? Valencia have only won one game in their last six.
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
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Merseyside derby, Der Klassiker and the Copa del Rey final: John Brewin's unmissable matches
EVERY FRIDAY, FOOTBALL writer John Brewin – who has clocked up countless air miles covering the European game over the past decade – looks ahead to five key fixtures from the Premier League and around the continent.
As well as explaining why you need to know about these matches, he’ll also pick out a tip for each one along with the latest William Hill prices.
This weekend, the Merseyside rivals have contrasting fortunes ahead of their derby at Anfield, Germany’s top two clash in Bavaria and there’s silverware on the line as Real Betis meet Valencia.
Liverpool v Everton, Premier League – 4.30pm Sunday
Having swatted aside Manchester United with such ease, Liverpool welcome another deep-seated rival to Anfield. Everton continue to be in the relegation battle though Richarlison’s late, deflected equaliser against Leicester on Wednesday pulled them four points clear of Burnley, still yet to appoint a manager at time of writing.
Everton’s record in this fixture at Anfield had been hopeless until they managed to win there last season. In mitigation for Liverpool, the game was played that behind closed doors, with a heavy injury crisis wreaking havoc on Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Jordan Henderson partnered Ozan Kabak in defence as Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdssson got the goals. That was Everton’s first win at Anfield since 1999, when Kevin Campbell scored the sole goal ahead of a defence marshalled by Richard Gough and a young Richard Dunne. Steve Staunton was in the Liverpool team.
So, it’s 23 years since Everton fans last saw their team win at Anfield, and few of them would expect to see anything like the same as last season. Where Liverpool are imperious, Everton have been playing chaotic football – Frank Lampard seeming to have little control over his team, with Seamus Coleman having to make some vital interceptions to stop Leicester running away with it on Wednesday.
The Toffees got back into the game after Lampard brought on Salomon Rondon, and the ball was launched up to the Venezuelan, who has suffered from his association with the previous manager, Rafa Benitez, but might just be a route to safety. Burnley would crave him, for example.
Not that such a route-one approach is likely to be much use against Liverpool, who have shown themselves capable of blowing away just about any opposing strategy. Thiago, on the end of a nasty tackle from Richarlison that curtailed his 2020-21 season, is in rich form and took apart Manchester United. Given the space Everton have often granted opponents, he may cut them to ribbons.
John’s bet: Mohamed Salah to score in the first half for Liverpool @ 6/4
Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga – 5.30pm Saturday
Der Klassiker comes around again, and it can’t be said either of Germany’s big clubs are in the best state, despite them occupying the top two in the table.
A win for Bayern could crown them champions, to complete objective one under Julian Nagelsmann by wrapping up ten titles in a row. Yet, talk of Robert Lewandowski leaving the club casts a shadow.
Dortmund, meanwhile, have not impressed under Marco Rose and Erling Haaland, seemingly now bound for Manchester City, has become a distraction with the Norwegian not fit for much of the season.
Such is Bayern’s malaise, however, it might not be a surprise to see their party delayed by at least a draw.
John’s bet: Bayern and Dortmund to draw @ 4/1
Inter Milan v Roma, Serie A – 5pm Saturday
Jose Mourinho appears to be back in business. His Roma team have gone 12 matches without defeat, and, despite being fifth on Monday, played their part in the title race by snatching a draw at Napoli via an excellent late goal from Stephan El Shaarawy.
Now to try and do similar damage to Inter, where Mourinho is still held in the highest regard for leading the club to a treble back when he truly was the best coach in the world.
Inter have found a useful run of form, two points off the top with a game in hand on Milan, and beat their San Siro co-habitants 3-0 to reach the Coppa Italia on Tuesday.
What can Jose find against them?
John’s bet: Inter and Roma to draw with both teams to score @ 4/1
Arsenal v Manchester United, Premier League – 12.30pm Saturday
This ought to be a huge battle in the top-four race, one that Arsenal pulled themselves right back into with that chaotic 4-2 win at Chelsea on Wednesday.
Last week’s win over Norwich, and a shock defeat of Tottenham on 12 March both required Cristiano Ronaldo hat-tricks, and his involvement is unlikely considering the loss of newborn son.
Aside from those wins, United haven’t won in two months but announced yesterday that Dutchman Erik ten Hag will take the manager’s job on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
John’s bet: Arsenal to beat Manchester United @ 21/20
Real Betis v Valencia, Copa del Rey final – 9pm Saturday
The Copa del Rey final is where Spain’s focus is this weekend, despite Real Madrid being so close to lifting the Liga title. Betis only have to travel crosstown to the Estadio de La Cartuja, familiar from being used in the Euro 2020 finals.
Betis’s fine league season, where they were competing for a top-four place, has ebbed away a little while Valencia are tenth in the table. It seems fair to say both clubs’ cup adventures have provided a distraction.
The teams’ sole meeting this season was back in October, with Betis winning 4-1 at their own Estadio Benito Villamarin. Can near-home advantage tell? Valencia have only won one game in their last six.
John’s bet: Copa del Rey final to go to extra-time with both teams to score @ 7/2
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
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