Top Tip – Derby to beat Watford at 5/4
Patience is a virtue that football club chairmen rarely demonstrate. However if the board of Derby County are anything like as patient as that of Burton Albion, allowing Nigel Clough several seasons to bed in as the club’s manager could reap enormous dividends.
The son of one of football’s great figures, Clough is gradually stamping his authority at Pride Park and County have made an encouraging start to the season, sitting 12th, just three points off the play-off places. The Rams host high flying Watford this weekend.
Derby have won four of their last six Championship matches, including convincing wins over Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Preston in their last three home games. They have developed a knack of seeing off Championship sides in front of a large and enthusiastic Pride Park crowd in recent weeks, and whilst Watford are a better side than this trio, Derby can register another home triumph this weekend at a tasty 5/4
Despite their 1-0 reverse at Sunderland last time out, Aston Villa fans must be pleased with the progress their team is making under new manager Gerard Houllier. A solid draw against Chelsea and some handy recent performances are set to see Villa challenging for a European place by the end of this campaign.
Villa host Birmingham City in this weekend’s second city derby. The Blues beat Blackpool last time out although they needed penalties to beat lowly Brentford in midweek and their form has been patchy all season. I expect Villa to win at 4/5.
Bolton v Liverpool
Liverpool secured a much needed win over Blackburn Rovers last time out which kept the wolves from Roy Hodgson’s door…at least temporarily. In any other season you’d back the Reds to see off Bolton Wanderers at 6/5 but this is no normal season for the once great club
