Talking BETTING
GARETH Southgate may, like the rest of us, not be allowed back to watch live football.
But I bet sitting at home in front of the telly in his trademark waistcoat he cannot fail to be impressed at the scintillating form of the nation’s young ‘uns particularly Mason Greenwood at United and Phil Foden at City.
These two have stepped up to such an extent that they should not just be certain starters for their clubs – but for England too.
Mason Mount at Chelsea is another in the emerging crop of young talent, and if we could find ourselves some decent central defenders, Southgate would be in a position to win us our first international competition since the 1966 World Cup.
All credit to the City and United academies for producing these gems. Can you imagine the value of these two in years to come – certainly enough to pay for those academy facilities that are the envy of world football.
Greenwood became the fourth player aged 18 or younger to score in three consecutive Premier League games against a lacklustre Aston Villa on Thursday. That took his tally for the campaign to 16 and only George Best, Brian Kidd and Wayne Rooney scored more as teenagers in one season for the Reds.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on record saying he cannot leave him out, which is ominous for Monday’s visitors to Old Trafford, Southampton. I thought Saints’ win over City was a totally freak result – and I’m expecting the goals to keep flowing for United with another 3-0 win which is a 7/1 shot at Betfred.
Greenwood is 7/2 to score first, with Southampton’s golden boot challenger Danny Ings 2/1 to be on target anytime.
I’m impressed how Paul Pogba has been playing in a much more measured way and he’s 10/1 to score first at Betfred.
Meanwhile, City are at Brighton tonight and Foden is 11/8 to score anytime.
He is clearly a shoo-in for the departing David Silva in this all-star squad that I reckon will down the Seagulls 3-0, which is 8/1 with us.
After the Champions League draw there has been a surge in cash backing PSG, who are in the weaker half avoiding City, Barcelona, Juventus and Bayern Munich. PSG are now 9/2 at Betfred to be outright winners with City remaining 3/1 favourites while Chelsea are the rank outsiders at 250/1.