Phil Thompson tips West Ham v Crystal Palace and Liverpool v Manchester City
Friday 27 February 2015 10:15, UK
Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, we asked Phil Thompson who Sky Sports viewers can expect the goals to come from in the televised games.
West Ham v Crystal Palace
Both sides will be looking to bounce back from late agony against north London teams last weekend, with West Ham letting a 2-0 lead slip against Tottenham while Crystal Palace lost 2-1 to Arsenal.
West Ham may be without Andy Carroll but they certainly have not struggled for goals this season, with Diafra Sakho netting nine times in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace have lacked a free-scoring marksman of their own but Sky Sports pundit Thompson believes both sides have the weapons to provide an entertaining affair on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 from 12pm.
Thommo says: “I was very impressed with West Ham against Spurs. They didn't have as much possession but they actually looked more threatening, with Diafra Sakho leading the attack in the 4-3-3 formation.
"They have Mark Noble, Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate dominating in central areas, Stewart Downing on the right and then Enner Valencia supporting Sakho."
West Ham key threat: Sakho
Sky Bet odds: Sakho to score first - 9/2
"Palace were desperately unlucky against Arsenal. They really should have got a draw from that game.
"It will be interesting to see whether Murray will start, I like him and he was unlucky not to secure a point with his late header after getting Palace back in the game after coming on.
"Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha have got to start providing more assists. They can be really exciting on their day but don’t seem to create enough chances to score enough goals.
"Murray gives them that focal point. Campbell has usually been their starter but Murray deserves his chance.
Crystal Palace key threat: Murray
Sky Bet odds: Murray to score first - 8/1
Liverpool v Manchester City
Super Sunday's early kick-off brings together the Premier League's form side Liverpool with champions Manchester City.
Daniel Sturridge and Sergio Aguero are considered the first goalscorer favourites, but Thompson believes the key to winning the match sits with the two most creative players.
Thommo says: “Whoever gets a grip of the game and provides the players in the advanced areas with the best service will decide the game.
"Coutinho has been been absuloutely superb and just great to watch. I'd expect to see him and Sterling playing off Sturridge or may Coutinho and Lallana with Sterling used out wide."
Liverpool key threat: Coutinho
Sky Bet odds: Coutinho to score first - 9/1
"Silva was absolutely fantastic against Newcastle and he and Coutinho are going into this game in prime form.
"Manchester City might worry more about Sturridge and Liverpool likewise to Aguero, but it is all about who shines from these two from me.
"I can't see City risking a 4-4-2 formation like they did against Barcelona and I think they will try to counter Liverpool, with Silva playing off Aguero in a 4-4-1-1."
Manchester City key threat: Silva
