The English Premier League

Midweek Fixtures

Tuesday, 9^th February 2009

19:45 GMT – Manchester City (1.44 Bet365) V Bolton Wanderers (9.00 SkyBet)

19:45 GMT – Portsmouth (2.50 PaddyPower) V Sunderland (3.20 VCbet)

19:45 GMT – Wigan Athletic (2.25 Boylesports) V Stoke City (3.60 VCbet)

20:00 GMT – Fulham (1.73 Bet365) V Burnley (5.50 PaddyPower)

Wednesday, 10^th February

19:45 GMT – Arsenal (2.10 Bet365) V Liverpool (3.90 Expekt) ARSENAL V LIVERPOOL DETAILED PREVIEW!

19:45 GMT – Aston Villa (4.30 VCbet) V Manchester United (1.91 Boylesports) VILLA V MAN UNITED DETAILED PREVIEW

19:45 GMT – West Ham United (2.30 PaddyPower) V Birmingham City (3.50 Coral)

19:45 GMT – Wolverhampton Wanderers (4.50 SkyBet) V Tottenham Hotspur (1.91 Bet365)

20:00 GMT – Blackburn Rovers (1.91 VCbet) V Hull City (4.50 Boylesports)

20:00 GMT – Everton (5.50 BlueSquare) V Chelsea (1.73 Bet365)

Live Games:

Manchester City V Bolton Wanderers – Sky Sports 2

Arsenal V Liverpool - Sky Sports 2

The live action kicks off with Man City entertaining Owen Coyle’s Bolton at The City of Manchester stadium as the home side aim to bounce straight back from their shock defeat to Hill City at the weekend. The blue half of Manchester are still dreaming of Champions League football for next season, but could find themselves settling for The Europa League if City’s performances don’t improve, starting with the arrival of Bolton Wanderers, a side who themselves cannot afford to drop too many points, with Bolton hovering just above the relegation zone. A victory for Man City would lift them above Liverpool and into fourth position, their target destination, whereas defeat for Bolton could see them go into the weekends fixtures in the relegation zone if results elsewhere don’t go in their favour. Another shock, however, an away win for Bolton, could lift Bolton as high as 14^th in the table.

No doubt the fixture which has the most appeal, especially with neutral viewers, is the Arsenal V Liverpool clash which will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports on Wednesday night. Arsenal, after yet another defeat to a title rival, pin their revival challenge on a victory over Liverpool on Wednesday night as The Gunners fall nine points off the pace after their 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Liverpool, though, have their own reasons, equally as important, as to why they desperately need all three points as they aim to cement their top four stance with their first win at The Emirates since 2000. Liverpool are having to fend off the challenge from Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa & Man City for a Champions League berth next season and will boost their chances of finishing in fourth spot immensely with victory over The Gunners. A victory for the away side, a Liverpool WIN, would also bring Arsenal right back into the equation and loosen up two Champions League spots instead of the solitary one the teams have been chasing for the past two or so months. A big game in which a win for either side could have a huge impact on how the positions at the top of the table could be finalised.

The rest of the action goes as follows; Portsmouth, a team who appeared destined for the drop after news of yet more financial unrest, take on Sunderland at Fratton Park in a home fixture they just have to win. However, you wouldn’t fancy either sides chances, with Pompey losing five of their previous six league encounters and Sunderland not winning a Premiership fixture since the middle of November, going eleven games without a win. With this in mind, perhaps a small punt on the draw (3.30 Boylesports) could be worthwhile?

It’s a relegation six-pointer at The DW stadium as Bolton take on Wigan Athletic in a must win clash for either side. For now, though, both are on dry land but a loss for either side could see them spend the rest of this week in the bottom three. Home advantage does make Wigan the favourites, although they haven’t won in three at home, while Bolton won’t attract too many punters after not managing an away win since September, going seven games without any success on the road. Also, both teams are still searching for their first win of 2010. Not another draw (3.40 Boylesports), surely?

Fulham are going through an indifferent spell of late but have now opened up another potential unbeaten run after going two games unbeaten following their 0-0 draw away at Bolton. A win for the Cottagers would keep them in the upper half of the table until the weekend. Their opponents, however, are struggling to fend off the relegation zone but did give their chances a big boost with victory over West Ham United on Saturday, winning 2-1 at Turf Moor. However, Burnley are big ‘underdogs’ in this contest as they haven’t won an away fixture all season, losing 11 of 12 away Premiership fixtures.

A stuttering Aston Villa play host to a Manchester United side on fire at the moment. Villa have managed just one league victory in their last six, which is in stark contrast to their opponents who have won four on the trot, five in their last seven and are unbeaten in seven games. However, Villa are on the verge of completing an historic league double over United but are in need of a big performance to beat the Premiership champions on Wednesday night. Defeat for Villa would dampen their charge for a top four finish while victory for United would keep the pressure on Chelsea, perhaps even take them top if Chelsea don’t produce the goods elsewhere at Goodison.

West Ham meet Birmingham at Upton Park in a rare meeting for both sides. However, it’s Birmingham who arrive with the better form after returning to winning ways with a 2-1 win at home to Wolves. The Hammers, however, succumbed to their eleventh defeat of the campaign as they lost 2-1 at Burnley. West Ham are desperate for points though, but will need a mammoth display to overhaul Birmingham, whom have lost just once in fourteen league fixtures. However, West Ham are unbeaten in three at Upton Park and are boosted by their flurry of forward arrivals in January, so perhaps the home side can overpower a tough and resilient Birmingham side.

Wolves go seeking a first win in seven as they entertain a Tottenham side who have drawn far too many games recently. However, the same could be said for Wolves in terms of losing games, with Wolves losing four of their last five league games, whilst Tottenham have drawn four of their last seven. However, surely Tottenham will be fired up for this encounter and should be good for the win in the knowledge that they must avenge the home defeat they suffered at the hands of Wolves back in December. The problem for Spurs though, has been scoring goals, with Harry Redknapp’s side scoring just one in their last three away outings. Wolves haven’t been much cop in front of goal either, with Mick McCarthy’s men not scoring a single goal in any of their last three home fixtures. Perhaps a drab affair (Under 2.5 Goals – 1.85 SportingBet) could be on the cards at Molineux?

Another potential six-pointer as Blackburn welcome the arrival of Hull City in a game they will be supremely confident of getting all three points in. Rovers have played their best football, and gotten the vast majority of their points, in home games this season and should be too strong, on paper anyway, for their opponents, Hull, who haven’t won away from The KC stadium all season. Hull were annihilated in their last away fixture, losing 4-0 at Man City, and they could fall to a similar fate at Ewood Park as Blackburn Rovers have won their last two fixtures at home, beating both Fulham & Wigan Athletic. An away win is big, but tasty nevertheless, and it’s not asking an awful lot to expect a big performance from the Tigers after their weekend heroics over Man City, beating the mega-rich Manchester club 2-1 at The KC on Saturday.

Another eye-catching fixture is the last on the card – Everton V Chelsea. I’m sure most of you will remember the problems Everton caused Chelsea’s defence in the earlier meeting between the two at Stamford Bridge of which Everton scored three. Of course, Chelsea did put the same amount past Tim Howard but it was Everton who claimed the plaudits that day and are still to this day the only team to have taken anything away from Stamford Bridge. However, the two sides had contrasting results at the weekend, with Everton losing a bitter derby contest with Liverpool and Chelsea winning their London derby with Arsenal. Everton were, though, unbeaten in nine before their loss at Anfield, but has the momentum been lost and will Chelsea continue their surge as they set out to make it six wins in seven in the Premiership.

Aston Villa V Manchester United

Wednesday, 10^th February – 19:45 GMT

Two teams, who can ill-afford to slip up and lose ground on their respective targets, go in search of a vital win that will keep them on course for their own individual mission. Villa are still harbouring hopes of finishing in the top four, the Champions League places, while Manchester United are hot on the heels of Chelsea as they chase down their fifth successive league title. There is so much at stake in this fixture, but for one side revenge is at the forefront of their minds after the reverse fixture at Old Trafford finished 1-0 to the visitors, with Gabriel Agbonlahor scoring Villa’s winner with a first-half header. Who will claim the spoils at the second time of asking and will Villa complete a rare and historic league double over the mighty Manchester United?

Aston Villa

League Position: 7th

Recent Form: LDDWD

Martin O’Neill and his youngish Villa side have come across a sticky patch of form which has seen Villa manage just one win in their last six league games. However, to says it’s been a tricky fixture list for Villa would be an understatement, with Villa playing the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool & Tottenham in a six match spell since Boxing day, with their latest being fellow top four hopefuls, Tottenham Hotspur. Villa were the away side in their clash with Spurs on Saturday, in a game that ended 0-0, much to the relief of the Villa manager and their fans as Villa were completely outplayed for large periods of that game.

O’Neill’s troops spent the best part of 90 minutes on the back foot against Spurs, repelling any Tottenham trespassers that dare enter their penalty area. Tottenham controlled the pace and tempo of the game and were allowed to assert themselves in the match very early on. The Villa goal really did lead a charmed life and the point was a fortunate one for Villa, although a deserved one in many respects as the Villa defence did have to work extremely hard. However, what was discouraging was how negative Villa played at White Hart Lane in that they seemed quite content to let Tottenham dictate play and appeared more than happy to defend. We know Tottenham are a big threat when going forward, especially when playing at home in front of their fans, but it was a game Villa were equipped to win. Not saying they would have won with a more adventurous attitude but it would have certainly led to a much more competitive affair than the one-sided contest we eventually got.

We don’t expect for one second that Martin O’Neill will opt for a similar style of play in this fixture as it’s a home outing for his Villa side this time around. However, the negativity of their play was astonishing and it could have a downward effect on their forward play if they don’t actually attempt to make forward runs in games. After watching them on Saturday, it didn’t surprise me to hear that Villa haven’t scored in five of their last six league encounters, with three actually being at Villa Park. Their strikers just aren’t getting a fluent run of play at the present time and it’s having a negative effect on their morale and form. 

The last time, and only time in six, Villa scored in a Premiership fixture was away at Fulham when they won 2-0. However, even those goals were due to defensive mistakes from Fulham, so some could say Villa are struggling for creativity at present, which is a strange comment to make considering the amount of creative players they have in their squad; Milner, Young, Downing and Petrov.. However, the facts remain that Villa are struggling in front of goal and could find themselves leaving Villa Park empty handed once again if they don’t buck up their ideas in front of goal.

They are without a win at Villa Park in their last three, with Villa failing to score in all three, and in the knowledge that Villa haven’t beaten United at Villa Park this side of the Millennium, surely the home side must be opposed in this clash?

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: DWWWW

The Red Devils are back to their scintillating best and even an on-song Aston Villa would struggle to halt this United express on current form. They have all the momentum after yet another winning weekend, this time smashing five past a hapless Portsmouth, and now United take their winning run of four games, and unbeaten streak of seven, to Villa Park where they’ll be gunning for revenge after their home defeat to Villa earlier in the season.

Manchester United are in the perfect form to reverse the 1-0 defeat to Villa at Old Trafford after looking unstoppable of late, and backing this unstoppable comment up with a seven match unbeaten run. Their demolition of Portsmouth on Saturday was their fourth victory on the spin following their sublime win at The Emirates a week earlier, beating Arsenal 3-1 in an emphatic manner. Their win on Saturday was largely down to some good fortune, but you make your own fortune in this game and United might not need any lucky charms on Wednesday if they can somehow replicate their performance in their last away outing, at Arsenal, into this fixture at Villa Park, in that United were lethal on the attack and tidy at the back against The Gunners, which makes for a pleasant change.  

However, before we get too carried away, we must say that United have only won two of their last four away fixtures and have been found wanting on their travels on a few occasions this season. They are, though, undefeated on the road since their humbling at Craven Cottage by Fulham, back in December. They recovered well mind, winning two of their next three, but one was against a toothless Hull City, at the time, and they did almost come unstuck at Villa’s loca neighbours, Birmingham City, drawing 1-1 at S.t Andrews after coming back from 1-0 down. Still, unbeaten in three games away from home, scoring seven and conceding two, and United look the team to be on in this clash.

One thing we must point out, and advise caution on, is not to get too carried away with United’s recent scoring antics. Alex Ferguson’s side, spearheaded by the leagues top goalscorer in Wayne Rooney, have scored an outstanding fifteen goals in their last four league fixtures; an average of nearly 4 goals a game. However, with the exception of Arsenal, their goals have come against some of the leagues worst teams, with United scoring 3 against Burnley, putting 4 past Hull City & 5 past Portsmouth, all in the bottom half of the table, two of which were in the relegation one at the start of the weekend. The goals will, however, bring about a significant boost in confidence for the United forwards, mainly just Wayne Rooney, and their creative players, but we mustn’t forget that Villa have a strong defence, one of thee strongest in the league, and haven’t conceded a league goal in four games – So don’t be too hasty!

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.91 Bet365

Villa have lost a great deal of momentum with this baron looking run of one win in six, whereas United are flying at the moment and even a resilient Villa could struggle to stop the mighty reds on Wednesday evening. Villa’s attackers haven’t had much luck in recent fixtures, league wise, and we feel they could bottle in the crucial moments at Villa Park, while United have been scoring goals left, right and centre and appear far too strong for an always improving Aston Villa.

Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 4.30 VCbet

Draw – 3.60 Boylesports

Manchester United – 1.91 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Man Utd to WIN to NIL – 3.25 SkyBet

Villa haven’t had much luck in front of goal in their recent outings, while United have been winning whilst keeping clean sheets of late, albeit against far inferior opposition. Nevertheless, the confidence at the back for United is steadily growing and we feel a to NIL victory could be on the cards. Sir Alex hasn’t seen his United side keep an away clean sheet since early December when United ran riot at Upton Park, beating West Ham 4-0, but their defence is looking a lot tighter now, more organised, and should of ended their baron clean sheet run in their last away outing at The Emirates, with a deflected Thomas Vermaelen shot spoiling United’s early defensive celebrations.

Also, Wayne Rooney is on fire right now, and even X2 Jens Lehmann’s, X3 Heurelho Gomes’ and X7 David James’ in the goal would struggle to keep the United machine out on present form. Rooney bagged two when United won 4-1 at Villa Park in 2007, United’s last victory at Aston Villa after drawing 0-0 their last season, and we’ve taken to his odds of scoring more against Villa on Wednesday night.

Advisable Bets:

Wayne Rooney Anytime Scorer – 11/8 Boylesports

Wayne Rooney FGS – 9/2 totesport

Wayne Rooney to score a BRACE (2 or more) – 7/1 WilliamHill

Arsenal V Liverpool

Wednesday, 10^th February – 19:45 GMT (Sky Sports 2)

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: WWDLL

Arsenal, after a torrid couple of outings, will be gunning for an important victory over another rival when they entertain Liverpool at The Emirates. The Gunners’ title bid has been derailed after a visit from Man Utd and a trip to Stamford Bridge, but now Liverpool come to town in a game Arsenal simply have to win, not only to keep their slim title dreams alive but also to avoid being drawn into this fight for fourth place.

Arsene Wenger’s side were once so prominent in the league table but are now contemplating life in the remainder of the season in a top four scrap as defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night would drag Arsenal right back into this intriguing contest. However, Arsenal have yet to lose a Premiership fixture to Liverpool at The Emirates, while you’ll have to stretch your memory banks back to February, 2000 for Liverpool’s last victory on Arsenal soil. Perhaps it will be fate that sees Arsenal’s run of eight league games at home unbeaten against their Merseyside opponents vanish, nearly a decade to the day after Liverpool last won on Arsenal soil. 

Arsenal were largely disappointing again on Sunday in yet another huge clash the Gunners didn’t come out on top in. Moreover, Arsenal are now on the verge of completing an unwanted hat-trick of home defeats against the so called ‘Big Four’. However, Liverpool haven’t been up to scratch all season and you would have to make Arsenal firm favourites despite their poor showing at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. That defeat did, however, come quickly off the back of a home defeat to Manchester United the weekend before, so to lose two crunch games in such a short space of time must be like taking a sledgehammer to the confidence and morale of the Arsenal camp. 

The positives about Arsenal’s performance at the weekend was their ability to retain possession for long periods of the game. However, this was largely ineffective because they did next to nothing with it, with clear cut chances a rarity for The Gunners in the clash at The Bridge, with Arsenal surprisingly lacking that cutting edge in the final third. The concern, though, was their poor defence… once again! When Arsenal are having to chase back and defend they look a mess. Two weekends in a row now Arsenal have been caught napping at the back from counter-attacks and have been severely punished for it. An Arsenal defence, which had kept four clean sheets in it’s last seven league games, has now shipped five in it’s last two and you would have to have some level of doubts over the confidence and form of that Arsenal back four heading into another high-pressured game.

Liverpool

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: DWDWW

Rafael Benitez will have been delighted with his teams efforts in what was a full-blooded encounter at the battle of Anfield with local rivals Everton. To come off the pitch with no lasting injuries was a minor miracle in itself but to leave their beloved ground with all three points, despite being reduced to 10 men during the first half, was an outstanding result and one that extended their unbeaten run in the league to seven games. Now, though, Liverpool have an even bigger task on their hands as they aim to banish their poor record at Arsenal when they take on The Gunners at The Emirates.

It was carnage at Anfield as tackles were flying in, elbows were being flung and cards were being dished out like it was Christmas. One player who will now miss this trip to Arsenal is Kyriakos, whom has been one of Liverpool’s star players in this seven match unbeaten run of theirs. A rash lunge from the Greek centre-back meant he received an instant red and he will now miss Liverpool’s next three encounters. The lanky Greek will be sorely missed as he’s been somewhat of a rock in defence for the Reds as they kept their fourth successive league clean sheet on Saturday. Then again, his main strength is his aerial ability and Arsenal won’t pose a threat from the air, and so, someone more agile is required anyway – Someone like Daniel Agger, for instance.

It’s bewildering to think that Liverpool are now the inform team of the two considering the Merseyside club have endured a drastic season to date. However, they are a team that haven’t lost in seven outings in the Premiership and are the side that have clawed their way back into Champions League contention, with five wins from their last seven. Moreover, Rafa’s men will be brimming with confidence after they finally regained fourth spot on Saturday after a perfect weekend of results for them.

However, we will be the party pooper by saying that Liverpool do possess a very untidy away record of 4-3-5, with the reds without an away win in their last two outings; drawing at both Stoke City & Wolves, both low scoring affairs. Their last away win came at Villa Park when they beat Aston Villa 1-0 in a game they never deserved to win. Moreover, their performances away from home on the whole have been abysmal and it will take some effort, regardless of Arsenal’s recent disappointments, to turn Arsenal over on their own patch. This is especially true when you hear that Liverpool haven’t managed to score more than two goals in an away Premiership fixture since the 29^th November, when Liverpool beat Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park, six away games ago.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.40 Boylesports

Arsenal have recently gone off the boil while Liverpool haven’t exactly excelled in this seen match unbeaten run of theirs. Also, these two sides have played out a 1-1 draw in their last two encounters at The Emirates. Three if you include their 1-1 draw in the Champions League a couple of seasons ago. At The Emirates, you would fancy Arsenal to bounce back from any defeat but they are up against a rejuvenated Liverpool side who could prove to be the thorn in their side. However, The Gunners have been very impressive at home throughout the season, with only a few blips against the very best tarnishing what would have been a very strong home record. Liverpool have the form and plenty of momentum but I reckon both sides will have to settle for a point come the end, of which neither side would be too disgruntled with.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 2.10 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 Boylesports

Liverpool – 3.90 Expekt

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.80 Bet365

This could turn out to be a foolish selection but neither have been impressing in front of goal of late, with Arsenal without a recognised forward, although Nicklas Bendnter could make his long-awaited return from injury for this clash, while Liverpool have been winning games by the odd goal and with the help of some tidy defending. Arsenal have now failed to score in their last three Premiership fixtures, while Liverpool haven’t conceded a goal in the league in over 440 minutes of league action. A run which would have been longer were it not for a late Huth equaliser against Stoke. That’s the only goal Pepe Reina has conceded in his last seven league appearances and so he’ll be full of confidence in the Liverpool goal.

Arsenal are struggling for fire-power and creativity up front while Liverpool have been repelling all invaders of late. You could say a goal rush is well overdue but the form and displays from both sides would indicate another low scoring encounter could be on the cards, with a fourth 1-1 draw in succession at The Emirates between the two not a bad shout.

Advisable Selections:

1-1 Correct Score – 6/1 SkyBet

Nicklas Bendnter Anytime Scorer – 9/4 Coral

Dirk Kuyt Anytime Scorer – 13/5 Coral

Chelsea V Arsenal

Sunday, 7^th February – 16:00 GMT (Sky Sports 1)

Chelsea

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WWWWD

Chelsea’s winning run of four games came to an abrupt end on Tuesday night when Hull City, of all the teams, stopped Chelsea in their tracks by holding out for a point, drawing 1-1 at The KC. However, Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have a lot of time to dwell on that mishap as one of Chelsea’s nearest neighbours comes to town, but this time it’s one of their closest pursuers for the league crown in Arsenal. Chelsea will need to be careful that their arrogance doesn’t get the better of them because they will be supremely confident of their chances in Sunday’s clash in the knowledge that they tore Arsenal to pieces when the pair last met this season at The Emirates, back in November.

Chelsea took Arsenal to town when the two sides met at The Emirates earlier this season in a game most people thought would test Chelsea’s title credentials but, instead, boosted them significantly. Chelsea did, however, go on to lose their very next league fixture, a 2-0 defeat to Man City, but have picked themselves up by going on a nine match unbeaten run in the league and are still going well in the FA Cup – unlike the Gunners. There have been a few too many draws along the way, with Chelsea drawing four of their last nine in this unbeaten run of theirs, but three of those four draws did come away from Stamford Bridge and the only side to have taken points away from Stamford Bridge this season was Everton, and they had to score three goals just to earn a point.

It’s not surprising that, even after their disappointing point in midweek, Chelsea are the short priced favourites to win on Sunday in this eagerly awaited clash as it’s their opponents who will be feeling the pressure the most. However, Chelsea must avoid being overconfident ahead of this clash and should look no further for motivation than their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal last season. That was one of two rare home defeats for Chelsea last season but they’ve yet to lose a home fixture this season and, were they to avoid defeat on Sunday, are almost be certain to go the remainder of the season without a home loss as Liverpool & United, arguably Chelsea’ toughest home fixtures on the football calendar, have already been dispatched by the blues.

Chelsea, even with their draw at Hull, are in a rich vein of form and it’s hard to see them losing this fixture. However, several teams have given Chelsea a scare at The Bridge in the past month or so, with the likes of Portsmouth, Fulham, & Everton all scoring at the home of Chelsea, with Everton earning a deserved point and the other two walking away feeling mighty aggrieved after causing Chelsea all sorts of problems at the back. However, these concerns of ours, mainly in their defending it has to be said, might just have been put to bed when Chelsea obliterated Birmingham’s fifteen match unbeaten run by comprehensively winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. They were clinical in front of goal that night while their quick-tempo start to the game was a joy to behold, but Chelsea did almost come unstuck in the second half when they allowed Birmingham to come at them and perhaps this arrogance of theirs, which is definitely apparent, just might be their downfall on Sunday – Who knows?!

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: DWWDL

Arsenal were humiliated over the weekend when they were crushed by Manchester United, losing 3-1 at The Emirates in their second home defeat of the season. The small grain of hope for Arsenal fans, though, is that the last time Arsenal were beaten at home, also conceding three goals, the Gunners then went on a title chasing run by going ten games unbeaten in the league. However, that impressive run of theirs, one which came to a stern end last Sunday, was built upon another humiliating defeat when Chelsea beat Arsenal 3-0 at The Emirates stadium. Can Arsenal somehow avenge that defeat or will they fall foul to yet another crushing blow? 

This is a ‘make or break’ fixture for Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal troops as defeat would all-but end their hopes of winning their first league title since 2002. A loss to a side that played them off the park in the reverse meeting, would see Arsenal fall nine points off the pace and that doesn’t bare thinking about if you’re an Arsenal supporter. However, you Gooners can cling onto the hope that your side can spring a shock on Sunday by emulating the success they enjoyed at The Bridge last season when they won 2-1. However, both their goals that day were scored by a now injured Robin Van Persie and there are questions surrounding Arsenal’s attacking options in that they just don’t have enough quality up front without their Dutch star.

We are fairly confident that Arsenal won’t just turn up and roll over. We are also quite optimistic that Arsenal will create chances against a Chelsea defence which hasn’t been bulletproof this season. However, our main concern is how they will score the goals as their forward line is looking too blunt to make a big impact in this sort of fixture. Andrei Arshavin, whom has been used as a winger for Arsenal for the best part of this season, is now taking up the sole responsibility of scoring the brunt of Arsenal’s goals by lining up in attack on his lonesome. The little Russian may have an abundance of pace and skill but he lacks so much height that defences just aren’t scared of him in that central role. With Nicklas Bendtner slowly returning to fitness, we would opt for the Danish international in attack and instead put Arshavin back out on the wing where he can terrorise Chelsea’s full-backs and cut inside at will. By having Arshavin in the centre you’re nullifying one of your best attacking influences and it’s also piling unnecessary pressure on the Russian. 

If Arsene Wenger does switch Arshavin with Bendtner and put the Russian back out wide then we feel Arsenal have a chance. However, we also feel Arsenal need the first goal to stand any chance of winning this fixture as Chelsea can turn rampant once they take the lead and have yet to relinquish any points in games they’ve scored first in at Stamford Bridge. A high-tempo start is required, imperative in fact, if Arsenal want to keep their title dreams alive with a win.

Head-to-Head:

Chelsea W: Arsenal W: Draws:

•  Chelsea have the edge over Arsenal after winning five of their previous ten meetings. 

•  Chelsea will be gunning for their third successive league victory over the Gunners on Saturday, although neither came at Stamford Bridge.

•  Arsenal won the last encounter at Stamford Bridge after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 in lasts seasons tight affair in which Robin Van Persie stole the show with a match winning brace. 

• Arsenal haven’t lost by more than a one goal margin at Stamford Bridge in any of their previous seven visits.

• There has been an own goal in the previous three meetings between the two sides, with two coming from Arsenal and one from Chelsea. Funnily enough, the two Arsenal own goals both came at The Emirates while the Chelsea own goal came at Stamford Bridge.

• Chelsea have received the most bookings in the previous two clashes at Stamford Bridge, while Didier Drogba has been booked in two of the previous three meetings at Chelsea.

Key Players:

Chelsea – Didier Drogba

It’s going to be intriguing watching Didier Drogba attempting to get the better of Arsenal’s usually solid centre-back pairing of Thomas Vermealen & William Gallas. The Ivory Coast international, whom has only just returned from the African Cup of Nations, took just 42 minutes to find his scoring boots for Chelsea as he scored Chelsea’s equaliser on Tuesday night. The bulky 31 year-old has now scored something like 34 goals in 41 games for Chelsea, which is a staggering goal return and one of the reasons why Drogba is favourite to open the scoring on Sunday. He has the ability to terrorise defences, the pace and strength to bomb past a defender and the composure to finish in the game-defining moments. Drogba is going to be a real handful for Arsenal and he has every chance of winning this game for Chelsea single handily.

Didier Drogba FGS – 5/1 Coral

Didier Drogba Anytime Scorer – 13/8 Coral

To score a Brace (2 or more) – 7/1 PaddyPower

Arsenal – Andrei Arshavin

Some will say Cesc Fabregas, who is probably enjoying his best spell of his career, will be the player which could be the driving force behind a surprise Arsenal win on Sunday, but we feel the potential match winner  for Arsenal could be their Russian superstar. Arshavin has this knack of scoring in the biggest games for Arsenal, with Chelsea being the only ‘Big Four’ team he hasn’t scored against since joining Arsenal. He scored 4 at Anfield last season in a 4-4 draw with Liverpool, he then added to Liverpool’s woes with Arsenal’s winner at Anfield back in November  whilst he scored Arsenal’s opener in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford to Man Utd. Like Drogba, although certainly not in stature, Arshavin posses the ability to skin his marker with ease and has the talent to go on a mazy run with the ball, leaving defenders often in his wake. Moreover, he has one of the deadliest shots I think I’ve ever seen. When he hits them they stay hit,and, from such a small player, he doesn’t half get some power behind his shots. He’s also a smart thinker, he knows where the gaps are and he could be the key for Arsenal in unlocking that Chelsea defence.

Arshavin FGS – 8/1 SkyBet

Arshavin Anytime Scorer – 11/4 SkyBet

Match Verdict: Arsenal to WIN – 5.00 (4/1!) Bet365, SkyBet & PaddyPower

The Premiership needs three title contenders heading into the latter part of the season and for this to happen Arsenal ideally need to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to keep them within touching distance. It’s a very big ask considering Chelsea haven’t lost at home all season and have rarely looked like losing at Stamford Bridge, and with Arsenal getting battered last Sunday, but it’s not out of the question an Arsenal victory as they have the inventory to cause Chelsea’s often shaky defence all sorts of problems. It will require a huge amount of effort and courage from the Arsenal starting eleven but an Arsenal win is no forlorn hope and, at very attractive odds, it’s certainly worth chancing in game you simply have to have some form of a bet on.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.83 SkyBet

Draw – 3.50 Boylesports

Arsenal – 5.00 Bet365, SkyBet, PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Arsenal to Score 2 or more Goals – 13/5 PaddyPower

Birmingham City V Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sunday, 7^th February – 13:30 GMT

Birmingham City

League Position: 8th

Recent Form: DWDLD

Finally… After fifteen games, twelve of which were Premiership fixtures, Birmingham fell to defeat as Chelsea ended the clubs most impressive run in it’s history by beating Birmingham 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, just over a week ago in what was a comfortable evening for the London outfit. However, that defeat was so nearly followed up with another when they went mere minutes away from falling to their second defeat in quick succession at home to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, eventually drawing 1-1 via an injury time equaliser. The defeat to Chelsea has perhaps got the Birmingham squad rocking but they have a very easy assignment on Sunday when they aim to make a return to winning ways by welcoming the only team that finished above them in The Championship last season – Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Alex McLeish didn’t have much luck in January, with Birmingham not managing a win that month and several of their bids for some high profile individuals being turned down by various clubs. The Scotsman has quickly come to the conclusion that Birmingham aren’t as strong in the final third as he would like. However, he could only watch on with despair as bids for Ryan Babel & Roman Pavlyuchenko got rejected by Liverpool & Tottenham respectively. To be fair, it wasn’t surprising that McLeish did target some forwards as Birmingham, despite previously enjoying a glorious unbeaten run of twelve games in the league, have looked very weak up top in front of goal, with the last time Birmingham scored two or more in a Premiership fixture coming back in December when they beat Blackburn 2-1 at St. Andrews. They have since failed to surpass the one goal marker in their last six league games and their finishing on Sunday against Spurs was the evidence to back up their poor goalscoring antics this season.

Although their unbeaten run did come to an end a little over a week ago, Birmingham are still undefeated at St. Andrews since the 26^th September, 2009 when they lost 2-1 to Bolton. They haven’t lost a league fixture in front of their home fans in eight games; Winning 4, Drawing 4. However, although this home run of theirs is still alight, they haven’t won at home since the middle of December, drawing their last three home fixtures. Then again, all were against stiff opposition; Chelsea (0-0), Man Utd (1-1) & their latest being Tottenham Hotspur (1-1). All three draws would look worthy results on anyone’s results list but Wolves are one of the weakest teams in the league and questions will be asked of their mental toughness were they not to win on Sunday as doubts will arise over whether Birmingham are still feeling the affects of their Chelsea heartache. 

On face value, and the way Birmingham have gone about their business for most of this season, this should be a home win, although we don’t think it will be a walk in the park as Birmingham don’t win games comfortably. We’ve mentioned this fact, or run, so many times and until it changes we won’t stop mentioning it as it’s a possible moneymaker – All of Birmingham’s nine victories in the league have been by a 1 goal margin, with six being 1-0 wins. That’s a staggering statistic as you could of made a fortune betting on Birmingham to win by one goal this season. Also, Birmingham did beat Wolves 1-0 at Molineux earlier in the season… We think a predictable pattern has been formed!

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: LLLDD

This losing trend of theirs has come to end and has been halted by a pair of draws, two decent ones as well. Mick McCarthy will pin his hopes of his sides draws with Liverpool & Hull City building some momentum as they will need plenty of it heading to St. Andrews. The incentive though, as if they needed one with the club so perilously close to the relegation zone, is to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands of Birmingham back in November when they lost 1-0 at Molineux. However, that defeat catapulted Wolves into winning three of their following four league games and they’ll be hoping a win over Birmingham will send them on their way onto another point baring run.

Wolves have had to work damn hard in their recent outings, frustrating Liverpool at Molineux in a goalless draw and then giving Hull a good scare at The KC last Sunday, earning a 2-2 draw. The draw wasn’t the best of results as it was a game they could of won on paper, but it did, nevertheless, add a vital point to their cause and it does mean Wolves are now unbeaten in two, which could be the start of a prosperous run, and so long as they avoid defeat on Sunday, Wolves will equal their longest unbeaten run this season of three games with at least a point in this contest. 

The stumbling block, when deciding whether or not to have a punt on Wolves, is just where and how their goals will be scored. Their strikers simply aren’t cut out for the Premiership, even Kevin Doyle who has been their shining light this season, and this has been evident all season. The Wolves’ have scored just 19 league goals this season, averaging under a-goal-a-game and their two goals at Hull last Sunday ended a four match run without scoring a league goal. However, their goals on Sunday weren’t without a bit of good fortune, with their first being a freaky own goal and their second coming from the spot. So, in reality, Wolves still haven’t scored from open play in over 450 minutes of Premiership football.

We feel it’s asking too much of Wolves to win at St. Andrews this Sunday as we can’t see them scoring to make this a competitive affair. Their best option is playing for the draw, but they won’t do that as they will feel this is a fixture they have every right of winning. However, Birmingham have one of the leanest defensive records in the league, home and away, and it will take some doing outscoring Birmingham on their own patch. Still, we mustn’t forget Wolves did produce one of the shocks of the season when they beat Tottenham 1-0 at White Hart Lane, so, miracles can happen?!

Match Verdict: Birmingham City to WIN – 1.85 Expekt

We don’t like backing draws unless it’s too close to call and we wouldn’t feel comfortable wasting any money on a Wolves punt so Birmingham get the nod to make a brisk return to winning ways at Wolves’ expense. We think it will be close, with another one goal margin victory perhaps on the cards for the home side, but we can’t see Wolves breaking down a tough and robust Birmingham defence, and then sticking it past one of the goalkeepers of the season, Joe Hart, and so the preference is for Birmingham City of whom don’t score too many goals themselves but one goal on Sunday really should be enough to see off a weak looking Wolves.

Match Odds:

Birmingham City – 1.85 Expekt

Draw – 3.50 Boylesports

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 5.00 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Birmingham City to WIN by 1 Goal – 3.60 Bet365

Liverpool V Everton

Saturday, 6^th February – 12:45 GMT

The Merseyside Derby – LIVE on Sky Sports 1

Liverpool

League Position: 5th

Recent Form: WDWDW

Liverpool, a side which should have some new found belief after going six games unbeaten in the league, put their six match unbeaten run well and truly to the test as they welcome their bitter and local rivals; Everton, to Anfield for this hotly anticipated Merseyside derby. The first encounter of the season between these two bitter foes saw the red side of Liverpool take all the spoils in a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park back in November. However, The Toffee’s are desperate to avenge that defeat as they felt aggrieved to have lost that fixture and will be doing their utmost to avoid being on the wrong end of a league double against the Reds’.

It’s been a patchy season to say the least for Liverpool and even now, after stringing a six match unbeaten streak together, they still aren’t performing to the level we all know they can play at – which is high! Their performance on Saturday wasn’t pleasing on the eye nor was it entirely convincing, with Bolton creating several decent openings which scared the living daylights out of home supporters. However, the big plus point was that Liverpool won the game without playing well and it was also pleasing to see Steven Gerrard close to his best after a handful of poor displays this season. The Liverpool skipper wanted the ball throughout, which hasn’t always been the case at times this season, and there was glimpses of the old Gerrard; the one that shot on sight and had a keen vision for through passes and pinpoint long balls. The Kop will demand a lot from their talismanic captain this Saturday as they hope he will take this game by the scruff of it’s neck and drive Liverpool towards a much needed victory.

A win on Saturday, in what is the weekends early kick-off, would be a huge scalp for Liverpool as it would lift the spirits of the players as they are desperate for a morale boosting win as they begin their assault on the top four. Then again, Liverpool are in good form at Anfield, having won their last three games at home in the league. However, only one of those three victories seen Liverpool put in a decent shift and that was against Tottenham, a game which was being touted as one of their biggest games of the season. That night, like many others when Rafael Benitez and his players are under scrutiny, Liverpool were sensational from start to finish; from their work rate to chances to created, Liverpool were top notch. It was arguably their best displays of the season and it brought back memories of their performance against their arch enemy, Manchester United, when they beat United 2-0 at Anfield earlier in the campaign. They were under the cosh that day before kick-off and rose to the challenge, completely outplaying United for most parts of the game, but when the pressure isn’t on them as much, much like this game in all fairness because they are now unbeaten in six, Liverpool do have this tendency to come unstuck and did so at home to Arsenal back in December, losing 2-1 at Anfield, right after things were looking up after previously going four games unbeaten in the league

Liverpool are a huge club, not only in England but around the globe, and it’s sometimes their reputation alone that has them priced up as firm favourites in some matches. Saturday’s match up with Everton is no exception, and while they should win, we can’t see an awful lot of value in backing a side which generally only comes good when their backs are firmly up against the wall. Some will say their season is still at a low, which it is in some respects, but the players won’t be feeling the pressure as much after a decent run of results and we can’t help but have reservations over their motivation ahead of this fixture; which is an absurd comment to make considering it’s a local derby but that’s the state Liverpool are in at the moment in that you just don’t know which Liverpool will turn up – The classy outfit which could beat absolutely anyone on their day or the side that looks lost and rarely breaks a sweat as they underachieve yet again.

Everton

League Position: 9th

Recent Form: WDWWW

Everton won’t care about their form heading into this fixture nor their position in the table but will instead concentrate solely on the task at hand and securing a victory at a venue they haven’t won at since 1999 when Kevin Campbell scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for the visitors. Since, however, The Toffee’s haven’t been sweet enough and haven’t won at Anfield since the turn of the Millennium. A run they will be eager to better on Saturday.

Everton, much like their neighbours, are having an under-par season thus far but do appear a team firmly on the up after putting together a nine match run without losing in the Premiership. It’s a staggering run when you consider that this streak of theirs was built upon three successive defeats in the league after a poor month of November. However, this impressive streak of theirs is a credit to the staff and players as Everton have risen to the challenge and ridden the immense pressure put on them by the press and by their expectant fans and just like their match day opponents, Everton are also gunning for a European finish and are also having to play catch up.

Everton head into this eagerly awaited fixture with better form than their counterparts, winning their previous three league encounters. All were impressive, all were to NIL, with Tim Howard in the Everton goal having not conceded in the league for 270 minutes after clinical victories over Man City (2-0), Sunderland (2-0) & Wigan Athletic (0-1). The last one, an away win at Wigan, came at just the right time as questions would have been asked of Everton going into this fixture after previously not managing an away win in the Premiership in five outings. It was, however, still just their third away win of the season and it was against a beleaguered Wigan side, but it will only be a positive from an Everton perspective as it keeps up this momentum and their improving confidence levels.  

Even a poor Liverpool would require a big display from Everton if they were to win on Saturday, but the Toffee’s have proven in their recent fixtures that they can up their game and they can be a match for any side. In this inspiring eight match unbeaten run of theirs, three more matches unbeaten than Liverpool, Everton have had to pull some huge team displays out of the hat, earning incredible draws at both The Emirates; drawing 2-2 with Arsenal, and at Stamford Bridge; drawing 3-3 with Chelsea. Both games saw Everton at their very best, counter-attacking at pace and in numbers, and the fact they’ve now scored five goals in their last two away fixtures with ‘Big Four’ opposition is a massive positive heading into their fourth and final away clash of the season against one of last seasons top four sides.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Liverpool W: 7 Everton W: 1 Draws: 2

•  Everton have won just one of the last ten meetings with Liverpool; A 3-0 victory at Goodison Park back in 2006. 

•  Everton have earned a draw in two of their last three visits to Anfield

•  There hasn’t been an Overs (2.5) game at Anfield between the two in their last three encounters, with the last coming back in 2006 when Liverpool won 3-1. 

•  Liverpool are unbeaten in six league meetings with Everton; three at Anfield and three at Goodison Park. 

•  The previous six meetings at Anfield have seen Everton come away with more booking points, with Liverpool generally quite clean in that aspect. 

• Everton will seek inspiration from their FA Cup win at Anfield last season when they won 2-1 after extra-time via a Dan Gosling strike.

Match Verdict: Draw - 3.60 Bet365

We would love to tip up Liverpool but we have too many unanswered questions surrounding them and so the draw is our selection as we cowardly sell out for a stalemate. To be honest, though, Everton are enjoying a good spell of form and look a tough proposition for Liverpool on paper. They’ve gone three more games than Liverpool without losing and have won their last three league encounters, all without conceding a goal. You would feel the Everton squad will be the more confident of the two but you can never back against Liverpool on their own turf and so a draw, however gutless it may seem, could turn out to be the smart bet here. Also, a wee punt on Everton receiving more booking points than Liverpool could prove beneficial.

Match Odds:

Liverpool – 1.90 BlueSquare

Draw – 3.60 Bet365

Everton – 5.00 Boylesports

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Everton (More bookings or booking points)

Tottenham Hotspur V Aston Villa

Saturday, 6^th February – 17:30 GMT (LIVE on ESPN)

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: WDLWD

After slipping up last weekend, Tottenham try their luck against another top four hopeful as they welcome Aston Villa to White Hart Lane in a clash that will provide us with some inkling into which side, if either, are ready for the challenge that could await them next season in the Champions League. However, the pressure will be on the home side more than the visitors on Saturday because Spurs lost their last clash with one of their top four rivals, losing at Liverpool, and so, defeat on Saturday would not only harm their chances of finishing in the Champions League places but it could also have an adverse affect on the players mindsets heading into the final half of fixtures.

Harry Redknapp was a busy bee during January as he welcomed Eidur Gudjohnsen to Tottenham, but at the same time waved goodbye to Robbie Keane as the Republic of Ireland international joined Celtic on loan until the end of the season. Surely this ‘one in, one out’ process of theirs will be greeted with mixed thoughts from the fans as Gudjohnsen hasn’t been in the sort of form that seen him win the title at Chelsea for a long while now, while Keane is the closest thing the Spurs fans have to a God. To be fair, Keane hasn’t been at his best this season and his departure was due to Redknapp growing fond of his former Portsmouth striking duet of Jermain Defoe & Peter Crouch. The pair have featured prominently for Tottenham in recent games, even in Tottenham’s recent midweek success in the FA Cup, so even a former Premier league champion in Eidur Gudjohnsen may struggle to get games under Redknapp.

As far as this game goes and Tottenham’s chances of claiming all three points, they remain high after an impressive display in the FA Cup on Wednesday. Spurs were forced into a replay by a hard working Leeds United and Wednesday’s clash at Elland Road was a real test of character. However, the Tottenham players passed this test with flying colours as they dominated proceedings from the word ‘Go’. They must have created something like a dozen clear cut chances during the course of the 90 minutes and quite how they only managed three goals is unbelievable. They did, nevertheless, get the win they craved and, in the process, celebrated a Jermain Defoe hat-trick as the pacey England forward aims to end the season with a good vein of form in front of goal in order to enhance his chances of playing in South Africa.

Tottenham will need to make a bright start at White Hart Lane. Much like their high tempo start at Elland Road on Wednesday where Spurs could have been over the hill and far away within the opening 30 minutes. However, the problem now arising for Tottenham is their annoying habit of passing up glorious goalscoring opportunities and they’ve been in a wasteful mood for some time now. If we’re honest, Tottenham need to strike while the irons hot and they need an early goal in this fixture to gain some early confidence in front of goal. This season Spurs have proved they can go 90 minutes without scoring a goal, even though they create so many chances. Jermaine Defoe especially needs to be far more clinical and his four goals in two games should be the catalyst he needs to regain his scoring form.

Aston Villa

League Position: 7th

Recent Form: LLDDW

Villa got back to winning ways at the weekend when they brushed a-side Fulham at Craven Cottage a week ago. That victory in London, where Villa will travel this Saturday, ended their four match drought without winning a Premiership fixture but it won’t get an easier as they travel to the capital to take on one of their top four rivals in Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. However, it’s worth pointing out that Villa did beat Tottenham in London last season, although their victory did come at a time when Tottenham were in serious trouble with form and confidence, and Villa won’t have the luxury of playing the same Tottenham side this Saturday.

This is a big game for Villa as defeat would see them fall five points behind their match day opponents. Their form isn’t great either, with just one win to their name in their last five, but Villa did finally get that much needed victory last weekend when they overcame what should have been an awkward Fulham side at a tough venue at Craven Cottage. A stadium where some of the biggest teams in the country have fallen this season. However, that is one hugely positive factor with Aston Villa in that no arena intimidates them any more, and where they would curl up into a ball at the big stadium’s in past seasons, they are instead pulling sensational performances out of the bag and have been reaping the rewards all season.  

It appears nothing scares this Villa side any more and they need look no further for away inspiration than their victories over the country’s two most prolific clubs in Liverpool, beating the 18 time league champions 3-1 at Anfield, and Manchester United, also beating an 18 time champions at Old Trafford; 1-0. Both encounters saw Villa produce two colossal performances, outplaying two of England’s glamorous sides for most parts, and there is no doubt that Villa have the credentials to register yet another big away victory and claim yet another away scalp.

For Villa to win this encounter they will need to produce a performance as good as the ones when they beat Liverpool at Anfield and Manchester United at Old Trafford. In both, Villa were magnificent throughout. They were dangerous in attack, quick to break and were outstanding at the back. They worked hard in closing down their opponents and rushing them when in possession but they will also need a bid shot-stopping display from one of their heroes of the season in Brad Friedel, whom has kept them in the big games this season with some stunning saves. The American has been Villa’s last form of defence and he’s arguably been the best goalkeeper in the Premiership this season, up their with Joe Hart. The proof is literally in the pudding as Villa haven’t conceded a league goal in 270 minutes of play, while four of their five away wins this season have been to NIL. So, a solid defence has been the key to Villa’s away exploits this season and another workmanlike shift is needed on Saturday from the Villa defence.

Head-to-Head:

Tottenham Hotspur W: 3 Aston Villa W: 2 Draws: 5

•  There’s not a lot separating these two in the h2h counter, with five of their last ten meetings ending in a share of the spoils. 

•  Last season, the away side claimed all three points on both occasions, with Villa winning this same fixture 2-1 at White Hart Lane in 2008 and Tottenham then avenging the defeat with a 2-1 win at Villa Park. 

•  Villa have won two of their last four meetings, both of which were by a 2-1 scoreline. 

•  The last encounter between them finished 1-1 but four of their last five clashes have produced at least three goals or more.

• The highest scoring league games between the two came in 2007 when the pair played out an enthralling 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane, with Villa having a 4-1 lead at one point before Tottenham clawed their way back into the game with three second half goals.

Match Verdict: Tottenham Hotspur to WIN – 2.20 Boylesports

Tottenham have been a risky bet this season as they go through lean spells in front of goal where, try all they might, they just can’t seem to hit the net. However, so long as they’re creating plenty of chances they’re a good bet in our eyes but they will need to take the golden ones that do come along on Saturday if they are to record a big victory over one of their closest competitors for a top four finish. They need a bright start and we think they’ll get it as Villa won’t look to open up too early on. If Spurs do get the first goal then we fancy them to go on and win this encounter. However, our bet goes straight out the window if Villa land the first blow as anything can happen with a Villa lead.

Match Odds:

Tottenham Hotspur – 2.20 Boylesports

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Aston Villa – 3.65 Expekt

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Tottenham Hotspur to be leading after 30 minutes – 5/2 WilliamHill

Manchester United V Portsmouth

Saturday, 6^th February – 15:00 GMT

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: DLLWL

Manchester United appear to be back to their ruthless selves and it doesn’t get any better for the current Premiership champions than a home fixture with bottom of the league, Portsmouth. A game which United are expected to dominate from start to finish, control the tempo of the game and score plenty of goals in as they’ve been finding the goal with ease of late. The Red Devils are widely renowned for their strong second-half finishes to a season and 2010, the second half of what is shaping up to be one of the tightest Premiership seasons to date, is no exception, with United winning all three of their league fixtures this year and are aiming to maintain this winning run by dishing out another beating. 

The morale in the United camp will have rocketed through the roof after their sensational display and result over the weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson was touting his sides clash at The Emirates with a in form Arsenal as one of the games of the season and the most successful manager in English history was true to his word as United swept a-side their title challengers. United did need a bit of luck to get the ball rolling when Manuel Almunia in the Arsenal goal flicked a Nani cross-come-shot into his own goal, but the Mighty Reds’ never looked back and seized on this piece of good fortune but asserting their authority. Wayne Rooney, who has been United’s shining light, not only of late but for the entire season thus far, notched up his 100^th goal in the Premier League with United’s second before Park scored their third with a phenomenal breakaway attack. Arsenal did bag a late consolation but, all-in-all, it was a fantastic day at the office for Fergie’s Man Utd and they are now huge favourites to win this game and pile more pressure on Chelsea at the top.

There are few better feelings in football than getting one over on an arch-enemy and it was United who enjoyed such a euphoric feeling on Sunday after their 3-1 victory over the Gunners. That result, on top of their two other comfortable victories in 2010; beating Burnley & Hull City 3-0 & 4-0 at home respectively, should be an ample stepping stone for a big run of form for United as the chase for the title hots up once more. United, who are hot on the heels of Chelsea, are just one point behind Chelsea in the table but do have a game less to play. However, so long as United maintain this pressure then Chelsea are a good bet to slip up at some point. Sir Alex is the master at capitalizing on others misfortunes and it’s no surprise to see many punters jumping ship and backing United for the title now.

With the exception of their away fixture at The Emirates, a game they excelled in, United have had an easy start to 2010 after home fixtures with Burnley & Hull City, with United winning both. Those two sides mentioned are both firmly in a relegation fight and now United welcome another straggler in Portsmouth… A fixture more easier on the eye than their previous easy fixtures. With Rooney & Co winning 10 of 12 home games thus far, and winning their previous four home fixtures, anything other than a comfortable United victory, complimented by a few home goals, would be a turn up for the books as this looks as straightforward a fixtures as you’ll ever see.

Portsmouth

League Position: 20th

Recent Form: LLDLL

Portsmouth could best be described as a Roundabout – Not because they’ve now had their third new owner of the season when Balram Chainrai took over the reigns but because they’ve simply drive you round the bloody bend. We could easily highlight five or six games this season where Pompey played well in a match or were the better side throughout and this was the case on Wednesday as Portsmouth, once again, played extremely well, better than expected, but still came out on the losing side. Argh!

Fortunately for us, we were on Fulham to beat Portsmouth but we’re putting ourselves into a Portsmouth’s fans shoes and we must say they’re giving us blisters. On Wednesday night, Portsmouth succumbed to their 16^th – Yes 16^th defeat of the season. That’s a ridiculous amount of losses for a side that were celebrating an FA Cup success just two years ago. The South Coast team have a 70% losing percentage in Premiership affairs this season and that looks an almost certainty to stretch further with the visit to Old Trafford this Saturday. 

During January, Younes Kaboul left the club and so did Begovic, leaving Portsmouth even lighter in numbers. However, the sale of both was the biggest indication yet, although there has been plenty, that Portsmouth are in dire straits and that they desperately need any form of cash to keep HM revenue and many others of their backs. Avram Grant can’t complain as he knew what he was getting himself into and he must now work with the few half-decent players he has left at his disposal.

To be frank and honest, Portsmouth will do well to escape Old Trafford with a respectable scoreline, such is the task at hand and the gulf in class Portsmouth have to breach. Separating Portsmouth from Man Utd is 18 league positions and 38 points. Pompey, after a thriller of a campaign (Not in a good way, mind) are rooted to the very bottom of the league and, with wholesale departures expected at the end of the season, Portsmouth look doomed already despite nearly half the season still to play. Moreover, to worsen Portsmouth Old Trafford credentials; the Sea-Siders haven’t won an away fixture since early October when they beat a less-than-impressive Wolves 1-0 at Molineux. They’ve lost six of their last seven away games in the league; conceding 11 and scoring just 2.  

The plus point, though was Portsmouth’s performance on Wednesday in that they looked dangerous in attack. Because Grant still has a physically-strong striking duo of Piquionne & Dindane, whom I thought had left the club, Portsmouth do remain a danger when in the final third. However, they will struggle to get hold of the ball in this contest and Portsmouth’s strikers may only get one chance to make a quick-fire name for themselves at Old Trafford for when the club eventually do let them go, which should be in July to ease their money problems.

Head-to-Head:

Manchester United W:8 Portsmouth W:1 Draws:1

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.14 SkyBet

This really could be a mammoth scoreline but one thing Portsmouth still have, even now after all the going-on’s and dramas, they have this fighting spirit, this die-hard attitude where they battle on regardless of all the clubs well publicised financial issues. I do remember when they went to Stamford Bridge a little while ago this season and gave a very good account of themselves. Perhaps should have taken a point from there. However, Portsmouth didn’t take their chances in that game and have had a issue with converting opportunities all season. United, however, will carve out plenty against a Portsmouth defence which would struggle to compete in The Championship. We expect United to score at least a couple in this contest, but Portsmouth to score, as well, could be worth a small dabble mainly because United aren’t worth the hassle.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.14 SkyBet

Draw – 9.00 VCbet

Portsmouth – 25.00 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Both teams to score – 2.75 WilliamHill

Hull City V Manchester City

Saturday, 6^th February – 15:00 GMT

Hull City

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: DDLDD

The Hull camp will be full of confidence after recently holding the league leaders to a 1-1 draw at The KC stadium – The venue for this encounter with mega-rich Manchester City. You know you’ve got one of the toughest jobs in the world when you’re having to plot a plan to halt both Chelsea & Man City within the space of a week but were Phil Brown to help Hull earn another point on Saturday, if not more, than it will give the players a huge boost in self-belief as the club head into a crucial part of the season where these final months will decide whether or not Hull have what it takes to avoid the drop for the second season running.

It was a surprise to tune in and see Hull holding Chelsea to just a draw on Tuesday night but it was more surprising to see the Tigers giving Chelsea a thorough examination especially in defence. Chelsea did spend the majority of the game on the attack but Hull weren’t just content with sitting back and defending for the full 90 minutes – No, the Tigers gave as good as they got when they did stride forward and they did actually create half-a-dozen decent opportunities to score more than their solitary one on the night. It was a sight to behold if we’re honest as it was just like watching Hull in the early part of last season when Phil Brown’s side were in ruthless form in front of goal and springing surprises every other weekend. Perhaps this stunning draw with the potential champions could help Hull transform back into the Hull of old.

Back to reality and the fact of the matter is that the impressive display at home to Chelsea was a rare good performance from Hull as they’ve generally been one of thee poorest outfits in the Premiership this season and have given just about everyone the impression that were they to avoid the drop then it will be some achievement. After all, Hull are still relegation occupants, sat in 18^th position in the table, and are still without a league win since the end of November. A run of ten games without a victory to celebrate and a poor streak which backs up their solid claims for relegation.

Hull’s valiant display on Tuesday night has thrown a spanner in the works as, had they of rolled over like many of us had expected, City probably would be our firm favourites on Saturday. However, Hull actually found quite a bit of space against Chelsea and didn’t find it too hard to create chances. Now, City’s defence has improved greatly, even in the short space of time Roberto Mancini has been at the club, but it still needs a lot of work and were Hull to play in the same manner which seen them give Chelsea a few scares then perhaps we have more of a game on our hands than we first imagined.

Manchester City

League Position: 6th

Recent Form: WWWLW

Man City got the result they set out for last Sunday but their performance at The City of Manchester was far from pleasing and it was the biggest indication yet that the Italian still has plenty of work on his hands, despite this early spell of success he is enjoying at the City helm. That victory over Portsmouth did, however, make up for their defeat in their last outing in the league – Losing 2-0 at Everton, but more importantly it kept the pressure on those chasing a top four finish as City now tower over their rivals with games in hand.

Roberto Mancini will have been pleased with the final result on Saturday, winning 2-0 at home to Portsmouth, and with Emmanuel Adebayor’s goalscoring contribution after the Togo internationals torrid experience earlier in the month in Africa. But, However, City weren’t at their scintillating best, not the impressive sort of displays we’ve been used to seeing of them in recent home appearances. They took their chances well, which so they should considering their attacking line had a £100M+ revamp over the summer, but it was in their defence where the problems arose, once again, and their defensive niggles, which appeared to have almost disappeared from sight, have unfortunately cropped up for all to see once again.

The big positive from their defeat of Portsmouth was the fact they kept their seventh clean sheet of the season and their third in six league games. However, they were fortunate to come away with a to NIL victory as Portsmouth had several clear openings to score but spurred some glorious opportunities early on, chances that would have put the South Coast side into the lead at Eastlands. Mancini’s men were let off the hook in that fixture but now he will be ecstatic with his next venture – An away fixture with Hull City as it’s an ideal opportunity to wrap up yet another victory against another relegation candidate, while there’s every possibility that another City clean sheet could be in the offing.

With City still lagging behind the Champions League spots, albeit with a few games in hand, It’s imperative they keep the pressure on the likes of Tottenham & Liverpool as were City to win their games in hand they would hold all the aces in the race to finish fourth. With their Carling Cup adventure now a thing of the past, all City have to be concerned with is finishing fourth and the FA Cup, while their demise in the League Cup could be a blessing in the disguise in the long run. However, as far as the omens in this game go, City might not be the shoe-in so many think they should be. City’s only away win in NINE came at Molineux, not the most intimidating of arenas, while they were comfortably beaten at Goodison Park in their last away outing, losing 2-0 to Everton.

As well as defensive flaws, Mancini also has to fix City’s away issues and the quick fix-up could be a victory at The KC stadium. Three points would keep them in touching distance of their seasonal objective (Top Four) but it would also enhance their confidence heading into their next away fixture as a victory over the Tigers would be City’s second in as many away games. Still, City’s away record this season has been poor and considering their price isn’t all that, we feel City, even in this fairly easy looking fixture, are best left well alone

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.60 bWin

We were seriously considering backing City but, after careful deliberation and the fact we want City to slip up, we will actually choose the draw as Hull set out to stretch their unbeaten run in the league to three games, although a draw would make it three successive home draws for the Tigers which is bad news for their bid to avoid relegation by passing up home games. City, however, have their sights set firmly on finishing above 17 other teams and they will know, what with this season being one of the most competitive for years, that they can’t afford to slip up, especially in a fixture such as this which does look very winnable on paper. Still, the difference for us isn’t the gulf in quality between the two but instead their very last results in that Hull will take more out of their draw with Chelsea than City will out of their routine home win over Portsmouth in which City were found wanting at the back in that encounter. It wil require another big display from the Tigers but we’re backing a draw in this fixture.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 5.50 Bet365

Draw – 3.60 bWin

Manchester City – 1.75 Expekt

SoccerBetting Value Pick: BOTH teams to SCORE (Yes) – 1.85 bWin

Bolton Wanderers V Fulham

Saturday, 6^th February – 15:00 GMT

Bolton Wanderers

League Position: 16th

Recent Form: DLLWL

Owen Coyle will surely fancy his sides chances of earning a valuable set of three points and bettering their poor run of just one win in their last six when Fulham pay them a visit this Saturday. Bolton, despite a lot of defeats of late, have been putting in some decent tea displays under Owen Coyle and were it not for some tough opening fixtures, Coyle might have been celebrating a few more wins. As it is, Bolton have scummed to defeat at Liverpool, and lost twice to Arsenal, but do have a pleasing home win in between after beating Burnley 1-0 a fortnight ago.

On paper, this run of theirs (losing three of their last four) does make them appear a poor bet this weekend but that’s not the case as Bolton haven’t lost a league fixture against a team not touted as a ‘Top Four’ team since the 5^th December when they lost 1-0 at Wolves. Moreover, their only home defeat in four came against an Arsenal side chasing the league title, and even then Bolton weren’t disgraced as they created more than enough chances against the Gunners to worthy at least a point.

Under Owen Coyle, Bolton already look a different side but still have their tough, physical characteristics, which makes Bolton more than just a one dimensional side. The former Burnley manager has got this Bolton side playing proper ‘On the floor’ football and it should pay off sooner or later. On Saturday, Bolton took on Liverpool at Anfield and could of took the lead within the first few minutes when Cohen missed a one-on-one with Pepe Reina before Lee has an effort cleared off the line. Coyle has made Bolton more of a threat when going forward instead of just being an aerial threat and a set-piece specialist. They now possess the ability and know-how to carve out opportunities from open play instead of waiting for set-plays and this will result in Bolton scoring plenty more goals under Owen Coyle than they ever did under Megson. 

If Bolton replicate their performances from their games with Arsenal & Liverpool then they shouldn’t have a problem claiming all three points on Saturday. Fulham are a side faltering and are there to be had on Saturday. Bolton are facing a Fulham side who have lost their previous four away league encounters, with their last two being to NIL, but with this information comes added pressure as now Bolton, who have been the underdogs in games of late, now become the favourites to win and we aren’t completely confident that they have the strength of mind to handle the expectancy.

Fulham

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: LLLLW

Fulham put an end to their miserable losing streak with a victory over a cash-strapped Portsmouth at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. However, Fulham were far from convincing in a game they should have win at a cantor, and with Fulham losing their previous four away encounters, surely the Cottagers are of little value in this clash with an ‘on-the-up’ Bolton side.

Fulham did win on their last visit to The Reebok when they beat a then Gary Megson Bolton side 3-1. However, Fulham’s away flaws have really come to light in such a short space of time and haven’t picked up an away point since early December when they drew 1-1 at Burnley. Since then, Fulham have lost four away games on the spine, not including their away victory at Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, in which they struggled for the best part of 75 minutes in that game. They’ve also not scored in their last two outings in the league. Yet another statistic which further dampens their odds of winning this clash.

To be brutally honest, despite tipping them to win in midweek, we can’t see Fulham ending their away drought at The Reebok on Saturday despite earning a 3-1 victory their last season. Their narrow and fortunate 1-0 victory over Portsmouth in midweek ended a five match losing rut of which four were away from home. They’ve been nothing short of terrible in their recent away outings, not scoring in either of their trips to Tottenham & Blackburn while they found themselves 3-0 down at the break to a usually toothless Stoke City at The Brittania. In our opinion, a draw would be a very good result for Roy Hodgeson and Fulham but they’ll do well to earn a point at The Reebok. 

Fulham haven’t won an away fixture in the Premiership since the opening day of the season when they beat Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park. They are on a run of eleven games without an away win; Drawing 4, Losing 7.

Match Verdict: Bolton Wanderers to WIN – 2.38 SkyBet

Fulham aren’t playing well at the moment whereas Bolton have been but haven’t been getting the right results nor picking up too many points. However, we expect the latter remark to chance on Saturday as Bolton aim to make it two wins in seven at the expense of a Fulham side that have lost their previous four away fixtures in the Premiership. Moreover, Bolton have been playing some attractive, attacking football of late while Fulham have been vulnerable and exposed at the back. It would be typical for the sides to reverse their respective forms, with Bolton not turning up and Fulham ending their baron away run of eleven away games without a win, but we don’t see that happening and Bolton are the bet to be on we feel.

Match Odds:

Bolton Wanderers – 2.38 SkyBet

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Fulham – 3.25 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Bolton Wanderers to Score 2 or more goals – 5/4 PaddyPower