English Premiership 2009/2010

Aston Villa V Manchester City

Kick-off: Monday 5^th October – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

TV Coverage: ESPN

Aston Villa

League Position: 7th

Recent Form: WWWWL

Villa’s superb run of four straight wins was destroyed by a Blackburn side who defied the numbers to record a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last weekend, despite Rovers being reduced to 10 men midway through the second half. Richard Dunne will have to take the full brunt of the blame as his handball gifted Blackburn the opportunity to go ahead from the spot, and Blackburn’s David Dunn duly accepted. Now Martin O”Neill must get his squad of youthful and exuberant players back on the winning track again, but the arrival of a free-spending Manchester City does present the best of opportunities for Villa to do just that.

Villa haven’t had that much luck in recent games with man City, and, what with City now competing with Villa for a top six finish, it’s imperative that Villa send out a message of intent to the rich challengers by beating City at Villa Park. Martin O’Neill certainly posses the players capable of beating a side like City, and let’s not forget that they do already have the scalp of Liverpool, a side still a lot better than Man City, in our honest yet brutal opinion. However, with Villa it’s always been a case of consistency or a lack of it in their case, with the Clarets generally putting in a good display one week and a dire one the next. They are what we punters like to call – an accumulator nightmare.

Martin O’Neill cannot afford to take the cautious approach to this game as Villa need all three points if they want to keep up with the leading pack. The likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew, Ashley Young and captain James Milner, will need to put in one of the biggest shifts of their career as a win over City would send out a message to everyone that they mean business this season, despite their most recent setback. However, to achieve this they will need to attack City right from the off, using the pace of Milner & Young down the wings to supply their strong forwards with plenty of chances. Villa’s biggest goal threat lies in their wingers and both James Milner & Ashley Young will need to put in a man of the match display for Villa to prosper here.

Manchester City

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: WWWLW

It didn’t take City long before they were back doing what they’ve found so easy this season, and that’s winning games. A brace from Tevez and a fine strike from Martin Petrov was enough to give City all three points as the richest club in the land made an instant return to winning ways, defeating West Ham 3-1 on Monday night. That was their fifth win of the season and they now go level on points with Liverpool & Tottenham Hotspur in fifth, albeit with a game in hand over the pair.

The win was just what the doctor ordered after their somewhat unfortunate defeat away at Manchester the week before. However, City didn’t show no signs of self pity as they got straight back down to work at home to West Ham, who did cause City a few problems at times, albeit in small patches of the game.

All in all, City dominated proceedings against West Ham, with the City midfield and defence keeping West Ham’s attacks at arms length throughout most of the game. However, a big plus point from that game was their ability to carve open the West Ham defence, even without their star forward; Emmanuel Adebayor. He will still miss out as he serves his three match ban, this being his last game of the ban, but Roque Santa Cruz could play a part as aims to get some more vital match minutes under his belt after he made a late substitute appearance on Monday night.

It’s vital that Man City notch up another victory as they aim to keep up with the leading contenders at the top of the pile. However, a trip to Villa Park is always a tough affair, regardless of City’s past fortunes at this venue. Mark Hughes must guard against complacency as any silly mistakes, like the one that gave Carlton Cole the opening to score on Monday, will get punished by Aston Villa. They will need Sean Wright-Philips to continue his pacey runs down the right, Carlos Tevez needs to carry on his form which seen him score twice against West Ham in his last outing, while Craig Bellamy needs another big shift just behind the little Argentinian, if Man City are to achieve the right result at Villa Park – the win!

Head-to-Head:

Aston Villa W: 2 Manchester City W: 6 Draws: 2

As you can see, City have enjoyed the vast amounts of fortunes in recent contests between the two. However, although Villa did win the last meeting at Villa Park, winning 4-2, Martin O’Neill’s side hadn’t won any of the previous eight meetings at Villa Park beforehand. City’s last success at Villa Park came two season ago when they beat Villa 3-1, will they secure another stunning result on Monday?

Over 2.5 Goals: 5 Under 2.5 Goals: 5

The goal count is split straight down the middle but, with both sides possessing some extremely talented forwards this season, we expect this game to end in a fair few goals. The last meeting at Villa Park ended in a 4-2 victory for the home side, although, three of the last five encounters at Villa have finished Under 2.5.

Match Verdict: Aston Villa to WIN – 8/5 Bet365

This may sound like a bold prediction but it’s hard to see Villa not getting fired up for this clash as City are one of their main competitors this season. O’Neill will need a huge performance from a whole host of his key players but we expect their youthful wingers; Ashley Young & James Milner, to be the match winners for Villa here as their pace and trickery down the flanks might be too much for City to handle. Also, we mustn’t forget that Emmanuel Adebayor, a player who has scored in each league outing this season, is now available and he will be a big aerial asset for Mark Hughes in this game, the Togo international has scored in every Premiership outing thus far. Villa to nip a corker of a match for us.

Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 8/5 Bet365

Manchester City – 7/4 SkyBet

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals – Evens Bet365

Chelsea V Liverpool

Kick-off: Sunday 4^th October – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Stamford Bridge

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Chelsea

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWWWL

After an immaculate start to the season, Chelsea suffered their first major setback of the new campaign, and it was a surprise one at that, as Wigan Athletic stunned the Chelsea fans and the entire footballing nation as they somewhat strolled to a 3-1 victory at The DW stadium last Saturday. Chelsea never really got going in that game and, for the very first time this season, Carlo Ancelotti actually has his work cut out, especially as Chelsea’s next game in the league is against a rejuvenated Liverpool, a team Carlo Ancelotti will have nightmares about after the ‘Reds’ stunned AC Milan by winning the 2005 Champions League final while Ancelotti was at the helm.

Not only will Carlo Ancelotti have something to prove against an old adversary but so will the Chelsea players, as the ‘Blues’ aim to bounce straight back from their recent and first defeat of the season against an on song Liverpool. However, the main bulk of the Chelsea players will remember the last time Liverpool came and visited, with Liverpool winning the last encounter at Stamford Bridge 1-0, dashing Chelsea’s four-and-a-half-year unbeaten record at the time. However, Xabi Alonso was the only scorer that day and with his departure already paving the way for some hefty criticism for the makeshift Liverpool midfield, will Chelsea overrun the likes of Lucas and Mascherano in the centre of the park in Alonso’s absence.

Well, if Chelsea’s most recent performance is anything to go by then NO! Chelsea weren’t at the races against Wigan, with just a select few actually putting a respectable performance, mainly just Flourent Malouda, who looked a real threat down the left flank before he was rather bizarrely substituted in wake of Petr Cech’s dismissal. However, with Joe Cole back to full fitness, Malouda now has a battle on his hands to retain his place and will that spur him on to put in a big shift this Sunday?

Chelsea can only improve on their recent outing, although, they could of asked for a much easier fixture then a game with a rampant Liverpool to heal some open wounds. However, if Chelsea are to regain the title then they will need to beat the big boys this season, starting with a travelling Liverpool. However, Chelsea only managed to win one game against the so called ‘Big Four’ last term, with that win coming against an out-of-sorts Arsenal team at the time. They picked up just a single point against United while Liverpool completed a league double over them last season, beating the ‘Blues’ 1-0 at Stamford Bridge and 2-0 at Anfield. That is certainly food for thought for any potential Chelsea backer and the manager himself; Carlo Ancelotti.

Liverpool

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: LWWWW

Liverpool were in a rampant mood at the weekend as they crushed an already crumbling Hull City on Saturday. The 6-1 score line didn’t flatter Liverpool in the slightest as the ‘reds’ dominated proceedings from start to finish. That was their fifth win of the season, their fourth on the spin, and it was enough to see Liverpool remain in third position as they keep up their pursuit of both Manchester United and Chelsea at the very top of the table.

Although Liverpool were expected and heavily fancied to win quite comfortably at home to Hull last Saturday, we must not disregard that Liverpool did have a problem with complacency last season, especially against the smaller teams, with Hull actually holding the ‘Reds’ to a 2-2 draw last term. However, Rafael Benitez has learnt some valuable lessons since then and he ensured Liverpool would have no problems dispatching Hull City the second time around as an inform Fernando Torres stole the show as he bagged his fourth Liverpool hat-trick. The Spanish striker was in sensational form and all his goals were neatly taken and fine solo efforts, and he demonstrated why he is one of the best, maybe even thee best, striker in the world at current.

Steven Gerrard was also instrumental in Liverpool’s 6-1 rout of Hull and, with the pair bang-in-form at current, who would want to face such a deadly and prolific duo. Torres has eight goals already this season, scoring five in two league outings, while Steven Gerrard has bagged three goals in the league thus far. The pair are pivotal for Liverpool this season but, however, were one of them to suffer an injury setback, would that spell the end for Liverpool’s title challenge?

Liverpool do lack strength in depth this year, although injuries to some of their decent fringe players hasn’t helped their cause. However, both Fabio Aurelio & Daniel Agger are back in training, and they will bolster a weak Liverpool bench, while Alberto Aquilani, the 20M signing from Roma, is close to a return which should excite the red side of Merseyside.

Head-to-Head:

Chelsea W: 5 Liverpool W: 3 Draws: 2

It’s Chelsea who have enjoyed the most amount of success in the more recent encounters between the two giants of English football. However, it was Liverpool who recorded a rare league double over Chelsea last season when Liverpool beat the ‘Blues’ 2-0 at Anfield and 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, although, that was Liverpool’s first win at The Bridge for three years, when Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup back in 2006. However, Chelsea have lost just once in five matches at home to Liverpool in the league, with Liverpool’s previous success at The Bridge, before last season, coming way back in the 2003/2004 season when the ‘Reds’ won 1-0.

Over 2.5 Goals: 1 Under 2.5 Goals: 9

The defences have always prevailed in recent league encounters, with goals at a premium whenever these two clash in the Premiership. There is generally more goal action at Anfield but it’s normally a drab affair at Stamford Bridge, with the previous six matches in London finishing Under 2.5, whilst there have been just two goals in the last three matches at Chelsea, one for each side in narrow 1-0 victories for each.

Match Verdict: Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

It’s hard to split the two in all fairness. We will put Chelsea’s recent performance away at Wigan down to a blip, and, while Liverpool have been in sublime form of late, scoring nine goals in two games, this fixture is generally cursed as neither side ever wants to gamble because the risk of losing is too high. We will be crossing our fingers and hoping this is an enthralling affair but we’re aren’t convinced. Another low scoring draw looks a smart punt, unfortunately.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 6/5 Bet365

Liverpool – 13/5 BlueSquare

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Tip: DRAW (Match Outcome) – 12/5 SkyBet

English Premiership 2009/2010

West Ham United V Fulham

Kick-off: Sunday 4^th October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Upton Park

West Ham United

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LDLLL

Gianfranco Zola has a lot of work to do over the course of the week as he aims to resurrect a West Ham side that has now lost three games on the bounce, with defeats against both Liverpool & Man City, both very good sides it has to be said, still fresh in the memory. Because of the stature of the two teams that West ham have lost to recently, the players and management shouldn’t be too hard on themselves as they weren’t too bad in either, especially at home to Liverpool. They could of done a bit better away at City on Monday night, but not many gave them much hope in that game, not even us.

Overall, West Ham have been a decent little team this season, although, results haven’t really gone their way and the three defeats, in succession, has now left West Ham gasping for clean air in 18^th position, in the relegation zone. With this mind, it’s pivotal that West Ham get the win here at home against the travelling Fulham as anything but would only hinder the confidence of the West Ham players as it’s now been five games since West Ham last won a match in the league, over a month ago now.

West Ham are generally pretty solid at home and it will take a big performance from Fulham to overcome the Hammers at Upton Park, especially seeing as West Ham have won three of the previous four encounters at home against the Cottagers. However, that won’t mean anything if West Ham don’t meet the expectations of the fans and beat Fulham on Sunday. They have an inform Carlton Cole at their disposal, with the English international already scoring three league goals thus far, while they have a solid midfield consisting of Scott Parker (Captain) & Mark Noble, guarding what is usually an organised defence.

However it was the West Ham defence that was found wanting at The City of Manchester stadium last Monday, with their marking, particularly from set-pieces, well below par. Also, an area that desperately needs attention is at full-back. Herita Illunga & Julien Faubert, couldn’t keep up with the sheer pace and movement of Bellamy & Wright-Philips down the flanks. The West Ham defence was breached with ease on several occasion on Monday, and Zola will need to work on his defence over the course of the week if the Hammers are to avoid another similar, embarrassing defensive performance at home to Fulham.

Fulham

League Position: 17^th

Recent Form: LLWLL

Roy Hodgeson will have to mend a few broken and tired souls during the week after Fulham undeservedly lost at the weekend. The Cottagers put in one of their best shifts since they’ve been in the Premiership only to see their efforts go wanting. Fulham suffered their fourth defeat in six games on Saturday when Arsenal snatched a 1-0 victory away from Craven Cottage and left Fulham perilously close to entering the drop zone. Another defeat in this London derby would almost certainly see Fulham joining Portsmouth and Hull City in the bottom three, something which every team will be eager to avoid.

Fulham were outstanding against Arsenal and, were it not for the Arsenal goalie; Vito Mannone, putting in a man of the match display, Fulham may have won that encounter. They carved Arsenal’s defence open again and again, only to see an unbeatable Mannone thwarting their goal bound efforts. However, although the result was far from ideal, as it does leave them in a precarious league position, manager Roy Hodgeson will take a lot of positives out of game where Fulham defended resolutely, worked hard in midfield and created several goalscoring opportunities that, one any other day, would have seen Fulham secure all three points.

It’s vital that Roy Hodgeson lifts the Fulham players as they can’t afford to dwell on a game that could of bared more fruit. The positive for the Fulham squad is that another performance of that magnitude would see them go very close to recording a big victory away at local rivals; West ham United. However, Damien Duff did pick up a knock in that defeat to Arsenal and he is a doubt for this game with the Hammers.

Head-to-Head:

West Ham United W: 7 Fulham W: 0 Draws: 3

Fulham have an abysmal record against the Hammers, especially at Upton Park. The last four visits to Upton Park has bared no fruit, with West Ham winning the previous four encounters at home. You have to look back to the 2002/2003 season for when Fulham last had a positive result at Upton Park, while their only victory at Upton Park to date came the season before when they beat the Hammers 2-0 back in 2002. A Fulham victory on Sunday would be their first in over eight years, and after eleven attempts.

Over 2.5 Goals: 6 Under 2.5 Goals: 4

Potential Over backers can rejoice here as the last four meetings at Upton Park have finished with three of more goals. Upton Park has been a venue which has produced some memorable affairs between the two, with the dull games coming in the reverse fixture back at Craven Cottage.

Match Verdict: West Ham United to WIN – 5/4 Bet365

Confidence within the West Ham ranks might not be too high right now after a run of three straight defeats but they should overcome a Fulham side lacking the pace and creativity of Damien Duff down the wing. His absence will leave a big void down the left wing and it’s hard to see Fulham causing West Ham as many problems without the Irishman. West Ham, however, will have an inform Carlton Cole raring to go and his goal on Monday should give him a big confidence boost, unlike his colleagues, who may well be feeling the affect of a few defeats. However, West Ham have some wise heads in their squad, none more so than Scott Parker, the club captain. He has pretty much been in every sticky situation under the sun in football and his experience will be vital as West Ham aim to get their season back on track, starting with a win over Fulham in front of the home fans.

Match Odds:

West Ham United – 5/4 Bet365

Fulham – 13/5 Boylesports

Draw – 12/5 StanJames

SoccerBetting Tip: West Ham United to WIN by 2 or more goals – 7/2 Bet365

English Premiership 2009/2010

Everton V Stoke City

Kick-off: Sunday 4^th October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Goodison Park

Everton

League Position: 9^th

Recent Form: LWLWW

After a rather sluggish start to the season, Everton have now recorded two wins on the spin, three in four games, and this recent spell of good form has seen the Toffee’s surge right up the table and finally embrace those in the upper tier of the Premiership table. David Moyes has worked his magic seen all the early turmoil which seen arguably their best defender leave the club on rather bitter terms. Confidence and morale in the Everton dressing room was at a lull but David Moyes has done a fantastic job in aiding his rather slim squad to stable recovery, and into safe ground.

Everton were somewhat fortunate to have gotten a fixture with Portsmouth at this moment of time as Everton are far from their normal glistening self, while Pompey have been struggling all season. The perfect fixture for an Everton team starting their road to recovery. However, Everton did make heavy work of what should have been, on paper anyway, a comfortable win. Louis Saha may have scored just before the break, his fifth of the season, to give Everton a narrow lead, but it was Portsmouth who dominated the second half and should of at least taken a point from that game.

Everton’s defence, especially from corners, was left exposed on several occasions, with Everton’s lack of height a big cause for concern for manager David Moyes. Both Slyvain Distin & Johnny Heitinga have yet settle into the Everton defence while Leighton Baines isn’t the best in the air. Joseph Yobo should have been the rock at the back for Everton but he was well below par on the day. With all this mind, Everton do look extremely vulnerable to the height and aerial strength of Stoke City, a team who have made a Premiership living off set-pieces.

David Moyes will need to work on defending set-pieces this week as his sides most recent defensive display won’t feel any loyal fans with great confidence. The centre-half pairing of Sylvain Diston & Joseph Yobo will come under constant scrutiny at the hands of Stoke City this weekend and they will need to be on top of their game if they are to keep Stoke at bay from the air.

Stoke City

League Position: 12^th

Recent Form: DWLDL

Tony Pulis has seen his team enter into a bit of a rut after going three games without a win, with those of those being a brace of home fixtures that have now gone wanting. However, Stoke have jad to endure an extremely difficult fixture period, with both Manchester United and Chelsea embracing The Brittania in recent weeks, with Stoke ending up on the losing side on both occasions. However, in both game, Stoke put up stern resistance and, were they a tad more clinical in the final third, could of taken at least a point out of both matches.

It’s essential that Tony Pulis guides Stoke to their next victory as soon as possible as confidence is key in football, and when you’re not winning the morale of the team can only decline. For now at least, Stoke find themselves in safe water in 12^th position, but if they let their win less run extend any further then Stoke could pile too much pressure on themselves to get the win needed to lift them back away from the drop zone.

However, this does look a game made for Stoke, especially if Everton defend like they did last weekend. Stoke City are renowned for their superb aerial ability and that could cause Everton all sorts of problems at Goodison. Set-pieces will be key for Stoke in this fixture and we think they could reap the rewards from a few good crosses, or some long throws from a lanky Rory Delap, and possibly sneak a result on Merseyside.

A terrible statistic for Stoke fans is the one where Stoke managed just two away wins throughout the whole of last season, with both coming against two of the worst sides in the league last term in West Brom, who were relegated, and Hull City, a side who finished just one point above the drop. It doesn’t bode well either to know that Everton swiftly dispatched Stoke at Goodison last season, with the Toffees cruising past Stoke in a 3-1 success.

Head-to-Head:

Everton W: 2 Stoke City W: 0 Draws: 0

The Toffee’s completed a league double over Stoke City last term when the pair met for the very first time in the Premiership. Everton beat Stoke 3-1 at Goodison Park while they edged out a thrilling affair back at The Brittania, winning 3-2. Stoke will be desperate to exact some revenge this weekend but they look set to come up short once again.

Match Verdict: Everton to WIN – 4/7 Bet365

This was a tough selection to make as we actually think Stoke could cause Everton a lot of problems, especially from their familiar lethal set-pieces. Everton struggled to compete with Portsmouth in the air last weekend and Stoke boast even more height and more accurate aerial supplies then a pointless Portsmouth. However, David Moyes is a smart manager and will have his players working overtime this week on defending set-pieces. Everton do have a few players who are very good in the air, although they were somewhat inept last weekend. If the centre-half’s; Joseph Yobo & Sylvain Distin are on top of the game then Everton should prosper. If they fall below par again, then Stoke could surprise a few at Goodison. A tricky match to predict, indeed.

Match Odds:

Everton – 4/7 Bet365

Stoke City – 21/4 Expekt

Draw – 3/1 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Tip: BOTH teams to SCORE (YES) – 11/13 Expekt

English Premiership 2009/2010

Arsenal V Blackburn Rovers

Kick-off: Sunday 4^th October – 13:30 GMT

Venue: The Emirates

TV Coverage: Sky Sports

Arsenal

League Position: 5th

Recent Form: WLLWW

Arsenal have put their recent woes and defeats against both Manchester outfits to one side as they have now gone on to record back-to-back wins since suffering back-to-back defeats against both Man Utd & Man City. Victories over Wigan Athletic (4-0) & now Fulham (0-1), has seen Arsenal regain some of the form & momentum that might have been lost after that patchy spell in Manchester, but it does appear that the Arsenal of old is back, or is it?

Arsenal have a lot to thank for their third choice keeper’s display against Fulham, as Vito Mannone put in a stunning goalkeeping display, one that earned him man of the match and most of the plaudits, in a game completely dominated by Fulham, from start to finish. Robin Van Persie took the limelight, though, as he scored on a rare attacking venture for Arsenal in that game when he slickly guided the ball into the bottom corner to hand Arsenal their fourth victory of the season, at the expense of a Fulham side who will feel heavily aggrieved.

Arsenal do still look a real handful when they do go on the attack but their defending on the day, against Fulham, left a lot to behold. Fulham carved out several glorious opportunities with ease, only to see an inform Vito Mannone standing in their way. Were it not for Mannone that day, Arsenal could and probably should have lost that game. However, Arsene Wenger can now put that game to bed as his group of youngsters did get the result they set out for, and that’s all that matters in this day and age, especially with the top six sides in the table so closely grouped together now.

Arsene Wenger will need to get his defence in order before the arrival of Blackburn but they have been blessed with a pretty easy fixture on paper. It’s been six years since Rovers last recorded a rare win on Arsenal soil, with the Gunners winning six of the previous seven encounters in London. Rovers have been far from prolific in the final third so, as long as Arsenal attackers don’t get complacent in front of goal, Arsenal should comfortably outscore and beat Blackburn at The Emirates.

Blackburn Rovers

League Position: 15th

Recent Form: LDWLW

A rare win for Blackburn this season was enough to lift Rovers away from the relegation zone, four points clear in fact, but if they don’t follow that big win up with at least another point then Blackburn cold find themselves embracing the red zone once again. Goals from Christopher Samba & David Dunn was enough to give Sam Allardyce and the ten men of Blackburn all three points, and it was just their second win of the new season. Rovers had previously lost three out of five games so the win was a welcome relief.

However, Blackburn didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory with their performance on Saturday. It’s imperative that teams like Blackburn make their home stadium a fortress and Blackburn are slowly starting to achieve that, although, slow sluggish starts at home won’t help their cause. Rovers have picked up seven points at home this season, the source of all of their points thus far in the league, but, were it not for Villa getting complacent after scoring an early goal within 3 minutes, Blackburn could have been staring down the barrel of a second home defeat.

Sam Allardyce has to get his players to assert themselves in home games, especially as there will be games such as this trip to The Emirates, where Blackburn have little chance of registering any points. The main bulk of Blackburn’s points will come at Ewood Park, with Blackburn already showing big signs of homesickness this term. Rovers have been on their travels just twice this season, both ending in bitter defeats, losing to Everton (3-0) & Sunderland (2-1). ‘Big Sam’ will need to conjure up a tactical master-stroke for his side to take any of the spoils away from Ewood Park at The Emirates, the home of the Gunners.

Head-to-Head:

Arsenal W: 7 Blackburn Rovers W: 1 Draws: 2

The Gunners have completely dominated previous encounters, especially on Arsenal turf. Not only have Arsenal won the last six encounters in London, but they’ve also won them very convincingly, with Arsenal scoring 19 and conceding just two in the last six meetings at Arsenal. Blackburn’s last success on Arsenal soil came way back in the 2002/2003 Premiership campaign when Rovers beat the Gunners 2-1 at Highbury, the former home of Arsenal.

Over 2.5 Goals: 6 Under 2.5 Goals: 4

This has been a favourable game for goals, mainly because Arsenal have been pretty prolific in front of goal against Blackburn. Five of the previous six visits of Blackburn has produced a game filled with goals. However, Blackburn have managed to locate the Arsenal goal just once in six meetings at Arsenal, that being in a 6-2 defeat back in 2006.

Match Verdict: Arsenal to WIN – 1/4 BlueSquare

Arsenal did all the hard work last week and they have now been rewarded with what looks a gift wrapped home fixture. The Gunners have vastly enjoyed the previous meetings between the two, with Arsenal winning six of the previous seven clashes between the two sides in London. They completely dominate the head-to-head and we expect that trend to continue here as Arsenal romp to victory against a Blackburn side who’ve lost their previous seven away fixtures in the Premiership, a run stretching back to March of last season. Everything points towards not only a home win but a comfortable one at that.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 1/4 BlueSquare

Blackburn Rovers – 14/1 SkyBet

Draw – 11/2 Bet365

SoccerBetting Tip: Arsenal – 2 Goals (Handicap) – 13/8 PaddyPower

English Premiership 2009/2010

Manchester United V Sunderland

Kick-off: Saturday 3^rd October – 17:15 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

TV Coverage: ESPN

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WWWWW

It wasn’t just a game of two halves for United but also a game dictated by two players as Nemenja Vidic and Ryan Giggs stole all the plaudits as United recorded their sixth victory of the season, and their fifth on the bounce, as they beat a tough Stoke City at The Brittania last Saturday. The home of Stoke is always a tough place to go for any side but Man Utd avoided any potential banana skin when they ran out rather comfortable 2-0 winners come the very end, although, they didn’t completely have it their own way.

The first half saw Stoke dictate most of the play but United rallied in midfield and forced Stoke to play long balls over the top, of which, Nemenja Vidic was waiting to clean up any potential long ball attempts. He was a rock in the heart of the United defence on Saturday and were it not for his stunning aerial display, United could have come under more scrutiny from Stoke.

The second half was when the game really turned on it’s head when Sir Alex decided to introduce veteran Ryan Giggs into the fray. He burst onto the second half scene and instantly provided Dimitar Berbatov with a simple tap in, and then he was the supplier again as John O’Shea headed home United’s second. That inspired substitution was the turning point in a game United were struggling to get on top of. Fergie spotted that United weren’t exploiting the flanks enough and Giggs was the perfect sub in the circumstances. At 35 years-of-age, Ryan Giggs is showing everyone, especially his manager, that he still has what it takes to cut it at the highest level with a man of the match second half display.

Manchester United really do look good this year, especially as they’re apparently a lot lighter this season. They came out smelling of roses, once again, even though they didn’t play particularly well. They rode the early Stoke storm and soon got their just rewards with two second half goals. United have shown signs of resilience in recent weeks, with their performance against both Man City & Stoke City very creditable indeed and just one of a host of reasons why United are becoming a popular bet with punters to win the Premiership outright and retain their crown.

Sunderland

League Position: 8th

Recent Form: WLWLW

Steve Bruce guided Sunderland to their fourth win of the season on Sunday when the Black Cats eventually got the better off a battling Wolves side at The Stadium of Light. Sunderland won quite convincingly come the end, on the score line at least, but Wolves made a game of it up until about the 60th minute mark when Steve Bruce watched on as his team squander a 2-0 lead as Wolves pulled two back just after the break. However it was Kenwyn Jones, one half of a deadly striking partnership for Sunderland this season, who scored Sunderland’s third and the eventual catalyst goal as Sunderland then went on to record a rather comfortable and, somewhat deceiving, 5-2 victory on Tyneside.

Sunderland were far from convincing in attack though, which, seeing as they did actually find the opposing goal on five separate occasions, is a surprise. In fact, it was Wolves who enjoyed the vast amount of success in the second half only to see their hard work go in vein. However, Steve Bruce won’t care too much about the performance as his side registered a vital set of three points, points that have now lifted Sunderland back into the top ten of the league. The ‘Black Cats’ now find themselves in eighth position and are looking fair contenders for a Europa League finish this season, providing they learn from their weekend mistakes.

Sunderland’s biggest asset this season comes in the form of their new, deadly striking partnership of Darren Bent & Kenwyn Jones. Both have bags of pace & agility, whilst the pair are pretty decent in the air, also. The two have nine goals between them this season, six for new signing Darren Bent and three for the Sunderland favourite, Kenwyn Jones. The pair are pivotal for Sunderland this season and, if Sunderland are to have an enjoyable campaign this term, you would feel it will be down to the success of these two in the oppositions third.

Head-to-Head:

Manchester United W: 8 Sunderland W: 0 Draws: 2

A huge negative for any Sunderland fan is that the Black Cats have never beaten Manchester United in the league, with United winning eight of the last ten meetings, ten of the previous twelve, also. The best Sunderland have managed in previous outings against United is a draw, although, Sunderland did hold United to a 0-0 draw, at Old Trafford, back in the 2005/2006. With Steve Bruce reinforcing the club over the summer, can he pull off a mini-shock against his former gaffer; Sir Alex Ferguson.

Over 2.5 Goals: 6 Under 2.5 Goals: 4

Although the strike rate of goals in this game does appear high, the fact that the previous three meetings in Manchester have had no more than 1 goal in each will put several off backing goals in this game. Sunderland never head to Old Trafford in the mindset of attacking the ‘Red Devils’ and we expect no different on Saturday, but will they leave gaps when they do decide to venture into the United half?

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1/5 PaddyPower

We would love to correctly predict a United slip up but we just can’t see it. They are one of the inform sides in the league right now and, although Sunderland have looked a real threat up top, United should have more than enough to not only handle what Sunderland throw at them, but also dish out some heavy punches, ones that Sunderland won’t be able to withstand. We wouldn’t say this will be comfortable but, with Sunderland now boasting some quality attackers, and with the Black Cats used to playing on the front foot of late, their attacking tendencies could leave them a tad exposed at the back, something United will be licking their lips at.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1/5 PaddyPower

Sunderland – 14/1 SkyBet

Draw – 11/2 Bet365

SoccerBetting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals – 8/15 Bet365

English Premiership 2009/2010

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Portsmouth

Kick-off: Saturday 3^rd October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 16th

Recent Form: LDLWL

Mick McCarthy will have to mend some broken hearts this week after Wolves gave their all in their weekend clash away at Sunderland. Although the 5-2 score line did look a tad overwhelming and convincing, Wolves gave as good as they got and, were they a little more clinical in the final third, could of possibly sneaked a point. However, once Kenwyn Jones bagged Sunderland’s third, Wolves capitulated and that has to be a major concern for Mick McCarthy as he watched on as his valiant troops finally lost the war, pretty emphatically come the end.

Still, despite the poor result and having nothing to show for their efforts, there were plenty of positives for Mick McCarthy to take out of the game. The teams fighting spirit on the day was a testament to the manager who obviously gave his side what for in the dressing room at half-time and the players quickly responded. The players shown tremendous character even in defeat and they should heart from the fact that a similar performance this weekend would see them go mighty close to winning their third game of the season.

That was the clubs fourth defeat of the season though and it now leaves Wolves clinging to safety, just three points above the drop zone. However, they do have in front of them a very winnable game with a Portsmouth side who’ve yet to register a single point this term. That doesn’t mean Wolves can simply turn up and take all three points though as Pompey are showing real signs of improvements of late and they will need to work their socks and ensure they don’t get complacent if they want maximum points from this game.

Portsmouth

League Position: 20^th

Recent Form: LLLLL

Where do we start with Portsmouth? The worst start by any team in the Premiership was extended last weekend when Portsmouth lost their seventh consecutive game at home to Everton, losing 1-0 on the day. However, although their terrible run of results doesn’t look in the slightest bit good, their performances on the pitch are starting to get a whole lot better and they were mighty unlucky not to have taken something out of that game with Everton. However, you don’t get nothing for hard work but at least there are finally positives for manager Paul Hart to build upon.

Against Everton, Portsmouth put everything had into that game and they bombarded the Everton goal but, it was all in vein come the end. Although their work rate and endeavour was top rate on Saturday, they are still lacking that cutting edge needed to win games, especially in open play. From set-peices, Portsmouth look a real threat, with Younes Kaboul similar to a salmon when he leaps up above everyone when Portsmouth have corners. However, you can’t rely solely on set-pieces for points although, Stoke City have made a living out of it recently.

We still aren’t totally convinced with the manager; Paul hart. A new manager would be the buck up the ass the players so desperately need and probably crave but Portsmouth are improving, it has to be said. They were a whole lot better at the weekend and they weren’t too bad in their last away encounter at Aston Villa. They’re getting closer to recording their first points of the season and they won’t get many easier opportunities then a game against a Wolves side fresh off the back of a 5-2 mauling away at Sunderland. The home side will still be feeling that drubbing and Pompey could take advantage here.

Head-to-Head:

Wolverhampton Wanderers W: 0 Portsmouth W: 0 Draws: 2

These two have only met each other twice since the Premiership was formed and that was six years ago back in the 2004/2004 season. However, back then the pair played out two unattractive 0-0 draws and this match might not be too far off as neither side has been that impressive in front of goal this term, with Portsmouth managing just three goals in seven and Wolves just the seven.

Match Verdict: Draw – 5/2 Boylesports

Both teams will eye this fixture as one they have every chance of winning ,especially Portsmouth, who have yet to pick up a single point this season. However, this looks not only a glorious opportunity for them to get their point accumulation off and running but also for Wolves to bolster their rather slim tally and go further adrift of the relegation zone. However, with Portsmouth showing signs of improving, we fancy the home advantage to possibly cancel out a hungry Pompey side and, to be honest, neither would begrudge a draw here.

Match Odds:

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 11/10 SportingBet

Portsmouth – 11/4 SkyBet

Draw – 5/2 Boylesports

SoccerBetting Tip: 0-0 Correct Score – 9/1 Bet365

English Premiership 2009/2010

Hull City V Wigan Athletic

Kick-off: Saturday 3^rd October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

English Premiership 2009/2010

Hull City

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: WDLLL

Phil Brown conceded last weekend that, after receiving a complete and utter hammering at the hands of Liverpool, this is the worst spell in his managerial career. Hull fell to their fifth defeat of the season and now they find themselves in the bottom three, a situation many had predicted before the season even began. However, the manner of some of their defeats has been shocking, with Hull never too far away from another hammering.

The 6-1 defeat away at Liverpool last weekend was the third time this season that Hull have been on the receiving end of a drubbing, with Sunderland smashing Hull 4-1 at the beginning of September and Tottenham humiliating Hull City at the KC stadium, the venue for this game with Wigan, putting five past Hull in a 5-1 mauling. With those results in mind, it doesn’t take a genius to pinpoint where it’s all gone wrong for Hull, and that’s in their woeful defence. The Tigers have already conceded 19 goals in just seven games, that’s the worst defensive record in the entire league by a country mile. Their only clean sheet this season came at home to Bolton, a side struggling for goals as well.

Although Hull’s defence is laughable to say the least, their offence is still looking half-decent. Hull have only failed to score in one of their seven league outings this season, that coming against Birmingham City, a side with a pretty lean defence. Hull have scored against Liverpool, Chelsea & Tottenham, all quality sides and, were it not for their mediocre defence, Hull might have gotten something out of those games. The departure of Michael Turner is one of the reasons why Hull are struggling at the back but their defence has been at sixes and sevens for some time now and it’s mind boggling that Phil Brown didn’t strengthen his back line during the summer.

Hull’s league record now stands at 1-1-5 whilst their goals for and against tally is currently 6-19. Both make for awful reading and were this game to be decided on current form alone, Hull City wouldn’t have a chance in hell. However, every new game provides a new opportunity to put right a dreadful start to the season for Hull and Phil Brown.

Wigan Athletic

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: LLWLW

Latics fans must be over the moon with their recent league success. 34 games without a win over any of the ‘Big Four’ and then they strike lucky against an inform Chelsea. Not many, even us, gave Wigan much of a chance against a Chelsea side who had previously won all six of their fixtures in the Premiership. Not now though after Wigan gave Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea one huge reality check at The DW stadium last Saturday. That was just Roberto Martinez’s second victory as Wigan manager but it will certainly be the highlight in his short Wigan managerial career thus far.

Wigan were sensational at the weekend, with the 3-1 score line far from flattering for the Latics. Some will say Chelsea were dreadful on the day but we say Wigan completely outplayed what was a lacklustre Chelsea. Wigan took their chances when they come along, although, were they a tad more clinical, Wigan could have scored a few more. The movement from the Wigan players off the ball was second to none while their forward play was jaw dropping at times. They exploited what was a lean Chelsea defence on more than half-a-dozen occasions and it really was hard to notice which side actually were the current league leaders before kick-off.

That victory for Wigan knocked Chelsea off their perch but, more importantly, it gave Wigan all three points and lifted them into the top ten as Roberto Martinez took Wigan six points clear of the relegation zone. However, that has been Wigan this season, very inconsistent. One game they can be sublime and play some glorious football, while the next they can play complete tosh. You’ll have more luck predicting the lottery then predicting which Wigan side will actually turn up on match day.

To any onlookers it may comes as surprise to hear that Wigan have yet to win back-to-back games this season, despite their classy display on Saturday. They have notched up three wins this season but with each victory followed defeat(s). Wigan surprised most when they beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park, but then the Latics went on a run of three straight defeats. However, this is a fantastic opportunity for the club to register their first back-to-back league wins of the season but, as Wigan have shown already, they’re far too unpredictable to really take seriously.

Head-to-Head:

Hull City W: 0 Wigan Athletic W: 2 Draws: 0

Wigan won both of the first encounters between the two in a Premiership affair last season, with Wigan beating Hull both at The KC stadium (0-5) and back at The DW stadium (1-0). As you can see, Wigan crushed Hull City last season at the KC and Hull will have something to prove as they aim to avenge that humiliating home defeat.

Match Verdict: Wigan Athletic to WIN – 13/8 SkyBet

Despite their inconsistent nature, Wigan just have to be backed to beat a dreadful Hull side that couldn’t defend against a pub team. You could of drove a digger through the Hull defence last Saturday as Liverpool opened them up to score six goals, when it really could of reached double figures. Wigan have an outstanding result behind them and that should be the catalyst for them to go onto better and bigger things this season, starting with a third successive victory over Hull.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 7/4 Expekt

Wigan Athletic – 13/8 SkyBet

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Tip: Hugo Rodallega to Score Anytime – 6/5 WilliamHill

Burnley V Birmingham City

Kick-off: Saturday 3^rd October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Turf Moor

English Premiership 2009/2010

Burnley

League Position: 11th

Recent Form: WLLWL

Burnley and Owen Coyle return to a happy hunting ground this weekend as they prepare to host newly promoted Birmingham City at Turf Moor. The Burnley fans have been sensational in Burnley’s home games, driving their team towards three successive wins at home. Of course, a lot of the credit has to go down to the players but the fans have made Turf Moor an early fortress, with the atmosphere at Turf Moor rocking this season. However, once their team suffers a few home defeats, will the novelty affect start to wear off, and will Burnley’s superb home form rapidly start declining?

It happens with most sides that have never previously braced the Premiership that their fans come out in their thousands to support their team in their home games and, in the process, the club easily sells their ticket allocation in their first few games. However, a few defeats and the mood of the fans turns sour and, although Burnley have been sensational at home thus far, we can’t help but think that a few defeats between now and Christmas could see Turf Moor turn, from a happy hunting ground for Burnley, into a generous venue for other teams to visit.

For the time being at least, Burnley are thriving on the tremendous support of their home fans, winning all three home fixtures thus far. Victories over Manchester United, Everton & Sunderland has given them a 100% home record and this fixture with Birmingham does look the easiest of the lot. Burnley have certainly been more confident at home, playing with more attacking intent and vigour while at Turf Moor. Burnley have yet to score on their travels but equally they have yet to fail to score at home, scoring five goals in three home games. That just about says it all about the home wave Burnley are currently riding high on but, after receiving a jolly good 5-0 spanking away at Spurs over the weekend, will Owen Coyle lift Burnley off the deck in time for the arrival of Birmingham City.

Birmingham City

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: DLLWL

A difficult weekend for Birmingham after they endured their fourth defeat in seven games, losing 2-1 at home to Bolton. Alex McLeish was very confident of his team picking up at least a point last weekend but, because they failed to register any points in that game, he, as well as the Birmingham players, will be eager to make an instant amends away at Burnley this Saturday.

Birmingham have been pretty tidy in defence this season, conceding just six goals in seven games. However, that makes their home defeat against Bolton even more disheartening as their defence certainly got complacent, gifting Bolton easy chances to score. However, our biggest concern with this Birmingham team, a side who can get the ball down and play decent football at times, is their reluctance to attack, and in numbers. Alex McLeish has a tendency to go with just the one striker up front, mainly in the form of Ecuadorian; Christian Benitez, but, although the lad does have bags of pace and is a tricky customer, he needs the support of another front man and, as soon as Kevin Philips joined him in attack, Birmingham prospered. Hopefully, Alex will have learnt an early lesson and swallow his one up front pride and go with an old fashioned 4-4-2 formation away at Bolton.

We will stick our neck on the line and predict that Alex McLeish will go with one up front once again here. The fact that this is a tricky away game means that Alex will squeeze five players into midfield in order to squash and suffocate the Burnley attacks. However, this is a fixture which is certainly winnable but only if Alex McLeish takes the gamble of playing with two up front. Without the extra striker, Birmingham will struggle to create chances and, more importantly, score the goals needed to actually win a game of football.

Match Verdict: Draw – 40/17 Expekt

Birmingham will have their work cut out but we fancy them to thwart Burnley’s immaculate home record this Saturday in a low scoring draw. Birmingham have been pretty solid at the back this season, conceding just three away goals this season, those coming against Man Utd, the league leaders, and Tottenham Hotspur, a team that put five past Burnley last weekend. Burnley, on the other, will be nursing their wounds after being mauled by Tottenham at White Hart Lane last weekend. It could take them a game or two to find their feet again and we fancy Birmingham to capitalise on a wounded Burnley. We were even tempted to select an away win but the draw looks the safest approach to this game.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 23/17 Expekt

Birmingham City – 23/10 Boylesports

Draw – 40/17 Expekt

SoccerBetting Tip: Birmingham City Double Chance (Away Win or Draw) – 4/7 PaddyPower

English Premiership 2009/2010

Bolton Wanderers V Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-off: Saturday 3^rd October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Reebok

Bolton Wanderers

League Position: 13th

Recent Form: LLWDW

Bolton surprised many with their victory away at Birmingham last Saturday, beating Alex McLeish’s side 2-1 at St. Andrews. Goals from Tamir Cohen, his third of the season, while new signing, Chung-Yong Lee, scored his first ever goal at Bolton with a neat little finish inside the Birmingham box. Somewhat surprisingly, that was not only Bolton’s fifth goals of the season but it was also their second away win this term, but, however, Bolton return back home to The Reebok, a venue they’ve have failed to win at in three attempts this season, may not be welcomed with open arms. An even worse statistic for Gary Megson to digest is the one where Bolton haven’t won in six home games, stretching back April this year.

Bolton’s poor record at home in recent outings simply has to be rectified if they are to cling onto their Premiership status. However, they won’t appreciate being handed a fixture with an inform Spurs, a side who have won twice on their travels already this season. The Bolton fans will need to come out in their droves and urge their players on if they are to attain a positive result from what is a very touch home fixture.

Sunderland & Liverpool have both gotten the better of Bolton at The Reebok stadium, whilst Stoke City caused Bolton all sorts of problems when they came a calling, holding Bolton to a 1-1 draw in Bolton’s most recent home encounter in the league. The Reebok needs to be a fortress if Bolton are to have an enjoyable season but it’s hard to see where their regular goals will come from, despite the fact that Bolton have scored in four games on the spin now, five if you include their 3-1 victory in the Carling Cup against West Ham. For now, the likes of Tamir Cohen & Matty Taylor are chipping in but Bolton fans need their strikers to come good. Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander really do need to become a lot more clinical in the final third because the pair seriously aren’t cutting it at the moment.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 4^th

Recent Form: WWLLW

Tottenham responded in emphatic fashion to two straight defeats against two of the ‘Big Four’ by smashing Burnley off the park in last weekend’s clash at White Hart Lane. Robbie Keane bagged four on the day while Jermaine Jenas scored his first league goal of the season, with Spurs comfortably running out 5-0 victors over Burnley. That was Tottenham’s fifth win of the season, their third at home, but now they travel to a tough venue where an awkward Bolton side lye in waiting.

The trip to Bolton does present manager Harry Redknapp will a completely different assignment to the one last weekend against Owen Coyle’s, Burnley. Bolton are a side that look to use their physical aurora to their advantage so Redknapp may have to make a few changes for Tottenham’s fourth away fixture of the season. Peter Crouch was left out of the starting line-up against Burnley but his aerial ability does make him a solid pick against a Bolton side with plenty of height. A player who would have been ideal, but isn’t available, is Johnthan Woodgate. The former England international is apparently nowhere near returning to training so Tom Huddlestone and Corluka could form an unconvincing centre-back partnership.

Tottenham, despite two defeats recently against Chelsea & Manchester United, are in a very prominent position in fourth position, just three points adrift of leaders Man Utd. They shown great resilience and character at the weekend by hammering Burnley after those two disappointing results and it appears Spurs are back to their confident, free-scoring self. However, Jermaine Defoe will be a minor doubt after dislocating a finger in their win over Burnley at the weekend but he should be fine to start, whether that’s alongside a four-star Robbie Keane or Peter Crouch is anyone’s guess.

Head-to-Head:

Bolton Wanderers W: 5 Tottenham Hotspur W: 3 Draws: 2

Bolton haven’t actually faired too bad in previous meetings, actually, they’ve done extremely well, especially at The Reebok. Tottenham have failed to beat Bolton at The Reebok in their previous nine visits in all competitions. Four of the last five encounters at the home of Bolton have gone the way of the home side, with Bolton winning 3-2 in the very last meeting between the two at The Reebok last season. Tottenham’s better results against Bolton have generally come at White Hart Lane.

Over 2.5 Goals: 4 Under 2.5 Goals: 6

In general, this has been a tight affair, with normally a goal or two enough to determine the winner. Last season the pair played out a thrilling 3-2 home win, whereas the previous three encounters at The Reebok has finished with no more than 2 goals. Just two of the last eight meetings in Bolton have finished Over 2.5, so not the ideal game to be backing goals in.

Match Verdict: Draw – 5/2 Bet365

This will be seen as a strange selection,m especially as just two of the last eight meetings at The Reebok have finished in a draw. However, the home advantage for Bolton should cancel out the class and form of Tottenham Hotspur. This hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Spurs in the past and, with that in mind, we fancy both sides to be fairly happy with a share of the spoils in a DRAW. Although Tottenham did score five at the weekend, Bolton don’t generally concede too many at The Reebok, so a tight game is expected, with goals perhaps few and far between.

Match Odds:

Bolton Wanderers – 16/5 SkyBet

Tottenham Hotspur – Evens Boylesports

Draw – 5/2 Bet365

SoccerBetting Tip: Under 2.5 Goals – 43/40 Bet365