PREMIER LEAGUE weekend PREVIEW by David Walker (Thursday, November 02, 2006)

Charlton Athletic could find themselves in further relegation worry this weekend while Bonfire Night should see away wins for both Arsenal and Chelsea writes David Walker. Saturday 4 November Fulham vs Everton Two sides enjoying an extended spell in the top 10 but it could be Fulham who edge closer to a place in Europe this Saturday. Chris Coleman's side boast a 100% record against Everton at Craven Cottage since they joined the Premiership in 2001/02. Fulham have scored nine goals in these encounters with Everton finding the net just once. Fulham have won this match 2-0 on three occasions so correct scores fans could opt for that, or play it safe and bank on under 2.5 goals. Walker's Word 1x2: Fulham @ 8/5 (UK Betting) AH: Fulham level ball @ evens (Bet365) OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet) Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic If Bolton are to realistically challenge Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premiership they need to win home games like this one. Prior to beating Fulham at Craven Cottage last week, Wigan lost three out of four on the road and that is the kind of form Wanderers need to remind them about. Walker's Word 1x2: Bolton @ 5/6 (UK Betting) AH: Bolton - 1/2 @ 19/20 (Bet365) OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet) Charlton Athletic vs Manchester City Poor old Charlton, already three points adrift of safety and they face a bogey side in Manchester City this weekend. The Addicks have not beaten City in their last four attempts, losing twice and drawing 2-2 twice. They have not won since 2000/01 when they hammered the Blues 4-0 but have since suffered a 3-0 reverse and last season, a 5-2 humiliation on their own turf. Stuart Pearce's side won their first match in four attempts against Middlesbrough on Monday and will fancy their chances at The Valley. Walker's Word 1x2: City @ 15/8 (VCBet) AH: City + 1/4 @ 33/40 (Bet365) OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (Bet365) Liverpool vs Reading Liverpool are clicking into gear at last after beating Bordeaux 3-0 in midweek and destroying unbeaten Aston Villa 3-1 at the weekend. They face Reading at Anfield for the second time in as many weeks, after beating them 4-3 in the Carling Cup and another home win is likely. Walker's Word 1x2: Liverpool @ 1/3 (Betfred) AH: Liverpool - 1 1/4 @ 33/40 (Bet365) OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6 (VCBet) Manchester United vs Portsmouth While United have dropped points at Fratton Park on two of their last three visits, at Old Trafford they are much more solid, winning all three encounters since Pompey's promotion in the 2003/04 campaign. United were humbled in Denmark against FC Copenhagen in the week and will want to get back to winning ways immediately. Portmsouth may boast the meanest defence in the league but United in full flow is a frightening prospect. Walker's Word 1x2: United @ 2/7 (Ladbrokes) AH: United - 1 1/2 @ 21/20 (Bet365) OU: Over 3.5 goals @ 2/1 (Betfred) Watford vs Middlesbrough Two teams in the lower reaches of the division but Watford could be made to wait further to record their first league win of the season. The Hornets have proven to be tough to beat, grinding out six draws in 10 matches but Middlesbrough could extend their stay in the bottom three with a win at Vicarage Road. Walker's Word 1x2: Middlesbrough @ 15/8 (UK Betting) AH: Middlesbrough level ball @ 43/40 (Bet365) OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet) Newcastle United vs Sheffield United Newcastle need to win this match if they are to avoid slipping into the bottom three but the club's minor injury crisis could hold the key to this game. The Blades have reported a feud between Claude Davis and Ade Akinbiyi has been resolved which should boost morale but it is Newcastle that could pick up a season-boosting three points. Walker's Word 1x2: Newcastle @ 8/11 (UK Betting) AH: Newcastle - 3/4 @ 39/40 (Bet365) OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (VCBet) Sunday 5 November West Ham United vs Arsenal Arsenal have a poor record at Upton Park, winning just one of their last five Premiership visits and showed they couldn't hit a barn door against Spartak Moscow in the week, squandering 20 clear chances. However, the Hammers have been dreadful this season and will find the Gunners a much sterner test than Blackburn, who they beat last Sunday. Walker's Word 1x2: Arsenal @ 8/13 (Coral) AH: Arsenal - 3/4 @ 3/4 (Bet365) OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 10/11 (VCBet) Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers Villa's unbeaten record was taken away from them last weekend by a rampant Liverpool but Martin O'Neill will see this match as a means of returning to winning ways. Mid table Blackburn have lost their last two in the league while the Villains have won this encounter by a 1-0 scoreline in the last two meetings at Villa Park. Walker's Word 1x2: Aston Villa @ 11/10 (Betfred) AH: Villa - 1/2 @ evens (Bet365) OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet) Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea Chelsea have won the last three meetings at White Hart Lane by two 2-0 and one 1-0 scorelines. Another victory for Jose Mourinho's side and another bet on the Under 2.5 goals market is the call. Walker's Word 1x2: Chelsea @ 8/11 (Ladbrokes) AH: Chelsea - 3/4 @ evens (Bet365) OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (VCBet) Author Resource: David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week. Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 11:48 PM << Home