Premier League weekend Preview by David Walker (Friday, February 02, 2007)

Walker's Word Saturday lunch times are becoming synonymous with Liverpool on the television and this time they tackle local rivals Everton. Despite some hiccups in the cup competitions, Liverpool have been red hot in the Premiership, winning their last five in the league. Expect them to avenge the 3-0 defeat they suffered at Everton last September. Aston Villa are looking nervously at the relegation places after winning just once in their last 14 matches. Their win came against struggling Watford and they face another troubled side in West Ham United this weekend. Villa are usually tough to beat at home and should get all three points. Home wins seems to be the order of the day, with Blackburn looking to overturn a run of three losses in their last four league matches against Sheffield United, while Chelsea should make it an away day jolly when they face Charlton Athletic at the Valley. Fulham are draw specialists this season and prior to their defeat at Sheffield United, their previous six matches ended all square. They face Newcastle United who have been hit and miss this season, but with both sides strong in attack but hopeless in defence, a high scoring draw is not beyond the realm of possibility. Reading are pressing for a place in Europe next season and should get at least a point from their trip to Manchester City. Stuart Pearce's side have been inconsistent this season while Reading are unbeaten so far in 2007. Watford are seven points from safety and host Bolton who have not won in five games. Wanderers could get their season back on track with a win at Vicarage Road as they are still within touching distance of the coveted fourth Champions League spot. Portsmouth could inflict a ninth consecutive defeat on Wigan, who are plummeting towards the relegation zone as each week passes. With a record like that, Pompey have to be backed, even if they are without a win in five themselves. Middlesbrough are showing a bit of form, winning three of their last four, but they face an Arsenal side in hot form. Bar a 2-1 defeat last season, the Gunners have won at the Riverside for five seasons prior and they could make it six out of seven on Saturday evening. Sunday's only match sees Tottenham Hotspur up against Manchester United. Spurs have undertaken a hectic fixture schedule and played eight matches in January due to their involvement in two cup competitions. United could capitalise on this plus they have won on their last five trips to White Hart Lane. Predictions Liverpool vs Everton - Liverpool Aston Villa vs West Ham United - Aston Villa Blackburn Rovers vs Sheffield United - Blackburn Rovers Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea - Chelsea Fulham vs Newcastle United - Draw Manchester City vs Reading - Draw Watford vs Bolton - Bolton Wigan vs Portsmouth - Portsmouth Middlesbrough vs Arsenal - Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur vs Man United - Man United David Walker is the resident tipster on a popular free bets website. For further betting advice on this weekend's fixtures please visit Walker's Word. Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 3:23 AM << Home