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Football Betting Previews |
| Premiership Preview by Matthew Chapple (14 - 16 March 2009) (Thursday, March 12, 2009) |
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Premiership Previews - March 14th - 16th
Manchester United V Liverpool Saturday 12:45 Sky Sports 1
What a mouthwatering tie in prospect as Liverpool's season could be defined by the end of the afternoon with Manchester United looking to finally end Liverpool's bid of winning a record 19 league titles. United are seven points clear of their bitter rivals and even have a game in hand. A win over Liverpool would put them in full control with just ten games left to play.
Manchester United are in cruise control right now. Within seven days they secured another piece of silverware winning the Carling Cup via a nail-biting penalty shoot-out with what was United's second string almost. Three days later they travelled to Newcastle and notched up a crucial three points in a very tricky away tie at St. James Park. The following Saturday they thumped Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage to book yet another trip to Wembley where they face Everton.
It goes without saying that Manchester United are in top form and it comes as no surprise that United are odds on favourites to win this massive game with rivals Liverpool. They have now won 12 games in a row in the league with six of those coming at home. They also boast the best home form this season winning 12 of their thirteen home league fixtures. That is an incredible statistic and it's really hard to oppose them this Saturday and that was hard to say coming from a through and through Liverpool fan.
Liverpool's recent form is stop-start to say the very least. One moment they are holding their own against one of the giants of football in Real Madrid while the next they are suffering an embarrassing away defeat at Middlesborough. To say they are a frustrating side to follow is an understatement but one thing is always assured with the reds is that they always come good in the big games. You just have to look at their outstanding 4-0 hammering of Real Madrid in midweek at Anfield to see that Liverpool have it within the to produce the goods on the big stage.
Liverpool's win in Madrid over Real was a massive result but they failed to back that up when they took on Middlesborough at The Riverside stadium. They dominated the opening half only to see an Alonso OG send them behind. They failed to make a comeback and suffered a poor 2-0 defeat to a side that previously failed to win 14 games on the trot. That was only their second defeat of the season but it was their second away defeat and with Fabio Aurelio, Xabi Alonso and even Steven Gerrard a doubt for this game, it is a big ask for Liverpool to record a win at Old Trafford this Saturday.
Match Odds -
Manchester United 10/11 Bet365
Draw 23/10 Paddypower
Liverpool 15/4 Blue Square
Prediction - Draw
Arsenal V Blackburn Rovers Saturday 15:00
One of many must win games for Arsene Wenger and his side as Big Sam takes his Blackburn team to The Emirates in a bid to win three away league games on the trot. Predicting an away win would be very brave but Blackburn aren't without a shout with Arsenal preforming poorly at home in recent league games.
The Arsenal dressing room will be a much happier place after they secured a trip to Wembley, beating Burnley in a comfortable manner 3-0. What's more is the return of fitness of Eduardo. He scored a magnificent goal against Burnley and showed he is as sharp as ever after recovering from an horrific injury last year. Arsenal managing to score at home was a rare sight but it was expected against an inferior Burnley side.
Arsenal have been under-performing at home and have drawn their previous three home league games, all by a 0-0 scoreline. West Ham, Sunderland and Fulham were all sides on paper Arsenal should have beaten but Arsenal once again came up short. The bookies make Arsenal clear favourites but with their recent home form we wouldn't like to be on them despite the probability of a home victory this weekend.
Sam Allardyce will know full well the challenge ahead but he will have his sights set on picking up yet another massive point at The Emirates. Blackburn still find themselves in the bottom three but a point might be enough to lift them out of the drop zone depending on other results. That isn't unthinkable with Arsenal drawing the last three home games.
Blackburn did manage to win their fourth away game of the season last Wednesday when they came from behind to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage. That was a huge result for Blackburn with the side battling for their Premiership survival. Rovers will need to keep it tight at the back though if they are take something away with them and they have kept three clean sheet in three of their previous five away games.
Match Odds -
Arsenal 9/20 Centrebet
Draw 10/3 Bet365
Blackburn Rovers 8/1 Paddypower
Prediction - Draw
Bolton Wanderers V Fulham Saturday 15:00
Not the most attractive of matches at first glance but a very important game for the teams involved. Fulham will want to show that their exit out of the FA Cup hasn't left them with a hangover while Bolton will want to add more points to their fairly decent point tally to avoid a relegation dogfight in May.
Bolton will be fairly confident of their chances after winning three consecutive league matches at The Reebok. All were by one goal but wins nonetheless. They too have to overcome a defeat after they were outclassed at The Brittania stadium by Stoke City. That defeat was away from home so the trip back to Bolton will be welcomed with open arms.
Gary Megson has seen his side pick up some big results at home in recent weeks. Tottenham, West Ham and Newcastle all lost at The Reebok stadium leaving Bolton on the verge of winning four straight matches at home. I wouldn't like to be a goal backer in this game with Bolton failing to score in seven of their fourteen home league games.
Fulham still have the burden of having not won on the road all season. Only Stoke can boast the same awful record. Their away record of 0-7-7 for the season will hardly fill many punters with confidence but Fulham have picked up some huge draws against some big sides so nullifying the Bolton attack isn't beyond reach.
Finding the oppositions goal away from home has been the main problem with Fulham scoring just three away goals all season. That is a shocking statistic which must be addressed sooner rather then later. They have scored just three on the road, failing to score in eleven of their fourteen away fixtures. With that in mind the draw looks the best approach to what looks a dull looking affair in prospect.
Match Odds -
Bolton Wanderers 6/5 Bet365
Draw 23/10 Boylesports
Fulham 11/4 888sport
Prediction - Draw
Everton V Stoke City Saturday 15:00
Tony Pulis has the tough task of halting the Everton express as they make their way up to Merseyside looking to bring a positive result back to Stoke with them. Both sides are desperate for points but the pair have totally different aspirations. Everton won 3-2 back at The Brittania Stadium earlier in the season so revenge will be firmly on the minds of the Stoke City players.
Everton return to Premiership action this weekend after booking a rare trip to Wembley last Sunday. Their 2-1 defeat of Middlesborough at Goodison Park had now left the Toffees with a luxurious tie with Manchester United at Wembley where a place in the FA Cup final is the reward. David Moyes will need to keep his players minds firmly focused on the league for the time being with his side currently challenging for a European spot.
Everton are now just seven points behind Aston Villa in fourth so a win over Stoke could reduce that gap to just four point,s were Villa to drop yet more points at home this weekend. It would be a major surprise if Everton were not to win this fixture as they have been very impressive of late, especially at home. They haven't lost in six league games at Goodison with both Liverpool and Arsenal failing to beat the Toffee's on their own turf. With that in mind there is no reason why Stoke City should be any different.
Without a doubt, a draw would be a huge result for Tony Pulis and Stoke City. This is an extremely tough fixture on paper and he will be under no illusions the task his side face going to Everton this Saturday. Several of England's best have gone there and failed to walk away with all the spoils so we expect him to use his noggin and set up in a defensive manner looking to take a point back with them.
Backing an away win would be a ridiculous bet with Stoke having not won on the road all season. Their away record of 0-4-10 won't strike fear into the Everton players although they did manage to score late on at Villa Park to earn a point so anything is possible. Stoke have conceded a mammoth tally of 30 away goals this season so the likelihood of Stoke outscoring an in form Everton is minuscule, or in BlueSquare's world, 15/2.
Match Odds -
Everton ½ Bet365
Draw 3/1 Bet365
Stoke City 15/2 Blue Square
Prediction - Everton
Hull City V Newcastle United Saturday 15:00
Newcastle head down to Hull City this weekend in what looks a possible six pointer with both sides faltering in the bottom half of the table. Hull are just four points above Newcastle in 14th position so defeat at home to the Magpies would leave them right in the mix of a relegation fight.
Hull's 1-0 win away at Fulham was their first win in the league in eleven games and what a relief that will be for the Hull manager, Phil brown. The 'Tigers' made a fantastic start to the season and looked a safe bet for safety but a lengthy win less run has left them with a bit of a battle on their hands. A win over the Toon could see them go eight points clear of the red zone so there is everything to play for.
Hull's recent win was a huge boost for the players but they have still to win at home in six games. Their last victory at home in the league was a 2-1 win over Middlesborough back in December. They have since lost five of their previous six home games but you would feel this is the best opportunity they will get for some time to end their baron home run.
Newcastle are another side that simply can't put a run of wins together. Their last victory in the league came at fellow struggles West Brom and that was by the thinnest of margins, winning 3-2 at The Hawthorns. That is their sole victory in 2009 and have won just one of their last ten league fixtures but they do face a team who are also stuttering in the league so this is a glorious chance they must grab with both hands.
Newcastle are currently just one point above the drop zone and for a club of their stature, simple cannot suffer relegation. That is certainly possible though with Newcastle really in crisis right now. Their record on the road is a poor one at 2-4-8 and the Magpies have lost four of their last five away fixtures. We will re-iterate that this is a big chance of Newcastle to add some more vital points to their tally but this game really does hang in the balance.
Match Odds -
Hull City 33/20 Centrebet
Draw 9/4 Bet365
Newcastle United 9/5 Boylesports
Prediction - Draw
Middlesborough V Portsmouth Saturday 15:00
Another very tough match to predict as Portsmouth exit the South of England and head up North where Gareth Southgate's wounded Middlesborough lye in waiting at The Riverside. Both sides occupy precarious positions in the league table so a win is a must for both sets of players. We will give Boro' the benefit of the doubt but this really could go either way with the pair not playing particularly well at present.
Middlesborough's exit from the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage will still be fresh on their minds so it will be Gareth Southgate job to get them fully focused for this tough game with Portsmouth. They will have home advantage and will be the rare favourites for a Premier league match. They will need to show their fans and us that their odds are justified this Saturday afternoon because we aren't so sure.
Their previous league match at home was a happy one with Liverpool losing 2-0 at The Riverside at the end of last month. They were however soundly thrashed 4-0 away at Tottenham and that defeat along with their FA Cup lose is one of the reason why we think Middlesborough are worth opposing. Defeats are never easy to take and Middlesborough could be suffering a losing hangover when Portsmouth arrive on Tyneside.
Portsmouth themselves have been on the wrong end of some poor results and have won just one of their last twelve league games. That was a 2-0 home win over Man City back In February. Their last win on the road came last year in early November, eight gamers ago.
Scoring on their travels has been their biggest cause for concern along with keeping a tight ship at the back. Their away goal record of 11-22 is far from satisfactory and something that will urgently need correcting if they are to maintain their Premiership status. They are now just one point above the relegation zone and defeat away at Middlesborough could see them slip into the the bottom three.
Match Odds -
Middlesborough 6/5 Bet365
Draw 12/5 Coral
Prediction - Middlesborough
Sunderland V Wigan Athletic Saturday 15:00
Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic can't buy a win right now but they will be hoping that can change this weekend when they make the short trip to The Stadium of Light where Sunderland lye in waiting. Both sides have lost the winning mentality and with the previous league tie between the two ending in a 1-1 draw back at the JJB, we wouldn't put anyone off backing a similar scoreline this Saturday.
A win for Sunderland over Wigan could see them put a healthy gap between themselves and the relegation zone and with Wigan failing to win their last eight league fixtures, you would have to fancy their chances of earning a valuable three points at home this weekend. They were very unlucky in their last league game where they drew 1-1 with struggler's Tottenham. A lack in concentration was a possible reason for them conceding a very late goal at home to Spurs.
Ricky Sbragia will be hoping his side will learn from their mistake and capitalise on Wigan's poor run of form. The Black Cats have picked up just two points in their last three league outings and this is a game they really need to win if they are to avoid a fight for survival come the final day of fixtures. They have won two of their last three home fixtures and are unbeaten at home in three league games.
Were it not for Wigan's fantastic run of wins over the festive period they may have found themselves in unwanted territory at present. They have now failed to win any of their previous eight league games, drawing four and losing the remaining four fixtures. Fortunately for Steve Bruce their league position is still a comfortable one with the Latic's currently sat in 9th position and eight points above those in the drop zone.
They can't afford to get complacent though and a huge cause for concern is their form in front of goal. Wigan have scored just twice in eight league games and have now notched up 360 minutes without scoring a single league goal away from home. A statistic which will certainly raise a few eyebrows. Their defence is still as consistent as ever with Wigan keeping a clean sheet in five of their last six away games.
Match Odds -
Sunderland 6/5 Skybet
Wigan Athletic 9/4 Paddypower
Prediction - Draw
Chelsea V Manchester City Sunday 13:30 Sky Sports
Two of the richest clubs in the world go head-to-head this Sunday afternoon in a battle of the big spenders. It was City who won the tug of war in signing Robinho during the summer but it was Chelsea who comfortably seen off the sky blues in Manchester when they won 3-1 back at The City of Manchester stadium. Will Mark Hughes get the better of 'Chelski' at the second time of asking? We very much doubt it.
Chelsea go into this home fixture at Stamford Bridge in good spirit after booking a place in the Quarter-Final draw of the Champions League. They were pushed all the way on Tuesday when they clashed with Juventus in Italy but it was Didier Drogba who scored the winning goal to ensure Chelsea's name went into the hat. Chelsea did look a little ordinary in that game but what impressed us the most was their desire and determination to come back twice from behind.
That was an exhausting match for Chelsea who may well suffer a tad in this game. However, they are facing a City side that have been simply awful on the road this season. Chelsea also have a far superior head-to-head record with Man City, winning all eleven of the previous elven league fixtures between the two sides. That is incredible and one of just many reasons why Chelsea must be backed this Sunday at a fairly generous price.
Man City were also in action in mid-week when they took on Aalborg at home last Thursday. Mark Hughes will be disappointed that his side only get a few days to recover from that game but they should be fit enough for their weekend clash with Chelsea. A fixture they have far from enjoyed in recent seasons.
We briefly mentioned City's poor away form this season and at 1-5-8, it leaves you speechless. Despite all the money Mark Hughes has to spend, he simply cannot buy an away win right now. Their sole away victory this season came all the way back in August when they thumped Sunderland 3-0 at The Stadium of Light. That was thirteen away league games ago and it would take a colossal performance for that run to come to a halt this Sunday.
Match Odds -
Draw 10/3 Coral
Manchester City 9/1 Bet365
Prediction - Chelsea
Aston Villa V Tottenham Hotspur Sunday 16:00 Sky Sports
Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa host relegation battling Spurs this Sunday in what is a huge game for both sides. You would feel that the three points is needed more for the home side but Harry Redknapp will not see it that way and will field a side well capable of getting all three points at Villa Park. We aren't fully confident with either side and will play safe with a draw prediction.
Martin O'Neill took a big risk by basically walking out of the UEFA Cup to concentrate on nailing down a Champions League spot. They took the kids to Russia and were evidentially knocked out of the competition but that defeat and team selection was their biggest indication yet that there are going all out for that elusive fourth spot in the league.
Things haven't gone to plan though with Villa failing to win their last three league fixtures. They have failed to win their previous two home games with a draw against Stoke City and a defeat at the hands of Chelsea. Two defeats and one draw in their last three games has seen Arsenal narrow the gap down to just three points so a defeat at home to Tottenham could see them relinquish that position with ten games still to play.
Life at White Hart Lane was on the up before their 1-1 draw at Sunderland. They had previously won back-to-back games before their visit to The Stadium of Light but with Sours undefeated in four, they have now enforced a healthy gap of five points between themselves and the relegation zone. That doesn't mean they are out of the woods yet though and a defeat at Villa Park could see those below drag them back in.
Tottenham's away form this season hasn't been very impressive with Spurs only managing to win three of their fourteen away league games. Their last away win was a recent one with a 2-1 win away at Hull City. They then followed that up with a 4-0 mauling of Middlesborough at home so Harry's side are starting to mount some momentum going into the final few defining fixtures of the season.
Match Odds -
Aston Villa 23/20 Blue Square
Draw 5/2 Boylesports
Tottenham Hotspur 14/5 Coral
Prediction - Draw
West Ham V West Brom Monday 20:00 Setanta Sports
Seventh place West Ham United entertain bottom of the league West Brom this coming Monday in what looks a fantastic opportunity for Gianfranco Zola's side to add three points onto the board. West Brom are in terrible form right now but they did get the better of West Ham when the pair met back in September. Tony Mowbray will be more then happy with a similar scoreline when the two sides meet for the second time.
West Ham are odds on favourites for the win and were they to register another win this Monday, it would be their third on the bounce in the league. They saw off Man City at home while they edged out Wigan at The JJB, both by a 1-0 scoreline. Both were tight and nervy affairs so Zola will be hoping his side can get the job done in a more clinical fashion when his side plays West Brom.
Seven of West Ham's eleven wins in the league have come at Upton Park so it comes as no surprise that the bookies are fancying their chances against a West Brom side that has won just once away all season. West Ham have also lost just one home fixture in five and that was a 1-0 defeat to current runaway leaders Manchester United so you have to fancy The Hammer's chances of adding another home win to their C.V.
West Brom are already everyone's favourites for the drop and it really would be a great escape were they to avoid the drop this season. Four straight defeats has left them six points off safety and this looks another very tricky fixture for the 'Baggies'. A point away at Upton Park would be a massive result.
West Brom have been poor on the road this season with an away record of 1-2-11 and a dreadful away goal tally of 6-27. Their only away win was back in September last year when they beat Middlesborough 1-0. They have since lost ten of their last eleven away fixtures and this has every chance of being number eleven. Like we said before, a point would be a huge result for West Brom.
Match Odds -
West Ham 8/11 Bet365
Draw 11/4 Coral
West Brom 5/1 Boylesports
Prediction - West HamLabels: premier-league-betting, premier-league-preview, premiership-betting, premiership-preview
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 9:16 AM
 
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