Blues can turn up the heat

It’s getting to that do-or-die stage of the Premier League season and there is plenty to play for in all six matches on Saturday. The big game of the day sees two London rivals go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge, with connotations for the title race and the battle for Europe.

Chelsea v Tottenham (5:30pm)

Who would have though some six weeks ago that Chelsea could still retain their Premier League title? But four wins on the bounce have offered hope to Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who can cut the gap on Manchester United to three points with a win.
The stats would suggest a home win, with Spurs failing to win at Stamford Bridge since 1990 and stuttering in the league of late. Harry Redknapp’s men have won just one of their last seven league games and will head to west London with confidence dented.
Although Chelsea have midfield issues, with fitness concerns over Michael Essien and Ramires, their rediscovered potency should see them through. Goals are also likely in the evening fixture, with the last 0-0 draw between the sides coming back in 2004.

Match Bet – Chelsea -1 on handicap @ 6/5

Blackburn v Bolton (3pm)

This Lancashire derby will have a huge bearing on whether Rovers survive in the Premier League, but a lack of goals could well prove Blackburn’s downfall once again. Steve Kean’s men have scored just one goal in their last four matches and their leading league scorer – Nikola Kalinic – has just five goals to his name.
Bolton’s recent form has been patchy since their FA Cup humiliation to Stoke, but although they have nothing to play, Wanderers should raise their game for this feisty derby clash.
Rovers will welcome back Steven Nzonzi after suspension, while Bolton will give a late test to on loan striker Daniel Sturridge.
Match Bet – Draw @ 12/5.

Blackpool v Stoke (3pm)

This looks like a must win game for the home side and Blackpool will be buoyed by Stoke’s recent hectic schedule and ever growing injury list.
Ian Holloway’s men have not won since February 22, a run which has seen them slip to just one point outside the drop zone. They played much better against Newcastle last weekend though, and the return of holding midfielder Keith Southern looks to have made them more solid.
Despite what they say, Stoke will have one eye on the FA Cup final now they are safe from the drop. Without injured trio Matthew Etherington, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham, the Potters squad looks weaker.
Match Bet – Both teams to score @ 8/13.

Wigan v Everton

Roberto Martinez has targeted six points from Wigan’s last two home games and knows thew importance of this clash for Latics’ season. The home team will have to be at their best though to see of an Everton team in fine form.
Last week’s defeat at Manchester United ended a seven-game unbeaten run in the league for David Moyes’ men and they have won on three of their last four visits to the DW Stadium.
Wigan are boosted by the return of Maynor Figueroa from suspension and they hope Hugo Rodallega can break down a solid Everton backline, which kept a clean sheet when the two teams drew 0-0 at Goodison back in December.

Match Bet – Rodallega to score at anytime @ 13/8.

Sunderland v Fulham (3pm)

These two teams can still go down, but it would take an unlikely turn of events from them to fall out of the top flight this season. Two former Manchester United team-mates will be in opposite dugouts and they could settle for a share of the spoils.

The Black Cats are without Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck through injury and their lack of firepower is a concern. Fulham though have only won once on Wearside since 1975 – a 0-3 success in 2003.

Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13.

West Brom v Aston Villa (3pm)

This Midlands derby looked like it would have had a major bearing on the relegation zone just a month ago, but since then both teams look to have saved their seasons.

A run of one defeat in nine games has seen the Baggies reach 40 points under Roy Hodgson, while Villa have picked up two wins and two draws in their last four games.

West Brom have not beaten Villa home or away since 1985 – a run that spans 17 matches – but Saturday could see the end of that statistic.

Match Bet – West Brom to win @ 6/5.

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