Chelsea will be glad to get Michael Essien back from suspension and John Terry back after injury ahead of their clash with Everton, but don’t expect a glut of goals at Stamford Bridge (Everton 7/1 to beat Chelsea).
The Blues have not scored more than one Premier League goal in a match since the end of October, despite having Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba available to them throughout the intervening time.
Just two goals in five matches tells its own story about Chelsea’s woes and it’s hard to see them suddenly waking up in front of goal against David Moyes’ disciplined Everton.
This one looks like a low-scoring draw or a Chelsea win and it may be prudent to back the half-time draw, available at 7/5.
Wolves stunned Sunderland with their comeback to grab the points at Molineux last week but students of their form would not have been too shocked – Mick McCarthy’s men are strong finishers.
Wolves have scored the last goal in each of their last three matches, and four of their last six, which would have been five but for Park Ji-sung’s stoppage time winner at Old Trafford.
The problem Wolves have got is that they keep conceding the first goal, which requires them to push to the end, but the 4/7 about Blackburn netting the opener this weekend is not as rewarding as the 9/5 for Wolves to score last.
Stoke City (6/4) are in terrific form and ought to be worth backing to continue their run away to depleted Wigan Athletic.
West Brom and Newcastle are both on 19 points but the Baggies are maintaining their form much better than the Magpies ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Hawthorns.
Last week’s stunning 4-1 win over Everton came after a home defeat to Stoke which they had dominated whereas Newcastle needed an early gift from Chelsea to hang on for a point on Sunday.
West Brom rested key players in midweek and should be able to make an early breakthrough against Newcastle, who are set to field Sol Campbell and Steven Taylor in central defence.
Peter Odemwingie (6/1) and Chris Brunt are stand-out options in totesport.com’s Enhanced First Goalscorer betting.
The Nigerian, who played 90 minutes at Goodison last week, is fully fit again and could give Campbell problems with his movement.
Three of his four Premier League goals this season have been the first in the match. Brunt is playing well and scored at Everton last week, so could be a worthwhile punt to follow up with a goal anytime in the match – at 9/4.
West Ham’s improvement continues after two wins in a week and they look value to make it a hat-trick by stunning Sunderland at the Stadium of Light – as they did in the Carling Cup back in October (10/3 to win).
The appointment fo Wally Downes to their backroom staff has helped their defending already, although this match looks like it is destined to see both teams getting on the scoresheet (5/6).
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