There are four games taking place in the Premier League on Wednesday night with the focus largely on the top end of the table and the race for a top-four finish, although QPR are desperate for points for quite different reasons.
Manchester City v Chelsea 7:45pm
Roberto Mancini’s men appear to have faltered a little of late and have surrendered their advantage at the top of the table to currently trail arch-rivals Manchester United by four points – and are now available at 7/4 to win the title.
Chelsea have had their own troubles this season but have seemingly turned the corner now that Roberto Di Matteo has replaced Andre Villas-Boas in the hotseat, and have won four matches on the bounce.
However, recent results should not fool anybody into believing that Chelsea are the dominant force in this fixture – and it is reflected in the betting with City priced as 10/11 favourites, with Chelsea on offer at 3/1 and the draw at 13/5.
Di Matteo’s had success – granted – but two games were against lower league opposition, the 1-0 win over Stoke was secured against 10 men and the 4-1 victory over Napoli (after extra-time) came about because the Italian side tried to protect a 3-1 first-leg advantage, and simply could not defend crosses.
City have been dominant at home (14 wins out of 14, 42 goals scored, six conceded) and will be no soft touch with balls into their box. They also have one of the best keepers around and goal threats all over the pitch.
Vincent Kompany is a major doubt while John Terry is definitely missing for the visitors so this is certainly looking like a match with plenty of goals (5/6 – Over 2.5 Goals), as has usually been the case in matches between the top five this season.
Spurs v Stoke 7:45pm
Tottenham’s title chances appear to have been scuppered by three successive defeats in the Premier League but they cannot afford to relax from here on in, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle harbouring hopes of a top-four finish.
Harry Redknapp’s side have been perhaps unfortunate in the last two league defeats – to Manchester United and Everton – and do have a tremendous record at White Hart Lane, suffering just two defeats.
Stoke have been poor on the road, particularly of late having not won away in the league since January 2 when beating Blackburn 2-0, while they have only scored nine goals away from the Britannia Stadium.
It is surprise to see Spurs priced as 2/5 favourites in the match betting with the draw on offer at 7/2 and the Potters at 8/1, still not quite big enough, but Tony Pulis’ side are a resilient bunch and can make life tough (10/3 Draw/Tottenham – Half-time/Full-time).
Everton v Arsenal 8pm
Everton have hit some decent form of late, having lost one of their last 11 matches, but welcome another hot side in Arsenal, who are chasing down third-placed Spurs following three successive Premier League wins.
The Toffees have hardly made Goodison Park a fortress this season with a record of six wins, five losses and three draws, but have recently turned over Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs.
David Moyes’ men are available at 21/10 in the match betting, while punters may also see value in the 11/8 offered about the Gunners, while the draw is priced at 9/4.
Everton are a funny bunch after suffering a recent 3-0 nightmare in the Merseyside derby before failing to make home advantage count in the FA Cup against Sunderland last weekend.
However, the Gunners have generally saved their better form for the Emirates and after already losing six times on the road this season, it could pay to take a chance on Everton.
QPR v Liverpool 8pm
Rangers have been in freefall for some time, having not won for two months when they beat Wigan 3-1, and now find themselves in the relegation zone, albeit just one point behind Bolton.
The Rs face a tricky run to the end of the season as they have to play all of the current top five in their last nine games, so there is little opportunity to pick and choose the matches to target.
Liverpool will be arriving at Loftus Road in good heart having won the Merseyside derby as well as booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, although they have only taken eight points from the last nine games in the Premier League.
Kenny Dalglish’s men are strong favourites at 4/5 in the match betting to improve those statistics, with the draw on offer at 13/5, but it could be worth taking the 7/2 about the Rs to beat Liverpool – following the abject performance on the Reds’ last trip away from Anfield, a 1-0 loss at Sunderland.
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