The early Premier League kick-off on Saturday sees Aston Villa welcome Manchester United to Villa Park and both sides could do with taking three points from this encounter (check out totesport Premier League match betting).
United fell further behind Chelsea in the title race with a midweek draw at Eastlands, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be desperate to bounce back with a win at Villa. United are still without Wayne Rooney, while Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are both listed as doubts but the Old Trafford side should still have enough talent on display to secure all three points, United are 5/6 in the 90 minutes betting and Ferguson’s side have a great record at Villa – the last time they lost there was on the opening day of the 1995/96 season.
Punters looking for a shock result may want to consider Blackpool away at West Ham. The Hammers have a leaky defence and have conceded 11 goals in just six home fixtures to date in the Premier League. Seasiders boss Ian Holloway chose to rotate his squad in the defeat at Villa on Wednesday and the likes of Charlie Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher should be back and firing on all cylinders in this crucial showdown. Blackpool are priced at 13/5 in the 90 minutes betting and Holloway’s side could well be on course for their fourth victory on the road this season against strugglers West Ham.
Manchester City entertain Birmingham City in what most will probably consider a ‘home banker’. The Eastlands side were held to a goalless draw by city rivals Manchester United on Wednesday and boss Roberto Mancini will be well aware of the importance of picking up three points to keep their title challenge on track. City are 4/11 in the 90 minutes betting, but the value could well be in the handicap market, with the hosts a much more attractive 10/11 to win with a -1 handicap.
Newcastle slipped up at St James’ Park on Wednesday as Blackburn secured a 2-1 victory but the north-east side have a chance to put that right when Fulham arrive on Saturday. The Cottagers are still seeking their first win on their travels this season and could well struggle against a Newcastle side who currently sit fifth in the Premier League table. Newcastle will be without the suspended Joey Barton but with Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan in fine-form Chris Hughton’s side could well be celebrating another three points at the final whistle on Saturday. In the enhanced first goalscorer market Andy Carroll is priced at 9/2 and this could well be a decent bet considering he is pushing for a spot in the England squad and already has seven goals to his name this season, while Newcastle are 10/11 in the 90 minutes betting.
In the late kick-off Stoke welcome Liverpool to the Britannia Stadium and the Potters are an extremely difficult side to face on their own turf. Tony Pulis’ men have been beaten just twice at home this season, with Manchester United and Chelsea the only teams to leave with three points, and Liverpool could well be in for another frustrating away day. Stoke managed to end their losing streak with a win over Birmingham on Tuesday and should be good enough to secure at least a draw against the Anfield side. Liverpool set their stall out to defend at Wigan on Wednesday, and Roy Hodgson’s side may well have to settle for another point at Stoke, with the draw priced at 12/5.
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