The Premier League is beginning to enter the final bend as issues at the top and bottom of the table start to reach their conclusion. Saturday will be another bumper day of action with eight matches taking place, all of which will have a bearing on the title or the relegation picture. We take a look at who might falter at their latest fence in the battle for survival and who will be first past the winners post.
Tottenham v West Ham (12:45pm)
It’s ironic that with a Cheltenham theme running through the introduction that we come to well known punter Harry Redknapp and his team in the first match of the day. Victory for Tottenham on Saturday would move them level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea but their domestic form hasn’t been great. Their last two matches have seen them lose at Blackpool and draw with Wolves. Both of those were on the road and they are very strong at home but it might be tough for them to keep their focus with Real Madrid on the horizon in the Champions League. West Ham have improved a lot in recent weeks and a draw looks to be a safe bet in this one.
Match Bet – Tottenham and West Ham to draw @ 14/5
Aston Villa v Wolverhampton (3pm)
There is more than just local pride on the line in this game between two sides who are desperately trying to beat the drop. Wolves will start in 19th but are just four points behind Villa, who are currently in 13th. Wolves have an awful record against Villa over the years, failing to win any of their last 21 meetings since they secured a 3-1 victory back in 1978. With home advantage and a team which is improving all the time Villa should be well fancied to pick up a vital three points.
Match Bet – Aston Villa half-time/full-time @ 7/4
Blackburn v Blackpool (3pm)
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway believes a few more wins will be enough for the Seasiders to survive and he’ll have targeted this game as potentially three points. Blackpool have been better on the road this season than they have at home and with Blackburn having lost seven of their last eight in all competitions this could be another away day to remember. Rovers are good at home but look a team on the slide and with Charlie Adam back for the Tangerines it could be another day to forget for Steve Kean’s Blackburn.
Match Bet - Blackpool to win @ 16/5
Man Utd v Bolton (3pm)
In any other season you would say this match is a foregone conclusion and that United would pick up a comfortable three points. However, Owen Coyle’s men are playing well and having booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals last week they will no doubt be on a high. United have stuttered through their last two games but in typical United style have picked up the results they need. They will probably make it three narrow wins in a row over Bolton but don’t be surprised if they slip up and drop two points against the Trotters.
Match Bet - Javier Hernandez @ 7/2 first goalscorer
Stoke City v Newcastle (3pm)
Looking at the table normally you’d say this was a middle table battle with very little riding on it. However, given the gap between Newcastle in tenth and the drop zone is five points this is a vital game in these two trying to secure their place in the top flight. Trying to predict the Toon’s results is about as tricky as picking the lottery numbers but you fancy Stoke will get the better of them at the bear pit which is the Britannia Stadium. Stoke are unbeaten at home this year and, like Bolton, will be on a high after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.
Match Bet - Stoke to win @ 5/4
West Brom v Arsenal (3pm)
Those Arsenal fans who haven’t decided to end it all after the last two weeks could be well rewarded for their patience with the rare sight of their team winning a game on Saturday. The Gunners are looking for revenge after losing 3-2 at home to the Baggies and will need three points to keep up with Man Utd. West Brom are unbeaten in their last four but three of those have been draws and anything they get out of this will be a bonus. Roy Hodgson has got his team well drilled now but even with a raft of injuries Arsenal should have the edge.
Match Bet - Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6 and both team to scores @ 8/11
Wigan v Birmingham
This Saturday is packed full of relegation six-pointers and this one at the DW Stadium is another game which could go a long way to deciding each teams fate. If Wigan are to mount a comeback they must beat an injury-hit Blues team before they face Chelsea and Tottenham in the next two weeks. It will be a patched up Birmingham that arrives in the north-west and if Charles N’Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega can perform they should have too much. However, the way Wigan’s season is going it could be another damp squid of an afternoon at the DW.
Match Bet - Wigan and Birmingham to draw @ 9/4
Everton v Fulham (5:30pm)
Both of these two will hope they are out of the firing line when it comes to a relegation scrap but neither David Moyes or Mark Hughes are likely to rest on their laurels. Fulham are constantly improving as they get more and more players back but still don’t like playing away from Craven Cottage. Everton are strong at home but are missing key players like Mikael Arteta and Tim Cahill. This will be another tight affair with little to choose between the two teams but if Fulham can hold out they should pick up another point.
Match Bet – Everton half-time draw full-time @ 14/1
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