Tag Archives: Bets

Saturday’s Premier League bets

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A Saturday seven-time accumulator of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Draw (Stoke-Liverpool), Chelsea, Draw (Wolves-Spurs) and Manchester United pays a massive 151/1. There are many more realistic ways of making cash on the Premier League, however.

Arsenal v Swansea

The Gunners finally strengthened their ranks on transfer deadline day but will all the new boys face Swansea and will they take time to gel? These are the questions that face Arsene Wenger this weekend as Swansea arrive at the Emirates Stadium still in search of their first top-flight goal since 1984.

Arsenal must show a reaction after being mauled 8-2 at Old Trafford last time out and Wenger will hope that deadline day finally put a cut off marker down on the form that slumped dramatically after Birmingham’s victory in the Carling Cup final last February.

Keeping all eleven men on the field for the 90 minutes will be a step in the right direction for the ill-disciplined Gunners, but without Thomas Vermaelen again, they are still vulnerable at the back.

Swansea are 8/1 to ‘Score in Both Halves’, but Arsenal may still win a close one  – go for 3-2 to the Gunners at 25/1 in Correct Score betting.

Everton v Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta-less Everton face a dangerous Aston Villa side at Goodison Park – so Tim Cahill will take on even more responsibility for David Moyes’ side.

Cahill, 13/8 to score ‘Anytime’, has scored six goals in his last ten matches against Villa, the team he apparently enjoys facing most – but will he be as sharp as usual after a flight back from Australia?

Without Cahill, Everton may have to play a more direct brand of football and this could enable Villa to pinch the points if they are able to spring speedy counter-attacks with their pacy front and wide players.

Villa are 11/4 to win the match in ‘90 Minutes’ and 6/4 ‘To Score First Goal’.

Manchester City v Wigan Athletic

Roberto Martinez can boast the longest current unbeaten run of any manager in the Premier League while the Latics haven’t lost in seven top-flight matches.

But Manchester City have won six straight home matches and were in awesome form before the international break, particularly striker Edin Dzeko.

Wigan may catch City without their eyes completely on the ball as they make their Champions League bow against Napoli on Wednesday, but Roberto Mancini’s men should still win the match.

Dzeko to score first and City to win the match 2-0 is available at 14/1 in Scorecast betting.

Stoke City v Liverpool

Liverpool have scored in all but one of their last 13 away league games under Kenny Dalglish and will offer a much more attacking prospect to travelling fans who witnessed last season’s dismal 2-0 defeat at the Britannia under Roy Hodgson.

The Potters have failed to score in four of their six PL meetings with Liverpool, but can now boast new signing and former Anfield hero Peter Crouch.

Punters who believe former players are destined to haunt their old clubs will be on Crouchy at 7/1 First Goalscorer and 15/8 Anytime.

But Liverpool have scored the opener in all four of their competitive fixtures so far this season and could do so again at 8/11 in the To Score First Goal market.

Sunderland v Chelsea

There could hardly be a more difficult fixture for under-pressure Sunderland boss Steve Bruce after his side lost their last three home league games and seven of their last eight.

He will give ex-Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner a chance to become an instant Wearside hero, but with Petr Cech back for the Blues, the Dane may again draw a blank.

Chelsea have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games, so a high scoring match could yet still be on the cards.

A tough one to call so why not plump for Over 2.5 goals at 10/11.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur

Roger Johnson has made Wolves’ defence a much tougher unit to crack this season – but Spurs can field new signing Emmanuel Adebayor against him on Saturday.

It will be a key battle, as will the midfield scrap between ex-Spurs man Jamie O’Hara and Luka Modric. Spurs cannot afford to lose this one and Wolves are a hard team to beat these days, which could suggest a draw, backable at 12/5 in 90 Minutes betting.

Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United

This match could go the same way as last season’s entertaining and memorable 2-2 draw, which is on offer again at 16/1 in the Correct Score market.

Bolton are going to be well up for the derby clash and will attempt to put constant pressure on United’s error-prone keeper David de Gea.

His chances of keeping a clean sheet look slim, unless he seriously improves his concentration, but expect his team-mates to bail him out if he again drops a clanger.

Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney are quite simply on fire and, if both are selected, will wreak havoc on the Bolton defence.

Young, who grabbed the last goal of United’s 8-2 romp against Arsenal and forced the last goal in their 2-1 win at West Brom, is 6/1 to score the last here.

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Premier League value bets

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With pre-season well underway and the transfer market continuing to build towards an exciting crescendo it’s time to begin looking at the best bets for the Premier League season.

For all those putting their mortgage on Manchester United to win the title again, or Swansea to be relegated, it might be time to think outside the box for those bets  which offer better value for money.

Manchester City to be crowned champions

Three years ago, when it looked like City might go belly up after being left high and dry by Thaksin Shinawatra, it was impossible to imagine they might one day challenge for the Premier League title.

However, nearly a billion pounds later and City are in the Champions League and have ended their long wait for silverware by winning the FA Cup.

Sheikh Mansour’s vision for the blue half of Manchester is starting to materialise and in Roberto Mancini the club have a manager who might divide opinion but will normally get the job done.

In 2005 we watched the money Roman Abramovich had poured into Chelsea come good as they lifted the first of three Premier League crowns.

It stands to reason then that before too long the club with the most money will eventually buy the title.

City are 4/1 to do just that next season, a decent price for a team which continues to improve year-on-year.

Of course, local rivals United (7/4) will have a big say in the destination of the title but having brought in youth this summer it might be a season of transition for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

Could the blue moon finally rise for Mancini & co?

Javier Hernandez to secure the golden boot

This Mexican speedster caught us all by surprise last season when he burst on to the scene at Old Trafford, scoring 20 goals in 45 appearances for the Red Devils.

His ability to score when United needed it most earned him comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a man who knew a thing or two about goalscoring.

Hernandez’s performances look as though they have cemented him a place in the United team, alongside Wayne Rooney, and you’d expect him to be one of the first names on Sir Alex Ferguson’s team sheet next season.

Hernandez is 17/2 to be the top goalscorer in the Premier League next season, a very appealing price when you consider the amount of ammunition he is going to receive from the likes Ashley Young, Nani and Antonio Valencia.

Rooney and wantaway Carlos Tevez are the 8/1 favourites.

Sunderland to the league’s next best

A look at totesport’s Premier League market without the top six makes for some interesting reading for value hunters.

As most people will predict Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool will probably make up the top six we are looking for the next best team.

Sunderland are 6/1 to finish seventh effectively, a great price when you think Steve Bruce has kept the majority of his squad together from last season, while adding some quality in David Vaughan, Craig Gardner and Connor Wickham.

The Black Cats threatened to finish in a European spot last season before tailing off due to a crippling injury crisis. Having added some strength in depth Sunderland could get the better of the likes of Everton (13/8) and Aston Villa (7/2).

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5 bets for the weekend

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It’s another bumper weekend of sporting action ahead, with defining matches and races across the board. We’ve taken a look at the five bets for you to mull over ahead of this coming May weekend…….

1 – Hammers can give themselves hope
West Ham start the weekend bottom of the Premier League and have to win against fellow strugglers Blackburn to stand any chance of survival. The Hammers come into the game off the back of five straight defeats, but there have been signs of improvement.

A 3-0 loss at Chelsea was a harsh scoreline and Avram Grant’s men were unfortunate to lose at Manchester City last weekend, having been made to pay for two early errors. Grant will have his fingers crossed that key man Scott Parker passes a fitness test to play.

Blackburn have only won three times away from Ewood Park this season and their lack of goals could see them dragged further into the relegation battle.

West Hamto win @ 5/6

2 – Vettel to bounce back in Turkey
Lewis Hamilton gave hope to those eyeing a McLaren success in this season’s Formula One campaign, but Red bull are likely to respond in Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix.

Having won the opening two races, Sebastian Vettel had to settle for second in China last time out but the Istanbul track looks likely to suit the speed of the Red Bulls. Hamilton won in turkey last year, but only due to the fact that Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber collided on lap 40.

Vettel to win Turkish Grand Prix @ 5/4

3 – Bees can secure league survival
Barnet go into the final weekend of the League Two season knowing they have to win to stand any chance of staying in the Football League. The Bees will be on home soil and the need to win is likely to see them overturn Port Vale.

The Underhill outfit are two points from safety but a win, coupled with Lincoln failing to beat Aldershot, will see them survive. The Bees have won three of their last six league games, while Lincoln have not won in ten matches…..it could go to the wire.

Barnet to beat Port Vale @ 20/21

4 – Palace can make Forest sweat
Nottingham Forest should be celebrating a play-off place following Saturday’s final Championship regular season matches, but could suffer a final day defeat.

With a three point lead and a six-goal better goal difference to their nearest rivals Leeds, Billy Davies’ men look a safe bet to finish in the top six. But having all but sealed their position, may find it hard to raise their game against a resurgent Palace side.

The Eagles have lost just one of their last five games, securing their place in the division for next season, and have lost just five games at home all season.

Palace to win @ 11/4

5 – Hurricane can blow away Lingfield rivals
Lingfield Park hosts a Derby trial on Saturday, with seven runners due to go to post for the 1m 3f contest. Hurricane Higgins looks set to run a big race as the colt goes for back-to-back wins.
The Mark Johnston-trained charge impressed over a similar trip at Lingfield in January, winning by four lengths on the all-weather. This time around it’s on the turf, but the three-year-old should be challenging under the guidance of Joe Fanning.

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Best five bets this weekend

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The weekend is rapidly approaching with a full Premier League progrmme, plus plenty more sporting action to get stuck into. Betting opportunities are wide and varied and we will have a look at some of the best bets that could help boost the bank balance.

- Fulham to beat Aston Villa

These two sides have spent the majority of the season in the wrong half of the table but there are signs of improvement in both camps. Villa’s capture of Darren Bent has clearly given the Midlanders a shot in the arm, while Andy Johnson;s return for the Cottagers increases their goal threat. The duo are separated by just one point and both could yet be pulled into the relegation dog fight but, with sides below them struggling for consistency,  they should both escape the drop this term. Fulham have looked better than results suggest and they are now starting to reap the rewards, with 10 points from a possible 15, and are tipped to take this one by the odd goal at Villa Park.

Odds: Fulham 11/4 to win

- Liverpool to beat Chelsea

Three of the Premier League’s January signings scored on their debut, with Robbie Keane (West Ham), Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Daniel Sturridge (Bolton) all on target on Wednesday night. But it is the fixture on Sunday that immediately catches the eye as Fernando Torres is set to make his Blues debut against the side he left just six days earlier. The Spain international has not enjoyed his best season but had started to show glimpses of his undoubted talent prior to jumping ship at Anfield. But the Reds have won three in a row and beat Chelsea earlier in the campaign and, with the confidence gained from reaching the giddy heights of seventh in the table they are tipped to take all three points in west London.

Odds: Liverpool 9/2 to beat Chelsea

- Newcastle to draw with Arsenal

The Magpies’ faithful are still reeling from the departure of local hero Andy Carroll and the fact that nobody was brought in to replace him. With Shola Ameobi now out injured, Alan Pardew’s striking options are limited to say the least. The Geordies have already banked 30 points this term but will need to find goals from somewhere to reach the ‘magic’ 40 which normally keeps a club in the top flight. With that in mind, it would be no surprise if Pardew sets out to get just a point right from the start against the bigger clubs and Arsenal certainly fall into that category. It could be a case of ‘all hands to the pump’ for the home side but they are tipped to hang on for a draw.

Odds: Draw 5/2

- Blackpool to beat Everton

The Seasiders have been the surprise team of the season to date with 28 points from their first 24 games but have found it tough going since the turn of the year and have taken just one point from their last five games. But Everton have not fared much better with five from 15 and they are still below Ian Holloway’s side in the standings. Games involving Blackpool rarely fail to excite and they continue to entertain despite slipping down the table. This one has all the hallmarks of a cracking match-up with the away side a great price to hang on for the win in a high-scoring encounter at Goodison Park.

Odds: Blackpool 6/1 to win

- England to beat Australia 7th ODI

It has been a woeful display by England in the one-dayers and they deserve to be 5-1 behind in the series but this final encounter between the two old enemies gives Andrew Strauss?s men a chance to end what had been a highly-successful tour up until he start of the 50-over contests on a high. They are not as bad as the scoreline suggests and will surely lift themselves for one final push, with Australia now also suffering with injuries, as players on both sides continue to drop like flies.

Odds: England 5/6 to beat Australia.

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Tuesday’s EPL best bets

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There are a full set of fixtures in the Premier League in midweek, with four matches taking place on Tuesday evening, and here is a look at the pick of the betting (Premier League outright and match betting).

Arsenal v Everton

Everton have a good record against the title chasing sides away from home this season having drawn at Chelsea and beaten Manchester City at Eastlands. However, Arsenal are already five points behind leaders Manchester United in the standings and know they cannot afford to slip up against the Toffees.

Arsenal won 2-1 at Goodison Park back in November and will be buoyed by the fact that Everton have a particularly poor record when playing the north London side away from home. Arsenal are also the form team coming into this fixture, having won their last five games in all competitions.

Robin van Persie has spearheaded this run having scored six goals in his last four appearances. He has also scored four goals in six games against Everton so get on him to score 2 or more at 4/1.

Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland provided one of the shocks of the season by beating Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in November and they can push the Blues close at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.

The defeat started Chelsea’s poor run of form but they have won their last two Premier League games to break this hoodoo. They have only won one of their last six on the road but this was a 4-0 mauling of Bolton, which suggests their troubles are now behind them.

Chelsea will be aiming to get back in the title race but Sunderland have top-six aspirations and will be hoping to consolidate their position of sixth in the standings. The Black Cats have only lost one of their 12 league games at The Stadium of Light this season and they are more than capable of picking up a draw (11/4) in this one.

Man Utd v Aston Villa

Aston Villa may be in resurgent form – and they may have won at Old Trafford last season – but don’t expect history to repeat itself this time around.

United have been almost unstoppable this season and are yet to succumb to defeat in the league. They will be searching for a ninth straight Premier League win at home and with Dimitar Berbatov having scored five goals in his last two league games, the Bulgarian poses a huge threat to Villa’s backline (Berbatov 9/2 – 2 or More goals).

Villa’s resurgence has corresponded with the arrival of Darren Bent and Jean Makoun, and they will be searching for their fourth successive victory in all competitions. Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored in three of his last four league matches against United and so 12/1 in the enhanced goalscorer market is definitely worth a nibble.

Villa and United drew 2-2 at Villa Park earlier in the season, with United needing two late goals to secure a point.

United have also won their last two games, against Blackpool and Southampton, despite trailing at half-time and with Villa’s new prowess in front of goal, this could happen a third time. Back Villa/United in the HT/FT market at 28/1.

West Brom v Wigan

This is a vital relegation battle at The Hawthorns as Wigan will aim to draw level on points with the Baggies at the bottom of the table.

West Brom are just three points off the bottom three after a run of six defeats in seven league games but they have won five of their 12 home games in the top flight this season and this could prove to be the difference.

The Baggies’ problems have been in defence – they have the joint-worst record in the league and have only kept one clean sheet all season – but Wigan have only scored eight times in 11 away games in the Premier League.

The signing of Carlos Vela on loan until the end of the season could be crucial for the Baggies’ chances of survival and he will be desperate to impress on his West Brom debut. He could act as a good foil for Peter Odemwingie so back him at 9/2 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market.

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Top five bets for the weekend

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With the weekend fast approaching you might be thinking about what your plans are to occupy those days off before the dreaded return to work on Monday morning. As usual, sport will more than likely form a big part of the weekend and we have picked out what we feel are the top five bets to hopefully increase your beer funds over the next two days.

1) Murray to break Grand Slam duck

Every year seems to have been Andy Murray’s year for as long as he has been on the tennis scene for him to win his first grand slam title. Normally most people roll their eyes and claim he won’t get the better of Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer. Up until now that has been the case in the majors but with those two already out of the Australian Open, maybe this is finally Murray’s time.

The Scot goes head-to-head at Melbourne Park with Novak Djokovic looking to go one step further than he did 12 months ago when he lost to Federer in the final. The Serb has been on fire recently and is rightly the favourite to claim his second Grand Slam title. However, Murray has had a fairly ease ride to Sunday’s final and should be fresh for the challenge that the world number three will pose.

At 11/10 in a two-horse race Murray is worth a punt, not only to line your pockets but for patriotic support as well.

2) West Ham to get lost in the Forest

Everyone loves an FA Cup upset and in the last round we were treated to a few as Newcastle and Sunderland fell victim to giant killers Stevenage and Notts County. Now it could be West Ham’s turn to get egg on their face when they play Championship side Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday.

Billy Davies’ side have been flying in the league of late, winning seven of their last eight matches. Last season it was their away form which cost them a chance at automatic promotion. However, they look to have got that monkey off their back and Upton Park could be in for another dark day in what has already been a dreary season.

With West Ham having played extra-time in the Carling Cup 5/2 for Forest to win seems too good to ignore.

3) Molinari brothers present double trouble

At the start of the week, the name seemingly on everyone’s lips was Molinari when it came to discussing the inaugural Volvo Golf Championship. The course was brand new and it was anyone’s guess who would come out on top in Bahrain.

However, after two days of the tournament those smart enough to tip up either Francesco or Edoardo Molinari look as though they could be proved right. Edoardo enjoyed a remarkable second round, carding 65 to leave him joint top of the leaderboard. His brother Francesco is just a shot back on ten-under-par and both look to have taken to the course well.

Edoardo and Francesco are both 8/1 to win the Volvo Championship outright and it’s worth having a look at one or both of the Italians.

4) Everton to derail Chelsea comeback

The talk on Tuesday in the world of football was centred around how Chelsea were over their slump following a 4-0 win at Bolton. However, those who watched that game will know had it not been for a couple of gifts from the Trotters, it could have been another difficult night for the Blues.

They now face another difficult away game at Goodison Park against an Everton side who have caused Chelsea problems in recent years. The Toffees have lost just one of the last six to the west London outfit and expect Carlo Ancelotti to be thrown under the spotlight again if the Blues fall at Goodison Park.

Everton have been up for the big games this season and it doesn’t get much bigger in the cup than facing the holders at home. Everton are 5/2 at home to beat Chelsea and expect them to lift the gloom on their league season by mounting another cup run.

5) England to continue ODI comeback

Just when you thought England would blow what has been nearly the perfect winter in the ODI series with Australia they pull their fingers out and keep the best-of-seven-contest alive. The 21-run win in Adelaide showed England’s fighting spirit in not giving up and expect that to continue in Brisbane on Sunday.

We already know the Gabba has a fantastic batting track and it will be a case of who has the more penetrative bowlers as to who comes out on top. All winter England have had the bowlers capable of taking wickets at crucial times and if they can get past Shane Watson expect them to take the series to 3-2.

England and Australia are both 9/10 on to win the match so if you are looking for more value maybe look at the top England batsman odds. Jonathan Trott has been exceptional with the bat in the last two games and made 135 not out in the Test match at the Gabba in November. The Warwickshire batsmen is 7/2 to topscorer for England again.

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New Year’s Day Prem League Bets

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West Brom v Man Utd (12.45pm)

West Brom have been starting games poorly and conceded after three minutes against Blackburn last time out. They have only been ahead in three of their 19 Premier League matches this season and have relied on second half goals to pick up points.

Meanwhile, Manchester United remain unbeaten but have won only once away from Old Trafford in the Premier League this season, and that was courtesy of a very late winner at Stoke. United’s midfield has been shown up for not being able to control matches when they are ahead.

Bet: Man Utd HT/Draw FT in Double Result at 18/1

Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers (3pm)

Roy Hodgson has two games to save his job and he needs to win both of them. The atmosphere will be tense at Anfield and Liverpool need to make a good start to keep the crowd from getting restless. Expect a better performance than against Wolves but there probably won’t be many goals unless the Fernando Torres of two seasons ago suddenly turns up.

Bolton have not scored an away goal since November 13 and have lost three straight on the road, all by 1-0. They also lost narrowly to Liverpool at home in October to a late goal from Maxi Rodriguez.

Bet: Half Most Goals: Second Half Evens (This has come in four of the last six times they’ve met.)

Man City v Blackpool (3pm)

Man City are looking much closer to the finished article after back-to-back wins against Newcastle and Aston Villa recently – but facing Blackpool will not be as easy. The Seasiders are a canny, counter-attacking side and have Charlie Adam back from suspension.

Ian Holloway’s side are unbeaten in seven (with their ‘first team’), having won four and drawn three and look, on paper, capable of keeping the score down.

Bet: Under 2.5 goals 6/4

Stoke City v Everton (3pm)

Stoke have not beaten Everton since 1982 and have found recently that their physical approach has not been good enough to get a result against David Moyes’s well-prepared sides. The Potters have taken one point from their last three home games while strikers Kenwyne Jones and Ricardo Fuller have mustered three goals between them in the last two months.

Bet: Everton 9/5

Sunderland v Blackburn (3pm)

The Black Cats saw their impressive home record spoiled by Blackpool last time out in a game which they dominated but could not score in. Unless Danny Welbeck, Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent suffer another off day, they will be able to score against a Blackburn side who have conceded 14 in their last four away matches.

Bet: Darren Bent First Goalscorer 7/2

Bet: Sunderland to win -1 Handicap 9/4

Tottenham v Fulham (3pm)

Spurs are very short at 2/5 to win this one, but they are in good form and have talismanic playmaker Rafael van der Vaart back and pulling their strings. The Dutchman is as short as 18/5 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market – the same as striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Harry Redknapp will have to make changes as Spurs have been worked hard in their last two matches to win with ten men, so there could be some value in the First Goalscorer market.

Bet: Peter Crouch 9/2 Enhanced First Goalscorer

Bet: Jermaine Jenas 12/1 First Goalscorer

West Ham v Wolves (3pm)

It is another must-win game for West Ham and they cannot afford to throw away another lead at home as they did against Everton on Tuesday.

Wolves will be buoyant following their win at Liverpool and could take the points at Upton Park if they play with the same verve. However, a safer bet would be to take the visitors to score the last goal in the match, as they have done in six of their last eight matches.

Bet: Last Goal Wolves 7/5

Birmingham City v Arsenal (5.30pm)

Birmingham grabbed a point with a last-minute equaliser against Man Utd on Tuesday while Arsenal floundered at Wigan a day later and Arsene Wenger has been moaning about the inequity of the fixture list.

He will make a raft of changes for this one and recall his big guns for a match which they should win, but have recently had bitter experiences in. The last two meetings at St Andrews have been draws and this could turn out to be another.

Bet: Draw 13/5

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Boxing Day bets

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It’s the most wonderful day of the sporting year – the Boxing Day Premier League programme which is a nice way to ease ourselves into Bank Holiday Monday’s main fayre of Arsenal vs Chelsea (totesport match prices).

Fulham v West Ham

West entertains east at Craven Cottage at lunchtime with both sides badly struggling for wins this season – four between them none of which have come away from home.

Bet: Fulham win – evens

Blackburn v Stoke

Steve Kean is on board at Rovers until at least the end of the season but captain Chris Samba wants out and the Scot will have to wait a bit longer for his first home win.

Bet: Draw – 11/5

Blackpool v Liverpool

There’s no undersoil heating at Bloomfield Road so keep an eye on the weather forecast as Liverpool look for revenge for their humbling at Anfield.

Bet: Total Goals – 4 Or More – 21/10

Bolton v West Brom

The Baggies’ away record is better than Liverpool’s after 17 games but it will still not be enough  to trouble the Trotters who have lost just once at the Reebok this term.

Bet: Draw/Bolton – 7/2

Everton v Birmingham

One word sums up both sides’ respective seasons – poor – but the Toffees have not lost in December while City are struggling for goals – an average of one per game.

Bet: Everton 1-0 – 11/2

Man Utd v Sunderland

United are sitting pretty at the top of the tree as they welcome former captain Steve Bruce back to Old Trafford for what should be a home win.

Bet: Darren Bent – Enhanced First Goalscorer – Darren Bent 10/1

Newcastle v Man City

Another chance for Mario Balotelli to prove he is the ?second-best player in the world? after Lionel Messi. Hmmm.

Bet: City – 5/4

Wolverhampton v Wigan

The classic relegation six-pointer at Molineux where defeat for either side would arguably represent another nail their respective relegation coffins.

Bet: Draw  – 23/10

Aston Villa v Tottenham 17:30

Sunday’s late game has had more significance over recent seasons than it does this time around, but the home side?s form at Villa Park is hard to ignore.

Bet: Villa – 2/1

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Best football bets this weekend…

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Bet on the Premier LeagueChelsea 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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Ten best football bets this weekend

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There have been some big-price winners in the Premier League in recent times and, with another weekend of football upon us, it is time to look for some more value, starting at Villa Park (draw 23/10).

Arsenal will still be smarting from last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Tottenham and the midweek reverse at Braga but Villa have already held both Chelsea and Manchester United at home and will not fear Arsene Wenger’s men, despite a lack of fit strikers at the club.

Bolton have impressed at home, scoring 15 goals already, while Blackpool have hit 10 on their travels and appear determined to attack their way to Premier League safety. Four or more goals in this one (11/8) could be worth a punt.

Manchester United keep finding a way to win and, with Wayne Rooney back in the side, they should be too good for an improved Blackburn side. A win by the popular score of 2-0 looks a tasty price at 11/2, with Rovers very rarely getting a real spanking in the top flight.

Manchester City showed what they can do when it all clicks into place with last week’s 4-1 drubbing of Fulham but Saturday’s opponents, Stoke City, have shown great resilience in recent times, with three consecutive victories seeing them rise to eighth place in the table. Tony Pulis will fancy his side’s chances but the draw at 11/5 looks a real eye-catcher for this fixture.

West Ham United and Wigan are both desperately in need of points from their clash in the East End but, with so much at stake, this must be the draw banker of the weekend (9/4). The Hammers have won only once at home and the Latics only once on their travels, so stalemate should be the order of the day at Upton Park.

Sunderland’s recent form has seen boss Steve Bruce talk about getting into Europe and they will need to win games against the likes of Wolves if they are to achieve this. But the Black Cats do not win many away from the Stadium of Light and this could finally be the weekend when Wolves’ luck changes. Victory over the men from the North East is an inviting 7/5.

Chelsea would expect to travel to St James’ Park and beat Newcastle eight times out of 10 but not in their current form. Carlo Ancelotti’s men confirmed their current malaise with a lacklustre performance in midweek in the Champions League and the Magpies should be able to hold the champions to a draw on Sunday (13/5).

Liverpool have been going in the wrong direction in recent weeks after a mini-revival, despite last week’s 3-0 victory over basement boys West Ham. They can expect no favours from an in-form Tottenham side on Sunday and Tottenham to win to nil (11/5) could be worth a punt as the Reds have scored just four goals away from Anfield this term.

The Championship sees top play second with Cardiff travelling to Loftus Road to face QPR. Rangers have been draw specialists in recent times and a stalemate in west London could be worth looking at, with neither club prepared to give ground in the race for the title (draw 23/10).

Finally, Crystal Palace entertain Doncaster and could be good value to get all three points (13/8) as they have won four games at Selhurst Park this season. The Eagles’ away form has been the problem – with seven defeats already – but they are tipped to send Donny back up the M1 empty handed on Saturday evening.

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