There is a triple header in the Premier League on Sunday to get stuck into following the European action in midweek, which could have a big impact at both ends of the table. It all kicks off with a crucial clash at the foot of the league as Wolverhampton host Wigan, with the kick off at 13:30.
Wolves v Wigan (13:30)
The Latics currently prop up the Premier League after picking up just five points from their opening ten games and are 7/4 favourites to still be there at the end of the season.
Wolves are just one place above the relegation zone but if they were to lose, Wigan would draw level, making Sunday’s result a crucial clash at this early stage of the season. Mick McCarthy’s men do have home advantage and are installed as 20/21 favourites in the match betting, particularly as they entertain a side that holds the second-worst away record in the division.
The Latics have picked up just one point on their travels – a goalless draw at Swansea – and have managed just one goal away from the DW Stadium, so it is no surprise to see them on offer at 3/1, with the draw available at 5/2.
Punters may fear backing either side in this one given their problems so far this season but, with the respective defences on show, it is not hard to see Over 2.5 goals being a distinct possibility at odds of 10/11.
Bolton v Stoke (15:00)
This particular match throws up some interesting contrasts which could serve the punter either way with the match betting standing at 7/5 for a Bolton win, 2/1 for Stoke and 9/4 the draw.
Owen Coyle’s men have been awful this season and especially at home where they have yet to pick up a point, while they have shipped in 27 goals – easily the worst in the Premier League.
Stoke though are poor travellers, have only mustered eight goals in their opening ten games and have struggled in games immediately following a European venture – a tournament in which they are unbeaten and average two goals a game.
The Trotters have lost 13 of their last 15 league games, but they have played most of the so-called big boys this season and their form has got to turn around sooner or later (or has it).
As well as struggling to find the net, Stoke have had problems defensively with just one clean sheet in the last six league games, while they have a number of injury problems going into Sunday’s clash.
Ryan Shawcross and Marc Wilson are struggling after being substituted through injury against Newcastle last Monday, while Matthew Etherington, Jermain Pennant and Rory Delap are also doubts.
Fulham v Tottenham (16:00)
An attractive-looking fixture to round off the weekend’s Premier League action and the threat of more goals, as Fulham and Spurs do battle at Craven Cottage.
Martin Jol’s men have started to find their rhythm after a slow start to the campaign and go into the match on the back of successive victories, with Andy Johnson (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer) bagging a brace in Thursday’s 4-1 demolition of Wisla Krakow.
The Cottagers though, who have won and lost just one each of their opening five home games, are 11/5 to make home advantage count, with an in-form Spurs side the 5/4 favourites and the draw priced at 12/5.
Forgetting the result in Russia on Thursday, Spurs have put the horrors of the two Manchester defeats at the start of the season behind them to climb up to fifth in the table, with a game in hand, after winning six and drawing one of their last seven league games.
Goals have not been hard to find either as Spurs have scored twice in each of those last seven league games and Rafael van der Vaart has got to be considered at 5/1 First/Last and 11/8 Anytime in the goalscorer markets.
The Dutch ace has bagged in his last five Premier League games, scoring the first in three of them, and should well feature again in what is expected to be a high-scoring game (Over 2.5 goals – 5/6).
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