Tag Archives: League

Villa to put league woes aside

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The League Cup, rebranded as the Capital One Cup for the next four years, can be a difficult beast at this stage of the season. The second round fixtures take place on Tuesday night as most of the Premier League sides (except those involved in Europe) enter the competition, but many managers choose to field their fringe players and youngsters in the competition and as such there is plenty of potential for a few surprises.

However, there are a few teams desperate for victories to kick start their seasons, and one tie that stands out in this respect is Aston Villa’s home tie against League One side Tranmere Rovers.

Expectation levels have been raised at Villa Park following the arrival of Paul Lambert as manager but the Birmingham side are yet to secure a solitary point after two Premier League games. Lambert will be well aware that a home loss against Tranmere will not help matters and the Villa boss may resist fielding a weakened team in order to pick up a first win of the season.

A win for the hosts is priced at 4/9 and given the importance of registering a result it is hard to see anything other than a win for the Premier League side, the draw is 10/3 and a Tranmere victory is 6/1.

Top flight newcomers Southampton impressed despite defeat in their opening weekend contest with champions Manchester City but were dealt a Premier League reality check at the weekend as they slumped to a home defeat to Wigan. Saints boss Nigel Adkins is an astute manager and, like Lambert, will be aware of the importance of securing that first result. The St Mary’s side travel to League One high-fliers Stevenage on Tuesday and look good value at 11/10 to secure the win, despite the fact Stevenage are unbeaten in the league so far.

A double on Southampton and Aston Villa pays out at around 2/1 and this could well be worth some consideration ahead of Tuesday’s ties.

Potential upsets

As mentioned previously there is plenty of potential for a few upsets in this stage of the competition so here are a few games where the underdogs could come out on top.  Obviously, by definition an upset is a result that is hard to predict but hopefully these selections will provide food for thought for your Capital One Cup betting plans!

Sheffield Wednesday remain unbeaten after three Championship games following their promotion last season and the Owls host Fulham on Tuesday night.

Wednesday have won both their games at Hillsborough so far and will be backed by a big, vocal crowd when they take on Premier League opposition in the shape of the Cottagers. It remains to be seen what kind of team Fulham boss Martin Jol will field of course but after a relatively solid start (a big win over Norwich and a narrow defeat at Manchester United) the Dutchman could be tempted to make some changes for the trip to South Yorkshire and Wednesday will be keen to demonstrate their promotion credentials by impressing against the west Londoners. Wednesday are 15/8 to see off Fulham, the draw is 12/5 and a win for the visitors is priced at 11/8.

Nottingham Forest impressed at Bolton on Friday night and they welcome Wigan Athletic to the City Ground on Tuesday. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez saw his side lose to League Two opposition last season in the shape of Swindon Town and will be wary of Forest, but may still be tempted to make changes following the win over Southampton at the weekend. Forest remain unbeaten, winning their only home game so far, in the Championship and are certainly capable of beating the Latics, especially if Martinez tinkers with his side. A win for Forest is priced at 6/4, the draw is 12/5 and Wigan are 17/10 to secure victory.

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The Premier League is back!

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The eve of the Premier League season is upon us, but we will have to wait another day or two to see the major players in action (Manchester City 5/4 to retain title).

The two Manchester clubs and Chelsea will sit back and watch the opening day unfold, with the likes of Arsenal, shy of Robin van Persie, and Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool under the spotlight.

How the Gunners respond to the loss of van Persie (8/1 top goalscorer) to Manchester United remains to be seen. They lost Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas in similar circumstances at the beginning of last season and were left behind by their rivals after an uncharacteristically slow start.

Arsenal v Sunderland

Arsenal entertain Sunderland in their opener (2/5 home, 7/2 draw, 8/1 away) and Arsene Wenger will be looking for a positive reaction from his players.

The experienced boss has added quality in Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, and will be keen to put on a show for the club’s disgruntled fans (14/1 Arsenal 4-0).

Fulham v Norwich

Across London in Fulham, the Cottagers have some problems of their own, with boss Martin Jol admitting Clint Dempsey wants out of the club. The USA international has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

Jol’s side host Norwich City this weekend (4/5 home, 11/4 draw, 7/2 away), who have recovered from the departure of Paul Lambert and look well set for another positive season.

The Canaries have made some impressive signings and should have no problem avoiding the drop. They have the ability to cause a shock at Craven Cottage.

QPR v Swansea

Another club out to avoid second-season syndrome are Swansea City, who travel to Queens Park Rangers (10/11 home, 5/2 draw, 16/5 away).

They have lost Rodgers and Welsh midfielder Joe Allen to Liverpool, but have enough quality to stay up.

QPR were promoted along with Swansea in 2010-2011 but struggled back in the top flight. They have made a whole host of summer signings and look in good shape. They should beat a Swansea side that does not travel well.

Reading v Stoke

Reading were one of last season’s promoted sides and they face Stoke City at the Madejski Stadium (7/5 home, 9/4 draw, 21/10 away), a side they can draw strength from.

The Potters are an unfashionable club but have established themselves in the top flight under Tony Pulis.

Reading have made some excellent signings this summer, none more so than former Fulham loanee, Pavel Pogrebnyak (66/1 top goalscorer). The feel-good factor surrounding the place could lead them to victory tomorrow.

West Ham v Aston Villa

West Ham United, who achieved promotion through the play-offs at the first time of asking, entertain Lambert’s Aston Villa in their first game back (5/4 home, 12/5 draw, 11/5 away).

Villa will be hoping Lambert has brought some of the magic which saw him make a huge impact at Norwich, while the Hammers will be looking to making an immediate impact after a busy summer in the transfer market. Expect a draw in East London.

West Brom v Liverpool

Liverpool’s first game of a new era comes at West Bromwich Albion (10/3 home, 13/5 draw, 17/20 away).

Rodgers has not come in and made wholesale changes. However, the signing of Allen is key. He made Swansea tick and Rodgers will be hoping he can pull the strings in the Liverpool midfield.

Liverpool will look more fluent this term, but might have to wait for their first win of the season.

Newcastle v Tottenham

The day ends with a mouth-watering clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur on Tyneside (13/8 home, 23/10 draw, 7/4 away).

Spurs will be led for the first time by Andre Villas-Boas and will be without Luka Modric, while the Magpies are buoyed by the arrival of Vurnon Anita from Ajax. It looks set to be a tough baptism for the former Chelsea boss.

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Minnows eye League Cup upsets

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Football League newboys Fleetwood are among three sides who hope to cause an upset in the Capital One Cup first round on Monday evening and following a weekend of shocks in the competition, the scope is there for further surprises.

Fleetwood’s first ever League Cup tie could not be much bigger, with two-time European champions Nottingham Forest the visitors to Highbury Stadium (Match Betting – Fleetwood 5/2, draw 13/5, Forest 4/5).

Boss Micky Mellon has been busy over the summer, bringing in 11 players in an attempt to establish the club in League Two. The likes of Youl Mawene, David Ball, Conor McLaughlin and Jon Parkin could all make their debut on Monday evening.

Forest, who staved off the threat of relegation from the Championship last term, have also been busy in the transfer market following their take-over by Kuwaiti businessman Fawaz Al Hasawi.

Adlene Guedioura, Danny Collins, Greg Halford, Dan Harding, Simon Gillett and Daniel Ayala have all been snapped up by Sean O’Driscoll, who replaced Steve Cotterill soon after the takeover.

With so many new faces on show it is tricky for the punter to pick a winner, though Forest’s Championship status means they are 4/5 favourites. However, Fleetwood have crucial momentum following their promotion and this could be the stage to announce their arrival as a league club in style. A 2-1 Fleetwood win is priced at a tempting 12/1.

Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham were in the same division last season, but Wednesday’s dramatic last day promotion to the Championship in May means they now occupy the position of giants in this fixture (Match Betting – Oldham 13/5 draw 5/2, Sheff Wed Evs).

That promotion was the culmination of a sharp rise in form under boss Dave Jones, who took over at the start of March and did not lose a match for the rest of the campaign, the club eventually finishing second behind champions Charlton.

Like Fleetwood, that momentum, which has seen them win 11 and draw three since losing to Chesterfield on February 18, means they should be confident, even with Oldham’s home advantage.

However, Latics fans will point to a 2-1 pre-season friendly win over champions Manchester City as cause for optimism and you have to wonder whether Wednesday’s minds will be focused on the cup, when a good start back in the Championship is so important.

For that reason, a narrow 1-0 Oldham win is worth considering and priced at a tantalising 15/2.

Huddersfield and Preston are two other sides who were both in League One last season (Match Betting – Preston 15/8, draw 12/5, Huddersfield 11/8), but the Terriers grabbed the final promotion spot following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley in May.

It wasn’t too long ago that Preston were a Championship side pushing for promotion to the top flight, but a turbulent few seasons both on and off the pitch saw them go through four managers in five years, drop into League One and finish in a lowly 15th last season.

Manager Graham Westley, who replaced Phil Brown in February, has attempted to revamp the squad over the summer, bringing in 13 new players. This ‘new-look’ Preston may have enough to cause a surprise, given Town will be without several key players due to international call-ups.

One of those players is prolific striker Jordan Rhodes, who scored 40 goals last season and has been linked with a summer move to Premier League.

However, the jury is still out on Westley and Preston and the far more settled Huddersfield squad should have enough to progress in this one. A 2-0 Town win is priced at 10/1.

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Premier lacks Europa League passion

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The 2012/13 Europa League gets underway this week with a host of qualifying matches taking place so it’s an ideal time to assess which teams have a realistic chance of lifting the trophy in Amsterdam next May.

Chelsea’s Champions League success last season will no doubt spur on the strong Premier League contingent in this term’s Europa League with the likes of Tottenham (12/1 – Winner) and Liverpool (also 12/1) well fancied to go far, while Newcastle at 25s should not be discounted following their impressive campaign.

The main problem with English clubs is they tend to see the Europa League as a hindrance to their domestic aspirations which sees respective managers opting to risk fielding weakened teams in order to rest key men for big Premier League games as the battle for the title and Champions League qualification takes precedence.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City epitomised this when sweeping changes to their line-ups resulted in exits at the hands of Athletic Bilbao and Sporting Lisbon respectively last term.

Therefore, with new Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas no doubt being tasked with the job of getting the Londoners into the Champions League via a top-four Premier League finish, don’t expect him to roll out the big guns for their matches in Europe.

It will be the same story at Anfield where Brendan Rodgers will be focused on dragging Liverpool back into the fight for a place at the top table of European football.

Newcastle’s fifth-placed finish was one of the surprises of last season’s Premier League campaign and boss Alan Pardew will probably be mulling over whether to lower his sights in the league to make a fist of winning the Europa League or use the matches to blood youngsters and give his fringe men a chance to shine.

The majority of English clubs simply do not have the capabilities to consistently fight it out at the top end of the Premier League and enjoy a sustained run in European competition so something will have to give – and it’s usually the Europa League.

Therefore, while we expect Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle to at least progress beyond the group stages, it is unlikely the trio will go all the way and win the tournament.

Clubs in Spain have enjoyed the greatest success in this competition with Atletico Madrid (12/1 – Winner) winning two of the last three finals, while Sevilla won in 2006 and 2007, and Valencia picked up the then UEFA Cup trophy in 2004.

Atletico and last season’s beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao (14/1) , who comprehensively dispatched Manchester United from last season’s tournament, are both back for the 2012/13 campaign and are capable of lifting the trophy.

Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow have been relatively recent winners so big-spending Anzhi Makhachakala are worthy of consideration at 20/1 as they will look to put their stamp on European football.

The other big threat is certain to come from Italy as 2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan (12/1) are in the Europa League this term and they will be looking to win this trophy for a record fourth time in their history.

Napoli (20/1) join Inter from Serie A and having impressed in last season’s Champions League against both Manchester City and eventual winners Chelsea, it would be pure folly to discount the men from Naples.

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Sunday’s Premier League picks

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After a long and entertaining Premier League season, the teams now have just two games left and Sunday has the potential to be an era-defining day for clubs at both the top and bottom of the league with the likes of Manchester City (1/2 Premier League outright), Manchester United, QPR and Bolton all in action.

The big match of the day is undoubtedly the early kick-off, which sees Champions League-chasing Newcastle host leaders City in a match that could almost seal the title for Roberto Mancini’s men (Newcastle 4/1, draw 3/1, Manchester City 4/6). The Citizens took what could turn out to be a gargantuan step towards winning their first championship since 1968 by beating Manchester United on Monday and currently lead the league on goal difference. Mancini himself has always said this match will decide whether or not they win the title and Alan Pardew’s in-form side will certainly fancy their chance having beaten Chelsea in the week. This one looks almost too close to call and, with both team’s being so easily matched, it may well end up being a draw.

Then at two, Aston Villa host Tottenham with both sides needing the points for highly contrasting reasons (Villa 10/3, draw 5/2, Tottenham 8/11). Despite a decent start to the season, the Villains have slipped in recent months and are now perilously close to the drop zone, meaning boss Alex McLeish is under huge pressure to produce a result. On the other hand Spurs have won their last two and victory at Villa Park would see them leapfrog Arsenal into third and almost guarantee them Champions League football. Unfortunately, Villa are currently a sorry sight and, although they should eventually avoid relegation, Tottenham will more than likely take a comfortable win on Sunday.

Also at two, there’s another match which could have a massive bearing on the relegation battle as Bolton welcome West Brom to the Reebok Stadium (Bolton evens, draw 13/5, West Brom 11/4). Despite losing 4-1 to Spurs in the week,  the Trotters played well and will be confident of a victory that could see them climb out of the relegation zone while West Brom are already safe and with the news earlier this week that Roy Hodgson will leave the club in the summer, their players may already be on their holidays. This may turn out to be a cagey affair but with more to play for, Bolton should just sneak the points.

Fulham take on Sunderland in what looks as if it could be a cracker for the neutrals at Craven Cottage (Fulham 5/6, draw 13/5, Sunderland 7/2). Both teams had shaky starts to the season and at one point looked as if they could well be involved in a relegation battle. However, they have shown their class in the second half of the season and are both once again set for comfortable finishes. Although there’s not much to play for, both teams will want to win but home advantage could tell and the Cottagers should just sneak it.

In contrast to the game at the Cottage, QPR’s match with Stoke at Loftus Road will certainly be cagey as the Hoops looked to gain the win that could see them avoid relegation (QPR 10/11, draw 11/4, Stoke 3/1). Mark Hughes’ men go into the match knowing that realistically it will be their last chance to gain three points as they face title chasing City on the final day and will be desperate to win. On the other hand, the Potters have relatively little to play for but they’re always competitive, meaning it’s sure to be a physical encounter. Rangers’ extra desire for the points should see them shade it though but expect a closely fought affair.

In the final two o;clock kick-off, relegated Wolves take on Everton at Molineux (Wolves 4/1, draw 14/5, Everton 8/11). Terry Connor’s men have had a disappointing campaign but will be looking to go out with bang in what will be their last Premier League game for at least a season while Everton always play to win and with the pressure off both sides, this could end up being a cracker. However, the Toffees class should tell and expect them to run out comfortable winners in game packed with goals.

Finally, at four Manchester United take on Swansea at Old Trafford in another game that could shape the title race (United 2/11, draw 13/2, Swansea 14/1). Sir Alex Ferguson’s men currently trail rivals City on goal difference but know if the Citizens fail to win at Newcastle, a win will see them go above Mancini’s men in the table heading into the final weekend of the season. Despite dropping off in recent weeks, Swansea’s players appear to enjoy the big stage and will be looking to impress at Old Trafford but United should dominate the game and expect a comfortable win for the Red Devils.

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Final day drama in Football League

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It’s the final weekend of games in League One and League Two and there are still promotion and relegation issues to be resolved in the final 90 minutes, with the play-off pictures still to be sorted. Here’s our guide to the most important games from the two divisions that could make or break a club’s season.

Steel City Battle for Automatic Promotion

The second promotion spot behind Charlton is between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, and both face already-relegated teams on the final day. Wednesday, who hold a one-point advantage that ensures their fate is in their own hands, welcome Wycombe to Hillsborough and you would expect a promotion party come final whistle (Sheff Wed 2/9, draw 5/1, Wycombe 12/1 Match Betting).

United held the upper hand for most of the season, but it’s a long trip to face Exeter and Danny Wilson will hope to end with a win that means either they take advantage of an Owls slip, or go into the play-offs with some confidence (Exeter 9/2, draw 16/5, United 4/7 Match Betting).

The Play-Off Picture – 3 into 1 Doesn’t Fit

Stevenage are in pole position to get the one play-off spot remaining and a home win over Bury would set them up nicely (Stevenage 4/9, draw 10/1, Bury 6/1). Any slip-up could let Notts County – only behind on goal difference and who welcome Colchester to Meadow Lane – take advantage, while Carlisle in eighth are only a point behind and a win for them at Oldham, coupled with some help from elsewhere, could see them jump to seventh.

None of the three sides in contention are benefitting from easy matches on the final day, but Stevenage are without a win in four and it could be Notts County who seal that final play-off position as a draw could be enough (Notts County 8/13, draw 14/5, Colchester 9/2).

Triple Threat for League Two Automatic Promotion

Another three-way tussle exists down in League Two as Crawley Town (81 points), Torquay United (81) and Southend United (80) are battling to get that automatic spot behind Swindon and Shrewsbury.

Crawley boast a superior goal difference over Torquay and a win at Accrington (Stanley 9/2, draw 14/5, Crawley 8/13) should guarantee their spot, but they did go down 3-0 to struggling Hereford last time out. Torquay face that Hereford side at Edgar Street, with their opponents desperate to get the points as they look to leapfrog Barnet and save their football league skins.

Southend face already-relegated Macclesfield and would need help from elsewhere to get third spot, but it looks like Crawley’s to lose and Torquay’s to win.

One Play-Off Spot Up For Grabs

Crewe look on course to secure the final play-off spot going and victory at home to Aldershot would seal an extended campaign for them. Any mistakes and Oxford will be desperate to take advantage, as they travel to Port Vale boasting a superior goal difference.

The three-point gap Crewe have on Oxford means it’s in their hands and a point should be enough for them (Crewe 4/6, draw 11/4, Aldershot 4/1).

Who Will Drop Out of the Football League?

Perennial strugglers Barnet (Burton Albion 2/1, draw 5/2, Barnet 5/4) are battling with Hereford to avoid dropping out of the Football League and both have chosen the final weeks to find some form after dismal runs before that.

A 4-0 win at Underhill over AFC Wimbledon means Barnet hold a two-point advantage over the Bulls, who had won 3-0 at promotion-chasing Crawley. It seems to be an annual event that Barnet are fighting for their lives on the final day but they could benefit from the fact Hereford face a Torquay side looking for the points to get them the final automatic promotion spot.

The final fixtures normally throw up some surprises, but expect no shock as Barnet retain their League Two spot and Hereford to wave goodbye to the Football League.

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Monday’s Premier League picks

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The end-of-season run-in is gathering pace and the bumper Easter programme continues with five Premier League games on Monday, with all of them offering value for the punter.

Everton v Sunderland

You could perhaps forgive the Everton players (10/11 in the match betting) if their minds drifted beyond this encounter and towards next week’s huge FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool at Wembley. Boss David Moyes will be keen to rotate his small squad as much as possible ahead of that game and, after making three changes for the match at Norwich on Saturday, expect even more for the visit of Sunderland (12/5).

Since taking charge in December Martin O’Neill has revitalised the Black Cats, who have lost just twice in eight games. They have a poor record at Goodison Park though, without a win there since 1996. So with that and Everton’s Wembley dreams in mind, back this one to be a draw.

Prediction: 1-1 @ 6/1

Newcastle v Bolton

Newcastle (8/13) are flying at the moment, putting real pressure on the sides above them in the race for a top four place. They have won their last four games and, in Papiss Cisse, have a striker in deadly form. The Senegalese hitman has scored seven in his last four and is a good tip to open the scoring again here (3/1).

Bolton (7/2) meanwhile were brought back down to earth with a bump when Fulham thrashed them 3-0 at the Reebok on Saturday. That ended a run of three successive wins and it is difficult to see them bouncing back at St James’ Park on Monday.

Prediction: 3-0 to Newcastle @ 11/1

Tottenham v Norwich

Tottenham (2/7) boss Harry Redknapp insists his players are relaxed about their hopes of a top four place but it cannot be denied that things are beginning to get tight at the top, with just two points separating Spurs in third and Newcastle in sixth. They appear to have recovered from a mid-season wobble that saw them lose three on the bounce, making it five games unbeaten with a goalless draw at Sunderland on Saturday.

The Lilywhites are tackling a Norwich side (15/2) who all but secured safety against Everton on Saturday, with the point earned in the 2-2 draw taking them to 40 points. With top-flight status assured they may play with more freedom, which could spell danger for Tottenham, whatever Redknapp says about the state of mind of his own squad. However, Spurs seem to have too many match winners for this game not to go their way, although it should be close.

Prediction: 2-1 to Spurs @ 7/1

Aston Villa v Stoke

Villa (11/10) have had more than their fair share of problems this season but given their recent form, more drama lies in wait for Alex McLeish’s men between now and the end of the season. They may have claimed a hard-earned point at Anfield on Saturday but their run of just one win in ten means they sit just six points clear of danger. One would normally expect a team in  Stoke’s (2/1) position – comfortably in mid-table on 41 points – to relax going into the final few games. However, any team managed by Tony Pulis is unlikely to let that happen and Villa are up against it if they are to claim a valuable win here – another score draw.

Prediction: 1-1 @ 11/2

Fulham v Chelsea

If Roberto Di Matteo doesn’t want the permanent Chelsea job, he isn’t doing a very good job. The Blues (11/10) have lost just one of his ten games in charge to remain in contention for the Champions League, FA Cup and a top four spot. Stamford Bridge chief executive Ron Gourlay has insisted that a top four place is their priority, meaning a victory in the west London derby is vital at Craven Cottage if they are to achieve their primary ambition. That is easier said than done though with Fulham (5/2) a much stronger outfit on home turf than on the road. They have won eight games at home this season – more than any other side outside the top six – and look capable of causing a shock here, especially with the in-form Clint Dempsey (15/2 first goalscorer) in their ranks.

Prediction: 2-1 Fulham @ 12/1

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Saturday’s Premier League preview

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Easter is often viewed as a crucial time of the season when titles can be won and relegation sealed. On Saturday there are seven Premier League games and plenty of those could have big ramifications at both ends of the table.

Stoke v Wolves (5.30pm)

It’s almost getting to the last-chance saloon for Wolves (9/2 – match prices) as they stare down the barrel of relegation, six points adrift of the other strugglers and with just seven games to save themselves.

Another defeat on Saturday would be the latest nail in the coffin so Terry Connor must do all he can to motivate his side for what is always a difficult trip to the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters 4/6 themselves are 10 points clear of the relegation places but will be looking for at least a couple more wins to guarantee another season of top-flight football. Expect them to pick up three points in this one to keep them safely in mid-table and leave Wolves virtually needing a miracle.

Prediction: Home win.

Chelsea v Wigan (3pm)

The Blues (1/4) made it through to the Champions League semis in midweek but it’s been a domestic season of disappointment so far for the top-four chasers. Roberto Di Matteo has done a fine job since being placed in interim charge but his side are still five points behind Spurs in the race for fourth.

While that’s not insurmountable, it looks like a forlorn chase at this stage with the focus now very much on Europe and the FA Cup semi-final against London rivals Spurs.

Wigan, on the other hand, remain very much in the mire but have proved in recent years they have the stomach for the fight and they might just shock a jaded Chelsea at the Bridge. An away win (11/1) looks too far-fetched but the Latics could easily come away with a vital point at what is a mouth-watering 5/1 chance.

Prediction: Draw.

Bolton v Fulham (3pm)

Bolton (13/8) have rallied in recent weeks to move themselves out of the drop-zone but are still just a point clear of 18th place, although they do have a game in hand.

It’s been a season of struggle for the Trotters with boss Owen Coyle’s reputation taking a few knocks along the way but they, too, now look up for the fight and can claim another big three points in this one.

For Fulham, on offer at 7/4 to win, who sit comfortably in mid-table, this match does not seem as important but they are always a tricky outfit to contend with and Martin Jol never settles for going through the motions.

However, this one means far more to Bolton than the Cottagers and a home win at 13/8 should be backed.

Prediction: Home win.

West Brom v Blackburn (3pm)

The Baggies (10/11) have moved themselves clear of trouble in recent weeks and are have an eight-point cushion going into the weekend, despite two straight defeats.

Roy Hodgson will want to put that record straight when struggling Rovers visit the Hawthorns but it’s likely to be a tight encounter between two well-drilled, organised sides.

Rovers (3/1) were a tad unlucky not to take a point off leaders Manchester United on Monday and will feel they can get something from the Baggies so a draw also looks good here at 5/2.

Prediction: Draw.

Liverpool v Aston Villa (3pm)

This game is big for both clubs but for different reasons. Liverpool’s shocking run of form has seen them lose six of their last seven games in the league and slip out of the top six with local rivals Everton edging ahead in the process.

Results and performances have led some fans to question whether ‘King Kenny’ Dalglish is really the right man for the job and, while he generally retains the support of the majority, another home defeat to out-of-form Villa will not be tolerated.

With (7/1) that in mind, a narrow home win (4/9) looks on the cards but don’t expect a classic. Villa have a poor recent record at Anfield and Alex McLeish’s men are on a bad run themselves, so much so that the Scot has admitted they could be drawn into the relegation scrap.

The Midlanders are surely too good to go down but are likely to have to search elsewhere in the rest of the season for those much-needed points to ensure safety.

Prediction: Home win

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Premier League picks

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There are number of games affecting both the top and bottom of the Premier League this Saturday  – but is there any value for the punter? Here are the top picks for Saturday’s six Premier League encounters.

Bolton v QPR

With just two points separating the bottom five clubs any match involving two of those sides will prove decisive come the end of the season.

One of those encounters comes at the Reebok on Saturday where 16th placed QPR take on 19th placed Bolton. To say these teams are out of form is an understatement – Bolton have lost their last four while Rangers have only won one in 15.

Wanderers also have the worst home record in the division, winning eight points from their 13 games at the Reebok this campaign. That poor form, plus the fear of defeat, means this game has draw written all over it. With QPR going 18 straight games without a clean sheet the 1-1 draw is worth backing at 11/2.

Aston Villa v Fulham

Villa boss Alex McLeish will be desperate for a victory to try and ease the pressure that has been placed upon him in recent weeks. The Midlands club have taken just three points from a possible 15 to slip worryingly close to the bottom five and the fans have been quick to voice their displeasure at the Scot’s management of the club.

Fulham meanwhile are bang in form, winning their last three games to rise up to eighth in the table. They thumped Wolves 5-0 last time out with new boy Pavel Pogrebnyak grabbing a hat-trick – his fifth goal in just three appearances. Will he score again? Well he is a handy 6/1 to notch first and a Pogrebnyak/2-1 Fulham scorecast is a very tasty 45/1.

Chelsea v Stoke

The post-AVB era continues for Chelsea with a tough looking clash with Stoke at Stamford Bridge. Caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo led the Blues to victory in the FA Cup in midweek but he knows his priority has to be ensuring the club qualify for next season’s Champions League. They currently sit in fifth place, three points behind Arsenal, and know they cannot afford any slip-ups between now and the end of the season.

Stoke go into the game in-form after consecutive wins over Swansea and Norwich but four wins from 23 Premier League away games suggests this will be another tough trip on the road for the Potters. Chelsea haven’t failed to score at home since February 2011, so go for a convincing Blues victory, with 3-0 Chelsea priced at 7/1.

Sunderland v Liverpool

Sunderland will be hoping to close the gap on Liverpool to just two points with a win at the Stadium of Light – a sign of the progress the club has made since Martin O’Neill took over last December. They are, however, counting the cost of last weekend’s feisty derby with Newcastle with captain Lee Cattermole and Stephane Sessegnon suspended following their red cards.

Liverpool have a fine record against Sunderland, with their only defeat in the last 11 games coming thanks to a Darren Bent goal deflected off a beach ball two years ago. You can expect that run to continue with Luis Suarez – who has scored in his two appearances against the Black Cats – to be on the mark again. Suarez is 11/2 to score first, with a Suarez 2-0 scorecast priced at 33/1.

Wolves v Blackburn

Part two of the day’s relegation six-pointer double header sees 18th placed Wolves take on 17th placed Blackburn. Rovers are only out of the bottom three courtesy of goal difference and head to a ground where they won on the final day of last season to ensure their Premier League survival.

Wolves boss Terry Connor will take charge of Wanderers for the first time at home and will be looking for a response after their 5-0 mauling at Fulham last time out. The goals market is the one to back in this one – Wolves have not kept a clean sheet in 12 home games while Rovers haven’t shut the opposition out in 32 away games. 2-3 goals is priced at 10/11, with our score prediction being an entertaining 2-2 draw priced at 14/1.

Everton v Tottenham

After consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Manchester United effectively ended their title charge, Spurs will be keen to kick start their season again in order to avoid dropping out of the top four.

History suggests they could well do so at Goodison Park. Spurs have only lost three of 19 Premier League visits to the home of the Toffees. However, they have not won any of their last four and are taking on an Everton side embarking on yet another post-Christmas surge.

Chelsea and Man City have been beaten in successive home games, so the visit of the Londoners will pose no fears for David Moyes’ men. This is another game where there should be goals, with the over 2.5 goals market priced at 5/6, with our scorecast a 2-2 draw at 14/1.

Louis Saha has scored in the last two games between these two sides at Goodison Park but is now wearing a Spurs shirt. The last time he lined up in the opposition against the Toffees at Goodison he scored twice. As such he may be worth a punt at 3/2 to score at anytime on Saturday.

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Premier League lessons

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Another round of Premier League fixtures is out of the way and things are starting to take shape at both ends of the table, here are three things we’ve learnt from the latest round of fixtures (totesport – Barclays Premier League).

1) The title is heading to Manchester

Any hope Spurs had of landing their first league title since 1961 now appears to be over following their 5-2 loss at Arsenal on Sunday.  Spurs are now 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City and eight behind reigning champions Manchester United. With just 12 games to go it would take a magnificent effort from the north Londoners, combined with poor results for the Manchester duo, for them to take the top prize.

Manchester City are the 8/15 favourites to secure the Premier League crown, United can be backed at 6/4 and Spurs have now drifted out to 50/1 to land the title after their north London derby defeat.

2) Arsenal’s season isn’t over yet

While Spurs may be reeling from their heavy defeat at the Emirates it may mark a return to form for the Gunners.

Following their 4-0 loss at AC Milan in the Champions League and FA Cup exit at the hands of Sunderland it appeared as if Arsenal’s season was all but over before we had even entered March.  However, while silverware may again prove elusive for Arsene Wenger’s men this season they may yet secure a top four finish, which could be massive if it convinces star man Robin van Persie to agree new terms at the Emirates.

The Gunners’ 5-2 win over Spurs moved them back into the top four, ahead of Chelsea on goal difference, and after a disappointing couple of weeks that victory may be just what Arsenal needed to get their top four charge back on track.

Arsenal can be backed at 11/8 to secure a top four finish, while Chelsea are priced at 5/6.

Liverpool landed the Carling Cup on Sunday with a hard-fought victory over Championship outfit Cardiff.  The Reds are seven points adrift of Arsenal but Liverpool have not given up on Champions League qualification and they’re priced at 10/3 to grab a top four spot, while Newcastle are 16/1.

3) The relegation battle is down to five

West Brom, Stoke and Fulham all picked up three points over the weekend to move well clear of the drop zone and it now appears as if there are five teams remaining in the relegation battle, and all of them are struggling for form.

Wigan, who have picked up four points in their last two games, remain at the foot of the table with just 20 points but only goal difference separates them from a stuttering Bolton side who slumped to a 3-0 loss at Chelsea on Saturday.

Blackburn and QPR have 21 points, while Wolves are on 22, and it seems as if three of the current bottom five will be heading into the Championship, unless one of the sides above them suffers a dramatic dip in form.

QPR have a particularly difficult run in, they still have to face Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs before the season comes to a close, while their final game of the season is a daunting trip to Manchester City.  The Loftus Road side are priced at 10/11 to suffer an immediate return to the Championship.

In contrast, Bolton have just Manchester City and Spurs of the ‘top six’ left to play, with a trip to the Etihad on the horizon for the Wanderers this weekend.  However, Owen Coyle’s men have been frankly abysmal all season, aside from a couple of impressive displays, and it will take a remarkable change in fortunes, and form, if they are to survive.  The Wanderers can be backed at 8/11 to go down.

Wigan have been rooted to the foot of the table all season but they have come back from similar circumstances in the past.  Latics are 1/3 to suffer relegation after a seven-year stint in the top flight.

Blackburn have just sold key defender Chris Samba and appeared to have conceded defeat prior to a ball being kicked in their defeat at Man City at the weekend.  Steve Kean’s men are 8/11 to be relegated, which would come as no surprise following their turbulent campaign to date.

Wolves were the only side in the relegation mix to show any fight this weekend as they came from 2-0 down to record a 2-2 draw at Newcastle.  The Molineux outfit, who are now under the guidance of Terry Connor following the sacking of Mick McCarthy, are priced at 8/13 to be relegated.

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