Tag Archives: Prem

Prem trio all fancied

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It’s match-day two of the Europa League on Thursday and the three Premier League teams involved, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle, all face tricky – but winnable – ties (totesport – match coupon).

Liverpool v Udinese (8.05)

Liverpool are finally winning games under Brendan Rodgers and expect them to continue their recent success with another three points in Europe over the Italians (Liverpool 4/6, Udinese 9/2, draw 11/4 – match prices).

Rodgers will again utilise his impressive crop of youngsters in the Group A match after they served him well in the opening clash against Young Boys last month when they eventually came out on top 5-3.

Jonjo Shelvey was the star that night with two goals when coming on as a sub, and expect him to start as he is currently on a domestic ban following his red card against Manchester United. Rodgers will give the majority of his first-choice players the night off but, even without the likes of Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Luis Suarez and Pepe Reina, they should have enough to make it two wins out of two in the competition.

Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Sebastian Coates should all get another chance to impress and push their first-team claims, while veteran defender Jamie Carragher is likely to skipper the side.

Udinese kicked off their Europa League group campaign with a 1-1 draw with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala and are unbeaten in five games in total. However, they have only won once in nine in all competitions this term and would gladly settle for another point  at Anfield.

Francesco Guidolin’s men do have talent in the shape of Antonio Di Natale, Brazilian summer signing Willians, and on-loan Andrea Lazzari but they are not fancied to cause an upset in this, although they could hold the Reds at bay in the first 45 minutes with HT/FT – Draw/Liverpool worth backing at 3/1 and a correct score of 2-0 to the Reds our prediction at odds of 6/1.

Newcastle v Bordeaux (8.05)

The Magpies have made a solid start to the Premier League season and began the Europa League group stage with a goalless draw in Portugal with Maritimo. Again, expect a much-changed side when Alan Pardew reveals his selections to take on French outfit Bordeaux as Toon aim for a home win to take charge of the group early on (Newcastle 7/5 Bordeaux 2/1 draw 9/4 – match prices).

Youngsters Sammy Ameobi, Adam Campbell, James Tavernier and Gael Bigirimana are all tipped to be involved while Pardew is expected to rest one or both of first-choice strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse against the six-times French title winners.

Breaking down Bordeaux might prove tough, however, as they are well known in France for their defensive-minded tactics and are on an extremely-impressive 17-match unbeaten run – that includes a 4-0 thumping of Club Bruges in the Group D opener, a 0-0 with the star-studded PSG and a fine 2-0 win at Lyon in Ligue 1 over the weekend.

Czech Republic international Jaroslav Plasil is seen as the key attacking midfielder for Francis Gillot’s side when they do venture forward and they will put up a stern fight at St James’ Park. Expect the home side to eventually secure a win, though, with 1-0 appealing in the correct score market at 5/1.

Panathinaikos v Tottenham (6.00)

After a tricky start to his Tottenham tenure, Andre Villas-Boas appears to have got the Londoners going with the weekend 3-2 win at Manchester United the highlight of a mixed campaign so far.

AvB’s men had the better of a 0-0 opening Group J encounter with Lazio last month but had to settle for a point, although they should get their Europa League campaign up-and running with a win on Thursday in Greece (Spurs 11/10 Panathinaikos 2/1 draw 9/4 – match prices).

The Portuguese fielded a fairly strong line-up against the Italians and is set to start with plenty of his regular Premier League squad against Panathinaikos with Jermain Defoe, Clint Dempsey and possibly even Gareth Bale all in contention.

Hugo Lloris will come in again for Brad Friedel in goal but that hardly weakens the Premier League top-four contenders, and with their opponents on Thursday without a win in six matches, expect them to have too much for Panathinaikos despite a lively home crowd backing Jesualdo Ferreira’s men.

In the correct score market, 2-0 to Spurs is our selection at odds of 7/1.

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Perfect Prem starts under threat

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We are already into the third week of the Premier League season and, following the closure of the transfer window, there’s six games to preview on Saturday with the focus on if both Swansea and Everton can continue their impressive early form.

Swansea v Sunderland (3pm)

While judging a side with a new manager after just two games is often a fruitless exercise, as so many make a good start before falling away badly, it is fair to say Swansea (11/10 – match odds) and Michael Laudrup could not have envisaged kicking off the new campaign in a more positive manner.

Two wins and eight goals without conceding anything at the other end is a dream start in anyone’s books and the stylish way they have begun bodes well for the Welsh side and the Danish manager’s Premier League prospects.

Beating QPR and West Ham in such a convincing fashion means Sunderland (5/2) will enter the Liberty Stadium wary of defeat but Martin O’Neill’s men can, as the match odds of 12/5 suggest, get a point out of this.

New signings Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson have added quality to the Black Cats’ squad and they should be able to build on the midweek Capital One Cup victory over Morecambe by at least coming back across the border with a draw to halt the Swans’ early-season charge.

West Brom v Everton (3pm)

Everton were mightily impressive despatching Aston Villa last weekend and will hope for a similar outcome back in the West Midlands this weekend (11/8 to win).

Boss David Moyes has sculpted a hard-working, but quietly very talented, side with key men Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman pulling the strings in midfield.

The Baggies (21/10) have also made a good start under new boss Steve Clarke, however, and expect them to make this a much tighter game for the Toffees than they had a week ago. Despite that, another away win, this time by the odd goal, looks on the cards to ensure the Blues’ fine start continues with 2-1 to Moyes’ side appealing at 17/2.

Spurs v Norwich (3pm)

Another home game for Andre Villas-Boas against supposed inferior opposition means it’s another game the new boss should win (4/11) but all is not well at the Lane early on and there are already fans scratching their heads over tactics and subsequent poor results.

Jermain Defoe has signed a new contract and is a good bet to score anytime at 11/10 but anyone expecting a convincing home win here is mistaken. Norwich will look to be defensive and compact under Chris Hughton (8/1 to win, draw 4/1) and can dig in and frustrate Tottenham, much like the way West Brom did last weekend.

Another tight game is predicted then with Spurs tipped to edge it. Go for 1-0 at 6/1 in the correct score market.

Man City v QPR (5.30)

City have hardly looked like champions so far but should finally click into gear in a repeat of the game that sealed their unforgettable title triumph in May.

They made that clash hard work, winning 3-2, and were scared similarly by Southampton on the opening weekend before grabbing a  lucky point at Liverpool last Sunday.

QPR, who have former City chief Mark Hughes in charge – a man always keen to make a statement at the Etihad – will be bolstered by some eye-catching recent signings but they look like still coming up short with a comfortable home win set to be the outcome.

West Ham v Fulham (12.45)

Andy Carroll is set for his Hammers debut in this one and will be keen to prove a point after being pushed out by Liverpool, apparently against his will. The England striker adds a new dimension to what has been a misfiring side so far and expect goals at Upton Park with Carroll well worth backing in the goalscorer markets.

Fulham (15/8), aside from their midweek Capital One Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, have been good so far and nearly followed up their opening-day 5-0 win over Norwich with a point at Old Trafford. So they will be difficult opponents for ‘Big Sam’s’ side (6/4) and a draw (23/10) is likely. Take 1-1 at 11/2.

Wigan v Stoke (3pm)

Probably the least attractive game of Saturday sees the Potters go to Wigan with Tony Pulis’ side still looking for their first win following two draws so far.

Wigan, who overcame Southampton last weekend, are on offer at 6/5 to win and will find it tougher on Saturday. A difficult one to predict, with the draw tempting at 9/4, but a narrow away win for Stoke looks a good bet at 5/2.

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5 new faces to light up Prem

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With the Premier League season now just days away, fans of most clubs will be looking forward to seeing how their summer signings will get on. Here we look at five new faces to watch in the top flight in 2012-13.

1. Lukas Podolski (Arsenal)

Established German international Podolski needs little introduction to fans of European football as the striker has been a big name in his home country for several years now. The 25-year-old may be used by Arsene Wenger as a direct replacement for Robin van Persie, who seems destined to leave the Gunners, and his goalscoring record suggests that, while he may struggle to match RvP’s return of 30 Premier League goals, he can be trusted to find double figures this season and possibly plenty more besides (40/1 – Top Premier League Goalscorer).

Podolski hit the back of the net 13 times in 2010-11 and followed that up with 18 in the Bundesliga last term – a very impressive return in a struggling side that was eventually relegated. He started all three of Germany’s group games at Euro 2012, and scored once in the tournament, while he has already managed two goals for the Gunners in pre-season – a good sign that he has already settled into life at his new club.

2. Oscar (Chelsea)

Probably one of the highest-profile summer moves anywhere has seen this Brazilian starlet team up with Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old joined the European champions (Chelsea 12/1 to retain Champions League in 2012-13) in a deal reported to be worth £25million just before the start of the Olympic football tournament and anyone who watched him closely in the UK over the past few weeks will have seen his undoubted potential.

The youngster is as comfortable on the ball as what you would expect from a seasoned Brazil international, let alone a rising star, and he will aim to have the same influence in the Blues’ engine room in the Premier League. The price-tag could weigh him down slightly but he is expected to develop into a world-class star in the next few years and is tipped to make an instant impact.

3.Karim El Ahmadi (Aston Villa)

Not one of the eye-catching summer transfers this, but Villa’s capture of the Morocco international could turn out to be among one of the best pieces of business done by any Premier League boss over the close-season. The midfielder had attracted plenty of scouts from England after some dominating displays for Feyenoord before he signed a three-year deal with the Midlanders earlier in the summer.

It will be a step up for the 27-year-old, but he has already made a big impression in training with several senior Villa players suggesting he will be a big influence in Paul Lambert’s new-look side this term as they look to break into the top six (20/1 – Top 6 Finish).

4. Fabio Borini (Liverpool)

Borini became Brendan Rodgers’ first signing at Liverpool and immediately made an impact in his first competitive match at Anfield, scoring the opener in the 3-0 Europa League qualifying win over FC Gomel. The 21-year-old is well known to Rodgers as he first worked with the Italian international when he was a youngster at Chelsea, before he signed him on loan for Swansea in the 2010/11 season.

The striker, who scored six goals in nine matches during that period for the Swans, impressed in Italy for Roma last season when he managed nine goals in 24 appearances. He is likely to fit into Rodgers’ attacking style well with his work-rate and eye for goal really marking him out as one to watch this season as Liverpool hunt a top-four return (5/2 – Top 4 Finish).

5. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United).

The 23-year-old is tipped to be another astute Sir Alex Ferguson signing after arriving from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal. The Japan international helped Dortmund land successive German titles and scored a very impressive 17 times from midfield last season, while he also claimed 13 assists to help persuade Fergie he is a creator as well as a finisher in the final third.

United needed reinforcements in midfield this summer as they look to wrestle the title back off Man City this season (United 9/4 – Premier League Outright) and Kagawa is likely to be a key man for Ferguson’s side following Ji-Sung Park’s departure and the ongoing question marks over how much football veteran duo Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes can play.

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Three big issues for Prem finale

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The Premier League reaches its conclusion on Sunday and, with plenty still at stake, here we pick out three big issues still to be resolved this weekend.

1 – The destination of the title

Manchester City (1/10 to win Premier League) are very much in the driving seat to win their first top-flight title since 1968 and know a win over QPR at home will finally see them over the line ahead of local rivals Manchester United (11/2).

In what has been one of the most unpredictable races of the last few years, Roberto Mancini’s side appeared to have thrown away their chance when losing at Arsenal in April, but United’s slip-ups at Wigan, at home to Everton and then in the derby has given the Blues the edge again.

Relegation-threatened QPR have plenty to play for themselves but City should keep up their proud unbeaten home record and get the win required to render United’s result at Sunderland meaningless.

The smart money is on both United and City to win to hand the latter the trophy on goal difference but, after one of the most unpredictable seasons in years, it would be safe to say neither of the top two will be taking anything for granted this weekend.

2 – One more side to be relegated

Wolves and Blackburn are already down and either QPR or Bolton will be joining them in the Championship next season.

Mathematically, Aston Villa can also still be demoted, but that would take a 17-goal swing so it’s a straight fight between the R’s and the Trotters to see who finishes 18th.

Bolton (1/3 to be relegated) currently sit in the final relegation place, two points behind Rangers (9/4), and face a tough trip to Stoke City on Sunday, knowing they need a win to move above Mark Hughes’ side.

Hughes goes to the Etihad to face his former club and will do well to get anything out of that but Bolton winning at the Britannia also looks a long shot so it could be curtains for Owen Coyle’s side.

3 – Third place up for grabs

Arsenal, Spurs (1/10 – top four finish) and Newcastle can all still secure third and, with it, definitely a place in the Champions League next season.

Chelsea’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich a week on Saturday means that only third is guaranteed a place in next season’s competition because if Roberto Di Matteo’s men win in Munich they will take the fourth place available to Premier League sides.

Alan Pardew’s Magpies (9/2 – top four finish) have had a season beyond their wildest dreams and have stayed in contention for the top four right up to the end when many thought their season would tail off.

They visit Everton, themselves wanting a win to ensure they finish above Liverpool, knowing this is a tough last-day assignment. A win and poor results for the north London duo could hand them third but it looks very unlikely.

Spurs, meanwhile, have picked up again since Harry Redknapp was overlooked for the England job and host London rivals Fulham. They should come out on top in this one and hope arch-rivals Arsenal slip up at West Brom.

The Gunners are favourites to claim third, though, and go to the Black Country on Sunday hoping to spoil Roy Hodgson’s farewell at the Hawthorns.

It will not be easy for Arsene Wenger’s side as the Baggies are sure to do all they can to finish on a high in front of the departing England boss but, with Robin van Persie aiming to equal the league top-scorer record with 31 goals, expect Arsenal to do it.

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Another huge Prem Sunday

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There are two Premier League games to get stuck into on Sunday and there will be no thoughts of holidays in either contest as there are points to play for at both ends of the table.

Chelsea v QPR

It has been a fantastic week for Chelsea, upsetting the odds to book their place in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich – despite going 2-0 and a man down against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

No doubt they will get the reception they deserve when they return to Stamford Bridge but that thrilling victory came at a cost with Gary Cahill joining David Luiz on the sidelines and, coupled with Branislav Ivanovic serving the final game of his ban, the Blues will host QPR with just one fit centre-half.

John Terry will be the focus of attention, not least for his sending off in midweek, but he also lines up against Anton Ferdinand – a man he allegedly racially abused in the 1-0 reverse at Loftus Road last October.

Chelsea are still chasing points to finish in the top four and guarantee a Champions League place next season and on top of all that, the Hoops are desperate for the win which will give their survival hopes a massive boost.

The match betting suggests that punters should look no further than a home win with the Blues priced at 2/5, while the draw is on offer at 7/2 and a rare QPR win is priced at 15/2.

It is the away form of Mark Hughes’ men that would worry those looking for a price as they have mustered just three victories on the road this season, with only Blackburn and Wolves winning fewer.

The Rs have picked up some surprise results this season and recent wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Swanea and Spurs have all come at home – compare that to defeats at West Brom, Sunderland and Bolton as well as a division low of 11 points away and it does not look good.

Chelsea have been a different proposition since Roberto di Matteo took the helm at Stamford Bridge with just one defeat – 2-1 away at Man City – in 15 matches since he took charge.

However, the old adage is that form goes out of the window in derby matches and that has certainly been the case as far as the Champions League finalists are concerned.

Chelsea have not won any of the previous seven London derbies this season, while in contrast QPR have won three of the seven they have played – albeit all at home.

With injury problems at the back for the hosts though, QPR can make a game of it and pick up their first point on the road since the beginning of February.

Tottenham v Blackburn

Spurs were apparently title challengers a couple of months ago – or at least guaranteed a return to the Champions League – when they were seven points clear of arch rivals Arsenal but have hit the skids big style and are now facing the stark reality that they could miss out on the top four altogether.

It would be a huge disappointment for the fans, and neutrals alike, given the way they have performed at times this season but the Premier League season is ‘a marathon not a sprint’ – and Spurs look as though they will come up short.

Harry Redknapp’s team could well be nine points behind the Gunners going into the match after picking up just six points from the last nine games, and scoring just eight goals in the current run, but the league table does not lie.

The ongoing situation regarding the England position may not have helped the side but the spring in the step has gone from the players and they need to find a way to grind out a win to keep the top-four challenge going.

The match betting suggests it will come this weekend as they are 2/5 to get back on the winning trail and it is difficult to argue, given their opponents.

Blackburn Rovers have been a funny side this season with some fantastic results, notably a 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thrown in amongst a host of abject performances.

No club in the bottom half has scored more goals away than Steve Kean’s men – and in Yakubu and Junior Hoilett they will pose a threat at White Hart Lane – who are 15/2 to win with the draw priced at 7/2.

However, a whopping 41 goals conceded away from Ewood Park will make happy reading for goal-shy Spurs while they have been awful of late on the road, going down 2-0 at West Brom and Swansea, as well as losing the six-pointer at Bolton.

Rovers, currently three points from safety in 19th place, have suffered the major blow that Grant Hanley will miss the rest of the season but they have got be up for a ‘cup final’ and it is never over ’till the fat lady sings.

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Top six bid for big Prem prizes

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Following the closure of the transfer window on Tuesday, managers across the country will now have to make do with the squad that they have assembled for the rest of the season. Here we assess who might come out on top in the battle for the Premier League title and a top-four finish to secure Champions League football over the coming months.

Title race

Manchester City’s (4/6f – Title outright) 1-0 defeat at Everton on Tuesday, coupled with Manchester United’s (6/4) victory over Stoke, means that deadline day may also be looked back on as the night the title race swung in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side’s favour.

City have shown plenty of frailties in recent weeks, going out of both Cups and dropping crucial points in the league, but their undoubted talent means they are likely to continue to compete with their local rivals for the title right up until May.

The two Manchester clubs are level on points at the top now and many think it will be a straight fight between them for the title, but Spurs (14/1) remain lively outsiders at this stage.

Harry Redknapp’s side continue to impress and their easy win over Wigan again showed they are a side to be feared. The wily old boss has strengthened with what could be an astute buy in the shape of Louis Saha to inject a bit of freshness into a squad already brimming with talent with the likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale in fine form.

A return to the top four would have been the requirement in the summer and, while a serious title bid is still not out of the question with them sitting five points behind the other two, third place should be enough to satisfy the north Londoners come May.

Prediction: United 1st, City 2nd, Spurs 3rd.

Top-four finish

Assuming United, City and Spurs do claim the first three places in the Premier League, there is then just the one spot left to battle for in the race for Champions League football next term.

At this stage, it looks like a straight fight between Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal for fourth and there is a case to be made for all three to eventually land it.

Chelsea (1/2 – top four finish) occupy fourth at the minute and are therefore in the driving seat, despite plenty of question marks over their form and long-term prospects of coach Andre Villas-Boas.

There has been a lack of fluidity about the Blues this season – something which was a hallmark of previous title-winning sides – and they remain inconsistent.

That should give the Gunners and Reds hope but, they too have been unpredictable which means this could be a battle which has plenty more twists and turns to come as spring approaches.

Liverpool (11/4) have done well in the Cups so far and whether getting through to the Carling Cup final proves to be a distraction remains to be seen but if they do hit form and go on a winning run, fourth can be achieved.

They have already beaten Chelsea twice and Arsenal once this season so that will give Kenny Dalglish confidence.

Question marks remain over big summer purchases Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson but there are signs they are finally settling in and, with Luis Suarez primed to return next week, suddenly things are looking up at Anfield following a difficult few months.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s (9/4) poor start to the season was forgotten after a fine winning run before Christmas but they have again stalled of late. Defeats at Fulham, Swansea and at home to Man United highlighted their familiar failings while boss Arsene Wenger has been targeted by some fans for not strengthening in the transfer window.

They are capable of going on a decisive run again, though, and may just have the last laugh in the battle for fourth to surprise some and just about satisfy all at the Emirates that Wenger remains the man to take them forward.

Prediction: Arsenal 4th, Liverpool 5th, Chelsea 6th.

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Festive Prem treat on cards

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Three of the top four in the Premier League are in action on Sunday on what is a pre-festive treat for armchair fans and punters alike. Here we preview the games.

QPR v Manchester United (12noon)

The champions bounced back from their disappointing early exit in the Champions League with a comprehensive 4-1 home victory over Wolves last weekend but they are unlikely to find it as easy against Neil Warnock’s side in this high-noon meeting at Loftus Road.

Rangers have been tough to beat on their own patch and have already claimed the scalp of Chelsea earlier in the season. They went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Liverpool last week but will take heart from a good defensive display at Anfield as they prepare to host United.

Wayne Rooney was back among the goals last week, scoring twice, and looks in good form so should be backed to score anytime in the capital (4/5) while Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be keen to keep the pressure on Man City at the top with another win.

Rangers will try to keep it tight and patience could be key for the visitors in this one. Don’t expect a goal feast but a narrow United win at 1-0 is appealing at 6/1 while draw/United in the HT/FT market could also be rewarded at 10/3.

Prediction – Away win.

Aston Villa v Liverpool (2.05pm)

Villa boss Alex McLeish has been under pressure from the club’s fans since day one following his surprise appointment in the summer as he came straight in from arch-rivals Birmingham City.

Critics say McLeish’s style of play is too defensive and not in the mould of a side who were tipped to challenge for a top-eight finish this season. Aside from Darren Bent, they lack firepower up front and Gabby Agbonlahor has gone off the boil after a promising start to the campaign.

However, they got a good away win at Bolton last week – their first of the season on the road – and host a Liverpool side who have been inconstent this term.

Kenny Dalglish’s men are hoping to break back into the top four this season but the Reds’ problems have been in front of goal with an over-reliance on top-scorer Luis Suarez.

He may have his problems off the pitch but the Uruguayan has excelled in the Premier League and looks tasty at 9/2 to open the scoring at Villa Park.

This is a game Liverpool usually do well in – last season’s dead rubber on the final day was their first defeat at Villa Park since 1998 – but this has the makings of a tight game and the draw at 12/5 is very tempting.

Prediction – draw.

Spurs v Sunderland (3pm)

Before last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Stoke, Spurs had won their last six Premier League games to move into title contention in many fans and pundits’ minds.

However, they failed the Britannia Stadium test – a good barometer of any side’s title credentials – so they will be desperate to bounce back against struggling Sunderland.

Harry Redknapp’s side also slipped out of the Europa League on Thursday – something, though, that may end up aiding their title bid – but have been very strong at home this season as they prepare to host the Black Cats, losing just once early on against Man City.

Martin O’Neill got his tenure in charge of Sunderland off to a good start with a win against Blackburn last weekend – albeit with a last-gasp goal from Seb Larsson – and he will be determined to build on that at White Hart Lane.

But he couldn’t have asked for a more difficult first away test and will struggle to come away from London with anything (Spurs 2/5, draw 7/2, Sunderland 8/1 in the match betting).

Emmanuel Adebayor has been in good form since he signed on loan from Man City and scored last week at Stoke so looks a good shout at 7/2 to score first or last in this one.

Prediction – home win.

Manchester City v Arsenal (4.05pm)

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend rounds off Sunday’s top-flight action when leaders City host in-form Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

Roberto Mancini’s side have just had their worst week of what’s been a tremendous season so far, losing their unbeaten record at Chelsea on Monday after making an early exit from the Champions League and they face another test when the Gunners visit.

If City are to maintain their lead at the top over United, they are likely to have to win on Sunday but it is no foregone conclusion they will bounce back.

Arsenal have won seven of their last eight Premier League matches to move back into top four contention and make a mockery of early-season fears that they were a club in decline under Arsene Wenger.

Unlike City, they are through to the knockout stage of the Champions League and, in Robin van Persie, have the stand-out performer of the season so far (11/2 first goalscorer).

City did triumph 1-0 when these two last met last month in the Carling Cup and will be desperate to prove the Chelsea defeat was just a blip but Arsenal can expose their frailties again on Sunday and come away with at least a point. Go for 1-1 in the correct score market at 6/1.

Prediction – draw.

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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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Oyston reveals Prem doubts

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Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has reiterated his desire to walk away from football after becoming disillusioned with the way business is conducted in the Premier League (Blackpool 9/4 – To Stay Up).

The Seasiders’ faithful may be walking in a top-flight wonderland but the same cannot be said for Oyston who has taken a swipe at agents.

He told the Independent: “I expected the landscape to be different. I expected the way people behaved to be different and I have been very disappointed in the way some agents have conducted themselves.

“My offer to step down is still there.

“I have told the board that, and I am very serious because I am not sure I have got the right approach for this division and the more I talk to other Premier League clubs the more I realise I am a lone voice.

“There was some accord with the things I said in the Championship but there does not appear to be any in this division.”

If he does get his wish then boss Ian Holloway will have to deal with somebody else as he looks to sign the players he feels he still must add to his squad.

Blackpool picked up three early points in their first-ever Premier League game after beating Wigan 4-0 at the DW Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Many pundits did not give Holloway’s men a chance of staying up before the big kick-off but they laid down a marker, although there is still a long way to go this season.

The former Bristol Rovers, QPR, Plymouth and Leicester manager has waited patiently for his chance in the top flight and he is not about to go back down without a fight (125/1 – Top 6 Finish).

Holloway’s faith in former Aston Villa hitman Marlon Harewood was instantly rewarded against Latics by two goals, with fellow new boys Craig Cathcart, Elliot Grandin and Ludovic Sylvestre all playing their part as well.

“We’ve just been catapulted into this and I have to say it’s just mad,” Holloway told The Sun.

“It’s like being in Big Brother.

“I need a few more players but they’re all so expensive – it’s a shock.

“But hopefully my chairman will now be more confident in who I’m telling him to bring in after that performance.”

Whether or not that chairman is Karl Oyston remains to be seen.

Blackpool are odds-on (1/3) to drop straight back down into the Championship at the end of the season.

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