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Wednesday’s Premier picks

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Premier League game week 23 is wrapped up on Wednesday but a number of trappy fixtures could make for a difficult night for punters – here’s some potential clues about winning bets.

Aston Villa have not won at home in the Premier League since a 3-2 victory against Norwich City on November 5 last year, so look a tad short at 5/6 (draw 13/5 QPR 7/2 – match prices) to take maximum points off newcomers QPR on Wednesday.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Swansea have all returned from Villa Park with a win in recent weeks, while Everton grabbed a 1-1 draw, and the manner in which they collapsed against the Gunners in the FA Cup has to be of concern to manager Alex McLeish.

Mark Hughes has shown signs of turning the Rangers dressing-room around and could be bolstered by the arrival of a number of new signings for the trip.

The Welshman must improve on a wretched run of away results which has yielded just three wins in the Premier League but, at 5/6 +1 in the match handicap, the west Londoners could sneak a point, while the under 2.5 goals market at 8/11 seems a fair recommendation.

Blackburn Rovers will be looking to continue their fight against relegation with the visit of Newcastle United on Wednesday.

The Ewood Park outfit have only lost once in the Premier League since Boxing Day but recent defeats to West Brom, Bolton and Stoke on home soil has undermined their efforts to consolidate their top-flight status. The hosts have also yet to be involved in a goalless draw in the top flight this season.

Demba Ba, Cheik Tiote and new signing Papiss Cisse remain on African Cup of Nations duty, meaning Newcastle have to be blunted as an attacking force.

The visitors have only managed to win one of their last six away matches, a 2-0 win over Bolton, while Rovers forward David Goodwillie has found the back of the net in his last two appearances and can be backed at 2/1 (Anytime Scorer).

Bolton look a big price (4/1, draw 11/4 Arsenal 8/11 – match prices) to carry on where they left off at home against Liverpool by beating Arsenal at the Reebok.

Owen Coyle has no new injury concerns for the visit of the north Londoners but must arrest a wretched run against the Gunners of just one win in the last 10 meetings between the two sides in the top flight.

Robin van Persie has scored 20 goals in his last 20 Premier League away appearances and it would be folly to ignore the Dutch goal-getter at 5/2 (First Goalscorer).

Arsenal have conceded the most goals away from home in the Premier League (25) and, with concerns again in defence, the over 2.5 goals market is priced accordingly at 8/13.

Fulham continue to put in their best performances at Craven Cottage but the visit of improved travellers West Brom could prove an arm wrestle.

Liverpool, Bolton Arsenal and Newcastle United have all left west London empty-handed in recent weeks and the improved form of Clint Dempsey – the American has scored five in five at home – means at 13/8 (Anytime Scorer) he has to be a consideration.

The Baggies have improved markedly away from the Hawthorns – losing only 1-0 to Tottenham in just one defeat in five in the top flight – but the Cottagers have conceded just once and scored 15 goals in their last five home matches against Wednesday’s opponents.

A difficult fixture to make a call so play safe and take the draw at 13/5.

Another difficult betting proposition sees Sunderland entertain newcomers Norwich City at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats continue to make progress under Martin O ‘Neill and have only lost twice since the Northern Irishman’s arrival on Wearside, but the Canaries are flying high since the turn of the year and have not lost in five in all competitions – scoring 10 goals in the process.

Norwich are unbeaten in four on the road in the Premier League and appeal at evens +1 in the match handicap.

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Sunday Premier League Preview

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While much of the attention this week has been on a certain local tussle at Old Trafford, thanks to Thursday’s Europa League encounters there are also four other Premier League games to entertain us on Sunday, featuring teams from the top, middle and bottom of the table.

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenal will be looking to arrest an alarming trend of European hangovers when they clash with Stoke at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday lunchtime. The Gunners have lost all four of their games that have immediately followed Champions League matches this season.

Stoke were in European action of their own, beating Maccabi Tel-Aviv 3-0 at the Britannia Stadium, and know a win in north London could take them into the top six. Arsenal’s worries this season have mainly been restricted to matches on the road and after winning their last five home games in all competitions, they should sneak this one.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Stoke @ 7/1

Fulham v Everton

Fulham boss Martin Jol was left frustrated on Thursday after a controversial red card for Moussa Dembele hampered their attempts to beat Wisla Krakow, David Biton’s second-half goal eventually condemning the Cottagers to a 1-0 defeat.

They do, however, have fond memories of their last home league match – a 6-0 romp against QPR. Everton will be desperate to arrest of run of three straight defeats but have a poor record by the Thames – they have won just one of their last 10 league matches away at Fulham.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Everton @ 11/2

Blackburn v Tottenham

The natives are restless at Ewood Park. A run of just one win in eight league games has left the Lancashire club bottom of the pile and a supporter protest is planned for the third home game in succession.

The contrast couldn’t be more stark between Rovers and Sunday’s opponents Spurs. Only a late Newcastle equaliser prevented Harry Redknapp’s men from winning a fifth league game on the bounce last weekend and they once again find themselves within touching distance of the top four with a game hand.

Prediction: Blackburn 1-3 Tottenham @ 14/1

QPR v Chelsea

The lack of a home victory is spoiling what has otherwise been a solid return to the Premier League for QPR. But how the fans would dearly love to break that particular duck against their west London rivals Chelsea.

However, they will be taking on a Blues side in fine form having won six of their last seven league games, scoring 23 goals in the process. The Stamford Bridge outfit have also lost just one of their last 14 league and cup games against QPR and that statistic won’t be changing on Sunday.

Prediction: QPR 0-3 Chelsea @ 8/1

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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 preview – Sunday

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There are three Premier League matches on Sunday with two sides that won their opening game, Bolton and Manchester City, set to face each other. New boys Norwich are also in action so we will take a look at how things might turn out on Sunday evening.

Bolton v Manchester City

Bolton are now firmly established as a top-flight club and they dealt ruthlessly with the threat of Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers last weekend. While the 4-0 scoreline may have flattered them slightly, it was still an excellent way to get their campaign up and running.

But Sunday’s clash will be a real test of their mettle as they welcome a City side to the Reebok who have real title ambitions after another summer of big-money signings.

Record signing Sergio Aguero bagged a brace on his City debut against Swansea and could well be handed a starting berth against the Trotters. The Argentina international hit-man looks a real talent and the Bolton rearguard will have to keep a close eye on him throughout the 90 minutes.

But such is the talent on show at the Eastlands club these days that goals could come from anywhere and there are even rumours that Carlos Tevez might make an appearance.

Bolton’s Ricardo Gardner will undergo a fitness test on his groin problem, while new signing Tuncay will be available if his work permit is sorted out in time.

Both sides scored four goals last time out and, while home advantage will certainly help Bolton, an away win seems the likely result here.

Odds: Bolton 7/2, City 5/6, draw 13/5

Norwich City v Stoke City

Norwich made the best start of the three promoted teams, gaining a creditable 1-1 draw away at Wigan Athletic, and Sunday’s clash at Carrow Road will be the first top-flight game there for six years.

There is sure to be a carnival atmosphere and that will help them against a well-organised and tough Potters outfit, who came away from Stamford Bridge with a point after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in their season-opener.

Stoke may feel the effects of Thursday’s trip to Switzerland when they played FC Thun in the Europa League but their 1-0 victory will have given them a confidence boost heading into the weekend’s fixture.

Norwich centre-back Zak Whitbread was forced off against Wigan because of a knee problem and his participation against Tony Pulis’ men is in doubt but Daniel Ayala, who joined from Liverpool on Tuesday, is waiting to fill his boots.

Stoke trio Jonathan Woodgate, Jermaine Pennant and Asmir Begovic were rested for the Swiss trip but should all start in East Anglia.

The Canaries’ stay in the Premier League lasted just one season last time and they will need to win the majority of their home games if they want to reverse that trend this time, and a home clash with Stoke will certainly have been pencilled in as one they can take three points from.

Odds: Norwich 6/4, Stoke 15/8, draw 23/10

Wolves v Fulham

Wolves were another side to take maximum points from their opening salvo with an excellent 2-1 win at Blackburn, while the Cottagers held Aston Villa to a goalless draw by the Thames.

The Molineux outfit waited until the final game of last season to secure their top-flight status but have started this term in a positive fashion as they look to consolidate their place in England’s top division.

Fulham are under new management and look to be an organised unit under Martin Jol although, like Stoke, they might suffer from their midweek European outing.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy may name the same side that won at Blackburn, with defender Richard Stearman fit again after hurting his back against Rovers.

Fulham could recall Dickson Etuhu, John Arne Riise, Philippe Senderos and Andrew Johnson, who were rested and dropped to the bench for the clash with Dnipro.

Both sides will be looking for a top-10 finish this year and a draw looks a sensible bet for this one.

Odds: Wolves 11/8, Fulham 11/5, draw 9/4

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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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Premier League hot properties

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Bet on the Premier LeagueThe transfer market is slowly starting to pick up pace with a number of the Premier League’s top players linked with moves this summer.

One player who is drawing plenty of headlines is Arsenal (7/1 Premier League 2011/2012 outright) playmaker Samir Nasri, who is clearly not happy with the lack of silverware the Gunners have been able to win since his arrival from Marseille.

The talented Frenchman has been linked with a move to the North West with both Manchester City and Manchester United after the 24-year-old.

United (13/8 Premier League 2011/2012 outright) are looking to fill the void left by Paul Scholes, after the midfield general hung up his boots at the end of last season, whilst City are looking to add to their wealth of riches in the middle of the park.

Chelsea have thrown their name into the hat but may have played it too late to sign the French international, with Nasri likely to move to one of the Manchester giants.

An English international who is attracting the attention of the Premier League’s top clubs is Aston Villa’s Stewart Downing.

Every summer the winger is linked with a move to one of the top four, but this summer could be Downing’s last at Villa Park with Liverpool and now Arsenal keen on acquiring the player’s services.

Villa have already turned down a £15m bid for the midfielder but it won’t be long before either the Reds or the Gunners produce a higher bid.

Wigan Athletic’s hot property Charles N’Zogbia will leave the Lancashire outfit if he does not agree a new contract with the club in the coming weeks.

The Frenchman has also been linked with Liverpool, who are desperate to acquire wide players to provide decent balls for frontmen Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

N’Zogbia was one of the main reasons why the Latics (17/10 Premier League 2011/2012 relegation) avoided the drop to the Championship last season, but the 25-year-old is likely to leave the club either this summer or in January, with just one year remaining on his current deal.

Luka Modric has been in the midst of much discussion, as United and Chelsea (5/2 Premier League 2011/2012 outright) have been strongly linked with the Tottenham Hotpsur creative midfielder.

The Blues have already has a £22m deal for the Croatian midfielder turned down, as Spurs are adamant the player will not be leaving White Hart Lane this summer.

But with a player who reportedly wants to leave the north London club and Tottenham looking to fund a brand new stadium, will they be able to say no if a monumental offer comes in?

City skipper Carlos Tevez has once again declared he wants to leave the club this summer as he continues to be dogged by homesickness.

It’s highly unlikely to think another Premier League club would make a bid for the Argentina striker, but the two Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are likely suitors for the former United star.

These Premier League stars are likely to be part of what is set to be a busy transfer window, with clubs desperate to finish as high as possible in the much anticipated upcoming season in England’s top flight.

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Premier League transfer blitz

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Despite the fact we are not even half-way through June, several Premier League clubs have been active in the transfer market already, as preparations for the new season gather pace. We look at some of the deals done so far, assess what impact they might have, and also predict who else is likely to be moving around this summer, in what is set to be another busy close-season.

If the first few weeks of the summer are anything to go by, then Liverpool look set to be among the busiest of all the top-flight clubs in the transfer window with Jordan Henderson already signed and sealed from Sunderland and plenty more tipped to follow him.

Director of football Damien Comolli has confirmed the Reds have several more top targets with Connor Wickham, Stewart Downing, Charles N’Zogbia, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique and Gael Clichy all said to be among them.

Henderson’s arrival sends out a warning message to the rest of the league that Liverpool (10/1 to win 2011-12 Premier League) are aiming to spend big on top, young English talent and, while his signing does represent a risk, after just one full season in the top flight, there is no doubt that the 20-year-old is a fine prospect and the sort of player the Merseysiders need to turn them from top-four contenders to real title challengers.

If Comolli and Kenny Dalglish can succeed in signing Wickham, either Downing or N’Zogbia, one from Clichy and Enrique, a centre-back and back-up keeper, then Liverpool will surely challenge the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal for a place in the top four in the new campaign.

Their spending is unlikely to be matched by Spurs (40/1) but Harry Redknapp is also on the lookout for new players and he has already landed Brad Friedel from Aston Villa on a free, as he looks for a reliable number one following inconsistent displays from Heurelho Gomes.

Luka Modric has been tipped to leave White Hart Lane, but Redknapp remains adamant he is not selling his top midfielder and he will hope to add more talent to his squad rather than getting rid of it.

Arsenal (7/1 Title odds) are also in dire need of strengthening if they are to sustain a title challenge next season, but of more pressing concern for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is trying to keep Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Clichy, who are all thought to be mulling over offers from elsewhere following another trophy-less season.

Manchester United (13/8f to win 2011-12 Premier League) have already agreed a deal to sign Phil Jones from Blackburn, while the capture of Ashley Young from Villa appears a near certainty as well.

Sir Alex Ferguson spoke in the wake of the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona that he needs more quality to take his side to the next level and Young and Jones are certainly a step in that direction. Modric and Wesley Sneijder have also been mentioned as possible signings for the champions, while expect Fergie to unearth at least another up-and-coming prospect from somewhere over the summer.

In terms of other ‘done deals’, new-boys Swansea have landed Danny Graham for £3.5million and Newcastle have agreed to sign Yohan Cabaye, but the real movement in the transfer market is still to come.

Expect plenty of comings-and-goings at super-rich Manchester City (10/3 – Premier League Outright) and Chelsea (5/2) as they tweak their squads for the new season while the likes of Villa, Newcastle and newly-promoted QPR have money to spend as well.

So, while a few major deals have already been completed the real transfer action is still to come. One thing is for sure, there is likely to be plenty ahead of the season kicking off again in August.

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Saturday Premier League preview

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Bet on the Premier LeagueEaster is upon us again and as we now have become accustom to the break not only brings us chocolate and a few lie-ins but also plenty of football action. No less than eight Premier League matches will take place on Saturday, all of which have some kind of importance.

This weekend could go a long way to sorting out matters at the top and bottom of the table. So we take a look at who will be allowed to enjoy their Easter eggs on Sunday and who might be spending a little bit longer in church to pray for divine intervention.

Manchester United v Everton (12:45pm)

No better place to start Saturday’s bumper offering than at Old Trafford and the home of the champions elect. United are laughing at the moment, every time they slip up their fellow title contenders fail to take advantage. They have now been gifted the chance to open up a nine point gap on Arsenal and Chelsea against the Toffees. Everton don’t like Old Trafford traditionally, failing to pick up three points at the Theatre of Dreams for nearly 19 years. David Moyes team have been in a good run of form but United are virtually unplayable at home this season and should pick up maximum points from the Merseysiders visit.

Match Bet – Man Utd to win with a -1 handicap @ 21/20

Aston Villa v Stoke City (3pm)

There has been very little talk about the itself game after Gerard Houllier was rushed to hospital during the week. Most of Friday’s press conference was concentrated on the well-being of the Frenchman but come 3pm all eyes will be on the Villa Park pitch. Villa are pretty much safe after their victory over West Ham last week took them past the 40-point mark. Stoke could join them in being safe with a win, but have a terrible record at Villa Park, failing to win a top flight game there since 1965. Having reached the FA Cup final last week and with Villa currently on the up it could be at least another year before Stoke taste victory at Villa.

Match Bet – Villa to win @ 4/5

Blackpool v Newcastle (3pm)
Life for Blackpool couldn’t get much tougher at the minute, they are seemingly in freefall and without a safety net to catch them they look Championship-bound. Last week represented a great chance for the Seasiders to move away from the drop zone but they blew it against Wigan. They now face a Newcastle side who passed the 40-point mark in midweek and looked good doing it. Whether they’ll take their eye off the ball now is debatable, but even if they do you have to question whether Blackpool are good enough to take advantage.

Match Bet - Draw @ 12/5

Liverpool v Birmingham (3pm)
Birmingham’s recent revival was stopped in its tracks at Chelsea on Wednesday, and they go from one tough away game to another with a trip to Anfield. The Reds have plenty of injuries to contend with at the moment but still looked very solid against Arsenal last Sunday. Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez are getting better with every game and for Blues the outlook is bleak. While the last seven games between these two clubs have been draws Birmingham will count themselves lucky to get anything out of this.

Match Bet - Liverpool half-time/ Liverpool full-time @ 11/10

Sunderland v Wigan (3pm)

Wigan haven’t waited until Easter weekend to get their resurrection underway as they look to continue a fabulous run of form against Sunderland. Having spent much of the season in the drop zone the Latics are now out and looking to claw back the Black Cats. The way things have gone for Steve Bruce recently it wouldn’t surprise many if his old team beat his current one at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have injury problems galore and have beaten Wigan once in nine Premier League matches.

Match Bet - Wigan to win @ 11/4

Tottenham v West Brom (3pm)
Not many West Brom fans would have expected to come into this game with almost nothing to play for. However, last Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea aside, the Baggies have been flying of late and need just another couple of points to make sure of safety. While West Brom would take a point Tottenham will be desperate for three as they look to leapfrog Manchester City into fourth. Spurs have struggled against teams towards the wrong end of the table this season and put a lot into Wednesday’s exciting 3-3 draw with Arsenal. However, they should have enough to class to turn over West Brom.

Match Bet – Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6 and both teams to score @ 7/10

Wolves v Fulham (3pm)
Wolves’ current situation is looking bleak after tumbling to the bottom of the table last weekend. Mick McCarthy’s men looked as though they would escape the drop with a decent run of form last month but have been stopped in their tracks since Kevin Doyle picked up a season-ending injury. However, hope springs eternal and Wolves’ last six matches are against teams in the bottom half of the table. They are also facing a team in Fulham who haven’t won away this year. If Wolves are ever going to start a fightback against the drop then they need to beat the Cottagers on Saturday.

Match Bet - Wolves to win @ 11/8

Chelsea v West Ham (5:30pm)
If our predictions are correct then West Ham will kick this game off bottom of the league and seemingly without of prayer against a resurgent Chelsea. Much like Wolves the Hammers looked as though they would escape the drop at the start of the month but have crumbled recently, conceding a late winner to Villa last week in the latest in a line of setbacks. Avram Grant will have to produce a miracle if they are to get anything from Stamford Bridge. The Blues have taken 19 points from the last 21 available to them and look to be the best challengers to Manchester United’s hopes of winning the league.

Match Bet – Chelsea to win 3-0 @ 7/1

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Scottish Premier League preview

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There are three SPL matches on Wednesday with Celtic hosting Hibs the pick of the games. Neil Lennon’s side could well find themselves in second beforehand if Rangers overcome St Johnstone on Tuesday so a win is vital for the Hoops’ title aspirations (Celtic 4/7 Rangers 5/4 – SPL outright winner).

It is shaping up to be a tight finish at the top of the table as we head into the final furlong of a season that, truth be told, has been overshadowed by the ugly scenes of confrontation between the Old Firm duo in last month’s Scottish Cup tie.

A six-point plan has now been drawn up by the SFA to try and quell the level of ill-feeling between the two clubs that was described as “shameful” by the governing body in the aftermath of that now infamous game. But with the top-two as closely-matched in the table as they are ahead of the midweek games, the intense rivalry between Glasgow’s two clubs is again the main focal point – but at least this time it’s on the pitch.

Rangers are currently two points behind Celtic ahead of Tuesday’s game but know they cannot afford another slip-up like the 3-2 home defeat against Dundee United on Saturday if they are to go on and win the title. With all the off-field issues over the club’s ownership also dominating the agenda this week, it’s tempting to say Saints can grab a draw in this one but a narrow win for Walter Smith’s side looks on the cards. Take 2-1 to the Gers at 7/1.

Celtic then host Hibs 24 hours later and, again, we can’t see anything but a win for Lennon’s side as they will be spurred on by the prospect of regaining top spot. The weekend clash at  was postponed so the Hoops will be fresh and raring to go. Celtic HT/FT at 4/6 does not offer too much value so Draw/Celtic at 16/5 is worth a punt with Hibs restricting the Bhoys for 45 minutes.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Motherwell host Dundee United and these two have so far enjoyed decent campaigns with the former currently sixth and the latter fourth in the table. A recent 3-0 win for Motherwell in the Scottish Cup is fresh in the memory so we go with another win for Craig Brown’s side here.

Fellow-strugglers St Mirren entertain Aberdeen as well on Wednesday with the Dons still having an outside chance of securing a top-half finish before the table splits into half for the final run-in. They are currently nine points behind Motherwell but this is their game in hand so an away win here is well worth considering at 15/8.

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All eyes on Premier prize

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It’s coming to the business end of the Premier League campaign and teams at the top and the bottom of the table are desperate for points (Barclays Premier League – totesport).

Who will be the players that will step forward and help their club lift the trophy or avoid the drop in the coming weeks?

The battle for survival has rarely been closer with just seven points difference between rock bottom and 10th place in the Premier League table.

With a new stadium just around the corner it would be disastrous for West Ham United to drop down into the Championship.

Only a few weeks ago it looked like the Hammers (7/4 to be relegated) would struggle to stay up this season but their inspirational skipper Scott Parker has been instrumental in their turnaround of fortunes.

The former Chelsea and Newcastle United midfielder has been tireless in the middle of the park, which has not gone unnoticed as England boss Fabio Capello started the 30-year-old in the Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales last weekend.

West Ham have to face Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea before the end of the season and Parker will be essential to their chances of survival.

Another side struggling at the bottom of the table is Wolves (7/4 to be relegated) and their position has not been made any easier as striker Kevin Doyle has been ruled out for the rest of the season, after he picked up knee ligament damage on international duty with Republic of Ireland.

Step up potential England midfielder Matt Jarvis, who has been a stand-out player for Wolves this term.

The 24-year-old could make his England debut against Ghana on Tuesday night at Wembley, which would be well deserved if he makes it onto the hallowed turf.

Jarvis’ pace and creativity will be crucial for Wolves as they hope to continue their unbeaten run of four games and avoid a return to the Championship.

Despite winning the Carling Cup this season, Birmingham City (6/4 to be relegated) could consider this a campaign to forget if they finish in the bottom three.

After tremendous effort in the Carling and FA Cup they must now focus on Premier League survival and the experience of Kevin Phillips could be key.

The veteran striker has been a super sub for Blues this season in cup football but Birmingham boss Alex McLeish could use the former Sunderland goal machine to bring a bit of spark to the side as they hope to climb up from 19th place in the league.

At the top of the table, chasing the title are rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, with both sides desperate for silverware this season.

United (1/2 to win the Premier League) will be looking to their Portuguese star Nani for the creativity to unlock sides between now and the end of the campaign.

The former Sporting Lisbon star has admitted that his confidence has been knocked since he was injured by a Jamie Carragher tackle in the 3-1 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Liverpool.

Nani will have to put that behind him as United look to beat Liverpool’s 18 league titles.

As for Arsenal (11/4 to win the Premier League) they have failed to win any silverware since 2004 and upcoming star Jack Wilshere will be desperate to end the barren spell.

The 19-year-old has been outstanding for the Gunners in the heart of midfield and has not looked out of place in the international stage either.

If the north London club are to overtake United at the top of the table, they will have to hope Wilshere does not burn out before the end of the season, as his work rate and passing can unlock any defence in the Premier League.

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