Tag Archives: Wolves

Wolves waiting to wound Whites

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Tuesday night will see two of last year’s Premier League teams, Wolves and Bolton, go head-to-head in the Championship at Molineux (Wolves 6/5 draw 12/5 Bolton 12/5 – Match Betting).

Bolton, who are still looking for a new manager since the sacking of Owen Coyle, look like they are close to bringing in top target, Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman, after the Eagles finally accepted an official approach from the Lancashire outfit.

The Trotters were fortunate to pick up all three points over the weekend against Bristol City, winning 3-2 at the Reebok Stadium having gone two goals behind early on.

Caretaker boss Jimmy Phillips has no new injury concerns for the trip to Molineux, as the Whites go in search of only their second away win of the season.

As for Wolves (10/1 Championship outright) they will have a big boost with the return of skipper Karl Henry from suspension, as he missed the club’s 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town over the weekend.

Manager Stale Solbakken is still struggling with a host of injuries, as the likes of Stephen Hunt, Jamie O’Hara and George Elokobi are still sidelined.

However, Wolves, who have only lost one game in their five outings on home soil this term, look like they will just be able to edge out the managerless Whites at Molineux.

Tuesday will also see Championship leaders Leicester City take on Brighton at the King Power Stadium, in a clash between two attacking sides (Leicester 5/6, draw 5/2, Brighton 10/3 – Match Betting).

Foxes boss Nigel Pearson was under pressure for his job only a few weeks ago but now the manager sees his side sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Striker Jamie Vardy must undergo a late fitness test and he will be a real threat for the Seagulls if he can shake of illness to play.

Brighton have fitness issues of their own with Andrea Orlandi out with a calf problem and forward Will Hoskins still not ready for action following his broken foot.

Manager Gus Poyet will have been disappointed with his side’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on the weekend and the Uruguayan might well be on the losing side against a Leicester (7/2 Championship outright) outfit who have won every game at home in the Championship this term.

Promotion-chasers Blackpool are also in action on Tuesday night as they prepare to host Nottingham Forest at Bloomfield Road (Blackpool 11/10 draw 12/5 Forest 12/5 – Match Betting).

Having made a storming start to the Championship season the Seasiders have been tumbling down the table with four defeats in their last five games.

To make matters worse manager Ian Holloway has been linked with the vacant job at Blackburn Rovers, which can only unsettle everyone concerned with the Tangerines.

As Blackpool have been struggling, Forest have seen a change in their fortunes and wins over Peterborough and Cardiff in their last two outings will have pleased manager Sean O’Driscoll.

This looks set to be another close contest but on their current form it wouldn’t be surprising to see Forest pull off another victory as they continue their push for a return to the English top flight.

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Wolves to pass Cobblers test

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The final match of the second round of the Capital One Cup takes place on Thursday and there’s a chance of a shock, as League Two Northampton take on Championship promotion hopefuls Wolves at Sixfields (Match Betting – Northampton 12/5, draw 12/5, Wolves 11/10).

The competition has already seen a number of upsets, with the likes of Burton, Swindon and Crawley all beating teams from higher divisions, and the Cobblers will be hoping their luck holds out.

Aidy Boothroyd’s men currently sit ninth in the table following an unbeaten start to the campaign and will look on the Capital One Cup as the perfect opportunity to raise some much-needed funds.

After finishing 20th last season, Boothroyd has remodelled his squad through the summer and has brought in a number of talented youngsters in a bid to aid his side’s push for promotion.

However, on nights like this it’s often experience that can make the difference and in veteran striker Clive Platt (13/2 – first goalscorer) Northampton may just have the perfect man to help them cause a shock.

The 34-year-old moved to Sixfields in the summer and although he has yet to find the net in his four appearances this season, he is a man who always rises to the occasion.

Platt’s physicality is sure to cause the Wolves defenders some problems and he’ll be hoping to prove he can still mix it with Championship players.

Like Thursday’s opponents, Wanderers have also had to make changes to their squad over the last few months but now look set to make a genuine challenge in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League in May.

New boss Stale Solbakken has had to wave goodbye to the likes of Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher but still has plenty of quality in his ranks and is likely to use the Northampton tie as the perfect opportunity to assess whether or not some of his fringe players are good enough to force their way into the side.

One of these is likely to be Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (5/1 – first goalscorer), who after years of failing to find any consistency in the top flight is likely to be given plenty of chances to shine in the Championship.

After already netting twice this term, the stocky striker will expect to get onto the scoresheet at Sixfields so look out for him to have big impact on the outcome of the game.

These matches are almost always too close to call and both teams will fancy their chances of making it into the third round where they could come up against one of the Premier League big boys.

However, despite their recent relegation, Wolves still have plenty of quality in their ranks and should emerge with a comfortable win (Wolves 16/1 to win 3-1).

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Wolves to give City the Blues

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Bet on the FA CupFollowing their goalless draw at St Andrew’s in their first FA Cup encounter earlier this month, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City are set to do battle once again in the replay clash at Molineux on Wednesday night (Wolves 21/20, draw 12/5, Birmingham 13/5 – Match Betting).

It was a dreary match between the two West Midlands rivals on January 7, with very little action taking place until the dying moments when Wolves’ Matt Jarvis nearly clinched it for the Premier League outfit.

However, Blues keeper Colin Doyle was equal to the effort and both sides will now need another 90 minutes and maybe more to decide who will make the trip to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round.

With Wolves in the midst of a Premier League relegation dogfight and Birmingham looking to use their games in hand to climb into the Championship play-off places, neither side would have wanted a replay in the cup.

But with this derby on the horizon both will be determined to get one over on their neighbours and it should be an open game at Molineux with both squads boasting attacking threats.

The Blues head into the game on the back of a 6-0 mauling of Millwall in Championship last weekend, with Marlon King (15/2 – First Goalscorer) bagging himself a brace against the Lions, who saw two men sent off.

King will be a threat for the Wolves defence alongside fellow striker Nikola Zigic but one man who has really caught the eye this season is the promising youngster Nathan Redmond.

The 17-year-old winger has been linked with a move to the English top flight, with a number of Premier League teams reportedly keeping tabs on the talented teenager.

Blues boss Chris Hughton has insisted the club are not interested in selling Redmond (9/2 -  To Score Anytime) in the January transfer window and why would they, considering his threat down the flanks and in front of goal?

Redmond bagged his second ever league goal in stoppage time against Millwall and would love to get on the score sheet against Wolves on Wednesday night to try to force his way in the starting XI in the future.

As for Wolves their priority will be to remain in the Premier League for next season but a win over their rivals this week would give fans something to cheer.

Steven Fletcher (4/1 – First Goalscorer) has been their main goalscoring threat this term with nine goals to his name in the Premier League.

Manager Mick McCarthy has relied on the Scotland international and he will cause the Blues problems if the Wolves boss decides to give him a run out, with another derby against Aston Villa taking place this weekend.

With Wolves showing great character in their 1-1 draw with high-flying Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, there seems to be a real spirit in the camp at Molineux.

Home advantage and that extra bit of quality in their ranks should give Wolves the edge in this one, but expect a far more open game than the drab affair at St Andrew’s.

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Blues hungry for Wolves test

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It is FA Cup third round weekend and Saturday throws up a whole host of interesting ties, but we will take a look at the trio of games which sees three Premier League sides running the risk of an early exit at the hands of Championship opposition.

BIRMINGHAM v WOLVES (12.30pm)

The early kick-off at St Andrew’s on Saturday see Chris Hughton’s Birmingham looking to take the scalp of their Midlands rivals and Premier League strugglers Wolves.

It would not be a major shock if the Blues did come out on top given that they lifted the Carling Cup and were amongst England’s elite last season before being relegated on the final day of the campaign in May.

Wolves escaped the drop courtesy of a better goal difference and have continued to struggle in the Premier League this season.

Therefore, the Blues will no doubt fancy their chances of some revenge here, as they welcome back fit-again duo Jordon Mutch and Liam Ridgewell, given that they are unbeaten in 11 games on home soil and have lost once in front of their own fans all season to date.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, who has not seen his side win in their last six league and cup games, could make several changes as his priority is Premier League survival.

Therefore, newcomers Emmanuel Frimpong and Eggert Jonsson may get a start, but Nenad Milijas is still missing as he will serve the third game of a three-match ban.

Wolves have only won away twice this term – in their opening two matches on the road at Blackburn and in the Carling Cup against Northampton – so Birmingham will feel they are there for the taking.

However, when the sides last met in the FA Cup in January 2009, it was Wolves who came out on top at St Andrews 2-0.

A tight game awaits, but with home advantage for Birmingham, we feel the Championship side could come out on top here.

Prediction: Home 90 Minutes @ 11/8
Value Bet: Marlon King 1st Goal Birmingham 2-1 Scorecast @ 35/1

NORWICH V BURNLEY (3pm)

Paul Lambert’s Canaries will be looking to take their good Premier League form into this cup clash against Eddie Howe’s Clarets, who have also been in decent form of late in the Championship.

However, Norwich have not got history on their side having only progressed past the third round once in the past eight seasons, with Leyton Orient coming out on top at Carrow Road 12 months ago.

Lambert is still without full-back Marc Tierney and on-loan Manchester United defender Ritchie De Laet due to respective injury problems, while loan man Kyle Naughton is ineligible.

But the chances are the City chief will hand several of his senior players the weekend off following a hectic festive fixture programme.

That could allow Burnley an opportunity to spring a surprise result as Howe is set to be without the banned full-back Kieran Trippier and injured defender Michael Duff for the trip to Norfolk.

The two sides have never met in the FA Cup before, but Burnley are unbeaten in their previous four league matches, while as for recent form, they have won six of their last eight Championship games so will be confident.

The game could hinge on how many changes Lambert elects to make as Burnley would be capable of winning the match if the Canaries are weakened too much.

But we will give him the benefit of the doubt when he said earlier in the week that he would be sending out an XI he feels can see them through to the fourth round draw.

Prediction: Home 90 Minutes @ 10/11
Value Bet: Burnley/Norwich HT /FT @ 25/1

WEST BROM V CARDIFF (3pm)

A cracking game lies in wait at the Hawthorns as an inconsistent West Brom side go up against Malky Mackay’s high-flying Championship side for the right to progress to FA Cup round four.

Roy Hodgson’s Baggies go into the game without a win or goal in their last three Premier League outings, while they will also be wary of the fact that they have crashed out of the FA Cup against Cardiff’s Championship rivals Reading in the previous two seasons.

Add to that an injury crisis for the hosts, with Chris Brunt, Zoltan Gera, Shane Long, Steven Reid, Jonas Olsson, Jerome Thomas, James Morrison and Youssouf Mulumbu all set to miss out, and Cardiff will be scenting an upset.

The 2008 finalists also have a good recent record against Albion with two wins and three draws in their last five encounters.

Mackay should be boosted by the return of Kevin McNaughton after a calf injury so Craig Conway might have to settle for a place on the bench along with Stephen McPhail and former West Brom striker Robert Earnshaw.

The only conundrum for Mackay is that his side have a Carling Cup semi-final first leg tie against Crystal Palace coming up on Tuesday and that could well affect his team selection plans for this tie.

It is difficult to choose between he two sides and, while neither side will want one, we can see a possible replay on the cards.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 11/4
Value Bet: 2-2 Correct Score @ 14/1

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Wolves to end 2011 on a high

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While most of us have lost track of the days over the Christmas period, New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday this year, and as such there is a bumper day of Premier League action to look forward to. We look at the three best bets that could have you cracking open the champagne a bit before midnight.

Chelsea v Aston Villa 3pm

The Blues will be glad to see the back of 2011 after 12 months full of disappointments and realisations that their squad of superstars are starting to look a bit over the hill. Andre Villas-Boas is trying to change all that but so far has found it tough going. Boxing Day’s 1-1 draw with Fulham effectively ended their title challenge, according to the Portuguese coach, in a move which looks like a bit of reverse psychology. Villas-Boas will hope his team responds to the challenge against Aston Villa, a game that might prove tougher than they expect.

Villa fans have also had to endure a torrid 2011 and will no doubt head to Stamford Bridge full of trepidation about what is to come. No doubt Alex McLeish will set his team up to be tough to beat, as he did at Stoke on Boxing Day when they managed to keep the Potters at bay. As such a win for Villa seems highly unlikely but a draw might not be beyond the realms of possibility. The draw is priced at 4/1, a good looking bet when you consider Chelsea’s last three games have ended 1-1.

This game is likely to be a low scoring affair and with Chelsea struggling to find the back of the net it could be another long afternoon for the Blues faithful.

Bolton v Wolves 3pm

2012 is likely to bring heartache for one, if not both, of these clubs as they battle against the drop. We might be in December but the result of this clash at the Reebok Stadium could go a long way to deciding who splits their year between the Premier League and the Championship.

Bolton fans will have been bitterly disappointed with their display against Newcastle after the win against Blackburn. The news that Gary Cahill is off to Chelsea is only likely to darken the mood at the Reebok Stadium heading into the new year. The Trotters have won once and lost eight of their nine games at home this season and there is already an air of inevitability regarding relegation at the Reebok Stadium it seems.

Wolves will be seen as very beatable by Owen Coyle but are likely to prove a tough nut to crack given their great rearguard display in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday. Five points from the last five matches might not be anything to shout about but at least it shows a bit of progress. Wolves are 23/10 to win at Bolton, a decent price in a game which is likely to be a tight affair.

Wolves might never have won at the Reebok Stadium but even with history on their side it just looks like being one of those seasons for Coyle and co.

Norwich v Fulham 3pm

Mid-table mediocrity beckons for these two teams in 2012, something the Canaries will be delighted about given that this time two years ago they had just moved into the top two in League One. Norwich have managed to continue that winning feeling that has surrounded Carrow Road in the last two years and have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season.

Paul Lambert’s men might have been outclassed by Tottenham on Tuesday but will have expected that given the quality they have. It’s games like this one against Fulham they will have targeted to take three points from.  They have already won four games at home this season and with Fulham perennial strugglers on the road the omens look good for Norwich.

Fulham impressed against Chelsea on Boxing Day but will admit that if it hadn’t been for keeper David Stockdale things could have been different. All does not seem well at Craven Cottage, with reports of manager Martin Jol falling out with players continuing to surface. Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora didn’t even feature at Stamford Bridge and until Jol can make the squad his own the Cottagers are likely to be a mixed bag.

A Norwich win is 13/8, with the draw on offer at 9/4 and Fulham at 7/4. We fancy Norwich to rack up yet another win and keep the good times rolling into the new year.

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Wolves hungry for vital win

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Sunday throws up potentially the first ’six-pointer’ of the Premier League season as Wolves welcome Sunderland to Molineux. Both teams are in rotten runs of form and are in desperate need for three points. Elsewhere, Everton will be hoping Stoke have another European hangover when they head to Goodison Park for what should be a physical encounter.

Everton v Stoke City 3pm

The afternoon kicks off with Everton, who have won the last two, taking on the travel-sick Stoke. The Potters were dealt a rotten hand when it came to fixtures after Europa League matches, being forced to play away after all six of their group stage contests. So far, after European matches, its four games and four defeats, going down 5-0 at Bolton in their last away fixture.

Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Dynamo Kiev was a hard fought encounter and is likely to have taken something out of Tony Pulis’s men. With that in mind it is no surprise Everton are installed as 8/11 favourites for the win in the match betting, with Stoke at 9/2 and the draw at 5/2.

Stoke did stop the league rot with a win over Blackburn last weekend but Everton are seemingly a team on the up after a horrible run of fixtures. David Moyes’s team look like they are beginning to build a bit of momentum and, with the exception of next week’s trip to Arsenal, will view the next five fixtures as very winnable. The Toffees have been boosted the news Phil Neville, Sylvain Distin and Jack Rodwell could be fit for the clash – the latter having been in good form since his impressive run out with England.

The game is unlikely to be one for the purists or feature a boat-load of goals, but that should suit Everton as they look to pick up a third win on the bounce.

Wolves v Sunderland 4pm

The late kick-off on Sunday is arguably the most intriguing fixture of the day given what has happened at the Stadium of Light this week. Sunderland fans have suffered a torrid 2011 and finally lost patience with Steve Bruce last Saturday following the defeat to Wigan. Black Cats owner Ellis Short has heard their cries and Martin O’Neill looks set to takeover on Wearside in the not too distant future. The new man could be there on Sunday to see what his new team are made of as they look to get a positive result from the trip to Molineux.

Wolves have picked up four points from their last two at home and have a habit of picking up the points when they need to. Having won just one of their last 11, the pressure is on Wolves to take the three points and they’ll view Sunderland as the perfect opponents. The Black Cats have won twice all season and look a team in desperate need of a confidence boost. The news that O’Neill is on his way will help but it might not save them on Sunday.

Sunderland have lost on their last three visits to Wolves and, with the home side welcoming back Stephen Hunt and Jamie O’Hara, it looks like they could return to the north-east empty handed once more. Wolves are 11/8 in the match betting, with the draw 23/10 and Sunderland 21/10.

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Villa will be hungry like Wolves

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There are six matches in the Premier League on Saturday with Wolves travelling to local rivals Aston Villa aiming to maintain their 100 per cent start the pick of the bunch as we assess that clash and the other top-flight encounters which may take your fancy.

Aston Villa v Wolves (12.05pm)

Alex McLeish’s men are unbeaten with four points from their opening two games, but they have been overshadowed by their Midlands rivals as Mick McCarthy’s side boast a 100 per cent record going into the Villa Park showdown.
Villa strike duo Gabby Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey have been declared fit after suffering minor injuries against Blackburn, while youngsters Chris Herd and Eric Lichaj are vying to replace QPR-bound Luke Young at right-back as the hosts aim to stretch their decent run to one defeat in 11 league games.
Ironically, the last side to win at Villa Park was Wolves in March as they ended a 31-year wait for that feat.
If they repeat that success (Wolves 3/1 Away 90 Minutes) on Saturday lunch-time it will be the first time they have ever won three successive Premier League matches.
McCarthy is set to name an unchanged side from the one that defeated Fulham at Molineux last Sunday.
However, it is Villa who are looking in good shape to avenge last season’s defeat and will bring Wolves’ good start to a halt.

Prediction: Villa Home 90 Minutes @ evens
Value Bet: Gabby Agbonlahor 1st goal Match Goalscorer @ 11/2

Wigan v QPR (12.30pm)

An interesting clash at the DW Stadium as Wigan are unbeaten from their opening two matches having drawn with Premier League new boys Norwich and Swansea.
They will be hoping to secure a first win against the third promoted outfit this weekend when Neil Warnock’s Londoners arrive.
Roberto Martinez’s men will be without Antolin Alcaraz, Steven Gohouri and possibly Victor Moses as they look to stretch their unbeaten run on home soil which dates back to February.
However, the R’s will be boosted by their 1-0 win at Everton last weekend not to mention the arrival of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton on a four-year deal, although he might not be eligible to play.
They are also unbeaten in their previous games at Wigan, while they boasted the best away record in the Championship last term.
A close game beckons and that is why we can?t separate them so a draw is the likeliest outcome.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Wigan/Draw HT/FT @ 14/1

Blackburn v Everton (3pm)

An early season basement battle at Ewood Park will see the under-fire Steve Kean’s Rovers go head-to-head with David Moyes’ Toffees.
Rovers have lost their opening two games, while Everton have only played one – but lost at Goodison Park to new boys QPR last Saturday.
Something will have to give this weekend and Kean will hope captain Chris Samba can make his first appearance of the season after overcoming a groin injury, while here could be a debut for new midfield signing Simon Vukcevic.
Everton usually do well at Blackburn, although they lost the first match in seven on the opening day of last season (9/4 Home 90 Minutes).
And, with money sparse for new signings Moyes will be hoping Tim Cahill (13/8 Anytime Goalscorer) can end his 11-match run without a league goal.
Winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is available after completing a three-match ban, while fit-again pair Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini are set for their first league starts of the season.
Another tight game, but we fancy Everton to get their season up and running while heaping more misery on Kean.

Prediction: Everton Away 90 Minutes @ 13/10
Value Bet: Everton 2-1 Correct score @ 8/1

Chelsea v Norwich (3pm)

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas got his first taste of victory last weekend with a narrow win against West Brom at Stamford Bridge, while ten-man Norwich snatched a draw from the jaws of victory at Carrow Road when Stoke – who held Chelsea on the opening weekend – scored an injury time equaliser.
Chelsea have won seven of their last eight league games on home soil and Villas-Boas will look for that to be eight out of nine on Saturday evening.
New signing Juan Mata is likely to be on the bench, but David Luiz is set to miss out due to his ongoing thigh problem, while Hilario will again deputise for injured number one goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Unbeaten Norwich failed to win on the road in their previous Premier League campaign in 2004/05 and will be looking for a first away-day success in the top flight at the 32nd attempt.
Boss Paul Lambert has Leon Barnett back from suspension following his red card against Stoke.
But recent signing Daniel Ayala is out for eight weeks with a knee injury, while Wes Hoolahan is doubtful with a hamstring problem.
Chelsea have won their last three games against Norwich at Stamford Bridge 4-0 (17/2 Correct Score) and that tells you everything you need to know when considering a punt on Saturday’s showdown.

Prediction: Chelsea Home 90 Minutes @ 1/5
Value Bet: Juan Mata Last Goalscorer @ 5/1

Swansea v Sunderland (3pm)

These two sides meet at the Liberty Stadium boasting just one point from their opening two games of the season so a first win will be the top priority for Swans boss Brendan Rodgers and his Black Cats counterpart Steve Bruce.
Swansea have the omens on their side have they won the previous three games in South Wales – albeit they last met in the 1982-83 season.
However, they will have to try and get a fourth win without Garry Monk, who remains sidelined by a foot injury, and knee injury victim Ferrie Boddie.
Bruce’s Wearsiders have endured a difficult week after following up a creditable opening day draw at Liverpool with a North-East derby defeat against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light and a Carling up reverse at Brighton.
Sunderlan, who are set to hand John O’Shea his debut, have lost 11 of their last 16 games in the Premier League and will have to work hard to ensure that tally is not added to on Saturday.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Swansea/Draw HT/FT @ 14/1

Liverpool v Bolton (5.30pm)

King Kenny Dalglish’s Reds got their season up and running with an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal last Saturday after being held by Sunderland a week earlier, while Bolton followed up their opening day 4-0 romp at QPR with a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
However, the Merseysiders appear to have an Indian sign over the Trotters having won their last nine games against them, keeping six clean sheets in the process.
And, Dalglish will be looking for that to be 10 on Saturday, although he might have to do without Glen Johnson, who faces a fitness test on a hamstring problem.
Luis Suarez is certain to start after being on the bench at Arsenal, while Andy Carroll will look to score his first league goal of the season after notching at Exeter in the Carling Cup in the week.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle will hope he can end his side’s 55-year wait for maximum points at Anfield, although he will be without left-back Marcos Alonso after he broke a bone in his foot in the League Cup win against Macclesfield.
Gretar Steinsson, Sam Ricketts and Tyrone Mears are also sidelined for the encounter which is likely to see Liverpool continue their good run against the Wanderers.

Prediction: Liverpool Home 90 Minutes @ 2/5
Value Bet: Andy Carroll 1st Goal Liverpool 2-0 Scorecast @ 14/1

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Phillips to push Wolves nearer door

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There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and all can have repercussions at either end of the table. Here is a look ahead to all the key fixtures.

Birmingham City (11/10) v Wolves (5/2) Draw (23/10)

Birmingham City need to make their home fixtures count and especially against fellow relegation rivals Wolves. Alex McLeish’s side are only three points above the drop zone but they should have enough about them to sink Mick McCarthy’s troops further into the mire.

Birmingham have won three of the last four league meetings with Wolves – including a key Championship promotion battle at this stage of the season in 2009.

They appear to match up well against Wolves in that they can handle the rough and tumble nature of a West Midlands derby but also possess players with that extra bit of quality to grab a goal in a tight game. Kevin Phillips did it last year by scoring twice as a second half substitute and his record against Wolves is such that he will be a very good bet to be First Goalscorer (9/2) or Last Goalscorer (9/2).

Bet – Birmingham (11/10), Phillips First Goalscorer (9/2) and Last Goalscorer (9/2)

Liverpool (1/2) v Newcastle (6/1) Draw (3/1)

Liverpool have not lost a match at Anfield since Wolves’ shock 1-0 victory back in December and there is no reason to suspect that their run of seven wins and three draws since then will come to an end on Sunday.

Newcastle have picked up six away points from the last 21 on offer and have only scored three away goals since they sold Andy Carroll to Kenny Dalglish’s side.

Carroll’s ability to link up with fellow new boy Luis Suarez is already in evidence and it may be prudent to back both players in the anytime goalscorer market. However, Liverpool’s record of leading at half-time in their last ten shows that they have secured an interval advantage in only four of those fixtures. So take the 3/1 on offer for Draw/Liverpool in the Double Result market.

Arsenal (6/4) v Manchester United (9/5) Draw (9/4)

Arsenal have won only two of the ten matches they have played since the Carling Cup final loss to Birmingham City in February. Their fragile self-belief was cracked by Obafemi Martins at Wembley while Manchester United are now dreaming of ending their season in glory at the same stadium.

The Gunners can cause United problems on their own patch, no doubt about it, and in players like Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie they have more than enough to suggest that they will score.

However, Manchester United will not give an inch and may be worth backing to stun Arsenal by coming from behind to with the match. Totesport are offering 10/1 that United can do what only Tottenham have done at the Emirates Stadium this season.

Bet – Van Persie Enhanced First Goalscorer (6/1), Man Utd to win from behind (10/1)

Manchester City (2/5) v West Ham United (7/1) Draw (7/2)

Manchester City can take another huge step towards Champions League qualification with what should be a routine home win against bottom-of-the-table West Ham in the late Sunday game.

City’s morale will have been boosted by Spurs’ failure to take anything at Chelsea and, if the home side score early, this could be a horrible afternoon for Hammers fans.

Roberto Mancini’s tactics have been conservative at times this season but if David Silva gets on the ball and dictates the play they could score three or more goals for the seventh time since the turn of the year. City are second bottom of the Overs/Unders table – with their games averaging just 2.45 goals, but West Ham are a side they can tear apart and they may end up very comfortable winners in the end.

Bet – Man City (-1 Handicap) (21/20)

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Potters to put Wolves down

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Wolves travel to Stoke on Tuesday night knowing they missed a golden opportunity to ease their relegation fears against Fulham on Saturday. They must now win at a ground which has been described as a ‘bear pit’ if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

While most Stoke fans will be concentrating on May 15 and the FA Cup final, manager Tony Pulis will be more concerned with picking up the handful of points they need to make sure of Premier League football for another season.

How pivotal the draw against Fulham was for Wolves won’t be discovered until the dust has settled on this season. 1-0 up and with ten minutes left Mick McCarthy’s side were looking good to scramble out of the relegation zone. That was until Andrew Johnson popped up with a late equaliser and let all the air out of Molineux.

After such a disappointing result Wolves haven’t got long to pick themselves back up and put a winning formula together ahead of the derby with Stoke.

Tuesday’s trip to the Britannia Stadium is their game in hand over the majority of the relegation strugglers around them. But the Britannia isn’t exactly the place you want to go when you are looking for nice, easy away day.

Stoke have lost just four times at home all season, picking up maximum points in half of their games on their own turf. Contrast that with Wolves’ shocking away form and you can see why Stoke are 20/23 for the win and Wolves are 10/3, with the draw at 12/5. Wolves have won just twice away from home all season, losing 12 of their 16 matches on the road.

With those stats in mind you might think Wolves were in line for a hammering but that shouldn’t be the case. McCarthy’s men looked pretty solid on Saturday and while Stoke racked up five against Bolton a couple of weeks ago that was seemingly a one-off.

Traditionally these two sides don’t share too many goals between them, with two goalless draws in the last six meetings. For that reason you might look at one or less in the total goals market at 11/5, or under 2.5 goals at 8/11.

With just five games left for Wolves they will look at the trip to Stoke as their toughest game left, with trips to Birmingham and Sunderland to come, along with home games against West Brom and Blackburn. Somewhere in those remaining games they are going to have to find an away win, but it looks very unlikely to come against Stoke.

The Potters look to have been galvanised by their Wembley success and Pulis might argue they deserved to win at Aston Villa on Saturday, rather than share the spoils.

With Stoke on 38 points and still not mathematically safe from relegation Pulis will be eager to make sure they secure their league status quickly so they can turn their attentions to the FA Cup.

With Arsenal and Manchester City still to come they might look at Wolves as their golden ticket to safety. Expect Wolves to put up their usual spirited fight but, in the end, be no match for Stoke.

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Wolves out to pile on Reds agony

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This weekend sees new signing Darren Bent make a possible debut for Aston Villa and Liverpool face a difficult away trip to take on Wolves in what promises to be another fascinating weekend of Premier League action.

Wolves v Liverpool (12.45)

Liverpool simply have to be opposed for what could be a very awkward assignment in the early Premier League game at Molineux against Wolves.

Second-from-bottom Wolves head into this crucial fixture on the back of a 5-0 thumping of Doncaster in the FA Cup and have influential club captains Karl Henry and Jody Craddock back in their ranks.

Wolves have five wins from 11 home games – including victories over Chelsea and Manchester City – against a side with eight defeats on the road already this season (the second-worst away record in the division) and missing Steven Gerrard.

Wolves have the momentum to take the three points and the 15/2 about the 1-0 correct score looks appealing.

Arsenal v Wigan

Arsenal are unbeaten in the Premier League since the end of November but defeats on home soil to West Brom and Newcastle make the 1/5 about an Emirates win unattractive.

They go into the match on the back of a gutsy away win in the FA Cup against Leeds so will have their tails up for the visit of the unpredictable Latics.

In-form France midfielder Samir Nasri is a realistic punt at 6/5 Anytime Goalscorer and Robin van Persie, wrapped in cotton wool at Elland Road before coming off the bench to score late on, offers value at 11/4 First Goalscorer if he gets the nod by manager Arsene Wenger.

Blackpool v Sunderland

A tumultuous week for Black Cats boss Steve Bruce could get worse on Saturday with this tricky trip to Bloomfield Road.

Bruce is still reeling from the loss of star striker Darren Bent to Aston Villa and has also lost Danny Wellbeck to injury in a week to forget, meaning he has just Asamoah Gyan to lead the line.

It is hard to pin down what affect Bent leaving will have on the Wearsiders and Blackpool – who have won three and drawn one of their last five at home, and beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last month – could take full advantage.

Blackpool can be backed at 6/4 to stick the knife in on a disenchanted Bruce or the 2-0 Correct Score is a generous 9/1.

Everton v West Ham

Not a fixture for the purists and the 1/2 quote about an Everton win looks skinny considering their best work has come away from home.

The Toffees have won just one of their last five at Goodison Park and West Ham have enough battling qualities to take a point here and the 0-0 correct score is available at 11/1.

True, West Ham’s away record is wretched – they have only won once in the league this season away from the Boleyn – but their resolve to beat the drop has been strengthened by recent controversies and Avram Grant may just fancy his chances.

Fulham v Stoke

Another head scratcher on the banks of the Thames from a betting viewpoint sees Stoke, who plan to sell Ricardo Fuller, arrive at Craven Cottage.

Draws have been killing the west Londoners and the 11/5 about another stalemate here offers the best value of the three outcomes.

Manchester United v Birmingham

Manchester United have looked imperious at Old Trafford this season and remain unbeaten on home soil without getting out of third gear.

West Brom remain the only team to have left M16 without nothing and even that came about because of a rare howler from Edwin van der Saar, so it is difficult to make a case for Birmingham on their travels.

A Goal in Both Halves is quoted at 1/2 and Man United-Man United is on offer at 8/15 in what looks like a one-sided book.

Dimitar Berbatov has scored 14 Premier League goals so far this season and the 3/1 price about the Bulgarian in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market may offer an alternative way in.

Newcastle v Tottenham

Newcastle have emerged as an unpredictable beast on home soil and handsome wins against the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland and West Ham are offset by defeats against teams such as Blackpool, Blackburn and Stoke – not forgetting a scruffy draw with Wigan.

If pushed Tottenham should have enough for the north-east giants but, away from the outrights, Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale have each found the net on 11 occasions in all competitions from behind the main striker.

The scorecast of Bale and Tottenham 2-1 win is quoted at a whopping 50/1 for value hawks in what could be an open game.

Aston Villa v Manchester City (17.30)

Aston Villa went unbeaten in their first seven home games of the league season but have now lost three of the last four at Villa Park to slip into deep trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League table ahead of the clash with Manchester City.

The signing of Darren Bent offers some indication of the urgency for the Midlanders to scrap their way out of a relegation dogfight and they should just have enough to beat the drop.

City have won seven of their last 10 Premier League engagements and have to be considered as genuine title threats.

The 9/4 quote about City-City half-time full-time outcome is realistic and would have landed in six of their last seven wins (City have won nine out of nine when leading at half-time this term) and Villa have trailed at the break in five of their last six defeats.

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