BIRMINGHAM/CHELSEA
Hasselbaink is back for Arsenal while Stanic is rated 50/50 to start. Chelsea have not won in their last 3 premiership matches. Their last win was on December 7th against Everton.
Birmingham are in full health but seem to be in a big slump. They have won only 1 of last 11 Premiership matches.
Last time these two teams played Chelsea won easiliy 3-0.
Verdict: I expect the same tonight from much more experienced Chelsea, they will need to pick up form in order to reach Newcastle for an eventual EUFA CUP place. Odds are great, at williamhill for 1.83. Take Chelsea and thank me later.
Hasselbaink is back for Arsenal while Stanic is rated 50/50 to start. Chelsea have not won in their last 3 premiership matches. Their last win was on December 7th against Everton.
Birmingham are in full health but seem to be in a big slump. They have won only 1 of last 11 Premiership matches.
Last time these two teams played Chelsea won easiliy 3-0.
Verdict: I expect the same tonight from much more experienced Chelsea, they will need to pick up form in order to reach Newcastle for an eventual EUFA CUP place. Odds are great, at williamhill for 1.83. Take Chelsea and thank me later.
LEEDS/WEST HAM
Leeds have serious injury problems and it couldnt have come at a worse time. Viduka is serving a 3 match suspension, Alan Smith has a flu and Kewell has hamstring problems. This means that their attacking power is seriously hampered. This is not good news for their coach and fans as they are in desperate need of better form since they have not won a premiership game in 4 games (3 losses and a draw).
West Ham are set to welcome Freddie Kanoute back from injury and Ian Pearce should be back in the line-up. West Ham are also in a desperate situation as they are in the relegation zone. West Ham has only won 1 of last 16 Premiership matches and failed to score in the last 2 of 3 matches.
Last time these two teams played Leeds won 4-3 at Upton Park (West Ham)
Verdict: Leeds' attacking force is seriously depleated while West Ham have proved that they have been unable to score. I do not expect a 7 game thriller like last game!
Recommended pick: Under 2.5
Leeds have serious injury problems and it couldnt have come at a worse time. Viduka is serving a 3 match suspension, Alan Smith has a flu and Kewell has hamstring problems. This means that their attacking power is seriously hampered. This is not good news for their coach and fans as they are in desperate need of better form since they have not won a premiership game in 4 games (3 losses and a draw).
West Ham are set to welcome Freddie Kanoute back from injury and Ian Pearce should be back in the line-up. West Ham are also in a desperate situation as they are in the relegation zone. West Ham has only won 1 of last 16 Premiership matches and failed to score in the last 2 of 3 matches.
Last time these two teams played Leeds won 4-3 at Upton Park (West Ham)
Verdict: Leeds' attacking force is seriously depleated while West Ham have proved that they have been unable to score. I do not expect a 7 game thriller like last game!
Recommended pick: Under 2.5
LIVERPOOL/MIDDLESBORO
Middlesboro are unsettled as there are a bunch of new signings playing today including Michael Ricketts, Chris Riggott, Malcolm Christie and John Eustace. I doubt that all the players are used to each other, should bring about some confusion. Also defenders Parnaby and Queudrue are doubtful to start. Middleboro have only won 1 of last 10 Premiership matches.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are in decent form in the premiership (2 wins and 2 draws in last 4 games). Gerrard is out with a suspension but Smicer is back in. I think they will want to avenge the loss they suffered (and i suffered too) to Crystal Palace on Wednesday in the FA CUP. I expect Owen to FINALLY step up and prove his worth in this game.
Last time these two teams played Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield.
Verdict: Middlesboro is unsettled while Liverpool have everything to play for. I dont think they will lose at Anfield two times in the same week. It might also be a factor that Liverpool hold an unbeaten home premiership record over 'Boro (5 wins, 2 draws).
Easy win for Liverpool! 1.50 odds at ladbrokes. Also recommending the controversial over 2.5 goals.
GOOD LUCK!!
Middlesboro are unsettled as there are a bunch of new signings playing today including Michael Ricketts, Chris Riggott, Malcolm Christie and John Eustace. I doubt that all the players are used to each other, should bring about some confusion. Also defenders Parnaby and Queudrue are doubtful to start. Middleboro have only won 1 of last 10 Premiership matches.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are in decent form in the premiership (2 wins and 2 draws in last 4 games). Gerrard is out with a suspension but Smicer is back in. I think they will want to avenge the loss they suffered (and i suffered too) to Crystal Palace on Wednesday in the FA CUP. I expect Owen to FINALLY step up and prove his worth in this game.
Last time these two teams played Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield.
Verdict: Middlesboro is unsettled while Liverpool have everything to play for. I dont think they will lose at Anfield two times in the same week. It might also be a factor that Liverpool hold an unbeaten home premiership record over 'Boro (5 wins, 2 draws).
Easy win for Liverpool! 1.50 odds at ladbrokes. Also recommending the controversial over 2.5 goals.
GOOD LUCK!!
However, I think the Liverpool game is one I could happily stay away from.
You say Middlesborough have new signings that will take time to gel. True. But Ricketts is a terrific striker and I just have a feeling that his new surroundings will suit him perfectly.
On paper, Liverpool will win this football match but Houlier is under extreme pressure and for the first time I hear voices of dissent among the Anfield faithfull.
They say a manager's useful life span at any one club is 3 years and perhaps it may be time to say au revoir at 5.45 tomorrow?
______________________________
Danish Lifeguard
You say Middlesborough have new signings that will take time to gel. True. But Ricketts is a terrific striker and I just have a feeling that his new surroundings will suit him perfectly.
On paper, Liverpool will win this football match but Houlier is under extreme pressure and for the first time I hear voices of dissent among the Anfield faithfull.
They say a manager's useful life span at any one club is 3 years and perhaps it may be time to say au revoir at 5.45 tomorrow?
______________________________
Danish Lifeguard
