"Mystical" Mike Norman talks us through six big matches all kicking off at 3pm on Saturday that could have a huge impact at both ends of the table.
Best bet: West Brom to beat Portsmouth @ 5.7.
Recommended Bets: Lay Chelsea @ 1.29 against Bolton; Back Middlesbrough/Middlesbrough (HT/FT) @ 3.75; Back West Brom to beat Portsmouth @ 5.7; Back Man Utd/Man Utd (HT/FT) @ 2.38; Back The Draw (Tottenham v West Ham) @ 3.7; Lay Arsenal @ 1.79 against Wigan
Chelsea 1.28 v Bolton 16.5; The Draw 6.0
Chelsea's euphoric victory over Liverpool in midweek will have given the club a massive boost going into the latter part of the season. But with one eye on Tuesday's return fixture against the Reds, and playing against a dogged Bolton side in reasonable form, then a lay bet on Chelsea (1.29) is the token selection.
Didier Drogba is a slight injury concern and is therefore almost certain to be rested ahead of Tuesday's crucial match. This will give Nicolas Anelka an excellent chance of being the First Goalscorer in the game (odds of around 5.5 should be available once the market matures) or to score at Any Time (2.5).
Under 2.5 Goals is available to back at 2.04 (Over 2.5 Goals is 1.94) and is just preferred, along with Correct Scores of 0-0 (15.5) and 1-1 (12.0).
Middlesbrough 2.16 v Hull 4.0; The Draw 3.4
I dreamt about this game the other night. Boro were 2-1 down at half time when visions of a disgruntled Gareth Southgate thankfully turned into a swimsuit-posing Gemma Atkinson. Who cares how the match ended up?
The real picture for Middlesbrough is more like a nightmare however, and securing three points against Hull City is simply a must. The Riverside Stadium will be packed to the rafters (reduced ticket prices rather than loyalty being the reason) and a tremendous atmosphere is assured. Because of this, I'm going for Boro to score early, lead at half time, and win comfortably. Middlesbrough/Middlesbrough is available to back at 3.75 in the Half Time/Full Time market.
A Correct Score of 2-0 (10.5) to the home side is where my money is going, along with a lay bet on Middlesbrugh to be relegated at 1.35. Two wins from their next two home games will see them back in with a chance of survival. My heart says they can do it.... and I'm going to break the golden rule of betting by following it.
Portsmouth 1.76 v West Brom 5.7; The Draw 3.75
The best thing Tony Mowbray could have told his players this week is that his side are relegated and to go out and enjoy the rest of the season. With their Premiership status seemingly gone, and a lot less pressure on their shoulders, they might just put in a performance that surprises Pompey. Glenn Johnson's suspension is a key loss for Portsmouth and I'm taking the Baggies to win.
It probably won't be a classic so Under 2.5 Goals is the choice at odds of 1.89 (Over 2.5 Goals is 2.08), with Under 1.5 Goals (available to back at 3.4) not completely ruled out either.
In a match where I'd prefer to keep my stakes to a minimum, a few Correct Score bets are where I'd look for a nice return. Draws such as 0-0 (11.5) and 1-1 (8.2) are worth considering, but at a nice price, a 1-0 victory to West Brom is the selection at odds of 16.5.
Sunderland 8.6 v Man Utd 1.52; The Draw 4.3
Manchester United have been poor for the last month or so now, but at least they are still scoring goals which is more than can be said about Sunderland. Just two goals scored in their last six games has seen the Black Cats sucked back into the relegation scrap and I can't see their situation improving here.
What's more, Sunderland have a terrible record against United, drawing twice and losing eight times from their last ten Premier League encounters. I feel that Sir Alex Ferguson's men will try and put this game to bed as quickly as possible, so for that reason, Man Utd/Man Utd appeals in the Half Time/Full Time market at 2.38.
For what it's worth, I'm agreeing with Pacheco in last week's 'Pacman v Boz' debate about whether Cristiano Ronaldo will finish as this season's Top Premier League Goalscorer - in fact I said that he would retain his crown prior to Christmas. He will be around 5.5 to be the First Goalscorer against Sunderland and 2.4 to score at Any Time. Get on.
Tottenham 1.79 v West Ham 5.7; The Draw 3.7
This should be an entertaining game between two sides in decent form. Spurs suffered their first defeat for sometime when losing late on against Blackburn last week, whilst the Hammers, despite a long list of injuries, are unbeaten in five and have lost just two of their last 13 league games. Both managers will be happy with a point so get on the Draw at 3.7.
Correct Scores of 1-1 (7.8), and the more attractively priced 2-2 (21.0) are worth considering, so too are the Tottenham/Draw (18.5) and West Ham/Draw (20.0) options in the Half Time/Full Time market.
For a First Goalscorer, Tottenham's Luca Modric or West Ham's David de Michele should give you a good run for your money, and they will be available to back at around 15.0 and 14.0 respectively once the market matures.
Wigan 5.5 v Arsenal 1.78; The Draw 3.7
I think a lay bet on Arsenal at 1.79 is well worth an interest in this match. The Gunners will count themselves safe in the battle for fourth position and Arsene Wenger will surely rotate his squad ahead of their Champions League clash with Villareal. Wigan on the other hand (and Steve Bruce in particular) will be desperate to put the 4-0 drubbing they suffered at the hands of Everton last week well and truly behind them.
Under 2.5 Goals is another bet I fancy, though I was rather hoping to get matched at more than the 1.77 currently available. Wigan very rarely score more than one, whilst I don't think Wenger will field a side strong enough to create havoc in a somewhat fragile Wigan defence. Over 2.5 Goals is available to back at 2.24 if you disagree.
In the Correct Score market, 0-0 (11.0) and 1-1 (7.8) are the most likely outcomes but don't rule out a sneaky 1-0 victory to the home side - a Wigan 1-0 victory is available to back at 14.5.
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Best bet: West Brom to beat Portsmouth @ 5.7.
Recommended Bets: Lay Chelsea @ 1.29 against Bolton; Back Middlesbrough/Middlesbrough (HT/FT) @ 3.75; Back West Brom to beat Portsmouth @ 5.7; Back Man Utd/Man Utd (HT/FT) @ 2.38; Back The Draw (Tottenham v West Ham) @ 3.7; Lay Arsenal @ 1.79 against Wigan
Chelsea 1.28 v Bolton 16.5; The Draw 6.0
Chelsea's euphoric victory over Liverpool in midweek will have given the club a massive boost going into the latter part of the season. But with one eye on Tuesday's return fixture against the Reds, and playing against a dogged Bolton side in reasonable form, then a lay bet on Chelsea (1.29) is the token selection.
Didier Drogba is a slight injury concern and is therefore almost certain to be rested ahead of Tuesday's crucial match. This will give Nicolas Anelka an excellent chance of being the First Goalscorer in the game (odds of around 5.5 should be available once the market matures) or to score at Any Time (2.5).
Under 2.5 Goals is available to back at 2.04 (Over 2.5 Goals is 1.94) and is just preferred, along with Correct Scores of 0-0 (15.5) and 1-1 (12.0).
Middlesbrough 2.16 v Hull 4.0; The Draw 3.4
I dreamt about this game the other night. Boro were 2-1 down at half time when visions of a disgruntled Gareth Southgate thankfully turned into a swimsuit-posing Gemma Atkinson. Who cares how the match ended up?
The real picture for Middlesbrough is more like a nightmare however, and securing three points against Hull City is simply a must. The Riverside Stadium will be packed to the rafters (reduced ticket prices rather than loyalty being the reason) and a tremendous atmosphere is assured. Because of this, I'm going for Boro to score early, lead at half time, and win comfortably. Middlesbrough/Middlesbrough is available to back at 3.75 in the Half Time/Full Time market.
A Correct Score of 2-0 (10.5) to the home side is where my money is going, along with a lay bet on Middlesbrugh to be relegated at 1.35. Two wins from their next two home games will see them back in with a chance of survival. My heart says they can do it.... and I'm going to break the golden rule of betting by following it.
Portsmouth 1.76 v West Brom 5.7; The Draw 3.75
The best thing Tony Mowbray could have told his players this week is that his side are relegated and to go out and enjoy the rest of the season. With their Premiership status seemingly gone, and a lot less pressure on their shoulders, they might just put in a performance that surprises Pompey. Glenn Johnson's suspension is a key loss for Portsmouth and I'm taking the Baggies to win.
It probably won't be a classic so Under 2.5 Goals is the choice at odds of 1.89 (Over 2.5 Goals is 2.08), with Under 1.5 Goals (available to back at 3.4) not completely ruled out either.
In a match where I'd prefer to keep my stakes to a minimum, a few Correct Score bets are where I'd look for a nice return. Draws such as 0-0 (11.5) and 1-1 (8.2) are worth considering, but at a nice price, a 1-0 victory to West Brom is the selection at odds of 16.5.
Sunderland 8.6 v Man Utd 1.52; The Draw 4.3
Manchester United have been poor for the last month or so now, but at least they are still scoring goals which is more than can be said about Sunderland. Just two goals scored in their last six games has seen the Black Cats sucked back into the relegation scrap and I can't see their situation improving here.
What's more, Sunderland have a terrible record against United, drawing twice and losing eight times from their last ten Premier League encounters. I feel that Sir Alex Ferguson's men will try and put this game to bed as quickly as possible, so for that reason, Man Utd/Man Utd appeals in the Half Time/Full Time market at 2.38.
For what it's worth, I'm agreeing with Pacheco in last week's 'Pacman v Boz' debate about whether Cristiano Ronaldo will finish as this season's Top Premier League Goalscorer - in fact I said that he would retain his crown prior to Christmas. He will be around 5.5 to be the First Goalscorer against Sunderland and 2.4 to score at Any Time. Get on.
Tottenham 1.79 v West Ham 5.7; The Draw 3.7
This should be an entertaining game between two sides in decent form. Spurs suffered their first defeat for sometime when losing late on against Blackburn last week, whilst the Hammers, despite a long list of injuries, are unbeaten in five and have lost just two of their last 13 league games. Both managers will be happy with a point so get on the Draw at 3.7.
Correct Scores of 1-1 (7.8), and the more attractively priced 2-2 (21.0) are worth considering, so too are the Tottenham/Draw (18.5) and West Ham/Draw (20.0) options in the Half Time/Full Time market.
For a First Goalscorer, Tottenham's Luca Modric or West Ham's David de Michele should give you a good run for your money, and they will be available to back at around 15.0 and 14.0 respectively once the market matures.
Wigan 5.5 v Arsenal 1.78; The Draw 3.7
I think a lay bet on Arsenal at 1.79 is well worth an interest in this match. The Gunners will count themselves safe in the battle for fourth position and Arsene Wenger will surely rotate his squad ahead of their Champions League clash with Villareal. Wigan on the other hand (and Steve Bruce in particular) will be desperate to put the 4-0 drubbing they suffered at the hands of Everton last week well and truly behind them.
Under 2.5 Goals is another bet I fancy, though I was rather hoping to get matched at more than the 1.77 currently available. Wigan very rarely score more than one, whilst I don't think Wenger will field a side strong enough to create havoc in a somewhat fragile Wigan defence. Over 2.5 Goals is available to back at 2.24 if you disagree.
In the Correct Score market, 0-0 (11.0) and 1-1 (7.8) are the most likely outcomes but don't rule out a sneaky 1-0 victory to the home side - a Wigan 1-0 victory is available to back at 14.5.
If you sign up with the link below (using promo code TRX100), once you make $100 worth of bets, win or lose we'll put another $100 straight back into your account. There’s no play through requirement like other sites, so come join Betfair. Betting as it should be.
Alternatively sign up through the link below with promo code CAN025 if you’d prefer a bonus of $25 once you make $25’s worth of bets instead.
((Betfair does not currently allow US Citizens to play on Betfair.com))
