Stoke v Wigan – 12:45 Kick Off
The build up to this match will surround the dressing room bust up between James Beattie and manager Tony Pullis. It will be interesting to see how the Stoke players react to the increased media interests but if it hasn’t had a detrimental effect on them this could be a comfortable victory for the home side.
Wigan are proving a difficult side to work out but Stoke’s home form of the last two seasons has been exemplary and at the 2.2 (6/5) on offer at Betfair they have to be worth a small interest.
15:00 Kick Offs
Birmingham v West Ham
Birmingham have quietly climbed up the table in recent weeks with a trio of narrow one goal victories but that run could come to an end this week. West Ham are showing glimpses of an improving side having taken a 5-0 lead against Burnley and matched Man United for 45 minutes in recent weeks.
The home side are rightly the favourites to win this game given recent results but I think they’re being given a little too much respect by being priced as short as Even money by many of the online bookies.
Bolton v Man City
It would be futile to beat Chelsea one week then fail to beat Bolton the next if Man City are to achieve their aspirations of a top four finish. Mark Hughes will know the importance of that and that win against the league leaders could prove to be the catalyst for City’s season.
Bolton have been dreadful in recent weeks and the pressure is mounting on Gary Megson, I can only see this game going one way.
Burnley v Fulham
Burnley’s home form has been much publicised and Fulham haven’t won on their travels since the opening day of the season which leaves little to be said about the big price of 13/8 which is available on The Clarets.
Chelsea v Everton
We had a winner betting on the corners in the Chelsea game last week and I’m inclined to get involved again with some generous prices being offered by Extrabet. 13/8 on over 12.5 and a more conservative option of over 11.5 at Evens are stand out bets.
Hull v Blackburn
Sticking with corners again and Hull have conceded the most in the league, that makes Blackburn on the corners match bet market a stand out bet at 8/5 with William Hill.
Man Utd v Aston Villa – 17:30 Kick Off
Man United’s defensive problems have gotten so bad in recent weeks that Michael Carrick has been deployed as a centre half and Ryan Giggs as a left back at various times over the last seven days. Nemanja Vidic could return to the side today but there is still cause for major concern for Alex Ferguson.
Another area of concern will be Villa’s impressive record against other top half teams – they haven’t lost in any of their six games played. Martin O’Neill’s men are certainly no flat track bullies and they will be relishing the chance to take on the Champions.
Villa are available at 21/20 with a +1 Asian Handicap at VC Bet, that means that we win if Villa draw or win and if they lose by a single goal we get our stake back, that looks a good place to let your money rest during this tea time kick off.
Recommended Bets:
5* – Lay Birmingham to beat West Ham @ 2.2 with Betfair
5* – (Chelsea v Everton) Back Over 11.5 corners @ Evens with Extrabet
6* – Back Blackburn to beat Hull in corners match bet @ 8/5 with Will Hill
4* – Back Villa +1.0 Asian Handicap @ 21/20 with VC Bet
Bets are rated on 1* to 10* system.
Sport: Football