FOOTBALL BETTING:
Betrescue’s Chief Sports Writer Chris Hutcheon takes his weekly look at all the major Premier League action in England.
Only three matches survived a weather-battered Premiership programme last weekend and with leaders Chelsea’s game at Hull postponed, Manchester United and Arsenal had a chance to close the gap at the top. However, the pair could only manage draws and as a result, despite being inactive, Carlo Ancelotti’s were cut to 10/11 by Betfred to be crowned champions.
The Gunners, now 9/2 for the title at Victor Chandler, were perhaps lucky to even snare a point at home to Everton but at 4/7 with 888Sport, they’re fancied to get back to winning ways in Sunday’s big televised showdown against Bolton (6/1, Betdaq); who will be led by new boss Owen Coyle for the first time.
The perception of Arsene Wenger’s men is that they often come unstuck at places like the Reebok Stadium and some punters will subsequently tackle bet365’s 3/1 chalked against the draw but the North London outfit have won their last six league and cup fixtures against the Trotters, including three on the road and they can extend that sequence by edging an entertaining contest.
Partybets’ 13/5 for the Gunners to shade it by a one-goal margin therefore appeals and in a clash that looks set to produce three or more goals (4/5, Jaxx.com) that could translate into a 2-1 away success; a result Totesport price at 7/1.
The probable return of Cesc Fabregas will provide a huge boost for Wenger’s charges and the influential Spaniard is available with William Hill at 9/4 to get on the scoresheet at any stage. As far as the home side are concerned meanwhile, making a fresh start under a new manager, they should give a good account themselves and so Partybets’ 5/8 for them to score appeals, as does bet365’s 4/5 for both teams to find the net.
Nicolas Anelka’s return will lessen the impact of Didier Drogba’s absence for Chelsea, who are 2/9 at Ladbrokes to send Sunderland home empty-handed. Ancelotti’s side look a banker against an off-colour Black Cats outfit and so Stan James’ 8/11 for them to prevail by at least two goals is worth considering, as is Paddy Power’s 7/2 for Anelka to step up to the plate and open the scoring.
Manchester United should run out comfortable winners against Burnley at Old Trafford, hence Paddy Power’s 2/11 for a home win and those seeking slightly chunkier odds could do worse than a wager at 4/6(Partybets) on the hosts to land three points and also keep a clean sheet.
United’s neighbours Manchester City have won four Premiership games in a row and are Jaxx.com’s 6/4 favourites to make it five at Goodison Park, but Everton, bet365’s 2/1 outsiders, are in decent shape themselves and so William Hill’s 9/4 for the spoils to be shared is where the shrewd cash will be placed.
Elsewhere, Liverpool (4/6, 888Sport) can edge past Stoke at the Britannia Stadium and both Aston Villa and Tottenham are home bankers at 8/15 (Betfred) and 2/7 (Betdaq) respectively as they entertain West Ham and Hull.
Portsmouth and Birmingham meanwhile, are 9/4 with 888Sport to share the spoils at Fratton Park, Stan James post 9/4 against Wolves and Wigan doing likewise at Molineux and Totesport’s 9/4 for the draw is also the best bet as Blackburn host Fulham.
To compare all the weekend’s match odds, click here
