Live on ESPN & Skysports: Sat 17.30 & Sun 13.30, 16.00: Tottenham are 2/1 (Betdaq) to beat Chelsea and pile the pressure on Ancelotti.
Forget England’s World Cup ignominy. This weekend’s Premier League fixtures are dominated by four of the five top sides facing off in what promises to be the usual amalgamation of fast, furious action with not a corrupt FIFA executive in sight.
The best of those clashes should comes at White ‘Hot’ Lane on Sunday where Tottenham are Betdaq’s 2/1 outsiders to topple an inconsistent Chelsea (11/8, Ladbrokes).
At 2/1, Spurs stand out, especially considering the Blues’ recent poor form, (they’ve collected just two points from four games) while the hosts’ season just gets better. Harry Redknapp’s men boast a formidable home record and are unbeaten against Chelsea in their last four league games here.
The evidence points to a home win, and while 2/1 is a jaw-dropping price, there are opportunities to further enhance any profits; for example, Spurs are 11/2 (William Hill) to win following a drawn first half. Elsewhere, the fact Spurs do much better in the second half means that Paddy Power’s 11/5 for them to win the second period has been well backed.
Twenty-four hours later, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger lock horns as Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
United are understandably favourites, but Totesport are taking a risk in allowing punters to double their money at evens, while the Londoners are 11/4 with Stan James.
Although the Gunners travel well, enjoying success at Old Trafford in recent times, they have beaten Fergie’s men just once in their last nine competitive matches. Arsenal may well get on the scoresheet here, but Partybets’ coupled odds of 18/5 for United to win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 could prove the shrewd punt.
United’s rivals City will be hoping both matches finish level, as it should allow them to gain ground if they can win at West Ham, where they are 888sport’s 5/6 jollies.
The Hammers’ recent mini-revival was derailed at Sunderland last weekend, but they have performed well at Upton Park of late, and look big at 10/3 with Paddy Power. However, City have lost only one of their seven clashes against teams in the bottom half of the table, making them value at 3/1 with bet365 to win this by one goal.
A double Midlands derby weekend is on offer, starting when Aston Villa (even money, ) entertain West Brom (3/1, Totesport). Villa’s home form is solid enough, but Albion are enjoying a fine run, a combination of factors which suggest that a draw (9/4, Betfred), looks the most likely outcome.
On Sunday, Wolves (7/5, Betdaq) take on Birmingham (2/1, bet365) at Molineux in what promises to eb an extremely tight affair. The visitors represent outstanding value considering they have lost just once in their last eight, but with Wanderers leaking 10 in four games, the bet could be for Blues to score in each half at 10/3 (William Hill).
Local pride is also on the line at the Reebok Stadium where Bolton are evens (Coral) to get one over Blackburn (11/4, ), while Newcastle (11/4, 888sport) could have a new manager in place for the visit of Liverpool (11/10, Ladbrokes).
Elsewhere, Everton are odds-on (4/9, Betfred) to accumulate much-needed points at home to Wigan (8/1, Betdaq), as are ‘in-form’ Stoke who are Partybets’ 3/5 favourites to see off an unpredictable Blackpool side priced at 9/2 by bet365. Finally, Sunderland are making steady progress and appear more than capable of nicking a point at Fulham, an outcome priced at 9/4 by Paddy Power.
Recommended Bets:
Draw HT/Spurs FT – 11/2 (William Hill)
Man United to beat Arsenal – evens (Totesport)
Man City to beat West Ham by 1 goal – 3/1 (bet365)
Compare all Premier League odds and bet at the best price.
