FOOTBALL BETTING:
Betrescue’s Chief Sports Writer Chris Hutcheon takes his weekly look at all the major Premier League action in England.
Before last week’s frustrating FA Cup draw at Reading, Liverpool registered back-to-back league wins to force their way back into contention for a Champions League place’ something Reds boss Rafa Benitez has practically guaranteed.
The Spaniard has perhaps been a touch premature given the stiff competition his side face, namely from the likes of Manchester City (7/5, Betdaq) and Aston Villa (3/1, Paddy Power), but in to 7/4 with Betfred to finish in the top four, Liverpool can make further strides in that department on Sunday at Anfield, by beating another side involved in the intriguing battle, fourth-placed Tottenham.
An 15/8 chance at 888Sport to cling on to that position, Spurs currently lie four points above Benitez’s side, but the same firm make the Reds odds-on at 10/11 to cut that gap to one, with a victory this weekend.
Nevertheless, Harry Redknapp’s men, Paddy Power’s 7/2 outsiders, are much improved this season and will inevitably make life difficult for Liverpool. Consequently, William Hill’s 13/5 for a home win by a one-goal margin catches the eye then and in what could be an entertaining encounter featuring three or more goals (17/20, Jaxx.com), Ladbrokes’ 7/1 for a 2-1 Reds success could pocket punters a healthy profit.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ matchwinner at Aston Villa, Fernando Torres, is 7/2 (Victor Chandler) to also break the deadlock in this one.
Boosted by the return of Nicolas Anelka, who Stan James quote at 10/3 to open the scoring, league leaders Chelsea are a banker at 4/11 (Partybets) to scoop a maximum haul at Hull City. Carlo Ancelotti’s men needed a last-gasp Didier Drogba strike to edge past the Tigers at Stamford Bridge but a more comfortable triumph looks on the cards on this occasion, so the shrewd might consider bet365’s 21/20 for the Blues to prevail by at least two clear goals.
On the back of their embarrassing home defeat against Leeds, Manchester United must travel to in-form Birmingham who are sure to make life very uncomfortable for Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges. Victor Chandler’s 11/2 for a home win might prove popular then and the same can be said of the 14/5 posted by bet365, against the stalemate, however Paddy Power’s 8/13 favourites can bounce back at St Andrews to edge a tight affair, with Totesport’s 11/2 for them to grab the only goal, catering for those in agreement.
At the Emirates, Arsenal are 2/5 (888Sport) to complete a Premiership double over David Moyes’ Everton, having beaten the Toffees 6-1 on the season’s opening day and home wins are also likely at Craven Cottage, where Jaxx.com price Fulham at 3/5 to see off troubled Portsmouth and at Eastlands on Monday, when Manchester City (4/9, Betdaq) host Blackburn.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa are a generous 11/8 with bet365 to get the better of Wigan at the DW Stadium, Burnley and Stoke are 23/10 courtesy of Totesport to share the spoils at Turf Moor and despite Sunderland’s strong favouritism, a draw (12/5, Stan James) also appeals at the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats lock horns with Bolton.
In Sunday’s six-pointer at Upton Park meanwhile, Betfred’s 5/6 for West Ham to overcome Wolves is the best bet.
To compare all the weekend’s match odds, click here
