The Daily Star’s Chief Football writer, Danny Fullbrook gives his verdict on all four of this weekend’s televised matches.
Man City V Chelsea – Sat – Sky Sports 2: 12.45:
Chelsea (6/5 Betfred) go hunting for six-out-of-six against Manchester City (45/17 Bwin), and it would be a brave person to say they will not achieve it.
But injuries are starting to bite at Stamford Bridge, and this is the type of game that Roberto Mancini’s team will raise themselves for. Chelsea have only conceded one goal in five, but I fancy a draw(12/5) Stan James in this game – take one a piece which comes in at 11/2 with Paddy Power.
Bolton V Man United – Sun – ESPN: 12.00:
Manchester United (8/15 888Sport) travel to Bolton Wanderers (7/1 Betdaq) on Sunday lunchtime and the Reebok is not the easiest place to go.
Wayne Rooney will have to start scoring at some point, despite the pressure on his shoulders which has been conceded by Sir Alex Ferguson. But Rooney is 15/4 to score first at bet365 and even money at Blue Square to score at anytime, both bets offering better value than the win price, even though I think they will.
Wolves V Aston Villa – Sun – Sky Sports 1: 14.00:
There are so many Midlands derbies this season with the big four all in the Premier League, and this week’s is Wolves v Aston Villa. The visitors start the match as Victor Chandler‘s 8/5 favourites, Wolves are 15/8 at Skybet and the draw 12/5 at totesport.
It is the first Premier league game for Gerard Houllier and I think the new boss syndrome will hit home straight away and I’m going for Villa to win after a drawn first half at 5/1 with William Hill in the half time/full time betting. But Wolves are tough to beat in their own back yard and I’m expecting a tight affair so take under 2.5 goals at 8/11 with Extrabet.
Newcastle V Stoke City – Sun – Sky Sports 1: 16.00:
The final TV game of the weekend is Newcastle (even money Coral) against Stoke City (16/5 bet365) and this one is a really tough call. Both won midweek in the Carling Cup and will be on a high.
Nevertheless, the draw at 5/2 with Stan James looks a good bet to me because the Toon do come under pressure to perform at home. Cover this with a side bet on both sides to score at 10/11 with 888Sport or William Hill.
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Happy Punting
Cheers
Danny