Birmingham to beat Blackpool 20/21
Blackpool continue to be a nuisance to sides in this seasons Premier League. Entering every match as the underdog, they refuse to stay down even when they’re a goal or two behind. Their performance against Manchester City last weekend was no different, despite coming away with 0 points. A few similar results on the trot and I expect their hopes and belief to take a knock. Currently sitting 10th and 4 points above the drop zone, that’s a long way away from happening. Birmingham City haven’t produced their form of last season, but their solid defence is still in place. Goals have been hard to come by for the home side, but this is a good opportunity to do so, particularly when they test Matthew Gilks from set pieces in the Blackpool goal. I can understand the Blackpool backers thinking they will get something out of this game, but I see this match tactically favouring the home side.
Manchester United to beat Stoke 8/11
Without an away win in the league this season and all the turmoil sounding Wayne Rooney this weekend, Manchester United head to Stoke City under a lot of pressure. They failed to roll over weak opposition in the Champions League midweek; defeating Bursaspor by a wonderful Nani goal to nil. United are hardly at their best. But with their backs against the wall, this is where I expect Manchester United to pull through. With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the back, they can keep Stoke out. Nani is the creator in midfield, whom once again expect to be an influential player from midfield. Should Stoke fail to close the Portuguese winger down and keep him in check, he will make them pay. Britannia Stadium is a ground you may expect Dimitar Berbatov to go quiet on, but in Javier Hernandez they have a lively striker who can pop up with a valuable goal. He’s quick and nifty, so should cause the big Stoke defenders problems with the ball at his feet, or nipping in behind them. I don’t see United drawing 5 away from home in a row, so I expect them to pick up 3 points this weekend.
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Manchester City to beat Blackpool 8/13
While Manchester City had players flying off to all parts of the world for internationals last week, and given their record against lower half sides in the Premier League, would we be foolish to back them once again this weekend? Fear not, because Blackpool are currently a top half side in the Premier League! And despite Ian Holloway’s side costing me a few quid on more than one occasion already this season, I’m willing to take them on once again. Simply put it, there is a gulf of difference in quality between these two sides. Despite Blackpool never giving up, the likes of Carlos Tevez, Adam Johnson and Yaya Toure can put them to the sword on Sunday. Manchester City have the better technical ability by a long shot in this game, as well as pacey players up front, and the physical game of Yaya Toure in midfield that collectively can hurt this Blackpool side. Defensively, they have to be careful of Luke Varney who stood out in Blackpool’s victory over Liverpool in their last outing; the on-loan Derby forward has won more penalties than any other player in the Premier League so far this season. Manchester City should not underestimate Blackpool, but having won at Wigan Athletic recently, I expect them to put in another solid performance here and come away with a comfortable victory. City are odds-against on the 1 goal handicap.
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West Ham to draw with Fulham 23/10
In what is a tough weekend of Premier League action to predict, taking the bid odds and outsiders may be the safest choice. Or just walk away from Premier League betting this weekend! If you insist on betting, Mark Hughes’ Fulham have drawn 5 of their 6 league matches, including all 3 away from home. Their 1 victory came in stoppage time against Wolves. Meanwhile, West Ham have picked up recently, with a draw at Stoke followed up by a surprise victory over Tottenham last weekend. While they will be doing their best to pick up another 3 points this weekend, Fulham will play to stop that from happening. They have a couple of match winners themselves, but with their drawing record this season, and having drawn this fixture last season, that seems to be the safest bet for this fixture.
Manchester City to beat Newcastle 4/9
Manchester City are a bit unpredictable. And certainly becoming frustrating after I had them to win on Thursday night against Juventus. Despite the possession, they didn’t cause much threat to Alex Manninger’s goal. That has been the tail of Manchester City’s season, as they haven’t garnished a whole host of shots against many teams so far. A few players could be rested for this game. Carlos Tevez comes to mind. That would be a shame, because he is a player who would enjoy success against this defence that isn’t great at dealing with opponents running at them. Newcastle can defend the aerial threat admirably (unless the ball is heading in the direction of James Perch), but Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Adam Johnson, David Silva and Yaya Toure are just a few to mention who have the dribbling ability to hurt this Newcastle side. Kolo Toure and Vincent Kompany are looking like a good partnership at the back this season but will have to be aware of the aerial threat Andy Carroll possess and the movement of Kevin Nolan. Otherwise, Manchester City will be fine picking up 3 points.
Chelsea to beat Arsenal 3/4
Carlo Ancelotti had Arsene Wenger’s number with two comprehensive victories over Arsenal last season. A 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium was followed up with a 2-0 victory at the Bridge. Already 4 points above their London neighbours, Chelsea will hand Arsenal a big blow in their title challenge with a victory on Sunday. The Gunners are coming back from a trip to Belgrade midweek and aren’t always at their best after European away days. Arsenal head into this match off the back of a home defeat in the Premier League by West Brom, and without Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen once again. Three key players. Chelsea come back from their own midweek game in the Champions League, but are in much better shape, especially with their form so far this season. They have a few concerns in midfield with Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou and Yossi Benayoun all missing. But in their midfield they still have the free-scoring Florent Malouda and the physical pairing of Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel. Goalscoring wise, Didier Drogba has a great record against the Gunners, Nicolas Anelka would enjoy scoring against a former team and need I mention Malouda again? Drogba versus Almunia; who are you backing?
http://www.premiershiptips.com/premierl ... october-23
