EPL Wager
Both Manchester United and Chelsea have great opportunities to stretch their lead at the top of the Premiership while Sunday could see Newcastle beat high flying Bolton at tempting odds writes David Walker.
Saturday 14 October 2006
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United
Manchester United have a great opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership in this lunch time kick off. Wigan have struggled for form and goals and could find United too much for them. Alex Ferguson’s side need to improve on their victory against Newcastle following disappointing results against Reading and Arsenal in recent weeks.
Walker's Word
1x2: United @ 4/7 (Betfred)
AH: United -1 @ 21/20 (Bookies)
OU: Over @ 19/20 (Bookies)
Arsenal vs Watford
Another no brainer this one. Arsenal have broken their Emirates Stadium duck and could give Watford a thrashing. The Hornets showed tremendous spirit in the 3-3 draw at Fulham but Arsenal are in a different class altogether. Only one result can be backed.
Walker's Word
1x2: Arsenal @ 1/5 (Coral)
AH: Arsenal – 1 ¾ @ 17/20 (Bookies)
OU: Over @ 33/40 (Bookies)
Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur
This is usually a close encounter with no real trends to speak of results wise other than Villa are rarely beaten at home. However, past results indicate a low scoring match, with the last seven encounters producing two goals or fewer. A tricky result to predict but a confident bet on under 2.5 goals is the recommendation.
Walker's Word
1x2: Villa @ 5/4 (UK Betting)
AH: Villa – ¼ @ 21/20 (Bookies)
OU: Under @ 3/4 (Bookies)
Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers
Two sides in mixed form but Liverpool have had the better of this fixture in recent seasons, winning three out of the last five at Anfield. Liverpool are the overwhelming favourites with the bookmakers but their short odds don’t warrant a value bet.
Walker's Word
1x2: Liverpool @ 1/2 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Blackburn + 1 @ Evens (Bookies)
OU: Under @ 13/20 (Bookies)
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
This is a match that both sides will fancy their chances of winning. City have been terrible stretching back to last season but have performed much better in their last two matches, beating West Ham and drawing at Everton. The Blades also earned their first victory of the season by beating Middlesbrough in the last minute but it’s the home side that could come out on top here.
Walker's Word
1x2: City @ 8/11 (Paddy Power)
AH: City – ¾ @ 39/40 (Bookies)
OU: Over @ 11/10 (VCBet)
Middlesbrough vs Everton
If Middlesbrough are to avoid slipping in to the relegation zone this weekend, they need to bring Everton back down to earth with a bump. However, the Toffees have proven hard to beat, drawing their last three games. Another low scoring stalemate is the call here.
Walker's Word
1x2: Draw @ 9/4 (Coral)
AH: Everton level ball @ 43/40 (Bookies)
OU: Under @ 8/13 (UK Betting)
Portsmouth vs West Ham United
Harry Redknapp squares off against his old club and he won’t have a better opportunity to send the Hammers back to East London with nothing. Pompey have been a surprise package and despite losing their last two games can bounce back at Fratton Park. West Ham have lost their last five on the bounce including UEFA Cup defeats home and away against Palermo and will not relish a trip to the south coast.
Walker's Word
1x2: Portsmouth @ Evens (UK Betting)
AH: Portsmouth – ½ @ 26/25 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Over @ 6/5 (UK Betting)
Reading vs Chelsea
The live pay-per-view offering should not hold any surprises, despite Reading earning a draw against Manchester United in similar circumstances a fortnight ago. Chelsea will win but it is likely to be a tight encounter as they make it difficult for themselves.
Walker's Word
1x2: Chelsea @ 1/2 (Betfred)
AH: Chelsea – 1 @ 10/11 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Under @ 17/10 (UK Betting)
Sunday 15 October 2006
Newcastle United vs Bolton Wanderers
Despite heavy investment over the summer, Newcastle are struggling this season and have won just two out of seven Premiership matches so far. That record should improve against third placed Bolton who have won their last two against Portsmouth and Liverpool. However, history is on the Magpies side who have won six out of the last seven at St James’ Park stretching back to the 1995/96 season and tasty odds can be had on a home win.
Walker's Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 13/10 (Paddy Power)
AH: Newcastle – ¼ @ 19/20 (Bookies)
OU: Over @ 13/10 (UK Betting)
Monday 16 October 2006
Fulham vs Charlton Athletic
Fulham entertain rock-bottom Charlton in a match they will be expected to win. The Cottagers hit back from 2-0 down against Watford in their last game, leading the match at Vicarage Road 3-2 until Ashley Young snatched a late equaliser. At home, Chris Coleman’s side are traditionally strong and the Addicks confidence is at rock bottom, having lost their last four matches on the trot.
Walker's Word
1x2: Fulham @ 11/10 (Paddy Power)
AH: Fulham – ½ @ 9/8 (Bookies)
OU: Over @ Evens (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.