27th to 28th October High-Risk Premier League Accumulator

High-Risk Premier League Accumulator for 27th to 28th October 103/1

Arsenal v QPR - Verdict Arsenal 1/3
Aston Villa v Norwich - Verdict Norwich 3/1
Man City v Swansea - Verdict Man City 2/9
Reading v Fulham - Verdict Fulham 6/4
Everton v Liverpool - Verdict Draw 11/5
Newcastle v West Brom - Verdcit Newcastle Evens

This sixfold offers a price at 103/1 and, although its an unlikely backing, we thinks it's tempting and at the end of the day you can lose a pound in the bottom of your bag.  When you consider the chances of winning a tenner on the lottery are 54/1 we think this is a much better backing this weekend.  Norwich are the long shots and will send the winnings through the roof if they manage to beat Villa - look towards them to let you down here.

European High-Risk Accumulator 24th October 19:45

European High Risk Accumulator 7/1

Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid:  Verdict Real Madrid 9/7
Porto v Dynamo Kiev: Verdict Porto 8/15
Ajax v Man City: Verdict Man City 4/5

A price of around 7/1 should interest those of you looking to place a wide bet on tonight's Champions League football.  The fixtures last night, including those which were won by the obvious teams, showed us why this year's Champions League is as slighty more open than normal.  We recommend playing with cash you've found under the sofa - rather than your hard-earned.  There are some very tough to call away games forn the stronger squads this week - as Chelsea learnt yesterday.

Wigan v West Ham 27th November 15:00

Wigan v West Ham – Verdict Draw 12/5

West Ham have been in very good scoring form and have been enjoying Premier League wins lately – and they’ve have taken six points to Wigan’s one in the last three Premiership games.  Most would be sensible to expect an away win in this fixture.  In Wigan’s last home game they held Everton to a draw and if they expect to convince anyone that they’re likely to stay afloat in the Premier League they should be relishing the opportunity to face newly-promoted sides at home – but we don’t see them finding West Ham easy to brush aside.  We see this one as one of the games we wouldn’t want to sniff around and don’t recommend you to either.

Manchester City v Swansea 27th November 15:00

Manchester City v Swansea – Verdict Manchester City 1/4

Swansea pinning hopes on this game would be like pinning hopes on a packet of biscuits belonging to Lisa Riley reaching their sell by date. 

Stoke v Sunderland 27th November 15:00

 Stoke v Sunderland – Verdict Stoke 11/10

Sunderland and Stoke have scored only five goals apiece in their respective last five games – which means you wouldn’t be foolish to expect a low-scoring match between these two sides.  To Stoke’s credit – they’ve kept a clean sheet against Liverpool away from home and came close to doing the same against Chelsea – and its home games for Stoke that are traditionally where they make their money.  Sunderland have a side that can perform better – and in Martin O’Neill a manager who knows how to take a struggling side to the top-half of the table, but we think this away trip will most likely be a home win.  Sunderland’s away record is about as desirable as Debra Meadon and we don’t feel its likely to change on Saturday.

 

Reading v Fulham 27th November 15:00

Reading v Fulham – Verdict Fulham 8/5

Reading face a Fulham side with one of the best defensive records in the Premier League.  Newly-promoted Reading played well at times against Liverpool at Anfield last week and for some that might deter them from backing Fulham, but we think there’s much more to be seen from Martin Jol’s side.  Away fixtures need to be more frequently successful for Fulham if the club are to continue to impress themselves on the league.  Results away from home have, Europa League aside, left room for improvement for Fulham – this meeting with Reading gives them a good platform for future success if they are able to take three points.

Arsenal v QPR 27th November 15:00

Arsenal v QPR – Verdict Arsenal 1/3

There’s no such thing as a certainty in football – but there is such thing as a must win game.  Arsenal and QPR will see this as a game they each have to win, with Arsenal having lost to Norwich for the first time in ten years and QPR staring relegation in the face like a man watching a donkey fall down a flight of stairs.  Mark Hughes is almost certainly going to be out of a job before Christmas unless he can start winning some points – and we believe that it could be a lot sooner than that if Arsenal win by a clear margin.  If they carry on as they have done QPR will score less than a dozen points this season, so this is a game that could turn the luck around if they can win – which is easier said than done when you’re away to Arsenal.  Wegner will be nervously pacing the sidelines in his sleeping bag once again – but we think that after a tense start they’ll take control of the game, dominating in the second half.

Aston Villa v Norwich 27th October 12:45

Aston Villa v Norwich:  Verdict – Norwich 7/2

There is a huge danger sign hanging around the neck of our predicted outcome for this fixture.  It’d be safer using a plugged in toaster as a bath toy than it would be to put any amount of money on any outcome (let alone the one we foresee) for this fixture.  Ne touché pas, as the French would say.  Anyway, Paul Lambert has been vilified by the Norwich board since his departure for Aston Villa and he is trying to sue the club for breach of contract, although he’s not keen to make his issues with his former employers public.  When the loving flame dies, mustard gets in your eyes.  This fixture is bound to be quite an emotive afternoon for both Lambert and the Norwich squad who played under him during his time as manager – but with the problems on and, reportedly, off the pitch for Lambert at Villa we think the occasion will favour the Canaries; they’re not expected to take three points but its bound to be a close match - which is why we think 7/2 is quite an attractive prospect when you consider the circumstances.  Aston Villa are suffering in the lower echelons of the table and with Norwich having just beaten Arsenal they are bound to welcome this fixture as an opportunity to persuade others of their place in the Premiership.

European High-Risk Accumulator 23rd to 24th October

European High-Risk Accumulator: 73/10

Shakhtar Donetsk v Chelsea 23^rd October 19:45 – Verdict draw 21/10

Barcelona v Celtic 23^rd October 19:45 – Verdict Barcelona 1/11

Manchester United v Braga 23^rd October 19:45 – Verdict Manchester United 4/11

Ajax v Manchester City 24^th October 19:45 – Verdict Manchester City 4/5

We’re always going to keep away from tipping accumulators that look like Lisa Riley’s shopping-list.  We tend to favour backing three or four teams and tend to only tip the ones we know a bit about.  If you want to reckless tip on a Croatian youth team game on a wet Wednesday you’ll have to look elsewhere – or just save yourself the time and buy a lottery ticket.  This week’s Champions League is mostly made up of tight fixtures – of which we include Chelsea’s away game with Shakhtar.  Chelsea have been high-flying in the Premier League and have their captain John Terry available for selection – but blue eyes may be elsewhere, notably the Manchester United visit on Sunday.  We think a draw in this game is a real possibility and doubters of the ability should tread carefully.  Celtic have a snowball’s chance in the microwave of beating Barcelona and we think Manchester United’s pairing of Van Persie and Rooney will be fruitful again if the pair start.  Manchester City have also been backed by us to win on the ground that Ajax’s last Champions League encounter saw them embarrassed by Real Madrid.  If you don’t feel like risking the Chelsea fixture then you can drop it to get a smaller, but safer, price of 17/10.  Good luck – whoever you choose to back this week!

European Low-Risk Accumulator 20th to 21st October

European Low-Risk Accumulator 5/4

FC Dusseldorf v Bayern Munich – 20^th October 14:30 – Verdict: Bayern Munich 7/20

Real Madrid v Celta Vigo – 20^th October 17:00 – Verdict: Real Madrid 1/7

Inter Milan v Catania – 21^st October 14:00 – Verdict Inter Milan 6/10

Fans of the Bundesliga will be aware of Dusseldorf’s convincing comeback against Shalke last month from 2-0 down and that might be enough to scare away conservative punters from backing visitors Bayern Munich this weekend – but we think the sense of occasion will be too much for them.  At 7/20 Bayern are expected to find dispatching of Dusseldorf as easy of choosing washing-up liquid.

 In Real Madrid’s last five games they have managed to notch up a colossal 21 goals; this should be enough to convince even the firmest and most delusional fans of their visitors Celta Vigo of a Madrid win being on the cards.  Christiano Ronaldo will be more than keen to put the Northern Ireland result behind him and this fixture seems like a good opportunity. 

Inter Milan have won all of their last five games and we think they should be able to add to this impressive tally against inconsistent Catania.  The sounds of the impressively dreadful yet catchy, ‘Amala Pazza Inter,’ is likely to be sung at full-time by fans celebrating yet another win at the Giuseppe Meazza – but bear in mind that of all the leagues in Europe, Serie A is the most well known for lower-table upset for the top-half teams.   

High-risk Accumulator for 20th to 21st October

High-Risk Accumulator - 17/1

Manchester United v Stoke - Manchester United 3/10
Fulham v Aston Villa - Fulham 5/6
Swansea v Wigan - Wigan 3/1
West Ham v Southampton - West Ham 10/11

Wigan will have a story to tell if they are able to take three points away from Swansea; although they're not expected to we thought the price being placed on them to take three points away from home represented good value as a starting price - which is why we've included them in our high-risk line-up this week.  Fulham and Aston Villa face each other and have quite a similar defensive record - both having conceded five goals in their last five Premier League games; it's bound to be close at Craven Cottage but with Villa conceding goals that have meant more points lost we think Fulham may take a victory.  West Ham and Southampton is a fixture that should showcase how West Ham were the more successful club over the course of last season and with the addition of Carroll to their side they should be able to show the rest of the league how they intend on being a part of the Premiership next season, although we should bear in mind Southampton will be intending to make the same statement.  With so many games that are as easy to work out as a half-torn Soduku this weekend we recommend you only part with money you'd expect to find in betweent the seats on a bus.  If you really wanted a bit of fun this weekend then all of our Premier League picks offer a price of 426/1!

Low Risk Accumulator for 20th to 21st October

Low Risk Treble - 27/10

Manchester United v Stoke - Manchester United 3/10
Norwich v Arsenal - Arsenal 4/7
Liverpool v Reading - Liverpool 4/11


With this week's promise of some extremely exciting fixtures comes the daunting reality that the games are about as easy to judge as the recent John Terry debacle.  We haven't given more than a couple of games a green-light this weekend and that's why our low-risk list is a treble - which pays out at around 27/10.  In the singles markets we think that Arsenal is a better backing than Liverpool, regardless of the shorter price, but Manchester United's hosting of Stoke seems the safest by a wide margin.  We recommend you play for fun this weekend and look for your stake in the pockets of an old raincoat rather than your savings account - which may tempt you to look at our high-risk accumulator for more of a talking point.  Good luck whover you choose to back!

QPR v Everton 21st October 16:00

QPR v Everton: Verdict - Everton 9/7

QPR have been linked with Harry Redknapp in the last fortnight (as we predicted they would be almost immediately after their defeat to West Brom) and the inevitable unrest at QPR could be setting in for Mark Hughes permanently – this will undoubtedly be the case if they fail to secure a victory over visitors Everton on Sunday.  Everton have, despite drawing to Wigan recently, been having an exceptional start to their season and Manager of the Month David Moyes will be hoping his team can continue to make an impact on the league table.  The mouldy stench of desperation is, like yobs to a bus-shelter, beginning to attach itself to all things QPR – but with their manager being the bookies’ favourite to face the chop first in the Premier League it is make or break time and that could force the team to play as well as they should be able to on paper.  Everton are favoured to win but tread carefully – so much of their recent successes have been engineered by the now injured Felleini.

Sunderland v Newcastle 21st October 13:30

21^st October 13:30 Sunderland v Newcastle: Verdict Newcastle 5/2

This long-fought rivalry is one the fiercest derbies in the Premier League – but after the expericences Newcastle forwards Ba and Cisse have recently had on international duty they’ll probably find this fixture as pedestrian as shopping for wood glue.  Sunderland have not really made the impact they would have liked to on the league table; they are currently in 13^th place but there are only four points between them and the relegation zone - so they'll play for three points to kick-start their campaign.  However, the last time Sunderland beat Newcastle in the Premier League was in 2008 and we don’t see that changing this weekend – providing the dreadful circumstances seen in Senegal, and the Wonga furore, hasn’t affected Newcastle’s in-form forwards.  You can expect a close-fought battle with a low scoreline: 3 of the last six meetings between Newcastle and Sunderland in the Premier League have been 1-1 draws.  This is not a game to bet heavily on.

Norwich v Arsenal 20th October 17:45

Norwich v Arsenal:  Verdict - Arsenal 4/7

Longstanding fans of these two teams may remember the encounter which saw a standing ovation for an outstanding performance from Thierry Henry – from Norwich fans.  Arsenal and Norwich have a mutual respect for each other and this game should be an interesting fast paced fixture.  We expect Arsenal, who have reasons to be cheerful with Giroud on the scoresheet for France (and Samir Nasri out of the team) and feel relatively comfortable that Arsene Wenger will be celebrating on his journey through the fens after the game.

West Ham v Southampton 20th October 15:00

West Ham v Southampton: Verdict - West Ham 11/10

West Ham’s last Premier League outing was a loss to Arsenal and home fans will be expecting a victory over fellow newcomers Southampton.  The Saints haven’t been bad recently and showed depth and strength against Fulham in their last game – but we expect West Ham to be the better side this weekend.

West Brom v Man City 20th October 15:00

West Brom v Man City: Verdict - Draw 7/2

Manchester City are going to be upset by unlikely opposition this season.  Just as Jimmy Saville’s smiling face is going to smugly leer out at you from the front pages of the paper again this week – Man City are going to struggle against a weaker side at some point this season.  We think it could be on Saturday.  Several players have voiced their unrest at the club recently and with almost every player alive worth more than £20 million still being continually linked with City, we think the strain may show at West Brom.  We’re predicting a draw but this game is about as dodgy as buying a flat-screen television in a pub car-park, so tread carefully if you fancy a punt.  Yaya Toure is the player to watch in this match – his agent has released a statement saying he would like new challenges elsewhere.

Swansea v Wigan 20th October 15:00

Swansea v Wigan: Verdict - Wigan 3/1

Wigan’s late acquiring of Kone has gifted them with a very capable striker with an eye for goal – he hasn’t got an eye for a respectable barber, but he has got an eye for goal.  Swansea showed there are causes for concern for fans when they allowed Reading to find the net twice in their last Premier League match; we think that this encounter may give Wigan a chance to surprise their critics and will leave Swansea fans with yet more worries for their survival this season.  If Swansea don’t manage to take points away from this game then there are real reasons to be miserable for their supporters.   

Manchester United v Stoke 20th October 15:00

Manchester United v Stoke:  Verdict  3/10 United

Stoke have had a very difficult few weeks fixture wise with trips away to Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United and one point from a possible nine won’t tell the full story if Manchester United, as we expect, take three points on Saturday.  Stoke held Liverpool to a draw and nearly managed the same at Stamford Bridge.  We think that Manchester United will find this game relatively straightforward and we expect Sir Alex Ferguson’s team to leave Chelsea and Liverpool wondering why they couldn’t exert the same pressure during their recent encounters.

Fulham v Aston Villa 20th October 15:00

Fulham v Aston Villa:  Verdict Fulham 5/6

This game is expected to be as tight as a woodlouse’s back-passage – not unsimilar to Fulham’s away fixture at Southampton last weekend, but we think otherwise.  Berbatov is expected to return and Fulham have had a strong run of form.  Aston Villa are desperate for points and would definitely like to put the past week’s headlines behind them – but they having spent the last week wallowing in bad press a good performance from them may be a tall order.  If the rumours are true about Bent wanting to leave the club he would be wanting to advertise himself to prospective bidders – with Liverpool being the biggest club he could put his sights on – but we think the pressure will be too much for him on Saturday; we expect him to be off pace, sporting a face like a disappointed child at Christmas and finding himself out of reach of through balls for most of the game.  The reported unrest at Aston Villa should give the home team added advantage and we expect Fulham to win, although the bookies think this will be a very close match to call.

Liverpool v Reading 20th October 15:00

Liverpool v Reading - Verdict: Liverpool 4/11

Liverpool have not won two League games in a row since late last year and having failed to earn three points last week when they drew at home to Stoke we think they may perform better without that dreaded omen hanging over them.  Liverpool have had few reasons to be cheerful recently – poor form, the continuing emotional turmoil from the Hillsborough enquiry and a lack of options up front have given fans little to celebrate, so news this week that Liverpool plan to stay at Anfield may be the uplifting boost needed to push the team towards a convincing victory like that seen at Norwich.  We’re not quite giving this game the green-light simply because, as was the case last year, Liverpool have a recent tendency to underperform against newly-promoted teams.

Tottenham v Chelsea 20th October 12:45

Tottenham v Chelsea - Verdict: Draw 62/25

This fixture has been a stumbling block for Chelsea in the past and some fans may remember the championship apple cart being overturned for Chelsea by Spurs when they were on form a few seasons ago; Claude Makelele, of all people, managed to score a contender for goal of the month and Spurs still managed to come back to beat The Blues.  Chelsea have made a very positive start to the season and they won’t want teams chasing their lead, like Manchester United, to start to think that chinks in the armour are starting to form.  The have an impetus and shouldn’t need much encouragement – but the same can be said for Tottenham: Andre Villas Boas faces his old club for the first time and it couldn’t have come at a better moment for Spurs.  If Tottenham can beat Chelsea they will have managed to achieve five straight league wins and AVB will have firmly won over even the most cynical Tottenham supporter in the absence of Redknapp.  This London derby should be the game of the weekend for the neutral – but be careful where you put your money, if at all.  Both teams will be reluctant to lose and for that reason we think that a draw may be settled for late on if the opportunity arises.

Poland V England 16th October 20:00

Poland v England: Verdict England Evens




Betting on a draw and hoping for a win is probably the best advice we can give here - we've thought long and hard about this one and we don't recommend parting with more cash than you'd expect to find under the passenger seat of your car.  England are priced at evens to beat Poland in their away fixture and we think that's a price worth playing with - if you really want to get behind the team in a midweek game which is most likely to be as exciting as watching a pond thaw.  Both England and Poland have surpising records of low scoring games in games at this stage of World Cup qualifying rounds and a 0-0 scoreline would be a relaistic contrast to the performance on Friday.  Poland are by no means all trump and no dump and dispatched of the South Africans in a 1-0 victory this week - which is why this game is a tough one to call.  We hope that the hype surrounding Wayne Rooney leads to a change of pace and direction as far as the team's performance is concerned, but only time will tell.

Things to Celebrate this Weekend

Our low-risk accumulator for this weekend was a winner meaning we keep our 100% record of predicting green-light results online.  We also favoured Italy who played Armenia away from home and recommended placing them into your line-up to give you a higher payout.  If you backed this alongside England's 9/2 5-0 victory that we foresaw then you wouldn't have had a bad weekend.  We're now looking forward to next weekend when the Premier League gives us something a little less unpredictable to play with - at least less so that international under 19 fixtures and lower league lacklustres!  Have a good week and follw us on Twitter @tfpredictions to find out when we've updated the blog with new reports on the upcoming fixtures - such as the exciting game at White Hart Lane between Tottenham and Chelsea.

 

High Risk Accumulator for 12th October

High Risk Accumulator for 12^th October

Our high risk accumulator has some games on it that most will be backing without hesitation this weekend – games that at face value seem like uncomplicated matches for the favourites; they are, for most, unlikely to be bumps in the road to the World Cup – but we are approaching some of them with a degree of caution.  A ten pound bet on this fourfold will give you a £67 return.

Ireland v Germany – verdict: Germany 11/20

Slovenia v Cyprus – verdict: Slovenia 11/20

Armenia v Italy – verdict: Italy 2/5

Finland v Georgia – verdict: Finland evens

It’s more likely that Trapattoni, older than a conker-tree, will hand out Werther’s Originals to the German players at the full-time whistle than it is his side winning – but nonetheless this game is by no means a forgone conclusion and Ireland have an upset up their sleeve.  For those of you following the Italians over the last few years you’ll know it’s games like this one that can result in laborious, tedious draws – which is why this one if one to be wary of, regardless of how impressive they seemed against England at the start of the season.  Finland and Georgia is a game that could go either way and is such a high-risk you’d do well to back lower risked teams in their place.  Georgia recently played Spain and managed to concede just the one goal – which is worth considering… Slovenia should be able to dispatch of Cyprus – but remember, most international sides these days, Cyprus included, have players honing their craft at the highest level. 

Low Risk Accumulator for 12th October

Low Risk Accumulator for 12^th October

Our low risk accumulator from this weekend’s international fixture list is made up of our green-light games – low risk games where we feel confident about the outright result.  For most of these fixtures this week it’s not a question of if they will be – but by how much.  This fivefold offers takers a small return at 0.44/1 - but placing the less likely Italians next to these teams gives you a better price at evens.

Czech Republic v Malta - verdict: Czech Republic 1/12

Faroe Islands v Sweden - verdict: Sweden 1/10

Holland v Andorra - verdict Holland 1/80

Belarus v Spain - verdict Spain 2/11

England v Andorra - verdict England 1/100

If you’re watching any of the fixtures you might find more excitement in the fulltime score markets, with 5-0 to England seeming a likely one to play with to keep you interested for at the least the majority of the game – but don’t play with anything more than the change you’d lose at the bottom of your bag.

Things to Celebrate this Weekend

We predicted the correct result in every one of the four Sunday Premier League games at 31/1 - including the draw at Anfield.  We were right on every one of our green light games this weekend and backed Torres to be an anytime goalscorer in a Chelsea win against Norwich on twitter.  We were right about eight of the ten games in the Premier League and overall, for those of us following @tfpredictions on twitter, we said that the Annan game wasn't worth touching - underdogs Buckie Thistle went on to beat them at 5/1.

Southampton v Fulham 7th October

Southampton v Fulham:  For most of the game it looked likely that Southampton would be taking the three points, but taking into consideration the sheer amount of goals Fulham – yes Fulham – have been scoring this season a comeback of sorts was always on the cards.  This was a really good match to watch and Kieran Richardson showed that Fulham have got options beyond Berbatov – despite giving away the free kick that led to the goal.

West Brom v QPR 6th October

West Brom v QPR

 

West Brom v QPR: 

The owners have vowed to stick by Hughes and for the time being the fans seem to be.  West Brom were lucky to take the three points and the last kick of the game could have secured a point for QPR.  Hughes needs his team to get lucky soon or the festering rot of disbelief may nestle its way into the mindset of his players before Christmas.

Chelsea v Norwich 6th October

Chelsea v Norwich

Chelsea v Norwich: 

This was one of our green light games for the weekend – we expected Chelsea to win and expected them to do it comfortably, which they did.  We also tipped Torres to be on the score-sheet, which came of no surprise when he headed in Chelsea’s first of their four; what came as a surprise to us was that Torres didn’t manage to convert more – he still seems to be reluctant to have a shot for Chelsea at the first time of asking, looking more frequently to try to sidestep defenders to pass beyond the keeper – and more often than not he fails.  Chelsea’s Juan Mata was outstanding and this season’s other additions to midfield looked exceptional – although they do seem to be lacking physical strength without Essien.  Why they would have sent him on holiday for the season still baffles – especially when you consider the fact that Lampard has been played less by Di Matteo than by Villas Boas at the stage of the season last year.

West Ham v Arsenal 6th October

West Ham v Arsenal

West Ham v Arsenal:  We tipped Arsenal to win when we realised it would be Arsene Wenger’s 350^th league win – the focus was on him for the afternoon and not the players for once, circumstances with have given successes to so many Mourinho outfits in the past.  Gervinho, who has been so brilliant of late, underwhelmed and picked up a booking for his troubles – which is worth watching.  If you’re a fantasty footballer then we’d think carefully about dumping him if he doesn’t interest when we return from the international break.

  

Wigan v Everton 6th October

Wigan v Everton: 

For those of you following us on Twitter you will already know that we thought this fixture went to prove why Wigan have stayed up for so long while Everton have stayed out of contendership for a top four place.  We thought Everton would edge this (although we didn’t recommend putting much on it) with their recent run of form – but Wigan, and most notably Kone, had other ideas.  Nonetheless, a close game.

Swansea v Reading 6th October

Swansea v Reading: 

We thought that the points would go to Swansea here but did say it was a risky one to call.  It turned out to be a really close call - but Swansea fans have reason to be concerned; this time last year they would have brushed a team like Reading away without too many headaches.

Manchester City v Sunderland 6th October

Manchester City v Sunderland: 

This was one of our favourite three picks of the weekend and Manchester City fans will have been pleased to have spent the weekend talking about their return to form.  It was a good game to watch and Manchester City played very well as a team with long spell of possession and fluent play – but a cloud does still loom overhead for the champions: their players all expect to be played and publically vent their frustrations when they are asked make way for a teammate.  Samir Nasri has just been dropped by France, which should put the shivers up most of the squad; Dzeko, who is having the best spell of form of his career has made it clear he expects games; Tevez is not known for liking the woody taste of bench and Mario Ballotelli is, well, Mario Ballotelli.  There are several players in the team who could make things interesting in their dressing room if they don’t get their way – and if they don’t get out of their group in the Champions League (we’re not sure they will) there will be less game-time to go around and that should be a big worry for fans.

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa 7th October

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

Villa are well into their worst start to a league season for over half a century and we thought that with Tottenham having just beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford the three points would be going to Spurs.  Spurs were one of our favourite picks of the weekend and the only surprise at White Hart Lane was that the goals came from unlikely sources – which won’t worry Tottenham fans.  To some it may have seemed unlikely at the start of the season - but Villas Boas may be winning the hearts of Spurs fans and filling some very big shoes left for him: this was Tottenham’s fourth consecutive Premier League win.

Liverpool v Stoke 7th October

Liverpool v Stoke



According to the bookies this was the least likely fixture of the lot to be a stalemate – but we thought otherwise and tipped this as a draw at 16/5.  Liverpool have had two very different games back to back in the league now – managing to put five past Norwich away before drawing blanks this weekend.  Suarez has had two very contrasting weeks too – and spent this week in the headlines because he likes to fall over and whinge as well as score the occasional hat-trick.  We think they’ll restore faith next week against Reading.

Newcastle v Manchester United 7th Oct

Newcastle v Manchester United

Newcastle v Manchester United:  This was the game with that goal in it. Tom Cleverly either very cleverly saw the keeper give a mere inch away or he clumsily failed to reach Van Persie with a cross.  Cleverly tends to be hit and miss in our eyes – squandering the most straightforward chances one minute and convincing us with his ability to finish the next – but we still can’t make our minds up as to whether or not he meant to place the ball in the far corner of the net when he struck from outside the box in the 71^st minute.  In other news Van Persie is a genius but can act like a temperamental child that doesn’t want to finish its dinner – but we knew that, didn’t we?

Newcastle v Manchester United 7th October 16:00

Verdict: Manchester United 19/20



Alan Pardew's side -as was the case last year in their away fixture to Chelsea - clearly have the ability to cause problems for teams at the top of the table.  At some stage in the season there is going to be an upset and it could be this weekend against Manchester United - however they are the odds on favourites with the bookmakers.  The Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie partnership has begun to bear fruit, and for that reason I think it would be unwise to be against them turning Newcastle at home.

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa 7th October 15:00

Verdict:  Spurs 2/5




The fans at White Hart Lane will be greeting their team after an unpredicted away win at Old Trafford.  Perhaps now is the time that Andre Villas Boas starts to show why he was favoured by Chelsea in the first place?  Perhaps not - but either way Spurs should have the edge over Villa at home - this is not the Carling Cup and league form has been poor so far for this weary side unsettled by demanding players.

Liverpool v Stoke 7th October 15:00

Verdict: Draw 16/5



Suarez has been on fire for Liverpool recently in a season that has seen them largely critisised for having a lack of options up front.  They are predicted to turn visitors Stoke by the bookmakers - but Liverpool are notoriously inconsistent against visiting teams of this calibre early on in the season.  Liverpool should be able to take away the three points here - but the draw makes for an interesting backing.

Southampton v Fulham 7th October 13:30

Verdict:  Draw 12/5



Martin Jol may have jinxed this fixture by saying his Fulham side lacked experience without Dimitar Berbatov playing for them against Manchester City.  Berbatov has played for his new club on only a couple of occassions, about as much game time as he was afforded at United, but it is already of no secret that he is Fulham's best player in the eyes of Jol - and to be fair, he is.  A draw is predicted at 12/5.

Arsenal v West Ham 6th October 17:30

Verdict:  Arsenal 10/11

Gervinho has just begun to show Arsenal fans that he can actually produce and create goals - and at a much needed time in the absence of Van Persie.  Podolski has fitted in to the side well and seems keen to fill the very big boots left for him by the Dutchman.  After a frustrating loss to London rivals Chelsea last week Arsenal will be keen to take three points at West Ham - although this fixture has proven to be a difficult one in the recent past.

Wigan v Everton 6th October 15:00

Verdict: Everton Evens



Everton have benefitted from several key players hitting form in the start to the season.  Time will tell whether or not this still rather small squad can compete for a finish toward the top of the table - but for the time being they seem likely to continue to score points away from home for the time being.  A very good price for a side in form, but a risk to be taken bearing in mind Wigan's home record has been the key to their staying in the league for the last few seasons.

West Brom v QPR 6th October 15:00

Verdict: West Brom 17/20



West Brom showed a deal of strength and tenacity against a Villa side that were celebrating a win over the league champions away from home last weekend, so a visit from QPR, floundering at the bottom of the table, should be seen as an opportunity to progress higher up the table.  It's yet to be seen how QPR will cope with the pressure being put on Mark Hughes, with Harry Rednapp having been linked to his position.  QPR are desperate for three points and this one could go either way.

Swansea v Reading 6th October 15:00

Verdict: Swansea Evens



Swansea have dipped in form recently after a very promising start under Brian Laudrup and face a Reading side who have shown promise and will be keen to state their intent in this away fixture.  Reading have had some reasons to celebrate lately, notably against struglling QPR, but Swansea should be able to fend them off in what is predicted to be a close match.  A risky backing, but Swansea are favoured.

Chesea v Norwich 6th October 15:00

Verdict: Chelsea 1/4



This fixture last season saw the promise in Norwich that led to them retaining their place in the Premier League, even though they didn't manage to earn any points for their troubles.  Chelsea have been exceptional as of late and they should be able to dispose of Norwich at home this season with confidence.

Manchester City v Sunderland 6th Oct 12:45

Verdict:  Manchester City 2/7




Manchester City have had a relatively poor spell by their standards as of late and will look to return to form against a Sunderland side that haven't really found their feet this season.  Sunderland will be more than keen to claim three points and recent encounters have been heated - but City will be eager to capitalise on ill-feeling from their disappointment midweek at home to Dortmund.