Premier League High-Risk Accumulator 1st December

Arsenal v Swansea – Arsenal

Manchester City v Everton – Manchester City

QPR v Aston Villa – QPR

Norwich v Sunderland – Norwich

Reading v Manchester United – Manchester United

13/1

At 5/4 Norwich seem too tempting to resist - we think that’s a good price for them at home to struggling Sunderland which is why we’ve included them in this week’s 13/1 long-shot. 

          Arsenal feature this weekend, but were the ruin of our 20/1 selection last weekend when they failed to beat Aston Villa.

          A combination bet with these teams may prove profitable.  We were dismayed this week when we were wide of the 17/1 mark by one selection, again, when Chelsea drew to Fulham – hopefully this weekend could be more fruitful in the long-shot stakes.

Premier League Low-Risk Accumulator 1st December

Manchester City v Everton – Everton

Reading v Manchester United – Manchester United

QPR v Aston Villa – Both teams to score

28/10

Looking at this treble doesn’t exactly fill us with confidence - and it’s QPR that bring the fingernails towards the mouth.  In spite of their goalless affair in Sunderland, they’ve been a team that have scored goals recently, even when they’ve lost games. We still feel somewhat uncertain about expecting them to do anything other than lose in the Premier League.

          Harry Redknapp has to impress in this fixture and with it being his first home match we’re expecting a QPR win, but we’re also expecting Aston Villa to give them some troubles to worry about – which is why we’re backing the scoring market rather than the outright.

         

Fulham v Tottenham – Preview and Predictions

Fulham v Tottenham: Verdict - Draw 5/2

Tottenham outperformed Liverpool in the week, ending their run of seven league games undefeated.  Fulham, in the meantime, we’re becoming one of the few clubs to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea this season – holding them to a frustrating draw at Stamford Bridge.  The meeting between these two London clubs could be a close one. 

          Most will favour the away side in this fixture, but Tottenham have been somewhat inconsistent against lesser opposition this season, struggling to teams like Wigan on their off-days.  We think that if Fulham are able to gain the advantage early on they could get something out of the game – Liverpool left it too late to do so and we think Fulham might show they’ve learnt a lesson from their mistake.

Newcastle v Wigan – Preview and Predictions

Newcastle v Wigan: Verdict Newcastle Evens.

Newcastle have been winning once a month on average in the Premier League since the start of the season, with winless November the only exception.  By our reckoning Newcastle are due a win and we think that they showed some of the quality necessary in their match against Stoke. 

          Wigan were bettered by Manchester City and Kone squandered the chances he had in their midweek game.  We expect to see Newcastle making the most of the options they have in their squad to brush past Wigan this weekend – if they fail to you may well feel some pressure building on Pardew.

Norwich v Sunderland – Preview and Predictions

Norwich v Sunderland: Verdict Norwich 5/4

At 5/4 we think Norwich is the price of the weekend.  They’ve beaten Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham at home this season and Sunderland have had fewer shots on goal than any other team this season and have been struggling at the lower end of the table since the start of it.

          This fixture could well be a close battle, but if Norwich can start strong and show the quality they have in recent appearances it would be unsurprising to see Sunderland coming away empty-handed.

Reading v Manchester United – Preview and Predictions

Reading v Manchester United: Verdict – Manchester United 4/9

Manchester United, in spite of having scored the season’s quickest goal, went for over 90 minutes at home without scoring against West Ham, which could give Reading fans some element of hope.  United do, however, remain the only team in the league who have yet to draw and, although they have lost on their travels, we expect them to beat Reading in their away fixture.

          Reading could be capable of an upset of sorts – but it would be an upset nonetheless – so you can expect a United win with a degree of confidence.  Their recent performances have been shadowing those of their rivals – we currently expect them to win the League, and not on the last day of the season.

West Brom v Stoke – Preview and Predictions

West Brom v Stoke: Verdict West Brom 13/12

Stoke have been impressive lately, having recently won their last two games against Fulham and Newcastle – and we tipped them to win on both occasions.  Going against Stoke doesn’t seem like a sensible move at the moment, but their away form isn’t quite as stellar as their home form. 

          West Brom recently beat Chelsea at the Hawthorns, and if the same team turns up to play Stoke, the points will stay in the Midlands.

QPR V Aston Villa – Preview and Predictions

QPR v Aston Villa: Verdict QPR 11/10

QPR have an interesting month ahead, with a trip to Norwich as well as fixtures against Chelsea and the champions, Manchester City.  Without some success before the opening of the transfer window QPR will find it increasingly hard to make notable signings – the landing of Cesar in the summer is already becoming a thing of legend, unlikely to repeated by the club in the near future.

          This is a game that will have huge implications on the club if they fail to take three points, especially considering the league position of Aston Villa.  We think that QPR will be the winners when the final whistle blows, as they head towards what could be a long, cold and hard December

Manchester City v Everton – Preview and Predictions

Manchester City v Everton: Verdict Manchester City 4/7

Everton could be heading towards a top-four finish, having managed to show their intent by holding Arsenal to a draw in their midweek fixture.  There's a lot riding on their qualification, with players expected to harder to sign for City if there isn't the lure of Champions League football next season.

          Manchester City are needing to continue pressing towards a second league title if they're to keep their players happy.  Mancini has been lavishing Mario Balotelli with praise in the last week - comparing him to Messi and Ronaldo - and we think this may be a result of a two-way interest between the player and AC Milan.  Either way, Manchester City need to continue winning league fixtures in order to satisfy the squad players, there are a limited amount of games for them now they're out of two competitions this season. 

          We expect Manchester City to win this fixture, although it may not be a comfortable ride for their fans.

      

Liverpool v Southampton – Preview and Predictions

Liverpool v Southampton – Verdict - Liverpool 4/9

Nobody has drawn fewer Premier League games this season than Liverpool and for that reason we’re recommending treading with caution around this fixture.  Southampton could provide an upset if Liverpool don’t take control of the game early on. 

          After a loss to Spurs in the midweek meetings some might feel that Liverpool are beginning to struggle.  Although this may be the case we think the loss may have given them the impetus to win, rather than draw.

Arsenal v Swansea – Preview and Predictions

Arsenal v Swansea: Verdict – Arsenal 1/2

Arsenal had a torrid time in their draw against Aston Villa and Wenger has received his fair share of familiar criticism this week – racking up another draw at Everton.  We’re now expecting Arsenal to put their woes behind them; they’ve been lacking consistency, having shown moments of flair and brilliance this season – we’re expecting a convincing performance to silence critics against Swansea.

West Ham v Chelsea – Preview and Predictions

 West Ham v Chelsea: Verdict - Draw 7/3

Chelsea have not scored a goal for 321 minutes, since their loss to West Brom in Roberto Di Matteo’s penultimate game in charge.  West Ham may have lost to Manchester United in their midweek trip to Old Trafford, but they did keep United from scoring for over ninety minutes following Robin Van Persie’s goal in the opening seconds.  We think this game will be extremely close to call.

          Chelsea’s failure to beat Fulham at home was costly for us and for that reason they don’t feature in our accumulator selections this weekend – so we don’t recommend backing Chelsea in this fixture against West Ham.  They’re favoured by the bookmakers to win, but without being favoured by their fans there may be an upset on the cards.  Benitez needs to win points in haste to win over the fans at Chelsea – but we feel there may be trouble looming on the horizon for the Blues.  A win against West Ham will convince critics, and ourselves, otherwise.

Premier League Midweek Tips

Low-Risk Accumulator - 27/10

Stoke v Newcastle - Verdict: Stoke
Manchester United v West Ham - Verdict: Manchester United
Chelsea v Fulham - Verdict: Chelsea

Chelsea's weekend performance may have failed to win over many of their critics, which these days include many of their fans, but we think they've shown us there may be cause to consider them title chasers again: Chelsea kept their first clean sheet in ten appearances on Sunday.
          From the reception he got you'd have though that Rafael Benitez had killed Simba's dad, Bambi's mum and Tupac on his way to the ground - but the team still performed for him.  He's likely to have to tolerate the same treatment from fans, who are reluctant to forget comments made about the club when he was the manager of Liverpool, but we think the headlines will be made by Chelsea's performance.  In spite of the dissent from fans, we think the team will perform against their neighbours Fulham and we're backing a home win for Chelsea.
         Stoke haven't lost at home in the Premiership since February and Newcastle have shown as much class as a French service station toilet lately - so we're backing Stoke - although at evens they're a risky backing nonetheless, even though we think the price is more than fair.

High-Risk Accumulator 17/1

Chelsea v Fulham: Verdict- Chelsea
Everton v Arsenal: Verdcit - Draw
Man United v West Ham: Verdict - Manchester United
Stoke v Newcastle: Verdict - Stoke
Wigan v Manchester City: Verdict - Manchester City

Arsenal's results against Norwich and Aston Villa recently have ruffled the feathers of supporters and attention has again turned towards the lack of recent success at the club and concerns for its future.  Everton have been equally inconsistent in the last couple of weeks - we've earmarked a draw but this is a game you may wish to avoid, like thrush.
          We've had some very surprising results in the Premiership of late and although we called some of the trickier fixtures of the weekend (notably the Stoke home win and draws at Swansea and Chelsea) some of the fixtures in recent weeks have provided upsets.  You may want to make the most of double chance markets - especially for mid-week meetings, which are notoriously unpredictable.


         
          

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator 24th Nov

Premier League Low-Risk Accumulator 20/1

Manchester United v QPR: Verdict - Manchester United
Stoke v Fulham: Verdict - Stoke
Southampton v Newcastle: Verdict - Draw
Tottenham v West Ham: Verdict - Tottenham
Aston Villa v Arsenal: Verdict - Arsenal

At 20/1 this is a backing which will leave you with something to talk about at the very least.  This weekend has some extremely close fixtures to look forward to - and this selection at least offers you some talking points.  Southampton and Newcastle are very evenly matched and that's a game you'll find a lot of different opinions on - secretly both sides would probably be happy with the draw and they may settle on this late on.  Stoke could easily be upset by Fulham, in spite of us backing the narrow favourites.
          Good luck whoever you're supporting or backing this weekend and follow on twitter @tfpredictions

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 24th Nov

Premier League Low-Risk Accumulator 25/10

Chelsea v Manchester City: Verdict - Both Teams to Score
Manchester United v QPR: Verdict - Manchester United
Everton v Norwich: Verdict - Everton

Most of our low-risk backings in recent weeks have landed and we're hoping that we can follow suit with this selection - although some of you may want to substitute Everton for Arsenal for a similar price if you're watching that televised fixture.
          Everton and Norwich is an interesting match - if last weekend was anything to go on this one would belong to Norwich.  We're expecting Everton to put their trip to Reading behind them and show their fans they have a chance at competing for a top-four finish.
          Good luck with whoever you support or choose to back this weekend and follow us on twitter @tfpredictions


         

Chelsea v Manchester City: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 25^th November 16:00 Chelsea v Manchester City – Verdict: Draw 12/5

Roberto Di Matteo has left the building.  This has come as a shock and a surprise to most - although we didn't expect him to be in position by the end of the week.

          If you look at the face of the Russian oligarch when he's approached by Di Matteo following the Champions League victory you can tell that he wasn't going to be given time, patience and opportunity.  Amramovich had the face of a spoilt teenager accepting a gift from a loudmouthed and clumsy gatecrasher at a birthday party - and awkward moment that was quickly overlooked given the situation and celebrations.

          The appointment of Rafael Benitez, however unpopular, gives Chelsea an opportunity to start the season again and if the team and fans take it there's cause for concern for their Premiership rivals.  One thing it will reinvigorate - regardless - is the ongoing Torres debate.

          The debates about Torres and Sturridge dominate the internet and sports pages in the papers, but the answer to both can be written quite easily on a conker and it is thus – Daniel Sturridge believes he’s world class and isn’t (annoying) and Fernando Torres should be world class and doesn’t believe he is (frustrating).  The circumstances could change at any point, of course, and fans and critics are simply spending their time watching to see if they do and arguing in one way or another when they haven’t.

          A week in football is a long time and by the end of this one Chelsea could be being spoken about as title contenders or as a team in crisis.  We’re going to earmark a draw – although the both teams to score market seems like a much better place to put your money if you’re a neutral watching what is indefinitely the fixture of the weekend.

         A convincing goal for either Torres or Sturridge in this fixture could change the way we see them – for another week at least - and could ease the pressure being placed on the club's new manager.

         Tell us what you think the score will be – if you call the score we’ll give you an honourable mention!

Southampton v Newcastle: Preview and Prediction

 Sunday 25^th November 13:30 Southampton v Newcastle – Verdict: Draw 5/2

Newcastle started the season off with a bang, beating Tottenham at home, and then started drawing a little bit and now it’s the end of November and they’ve only taken three points in a league game once since September. 

          Newcastle have been winning one game a month, and when you look at it that way, they should be expected to beat either Stoke or Southampton before we get the advent calendars out.

          Southampton have got reasons to be cheerful, however, and Newcastle have drawn most of their games this season – so we’re going to tip a draw in this fixture – but it joins the lists of games that are as tempting as a Debra Meadon upskirt picture.

          Tell us what you think the score will be in this one by leaving your scorecast as a comment.

Swansea v Liverpool: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 25^th November 15: Swansea v Liverpool – Verdict: Draw 5/2

This is a tough game to call and the more reserved of you may want to back the double chance markets if you’re feeling the need to bet on this one – that’s if you’re going, watching it or you simply have a big problem that needs thinking about.

          Swansea beat Liverpool at Anfield in the last meeting between these two teams and Brendan Rogers will be dreading the same being the case this Sunday – and when you look at the form that Swansea are in this could well be the case.

          This is a close one to call and Liverpool have some good results behind them and their unplayable Suarez is the league’s top goalscorer.  They go into this match unbeaten in seven – but most of them have been draws and this is an emotive fixture for Swansea.  We’re backing a draw in this one too.

          Tell us what you think this one will end up as.

Aston Villa v Arsenal: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 24^th November 17:30 Aston Villa v Arsenal – Verdict: Arsenal 8/11

Aston Villa were given a lesson in picking balls out of the net and trudging back upfield last week by Manchester City, having conceded five by the full-time whistle  – exactly the same punishment Arsenal dished out against Spurs.

          Arsenal’s defence is not the tightest for a team in the top half of the table and we feel both teams should score in this one.  Wenger can’t afford to lose this game – his chances of a top-four finish will be doubted it Villa can upset the Gunners.

          What do you see the score being – a repeat of last week for Arsenal or a sign of better days to come for Aston Villa?

         

Wigan v Reading: Preview and Prediction

 Saturday 24^th November 15: Wigan v Reading – Verdict: Wigan 10/11

Last weekend seemed so simple and wasn’t and this weekend seems appalling and probably will be.

          Reading have just won their first match of the season and the comparisons to QPR seem long behind them, and Southampton, regardless of how little there is separating teams at the bottom of the table.  This could work to Reading’s advantage.

         We’re hoping that Wigan will be able to edge past Reading in the same style they did Spurs, but don’t be too keen here.  Wigan haven’t won a game at home for nearly a month.

           Find a pair of trousers you haven’t worn for three months and see if there and any coins in the pocket – otherwise keep away from this one.

          Tell us what you think the result will be in this one and if you’re correct we’ll give you an honourable mention for being clever.

Stoke v Fulham: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 24^th November 15: Stoke v Fulham – Verdict: Stoke 6/5

We like Fulham.  What’s not to like?  Their manager looks like a teddy-bear, they’ve bounced back from being dumped and called a club with no ambition by former manager Mark Hughes – played by a detective sergeant from The Bill – and they’ve got some good players.

          Sadly for Fulham, one of their good players is Hangeland and he’s suspended.  At home Stoke are a strong team to play against and Fulham are beginning to show a tendency to concede, they’ve have eleven goals scored against them in their last four games.  We expect a home win – just.

          Tell us what you think by leaving a score below.  If you call the result you may well get tweeted about!

Everton v Norwich: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 24^th November 15: Everton v Norwich – Verdict: Everton 4/9

Everton, despite having lost to Reading last weekend, are favourites going into this match and we’re going to back them to beat Norwich, regardless of the fact they were able to beat Manchester United at home last weekend.

          Although this may not be a must win game for either of these quite evenly matched of-late teams, we expect it to be relatively close and for that reason unsafe.

          Norwich have shown on far too many occasions now that there is more to their successes than fluke this season – a game to be wary of.

         What do you think the score in this one will be?  Leave your final score as a comment and look forward to hearing some honourable mentions on twitter over the course of the weekend if you follow us @tfpredictions.

Manchester United v QPR: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 24^th November 15: Manchester United v QPR – Verdict: Manchester United 1/5

QPR are 16/1 to win this fixture, which are the same odds as a Jon Obi Mikel goal against Manchester City – and he hasn’t scored in five years.

          At the time of writing Mark Hughes is amazingly still behind the wheel at QPR, with the expression of a child whose bumper car has stopped working.  He seems forever stuck in the moment before choosing to either cry or throw an incredible tantrum; without having lived up to either for the last six or seven weeks he’s beginning to become increasingly boring – which is a lot to say about a man who has the bonhomie of a character from The Bill.  One whose name you’d forget.  DCI Whatshisname.

          Tony Fernandes made a short-sighted comment about needing ‘the right team’ in his defence of Hughes, which won’t have inspired the squad in the run-up to what can only be considered an expected thumping.

          This weekend’s fixture list is possibly the hardest one to call at face value this season – you’d be better off ringing the spinning quiz wheel on the telly at three in morning if you’re expecting to win big – but you can just about count on this one being a home win.

          Feel free to leave your predictions for this one as comments underneath – any correct scores will be given a mention by us on twitter @tfpredictions

Sunderland v West Brom: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 24^th November 12:45: Sunderland v West Brom – Verdict: Draw 5/2

Sunderland are not considered to be one of the strongest teams in the League and in spite of them attempting to convince us otherwise against a ten-man Fulham outfit last weekend, they haven’t scored that many goals.  What they haven’t done, which may come as a surprise to those of you that haven’t sat for hours looking at the table like it’s a magic-eye puzzle, is lose many games.

          Sunderland have actually lost the same amount of matches as Manchester United and we think that’s a record they may be able to hold onto, now they’ve had time to reflect on taken chances for once.

          We don’t imagine Sunderland to be a strong shout to beat a team that’s just beaten Chelsea – but they are at home and have some reasons to be cheerful as well as West Brom.

          This is one of the hardest games of the weekend to call and anyone backing any outright in this one stands to gain more than their stake back if they win.  As it’s an early televised game you may well be tempted to bet on this game – and good luck if you do.  It won’t be forming part of either of our accumulator picks for the weekend. 

          Feel free to leave your predictions for this one as comments underneath – any correct scores will be given a mention by us on twitter @tfpredictions

Champions League Low Risk Accumulator 20th to 21st Nov

Champions League Low-Risk Accumulator for 20th to 21st November - 28/10

After being let down wholeheartedly by Manchester United for what would have been a third low-risk winner in a row, we're hoping to have a bit of better luck tonight.  At this stage of the competititon there are several must-win games for teams - which is why we've considered scoreline markets on top of outrights.

Arsenal v Montpellier - Verdict: Arsenal
Manchester City v Real Madrid - Verdict: Both teams to score.
Porto v Dinamo Zagreb - Verdict: Porto
Nordsjaelland v Shakhtar Donetsk - Verdict: Shakhtar

Good luck with whoever you choose to follow this week - and remember to check back this Thursday for Premier League previews for all of our games.

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator for 17th Nov

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator for 17th Nov 78/10

Liverpool v Wigan: Verdict - Liverpool 4/9
Manchester City v Aston Villa: Verdict - Aston Villa 2/9
Norwich v Manchester United: Verdict - Manchester United 2/5
Reading v Everton: Verdict - Everton 5/6
Fulham v Sunderland: Verdict - Fulham 8/11

You may well want to exploit the double chance markets for some of these games this if you want to side with caution - but we think this is a fair price at 78/10 for a bit of a long-shot and a talking point.
          Wigan are a team that are capable of a repeat performance of the Stoke outing last month and could give Liverpool an argument at Anfield - but after Liverpool's fine display against a slick and tidy Chelsea outfit last weekend, we're expecting them not to.
          Manchester City and Manchester United should be spurring each other on to success this saturday and we feel their fixtures represent the most likely outcomes for favourites in the Premier League this weekend.
          Reading have yet to win a fixture and we're expecting Everton to be the victors in their meeting - but we should remember that Everton went behind to Sunderland last weekend.  Reading won't approach this game beaten.
          Fulham's 24 goals this season represents a haul mightier than every other Premier League side with the exception of Manchester United.  Sunderland's basket of seven represents the least goals scored by a Premier League side.  After a fine display against Arsenal we're expecting Fulham to continue in the form their fans have become accustomed to.
           Good luck this weekend whoever you support and whoever you back and follow us on twitter @tfpredictions

Premier League Low Risk Treble for 17th Nov

Premier League Low Risk Treble for 17th Nov 25/10

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: Verdict - Both Teams to Score 1/2
Manchester City v Aston Villa: Verdict - Manchester City 2/9
Norwich v Manchester United: Verdict - Manchester United 2/5

Arsenal have been scoring an average of more than five goals a match lately and for that reason we expect them to at least be on the scoresheet against Spurs.  The Gunners' defence leaves a lot to be desired of late and for that reason we don't expect them to keep a clean sheet - they'll turn a corner and change their form dramatically if this is the case.
          Manchester City have a similar scoring ration to Aston Villa, believe it or not, but they've scored goals that have won them points rather than consolation - we expect them to breeze past Aston Villa - although they can't be completely counted out: Villa won 4-2 in their last visit to the Etihad.
          Norwich have their long-awaited victory over Arsenal to celebrate this season, but one should remember they conceded nine to Liverpool and Chelsea beforehand.  We expect the scoreline to reflect the latter - Manchester United are the only Premier League yet to draw this season.
          Good luck with whoever you support or choose to back this weekend - and follow on twitter @tfpredictions.

West Ham v Stoke: Preview and Prediction

Monday 19^th November 20:00: West Ham V Stoke – Verdict: West Ham 10/11

West Ham were surprising victors at St James Park last weekend – especially when you consider they’re a team that performs far better at home.  

          The same can be said of Stoke – who were able to edge past QPR last weekend.  At home they’re are far better than they are on their travels, in spite of having drawn to Liverpool last month.

          West Ham head into this fixture as favourites and many could argue that the teams are relatively equally matched – we’re siding with West Ham simply based on home advantage and this could be a close fought battle.

Fulham v Sunderland: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 18^th November 16:00: Fulham V Sunderland – Verdict: Fulham 3/4

When Mark Hughes left Fulham for ‘a club with more ambition’ few would have been able to predict that his ambitions would soon be to climb out of the relegation zone to keep his job at a time when Fulham would be in the top four – but that’s the case at the moment.

          In Berbatov Fulham have a striker who looks to be regaining world class form and he could easily be the signing of the season.  Martin Jol, who is more than familiar with Dimitar Berbatov, has prepared the soil well for his planting in the team and the points Fulham have earned are not surprising considering the style of play and self-belief Jol can be accounted for.

          Fulham are the sensible backing in this fixture and are expected to take three points – although Sunderland were able to give Everton cause for concern last weekend when they took the lead.  If they can make a promising start to the fixture, Fulham should be comfortable.

Norwich v Manchester United: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: Norwich  V Manchester United– Verdict: Manchester United 2/5

Arsenal and Tottenham both went to Carrow Road in the first part of last month to come home empty handed and since then Norwich haven’t lost a match. A team previously expected to battle relegation, Norwich have made a strong case for their remaining in the Premiership long-term and are becoming a side, simlarly to West Brom, who are fast gaining an impressive reputation amongst their peers.

          Although an upset isn’t impossible –  remember Norwich hadn’t beaten Arsenal in over ten years when they beat them in October – it seems unlikely and you can expect an away win.  Norwich won't not be judged on this performance, providing the final score isn't cricket like; the outcome of only a few teams' seasons relies on performances against Sir Alex Ferguson.

West Brom v Chelsea: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: West Brom V Chelsea – Verdict: Chelsea 4/5

With John Terry having been in the news for something other than sex and prejudice, and out of the team for reasons other than suspension, Chelsea may feel a weight off their shoulders.  That said, the Mark Clattenberg affair has been giving opponents of the club a fair bit of ammunition.

          It will be an emotive visit for Steve Clarke, who played a huge part in the recent Premier League championship seasons for Chelsea, and he’s made a huge impact at West Brom – a side that showed what they are capable of against Champions League opposition by coming close to beating Manchester City last month.

          In spite of the occasion and West Brom’s recent form we still think that Chelsea will edge it, but it’s likely to be a close match and Chelsea could struggle if they fail to take charge in the first half, understandably the double-chance market should be a lot more temputous that the outright result.

Reading v Everton: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: Reading V Everton – Verdict: Everton 8/11

Everton were heavily tipped to beat Wigan by most at a time when they seemed on the ascendancy.  Instead of continuing in their winning ways they were pedestrian - and the same could be the case against Reading.  Everton have the ability to disappoint on occasion.

          Reading drew with a strong Norwich side last weekend and have it in them to force a draw – but we still fancy Everton to gain three points here.

QPR v Southampton: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: QPR V Southampton – Verdict: Draw 23/10

We said last weekend that Mark Hughes has a face like a nightshift in a boredom factory and made light of the fact he’d be soon out of a job – but seeing his face after losing to Stoke has made us think twice about mocking his plight: he had tears in his eyes and looked as if life, and not Stoke, had defeated him.

          Few Southampton fans would argue that they have the better side, but they will be hoping that they can take something away from the fixture owing to the dreadful form shown by QPR.

         Most will expect QPR to gain that elusive victory, but we recommend the double-chance market rather than the outright.  With the exception of the North London Derby, this is the most emotionally charged fixture of the weekend and it’s a hard one to call.  It may be harder to watch, if you sympathise with Adkins and Hughes.

Newcastle v Swansea: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: Newcastle v Swansea – Verdict: Newcastle 5/6

Losing to West Ham courtesy of a former-captain last weekend will have gone down as a easily as a broken pinecone for Newcastle fans and their team will aim to bounce back against Swansea – who failed to beat struggling Southampton last weekend.

          Swansea have had an interesting few weeks and are in many ways comparable to West Ham, so this is a very risky-backing if your fancies do fly in Newcastle’s favour. 

Manchester City v Aston Villa: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: Manchester City v Aston Villa – Verdict: Manchester City 1/5

Aston Villa knocked Manchester City out of the League Cup at the Etihad earlier this season and that should give them some encouragement heading into this fixture.  Putting two past Manchester United in relatively quick succession last weekend wouldn’t have hurt either, in spite of their eventual loss, and Paul Lambert can at least feel his side are beginning to work and play as a team somewhat, even if his side are unable to gather points this weekend.

          Manchester City will surprise people if they are unable to win this fixture and it remains the safest backing of the weekend.

Liverpool v Wigan: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: Liverpool v Wigan – Verdict: Liverpool 2/5

With Suarez being apparently being snubbed on scoring and Gerrard’s injury scare, little was made of the Liverpool performance against Chelsea.

          Liverpool played like a side aiming for Champions League football last weekend, but it’s strangely been against teams of the Wigan-ilk that this has seemed unlikely. 

          We’re backing Liverpool to win but it could be a close one. Wigan have had sparks of genius interspersed with guff-sniffingly poor moments this season; they have a surprise up one sleeve and a turd the other.

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 12:45: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Verdict: Draw 11/5

Thierry Henry recently said he was proud to have never lost a game to Spurs wearing an Arsenal shirt, something fewer first team players may be saying in the future.

          Arsenal fans do have something to be smiling about though and that’s the fact that Arsene Wenger has a pile of money earmarked for January spending.  Although Eden Dzeko is more likely to be used as a bartering-tool as a part of the proposed Falcao bid than he is to join Arsenal in January, fans can be pleased that the club is linked with players like him and they look likely to sign an established player – but in the meantime they’re struggling somewhat.

          Spurs beating Manchester United at Old Trafford, as a part of an impressive winning-streak, seems a somewhat distant memory and the team, or at the very least Villas-Boas, have been subjected to jeering from supporters in recent weeks – this, however, is a game that Tottenham will be well-prepared for.

          This game, especially when you consider the recent results and form of both sides, has not been harder to call for several years, so we’re backing a score-draw.

          Don’t part with any serious amounts of money when betting on this one - play with loose change or expect loose bowels.

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator 36/1

Arsenal v Fulham – Verdict: Arsenal 1/2

Aston Villa v Manchester United - Verdict: Manchester United 1/2

Everton v Sunderland – Verdict: Everton 1/2

Stoke v QPR –Verdict: Stoke 5/6

Reading v Norwich – Verdict: Draw 9/4

Chelsea v Liverpool – Verdict: Chelsea 17/20

There are bound to be some upsets this weekend, but for a small-stake backing this gamble offers you quite a few talking points.  The Reading and Norwich draw bumps the price of this sixfold up, and that’s the highest risk of the lot if you want to lower the risk.

          If Saturday’s successful then you’ll have landed a 36/1 bet on Chelsea for Sunday with this accumulator.  Recently we said Daniel Sturridge was a tasty as a tramp’s toenail, but we’re bound to be a lot kinder to him if he plays with the weight of this bet behind him.

          The more reserved of you may want to look into making the most of the double chance markets instead of the outright result and if that’s the case then you may want to favour a draw in the Stoke game as well as the win.

          Good luck with whoever you back and whoever you support – and follow on twitter: @tfpredictions

Premier League Low-Risk Treble

 Aston Villa v Manchester United – Verdict: Manchester United 1/2

Everton v Sunderland – Verdict: Everton 1/2

Southampton v Swansea – Both teams to score 4/7

We’ve spent a long time looking over the Premier League fixture list expecting something to jump out at us like a magic-eye puzzle, but the games this weekend are actually quite close to call. 

          Swansea’s visit to Southampton may be reminiscent of Fulham’s a few weeks back – so both teams scoring seems like a safer call than a result in that one.  

          One of the reasons football is so popular is because of the way form can quickly change.  Everton are on form and Sunderland have been pedestrian lately, but this could change in their meeting – we’ll obviously be hoping it won’t.

          The safest backing of the weekend is Manchester United in their visit to Aston Villa and you can expect to see either their greying babyface or their plug-ugly troll scoring; Van Persie or Rooney will surprise us if they don’t convert – they’ve been outstanding lately.

          This treble offers a realistic 25/10 but adding Arsenal to the list, for those of you that are less conservative, will give you a higher price of 43/10.

Chelsea v Liverpool: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 11^th November 16:00: Chelsea v Liverpool – Verdict: Chelsea Evens

Liverpool have been as tidy and as classy as a French service-station toilet lately and most would favour Chelsea over them at Stamford Bridge – but Liverpool have beaten Chelsea in this Premier League tie before when they’ve been struggling to gain points elsewhere.

          Gianfranco Zola recently said that he felt Torres was still in love with his former club and to his credit it’s hard to argue that something isn’t quite right with him.  He’s been given the fast-paced midfield he publicly longed for and now doesn’t seem to be completely involved in the quick linking passes his teammates are becoming known for.

          A good game for Torres against his former club could be the moment he needs – but in spite of that we feel Chelsea, if that can handle the often unplayable and often punchable Suarez, should be able to edge the win regardless.  

          The double chance in Chelsea’s favour will be a sensible bet if you’re unable to resist the temptation to place some money on this match.   

         

Newcastle v West Ham: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 11^th November 15:00: Newcastle v West Ham – Verdict: Newcastle 21/20

Newcastle held Liverpool to a draw last week and the goal scored by Cabaye was the first to have consistent over time? Some would argue not owing to the sights of several bigger clubs being on their been scored at Anfield by a Newcastle player since Patrick Kluivert, so theirs is clearly an improving side facing West Ham this weekend.

          Alan Pardew’s side has been playing the right sort of football to guarantee European football next season – fast paced and physical – but the question lots of critics are asking is can they be in-form forwards and there may be large changes made to the squad when the transfer window opens.

           Of the three promoted sides West Ham look like the only team likely to remain in the Premiership next season and have shown their worth by drawing to Manchester City at home last weekend - so the double chance market might be a tempting bet; they could come away with something if the wind's in the right direction.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 11^th November 13:30: Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur – Verdict: Manchester City 8/13

After watching Ajax upstage Manchester City in the first-half of their mid-week fixture with a team that cost less than a tenth of the price, Spurs will be visiting the Etihad to face a dejected team licking wounds – which is what they’ve been doing since getting trounced by Wigan.

          Jermain Defoe stormed down the tunnel away from Andre Villas Boas when he was substituted on Saturday – which makes us wonder if he’s forgotten being the least favoured forward by Redknapp not so long ago. 

          Elderly couples prefer to spend less time sitting on benches than Adebayor has lately and he’s been undoubtedly unsettled by his lack of time playing – something that some City players can relate to.  He has something to prove and against his former club he could shine if he’s given the opportunity.

          We expect Manchester City to be able to break Tottenham down and although we feel they’re the safer backing – it could be a very tense game.

Aston Villa v Manchester United: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Aston Villa v Manchester United – Verdict: Manchester United 4/7

Aston Villa may think they’ve turned the corner.  They’ve drawn to Norwich (as bad as losing given the circumstances for Lambert) and have beaten Swindon (as they should do) before beating Sunderland (like kicking a puppy in the face these days).  Although they may well feel that some of the weight is off of their shoulders Manchester United will feel the mountain has come to Mohamed.  Manchester United, after their usual slow starts to seasons, are just about looking like they might be finding their feet and are now sat at the top of the table.
           In today's games strikers are rarely treated to a run of games when they're in poor form, let alone a season, and that's meant lasting partnerships between forwards had been few and far between.  Rooney and Van Persie look to be forging a partnership that may be spoken about for years to come and you can expect one or the other to be on the scoresheet.

           Expect Manchester United to treat Aston Villa with the contempt you’d show a fat spoilt step-child - these are not vistors Paul Lambert will be looking forward to having.

Wigan v West Brom: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Wigan v West Brom – Verdict: Draw 5/2

Wigan have been unexpectedly good – like cinema nachos.  Beating Tottenham away from home will be a warning to other teams and in spite of losing to Bradford in the League Cup they’ve kept out of relegation conversations since the start of the season.           

         West Brom have performed well for the new management and have begun to play the football past managers had consistently aimed for.  Over the course of the season you can expect West Brom to finish higher than Wigan – but this fixture may not be as simple.

Stoke v QPR: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Stoke v QPR – Verdict: Stoke 10/11

Mark Hughes being still in charge of QPR is most surprising and he seems to be clinging on to the position by promising a long winning streak soon to start – which doesn’t seem likely.

          Nobody can deny the achievements of Tony Pulis at Stoke and he’s been making progress with the Potters for ten years now.  Last week he celebrated in style by failing to beat Norwich away from home – but Stoke aren’t really known for their travelling form; this game may prove to be much more comfortable for a team who have held Champions League opposition from stealing all the finery on several occasions in the recent past.

          Mark Hughes will be waving to the fans, with his face like a nightshift in a boredom factory, at the end of this fixture if he fails to win.

Southampton v Swansea: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Southampton v Swansea – Verdict: Draw 16/5

Southampton are favourites going into this game – although we can’t really see why.  At the start of the season this would have been a game that Adkins (who at the time of writing is still on the payroll) would have thought he had a chance of winning – but Swansea have just had a couple of big results, holding the European Champions to a draw and knocking the League Cup holders out away from home.  We think both teams will score and that seems like a better market to play with than the result.

Reading v Norwich: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Reading v Norwich – Verdict: Draw 13/5

Reading will win a home game at some stage in the season and Norwich seem like as good a candidate as any, in spite of our predicted outcome.  This game is as safe as raw-kebab meat if ever there was one, and with both point-hungry sides being as somewhat inconsistent over the course of the season as each other, we envisage a score-draw. 

Everton v Sunderland: Preview and Prediction

 Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Everton v Sunderland – Verdict: Everton 8/15

Being in an accident involving farming equipment, falling in a canal and being the object of a fully grown and extremely physical Rottweiler’s sexual affection – these are three things more appealing that being a Sunderland supporter of late. 

          Owing to their poor form and ability to convert shots on target, Sunderland are stugglers in the Premier League. They have had less shots on target and attempts than any other Premier League team and watching them recently has been more challenging and demanding than the average triathlon. 

          Expect Everton to be in control for most of the game with Sunderland attempting to outplay them in midfield – they may have spells of extended possession but we doubt it’ll bear fruit.  Sunderland need something from this game and are desperate to silence critics, but anything other than a home win would be an upset.

Arsenal v Fulham: Preview and Prediction

 Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Arsenal v Fulham – Verdict: Arsenal 8/15

Arsenal’s current side isn’t comparable to some of the recent outfits Arsene Wenger has had at his disposal but they still have a squad capable of challenging for Champions League football next season – which is why this fixture comes at an interesting time; Fulham are currently in Champions League contention and are above Arsenal in the table.

          Arsenal lost to Manchester United, as we thought they would, but they did manage to score with only ten men on the pitch  and didn’t get the credit they deserved for their second half performance for two reasons: Van Persie took the headlines and Andre Santos took his shirt.  There was a lot for Arsenal to reflect on positively and we think this weekend will be a time when Arsenal show what they are capable of as a team.

          Although we don’t expect Fulham to be able to beat Arsenal at The Emirates, but there could be an upset if Arsenal don’t start strongly.  Arsene Wenger’s side have yet to score a goal in the first half an hour of a domestic fixture and if they continue to make slow starts to games they’ll find their opposition more frequently dictating the pace. 

          Look out for Arsene Wenger’s jacket, which we’re convinced is getting longer.

Champions League Safe Fourfold

Champions League Fourfold

After landing a hefty 10/1 and a 33/1 last month we’ve had little to look back on in November so far – so we’re playing it very safe with this 11/10 fourfold:

Bayern Munich v Lille – Verdict - Bayern Munich 1/6

Braga v Man United – Verdict - Double chance, Man United or Draw 41/135

Chelsea v Shakhtar Donetsk – Verdict - Double chance, Chelsea or Draw 1/4

Juventus v Nordsjaelland – Verdict - Juventus 1/7

Juventus, having just lost their impressive home record recently, will be looking to avoid upset at home to Nordsjaelland and of all the games of the evening they are most likely to take three points in their fixture.  Some of the less conservative of you may be willing to back outrights in the Chelsea and Manchester United fixtures – and if you add Barcalona to that the higher-risk backing is then priced at 65/10.

High Risk Accumulator for 3rd Nov

High Risk Accumulator for 3^rd Nov 62/1

Fulham v Everton – Verdict: Draw 3/1

QPR v Reading - Verdict: Reading 7/2

Tottenham v Wigan – Verdict: Tottenham 1/2

Swansea v Chelsea – Verdict Chelsea 4/5

West Ham v Man City – Verdict: Man City 8/11

We've been more than harsh to Mark Hughes in recent weeks and it isn't going to stop this weekend.  We hope to see him at the full-time whistle with the face of a man who's come home to find chimpanzees smashing his kitchen. 

          The likelihood is that Reading won't take three points away, but QPR should be performing better and Mark Hughes isn't everyone's favourite flavour after making a cynical move from Fulham, so we're backing Reading.  

          At 62/1 this list is obviously wishful thinking and you've got every right to tinker with it to your heart's content.  Just bear in mind - there are some very close games to call this weekend and it's one to have some fun with; there are definately going to be games that cause heartbreak over the course of it.

Low Risk Accumulator for 3rd Nov

Low Risk Accumulator for 3^rd Nov  3/1

Man United v Arsenal – Verdict: Man United 7/10

Swansea v Chelsea – Verdict: Chelsea 4/5

Tottenham v Wigan – Verdict: Tottenham 1/2

At 3/1 this treble should offer you more than a bit of fun for Saturday’s Premier League fixtures, especially considering the first game of the weekend is the televised clash between Manchester United and Arsenal.  The more reckless of you, or those of you that support Arsenal, may want to make the most of the draw at 3/1 – but we see it as an unlikely prospect.  Fans of Chelsea and Man City can have a weekend where they can back Manchester United and share in the glory of the Gunners if they lose their money.  The most likely to cause concerns out of these three fixtures is the Chelsea game – Swansea can play fast paced football and a draw isn’t beyond them in spite of returning squad members like Torres being available for selection.

Liverpool v Newcastle: Preview and Predictions

Liverpool v Newcastle 16:00 Verdict Liverpool 8/13

After spending much of the week discussing whether or not his side where better than Everton, only to watch his side lose in style to Swansea - Steven Gerrard will be hoping Liverpool can take three points against Newcastle in order to avoid further embarrassment.

          Brendan Rodgers will equally want to put the mid-week mishap behind him, having been beaten by former squeeze Swansea.  Anything other than a win against Newcastle will put pressure on the already heavily criticised manager, but we expect this game to be a return to the Liverpool fans expect to see.

          Only West Ham can boast about having more yellow cards than Newcastle this season and Newcastle’s physical style could prove to be a problem for a slight and youthful Liverpool side, but they are likely to have to rest in form Ba this weekend.  

          We’ve edged towards Liverpool, but this won’t be a fixture we’re likely to want to do more than speculate over.  Unless you’re watching it on the telly and simply have to put money on it we’d recommend you do the same.

QPR v Reading: Preview and Predictions

QPR v Reading 4th November 13:30 Verdict Reading 7/2

Reading came close to a historic win over Arsenal in the League Cup on Tuesday, but can at least revel in the fact they’ve been scoring a wealth of goals of late – which is the reason we’re favouring them over QPR this weekend.

          QPR have the home advantage and a squad far better than their league position suggests, so most people will side with them over Reading in a game between two sides hotly expected to face relegation at this stage in the season – but we’re not convinced.

          We believe Mark Hughes will be seeking employment elsewhere if he doesn’t win this one, and we’re not sure he will.  Look out for him standing on the sidelines with a face like Vigo the Carpathian from Ghostbusters 2, whilst his team wonder what their silent captain might be thinking.

West Ham v Manchester City: Preview and Predictions

West Ham v Man City 3rd November 17:30:  Verdict - Man City 8/11

Manchester City have had some notable wobbles of late and Mancini will want his team to win confidently in this fixture. 

          Upton Park is a difficult place to play and this late fixture will be a firm test, but we fancy Man City to put their recent inconsistencies behind them in style.  If City aren’t able to win this fixture, critics of the team will begin to start calling the Premiership a two-horse race, which won’t do the City squad, with some notably unsettled players, any favours. 

          West Ham’s last Premier League fixture was a loss to Wigan and this visit is likely to frustrate supporters desperate to see their club move further up the table.

Tottenham v Wigan: Preview and Predictions

Tottenham v Wigan 15:00 3rd November: Verdict - Tottenham 1/2

In spite of losing to Chelsea and giving up their winning streak recently, Spurs still look like likely contenders to gain a top four space and they’ll see this game as a big opportunity – especially if Arsenal drop points in the early fixture. 

          Wigan now have an Argentinean international striker in the form of Di Santo – although his chances of beating the likes of Tevez and Aguero to a long-term place in the team are somewhat slim.  He does, however, have even more reason to impress of late (other than to advertise himself to perspective clubs) and could give the Tottenham defence causes for concern.

          In spite of Wigan having a surprisingly effective attack, especially for a side expected to labour in the bottom half of the table, we expect Spurs to win this fixture – they’ll have some things to think about if this isn’t the case. 

          Expect a return to Premiership normality after mid-week embarrassment for both sides. 

Swansea v Chelsea: Preview and Predictions

Swansea v Chelsea 3rd November 15:00: Verdict - Chelsea 4/5

The way the season has been going games like this one have to be won by clubs expecting to win the league.  Chelsea are leading what is becoming evermore increasingly a three horse race and have to beat Swansea to keep the rest of the pack from overtaking on the inside – and they'll will also want to be in the headlines for something other than race-rows and abuse of twitter. 

          Swansea’s second season is a big test and the club look likely to stay afloat for a third, but their survival is not being weighted on games like this one.  It’s a big day out for Swansea and this game could be tense, but we expect Chelsea to be firmly in control by the second half inspite of the late night they had mid-week and Swansea's elation as a result of defeating Brendan Rodgers and his new squeeze, Liverpool.

         Rested Torres scored for the Blues against Swansea last season, but also saw red in the fixture at Stamford Bridge – he’ll be wanting to have a better performance, aiming to return to the form seen at the start of the season.  We see him as a likely goalscorer if Chelsea are to win comfortably.