Premier League Low Risk Accumulator

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 17th August

Chelsea v Hull: Chelsea
Sunderland v Fulham: BTTS
Crystal Palace v Tottenham: Tottenham
Arsenal v Aston Villa: Arsenal

4/1

Chelsea, who have been high scoring in their pre-season fixtures, are the favourtites to spend the first week of the Premier League at the top of the table - so their fixture against newly promoted Hull is the safest backing of the weekend.
          Fulham have made some notable signings of late and although we see this game as one that's too close to call, we think that both teams will find the net.
          Regardless of Bale's circumstances, Tottenham still have a formidable team and the capability to overturn Palace - at 3/4 they're too good an offer to turn down.
          Arsenal host Aston Villa and although Aston Villa have one of the best Premier League records at the Emirates, we think Arsenal will alleviate the pressure put on Wenger after a disappointing transfer period by taking three points from the midlands side.
          In the first few weeks of the season we recommend you keep stakes low.  Good luck with whoever you choose to back or support this weekend!

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator 17th September

Premier League High Risk Accumulator

Swansea v Manchester United: Draw
Liverpool v Stoke: Draw
West Ham v Cardiff: West Ham

30/1

In the first few weeks of the Premier League fixtures are extremely hard to call going on pre-season form alone - so we think our high-risk backing at 30/1 is well worth a small stake.
          David Moyes has not had the pre-season he would have hoped for with Manchester United and his poor overseas form has only been overlooked as a result of the ongoing Rooney transfer sage.  He has won three, drawn two and lost three since taking over from Ferguson and the meantime Swansea haven't conceeded a goal.  Manchester United may well make the perfect start to the season in a vital game given upcoming fixtures, but we can't see this game being plain sailing.
         Liverpool have not won a first day fixture in the Premier League since 2001 and this match could be another disappointment.  The draw, which was the case in this fixture at Anfield last season, is 18/5 and seems far too inviting to ignore.
          West Ham have made some interesting signings of late and their newcomers could will want to impress the home fans - this fixture is bound to be close, but we think the home side will edge it.

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 4th May

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator

Tottenham v Southampton: Tottenham
Swansea v Manchester City: Manchester City
Manchester United v Chelsea: Both teams to score.

33/10

Four of the last five fixtures for Tottenham have been 2-2 draws at the end of ninety minutes - and if the same is to be the case this weekend we'll be kicking ourselves having backed Spurs over their south coast vistors. 
          Tottenham can't afford to drop points this weekend after failing to take three away with them last weekend when they travelled to Wigan.  Having scored more than twice the number of goals at Saints have in their last five games we fancy Spurs to edge this fixture given the home advantage.  If Southampton are able to upset Spurs, or if Spurs end up drawing another fixture, the dream of Champions League football and a finish above Chelsea or Arsenal will be dead in the water.
          Manchester United have scored in every single domestic home game this season and Chelsea have scored in each of their last fourteen games.  If you think the result is too close to call then you may be more inclined to back both teams to score.  There have been some very entertaining matches between the two sides this season and this fixture is bound to be another given Chelsea's league position and intent.
          The other Manchester side will be licking their wounds in Wales this weekend against a Swansea side that hasn't managed to win a fixture in more than  two months.  Although there's still a lot to admire about Swansea's style of play we think City, building momentum in the run up to the FA Cup final, should outplay Laudrup's side with ease.
          For a free £25 bet on our accumulator with William Hill click here

Premier League High Return Accumulator 4th May

Premier League High-Return Accumulator

Fulham v Reading: Draw
Manchester United v Chelsea: Draw
Norwich v Aston Villa: Draw
QPR v Arsenal: Arsenal

44/1

At this point in the season it's hard to argue in favour or placing high stakes on any league fixture; some teams have too much to play for and others have little reason to turn up at all.  We're looking towards fixtures that are the closest to call this weekend and hoping for draws.
          Fulham and Reading only managed to score one goal apiece last month, so a high scoring result at Craven Cottage would be an upset.  Both teams have struggled to gain points and this fixture could well be one of the least enjoyable of the weekend.  Either team edging this one, especially now that Reading's fate has been sealed and the pressure's off, would fail to surprise.  We're expecting a very close and potentially dull match.
          Aston Villa are fighting for their Premiership lives and probably wouldn't have wanted to be visiting Norwich at this stage in the season bearing their league posistion in mind.  The repeat fixture nearly ended in embarassment for Aston Villa and with no love lost between fans, Norwich will be hoping for a win over their previous manager to end their season.
          Five of Norwich's last seven home games in the Premier League have been draws, which offers a better probability than the high-street this weekend.  The Canaries are undefeated at home in the Premier League in 2013 and it'll be a huge win for Aston Villa if they can take all three points.  We think this is the unlikliest result and hope for a draw between the two sides.
          Manchester United, with little to play for, entertain Chelsea who are fighting for their place in the Champions League next season.  It's hard to see Chelsea bettering United, especially considering the reds' recent performance against Man City, but we do think there's a point to be played for at Old Trafford given the lift the club's been given having won a place in the Europa League final.  The talk of a return to Chelsea for Jose Mourinho seems to have lifted spirits and a refreshed Chelsea could well show up come Sunday.
          Arsenal cannot afford to lose.  QRP have nothing to play for as a team now, but individuals will want to show off their skills to potential suitors -  but that's the reason most of them joined the club in the first place.  It didn't work before and it won't work against Arsenal this weekend.  Expect an away win.
          For a free £25 bet on our accumulator with William Hill click here

 

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator

3/1

West Brom v Arsenal: Verdict Arsenal
Reading v Southampton: Both Teams to Score
Cheslea v Sunderland: Chelsea

Arsenal have scored more than twice the goals West Brom have in their last five respective games and although West Brom have been relying on their home form of late we expect Arsenal to win.  West Brom have upset Arsenal at the Hawthorns in the past, but at this stage in the season - with Arsenal reputed to be playing for a £70m transfer purse next season, we don't see them slipping up - especially seeing as they'll be spurred on by Gareth Bale's slipping up for Spurs on Thursday.
         Reading and Southampton is a very difficult fixture to call and Reading have provided headlines at home this season.  It's hard to see them stopping Southamton from converting but we think there must be a goal for them to be found in a fixture that is bound to call for desperate measures if they concede.
          Fernando Torres hit the headlines this week after having scored twice in Chelsea's Europa League fixture and he'll be looking towards a repeat performance if he's given the opportunity this weekend.  Sunderland are wide outsiders at 9/1 and a home-win's the obvious outcome, although Sunderland have been able to grind out a surprise result at Stamford Bridge in the past.

Premier League High Return Accumulator

Premier League High Return Accumulator

21/1

Swansea v Norwich: Draw
Stoke v Aston Villa: Draw
Manchester United v Manchester City: Manchester United

Swansea have experienced a dip in form after their Carling Cup victory over Bradford in February, having only won once since then.  They've lost three consecutive fixtures now and travelling to Norwich will be seen as an opportunity to regain the form they were accustomed to in the first half of the season.  Carrow Road has had the least amount of goals scored this season in the Premier League and with Michu yet to score an away goal in the league this year this could be a low-scoring affair.  There have been some exciting meetings between the two sides in the past, but we think that this could well be a stalemate, with both sides having struggled to gain points in the last few weeks.
           Stoke haven't won a match since February and they've gained the fewest points in the Premier League in their last five games.  Aston Villa, only four points behind the Potters, travel to Stoke looking to clamber out of the relegation zone - but with the pressure to perform on both teams we foresee a draw in this fixture too.  There was a time when Stoke were providing their fans with weekly stalemates on the back of a fantastic home record - we feel a draw this weekend will allow Stoke the opportunity to end the season with some credibility.
          Manchester United have been bundled out of the FA Cup and the Champions League in recent weeks, meaning their real accomplishment this season will be their winning of the Premier League.  As our attention turns to the end of their succesful campaign you can expect United to want to end their season as strongly as possible, which would have to include a win over Manchester City.  We expect both teams to score, but we do expect Manchester United to be the outright winners over the course of the ninety.

Premier League and FA Cup High Return Accumulator

Everton v Wigan: Verdict Everton
Manchester City v Barnsley: Verdict Manchester City
West Brom v Swansea: Verdict Draw
Liverpool v Tottenham: Verdict Draw
Newcastle v Stoke: Verdict Newcastle

30/1

Everton look likely to finish outside of the top four now.  The FA Cup seems to be the most likely source of celebration for David Moyes and the strong display in their last domestic home fixture makes us confident they'll be able to make progress at the expense of Wigan.
          West Brom did well to concede only the one against Chelsea in their away fixture last weekend, especially when you consider the notable absense of Romelu Lukaku.  We think that this fixture, against a team who have a similar playing style - albeit better league position - could result in a stalemate.
          Newcastle's improved home form has edged us towards siding with them.  They were clearly the more resilient side against Chelsea last month and having not lost at home since we fancy them to take all three points when Stoke come to visit.  Since losing their home records the Potter's wheels seem to have fallen off - they've only managed to win two of their last twelve fixtures.
          Liverpool have been notoriously wobbly at home this season - in spite of the brilliance of Suarez.  His display last week, bagging three in the win over Wigan, has helped his cause to be considered the player of the season but it doesn't guarantee the team a home win this weekend, especially considering the form Spurs are in.  We think this one will be a tight contest and we're narrowly favouring a stalemate.
          For a free £25 bet on our accumulator with William Hill click here

Premier League High Return Accumulator 23rd February

Norwich v Everton: Verdict Draw

Manchester City v Chelsea: Verdict: Chelsea

West Ham v Tottenham: Verdict – Tottenham

QPR v Manchester United: Verdict – Manchester United

Arsenal v Aston Villa: Verdict: Arsenal

Aston Villa have done well to put some distance between themselves and the very bottom of the table and their survival seems somewhat less unlikely following their betting of West Ham.  However their season may be shaping now we still don’t see them being able to return from Arsenal with any point to add to their recent tally and although we don’t think this visit will reflect their trip to London over Christmas, where they were well and truly bettered by Chelsea, we do think Arsenal will win.

          Manchester United have very little reason to throw everything and the kitchen sink at QPR but we still think they’re a good backing regardless.  QPR’s trip to Wales gave their fans something else to worry about – Julio Cesar is capable of making mistakes.  Having been so heavily defeated by Swansea, we think that a result like Southampton’s against City is simply out of the question.

          Reading and Wigan face each other in one of the most decisive games of the weekend.  Both of the teams are currently found biting their nails away in the relegation zone and the loser, should there be one, will see the Championship next season as their realistic home.  Both teams have players that are capable of finding the net and both have shown the tenacity to mount comebacks – in spite of their league positions.  We expect goals for both sides

          Norwich have been involved in three 0-0 fixtures since the New Year and Everton have been involved in two.  Carrow Road has hosted some upsets this season, but also some painfully boring games of dreadful football.  Everton have been stretched this season and have moved mountains to be in the position they are, but it’s about now we think they’ll begin to drop points.  A stalemate could well be the outcome in this fixture.

          Chelsea have been poor of late by their standards, but perhaps behind closed doors they never really believed the league title was an opportunity.  Second place is now a very realistic prospect for Chelsea and should they better Man City, with their fantastic home record, the side will see a way to end their season with some shred of dignity intact.  Three points for City will spell third place for Chelsea, at best.  Chelsea have much more to play for and this game could be a surprise for Roberto Mancini’s side.

          Should four of these five selections land your stake will be returned to you as a free bet if you choose to bet with William Hill online.  For a free £25 start-up bet click here click here

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 23rd February

Arsenal v Aston Villa: Verdict – Arsenal

QPR v Manchester United: Verdict Manchester United

Reading v Wigan: Both Teams to Score

Aston Villa have done well to put some distance between themselves and the very bottom of the table and their survival seems somewhat less unlikely following their betting of West Ham.  However their season may be shaping now we still don’t see them being able to return from Arsenal with any point to add to their recent tally and although we don’t think this visit will reflect their trip to London over Christmas, where they were well and truly bettered by Chelsea, we do think Arsenal will win.

          Manchester United have very little reason to throw everything and the kitchen sink at QPR before their second leg against Real Madrid, but we still think they’re a good backing regardless.  QPR’s trip to Wales gave their fans something else to worry about – Julio Cesar is capable of making mistakes.  Having been so heavily defeated by Swansea, we think that a result like Southampton’s against City is simply out of the question.

          Reading and Wigan face each other in one of the most decisive games of the weekend.  Both of the teams are currently found biting their nails away in the relegation zone and the loser, should there be one, will see the Championship next season as their realistic home.  Both teams have players that are capable of finding the net and both have shown the tenacity to mount comebacks – in spite of their league positions.  We expect goals for both sides.

          For a free £25 bet click here click here

High Return FA Cup Accumulator

 Luton v Millwall: Both teams to Score

Oldham v Everton: Both teams to Score

Arsenal v Blackburn: Arsenal

Chelsea v Brentford: Over 3.5 Goals

Man City v Leeds: Double Result Man City

87/10

Arsenal are at home to Blackburn – a team looking likely to be facing another season in the Championship.           

          Although a cup run might not be in Blackburn’s favour – they’re eyeing the play-off positions, albeit optimistically – they’ll want to show they’ve still got the capability to play against top opposition.  Regardless of their intent, we think Arsenal will be able to progress to the next round and you can expect a home win.

          In the three games that Luton have had since their upsetting of Norwich they’ve lost twice and have only managed to score once.  They seem unlikely winners in their match against Millwall but we think they’re a good option to score, at the very least, regardless of the current poor spell.  Millwall, since their FA Cup bettering of Aston Villa have failed to win a game in the Championship.  Luton have given top opposition firm tests in the FA Cup and definitely have a good chance to progress. This game will have a real sense of occasion, and we hope it’ll be graced by goals.

          Chelsea are unlikely to falter at home to Brentford and the FA Cup remains the strongest option for them if they’re to gain any silverware this season.  The lack of direction and urgency displayed by Chelsea in the last fixture should be a long and distant memory to the visitors by the end of the first half.  Chelsea were able to put four past Wigan and with the FA Cup having been Chelsea’s get out of jail free card so often in recent seasons we think a similar scoreline to last weekend’s is likely.

          Man City’s season promised so much and has delivered so very little thus far.  The FA Cup is their only chance to win a trophy now and we think that the team, left licking its wounds after losing to struggling Southampton, will treat this game with the immediacy they’ve lacked of late.  We’re enhancing our potential returns this week by backing Man City to be winning both halves against Leeds, who have had two disappointing outings since claiming their place in the fifth round by knocking Tottenham out of the competition.

          Everton are our pick for the game against Oldham.  Oldham may have knocked Liverpool out of the competition – but that’s unlikely to be of any advantage to them here; Everton will be more than keen to make an example of Oldham to invite comparisons.  In 24 of 30 games played by Everton this season, in all competitions, both teams have scored – that’s four games in five where both teams find the net!  We’re going to hope for the home side to give their fans something to cheer – a moment likely to serve on as consolation for the home fans at the final whistle.

          Should four of these five selections land your stake will be returned to you as a free bet if you choose to bet with William Hill online.  For a free £25 start-up bet click here

 

 

 

Low Risk FA Cup Accumulator

Chelsea v Brentford: Verdict Chelsea

Man City v Leeds: Verdict Man City

Arsenal v Blackburn: Verdict Arsenal

Luton v Millwall: Both teams to Score

Oldham v Everton: Verdict Everton

5/2

We’re hoping that the upsets of the last FA Cup weekend will be a distant memory come the end of this one.

          Chelsea are unlikely to falter at home to Brentford and the FA Cup remains the strongest option for them if they’re to gain any silverware this season.  The lack of direction and urgency displayed by Chelsea in the last fixture should be a long and distant memory to the visitors by the end of the first half.

          Man City’s season promised so much and has delivered so very little thus far.  The FA Cup is their only chance to win a trophy now and we think that the team, left licking its wounds after losing to struggling Southampton, will treat this game with the immediacy they’ve lacked of late.

          In the three games that Luton have had since their upsetting of Norwich they’ve lost twice and have only managed to score once.  They seem unlikely winners in their match against Millwall but we think they’re a good option to score, at the very least, regardless of the current poor spell.  Millwall, since their FA Cup bettering of Aston Villa have failed to win a game in the Championship.  Luton have given top opposition firm tests in the FA Cup and definitely have a good chance to progress. This game will have a real sense of occasion, and we hope it’ll be graced by goals.

          Arsenal are at home to Blackburn – a team looking likely to be facing another season in the Championship.  Although a cup run might not be in Blackburn’s favour – they’re eyeing the play-off positions, albeit optimistically – they’ll want to show they’ve still got the capability to play against top opposition.  Regardless of their intent, we think Arsenal will be able to progress to the next round and you can expect a home win.

Everton are our pick for the game against Oldham.  Oldham may have knocked Liverpool out of the competition – but that’s unlikely to be of any advantage to them here; Everton will be more than keen to make an example of Oldham to invite comparisons.

          Should four of these five selections land your stake will be returned to you as a free bet if you choose to bet with William Hill online.  For a free £25 start-up bet click here click here

          

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator

Manchester United

Manchester City

Tottenham v Newcastle BTTS

33/5

In the overwhelming majority of Newcastle’s games this season both teams have scored, which is why we think this game has goals in store for both sets of fans – an important game which both side, at this stage in the season, will want to win.  Should either side fall behind expect them to throw everything and the kitchen sink at the opposition.  Newcastle, likely to trail, showed their willing last weekend against Chelsea and we’re expecting the same mettle from them this weekend.

          The Manchester sides’ fierce rivalry should fuel wins for them this both weekend, so we favour both of them to take three points as the title race begins to heat up.  Should Manchester City fail to win away to Southampton, Manchester United will have almost certainly have won the Premier League this season.

          If any of these results seem to worry you - we think Chelsea, in spite of current form, are one of the safest backing of the weekend.  They face Wigan at home - feel free to add and substitute them to your backing as you wish.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

Premier League High Return Accumulator

Aston Villa

Manchester United

Swansea

Fulham

Chelsea

25/1

Our high risk accumulator may look unfamiliar to some this week – as we’ve opted for a fivefold over our usual patent and we’ve also avoided looking for our favoured draws.

          We think February may begin with some unlikely winners, most notably at Carrow Road where Fulham face Norwich.

          Arsenal have avoided our attention this week as we think their trip to Sunderland is a potential upset, even though we favour them to win over Sunderland.

          Feel free to substitute Chelsea, who face Wigan at home, for Manchester City, if you think they’re more to your liking this weekend when they travel to Southampton.

           With this fivefold your money can be returned by William Hill if four of the five teams win with their Acca Insurance offer.

           For a free £25 bet offer click

Tottenham v Newcastle: Preview and Predictions

Tottenham will lament the loss of Jermain Defoe to injury this week – but its hard to give him all of the credit for Tottenham’s league position; solid team performances throughout the season have led to them being currently priced at 10/11 to qualify for the Champions League.

          Newcastle’s bettering of Chelsea last weekend showcased how the squad had been strengthened by their new January signings and Alan Pardew will be looking to put past defeats at White Hart Lane behind him with his refreshed side – although unlike Pardew, we don’t envisage Newcastle coming away will all three points.

          We expect this to be one of the most closely fought fixtures of the weekend – and the both teams to score market seems a lot more attractive than the outright for that reason.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

Tottenham v Newcastle: Verdict Draw 25/8

Chelsea v Wigan: Preview and Predictions

It’s become hard to imagine better days for Chelsea under Rafael Benitez now, after a spell of poor results for the side – most notably against Newcastle last weekend.

          Roberto Di Matteo was able to win more league points that Benitez at this stage of his tenure at Chelsea, which is a statistic that won’t sit comfortably with the Spaniard’s many critics – something for him to ponder seeing as some of his staunchest rivals were beginning to warm to him before the notable dip in away form.

          Failing to take three points from Wigan a few seasons back ultimately cost Chelsea a league title.  Wigan will be travelling with confidence to Stamford Bridge given the current bad spell the club’s been enduring – although we think that the home side should be able to better the lower table team over the course of the ninety.

         For a free £25 bet offer click here

Chelsea v Wigan: Verdict – Chelsea 3/8

Norwich v Fulham: Preview and Predictions

Fulham were not expected by many to better West Ham, a team with a good record against them.  Even fewer people expected Fulham to keep Manchester United from finding the net for most of the fixture at Craven Cottage last weekend.

          Norwich were upset by Luton in the FA Cup at home recently and although upsets are bound to happen, we think this one has deeper long-term significance.  Norwich have begun to dip in form and the confidence and belief of the season’s first half seems to have waned in the second.

          Fulham are historically a better Premiership side in the second half of the season, which is something that can’t be said with the same degree of confidence for Norwich. 

          Fulham are by no means the favourites this weekend, but we think that they could surprise the home side if they are make a solid start to the first half.

           For a free £25 bet offer click here

     

Norwich v Fulham: Verdict Fulham 22/9

Stoke v Reading: Preview and Predictions

Stoke are favoured by us to better Reading at home this weekend, but this isn’t a fixture we’d recommend betting heavily on.  Reading have been responsible for some notable comebacks of late and Stoke have been underperforming since the New Year.

          Stoke are likely winners, but this game is likely to be a lot close than the odds suggest.

           For a free £25 bet offer click here

Stoke v Reading: Verdict Stoke 19/20

Sunderland v Arsenal: Preview and Predictions

Arsenal’s comeback against Liverpool is a sign that Arsene Wenger’s side are beginning to come to terms with the fact they may not qualify for the Champions League if they don’t start playing like a Champions League side.

          Sunderland are the sort of team that can provide an upset on occasion, as Manchester City are more than happy to testify, and their spell of better form will give them confidence heading into this fixture.

          We expect an Arsenal win in this match, but new don’t expect it to be an easy ride for the North London side.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

Sunderland v Arsenal: Verdict Arsenal 10/11

Swansea v QPR: Preview and Predictions

Draws will not be enough to save QPR from relegation this season, and the scoreless result last weekend will need to be put behind QPR heading into this fixture – they need convincing wins.

          Swansea have only lost a couple of times at home this season and QPR will find this fixture to be a frustrating, and if you ask us, fruitless one.

          Swansea are our pick to win.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

Swansea v QPR: Verdict Swansea 10/11

Southampton v Manchester City: Preview and Predictions

Manchester City’s draw last weekend was another obstacle in the road to retaining the Premier League title, which seems unlikely to many now.  Mancini highlighted the need for no more mistakes and his side will almost certainly have gifted their neighbours the title if they slip up at Southampton this weekend.

          The title race should be providing us with regular wins for both sides as the successes of one spurs on the other – so expect Manchester City to better Southampton this weekend.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

Southampton v Manchester City: Verdict Manchester City 8/13

Manchester United v Everton: Preview and Predictions

At 4/6 to win at home, we think Manchester United are well worth backing this weekend.

          Everton drew to Aston Villa last weekend and that’s seen by us as the first sign that Champions League qualification is probably out of their reach.  It’s clear to see now that the side, as we said they would at the end of last year, are beginning to tire.  This doesn’t take anything away from Moyes, who has worked miracles, again, with a depleted squad.

          For us, Manchester United are going to win this fixture a lot more comfortably than the odds suggest and we think the fixture could well be beyond doubt by the end of the first half – especially if Everton are to cope without Fellaini – a midweek injury concern.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

Manchester United v Everton: Verdict Manchester United 4/6

Aston Villa v West Ham: Preview and Predictions

Aston Villa’s performance against Everton highlighted two things – their desire to stay in the Premier League and their woeful defence.

          West Ham are, by the looks of it, entering into another uncertain second half of a season and we can see their results betraying the spells of consistency they seemed to have in the first half of the season.

          Aston Villa are anything but safe, but we think Paul Lambert may be given some breathing room with a result over poor-travelling West Ham this weekend.

Aston Villa v West Ham: Verdict Aston Villa 10/6

Liverpool v West Brom: Preview and Predictions

Liverpool have been clawing their way closer towards the top of the table for some time now and although they may have been making slow progress, they’ve been making progress nonetheless.

          Unlikely sides caused Liverpool some set backs in the first half of the season and although there is still clearly room for error, we expect Liverpool to show a demonstration of the strength and depth their side has on its day.

          West Brom’s recent form has been appalling, having not won a match since Boxing Day.  Expect a comfortable win for Liverpool.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

 

Liverpool v West Brom: Liverpool 2/5

Premier League High Return Accumulator 02/02/13

QPR V Norwich: QPR

Reading v Sunderland: Draw

Wigan v Southampton: Draw

22/1

Norwich’s loss to Luton was the first time since 1987 that a non-league team has knocked out top-flight opposition.  You may need to overlook the fact that Luton have been FA Cup semi-finalists since then to really enjoy that fact – but it does help to build a case for Norwich being not very good at the moment.  They may have managed to hold Tottenham to a draw in their midweek meeting but we still don't see them as clear winners against QPR  - who have made some impact signings in the transfer window.

          Norwich have at home been one of the sides responsible for upsets that have overshadowed their own last weekend – having beaten Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham at Carrow Road this season, but there has been a notable lack of wins recently.

          We feel that QPR, having also been knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition, will redouble their efforts and the new signings made may be enough to kick start their survival campaign.  Having just been able to hold Manchester City to a goalless draw, after conceding four to MK Dons, we feel a corner has been turned.

          Sunderland’s predictable draw with Swansea was their eighth of the season and we think that this trip to Reading could be another to add to their tally.  Reading have the advantage of being at home, but the visitor’s have had an extra day’s rest.  This game is likely to be one of the closest of the weekend, so there’s more than a good chance of a draw being the outcome.

          Half of Southampton’s last twelve games have been draws and the same has been the case for three of Wigan’s last seven games.  We expect this fixture to be a cautious affair at the end of a very busy period for both sides and have added them as a stalemate to our high-risk treble this week.

          For a free £25 bet offer click here

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 02/02/13

Everton v Aston Villa: Everton

Fulham v Manchester United: Manchester United

Manchester City v Liverpool: Manchester City

3/1

A midweek draw to QPR is exactly what the doctor didn’t order for Roberto Mancini.  His comparisons of Balotelli to Messi seem to have served as a sales pitch for Milan – and he needs to reasons to be able to lavish praise on some of his other players now the limelight is available for others that have been equally deserving of it this season. 

          Tuesday’s stalemate against QPR has dented Manchester City’s title chances – allowing one or two liverspotted Scottish fingers to grip the handles of the league trophy.  If Manchester City fail to take three points from Liverpool this weekend they may as well walk the thing round to Old Trafford at full time.

          Manchester United were comfortable victors against Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend – and Fulham won’t be looking forward to facing such an in-form side as United at this stage in the season.  Expect a Manchester United win – but Fulham could well give them more of an argument than they were able to last week, with a change of line-up expected.

          Everton, albeit now stretched, have been one of the successes of the season and their performances and league position offers a striking contrast to Aston Villa.  Aston Villa aren’t just starting relegation in the face now – they’re kissing it with tongues.  Bets are already being placed on them being relegated to League One next season – at 33/1.

           Expect Everton to take advantage of the opportunity to continue to work towards Champions League qualification.

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High Return Premier League Accumulator 29/01/13

High Return

Newcastle v Aston Villa Draw

Everton

Fulham v West Ham Draw

18/1

Fulham will leapfrog West Ham in the table should they win this fixture – leaving the Hammers looking over their shoulder at Southampton and the other teams towards the bottom of the table.

          Fulham are the favourites heading into this match, but we think West Ham, who have seven wins to Fulham’s six, will be able to come away with a point at the very least.

        This could well be the one of the least exciting games of the midweek fixture list and we don’t expect a big scoreline and we’re tipping a draw.

         Newcastle, having made some new – and notably French – signing will be expected to better an Aston Villa side that has been bundled out of both domestic cups by lower league opposition last week.  This is a game that neither side can afford to lose.  Newcastle are certainly the favourites, but we think a draw might be achieveable for Aston Villa – they’re due a result of some sort and we think this may well be it for them.  

          Everton are at home, where they’ve been their most comfortable, to West Brom – who have been struggling to collect points of late.  We fancy Everton to be the better of the two sides tonight, in spite of recent pleas for funds from David Moyes, who has been noticeably stretched since the Christmas fixture list.

          We recommend a patent backing, spreading the three backings over seven – but for the same stake you were willing to part ways with.

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Low Risk Premier League Accumulator 29/01/13

Low Risk

Chelsea

Manchester United

Arsenal v Liverpool BTTS

2/1

Liverpool and Arsenal have scored ten goals between them in their last respective outings, which gives us confidence they will be goals for each side in this fixture, although we wouldn’t be expecting a scoreline that reflects those of the last week.  We’re expecting a home win, narrowly, but we’re drawn towards the idea of both teams finding the net rather than the outright result.

          Southampton have lost fewer games this year than Barcelona and the credit for that has to be given to Nigel Adkins, who will be notably absent for Southampton this weekend, having been asked to make way for their new Argentinean manager Pochettino – who has yet to learn to speak English to the Premier League team with the most English speaking players.  A home win is more than expected in which is considered to be the safest backing of the week.

          Chelsea have yet another recovery ahead of them, having been upset by Swansea over two-legs in the Capital One Cup and Brentford, who managed to hold them to a draw in the FA Cup – but we think they’ll cope against Reading, in spite of the sense of occasion.  Hazard, who was a little bit kicky in the Capital One Cup second leg, will be absent and Victor Moses and Jon Obi Mikel are yet to return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

         

         

Aston Villa v Newcastle: Preview and Predictions

Newcastle’s visit to Aston Villa will be one of the talking points of the weekend – with both teams desperate to distance themselves from the relegation zone, which becomes more of a fretful reality as each week goes by.

          Aston Villa sheepishly allowed West Brom back into the game last weekend and the same can be said for Newcastle against Reading.  The similar form of the two teams has led to them dropping league positions and this fixture comes at a pivotal time for each club; the winner may gain the impetus to clamber towards the middle of the table and the loser will find a recovery even harder to come by.

          Alan Pardew, the proud owner of an eight year contract at Newcastle, has only two wins with Newcastle since October to boast about and his numerous critics are publicly tiring of poor results.  This is a six point game and one he will be desperate to win, more than any other fixture of his Newcastle career, perhaps.

          Aston Villa have the home advantage and are favoured by most to win the fixture – but we think the game may become a cautious affair late on should both sides be drawing.  The fear of defeat may tempt the two sides to settle for a draw.  Should the result be otherwise, one of these two clubs has a very steep and certain upward struggle ahead of them.

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Aston Villa v Newcastle: Verdict – Draw 23/10

QPR v Manchester City: Preview and Predictions

One of the things that makes the Premier League arguably the most exciting league in the world is the ability of clubs towards the bottom of the table to cause upsets, which is something QPR have already shown they’re capable of against Chelsea.

          Manchester City are the current Premier League titleholders and are involved in another title race this season – so their visit to Loftus Road to face the team at the bottom of the table should be relatively straightforward, although we’re not so sure it will be.

          QPR have the biggest battle ahead of them of all of the teams that should be worried about relegation this season, and their fans certainly deserve more to smile about in home fixtures, where luck has gone against them so often this season.  With new signings and a visibly new approach for QPR this month, we think this is the sort of fixture that could provide an upset for Mancini.

          If Manchester City haven’t given QPR the respect they are showing they deserve now, they could well come unstuck.  We predict an away win, but we don’t think this is a game to be too certain about.

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QPR v Manchester City: Verdict – Manchester City 8/15

Stoke v Wigan: Preview and Predictions

Stoke, who have drawn more games than any other Premier League side this season, seem to have yet to find their feet again after having lost their eleven month undefeated record to Chelsea recently.

          Last weekend Swansea were able to breeze past Stoke and their supporters will be expecting some points from this fixture to make up for travelling heartache and the loss of their home record. 

          Wigan were outperformed by Sunderland for most of the match, in spite of their almost successful attempt to mount a comeback.  Wigan will be desperate to improve on their last league performance, but their away form leaves a lot to be desired – they’ve only won three away games in the Premiership this season.

          A home win, which is something Stoke fans have only been able to celebrate once in the Premier League since November, is exactly what Pulis needs to regain momentum – and we expect Stoke to do so.

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Stoke v Wigan: Verdict – Stoke 11/10

Sunderland v Swansea: Preview and Predictions

Sunderland’s hosting of Swansea is one of the hardest Premier League fixtures to call.    

          Swansea are in fine form and Sunderland, who should have been much better than they have been this season, seem as though they might just be finding their feet in the second half of the season.

          It’s hard to see Sunderland turning their backs on the fine performance that led to them taking three points away from Wigan, but it’s just as hard to envisage Swansea being easily brushed aside.

          Expect a close fought game, and we expect a draw to be the final result.

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Sunderland v Swansea: Verdict – Draw 23/10

Everton v West Brom: Preview and Predictions

West Brom may have mounted a comeback against Aston Villa, and may be sat comfortably in the top half of the table, but they’ve been underwhelming for a while now.

          Lukaku’s goals and the points taken in the first half of the season have allowed a dip in form to go unnoticed by most.  They’ve only had two wins in their last twelve fixtures and haven’t won a game this month, which is why we think Everton – who have only lost once at home this season – are the likely winners in this meeting.

          Only Stoke have drawn more games than Everton, so this game could well follow the trend they’ve set at home, but Everton are favoured by us as this game means so much to them.  They’re a team that has sights set on, somewhat secretly, Champions League qualification.

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Everton v West Brom: Verdict Everton 4/6

Norwich v Tottenham: Preview and Predictions

Tottenham were upset by Norwich in their league cup meeting and their last trip to Carrow Road, where Manchester United and Arsenal have both been defeated this season.

          The last Premier League fixture for Tottenham was their snowy draw with the league-leaders and they showed a great depth and strength of character to press for an equaliser so late on. 

          The return of Grant Holt may liven the spirits of fans, but it’s important to bear in mind the defeat they suffered at the hands of Liverpool.

          Chelsea were able to better Norwich over the course of ninety minutes, a game that will have been studied carefully by Villas Boas – we expect Tottenham to follow suit.

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Norwich v Tottenham: Verdict – Tottenham 7/8

 

Fulham v West Ham: Preview and Predictions

Fulham will leapfrog West Ham in the table should they win this fixture – leaving the Hammers looking over their shoulder at Southampton and the other teams towards the bottom of the table.

          Fulham are the favourites heading into this match, but we think West Ham, who have seven wins to Fulham’s six, will be able to come away with a point at the very least.

        This could well be the one of the least exciting games of the midweek fixture list and we don’t expect a big scoreline.

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Fulham v West Ham: Verdict – Draw 12/5

Manchester United v Southampton: Preview and Predictions

A visit to Old Trafford, regardless of the successes of other Premiership sides in the last decade, is a first-time experience held in esteem over any other in domestic football by visiting players and managers.

          Nigel Adkins deserved to lead Southampton out at Old Trafford.

          This is going to be a home win, but one that will only serve to disillusion Southampton fans further.  Their season was never expected to be determined by this result, but it should have been a time to reflect on the achievements of the club over the past few seasons – something their new manager has had no part of.

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Manchester United v Southampton; Verdict – Manchester United 3/10