Premier League Betting Tips

With seven (no so magnificent) fixtures to preview this weekend, Betfair’s “Mystical” Mike Norman has plenty of options as he searches for a fifth successive winning best bet.

Arsenal 1.28 v Wolves 16.0; The Draw 6.4

As much as Arsenal should still win this game, I simply have to lay them at 1.29 given what’s happened to their squad in recent days. To lose William Gallas, Andrey Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas to injury after the Barcelona game is a huge blow to Arsene Wenger’s hopes of winning the title. Wolves have been in decent form of late and I don’t think they will be rolled-over at the Emirates today.

Under 2.5 Goals has to be my main selection however at 2.44 to back. Even if Arsenal can pick themselves up and record a win, I don’t see it being a convincing one. In the Correct Score market, I’d be looking at the 0-0 and 1-1 options – available to back at 23.0 and 14.0 respectively.

Bolton 3.1 v Aston Villa 2.64; The Draw 3.4

A clash between two sides that suffered heavy defeats last weekend, and because of that, I think a draw will be more than acceptable to Owen Coyle and Martin O’Neill.

The last six clashes between these two sides have resulted in 24 goals being scored – that’s exactly four goals per game on average – so I’m making Over 3.5 Goals (4.0) my main selection in this encounter. Ashley Young has scored in each of his last three games against Bolton so has to be worth a look in the First Goalscorer market at around 14.0. Kevin Davies is the Trotters’ most likely scorer and will be available to back at around 10.0 once the market materialises.

Portsmouth 3.6 v Blackburn 2.2; The Draw 3.5

Having tipped (and backed) Portsmouth to be relegated at decent odds before the season started it was pleasing seeing them struggle both on and off the pitch. But that pleasure has turned to sadness now that my pockets have been lined – I feel for the Pompey fans and for the future of Portsmouth Football Club. Despite Blackburn’s poor away form I think they will win this one given the extent of Pompey’s injury problems.

Rovers have won four of the last five games against Portsmouth and there hasn’t been a goalless draw between these two for over 75 years. So for that reason I’m backing Blackburn to win 1-2 (9.2) and 1-3 (24.0) in the Correct Score market as well as covering Over 2.5 Goals at 2.02. A win for Sam Allardyce’s men is also my best bet of the weekend.

Stoke 1.83 v Hull 5.4; The Draw 3.6

This is the third time in a short while that I’ve said that Stoke’s home form isn’t as good as is often perceived (just two wins form nine league games now), but I think today is the day they’ll get back to winning ways. Hull have shown bits of form to suggest they can avoid relegation, but their away form has been dreadful all season and I don’t see it changing today.

The last six games between these two have resulted in both sides scoring so the 2.14 about the Yes option in the Both Teams to Score market might appeal to some. Also of note is that four of those six meetings ended 1-1, so despite me fancying the home side today, covering the 1-1 scoreline – available to back at 7.8 in the Correct Score market – seems a sensible approach.

Sunderland 3.9 v Tottenham 2.16; The Draw 3.5

This is a huge game for Spurs as they try to finish the season in fourth place ahead of Liverpool. Harry Redknapp’s men have been in great form, but Sunderland’s home form has been decent of late and I can see this match ending all square.

What Tottenham have done regularly in recent weeks is score goals, so with Jermain Defoe back in the side, and Darren Bent remaining in good form for the Black Cats, Over 2.5 Goals is a confident selection at 2.08. Those two players will be available to back at around 7.0 and 8.0 respectively once the First Goalscorer market materialises. I also like the look of 2-2 – available to back at 20.0 – in the Correct Score market.

Birmingham 4.8 v Liverpool 1.9; The Draw 3.6 (playing Sunday)

I advised backing Liverpool last week at 4.2 in the Top 4 Finish market and that price has already contracted a little. It will contract even more if they beat Brum on Sunday given the fixtures that face the Reds following this one. Birmingham appear to have taken the foot of the pedal slightly and I can see Rafa Benitez’s men winning again.

I can see this being a tight affair however, and think Liverpool will win by the single goal so back 0-1 in the Correct Score market at 7.4. Under 2.5 Goals should be the outcome at 1.76 but those odds are a bit prohibited for my liking so I’ll instead take a chance on Under 1.5 Goals at 3.2.

Fulham 2.18 v Wigan 4.0; The Draw 3.4 (playing Sunday)

Unless Roy Hodgson wants to incur the wrath of the FA and West Ham he better field a strong a side as possible here. Hang on a sec, Hodgson should be able to field any player he likes in my opinion. Who are the FA or West Ham to decide what constitutes as Fulham’s strongest side? The Cottagers have had a great season in the league and are in with a chance of winning the Europa League so why shouldn’t Hodgson be allowed to rest a few players from time to time?

Now that my rant is over I’ll get down to business and suggest backing Under 2.5 Goals here at 1.76. Wigan don’t score many and whatever side starts for Fulham will probably have their sights on other things. The Draw, and a 0-0 one at that - available to back at 10.0 in the Correct Score market – could well pay handsome dividends.

Best Bet:

• Back Blackburn @ 2.2 to beat Portsmouth

Also:

• Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.44 in Arsenal v Wolves;
• Back Over 3.5 Goals @ 4.0 in Bolton v Villa;
• Back Stoke @ 1.83 to beat Hull;
• Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.08 in Sunderland v Tottenham;
• Back Under 1.5 Goals @ 3.2 in Birmingham v Liverpool;
• Back 0-0 Correct Score @ 10.0 in Fulham v Wigan

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