Birmingham and Reading set for Relegation?
May 10, 2008
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It’s all looking interesting at the wrong end of the Premiership table, as Birmingham City, Reading, Fulham and Bolton fight it out to avoid being the two clubs joining Derby in the Championship next season. Fulham and Bolton have strung some wins together recently to claw their way out of the drop zone. Indeed, it would take a severe fluke (or the hammering that Chelsea need to win the Premiership title) for Bolton to go down now, and that is reflected in their 200/1 odds to be relegated (Blue Square, Bet365 and 888sport).
So leaving Bolton out of the equation, it’s any two from three - and only Fulham know that a win away at Portsmouth should be enough to keep them up - The match odds favour them too, with the best odds for Fulham to beat Portsmouth currently 6/5 (VC Bet and Paddy Power), whilst you can get 12/5 on the home team (Sky Bet). Fulham’s odds for relegation are just 4/5.
Reading however appear to be in freefall at the moment, and can’t buy a win for love nor money. They arguably have the easiest tie of the endangered teams - away to already relegated whipping-boys Derby. Steve Coppell’s side are 8/13 to leave Pride Park with all three points (VC Bet), whilst you can get 5/1 on a Derby win (also VC Bet). Even if they win, Reading will still need to rely on Fulham slipping up against Portsmouth, unless they can win by seven more goals than Roy Hodgson’s side. Reading are currently 8/13 (Ladbrokes and Totesport) to be playing Swansea, Plymouth and Barnsley next season.
Birmingham are the only side whose fate is not in their own hands - To stay up, they must beat Blackburn Rovers at home, whilst hoping that both Reading and Fulham fail to win in their matches at Derby and Portsmouth. Their odds to beat Blackburn are a fairly respectful 11/10 (Totesport, William Hill and others), but their odds to be relegated reflect their dire position, with William Hill pricing a Blues relegation as short as 1/9. The best odds currently available are just 1/6 (Totesport)
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds.
Manchester United 1/6 Favourites to win the Premier League
May 10, 2008
Manchester United go into Sunday’s final round of Premiership games knowing that a win against Wigan Athletic will guarantee that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will retain their Premier League Championship trophy for another season, regardless of how rivals Chelsea fare against Bolton Wanderers. Both United and Chelsea are level on points going into the final game, something that has not happened in 40 years, since United were beaten to the summit by rivals Manchester City on the final day. United’s goal difference is far superior to Chelsea’s though, so it would take a miracle for both teams to win an Chelsea to win the title - Avram Grant’s side would need to score 18 more goals than United to snatch the title in this manner!
Manchester United’s fate is very much in their hands therefore, and that is reflected in the short odds available for the Red Devils to win the Premier League - Most bookies will give you odds of just 1/6 on United retaining their title - the best available at the moment is 1/5 from skybet and VC Bet. Those looking to back united to retain might get better value by betting in running should Chelsea take the lead at Bolton.
United’s match against Wigan at the JJB will be shown live on Sky Sports 2, and the odds for a United victory in the match (regardless of the Chelsea outcome) is just 1/4 (888sport, Blue Square and VC Bet), whilst you can get 12/1 on a win for the Lactics (Ladbrokes, skybet, VC Bet and William Hill).the draw is available from Ladbrokes at 11/2.
Both Bolton and Wigan, led by former Manchester United player Steve Bruce are pretty much safe from relegation worries, so whilst you would expect them to put up a reasonable fight, they must have one eye on their summer holidays, and you would expect both United and Chelsea to win their respective games, which would hand Man United the Premiership Trophy. Of course, Chelsea will be fired up to take full advantage in the rare event that United do slip up at the final hurdle - There will be a replica of the Premiership Trophy at Stamford Bridge just in case, whilst the official trophy is being taken to the JJB Stadium.
There’s very little value in the match odds for the Chelsea v Bolton match - The best available odds for the home win is just 1/6 (VC Bet and Blue Square), and whilst you can get 18/1 on a Bolton win (Ladbrokes and Sky Bet), it’s 18/1 for a very good reason… VC Bet have the best odds for a draw (15/2)
In contrast to the short odds on United retaining the title, you can get a fair price on Chelsea to win the Premiership - 7/2 is the best price we’ve seen (Currently on offer from 888sport, Bet 365, Blue Square, Ladbrokes, William Hill, Totesport, Stan James and Boylesports), and there’ll be a few Blue pounds being spent on that particular punt! Of course, the showdown doesn’t end there, as the two sides meet each other in the Champions League Final on 21st May, and Stan James are currently offering odds of 8/1 on Chelsea winning both Premiership and Champions League trophies, whilst the odds on Manchester United doing the same are just 11/10 (Bet 365 also offer evens on Man United doing the double).
Premiership Betting Preview Saturday 3rd May
May 2, 2008
Aston Villa v Wigan
With two matches to go in the 2007/08 Premiership season, it’s decision time for most clubs as they look to seal their fates. Both Villa and Wigan are currently enjoying four-match runs without tasting defeat, and victory at Villa Park would mean Villa jump above Everton into the UEFA Cup qualifying position (at least until Everton play at Arsenal on Sunday), whilst for Steve Bruce’s men, a win would guarantee Premiership football at the JJB Stadium for a third successive year.
That could be easier said than done however, as Wigan have only won away from home on one occasion this season. This fixture finished in a 1-1 draw last season, and in the reverse fixture at the JJB this season, Villa won 2-1. The referee for this game will be Rob Styles.
Aston Villa are the strong favourites to win this tie, with odds of just 4/7 (Ladbrokes) available on the home win. A draw could net you 29/10 from VC Bet, whilst those looking for odds on Wigan winning should head to Bet365, who are offering 6/1.
Blackburn v Derby
Blackburn’s slim hopes of European qualification could be brought to an end this weekend, if they fail to beat Championship-bound Derby County at Ewood Park, or Aston Villa sneak ahad of Everton into fifth place. Such problems Derby would love to have - As it is, the only target they have to play for is trying to avoid becoming the worst team in Premiership history - An “honour” they will officially own should they lose this match. I’m sure there’s many a Sunderland fan who can’t wait for that particular record to be broken!
The reverse fixture at Pride Park finished in a 2-1 win for Blackburn Rovers. The referee for this match will be Uriah Rennie. Looking at the odds, you’d think Derby were playing Manchester United or Chelsea they are so stacked against the away side - The best odds you can get for a Blackburn win is just 3/10 (William Hill), whilst Bet 365 will give you 12/1 for a Derby win. The draw could net you 4/1 with Boylesports.
Bolton v Sunderland
Sunderland are safe following their win over local rivals Middlesbrough last weekend, and another win for Roy Keane’s side at the Reebok Stadium could leave Gary Megson’s side in the bottom three going into their final game - away at Chelsea! Bolton are in fine form however, with seven points out of the last nine, and another win at home to the Black Cats would effectively secure Premiership survival for another season depending on other results.
Sunderland are also in good form, with four wins in the last six games, a run that has seen them pull away from the relegation drop zone. Roy Keane’s side also won the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light 3-1. The referee for this match will be Martin Atkinson. Our Bet123 Tip of the Day is Sunderland to win at 5/1 (Bet 365 and VC Bet). Bolton to win is 4/7 (888sport) and the draw is at 3/1 (Bet 365)
Fulham v Birmingham
This is THE crunch game of the weekend, and will more than likely decide the fate of at least one of, if not both sides. Fulham will be relegated if they lose and either Reading or Bolton pick up at least a point, whilst Birmingham would face the drop if they lose and both Reading and Bolton pick up wins.
Birmingham have not lost at Fulham since 1968, and Fulham have not managed to string two wins together in 70 games (They continued their great escape with a 3-2 win at Manchester City last weekend), so you would have to fancy Alex McLeish’s side to be looking for the win. The reverse fixture at St Andrews finished all square.
The bookies have made Fulham the favourites going into this match however, with odds of 5/4 for the home win (skybet and Totesport), whilst you can get 2/1 from Stan James for a Blues victory. The draw is available at 23/10 (Blue Square). The referee will be Chris Foy.
Manchester United v West Ham
Manchester United will be looking to put thoughts of their forthcoming Champions League Final showdown with Chelsea on the back-burner to avoid the blues pipping them to the Premiership trophy. United face bogey team West Ham, in the knowledge that victory in their two remaining Premier League fixtures will ensure the trophy remains at Old Trafford for another season, regardless of Chelsea’s results.
Sir Alex Ferguson also has the advantage of playing this match two days before Chelsea face Newcastle at St James Park, and would like nothing better than for Chelsea to have the pressure of going into that game three points behind United. For Alan Curbishley, there’s nothing left to play for except pride, and he will be looking for a top ten finish from his side, which he can achieve with a win.
Man United are very strong favourites to win, which is reflected in the 20/1 (skybet) that you can get on West Ham winning at Old Trafford, whilst the odds for United to win are a little more stingy - 2/11 is the best on offer (VC Bet). The draw is priced at 6/1 (Blue Square)
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth
Boro need to win this game to cement their place in the Premiership next season, whilst Portsmouth’s hopes of fifth place could very well be put to rest after this weekend. Harry Redknapp’s team have still enjoyed their best ever Premiership season though, and will be looking to make that european spot theirs next season, as well as having one eye on the forthcoming FA Cup Final against Cardiff.
Pompey won this fixture comfortably last season, running out 4-0 winners, but lost the corresponding fixture at Fratton Park this season 1-0 thanks to a Sanli goal. The referee for this match will be Peter Walton. Totesport are offering best available odds for the Boro win (21/20), whilst you can get 3/1 on a Pompey win (VC Bet and Sky Bet). Bet 365 are selling the draw at 5/2.
Reading v Tottenham
If Reading are to avoid relegation to the Championship, they are going to have to pick up form in the last two games - at home to Spurs, followed by away at relegated Derby. To do that, they’re going to have to score some goals - something they’ve not managed to do in the last Seven hours and 41 minutes of football. The reverse fixture at White Hart Lane was a goal-fest (6-4 to Spurs), so maybe this will be the game that Steve Coppell’s men find their scoring boots?
Tottenham’s hopes of a top 10 finish are evaporating fast, and they need maximum points from their final two games, as well as hoping that West Ham don’t pick up more than a point from theirs. They will also have to start winning games - They’ve drawn the last four in a row. Howard Webb is your referee for this match.
888sport have Reading as favourites to win, with odds of 6/5. you can get 2/1 on a Spurs win (Blue Square), whilst the draw is priced at 12/5 (Ladbrokes).
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Premiership Betting preview Saturday 26th April
April 25, 2008
Birmingham v Liverpool
Birmingham will be looking to put their thrashing at the hands of local rivals Aston Villa behind them as they look to claw their way out of the relegation zone. They couldn’t have asked for a tougher game at a time when they desperately need to pick up maximums to avoid being cut adrift at the wrong side of the relegation cut-off point. They currently lie one point and one place from safety with three to play, having won just one match in the last seven.
Liverpool may help slightly by fielding a weakened team as they look towards Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Fulham were unable to take advantage last week, and another win for Rafa Benitez’ men will guarantee them fourth place and Champions League qualification for next season.
Match Odds:
- Birmingham - 19/10 (Totesport)
- Draw - 9/4 (Blue Square)
- Liverpool - 17/10 (VC Bet)
Chelsea v Man United
It’s a must-win game for Chelsea in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff, live on Sky Sports 1. Put simply, victory for Avram Grant’s men will put them level on points with Manchester United with two games to play, and they would still be reliant on United dropping points (Due to Chelsea’s inferior goal difference) in their remaining two games to pinch the Premiership title from United’s grasp.
Should United win or even draw, then the Premiership title will surely be on its way to Old Trafford once again. Chelsea are defending a fantastic 80-match unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge, which dates back more than four years. How Man United fans would love to take that record and effectively win the title in the rival’s backyard.
Chelsea will be without Frank Lampard, who is grieving the death of his mother to pnemonia, as Chelsea look to wrestle the title from Sir Alex Ferguson’s grasp.
Match Odds:
- Chelsea - 6/4 (Bet 365)
- Draw - 21/10 (William Hill)
- Manchester United - 2/1 (Ladbrokes)
Man City v Fulham
Premier League survival is the name of the game for Fulham, although time is running out, and if they fail to win at Manchester City and Bolton and Reading both win, it could be game over as Fulham become the first team to join Derby County in relegation to the Championship.
Manchester City meanwhile remain on course for their highest-ever Premier League finish, and will be looking to end the season in style in their last home game, finishing with two games away from Eastlands. The Citizens have won their last two matches, whilst The Cottagers won their last away game (against Reading) and are chasing two away wins in a row for the first time in more than four years.
Match Odds:
- Manchester City - 5/6 (VC Bet)
- Draw - 5/2 (Bet 365)
- Fulham - 7/2 (Boylesports)
Sunderland v Middlesbrough
It’s another North-East derby for Sunderland who lost at Newcastle last weekend. A draw in this match should be enough to ensure Premiership survival for both teams, so don’t expect the football to be too adventurous in the Wear-Tees derby, although a in for either side would guarantee their survival.
Sunderland have not won a North-East derby in their last six attempts, and Middlesbrough have won this tie on the last four occasions. In the reverse fixture at the Riverside, the match ended in a 2-2 draw thanks to a late Sunderland equaliser. The referee for this match will be Steve Bennett.
Match Odds:
- Sunderland - 6/5 (Blue Square)
- Draw - 9/4 (Blue Square)
- Middlesbrough - 12/5 (Bet 365)
Tottenham v Bolton
Thanks to a late revival that sees Bolton chasing a third consecutive win in a row, Premiership safety is in their own hands, for the time being at least, although defeat at White Hart Lane could see them back in the bottom three if other results go against them.
Spurs for their part have wobbled a little of recent, with one solitary win in their last seven games. They have scored in every home game so far this season, but have a history of squandering leads, whilst Bolton have found scoring away from home troublesome - Gavin McCann’s goal against Middlesbrough at the Riverside last weekend was their first away from the Reebok since February.
Match Odds:
- Tottenham - 10/11 (skybet)
- Draw - 9/4 (Stan James)
- Bolton - 13/5 (Ladbrokes)
West Ham v Newcastle
West Ham host Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle in the only premiership game that will not impact on either Championship, European or Relegation issues. Since a terrible run of form immediately following Keegan’s second coming as Newcastle manager, the Toon Army have enjoyed taking 14 points out of a possible 18 in the last six games which has propelled them up to second in the form table.
Newcastle won this fixture 2-0 last year thanks to goals from Damien Duff and Obafemi Martins. The reverse fixture at St James Park this season finished with a 3-1 win for Newcastle. The referee for this game will be Uriah Rennie.
Match Odds:
- West Ham - 7/5 (Boylesports)
- Draw - 23/10 (Totesport)
- Newcastle - 15/8 (Bet 365)
Wigan v Reading
Premiership survival is the prize in this match, at least for Wigan, as three points would guarantee their survivial in this league for another year, whilst failure to win for Reading could leave them in the drop zone. Reading currently lie one point and one place above the drop zone, and failure to win a the JJB could leave them running out of games to pick up enough points to survive.
Reading have lost their last three matches in a row, and have failed to score in more than six hours of football, a fact that has led them to recall striker Leroy Lita from a loan spell at Charlton. Wigan have kept five clean sheets in their last nine games.
Match Odds:
- Wigan - 11/10 (Stan James)
- Draw - 12/5 (Totesport)
- Reading - 3/1 (VC Bet)
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Premiership Betting preview Sunday 20th April
April 19, 2008
Aston Villa v Birmingham
The Sunday lunchtime kickoff sees a local derby as Aston Villa host Birmingham City. Depending on the result of Boton’s match against Arsenal on Saturday, Alex McLeish’s side could find themselves in the bottom three at the start of this match, so local bragging rights will take a back seat to crucial points as Birmingham battle to avoid relegation to the Championship at the first attempt.
Villa are in fine form at the moment, chasing three consecutive wins, and having scored ten goals in their last two games. Martin O’Neill’s side also won the reverse fixture at St Andrews 2-1, thanks to a late Gabriel Agbonlahor goal. The referee for the midlands Derby is Mark Clattenburg.
Match Odds:
- Aston Villa - 5/6 (Totesport)
- Draw - 5/2 (Stan James)
- Birmingham City - 22/5 (VC Bet)
Newcastle United v Sunderland
There’s another local derby on Teeside as Newcastle United host Sunderland (Live on Sky Sports 1). Both sides have picked up form in recent weeks to edge themselves away from the relegation dogfight, so this game should not be as tense as it looked a few weeks ago. Newcastle have picked up 11 points from their last 5 games, and Roy Keane’s side have also picked up form, with three wins in their last four games.
Sunderland have not won at St James Park for 8 years, when goals from Don Hutchison and now-chairman Niall Quinn gave them a 2-1 win. The Black Cats follow this derby with another - a home match against Middlesbrough. The reverse fixture at the Stadium of light ended in a 1-1 draw. The referee for this match is Mike Dean.
Match Odds:
- Newcastle United - 4/5 (Ladbrokes)
- Draw - 12/5 (Blue Square)
- Sunderland - 7/2 (William Hill)
Manchester City v Portsmouth
Both Man City and Portsmouth are on course for their highest-ever Premiership finishes - Portsmouth looking to improve on their ninth-place finish last season, and City looking to better their eight-place finish in 2004/05. Both sides are also chasing European qualification, so there’s plenty to play for in this match.
Manchester City have won just one home match in the last eight at Eastlands, and will be looking to string together back-to-back wins for the first time since October. Portsmouth are in fine form at the moment, having won 6 of their lasty eight games in all competitions, and have not shipped a goal in more than four hours of football. They remain the only side with a 100% record when scoring first, having won 14 out of 14.
The reverse fixture at Fratton Park was a goalless draw, as was this fixture last season. The referee for this match is Andre Marriner.
Match Odds:
- Manchester City - 11/8 (Bet 365)
- Draw - 9/4 (skybet)
- Portsmouth - 15/8 (Paddy Power)
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
