Premiership Betting Preview 29th January

January 28, 2008

Arsenal v Newcastle

Arsenal face Newcastle just three short days after convincingly beating them 3-0 in the FA Cup, knowing that a win will put them three points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership (Well, until tomorrow night at least), whilst the Magpies first game since the arrival of Denis Wise from Leeds sees them looking for both their first win, and first goal since the return of King Kev.

Arsenal are unbeaten in seven games, whilst Newcastle have failed to win in any of their last seven premiership matches, and haven’t scored in over 5 hours of football. On paper at least, a banked home win, with Boylesports offering just 1/3 for the home win, whilst Bet365 will give you 12/1 for a Toon Army victory.

Bolton v Fulham

Fulham have only won two premiership games all season - and one of them was against Bolton Wanderers, so the cottagers will be looking to complete the double over the trotters if they are going to stand any chance of closing the gap on their relegation rivals.

Fulham have yet to win in 11 games in the premiership (and are without a win in 28 games away from home), whilst Bolton’s only win in the last five came against the Premiership’s whipping boys Derby County, and they have only scored a solitary goal since selling their top scorer Nicolas Anelka to Chelsea.

Don’t expect a goalfest - Bet365 have Bolton as the favourites to win t 10/11, whilst Ladbrokes are offering 10/3 on the Cottagers finally picking up that crucial away win. With so much at stake though, the draw at 5/2 looks attractive.

Middlesbrough v Wigan

Wigan’s new £5m signing Marlon King should make his debut in another crucial game at the wrong end of the table. Bet365 have the former Watford hitman at 3/1 to score at anytime during the match. Steve Bruce’s Lactics are desperate for points, and would be happy to take anything away from the Riverside. Boro are favourites at 10/11 with Boyle Sports, whilst Bet365 have the best odds for both the draw (23/10) and for a Wigan victory (10/3)

Sunderland v Birmingham

It’s yet another six-pointer at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland face Birmingham City. The crucial match that could play a huge factor in the relegation battle come May should see Rade Prica and Phil Bardsley make their debuts for Roy Keane’s Black Cats, whilst James McFadden should make his first start for the Blues (Bet365 have him at 7/2 to score at any time during the match).

There’s no clear favourite in this tight encounter, so the draw looks the best bet at 9/4 with Boyle Sports, who also have a City win at 11/5, whilst Bet365 have the best odds for a home win (currently 13/10)

All odds correct at time of writing, but subject to fluctuation. Check the bookmaker’s sites for latest odds.