Premiership Betting Preview Saturday 3rd May
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
Related Articles:
Comments
Got something to say?
