Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (22nd October 2005)

Blackburn couldn't follow up their victory at Man Utd with one at Liverpool but that's not to say they're not making progress; they were more than a match for Liverpool until Khizanishvili was dismissed for a professional foul. Not the same can be said of their opponents, Birmingham, who are currently sitting in a relegation spot and have a lot to do if they are to rescue their season, especially after losing their most important game of the season; a home derby match against the Villa. Blackburn may have Bellamy back after injury but will obviously be without their centre half Khizanishvili due to suspension. Birmingham will be without Clemence and Melchiot but could bring back Izzet. Blackburn should win this one if they keep playing in the same positive manner.

Henry made an early return to the Arsenal bench midweek and had to come on surprisingly early only to score twice and break Ian Wright's goal tally of 185 goals. Even more fortunate for Arsenal is that he seems to have suffered no relapse so will probably start against City. Still out for them however are key players Cole, Ljungberg and Hleb although Campbell could possibly return. Arsenal's away form may be poor but they have won all their home games conceding just the single goal. Their opponents, City, beat West Ham convincingly at the weekend with Andy Cole back to his best; his first goal was a sublime effort and he's bound to want to do well at any of his old clubs. City are up to fourth in the table, have only lost one of their away games and are playing well but home form should carry Arsenal to all three points.

Fulham may be languishing towards the bottom end of the table and they have only one win to their name this season. They were ahead at Charlton but got pegged back early in the second half and need to start pulling together to grind out a few results. It won't help that Stuart Pearce was at the Valley to keep tabs on one of Fulham's better players, Steed Malbranque, and they won't want to see him disappear in the January transfer window. They host Liverpool, who are without the industrious Gerrard, but they have shown that can manage without him both in Europe and domestically with single goal wins away at Anderlecht and at home to Blackburn. Liverpool have drawn all of their 3 away games but Fulham's style may well suit Liverpool and they could just edge it.

This looks to be the clash of the weekend; second plays third and it's a normal Saturday kick off. Old Trafford should be packed for a fixture that looks like it could swing either way. Last season, Spurs grabbed a point but were denied all 3 when both linesman and referee failed to spot the ball crossing the United goal line even though the rest of the stadium saw it. Spurs remain undefeated away and will take heart from the fact that United have only 4 points from their 3 home games so far. United's loss to Blackburn will have dented their pride and they could well feel a bit jaded after midweek European action although Rooney will be available. The question is have Spurs come far enough to give United a run for their money and the answer is they have but not far enough to go home with all 3 points.

Portsmouth improved away at Boro and showed that they can be hard to break down with Perrin's 3-3-3-1 formation. The question is whether or not they will play the same way at home against Charlton. The suspicion is that Pompey will attack more at home which could play into Charlton's hands; they undoubtedly will play on the counter-attack with Bent alone up front and Thomas and Rommedahl supporting whenever possible. Some may believe Charlton have now had their good run but they are still playing well enough to be a threat to most sides. Lua Lua is still out with malaria and his creativity will be missed, especially when Pompey need it to help them get some points on the board. Charlton to take all 3 points.

Bolton capitulated in the second half against Chelsea after decisions didn't go their way but they are a side made of sterner stuff and will need to bounce back against a West Brom side who's tails will be up after claiming Arsenal's scalp. Bolton have only lost once at home but will not be helped by a midweek trip to Turkey and could find it difficult playing a West Brom side that have had a week's rest. The Baggies have only taken 2 points on the road scoring just the single goal, but should be buoyed by their performance over Arsenal and can come away from the Reebok with a point.