Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (5th November 2005)

The Villa's form has been poor of late; the 0-2 defeat at home to Wigan hit them hard and they never recovered for the game at Man City where they got beat 3-1. Ironically, it was Vassell for City who was the thorn in their side and it was pace that Villa no longer seem to have. Opponents can play high up the pitch against them as Villa don't have the pace to get in behind. They have only a single victory at home but may take heart from Liverpool only getting 3 draws from 4 games on their travels. Liverpool will take confidence for their European performances but it is their away domestic performances that need to be improved. Benitez has now switched Gerrard out to the right where he is more effective and playing higher up the pitch; previously in the centre of midfield he was dropping too deep to pick up the ball and not getting into those attacking positions where he is at his most devastating. Liverpool to turn around their away fortunes and compound Villa to another defeat.

Arsenal's away form may have well let them down to date this season but they have a 100% record at home and now that they have Henry and Campbell back they should go from strength to strength. Qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League will allow them to rest players for the last 2 games and this should benefit them domestically. Sunderland are currently propping the rest of the Premiership up; something unlikely to change after this game. They are hampered by injuries to key players and have lost 4 from 5 away, but surprisingly their only win of the season came at the Riverside. Don't expect them to repeat this feat at Highbury.

This is a tricky one to call with Fulham not too impressive full stop whilst City have not been too compelling away from home. But with City sitting proudly in 4th place and Fulham languishing 6th from bottom on only 9 points, the away side should start as favourites. Fulham play pretty in midfield and create chances but lack the finishing quality to reap the results. City, however, have shown class in attack with Cole and Vassell combining well, and there is still the option of Fowler to come. It is refreshing to see a manager, Stuart Pearce, not sitting on the bench during games and kicking every ball. It keeps the pressure on the players but also keeps them focused on the job in hand. Close call but City to take the points.

Newcastle seem to be on the up and as they get players back from injury so they should climb the table; Carr and Bowyer could be fit to return soon leaving only Luque still in the treatment room. They've lost just the once at home and are now firmly entrenched in mid-table with a platform to progress from. They may well fear a backlash from a Birmingham side who are second from bottom but with Newcastle having players of the calibre of Owen, Emre, Parker and Dyer, for them the only way is up. To add to their woes Birmingham are blighted by injuries, mainly in midfield and defence, and coupled with their performances so far the future looks blue. Pennant's alleged alcohol problems haven't helped and he may be lucky to keep his job. 5 of their 6 points have indeed come on the road but given the players missing, Newcastle should prove too strong.

The Hammers have started their campaign well but the realities of the Premiership are starting to bite. They've taken 10 points from their 5 home games and need to get a maximum 3 points against relegation favourites West Brom. The Baggies have made the most of home advantage this season, with a notable win over Arsenal, but with only 2 points from 5 away games they have the same number of points at the same stage last season. Expect West Ham to make this one count and take all 3 points.

Everton may have got another win under their belts last weekend and climbed off the bottom but they have only taken 1 point and scored only 1 goal in their 4 home games. They have the likes of Beattie back but it is slightly shameful he has 1 game back and starts throwing his verbal weight around reckoning he has the answer to beating the Champions because they don't like it up 'em; maybe he should get his own house in order before making such rash statements. They face a Boro side who spanked United 4-1 last weekend and for once played some great football with Mendieta proving the star that he can be. Boro are the inconsistent side this season and this game all depends on how they react after their European game on Thursday; typically they haven't reacted too well the weekend after but it's about time they put some results together and made the most against a poor Everton side.