Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (3rd December 2005)

High flying Wigan are now finding out what the Premiership is all about with consecutive home losses to both Arsenal and Spurs. Not only that but they now have to travel to Anfield and take on a Liverpool side who have only lost the once at home this season. Though Wigan have surprised many with their performances and totally deserve their current position in the Premiership, Liverpool at home are always difficult to beat and now that Benitez seems to have resolved the Reds' away form, it only remains for Peter Crouch to score. Though Wigan won't want to develop a losing habit, the odds do not favour them.

Blackburn may be nestled in the bottom half of the table but their home form is good with 4 wins from 6 games; 3 of those wins coming on the bounce. Everton still haven't been convincing enough to think that they've turned the corner and Ewood Park is a difficult enough place to go to get a result regardless of the fact that Everton have lost 5 from 7 games on the road. If Everton were to win this one you could guarantee the score would be 0-1 but Blackburn should be better than Everton and all 3 points should be theirs.

Chelsea have a 100% record at home having won 7 from 7, scoring 21 goals and conceding just the 4; scoring an average of 3 a game is going to have any opponents worried about how they stop Chelsea. Boro are tasked with stopping the Champions this weekend but the odds are firmly stacked against them; the label 'inconsistent' fits them well this season and is probably down to distractions of the UEFA cup. Boro have lost 3 from 6 on the road, losing the last 2 on the bounce and matters are unlikely to improve at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea to maintain their 100% record.

Souness just can't seem able to put together a decent winning run and their results probably have something to do with the fact that he rarely get to play his first choice eleven. The loss away to Everton will have been disappointing but he could possibly have Owen, Babayaro and Carr back for the visit of Aston Villa. Villa are fresh off the back of a hammering by Doncaster in the League Cup and with four Premiership away losses from 7 games the odds do not favour them. Not only did they lose to Doncaster but they did so with a full strength side. One Villa player who will be up for it is on-loan Milner who will want to prove to his club Newcastle that he has improved and warrants a place back in the Magpies side; that is if he has been given clearance by Newcastle to play. Newcastle should edge this one.

Spurs' form at home hasn't exactly been outstanding but they have only lost the once, and with that loss coming against Chelsea they should feel confident of a win against the bottom side. Davids scored his first goal away to Wigan and his been the inspiration behind a rejuvenated Spurs side, but if the yellow cards keep piling up he may get a second suspension; this time 2 games. Sunderland's only win of the season has been on the road but it's hard to see them emulating Chelsea at White Hart Lane, especially as McCarthy has up to 5 first team players out through injury. Confidence must be low at the Stadium of Light as not only are they bottom of the Premiersip with a measly 5 points but they were beaten at home last weekend by the team immediately above them, Birmingham. Spurs to compound the misery for Sunderland.

Old Trafford will be a sensitive place come Saturday as the current crop of United players pay tribute to the United legend that is George Best. With Sir Alex and several senior players (most likely Giggs who is injured) expected to fly to Belfast to attend George Best's funeral, it remains doubtful whether Fergie will be back for the late kick off but the players will understand the gravity of a good performance. They've only won 2 from 5 at home but surprisingly are the team closest to the current leaders and champions Chelsea. Their opponents this weekend are currently managerless although several names are rumoured to be in the frame including Warnock, McLeish and Redknapp. After Harry's previous fallings out with Mandaric it would be a huge surprise for him to desert Southampton and return to their local rivals. Pompey have lost 4 from 7 away this season and anyone who does take the job has a big task on their hands to avoid relegation. Expect United to celebrate George Best's life in style.