Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (11th March 2006)

First plays fourth in what should be an exciting game. Chelsea have only dropped 2 points at home all season and are unlikely to trip over against a Spurs side who are definitely on the up but can be less than convincing at times. Chelsea, as expected, have had their European run brought to an end by Barcelona but I doubt that will have any knock-on effect come Saturday; it will be business as usual for the Champions despite the absence of Robben after his 4 match ban. One factor to account for will be the Stamford Bridge pitch with the mudpatch likely to favour the home side as they're used to it, and Spurs are unlikely to get their game going. Spurs have been mediocre away from home with only 4 wins from 13 games and only 1 in the last 6. They will need strong characters in the midfield to upset Chelsea but Davids has not adjusted to the pace after his recent injury, whilst Brown and Davis are out on loan. Additionally, King had a dodgy game at the back against Blackburn but positives can always be found somewhere and Spurs have a match winner in Robbie Keane. It all adds up to another Chelsea win.

Only 1 place separates these two in the chase for a European place; both are level on 42 points but Bolton have a game in hand. Bolton are notoriously difficult to beat at home with only 1 defeat in 12 games and the reason behind this is that their back four are strong and organised; conceding only 6 home goals tells the story. The 'happy' Hammers visit the Reebok and on current form they are happy indeed. They dropped 2 points at home to Everton last weekend but by all accounts they were not up to their usual standard so it seemed like a point gained rather than 2 lost. On the road they have 3 wins in their last 5 and Ashton and Harewood are likely to test the Bolton defence but it keeps coming back to the fact that Bolton have conceded very few goals at home; the least in the Premiership bar Liverpool. A tight game but Bolton should just edge it.

Blackburn played some really good stuff at White Hart Lane last Sunday and should have gone back to Ewood Park with all 3 points but events conspired against them and they left with nothing. Despite this, Mark Hughes should keep their spirits high as there were plenty of positives they could take from the game. Rovers have won 9 from 13 games at home this season, dropping only 2 points in their last 6, and it's the sort of form that will keep them in the hunt for a European place. Their opponents, Villa, have not lost in their last 6 away games but their season is rapidly drawing to a conclusion with nothing left to play for; it is unlikely they will be dragged into the relegation scrap and Europe looks out of sight. Their defensive crisis seems to have eased with Gareth Barry putting in another sterling performance prior to the World Cup, although they still have Delaney and Laursen out with knee injuries. If Villa were more clinical in front of goal they could get something at Ewood Park but Blackburn should prove too strong.

The only Premiership side to get through to the Champions League quarter finals have not done so well on the domestic front. If not for their home form (9 wins from 13 games) there would certainly be more fresh air between themselves and closest rivals Spurs. Arsenal will be aiming to do a Liverpool this time around and win the Champions League to guarantee themselves entry next time around as there is still a 5 point jump to fourth place. They have had their problems at the back this season but the likes of Senderos and Flamini deserve credit for coming in and playing their part; keeping Real Madrid out over 2 legs is no mean achievement. Things couldn't be more different for Liverpool and maybe the fixture overload is catching up with them. Out of Europe and only 5 wins on the road in the Premiership, the odds don't look good on Liverpool getting anything at Highbury. They create the chances but don't convert them and this is what has cost them this season. Hyypia could well return from injury but this is unlikely to be enough to prevent an Arsenal win.