Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (10th September 2005)

Such is Chelsea's depth in talent that no matter how Mourinho changes things after an international break his side are more than likely to maintain their 100% record without too much ado. This is not to say that Sunderland will come with defeat in mind but the gulf in class is there for all to see; similarly much the same was said before the Northern Ireland v England match and we all know the outcome of that one. Also Frank Lampard has not been his usual inspiring self but maybe reverting to domestic football and playing for a manager he has faith in will provide him with the necessary drive. We all know that surprises are possible but this should be a nailed-on Chelsea win.

This derby fixture could be much tighter than it has been in recent times mainly because United are not quite the force they once were and City are definitely on the up. If this were at the City of Manchester stadium instead of Old Trafford I would definitely see City as favourites but even at Old Trafford they are well worth a point. United will be without Ronaldo after a family bereavement but they now have depth in the squad to replace most players; Giggs or Park should provide cover. City will have Pearce kicking every ball with them and he should provide the driving force and motivation to see his side share the spoils.

There's no doubt that the talk of Tyneside has been the capture of Michael Owen from Real Madrid and I can't actually see a loser in this deal unless Owen gets injured; Owen will play most games, Newcastle have a proven striker, Madrid have the money and England will have a striker not exhausted by domestic and European competition. Owen isn't Souness' only late signing, his other most notable being Albert Luque, but it will be how well and how quickly these players blend together that will decide if Newcastle's future can be turned around. They host a Fulham side who recently managed to beat Everton but they will probably struggle this season as Coleman has not bolstered his squad in all the right places and if they succumb to injuries they could be in serious trouble. Newcastle and Owen to get off to a dream start.

Spurs recently lost out to Chelsea after Rob Styles took control and ruined the game but are definitely an improved side under Martin Jol. The number of signings has probably surprised most but it shows ambition and now it's results that count. King should make a welcome return in the heart of defence against a Liverpool side who could possibly be without both Morientes and Cisse. Additionally, Gerrard showed in his recent England performances that he is not 100% fit after injury and did not provide the same drive as with Liverpool in earlier fixtures this season. Spurs may just edge this one.

Boro are the team this week tasked with stopping Thierry Henry but their recent performances make this look nigh impossible. A good win at Birmingham was followed by a terrible home defeat to Charlton and they only seem to have lost players in the transfer window. Downing will be a big miss because of injury whilst their visitors, Arsenal, have no injury worries to speak of. Even without Vieira and the extent of players returning from international duty, Arsenal should arrive back in London 3 points better off.