Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (1st October 2005)

The surprise of last weekend had to be Blackburn's win away at Old Trafford especially as it was preceded by a home defeat to a less than average Newcastle side. Hughes will have been especially pleased with this victory against his old club but will want his players to use this result as a stepping stone and progress. No one doubts Blackburn's ability to carry the fight and this effort will be required for 90 minutes against a West Brom side who only know how to scrap. Robson's men showed this with a great point away at Sunderland in the dying seconds but showed the other side of their character by not turning up for the first half at home to Charlton, which is where they lost the match. If Pedersen scores Blackburn should win.

Charlton really are leading the way in terms of staying as close to Chelsea as possible in a season where some think the Premiership title is already destined to stay at the Bridge, and it's still September. Charlton have maximum points, with the exception of a single defeat to Chelsea, and are playing with a confidence helped by the system employed by Curbishley; 4-5-1 with Bent up front plus Thomas and Rommedahl in their most effective positions as wingers. This is only Charlton's third home game and could be difficult against a Spurs side who have also only lost once (also to Chelsea) in the Premiership. The presence of Davids has made a huge difference to Spurs and the exciting debut of Lennon has the fans wanting more but they still look susceptible at the back even though they have only conceded 3 goals; more noticeably they have only scored 6. Charlton should not lose this one and they may just edge it.

With Reggie banned to the stands and Lua Lua recovering in hospital from malaria, not all is well at Fratton Park. After Perrin's poor start to the season his job is reputed to be on the line whilst Lua Lua, although sometimes frustrating, will be a big miss as he has more often than not been their best player. They have only taken 2 points from their 3 home games and now must face a Newcastle side who most think are returning to form, especially if you listen to Souness. As we've said before there is no doubt Owen and Shearer will get the goals but Newcastle's problems stem from problems in midfield and defence; the sooner some of their injured players return the better. The away win should be backed here as Portsmouth are abysmal and Newcastle somehow seem to be winning.

Sunderland managed their first win after a good performance at Boro and this followed on from a point at home against rival relegation contenders West Brom; they've obviously got good powers of recovery as the injury time equaliser from the Baggies must have felt like a defeat. Sunderland have not won at home yet and have conceded 6 goals in the process so may feel apprehensive about West Ham paying them a visit as the Hammers are in flying form. Currently sitting 5th in the table and having played a game less than 3 of the sides above them, they are surprising everyone. Their goalless draw at home to Arsenal was a good indication as to how far they've come and McCarthy may well feel he has the monkey back on his back. West Ham to continue their good run.

Stuart Pearce reckoned that his players smelled defeat by just looking at the Newcastle teamsheet; if there's any positives for him to take from that defeat, apart from playing reasonably well, it's that there's no names on the Everton teamsheet to cast a spell of fear. City have had a couple of unlucky results recently but they have played well and created plenty of chances; this absurd kickoff time against bottom placed Everton should be just the tonic to get them back on track. Everton could bring back James Beattie which could mean they revert to 4-4-2 but the Toffees are in a precariously sticky position having lost all their home games so far. To add to their woe they'll probably be out of Europe after Thursday as it's unlikely they can turn around a 5-1 defeat from the first leg against Dinamo Bucharest. City to compound Everton's misery.

Arsenal are still without Henry, although Pires could return, but the biggest factor for Arsenal has been the return of Sol Campbell at the back, a rock who inspires and leads by example. They might be languishing in an unfamiliar position towards the bottom of the top half of the table but they have won all 3 games at home, scoring 8 and conceding just the one. Their visitors, Birmingham, haven't yet lost away and managed to frustrate Liverpool to claim a point last weekend but if Arsenal are virtually back to full strength, Birmingham will find it difficult. No doubt Pennant will be hoping for a good game against his old team mates and will be wanting to prove to Wenger that he made the right move. A tough game but the presence of Campbell should make the difference.