Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (15th October 2005)

Wigan have performed exceptionally well so far this season and this has been put down to several things; Rodney Marsh's prediction that they were certainties for the drop has galvanised them even though he still holds true to it, and a less likely source has been pre-match dressing room rituals the most notable of which has been Jimmy Bullard's dancing. They have lost just the once at home (to Chelsea in the dying minutes) indicating that the JJB is a more formidable venue to go to than some would imagine. Their visitors, Newcastle, are once again hampered by injuries to key players and a lot depends on how certain players, such as Owen, return from 2 bouts of international football. They have still only won once away from home and their teamsheet flatters to deceive; their performances have not been convincing and a lot will depend on their strike partnership up against de Zeeuw and Henchoz. Expect this to end in stalemate.

Chelsea are on top of the pile where they expect to be with a 100% record; 8 wins from 8 games having conceded only 2 goals. Damien Duff is out with a knee injury sustained whilst on international duty but Chelsea have more than adequate cover; some would say he hasn't been at his best recently anyway. Their opponents, Bolton, are missing both Hunt and Campo and have lost just the once on their travels. They've also made it through to the lucrative group stages of the UEFA Cup indicating Allardyce has had some degree of success already this season but taking on the might and experience of Chelsea is a big ask. Big Sam will have his players fully committed but Chelsea should roll out winners.

Sunderland have a mini injury crisis at the moment and although United too have their injuries, United are better positioned in terms of squad depth to get maximum points from the game. After a poor start to the season Sunderland have come to terms with the Premiership and have taken 5 points from their last 3 games but are yet to win at home so the edge looks to be with United who have only dropped 2 points away. After several of United's players bolstering their reputations during international week, such as Rooney and Giggs, Sunderland have much to fear and their little run will probably come to an end.

Surprisingly Spurs are loftily perched in third place and we're into the season past September. It's common knowledge that Spurs have been investing plenty in a large, young squad (some would say too large) but now after announcing a reasonable profit proving that much of the investment has been sensible, Levy is demanding results and it will be Jol's job to keep Spurs where they are. They couldn't want more than playing the bottom side at home and will hope to reiterate last season's performance in which they thrashed Everton 5-2 at the Lane. Everton have a number of injuries but the majority of these are expected to be available for selection come Saturday and will take some positives from the fact that the only points they have picked up this season were from an away win at Fulham. They are now out of Europe after several woeful performances and have only domestic football and Premiership survival to play for. Spurs to express themselves.

West Brom are once again battling to avoid the threat of relegation even at this early stage of the season having only won their first home game. Their performances haven't been pretty but they have continued to fight for everything right until the final whistle; epitomised by their last gasp point away at Sunderland. Whether or not their relentless attitude will be enough against an Arsenal side struggling with injuries remains to be seen. Arsenal are without Henry, Campbell and Cole; 3 very influential players and automatic first team selections. They still have plenty of talent throughout their side and will start favourites but anyone looking for good odds on an outsider should back anything but an Arsenal win. Their problem is probably that they don't very their play enough and always cut inside, playing through the centre far too much. Arsenal should just edge this but the result is by no means certain.

Both these 2 sides are languishing in the lower half of the table and only have one win each to their names but there's no doubt that this derby fixture will be strongly competitive. Villa have a proliferation of knee injuries affecting Ridgewell, Hendrie, McCann and Laursen although it's possible one or two may return whilst Bimingham will be without Butt after his recent red card. Birmingham have only taken 1 point from their 4 home games whilst Villa likewise have only taken 1 point from their 4 away games, so the writing looks to be on the wall. Yet another derby draw.