Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (26th December 2006)

Unfortunately, this game seems to be overshadowed by Hunt's and Sonko's return against Chelsea after the incidents involving themselves and the Chelsea keepers at the Madjeski; hopefully, everyone will be talking about the game and not about repercussions exacted by players or fans. A sign of Chelsea's pedigree last Saturday was that they still churned out a result after being under huge pressure at the JJB. The Blues are yet to lose at Stamford Bridge, dropping just 4 points over the course of their 9 home games, and the task ahead for Reading looks to be a formidable one. Reading's form seems to have stuttered a little recently with only 1 point from their last 4 games, and that came at home to bottom placed Watford. Coppell will be more than happy with the 26 points already on the board but he will be keen to build on their early progress; however, anything for Reading at the Bridge looks unlikely.

After Spur's first away win of the season at City, they failed to build on this result and drew a blank at St James Park. They remain an enigma away from home but at White Hart Lane they have won their last 6 successive home games, winning 7 from 9 in total. Defoe could be a doubt for this one so Mido could start with Berbatov. Villa visit the Lane after a drop in form; they've lost their last 3 at home and drawn their last 3 away. O'Neill started with Sutton and Agbonlahor up front against United, and must be the surest indication that he's not happy with some of his strikers and plans to strengthen in the upcoming January sales. Villa are the draw specialists with 7 from 9 on the road, but the prospect of another away point at Spurs looks unlikely, and the home side should be backed to get the 3 points.

Can Blackburn recover from their mauling at the Emirates in just 3 days? Excepting the last 5 minutes of that game, Rovers were in with a chance but their capitulation at the feet of some great Arsenal moves will have Hughes a little worried. Blackburn are flirting with the relegation places and need some big improvements. Only 3 home wins is not the sort of home form to strike fear into the heart of Benitez's side, especially now that he seems to know his best starting eleven. Liverpool have now climbed to 3rd place and arresting their poor away form with 2 successive victories has been a key factor. Bellamy travels back to Ewood Park and is bound to get some stick, but it is the sort of thing he thrives on and should do well on his return. Another away win for Liverpool will have them believing that they can catch Chelsea.

Sheffield United could easily push City closer to the drop zone if they play anywhere like they have done in recent weeks. Only 1 place and 1 goal separate these 2 sides and home advantage could play an important part in the final result. The Blades have been defeated just once in their last 5 games and it is this run that has propelled them away from the relegation places; by no means are they safe but results breed confidence and Warnock's men will be eager to get at a City side with just 1 away win to their name. Not only that but City have just endured their first 2 home defeats of the season (to Spurs and Bolton) and some feel that Pearce's job could be in jeopardy. One of their better players, Barton, will be missing after the straight red against Bolton, and it doesn't look good for the blue half of Manchester.

Halfway through the season and only 11 points on the board leaves the future looking very bleak for Boothroyd's survival hopes. Watford have just 1 victory to their name all season and must be wondering how on earth they are going to stop an Arsenal side in such rampant goal-scoring form. Despite Watford's lowly position they have only lost 2 games at Vicarage Road and are likely to deny Arsenal any time and space on the ball. In recent matches, the Gunners have made it difficult for themselves by going behind and it is this that has angered Wenger so much; the Premiership is difficult enough without shooting yourselves in the foot every time you walk on the pitch. Oddly enough, they seem to be playing better without Henry, and will need to think on their feet to cut through a hard-working Watford side. Watford will make it difficult but Arsenal should still come up smelling of roses.

I thought Les Reed's Christmas had come early; after all, he was still in a job. That was until 5 minutes ago when Pardew took over and changes the course of this paragraph rather. Not only are results not going Charlton's way but their performances have been absolutely abject; not only this but Darren Bent's barren run in front of goal hasn't helped. Charlton have only lost 4 from 9 at the Valley but just 6 goals in those games highlights some of the issues. Their opponents, Fulham have lost their last 3 on the road and drew the last 3 before that, so they've not exactly been enjoying the best of times themselves. Coleman's side have just 1 win on the road and coinciding with Pardew's appointment, a rejuvenated Charlton could grab a vital point in their struggle for survival.