Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (30th December 2006)

Pardew rallied his troops for his first game in charge as Charlton manager and was robbed of a victory in injury time by a poor refereeing decision; that said, Fulham were the better team in the second half and Charlton were reduced to playing on the counter. Despite being second from bottom, Charlton have lost just the once in their last 6 home fixtures and with someone who knows what they're doing now in charge, they could get something from the Villa game. Although Villa are in a poor run of recent form, they have drawn 7 of 10 games on the road and are just waiting to bring in some new faces to strengthen the squad. Assuming Pardew's honeymoon period is not yet over and Villa are generally hard to beat, a draw could be the preferred option.

Only 1 point and 1 place separate these 2 sides in the wrong half of the table. Both are treading dangerously close to the relegation places and a victory will be vital. At home, Rovers have only won 2 in their last 6 and did well to see off Liverpool in their last game despite being under the cosh for much of the second half. Keeping Liverpool out after their recent away successes will have given Hughes's side a lift and they should go into the Boro game with some confidence. Hopefully, Friedel will be back after a dead leg to keep out a Boro side yet to win on the road this season. Away from the Riverside, Boro have only secured 2 points in their last 6 games, and with the Christmas fixture congestion could find another away game a big ask. Boro may have got a point at Goodison but are unlikely to find Ewood Park as happy a hunting ground. Rovers to edge it.

Chelsea will expect to have the upper hand in this less temperate of London derbies, but the big blow for them has been the injury to John Terry and how they have missed him, not only for his defensive qualities but also his leadership skills. Another 2 points dropped at home to Reading emphasises the point and Mourinho's worry is that the date of Terry's return to action is unknown. Chelsea have still not lost at the Bridge this season and that stat is not liable to change against a Fulham side with only 1 point from their last 4 away games; that point coming Wednesday night with a last gasp equaliser against a Charlton side playing under their third manager of the season. Fulham concede an average of at least 2 goals a game on the road and with Drogba in fine form, Chelsea should win by a couple.

Watford may be rock bottom but not many sides travel to Vicarage Road and come away with anything more than a point. The Hornets have only lost 3 of their 9 home games and Arsenal only managed to claim victory against them midweek as they entered the last 7 minutes of the game. Watford are one of the hardest working sides in the Premiership but lack that quality in the final third; Boothroyd will want to sign new players in the transfer window but will have difficulty attracting decent players given their league position. Their opponents, Wigan, have lost half of their away games but their 3 away victories have come in their last 6. Wigan did start the season inconsistently but are gradually pulling themselves together but could still be dragged back into the drop zone if results go against them. The injury to Camara will have been a big blow and moments of inspiration could be at a premium; it has an air of stalemate about it.

It seems Curbishley's honeymoon period is already over after defeat at home to Portsmouth to 2 identical set pieces; not only that but the signs were there for all to see when Portsmouth played Sheffield Utd just before Christmas. The Hammers remain in the drop zone but a win could carry them out of it if the Blades lose at home to Arsenal. West Ham have won 4 of their last 6 home games and play a City side that have just 7 points from their 10 away fixtures; 6 of those points coming in their last 3. City will be disappointed that Joey Barton failed with his appeal against his recent red card and his absence will be key to handing the points to West Ham; Barton has been a shining light in a City side that have been abysmal on the road. Both managers will be anxious for good performances and the winning one is more likely to come from the home side.

Sheffield Utd are just above the relegation places and have just 2 wins at Bramall Lane; surprisingly, they have more wins on the road this season. With the traditional Christmas fixture congestion, Warnock has virtually admitted that he may play a weakened side against Arsenal with Monday's visit to the Riverside in mind. The Blades have lost 3 of their last 6 home games and with advantage possibly handed to Wenger, it is up to the Gunners to try an close the gap with Chelsea. Arsenal have reclaimed 3rd spot and won their last 2 on their travels; since the captaincy has been handed to Gilberto, he has blossomed and lead by example with the right attitude and goals aplenty. Adebayor will be out for this trip after suffering a thigh strain so Baptista is bound to start, but most startling has been their form without the talismanic Henry. Arsenal have the players to outpass United and if they get on the ball, there should be only one winner.