Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (24th February 2007)

United have had some recent hiccups on the road but they've only dropped 10 points on their travels this season and currently lead Chelsea by 6 points in the fight for the title. With all the cup fixtures taking place recently Ferguson has rotated wisely but with the added Champions League fixtures this week, time will tell as to how well each of the top sides will handle the congestion. Their opponents, Fulham, just didn't get going in the FA Cup last weekend at home to Spurs and suffered a 4 goal defeat; naive defending and a lack of eye for goal both contributed to their downfall. Montella's late sending off compounded the result for Coleman and he'll now be without the Italian striker for 3 games. Fulham's home form has not been as impressive as that of last season and despite them not losing in their last 6 at Craven Cottage, confidence will be knocked after the Spurs defeat and they'll have trouble containing United.

Only 1 place and 3 goals separate these 2 sides in the relegation quagmire and it's looking unlikely that either will avoid the dreaded drop with only Wigan looking the likely candidates to be caught. Not so long ago the 2 managers involved were on opposite sides and it must be said that Pardew has fared the better of the two in terms of rescuing his club from their predicament; however, this may say more about the players for each club than the respective managers. Charlton may have lost the last 2 at home but their performances have been sprinkled with a few decent results and they have at least given themselves a chance. West Ham remain the only side in the Premiership yet to secure an away win; their run of defeats with the odd draw here and there coupled with the rumours of disharmony at Upton Park all points to another bad away day. Charlton will want this more and will be giving their all in the battle for survival and another vital 3 points.

Liverpool will be looking for revenge after they unexpectedly dropped 2 points at Bramall Lane on the opening day. The Reds have still not lost at Anfield this season and generally the scoreline at home tends to reflect their dominance. Once again rumours of a bust up involving Bellamy have surfaced after their team break in Vale do Lobo; it wasn't going to be long before his past caught up with him and it will be interesting to see how far he can push Benitez's patience. Sheffield United have done exceptionally well in their bid to avoid the drop and whilst they're not quite safe yet, Warnock has done a great job with little resources. They've taken 10 points on the road this season which has probably given them some level of comfort as far as the league table is concerned. Unfortunately, they've lost their last 4 successive away games and Liverpool are unlikely to prove easy pickings.

Reading are way up there in 6th place and assured of Premiership safety where as Boro have improved after early season disappointment but still need a few more points to be sure of retaining their Premiership status. Boro have only suffered 3 defeats at the Riverside this season and with 11 points from their last 5 home matches, they look certain to avoid defeat against a Reading side that should not be underestimated. The Royals will be pleased with their 4 victories on the road but it will be their battling qualities that speaks loudest; their draw at Old Trafford in the FA Cup last weekend speaks volumes and shows they have the self-belief to go anywhere in the country and give the best of themselves. Coppell hasn't bought big and stuck to his principles with a side that are familiar with each other; they could easily take all 3 points at the Riverside but Boro are also a team on the up and it should be a closely fought contest.

Wigan have been on a miserable run recently but victory at home against Portsmouth, an undeserved defeat at the Emirates and fighting back for a point at Vicarage Road after going down to 10 men could provide the tonic to get the Latics on the road to safety. Wigan are just 1 place above the drop zone but have a 6 point cushion protecting them from the chasing trio of West Ham, Charlton and Watford. They host a Newcastle side that are renowned poor travellers although Roeder has done exceptionally well given the injuries that have been prevalent at St James Park. In the Premiership the Magpies have lost 8 times on the road this season and won only once in their last 5 away games. Newcastle have the added distraction of the UEFA Cup although they are definite favourites to progress to the next round. However, Wigan may have turned the corner in the last week or two and a second successive home victory would be welcome.

Blackburn have been steadily climbing the league after horrendous early season form and 4 victories in their last 6 home games goes some way to proving the point. Savage returns after suspension to bolster the midfield against a Portsmouth side that have failed to build on their earlier success although they still look worthy of their current position in 7th. On the road Pompey have only won 3 times and only 1 victory from their last six hardly inspires your average Joe Bloggs to back them. Their defence is well drilled and comfortable against most attacks but they've lacked the spark in the other half of the pitch that carried them to some good victories in the first half of the season. Blackburn should carry the day although it might not be the formality some might think.