Premiership Football Betting Tips

City may have lost their last 4 successive home games but since the crowd got on their backs they've snatched a vital 6 points, away at Boro and then away at Newcastle with both winners coming from new signing, Mpenza. Stuart Pearce has lacked a decent striker all season and it looks like the Belgian has turned up just in time to save City an unwanted relegation fight. They may not be safe yet but those 6 points will have gone a long way to restoring some confidence and they need to turn around their home form starting with the visit of Charlton. The Addicks have put in a tremendous effort in their bid for survival but crucially have secured just 6 points on the road this season; though 5 of those have come in their last 4 away fixtures. Though Charlton are on a roll and will have put the fear of God into the teams above them, City look to have turned the corner and now that they have a valid goal threat could well steal the points.

Everton will be unhappy that they've lost ground to Spurs and Bolton in the chase for a place in the UEFA Cup next season but it is so tight for those 3 places that they are likely to swap positions several more times before the final whistle on the season has blown. The Toffees have lost just 3 games at Goodison and as evidenced at Villa Park, James Vaughan is looking an exciting prospect alongside Andy Johnson. Their opponents, Fulham, once again failed to make the most of their game against Pompey and managed to fight back for a point; their 14th draw of the season which leaves them susceptible to capture by the relegation candidates. The Cottagers have earned themselves just 1 victory on the road this season and Everton should prove too strong for them.

Chelsea's injuries and lack of squad depth have really hurt them this season; they may have won the Carling Cup but the Premiership title looks to be gone and their Champions League future is in the balance after only drawing at home to Valencia. That said, they've still not lost at Stamford Bridge this season although Spurs could put forward the best claim to upsetting that particular statistic; 3-1 up in the FA Cup quarter final and the game should have been over but Chelsea again showed their resilience. Spurs will try knocking on the door again but only 2 days rest since the game in Seville is not enough and the European game will certainly take precedence. It has been evident of late that Spurs are by far a better side when they play on the front foot and without Ledley King, there's no point in the trying to shut up shop so it should be a good spectacle for the neutral. Spurs have won their last 2 Premiership away games but Chelsea know how to grind out results and they should make the most of home advantage.

Arsenal still remain undefeated at the Emirates but their poor showing at Anfield was unexpected; it wasn't the defeat itself but the 4-1 winning margin that came as a shock. They look certain of holding on to a Champions League place but if they hit a losing streak there are teams below them poised to capitalise; the gap between the Gunners and Bolton may be 5 points but you only need to look at the bottom of the table to see how quickly things can change around. West Ham travel to the Emirates looking to upset the apple cart and bolster their chances of Premiership survival. They may be getting a few points on the board but they're still 5 points shy of safety, and away from Upton Park they've only taken 6 points this season. Tevez is liable to give Arsenal the runaround and as long as they can shackle him they should take all 3 points, but it should be remembered that it is a London derby and the Hammers will be going for broke.

The half time team talk at Villa Park by Martin O'Neill obviously did the trick and his side burst out of the blocks in the second half to rescue a point against Everton. Villa aren't safe yet and much rebuilding is still to be done but the manager has refuelled the passion and the man responsible for the equaliser has just put pen to paper on a new contract. Crucially though, Villa have only taken 1 point on the road in their last 6 and may find it difficult at Ewood Park against Mark Hughes's side. Rovers have 4 victories from their last 6 home games and if you ignore the last 2 results (a dodgy home defeat to West Ham and a heavy defeat at Old Trafford after leading at half time) they're on pretty good form. Villa have won just the once on their travels but have drawn 8 times; this time out I suspect Blackburn may just prove too strong for them.

The reality is that Watford are doomed and have taken the maximum points from just 1 away fixture this season. It wouldn't surprise many if the Hornets bounced straight back up next season but the gap in quality at Premiership level has been there for all to see; grit, passion and determination can only carry you so for amongst the elite. Boro have won over half their home games and 4 of their last 6 have resulted in victories, so as long as they can put the home defeat against City aside they should be able to put Watford to bed. By the same token, Watford shouldn't be underestimated and have done themselves proud in their first season in the top flight; after all, Chelsea only scraped a winner in the dying seconds at Vicarage Road. A victory for Boro that should see them safely ensconced in the middle of the table.

Only 1 point now separates Sheffield Utd and safety from Charlton and the dark side. The Blades gave as good as they got last weekend at the Reebok but the last 10 minutes finally undid them in a match that could have gone either way. United have only lost 4 Premiership games at Bramall Lane this season and are certain to be all fired up for the visit of a Newcastle side that have a notoriously poor record on the road. The Magpies have lost 5 of their last 6 away fixtures but are relatively comfortable in mid-table and have nothing but pride to play for. Roeder has reputedly been granted £20m to spend in the summer and defence is bound to be his priority once he's rid the club of those that have failed to meet the standard required. The war chest and the potential return of injured players have come too late for the Newcastle manager and they are likely to succumb to Sheffield Utd's passion for survival.

Bolton may still occupy 5th place but given their current run of form, they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth with Spurs and Everton ready to pounce. They've lost 4 of their last 5 away games and only have Kevin Davies to thank for saving their blushes at home to Sheffield Utd in the 80th minute. That 3 points was vital to their hopes of a place in Europe next season but they need to turn things around if they are to keep those hopes alive. They travel to the JJB where Wigan are probably feeling the pressure more; with only 3 points separating them from the relegation places Paul Jewell needs to string some results together. On a positive note, Wigan have only dropped 2 points in their last 3 home games and were unlucky to lose out to a late debatable Charlton penalty at the Valley. Bolton always make life difficult but given their current form and Wigan's positive attitude, a home win looks to be favourable.