Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (21st April 2007)

One thing that Arsenal should remember is that this is a North London derby and if they try their intricate passing game it could all come tumbling down around them; this game will be played at a hundred miles an hour and there should be no room for complacent football. Arsenal are virtually guaranteed Champions League place (3rd or 4th remains the only issue) where as Spurs need the points to clinch 7th place and the last UEFA spot. At the Lane, Spurs have lost just 4 times this season, won their last 3 in the Premiership and haven't been shy in front of goal; the Gunners however have just lost their undefeated home record to a likely relegated side, got rid of an influential figure in the boardroom and only taken 1 point from their last 3 games on the road. Spurs rarely have the upper hand in the big games but it's about time they believed in themselves and if they start in an attacking frame of mind, the 3 points could be theirs.

Reading are in the chase for the last remaining European place and the way they've maintained their level of performance throughout their first season in the Premiership has been remarkable. Unfortunately their away results have dipped a little recently and only 1 point from their last 4 away fixtures has meant that their chances of playing in Europe next season will depend on how Spurs' and Portsmouth's results go. They go up against a Bolton side confident of finishing in their highest ever Premiership position if they can pip Everton into 5th, and already virtually assured of European football next season. Bolton's form has been a bit patchy recently but they know what's at stake, and though this might be seen as a meeting of similar styles, Bolton have the experience and should make the most of home advantage.

Some may call this a 6 pointer but it's bigger than that; the outcome of this fixture could potentially decide who goes down and who stays up. The Blades currently have a 2 point advantage above the drop zone but have to travel to the Valley where Charlton have rediscovered some devastating home form. The Addicks have dropped just 2 points in their last 4 home games to give themselves a realistic chance of playing Premiership football next season. Neil Warnock hypocritically rested some players for the game at Old Trafford with this fixture in mind (he's obviously chosen to forget his criticism of Boro when they rested players before the FA Cup quarter final against Man Utd) but it's unlikely to change the outcome; Sheffield Utd have been awful in recent games and it's now more than 6 successive defeats on the road. The Blades will fight for their lives but Pardew has performed miracles since taking over at the Valley and deserves a pat on the back; 3 points would be a fitting reward.

Fulham are still perilously close to the drop zone and could have made a huge mistake in getting rid of Chris Coleman at such a critical stage of the season. Things may not have been going their way but there's no guarantee that bringing in a new manager will necessarily change things for the better; not that Lawrie Sanchez isn't a quality, respected manager. Fulham have taken just 2 points from their last 4 home games and are desperate for a result to ease their relegation concerns. Blackburn are the visitors to Craven Cottage and Mark Hughes still believes that 7th place is still attainable; it sounds more like a mind trick to keep his players motivated for the final few games. Rovers have just 1 victory and 4 defeats from their last 5 Premiership away games; it should be remembered however that they did take Chelsea to extra time in the FA Cup semi-final. Failure to get to Wembley will have knocked a little of the air out of Blackburn's sails but an average performance should yield them a point against Fulham.

It's anyone's guess as to whether Liverpool finish in 3rd or 4th place but one thing not in doubt is their home form; just 1 defeat in 17 games at Anfield leaves the odds stacked in favour of the home side. Wigan still have much to fight for with only 3 points separating them from the relegation places; it could be 1 from 4 clubs that draws the short straw so the Latics will need to scrap for everything they can. Jewell showed his elation and frustration at pitchside when they lead 3 times against Spurs only to be pulled back each time and eventually take just a point from a vital home game. Wigan have lost 9 of their 17 away games and though a result in their favour would go a long way to maintaining their Premiership status, ironically Liverpool will probably win this fairly comfortably.

Because of their poor goal difference, if Watford don't win this game they'll be effectively mathematically relegated and the Championship that has beckoned for so long will finally be reality. Given the lack of funds Boothroyd has done well with his drive and enthusiasm and must try and hold on to his set of players to at least retain some continuity for the charge back to the Premiership next season. The Hornets have only won 3 home games this season but the fight back after being a goal down against Portsmouth to take all 3 points shows that there's life in the old dog yet. However, City's defence has been faring a tad better than Portsmouth's and the pairing of Distin and Dunne has helped to lift City away from the drop zone. They may have lost at the Emirates but the 3 away games preceding that defeat have all resulted in City victories. Not a straight forward game to predict but City will go for a shut out and gamble on Barton or Mpenza snatching a winner.

The question is have West Ham blown their chance and has the pride and fight for survival deserted Upton Park. The defeats at Bramall Lane and at home to Chelsea put an end to a sequence of 3 wins which had given the Hammers faithful some realistic hope. Not only is this game a toughie but they close the season with a trip to Old Trafford. Maybe it is too early to write the Hammers off just yet but they're probably going to need at least 3 wins from their last 4 games. Everton have their own agenda and should have a UEFA Cup spot sewn up; regardless, Moyes is unlikely to let his squad rest on their laurels and will want to ensure that they close with a 5th place finish. Both will be going for a result but may have to settle for a point each.

Boro travelled to Anfield midweek and got spanked and now they have to go to Old Trafford and go head to head with a United side in scintillating form as the season draws to a conclusion. Ferguson played just 2 recognised defenders against Sheffield Utd (after Evra was injured) and they still looked fairly comfotable on their way to securing all 3 points; Ferdinand should be back for this one. Though Ronaldo was shackled by Geary most of the game, their attacking play is breathtaking and is likely to more than make up for any defensive lapses. United don't know the meaning of losing at home having dropped just 5 points at Old Trafford this season and it looks like Boro are to be the whipping boys this weekend. Ronaldo has been the cause of words between Fergie and Southgate but it just shows how worried opposition managers are about how to counter the wingman's performances; if you concentrate on him there are plenty of others in the Utd side that can take advantage. Boro still have only 1 away victory this season and the Old Trafford party is unlikely to be spoiled this weekend.

Once again rumour has it that Michael Owen could put in an appearance but Roeder has him wrapped in cotton wool and is unlikely to pander to the media in rushing him back too soon. They've only taken 2 points from their last 3 home games and their mid-table position leaves little interest in their remaining fixtures. Maybe playing the Champions will inspire them to a fine performance but Chelsea know this is a must win game for them if they are to stay in touch with the current league leaders. The Blues have won their last 5 successive Premiership away matches and the victory against West Ham emphasises their ability to win with style as well as grinding out results. Just when they need a bit of inspiration, SWP pops up with his first goals for the club and both were absolute crackers. Chelsea should prove too good for Newcastle's shaky defence.