Archived Premier League Football Betting Tips

West Ham have another London derby this weekend and though their record in games against their local rivals is not particularly healthy, they did have the chances to sew the game up early on against Spurs; their best efforts were wasted however and they could count themselves lucky at the end to have finished up with a point. Key players, such as Parker and Ashton, are returning to first team action for the Hammers but away at Chelsea is alway going to be a tough game. Though Chelsea's home form has not been comparable to that of last season, they still remain undefeated and will need to watch out for the Hammers' goal threat on the road; 10 in 6 away games is not bad given the number of strikers on the treatment table. The big bonus for Grant and the Chelsea squad is the return of Terry; just his presence on the pitch is enough to boost the confidence of his colleagues. West Ham could spring a surprise but the Blues should be expected to take all the points.

With much talk regarding the managerial merry-go-round, the new Newcastle manager is not entirely off the hook. Results haven't really gone Big Sam's way; they've been thumped at home by both Portsmouth and Liverpool, with the fans visibly and audibly showing their displeasure with the new boss. The Magpies have lost 3 of their last 4 away fixtures and the visit to Ewood Park promises to be another fruitless Premier league trip. Blackburn may have lost the midweek home fixture to Villa but that's only their second home defeat; more importantly, Ryan Nelsen's red card in that game could mean he'll miss this one out. Rovers have both McCarthy and Santa Cruz available again plus the added bonus of a fit again Steven Reid after a lengthy injury. Blackburn should run out comfortable winners; after all, Newcastle gave Derby their only victory of the season so far.

Everton may have put 7 past Sunderland at Goodison Park but it won't be as easy to walk through the centre of the Portsmouth defence; that isn't to say that Everton didn't play well but the Mackems were so poor that any half decent side would have prospered. Tim Cahill links up a lot of Everton's play and invariably arrives in the right place at the right time to finish off much of the good work; his return from injury has been vital if Everton are to make a serious assault on the top six. If the Toffees can win at Fratton Park by a couple of goals they'll move above 7th placed Portsmouth but the opposition are no shrinking violets and are thoroughly deserved of their high league position. Pompey are yet to lose at fortress Fratton and it's no surprise that Harry's being linked with the England job after emerging as one of very few qualified English candidates. It's Pompey's away form that has lifted them to sixth but they're worthy of the 3 points at home to Everton.

The trigger-happy Premier league maintains its high turnover of managers with Billy Davies the latest casualty; his record hasn't been good but how realistic have the board been in setting expectations? The decision had obviously been made before the Chelsea game but given that the Rams suffered several injustices with decisions that went against them, how much longer would Davies have had had they got something from the game; a contributory factor to his downfall looks to have been his outspoken opinion on lack of investment but how much cash would keep them in the top flight? Despite Paul Jewell taking charge Derby remain rooted to the bottom, have taken just 1 point on the road and are yet to score away from Pride Park. They travel to the Stadium of Light where Roy Keane still holds the reins despite shipping 7 goals at Goodison. In his post-match interview, Roy just seemed to take it on the chin but there's bound to be a big improvement for this game with his first task being to plug the massive hole in the middle of their defence. Sunderland have lost just 2 home games and know that 3 points at home to Derby are vital if they are to survive; expect a reaction and Sunderland to win comfortably.

With Steve Bruce finally in the JJB hot seat and Eric Black sitting alongside him, maybe Wigan can turn things around and fight their way out of the bottom three. They did their best at the Emirates to frustrate the home side but inevitably fell in the last 10 minutes and their first home game under new management won't be an easy one. The Latics have scored just 5 home goals and if they are to start picking up points, they'll need to find the back of the net more often. Their opponents, City, are the only side with a 100% home record which counts for 24 of their 29 points, but their third position is fully deserved despite only winning once on the road. The concern will be that away from Eastlands, City have scored just 5 goals and though they drew their last away fixture at Portsmouth, one wonders have they really recovered from the 6-0 bashing at Stamford Bridge. The Wigan players will be out to impress their new manager and it looks like goals will be hard to come by at the JJB.

Arsenal's undefeated record finally crumbled in Seville, and though their domestic record remains intact, their second string defence performed dismally in addition to a great display of Wenger in full rant mode. Good news for the Gunners is that Gallas and co will undoubtedly return for the game at Villa Park, and hopefully the dazzling form of Fabregas that went missing in Spain will also return. Arsenal have left it late on several occasions this season but usually come out on top; however, Villa have secured 5 victories in their last 6 home games and will be no easy target. Many sides don't get the possession to have a go at Arsenal but with the pace Villa have up front, they should be expected to cause the Gunners problems on the counter. O'Neill is reported to be untempted with the England job and a victory at home on Saturday evening will make it virtually impossible for the fans to let him go. It promises to be a tight, exciting game but there's bound to be little to choose between them at Villa Park.

Bolton were very successful in frustrating United at the Reebok last weekend and that victory has carried them all the way up to 15th place. Megson has done the only sensible thing and got the Trotters back playing familiar physical football; he's decided that is the best approach and recalled those players that worked the system so well under Sam Allardyce. The manager's short term plans will be to continue to do what they do best until safety is assured and maybe then he can think about changing Bolton's style according to his own philosophy. The thing is Liverpool are unlikely to fall into the trap that United did and not get sucked in but look to play around them. The Reds could have had half a dozen goals or more had Torres brought his boots with him, but most noticeable was Gerrard's performance in a midfield that allows him the freedom to play; food for thought for the next England manager. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have the undefeated record to their names and it's unlikely Bolton will upset that particular stat having just 2 points to show from their 6 away games; the first goal will be all important but Liverpool should be ok.

Spurs surprisingly remain undefeated under Ramos but the West Ham game showed that the defensive problems are far from being solved and schoolboy errors at the back look to be the ruin of their season. The sooner Ledley King returns the better but on a positive note, Paul Robinson looked in good form in his efforts to regain his England place (not that there are any competitive internationals to look forward to in the near future). Spurs have climbed to the majestic heights of 14th but their form at the Lane this season is nothing to be proud of; the compensating factor in this fixture is that they play a Birmingham side that have taken just 1 point from their last 5 away games and lost their manager and coach to Wigan. By the time this game kicks off, Alex McLeish should be at the helm but it takes time to make a difference. Spurs need to stop the comedy and take advantage of the turmoil at St Andrews.

United will hopefully welcome back some key players for this game after fielding less than their best side and losing out at the Reebok. Fergie was sent to the stands after protesting against Bolton's over physical challenges, but United got involved in a battle rather than thinking with their feet. Not only did they lose ground to United but City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all within touching distance and the Premier league looks fairly open with Christmas just around the corner. United have won their last 6 successive home games and it's inconceivable to see them slipping up against a Fulham side rapidly gaining a reputation for throwing away points in the last 15 minutes. They did it again at home to Blackburn and with virtually no manager safe in the Premier league, how long before Fayed loses his patience and demands results? The Cottagers have managed 3 draws from their last 4 away fixtures, but United will want to make amends for the weekend and with key players returning, Fulham are unlikely to enjoy this particular trip.