Gameweek 33

The FA Cup semis featuring the clash of Utd v City and Bolton v Stoke are very much the highlight of this week-end. They do not form part of this week-end’s fare as we concentrate on the Premiership. There are 7 games included in the competition: 5 matches kicking off at 3 pm today, the clash of Arsenal v Liverpool tomorrow and United away to Newcastle on Tuesday evening.

Birmingham v Sunderland is an interesting clash. The loser will be looking squarely at a relegation dog-fight till the end of the season. The winner will have a little breathing space. Sunderland’s form has been dreadful since they sold Darren Bent and Birmingham must see this as one of the easier targets to get to safety. Their biggest problem is their inability to score, but this might be compensated for by Sunderlands frailties at the back. They’ve conceded 21 goals in their last eight games. Birmingham to win and I’ll be picking Philips to score and Larsson to support him from midfield.

Blackpool v Wigan is a relegation 6 pointer. Biggest obstacle that Blackpool must overcome is their home record - they’ve played better away from home so far this season. They have only won one of their last 12 games, and unless they recapture their early season form they are heading straight back down to the Championship. For their part Wigan are rooted to the foot of the table. They will see this a must win if they are to have any chance of survival. I think that their good form last week against Chelsea might just be enough & I think Cleverley and Rodallega may be worth a shot.

Blackburn’s recent away record is terrible taking just 1 point from last 6 away games. Everton are likely to turn them over quite easily. Everton will have their sights on a top 6 finish and a Europa League slot. Beckford & co are unlikely to supply a goal feast, so I am going to pick Baines and Howard and hope that Blackburns;s away from continues.

Roy Hodgson has done an excellent job since taking over at West Brom and he has made the Baggies very difficult to beat. Odemwengie has been a threat in attack, they’ve shorn up theoir defence and are now in the top half of the table. Chelsea’s season is now over. Out of all competitions. Ancelloti is a dead man walking around Stamford Bridge. Fernando Torres has matched David Blaine’s record of spending 40 days in the box doing nothing. All that’s left for them is to secure a top 4 slot for Champion’s League football. It will be interesting to see if this provides sufficient motivation. I think not and I am going to plug for Odemwengie and Brunt.

The Hammers had a terrible result last week-end and will be looking to bounce back immediately. They had started a mini-revival before being beaten at home by Man Utd and then were thrashed by Bolton last week-end. They need a result from this one. Villa beat Newcastle last week-end with a moderate performance. They have a poor defensive record away from home and I think that West Ham’s have a lot of attacking options from which to choose. I like Ba and Parker.

The Gunners welcome Liverpool. They are just about alive in the Premiership race - 6/1 on offer across many bookmakers. 3 points is an absolute must for them if they are to retain any chance of victory. I think that they are worth a small bet. United look good of late, but strange things can happen at this stage of the season. Djourou and Szczesny could be back for Arsenal this weekend. Liverpool were in great form when beating Man City on Monday night. Carroll and Suarez are shaping up to be one of the top striking partnersips in the Premiership. Get them the ball and they’ll cause trouble for any defence. Arsenal at home should be too good and I’d pick Fabregas and your choice of Nasri, van Persie or Walcott up front.

Man Utd are sitting pretty at the top of the table. They have the treble very definitely in their sights. Can Newcastle trip them up? All of Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal will be hoping Newcastle can get something from this game. It would certainly make for a more interesting end of season if they do. Likely to happen? United to win this one and I’ll be sticking in Vidic and Evra.

April 16, 2011 at 10:42 am | Betting News, Premiership News