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 Kicking the weekend off at Anfield with a cracking game, LIVERPOOL host ARSENAL in the race for third. Although the Gunners lost at Everton last time, they will surely raise their game against the Reds as for all intents and purposes their season is already over. Liverpool on the other hand have bigger fish to fry in the Champions league next week, and it may well be a factor in Rafa Benitez' team selection and tactics, especially as they are almost guaranteed a top four finish anyway. Although Anfield is a major stronghold, the gunners have thrived there in cup competitions and that edge of confidence may give them a boost. Arsenal look a great punt at a surprisingly high 13/8 draw-no-bet (i.e. if the game is drawn your money is returned).
MANCHESTER UNITED and CHELSEA should be backed in a very solid double to both pick up wins against BLACKBURN and WATFORD respectively. With both priced around the 1/3 mark, doubling them up at around 8/11 is a solid bet as neither should be dropping points. At Old Trafford the Red Devils are virtually unopposable this season, and Chelsea should do just enough to grind out a result at Vicarage Road. I would usually recommend these sides to win with a goal to spare, however that could be risky this week as there is the small matter of Champions League coming up and both teams may do 'just enough' to get the three points.
Next up, NEWCASTLE host MANCHESTER CITY and this screams home win all the way. The Magpies are a reasonable 5/6 to do the business, which for me is a solid bet. Although they haven't been firing on all cylinders lately, at home they should up their game against a City side who are labouring to say the least. A win for Pearce and co. against a Boro side last time who's mind were on the Cup hasn't convinced me they have turned a corner, and thus cannot be recommended with any confidence. Also, if anyone is to break the deadlock, it has to be Oba Martins at around 5/1.
Taking leave of my senses I am tipping WEST HAM UNITED to take three points from MIDDLESBROUGH at Upton Park. After the shambolic refereeing at Blackburn that gave them the three points last time out, confidence should be creeping back into the camp somewhat, and it has to be said they have been knocking on the door for results in recent weeks (being very unfortunate to lose to Spurs in the last minutes for example). Boro on the other hand lost to Man City at home, and thus losing the Cup replay to Man Utd aswell, are hardly in inspired form. The home win is around 11/10, however is not one to go crazy with. Tevez has been fantastic and he is around 11/8 to get on the scoresheet, which may be a safer bet for those who would shy away from backing the Hammers outright.
BOLTON WANDERERS host SHEFFIELD UNITED at the Reebok, and afew months ago this would be a home win all the way, however since the new year the Trotters seem to be off the pace somewhat. The 4/6 for the home win is much too short, and once again it seems that the bookies have underestimated Sheffield. The 21/20 for Sheffield Utd to draw or win (+1 handicap) may well be the smart bet as the Blades are capable of at least a draw here, but as neither side are exactly 'peaking' to say the least this may be a game to leave alone.
Great escapees CHARLTON ATHLETIC will be looking to drag strugglers WIGAN ATHLETIC back into the relegation scrap at the valley, and on first reflection they seem to have the momentum behind them. However Jewell's boys too have been digging in hard recently and have shown considerable character in their quest for safety. It is splinters in the backside time as I am sitting on the fence for this one, but the draw at 2/1 looks the probable result, as it may be nervous and scrappy given what is at stake both sides may cancel each other out.
The final game comes from Craven Cottage as the hosts FULHAM will be looking for a win against PORTSMOUTH to avoid being sucked into the relegation dogfight, and I feel they will get it. Fulham are strong at home and although they aren't flying, neither are Pompey who seem to have lost their way late into the season. The home win is a reasonable 13/10 and looks the sensible call. Also Mcbride is always a handfull for Fulham and looks the likeliest to open the scoring around 5/1.
On Wednseday, Frank Lampard was unfortunate to break his wrist and had to watch the Andorra-England game from the stands. The question is not whether he was really dropped or not, but which was the most painful. A bit of light relief may come in the following 5-time accumulator of MANCHESTER UNITED (1/3), CHELSEA (1/3), NEWCASTLE (5/6), WEST HAM (11/10) AND ARSENAL (DRAW NO BET 13/8), which pays just over 16/1.
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