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ANALYSIS:
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Analysis Premier League: By Richard Borrowdale
2003/2004: Staked = 1180, Returned = 1150.43, Yield = -2.51%
2004/2005: Staked = 650, Returned = 636.785, Yield = -2.03%
2005/2006: Staked = 370, Returned = 348.17, Yield = -5.9%
Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United
Manchester United have an excellent away record this season, and will be confident of continuing that here against a struggling Aston Villa. Villa's recent league performances haven't been too bad, but everyone remembers the Carling Cup defeat at Doncaster. Manchester United just seem under-priced a bit, as they have had poor periods recently. Aston Villa don't roll over against anyone at home, and could get a draw here. It is hard to see them winning though, especially as they have a few injuries. Manchester United have to be fancied to have the edge, but they just can't dominate teams in midfield like they used to, so are far from certain to win. No bets.
Everton 0-4 Bolton
Everton beat Bolton early in the season after being completely out-played, so Bolton will be looking to gain revenge here. Everton played poorly in midweek against West Ham and deservedly lost. Prior to that their form had been decent though, so they certainly have a fair chance here. Bolton rested a few players in the UEFA Cup in midweek with this game in mind. It looks like a low-scoring game, but the odds on Under 2.5 goals reflect this. Everton have been a bit up and down at times and there is no doubt Bolton are more consistent. It's a tough one to call, although I'd slightly edge towards a home win. The bookmakers do the same though, so no bets.
Fulham 2-1 Blackburn
Fulham have been playing quite well at home this season, while Blackburn have suffered a fair few away defeats. Blackburn also have been playing quite well in recent games, but don't look too solid defensively. They've conceded a fair few, so the odds on Over 2.5 goals look worth a go. Fulham also are probably worth a small bet as they always seem to do better at home.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals
Stake: 7/10
Odds: 2.10 (Canbet)
Bet: Fulham +0 (Asian Handicap)
Stake: 8/10
Odds: 1.65 (Interwetten)
Portsmouth 1-0 West Brom
These teams are struggling badly. Portsmouth's home record is identical to West Brom's away record. That says more about Portsmouth's poor home form than anything as you'd expect West Brom to struggle away from home. Portsmouth simply have to win games like this if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation. Despite taking the lead against Tottenham, they were second best throughout the game, and did not look a good team. West Brom are no Tottenham though, so it should be a close game. Looking at the odds, Portsmouth simply seem under-priced, and they have to be opposed.
Bet: West Brom +0.5 (Asian Handicap)
Stake: 9/10
Odds: 1.80 (Pointbet)
West Ham 2-4 Newcastle
West Ham have performed pretty well in the last 3 games, while Newcastle do not win enough away games for a club with their aspirations. So straight away, I'd rule out any bet on Newcastle here, although having Owen fit again will help their chances. West Ham certainly have to be slightly favoured at they are playing well, while Newcastle seem a little hit and miss at the moment. Newcastle do have the better players, but West Ham seem the better team unit at the moment. West Ham are slightly favoured with the odds, and rightly so. I'm not sure I'd want to take a bet on West Ham but I wouldn't oppose them either.
Wigan 3-0 Charlton
Wigan have had a run of defeats, but this is not surprising given that they have faced all of the best teams in the league. It is bound to have affected confidence slightly, but I'd fancy them to come back strongly. Charlton ended their own run of defeats against a woeful Sunderland team, so will be glad to be back to winning ways. Their away record is very decent this season, but they can't be backed with any confidence at all at the moment. I'm not sure that I'd make Wigan such strong favourites for this game though given their relatively unproven Premier League pedigree. Having said that, Charlton have looked all over the place at times in recent games, so it looks a game best avoided from a betting point of view.
Manchester City 4-1 Birmingham
Birmingham's win over Fulham was absolutely crucial for their whole season as it proves to them that they can win at home. Their away form hasn't been particularly bad this season, and they can't be written off in this game either. Manchester City haven't been fantastic in recent games so I wouldn't be rushing to back them here at fairly short odds. Birmingham aren't a team to be trusted at the moment though, so this is probably another game best avoided.
Middlesbrough 3-3 Tottenham
Middlesbrough will have hoped to have been doing better this season, while Tottenham have probably slightly exceeded expectations. Tottenham have only suffered two defeats this season, while Middlesbrough's home form is pretty average. I wouldn't be betting on Middlesbrough here, but at the same time I wouldn't be too surprised if they won. All three results are possible, so no bets here.
Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea
The big match of the weekend, with all of the leading teams (except Chelsea of course) hoping for an Arsenal win here. Arsenal have won every home game this season, so them winning is very much possible. Chelsea have not been great in their recent games but have been finding a way to win 1-0. Arsenal have been suffering away from home, but haven't been enjoying the best of luck at times. Arsenal have not been at such high odds for a home game in quite a while, and I just think in a one-off game against a Chelsea team not on the best of form, Arsenal could well win. They're worth a small bet.
Bet: Arsenal
Stake: 4/10
Odds: 3.10 (Interwetten)
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