Sunderland v Arsenal

The scoreline of Arsenal’s midweek win over Porto was more impressive than a performance which could have been drastically different if the Portuguese champs had taken advantage of their early chances. The Gunners are lacking vital experience in the midfield and up-front and while they’ll hand out a thumping when everything clicks in to place they’re going to struggle too often to make a realistic title challenge. Although they beat Sunderland in both league games last season there was only a single goal between them on both occasions and this one promises to be similarly close. Roy Keane wasn’t best pleased after last week’s loss to Aston Villa and while much of his anger was directed at a couple of overly critical fans, he wasn’t over the moon with the performance of his payers either. Expect an improvement from Sunderland while Arsenal struggle to pick up where they left off against Porto. Djibril Cisse’s pace offers Sunderland the opportunity to work on the break and with Arsenal’s centre-half pairing looking short of their best the Frenchman could be key. If Roy Keane can stop Fabregas from setting the rhythm for Arsenal, then Sunderland have a great chance of getting something from this game.

Both teams like to score late on so draw/Arsenal and Draw/Sunderland are both worth a punt on the double result market. Cisse and Adebayor look the pick of the goalscorers and at prices of around the 9/2 mark it’s Sunderland who look the more appealing for a match bet, though they’ll have to ride their luck a little to pay out.

Blackburn v Man Utd

The loss of Scholes is a massive blow for United and could have a massive effect on their overall season but for this game Alex Ferguson should be backed to dispatch with another of his many prodigies. Although Blackburn have won their last three they haven’t impressed. Newcastle are a shambles, injury-hit Everton aren’t the force they were in seasons past and Fulham were unlucky not to at least get a draw. Ince looks to be still settling in Ewood Park and he hasn’t managed to get his team playing consistently. Jason Roberts has been promoted to the starting eleven this season and while he’s big and game Vidic and Ferdinand are both strong enough to cope with him. Santa Cruz looks to be Blackburn’s biggest threat and if there’s to be an upset he’ll have to be involved somehow.

For United, Berbatov’s brace midweek is a real positive and if they can get him clicking with the rest of their attack then Blackburn will be in real trouble. Ronaldo’s return has been near crucial and though he’s still searching for match sharpness the recent games he’s played will all stand him in good stead. If United score early this could turn in to a romp. Arsenal exposed a lot of flaws in Blackburn and cruised to a 4-0 win, even without Scholes I have a feeling United could do something similar this weekend.

Chelsea v Aston Villa

Drogba, Carvalho, Essien, Deco and Joe Cole are definitely out while Ashley Cole, John Terry and Alex have doubts over their heads. Despite Roman’s billions the Chelsea squad is start to look very thin. The long injury list is restricting Scolari’s ability to rotate his players and the signs showed in their leggy performance against CFR Cluj in the Champions League. With Drogba out again Big Phil will have to rely on Anelka to carry his side’s main attacking threat, which isn’t very promising. Chelsea’s unbeaten home record looks to be in real danger against an Aston Villa side who are a real threat going forward. The Villans proved that last season when they put six goals past Cech in the two league games. John Carew will cause problems to an unsettled defence and with the excellent set plays delivery of Ashley Young he should get plenty of opportunities to get attack crosses in the box. A big improvement is needed from Chelsea but without the option of freshening things up they’re going to have to grind out a result to keep their home run going. At around 13/2 Aston Villa look too big a price not to take a small chance on them against an ever weakening Chelsea. Is the top of the table calling?

Man City v Liverpool

If the last three seasons are anything to go by, we’ll be lucky to see any more than a single goal in this one. Liverpool are still getting the results but, the United game aside, they haven’t impressed for 90 minutes. Scoring early is always important for a Reds side who can flatter to deceive in the final third of the pitch. Keane’s goal midweek doesn’t guarantee a flood of goals, but it should help him to settle in to the side. Up until now, he’s looked to eager to impress and has snatched at the few chances that have come his way, whether he and Torres will turn into a lethal partnership remains to be seen but they have combined for two goals in the last two games and Benitez will be eager to see that continue here. Utilising Riera properly will be key to Liverpool creating space, if Benitez keeps him out wide and allows him to attack the fullback then the Reds will create chances for Torres and Keane, as long as the Irishman stops wandering out wide where he crowds the wingers.

City are still trying to integrate Robinho and it will be next summer before Hughes has the opportunity to build a team which accommodates him more easily. If Liverpool play like they did against Man United then they’ll win comfortably, if not then this one looks like a draw. 5/4 on the Reds isn’t too appealing but then neither is the 21/10 on Man City. The old reliables Gerrard and Torres look your best bet for making some money here.

The rest:

Everton v Newcastle - Money-Back Special!!
**If Yakubu scores the last goal of this match, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on this match.

Is there a more depressing game this weekend? Both teams are struggling badly, and if it was possible for both teams to lose, then they probably would. Home advantage might be enough to give Everton the edge in what could be an exciting game despite the gloom that surrounds both sides. Yakubu looks Everton’s most likely source of a goal.

West Brom v Fulham

These two sides have looked reasonably decent this season. Neither carries a potent threat up front and while there’ll be plenty of effort and maybe some goals there doesn’t look to be a winner here.

Wigan v Middlesbrough

The visitors started the season as though they could be a real surprise package but there on a run of four straight defeats and that looks like it’ll stretch to five here. Zaki has been a real sensation for Wigan and he’s well worth backing to inspire the Latics to victory.

West Ham v Bolton

There’s been an element of good fortune in Zola’s results so far, and despite three straight defeats, it’s Bolton who could prove the value bet here. At 10/3 they’re worth backing to bounce back from the Rob Styles aided loss against United.

Portsmouth v Stoke

Crouch and Defoe haven’t exactly clicked, but they’ve both been getting on the scoresheet which is what it’s all about. Both are worth a bet in the goalscorer markets against an unconvincing Stoke backline. Portsmouth are a bit short for a serious bet even though they should win.

Spurs v Hull

After beating Arsenal, Hull look like great value at 4/1. Spurs may have progressed in Europe but there was little to inspire in their display, as has been the case all season. The Tigers are definitely worth a punt but I think they’ll leave White Hart Lane with a point.