Arsenal v Man Utd

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It’s a very rare occurrence for Arsenal to start as underdogs on their own ground and is a real sign of how badly they’re struggling for consistency this season. Although they’re only a point behind Man Utd, Arsenal don’t look like they’ll be able to sustain a title challenge this season and there’s a real danger that they could even miss out on a Champions League spot. When things go their way the Gunners look world beaters but they displayed their fragility against Stoke and Spurs and with the possibility of having only Bendtner available to lead the line it’s obvious why the visitors are favourites for this one.

While Arsenal have started to stumble, United are clicking in to gear and in Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov and Tevez they have the most potent attack in the Premier League. Ronaldo in particular has recaptured his form of last season and the aerial threat he offers could cause problems for a less than convincing Arsenal backline. Although United’s weakest area is their midfield, Arsenal are hardly impressive in the middle of the park either and Wenger is struggling to find a partner for Fabregas - Something which has affected the Spaniards form.

With Walcott, Adebayor and Van Persie all out for this game Arsenal will need the likes of Fabregas and Nasri to carry the goal threat but three league goals between them in eleven games doesn’t bode well. The crowd will be crucial if Arsenal are to get anything out of this game, something which Alex Ferguson will be aware of so expect United to start quickly. The Gunners will be up for this one but their lack of fire power, fragile confidence and suspect defence makes the 6/4 for a United look good value for the win.


Liverpool v West Brom

The loss to Spurs was somewhat unlucky and Benitez could at least be happy with how his team dominated the game for 70 minutes. Their midweek draw with Atletico Madrid was worrying though. That performance was as poor as we’ve seen from Liverpool since their games against Standard Liege in the Champions League qualifiers and the fans will be worrying that they are at the beginning of a season ruining poor run.

Making a win in this game crucial if they are to keep their title challenge going. The Baggies will look to frustrate Liverpool and we’ve seen on many occasions over the last few seasons how the Reds can struggle to break down sides who come to Anfield to defend. The return of Torres couldn’t come at a better time and he’ll be the key to Liverpool getting the win.

Despite the poor showing midweek the Reds should bounce back to claim the win. Torres is the man to back in the goalscorer markets and presuming he starts the 11/4 to bag a brace is a decent bet. Liverpool are short on the match odds but 7/4 for them to win by more than two goals is definitely worth a punt against a struggling West Brom.

Blackburn v Chelsea

Exactly what happened in Rome is unclear, but Scolari will want to correct it straight away. This is bad news for Blackburn because the Blues have shown this season that they can match United and Arsenal for attacking flair.

Under Ince, Blackburn can be inconsistent in their performances. They’ll do their best to make it tough on the Blues but Blackburn will struggle to dominate the visitors physically and if they concede early then they could end up on the wrong end of a heavy beating. They do have some quality up front in Roque Santa Cruz, a player who has the class to create chances against Chelsea’s back line. This one looks like an away win though and 13/10 on Chelsea -1 goal is a value bet.

The Rest:
Wigan v Stoke

If Wigan can figure out how to defend against Rory Delap’s long throw they should edge this one. Zaki to score first is the obvious choice but it’s obvious for a reason.

Hull City v Bolton

Despite losing to United the manner of their near comeback should give the Tigers plenty of confidence. Phil Brown will be hoping to get back into the top 4 but Bolton, despite they’re league position, are a tough side to beat. The draw at 23/10 is where to put your money.

Sunderland v Portsmouth

It’s hard to tell how the loss of Redknapp will affect Pompey but it’s not hard to tell how the 5-0 defeat to Chelsea will have annoyed Roy Keane. Sunderland to claim the win in a tight affair.

West Ham v Everton

Everton are looking for a third straight win, West Ham haven’t won in five games. The Toffees are starting to find form and the 9/5 for them to win looks a great bet.

Aston Villa v Middlesbrough

The Villans were poor against Newcastle but they’ve looked a very dangerous side this season and should return to winning ways against a Middlesbrough side who’ve won just once one the road so far this season.

Man City v Spurs

Redknapp’s arrival has worked wonders for Spurs and their late win over Liverpool will breathe some much needed confidence into the side. Man City have lost their last two but do have the attacking quality to cause Spurs problems. A return to their pre-Redknapp form for Spurs and a return to winning ways for City.

Fulham v Newcastle

Obafemi Martins looked very sharp in the win over Aston Villa and he could inspire the Magpies to a second straight win despite Fulham’s good home record.