English Premier League Round 25 (21/02 - 23/02)

EPL quick picks. Due to time constraints, FULL round analysis will not be available.


Aston Villa v Chelsea

Verdict: Aston Villa were finally found out in last week's FA Cup fixture, crashing to a 3-1 loss at Everton. That was Aston Villa's first loss in 13 competitive fixtures. Chelsea were equally as unimpressive away to Coca Cola League strugglers Watford, scratching out a last gasp 3-1 victory. Aston Villa can consider themselves a little lucky to find themselves in third position as there recent performances haven't been of a high standard. Considering that Aston Villa played a UEFA Cup fixture midweek, and that it's Guus Hiddink's first game in charge at Chelsea - the Londoners look like clinching this one.

Pick: Chelsea to Win
Aston Villa 0 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United v Blackburn

Verdict: Title favourites Manchester United, will favour themselves against lowly Blackburn today and so they should. Blackburn have been tough to beat since Sam Allardyce took over but on closer inspection, we see that that their form of 4-6-1 was achieved against poorer teams. After defeating Fulham 3-0 midweek, Manchester now have a firm stranglehold on the Premiership with a 5-pt gap on second placed Liverpool. Blackburn have a poor defensive record this season and with centre-back Christopher Samba suspended and wingback Danny Simpson inelegible, Manchester will look to fill their boots here.

Pick: Manchester United -1.5
Manchester United 2 - 1 Blackburn

Liverpool v Manchester City

Verdict: Liverpool missing two of their more influential players in Alonso (suspended) and Gerrard through injury. Manchester City retain the services of Richard Dunne. Liverpool are now 8 points behind Manchester United and have an important midweek game looming against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Without two of the above-mentioned players in their ranks, Liverpool will find it difficult to create many openings in a game where they need to win. On the other hand, Manchester City have the creativity in the form of Ireland and Elano plus the break neck speed of Robinho and Bellamy to play the perfect counter attack.

Picks:
Manchester City +1 @ 1.86 (5 units)
Manchester City +0.75 @ 2.23 (2 units)
Liverpool 1 - 1 Manchester City

Newcastle United v Everton

Verdict: Struggling Newcastle will most probably retain the services of Owen and Martins after their respective injury lay-offs. Everton have their injury/suspension issues with no less then five first-team regulars ruled out, including Cahill, Osman, and Fellaini. The visitors though can recall the services of Jo and may give Danish international right-back, Jacobsen, his full debut in place of the suspended Hibbert. Everton are in a rich vein of form with recent wins over Liverpool and Aston Villa in the FA Cup and only one defeat in 13. Newcastle have won only once in their last 7 home games.

Pick: Everton DNB @ 1.91 (3 units)
Newcastle United 0 - 0 Everton