EPL quick picks. Due to time constraints, FULL round analysis will not be available. Everton v West Brom
Verdict: Everton have their fair share of injuries with the latest casualties in the form of midfield maestro Arteta, and bustling striker, Victor Anichebe. Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell are doubtful. West Brom miss out on key men Jonathan Greening and Jonas Olsson. But, there is no substitute for team confidence and self belief which Everton have in abundance, having tasted defeat only once in their last 14 competitive fixtures. West Brom are at the opposite end of the confidence spectrum, taking 1 pt from a possible 30 in their last ten Premier League fixtures away from home. Importantly for the home side, amid their injury crisis, they will retain the services of Tim Cahill, to boost scoring power, and the ever reliable Tony Hibbert, both returning from suspension. The latter's inclusion ensures that Everton's all-British back line is reunited, one that has been of very good form since the turn of the year. Everton's midfield duo Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar have made progress on their respective injuries and should feature. I believe the home team have too many weapons for West Brom. Jo showed how devastating he can be against poor defences (scored 2 against Bolton - 14/01) and I expect him to get on the scoresheet again here.
Pick: Everton -1 @ 1.92 (4 units)
Everton 2 - 0 WBA
Arsenal v Fulham
Verdict: Both teams will be in a confident mood going into this London derby after midweek Cup victories. Arsenal edged out Roma 1-0 in the Champions League while in a less prestigious fixture, Fulham defeated Swansea City 2-1 in the FA Cup. Arsenal will still be without their most influential players Walcott, Rosicky, Adebayor, Fabregas,and Eduardo but may retain the services of Diaby and Gallas. Pantsil is suspended for the visitors but good news is that Andy Johnson is fit again after been rested midweek. Arsenal have not been at all convincing this season and have rarely played teams off the park in the absence of some key figures. Fulham are a solid defensive unit with world-class keeper Mark Schwarzer and centre-half Hangeland leading by example. The return of Johnson is a boost for the visitors and he will join the confident Zamora after scoring a brace in each of his last two outings.
Pick: Fulham +1.5 @ 1.77 (3 units)
Arsenal 0 - 0 Fulham
Sunday, March 1
Bolton v Newcastle United
Summary: Two teams still very much involved in the relegation battle go head to head here for 3 vital Premiership points. Both sides achieved creditable results last week with Bolton 2-1 victors of West Ham and Newcastle holding high flying Everton to a scoreless draw, despite going down to 10 men close to halftime. As a result, Kevin Nolan will miss for Newcastle through suspension while the home side retain the services of marksman Elmander, after his return from injury last week. Newcastle and Bolton play a similar style game, using physical, direct play to try and throw their opponents off balance. Two points seperate both teams with Bolton sitting on 30 and Newcastle on 28pts respectively. I believe that a draw result for Newcastle here will not be too bad so I expect a cautious approach from the Barcodes. Bolton are the third lowest scoring team at home, scoring at an average of 1 goal per game (13 from 13). Considering the situation of both teams and their style of play, I expect a low scoring game.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.90 (3 units)
Bolton 1 - 0 Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Stoke City
Summary: It's high stakes football at Villa Park today for contrasting reasons, Aston Villa are aiming for a Champions League position whereas Stoke look to creep out of the relegation zone. The home team shall feel refreshed after their manager Martin O'Neill, decided to rest his first teamers for the midweek UEFA Cup tie. Stoke are in trouble, having only won 1 of their last 14 competitive fixtures. Too make matters worse, they have Matthew Etherington and Rory Delap unavailable for this game. Atleast the visitors can take solace from the fact that the home team have only won 3 of their last 11 contests at home. Stoke have a penchant for raising their game against more fancied opposition despite their perilous position on the ladder. A team trying to survive the drop, I believe, are more desperate than a team playing for European qualification so I see a difficult game for the ambitious home team.
Pick: Stoke City +1.5 @ 1.78 (5 units)
Aston Villa 2 - 2 Stoke City
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