EPL quick picks. Due to time constraints, FULL round analysis will not be available. West Brom v Arsenal
Verdict: WBA need to turn around their form and quickly if they are to survive in the Premier League. They can count themselves unfortunate last time out against Everton after creating numerous guilt-edged opportunities, eventually losing 2-0. On the other hand, Arsenal's frustrating season continues as they registered their 4th consecutive Premier League scoreless draw against Fulham. An open game looks on the cards here as the home team desperately need maximum points from their remaining home fixutres. I am positive that Arsenal will have more room to perform their attacking moves and will also have good opportunities on the counter-attack.
Pick: Over 2.25 goals @ 1.81 (Stake: 7 units)
West Brom 1 - 3 Arsenal
Portsmouth v Chelsea
Verdict: After a 10 day break, Portsmouth will look to upset the apple cart and take three points from title-chasing Chelsea. Since Gus Hiddink arrived, Chelsea have strung 4 wins on the trot and looked like a rejuvinated side following their last gasp 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic. Chelsea have given Portsmouth two 4-0 spankings this season and if form is anything to go by, then Portsmouth may yet be handed another harsh lesson today.
Pick: Chelsea -0.75 @ 1.86 (Stake: 5 units)
Portsmouth 0 - 1 Chelsea
Wednesday, March 4
Wigan Athletic v West Ham United
Verdict: The battle for Europe gathers pace at the JJB Stadium today as 8th placed Wigan meets 7th placed West Ham. Wigan did extremely well in their last outing, running Chelsea close only to lose 2-1 in the dying minutes to a contentious Lampard goal. West Ham provided an equally impressive performace at home to Manchester City but unlike their hosts today, received maximum reward for their efforts with a 1-0 win. The only downside to that win was the season loss of ever-present midfielder, Valom Behrami. He will be replaced by Noble but his drive and quality will be missed. It's better news for the home side as they regain the services of talismatic Antonio Valencia and firey Egyptian striker, Mido. Wigan have struggled lately but are a very strong home side with their last defeat at the JJB coming back in October last year. West Ham have had a congested fixture list in the last month and will be playing their 6th game in 24 days in comparison to Wigan's fourth.
Pick: Wigan -0.25 @ 1.85 (Stake: 6 units)
Wigan 0 - 1 West Ham
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Verdict: Rocked Aston Villa will look to steady the ship at unpredictable Manchester City today. Aston Villa let a 2-0 lead slip in the final 5 minutes of their contest with Stoke to draw 2-2. It is now five games without a win in all competitions for the visitors. Manchester City have their home form to thank for their current position of 11th but they still remain just 6pts above the relegation zone. They were outplayed for the majority of the game at West Ham on Saturday, eventually losing 1-0. To make matters worse, strikers Craig Bellamy and Robinho were injured in that contest and will miss out today. Aston Villa's Emile Heskey is likely to miss also but they have an able replacement in Carew to take his place. Considering Manchester City's injury crisis to their strikers and Villa overall superb away form, I consider the visitors a good chance to rebound from the weekend's dissapointment.
Pick: Aston Villa DNB @ 1.90 (Stake: 4 units)
Manchester City 2 - 0 Aston Villa
Newcastle United v Manchester United
Verdict: Relegation-threatened Newcastle United will aim to stop their high-flying visitors in what is likely to be a heated affair. Newcastle have been in dire form, posting only one win in their last 11. The same can definitely not be said for Manchester United, who have lost only once in their last 28 contests. Newcastle will be further depleted today with the loss of midfielders Nicky Butt, Kevin Nolan, Danny Guthrie, and long term absentee Joey Barton. On the other hand, the current champions will retain the services of Rooney, Carrick, Park, Fletcher, Berbatov, and Van Der Sar after all were rested in the Carling Cup win. Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, is too street wise to know that the title is not a foregone conclusion as yet so we can expect a Red Devils team hungry and willing.
Pick: Manchester United -1 @ 1.79 (6 units)
Newcastle United 1 - 2 Manchester United
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