English Premier League Round 8 (3/10 - 6/10)

Bolton v Tottenham
Burnley v Birmingham
Hull City v Wigan Athletic
Wolverhampton v Portsmouth
Manchester United v Sunderland
Arsenal v Blackburn
Everton v Stoke City
West Ham United v Fulham
Chelsea v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Manchester City


Saturday, October 3
Burnley v Birmingham

Verdict: A close game is likely to unfold at Turf Moor as Burnley look to defend their perfect record at home against a battling Birmingham side. Burnley have achieved three wins from three at home with wins over the like of Manchester United and Everton. Birmingham's performances have probably been more impressive on their travels with closely fought losses at Manchester United (1-0) and Tottenham (2-1). Both sides will look to regroup here after The Clarets suffered a 5-0 thumping at Spurs while Birmingham lost 2-1 to Bolton despite dominating large parts of the game.
Burnley have a host of injuries to contend with, especially in midfield with the like of McCann, Guerrero and McDonald likely to miss out. Birmingham will miss the services of star striker, Christian Benitez, but are hopeful of regaining the services of McFadden, Parnaby and Queudrue. Burnley have punched above their weight at home and are a little over-rated here in what seems like a 50/50 matchup.

Picks:
Birmingham +0.5AH @1.72 (sbobet, 8 units)
Burnley 2 - 1 Birmingham
Birmingham DNB @2.42 (sbobet, 5 units)
Burnley 2 - 1 Birmingham

Manchester United v Sunderland

Verdict: Both teams come into this match in a positive mood on the back of recent victories. Visitors to Old Trafford, Sunderland, defeated Wolverhamption 5-2 at The Stadium of Light whereas Manchester scored a come from behind 2-1 win against Wolfsburg midweek. The emphatic scoreline definitely flattered the Black Cats as most marginal decisions went their way and there were spells in the game where they were under constant pressure. If it weren't for the Wolves impotent finishing, then the scoreline may very well have been reversed. Giggs was the hero again for Manchester United with a goal and an assist for Carrick. Manchester United must see this as the perfect opportunity to cease ahead of two of their major rivals, Chelsea and Liverpool, both facing each other in the match of the round on Sunday. As witnessed last Sunday, Sunderland's defence leaves alot to be desired and with only two goals scored away from home so far (in three games), the Black Cats are likely to be in for a black day.

Pick:
Manchester United -1.5AH @1.87 (sbobet, 6 units)
Manchester United 2 - 2 Sunderland
Over 2.75 goals @1.79 (sbobet, 7 units)
Manchester United 2 - 2 Sunderland

Sunday, October 4
Arsenal v Blackburn

Preview: Arsenal can move into 4th position with atleast a 2 goal win over today's opponents Blackburn. The Rovers though will head to the Emirates on the back of some improved form. Last week, Blackburn upset Aston Villa 2-1 to add to decent recent run of only one defeat in their last six competitive games. Arsenal were too good for Olympiacos midweek, having to finally settle for a 2-0 win when it could of been alot more if it wasn't for the goalkeeper's heroics at the other end. In team news, Blackburn have doubts over centre-backs, Samba and Nelsen while defensive midfiielder, Vince Grella, is suspended. Arsenal's Walcott should get his first taste of football for the season but Almunia and Eduardo remain sidelined.

Verdict: Arsenal have been ruthless at home so far, scoring comfortable wins (2 goal margins) in all competitions. Blackburn were very poor at Everton on their last away trip in losing 3-0 but some key players have returned since then. I feel that Blackburn have some very slow players like Salgado and Jacobsen that will struggle with Arsenal's pace. In addition, the absence of Blackburn's defensive central paring is sure to hurt the visitors.

Pick: Arsenal -1.75 @1.80 (sbobet, 8 units)
Arsenal 6 - 2 Blackburn

West Ham United v Fulham

Preview: Second last meets third last as both sides look to get out of the relegation zone with three points here. Fulham manager, Roy Hodgson, put out a full-strength side in the midweek 1-0 win against Basel so a lack of stamina towards the end of the game could haunt the visitors. West Ham were pushed aside at Manchester City last Monday losing 3-1 but have performed better at Upton Park. Narrow defeats against Spurs and Liverpool are of small consolation for the Hammer fans so they will be looking to get all three here. In team news, Upson returns for West Ham whereas Fulham recall the services of Hangeland with Zamora missing out through injury.

Verdict: West Ham have some tough fixtures ahead so they will be looking for a maximum return here. Fulham have not faired too well on their travels with a defeat to lowly Wolverhampton proving just that. With West Ham having three more days recovery and a fever pitch home support behind them, a home win is likely here.

Pick: West Ham -0.25AH @ 2.00 (sbobet, 5 units)
West Ham 2 - 2 Fulham