Wigan Athletic v BoltonEverton v Manchester United
Arsenal v Sunderland
West Ham United v Hull City
Wolverhampton v Chelsea
Portsmouth v Stoke City
Blackburn v Bolton
Aston Villa v Burnley
Fulham v Birmingham City
Manchester City v Liverpool
Wigan Athletic v Tottenham
Wednesday, February 17
Wigan Athletic v Bolton
Verdict: Both sides are struggling at the moment with Wigan Athletic winless in 6 (all competitions) and Bolton winless in 4 respectively.Bolton has been the more impressive of the two sides in recent weeks with creditable draws against Fulham and Tottenham, and a solid performance at Manchester City. Wigan Athletic has had an easier fixture list, playing against the like of Notts County (twice) from Division Two, Blackburn and Sunderland without gaining maximum return.
Bolton have had only 3 days rest following their FA Cup 1-1 draw against Tottenham but the team is boosted with the return of loanees Weiss and Wilshere. In addition, the impressive Mark Davies and scoring midfielder Matt Taylor only played a bit part in Sunday's game so the visitors do have a number of fresh midfielders to call upon. Wigan Athletic have doubts over impressive young midfielder, James McCarthy, who is rated 50/50.
The surface at the JJB Stadium has had a lot of football and rugby played on it this season and is a cause for concern for Wigan manager, Roberto Martinez. His team like to play a passing game in contrast to Bolton's long ball, direct style of play. I feel this will be an advantage for the visitors as the surface will have less of an effect on their style of play to that of the home side. Bolton's Kevin Davies has been in very good form recently and fellow striker, Elmander, has also looked lively if not a little wasteful. I think these two pose a bigger threat to that of Wigan's Rodallega and Scotland who have scored only 1 goal between them in the last 10 fixtures.
Pick: Bolton +0.25AH @1.96 (betsson, 10 units)
Wigan Athletic 0 - 0 Bolton
Saturday, February 20
Arsenal v Sunderland
Verdict: With fellow title challengers, Chelsea and Manchester United, facing tricky away fixtures this weekend Arsenal must see this as the perfect opportunity to close the gap. Sunderland have won a single game away from home all season (-15 GD) and were fortunate to draw 1-1 at bottom side Portsmouth last weekend. To make matters worse for the visitors, their out of form side has been beset by injury and suspension with no less than 6 midfielders unavailable for this tie. Arsenal will miss the services of Diaby and Arshavin but are likely to retain the services of Almunia and Song.
Despite only managing 2 wins in their last 6 fixtures, Arsenal are not out of the title race just yet with only 6pts seperating themselves and league leaders Chelsea. The home team will perhaps be breathing some fire after their unjust 2-1 defeat at the hands of Porto midweek and Sunderland may be the unfortunate ones to feel the wrath. With so many midfielders out for the visitors, I expect the home team to control the game from start to finish.
Pick: Arsenal -1.5AH @1.74 (sbobet, 10 units)
Arsenal 2 - 0 Sunderland
Sunday, February 21
Manchester City v Liverpool
Verdict: Top contenders for that coveted 4th Champions League spot will meet at the City of Manchester stadium today. Both sides are not performing to expectations at the moment but are still grinding out results. Manchester City still remain undefeated in front of their own fans with a record of 9-3-0 while Liverpool have only a single victory on their travels in their last 7 competitive outings.
Both sides are devoid of some key players with the home side missing the services of Tevez, Kompany and Petrov while the visitors are still without Torres and Johnson, while Benayoun is doubtful. Manchester City have shown to rise to the occasion against the more fancied teams so far this season, defeating Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal with a total GD of +5. As was witnessed in the midweek Europa fixture against unfancied opponents, Unirea Urziceni, Liverpool are lacking real attacking threat with out Torres.
With Cruz, Adebayor, Wright-Phillips, and Bellamy (if he plays), the home team do have more players that can put the ball in the back of the net which I think sways this tie towards the home side.
Pick: Manchester City DNB @2.08 (sbobet, 10 units)
Manchester City 0 - 0 Liverpool
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