English Premier League Round 28 (27/02 - 28/02)

Chelsea v Manchester City
Burnley v Portsmouth
Bolton v Wolverhampton
Birmingham City v Wigan Athletic
Stoke City v Arsenal
Tottenham v Everton
Liverpool v Blackburn
Sunderland v Fulham


Saturday, February 27

Chelsea v Manchester City

Verdict: Chelsea will look to gain revenge for their 2-1 defeat at Manchester City in December, and stretch their lead at the top of the table. Manchester United have a Carling Cup final to contest so The Pensioners can open a 4pt gap on the Red Devils with a win here. Despite their current position of 5th, Manchester City are not playing like a team contesting for Europe. The visitors have won only 2 of their last 8 competitive fixtures, and the wins against Bolton and Portsmouth were rather fortunate.

Just two days ago, Chelsea suffered a blow to their Champions League aspirations with a 2-1 loss to Inter Milan. Worse still, they have lost keeper Petr Cech through injury, meaning Hilario will take his position between the sticks. Adebayor misses through suspension for City but Tevez returns from his personal leave to torment a less than convincing Chelsea back line. Ashley Cole remains out for the London side while Terry has been a shadow of himself since the mistress episode so a fresh Tevez is likely to get some joy. With Chelsea's impeccable scoring form at The Bridge (score an average of 3 goals per game) and the return of Tevez for the visitors, I expect a high scoring encounter.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals @1.85 (sbobet, 10 units)
Chelsea 2 - 4 Manchester City

Burnley v Portsmouth

Verdict: This game is of great importance to Burnley as they are presented with the ultimate opportunity to get themselves out of the relegation zone. Portsmouth went into administration this week and were also deducted 9pts, which virtually means that their relegation into the The Championship division is all but certain. Burnley have 7 home games remaining with the next three perhaps their best opportunity to build on their already impressive home form of 6-4-2. Portsmouth have not won in the Premier League in over 9 weeks and have just one win on their travels all season.

Burnley's on-loan striker (from Portsmouth) is ineligible while the visitors may be with out their joint leading scorer, Piquionne. Burnley won their last home game 2-1 against fellow strugglers West Ham United, and I expect them to get a much need 3pts here with the visitors in disarray, on and off the field.

Pick: Burnley -0.5AH @2.06 (188bet, 10 units)
Burnley 1 - 2 Portsmouth

Stoke City v Arsenal

Verdict: Stoke will look to extend their impressive 11 game unbeaten run (in all competitions) when they face an Arsenal side trying to stay involved in the title race. Just 3 days ago, Stoke City dispatched a hapless Manchester City side 3-1 after extra time, forging a path into the FA Cup quarter finals. Arsenal mean while were resting their sore limbs after defeating Sunderland 2-0 last weekend.

This will be Stoke City's 5th game in two weeks compared to Arsenal's 3rd respectively. It was a big night for the Potters in midweek so expect a bit of a let down here. Mental and physical tiredness is likely to play a part, and I expect the finest 'pass and move' side in the league to take advantage of this. Arsenal may be boosted by the return of Eduardo where as Etheringtion is doubtful for the home side. Arsenal arguably need this more than the home side, with the latter stuck in 11th position, 11pts from a European spot and 11pts above the relegation zone. Arsenal have everything going for them in this game and I give them a good chance to capture 3pts.

Pick: Arsenal -0.75AH @1.99 (sbobet, 10 units)
Stoke City 1 - 3 Arsenal
Sunday, February 28

Tottenham v Everton

Verdict: While Tottenham are recovering from a reported stomach bug running through the camp, Everton will look to recover from their hangover in Lisbon. In midweek, Everton were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Sporting Lisbon and consequently exited the Europa Cup. This was an 'out of character' performance for The Toffees as they have arguably been the form side of the Premier League (5-0-1) with wins over both Manchesters' and Chelsea.

While Everton were busy licking their wounds in Portugal, Tottenham celebrated their progression through to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory over Bolton. Besides their good cup run, Tottenham (like all other top 4 contenders) have dropped off the pace in terms of league form. With two wins in seven games since the turn of the year, Tottenham are not at their best at the moment.

In addition to their inconsistent form, Spurs men Corluka and Palacios are doubtful with a stomach virus while strikers Defoe and Crouch face late fitness tests. Most importantly for the visitors, they regain the services of centre-back pairing, Disitn and Heitinga. Both did not play midweek as Disitn was suspended and Heitinga ineligible. I feel the absence of these two was a major factor in Everton's dissapointing performance in Europe but with their return, I expect the form side to get at least a draw here.

Pick: Everton +0.5AH @1.95 (sbobet)
Tottenham 2 - 1 Everton

Sunderland v Fulham

Verdict: Sunderland aim to break a 13-game winless streak when they meet Europe conquering Fulham. Fulham knocked out last year's UEFA Cup champions, Shaktr Donetsk, in a hard fought 1-1 draw which was enough to give the Londoners a 3-2 Agg victory. Now just 3 days after their triumph in Ukraine, Fulham must take on a hungry Sunderland side that sits just 2pts above the relegation zone.

Sunderland have only lost twice at The Stadium of Light (5-5-2) but too many draws has put a halt to the Black Cats' impressive early season form. Fulham have only a single victory on their travels which came on the opening day of the season at Portsmouth. I believe the visitors have a very tough task here as I feel the demands of European football is about to catch up on them. Today, Fulham will play their 4th game within a 10 day period. Midfielders in Gera, Greening, Etuhu, and Davies have only just recently returned from injury so expect the Fulham engine room to be a little leg weary. In addition, top scorer Zamora is a doubt after coming off with an achilles injury midweek. With important cup fixtures ahead on the domestic and European front, and seventh spot 8pts away, I feel Fulham manager Roy Hodgson will concentrate on bringing silverware to the club and perhaps sacrifice the league.

Pick: Sunderland -0.25AH @1.85 (sbobet, 10 units)
Sunderland 0 - 0 Fulham