English Premier League Round 38 (9/05)

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


Sunday, May 9

Chelsea v Wigan Athletic

Verdict: The Premier League title is in Chelsea's hands as they lead rivals Manchester United by a single point. Last weekend, Chelsea took a decisive step towards glory by winning 2-0 at Liverpool. Wigan Athletic needed a last gasp goal to draw 2-2 and deny Hull City their first away win for the season.

Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti, has a full squad to choose from (apart from the long-term absentees) whereas the Latics must do with out key men, keeper Chris Kirkland and improved backman, Titus Bramble. Wigan Athletic have conceded 47 goals on their travels this season (2nd worst record) so the aforementioned absentees will definitely not help their cause against the most powerful striking team in the land. Wigan Athletic looked like a team already on summer vacation last weekend so I don't expect them to gatecrash Chelsea's party here.

Picks:
Chelsea -2.25AH @1.74 (10bet, 10 units)
Chelsea 8 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Over 3.5 goals @2.05 (betsson, 5 units)
Chelsea 8 - 0 Wigan Athletic

Burnley v Tottenham

Verdict: Doomed Burnley will bid farewell to the Premier League today against a buoyant, Champions League bound, Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham recorded an impressive 1-0 win at Manchester City midweek to cement their place in the playoffs of Europe's premier competition. Amazingly, that win brought Spurs to within 2pts of arch rival Arsenal, for whom have hit the breaks since their defeat to Barcelona. Arsenal will play a much weakened Fulham side (contesting the Europa League final on Wednesday) today so it is an unlikely scenario that Tottenham will finish third, but still a possibility.

Ever since Burnley's home form hit the rocks in late December, it was always going to be difficult for them to survive in this division. With 5 defeats in their last 6 encounters at Turf Moor, Burnley has long been preparing for life in the Championship. Harry Redknapp has hinted at making changes to the team that played midweek but I still feel they have enough depth to take apart a happless Burnley side.

Pick: Tottenham -1AH @2.0 (sbobet, 10 units)
Burnley 4 - 2 Tottenham