English Premier League Round 15 (27-28/11)

Aston Villa v Arsenal
Bolton v Blackpool
Everton v WBA
Fulham v Birmingham City
Manchester United v Blackburn
Stoke City v Manchester City
West Ham united v Wigan Athletic
Wolverhampton v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Tottenham v Liverpool


Saturday, November 27

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal will look to avenge their dissapointing 2-3 defeat at the hands of Tottenham, last weekend, despite going into half time with a two goal lead. The Gunners' woes continued midweek in the Champions League with a 2-0 loss at Sporting Braga. Injury plagued Aston Villa will look to get back to winning ways after they were outmuscled at Ewood Park, losing 0-2 away to Blackburn.

It has been well documented that Aston Villa is missing half their team through injury, especially in the midfield area with Petrov, Reo-Coker, and Sidwell all on the treatment table. Dispite the likely absence of Fabregas, Arsenal's strength lies in midfield so it is difficult to see the young duo of Clark and Bannan stopping the visitors dominance. In addition, Gerard Houllier has seemed content in letting his young players express themselves in games over the past month so I feel there are goals on the menu in this one.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals @2.02 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Aston Villa 2 - 4 Arsenal


Everton v WBA

Verdict: Both sides are currently going through a dry spell with Everton winless in four and WBA winless in five, respectively. In their last outing, Everton deservedly captured a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, against Sunderland, while West Brom succumbed to a dissapointing 0-3 defeat to Stoke City.

Only goal difference separates these sides going into this encounter. After a good start to the season, West Brom has failed to defeat some poor opposition in the past month, including Blackpool, West Ham United, and Wigan Athletic. Despite a single defeat in their last 9 outings, Everton has drawn too many games which is why they are languishing below mid-table. There is nothing much between these sides, form-wise, but West Brom boasts one of the worsts defensive records in the league, conceding 25 (17 on their travels) in 14 games. With inspirational captain, Jonas Olsson, still on the treatment table, I give the edge to the desperate home team.

Pick: Everton -0.75ah @1.83 (sbobet, 10 units)
Everton 1 - 4 WBA


Bolton v Blackpool

Verdict: Ian Holloway takes his charges to in-form Bolton, looking to take another Premier League scalp following the 2-0 defeat of Wolverhampton on the weekend.. Blackpool has been like a breath of fresh air this season with their fearless brand of football. Owen Coyle's Bolton side has been equally as impressive with their highlight coming on the weekend, a 5-1 defeat over hapless Newcastle United.

Blackpool are on a run of just one defeat in their last five games, but this statistic perhaps hides the fact that they have played teams out of form. Lead by Swedish striker, Johan Elmander, Bolton has swept aside the like of Tottenham and Newcastle with relative ease over the past month. The Trotters are in tip top shape at the moment so the signs are ominous for Blackpool.

Pick: Bolton -1ah @2.08 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Bolton 2 - 2 Blackpool


Manchester United v Blackburn

Verdict: The Red Devils are back at full strength after Sir Alex rested a few bodies in the midweek Champions League win at Rangers. Manchester United remain undefeated in all competitions this season following their 2-0 league win over Wigan Athletic on the weekend. Blackburn are on a good run themselves, winning 3 of their last 4 league games with their most recent triumph coming six days ago in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

While Rooney has returned to bolster the home team's ranks, Sam Allardyce's Blackburn are almost down to the bare bones with no less than 7 players out of this game through ineligibility (M.Diouf) or injury. The news that Blackburn will be without Gamst Pedersen is especially a big blow for the visitors as he has been their most impressive performer this season. I can't see how Blackburn can upset a Manchester United team looking to climb to the summit of the Premier League with a depleted squad.

Pick: Manchester United -1.25ah @1.78 (sbobet, 10 units)
Manchester United 7 - 1 Blackburn


Sunday, November 28

Newcastle United v Chelsea

Verdict: Both sides go into this encounter on the back of some poor form with only a single victory from their last 4 respective league games. Newcastle United suffered it's worst defeat for the season on the weekend, losing 5-1 at Bolton and having seen impressive centre-back, Fabricio Coloccini, given his marching orders in the process. Chelsea's downturn in form continued with a 1-0 loss at Birmingham City but atleast they salvaged some pride in the 2-1 midweek win over European minnows, Zilina.

The team news is not good for Newcastle United as first choice centre-backs, Williamson and Coloccini are out while Barton serves the final match of his suspension. Recent home form has not been good for the hosts with consecutive dissapointing results against Blackburn (1-2 loss) and Fulham (0-0). Chelsea seem to be getting their general game back together but their troubles in the final third continue. With Newcastle missing key central figures for this encounter, I expect Chelsea to get enough chances to win this game.

Pick: Chelsea -0.75ah @1.88 (sbobet, 10 units)
Newcastle United 1 - 1 Chelsea