English Premier League Round 26 (5-6/02)

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



Saturday, February 5

Everton v Blackpool

Verdict: Everton will look to break out of their habit of drawing games as they meet a sliding Blackpool. The Toffees have drawn a league high 12 games (equal with Birmingham City) as they languish 3pts above the relegation zone in 15th position. In midweek, Everton deservedly took the lead at Arsenal (even if the goal was clearly offside) but a cautious second half surrendered the momentum to the Gunners who eventually came out on top 2-1. Blackpool lost their 8th game in nine outings as they were beaten 1-3 at Bloomfield Rd by West Ham United. Blackpool lie 1pt above the hosts in 13th place.

Everton retain the services of tog goal scorer, Tim Cahill, who returns from his involvement in the Asian Cup. There has been talk of unrest in the Blackpool camp with some players involved in training scuffles during the week. In addition, key midfielders in Charlie Adam, David Vaughan and striker Luke Varney are in doubt for this game. Everton has shown signs of life in the past month with a win over Spurs and solid performances against Liverpool (2-2), Chelsea (1-1) and Arsenal. I think it's only a matter time before they have a break out win. They won't get a better chance against a stuttering Blackpool.

Pick: Everton -1.5ah @2.20 (fonbet, 5 units)
Everton 5 - 3 Blackpool


Manchester City v WBA

Verdict: With the derby just a week away, the blue half of Manchester trail their bitter rivals by 8pts, currently sitting in third place. The Sky Blues' failure to beat Birmingham City midweek (2-2) stretched their winless run to the three games in all competitions. After a bright start to their campaign, West Brom has won just three games since early November. The midweek, 2-2 draw against fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic left the Baggies just 2pts above the dreaded relegation zone.

Following three games on the road, Manchester City return to the home comforts of Manchester City Stadium where they have scored 13 goals in their last four encounters there (in all comps). In total contrast, West Brom's goals on the road have dried up completetely. The visitors have scored just a single goal in the last six games on their travels. In team news, Balotelli, Johnson and Richards are likely to miss out for the home side whereas defenders Cech and Jara are doubts for the visitors. Considering that WBA has the worst defensive record in the division (conceded 45 goals, 26 away from home), I see this as the perfect opportunity for Man City to produce a confidence boosting performance before embarking on their game of the season.

Pick: Manchester City -1.25ah @2.05 (stanjames, 5 units)
Manchester City 3 - 0 WBA