English Premier League Round 27 (12-15/02)

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



Saturday, February 12

Blackpool v Aston Villa

Verdict: Just one point and one position separates these sides with Aston Villa lying in 14th, just above home side Blackpool. After a fantastic first half to the season, the wheels are seemingly falling off for the Tangerine, losing 8 of their last 9 competitive fixtures. As was shown in their most recent defeat, a 5-3 loss at Everton, Blackpool are still playing positive football which is a credit to Ian Holloway and his team. In contrast, the visitors look to be making a revival under the tutelage of Gerard Houllier, tasting defeat only once in their last 7 competitive fixtures. The 2-2 home draw against Fulham, last time out, was some what of a set back for the Villains so nothing but 3pts will be good enough at Bloomfield Rd.

Blackpool's 38 goals scored and 49 conceded, in 25 games (3.48 goals avg per game), is by far the highest goal average of any team in the league. Ian Holloway has vowed not to change his ways so there's no reason in thinking that Blackpool will suddenly start playing a 4-5-1 system. Aston Villa has not kept an away clean sheet all season, conceding 30 goals in the 13 games on their travels (2nd worst defensive away record). But with the form they are in at the moment and the counter-attacking weapons they have at their disposal, it is hard not see the Villains exposing Blackpool's leaky defence. I expect both teams to score here in a high scoring encounter.

Pick: Over 3 goals @1.95 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Blackpool 1 - 1 Aston Villa


Sunderland v Tottenham

Verdict: Europe candidates, Sunderland and Tottenham, do battle in what promises to be an exciting encounter. The Black Cats will be looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses, including a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat at Stoke City, while Tottenham will aim to stay hot on the heels of the top 4 following their weekend 2-1 win over Bolton.

Sunderland manager, Steve Bruce, has a solid squad to choose from with no new injuries to contend with. The same cannot be said of Spurs manager, Harry Redknapp, who has arguably his entire first choice midfield absent with Van der Vaart and Modric joining long-term absentees, Bale and Huddlestone, on the sidelines. With the visitors contesting a glamour Champions League match in Milan midweek, it will be no surprise if the men in white had one eye on that game. Sunderland boasts a solid home record of 6-5-2 at The Stadium of Light so with Spurs lacking in personnel and focus, I see this as a great opportunity for the home side to take 3pts.

Pick: Sunderland dnb @1.91 (williamhill, 10 units)
Sunderland 1 - 2 Tottenham