English Premier League Round 31 (09-11/04)

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



Saturday, April 9

Sunderland v WBA

Verdict: Since early February, Sunderland has been in free fall with a single point gained from a possible 21. In perhaps their most humiliating loss, Sunderland succumbed to Manchester City rather easily in a 5-0 away defeat. In total contrast, West Brom are on a 6-game undefeated streak thanks to a fine 2-1 over Europe chasing Liverpool. Relegation is still a concern for both these sides, especially West Brom who are 3pts above the drop and have a difficult fixture list to battle through.

Injuries and the departure of striker Darren Bent has sent the Black Cats' promising season into a tail spin. The return of Cattermole and Wellbeck, from long term injury, has been a boost but it is obvious that they are short of match fitness. Young Jordan Henderson is a promising player but suffering from burn out, while Sessegnon and Gyan are new to the Premier League. The Baggies can't do nothing wrong at the moment and I expect them to come away with at least a point here against the faltering hosts.

Pick: WBA +0.5ah @1.80 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Sunderland 2 - 3 WBA


Blackburn v Birmingham City

Verdict: Both sides go into this fixture equal on points and perilously close to the relegation zone. Birmingham City has a game in hand. In their last outing, Birmingham City defeated Bolton 2-1 to stop a 5-game winless streak. Blackburn gained a point at Arsenal, keeping the Gunners scoreless with a spirited, rear guard performance.

Both sides are desperate for maximum points here but Blackburn even more so. With a tough run of fixtures ahead, Blackburn are in a must win situation. Two battling performances in a row, including the come from behind 2-2 draw against Blackpool, gives the Rovers some hope of avoiding the drop. Since the League Cup final in February, Birmingham has been nothing short of dismal. The visitors will hope that keeper Ben Foster has another stand out performance, as in against Bolton, if they are to come away with anything from this game.

Pick: Blackburn -0.25ah @1.75 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Blackburn 1 - 1 Birmingham City


Bolton v West Ham United

Verdict: Bolton has had a fine season as they currently occupy 8th position. Next week, their season could get much better as they have a date with Stoke City in an FA Cup semi-final. With Europe and a relegation scrap out of the question, it would not be crazy to suggest that Bolton's main focus at the moment is their game at Wembley in eight days time. On Saturday, Bolton suffered their second consecutive loss with a 2-1 result at Birmingham City. West Ham United are in a totally different predicament, currently occupying 18th position and desperately trying to avoid the drop. The Hammers have been in good form but their 4-game undefeated streak came to an end last week, losing 2-4 to Manchester United despite taking a 2 goal lead through a Noble brace from the penalty spot.

The Trotters have some injury concerns with Holden, Mark Davies, and Robinson doubtful going into this game. West Ham United has a clean bill of health, the better form, and the stronger motivation to win this game so I will side with the visitors to return to East London with at least a point.

Pick: West Ham United +0.25ah @2.06 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Bolton 3 - 0 West Ham United


Sunday, April 10

Blackpool v Arsenal

Verdict: Blackpool has had an incredible season by their standards, playing an entertaining, care free style of football. Since the turn of the year though, the Tangerine has worryingly gained just 8pts from a possible 42. Things didn't get any better last weekend after they were swept aside in a 3-0 defeat at Fulham. Title chasing Arsenal has handed the initiative to Manchester United after 3 consecutive league draws, the latest a scoreless draw against Blackburn, leaving them 10pts arrears. There is though light at the end of the tunnel for the Gunners as they have two games in hand on the Red Devils, and play them at the Emirates in May.

I can't help but feel that Blackpool's cavalier approach suits Arsenal down to the ground. I don't think manager, Ian Holloway, will change his ways any time soon. Ofcourse, Arsenal's first aim will be to win this game and end their 3-game winless streak. I feel that the second objective will be to try and narrow the -8 goal difference on Manchester United. Taking everything into consideration, I expect a comfortable win for the visitors.

Picks:
Arsenal -1.25ah @1.9 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Blackpool 1 - 3 Arsenal
Over 2.75 goals @1.75 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Blackpool 1 - 3 Arsenal