Just some thoughts from my blog...
First up in the Premier League is the Birmingham derby where City host Aston Villa. These game s always seem to be tense but fiery affairs and Villa have the recent upper hand winning the last 3 encounters. I think Martin O’Neill’s men can extend that run to 4 out of 4 today and take all 3 points at St. Andrew’s. The Blues look like they could be without a few key men up front, whilst Villa look set to welcome back John Carew to an attack that has plenty of pace and drive about it. Villa are 13/8 (BetFred,
Ladbrokes,
totesport) to win the match but I’d suggest backing them on the Asian Handicap (0, -0.5) at 123/100 with
Paddy Power.
Juande Ramos takes charge of his first League game at White Hart Lane today as Spurs welcome the managerless Wigan. These are the kind of games that Spurs just cannot afford to lose otherwise their season will quickly turn into a relegation dogfight. For me they have too much class going forward for Wigan, although defensive frailties still mean Wigan could be good for at least 1 goal today. Tottenham look certainties today but the 4/9 available makes them difficult to back. 4/6 (BetFred,
BlueSq,
Paddy Power,
Stan James) on there being over 2.5 goals also has appeal and to me might be the better bet.
Gary Megson seems to have steadied the ship since his arrival at the Reebok and the Trotters will be bouyed by their excellent 2-2 draw away to Bayern Munich on Thursday. Today they take on Middlesborough and I’ve decide I’m going to back the Boro to get beat away from home no matter who they are playing for as long as Gareth Southgate remains in charge (which won’t be long!). They are a poor side who seem to be lacking in confidence and I think they still have a bit further to fall before things will start to get better. As long as their midweek exploits haven’t taken too much out of them Bolton should record their first victory under Megson quite comfortably. Back them at 6/5 with
Skybet.
Elsewehere I expect Portsmouth’s fine home form and Man City’s dismal away form to continue. Home win at Fratton Park; 1/1 at
BetFred,
Boylesports and
Skybet. Premership contenders Chelsea and Man Utd both have home games today against Everton and Blackburn respectively. Both will be tough games and I think one of them will drop points. I just don’t know which one so I’m going to leave them both alone.
So my picks for today;
* Aston Villa (0,-0.5) - 123/100 (Paddy Power)
* Spurs v Wigan; Over 2.5 Goals - 4/6 (BetFred,
BlueSq,
Paddy Power,
Stan James)
* Bolton - 6/5 (Skybet)
* Portsmouth - 1/1 (BetFred,
Boylesports and
Skybet)
Accumulator pays out £145.46 for £10 at
Paddy Power