March 31 2005

Premiership

Our betting tipster Gerry McDonnell takes a look at this weekend's Premiership matches...

Appearances can be deceptive. At first glance, this Sunday's live Sky match between West Brom and Everton looks duller than a grass roots football discussion between Trevor Francis and Trevor Brooking.

But dig a little deeper, and you'll discover that this match holds the key to "The war for four" and "The Showdown not to Go Down", the only two remaining betting markets in the Premiership.

The "War for Four" is now a straight race between the two Scouse horses. If Everton can get a result at the Baggies, there is every chance that their four point advantage over Liverpool could stretch to six or even seven, as the Reds will go into the match against Bolton without a recognised striker. (Something Birmingham have done all season.)

Moyes' boys are a top priced 10/11 with Stanleybet to finish 4th, while Rafael's turtles can be backed at 13/8 with Skybet.

Looking at the bigger picture, it's not really important whether it's the blue half or the red half of the City that is celebrating in May though, because the fantastic City of Liverpool will undoubtedly be the real winner. The famous lyrics to a well loved ballad explain it more poetically than I ever could; "It's not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me, but the fact that some scally nicked my hubcaps."

The only other ante-post betting market that still has life is the relegation battle. The "Go Down Showdown Hoedown" is a fascinating contest where six must become three.

There is little value to be found in backing Norwich or the Albion, but the 10/1 that Stan James offer about the woefully out of form Portsmouth dropping a division should be immediately taken advantage of.

Apologies to the residents of West Bromwich for describing their relegation battle as a hoedown, there is now a distinct possibility that either Wayne Rooney will turn up with a wad of cash, or Robbie Savage will appear with a banjo.

Cliché watch: (Inspired by Michael Owen / David Beckham)

What they say:

"I'm flattered that a great club like Newcastle / Tottenham would show an interest in me."

What they mean:

"Ha ha ha ha ha."

Going up:

Southampton: Harry is definitely the man, if you still think they're in relegation trouble, the top price is now 11/8 at UK Betting.

Going down:

Norwich: They're 1/200 with BET 365 about the inevitable; high-rollers can play at 1/40 with VC Bet though.

Quote of the week meets Spot the difference:

"When I saw Rijkaard entering the referee's dressing-room, I couldn't believe it."

Jose Mourinho, four weeks ago.

"If something happens and I don't see, but some of my people say this happened, I say it's true."

Jose Mourinho, this week.

Nice looking Punt:

Crystal Palace: The Boro have gone; Coral are a realistic 6/5 about Palace, Stan James go 6/4.

Four play:

Crystal Palace

Newcastle

Fulham

Everton

The accer pays a tasty 20/1 with Paddy Power

Specials of the week: (All available at Super Soccer)

"The War for Four" - Everton and Liverpool both to win 7/2

"The Showdown not to Go Down" - Crystal Palace and West Brom both to win 11/2

"The Ruck for the Buck" - Sunderland and Wigan both to win 10/3

"The Combat for the Wombat" - Viduka, Cahill and Lazaridis all to score 66/1

Weekend Betting:

Charlton v Man City Saturday 2nd April 12.45 Live on P.P.V.

Charlton 11/10 Totesport

Draw 23/10 Sporting Odds

Man City 16/5 Bet Direct

Get on: Charlton

Charlton will be out to avenge the 4-0 drubbing they received at the City of Manchester stadium earlier in the season. City have a Psycho in charge. Home win.

Match Special:

Charlton to win 4-0 50/1 @ William Hill

Arsenal v Norwich Saturday 2nd April 15.00

Arsenal 1/5 Super Soccer

Draw 11/2 UK Betting

Norwich 14/1 Boylesports

Get on: Arsenal

Here's a stat for all you nerds; the Canaries have lost only once on their last five visits to Highbury. Terry Henry will sort that.

Match Special:

Henry to score a hat-trick 12/1 @ Paddy Power

Birmingham v Tottenham Saturday 2nd April 15.00

Birmingham 11/8 Super Soccer

Draw 9/4 BET 365

Tottenham 21/10 Boylesports

Get on: Birmingham

The Blues have won their last three home matches, while Spurs have lost their last three on the road. It's pretty, symmetrical and hole-free. Home win.

Match Special:

Lazaridis to score two or more goals 50/1 @ Betfred

Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough Saturday 2nd April 15.00

Crystal Palace 6/4 Stan James

Draw 23/10 Boylesports

Middlesbrough 19/10 UK Betting

Get on: Crystal Palace

The Boro are dropping quicker than a Manchester student, Palace will add to their woes.

Match Special:

Andy Johnson to score the first goal 5/1 @ UK Betting

Liverpool v Bolton Saturday 2nd April 15.00

Liverpool 10/11 Totesport

Draw 5/2 Skybet

Bolton 18/5 Sporting Odds

Get on: Draw

No strikers = No Goals = 0-0 draw = No 4th Place = Gerrard's going to Chelsea.

Match Special:

Match to finish goal-less 10/1 @ Skybet

Man Utd v Blackburn Saturday 2nd April 15.00

Man Utd 2/7 Skybet

Draw 4/1 William Hill

Blackburn 12/1 Boylesports

Get on: Man Utd

Man Utd have only gained one point from a possible six against Blackburn over the last year, but with Hughesy in the opposite dug-out and Arsenal breathing down their neck, Fergie will demand and receive a comprehensive victory.

Match Special:

Man Utd to score five or more goals 6/1 @ Betfred

Newcastle v Aston Villa Saturday 2nd April 15.00

Newcastle 8/11 Stanleybet

Draw 5/2 Bet Direct

Aston Villa 4/1 Totesport

Get on: Newcastle

Newcastle haven't lost a home match all year. As they average 13 shots a match, and the Villa goal keeper has a serious problem whenever a ball trickles towards him, you don't have to be Stephen Hawking to solve this problem.

Match Special:

Newcastle to score four or more goals 7/1 @ Betfred

Southampton v Chelsea Saturday 2nd April 17.15 Live on P.P.V.

Southampton 6/1 UK Betting

Draw 13/5 Sporting Odds

Chelsea 4/7 Paddy Power

Get on: Draw

Chelsea are in great form, but the on fire Crouch (It's now 10 goals from 13 matches) can help the Saints to earn a point.

Match Special:

Match to finish 2-2 16/1 @ Stan James

Fulham v Portsmouth Sunday 3rd April 13.30 Live on P.P.V.

Fulham 11/10 Totesport

Draw 23/10 Sporting Odds

Portsmouth 13/5 BET 365

Get on: Fulham

It's six away defeats on the bounce for Pompey, Fulham will make it seven.

Match Special:

Fulham to score three or more goals 3/1 @ Betfred

West Brom v Everton Sunday 3rd April 16.05 Live on Sky

West Brom 19/10 UK Betting

Draw 9/4 Skybet

Everton 6/4 Coral

Get on: Everton

The bookies have wildly divided opinions over this match; Betfred make Everton 6/5 favourites, while Coral believe the Baggies are the more likely winners, they make the Albion 11/8 fav's, and Everton are the 6/4 rags. Make them pay.

Match Special:

Everton to win 3-1 22/1 @ Coral