Weekend Premiership preview
If you're tempted to have a punt on any of this weekend's live Premiership games it's well worth checking out the spread betting markets from Sporting Index
Dave Harris
20-Jan-2006
If you're tempted to have a punt on any of this weekend's live Premiership games it's well worth checking out the spread betting markets from Sporting Index. Here are our thoughts on this weekend's big games.
Everton v Arsenal
The Toffees are unbeaten in five games, but go into this one without Yobo (African Nations), the backbone of their shaky defence. Furthermore, the departure of Bent leaves them with very few attacking options should Beattie find it tough going up front on his own. They'll need Cahill and Osman at their best if they are to trouble Arsenal's makeshift back four.
The Toffees are unbeaten in five games, but go into this one without Yobo (African Nations), the backbone of their shaky defence. Furthermore, the departure of Bent leaves them with very few attacking options should Beattie find it tough going up front on his own. They'll need Cahill and Osman at their best if they are to trouble Arsenal's makeshift back four.
For the Gunners, Toure (African Nations), Campbell and Cole (both injured) will be missing, whilst Cygan is rated as doubtful. Obviously, last weeks win against Boro is a huge confidence booster and they're worthy favourites again at Goodison. Sporting Index is predicting a 0.7 to 0.9 goal victory for the visitors, which probably reflects their weaker form on the road.
WBA v Sunderland
It's been a mixed week for West Brom, with a great result at Wigan followed by the FA Cup defeat to Reading. The key to Premiership survival lies with their home form, where they are unbeaten in their last four games. By contrast, visitors Sunderland have picked up just three points away from home this season - the solitary away win at Boro in September. The Black Cats spirited performance against Chelsea last week should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt. Its difficult to see them raising their game to a similar level for this fixture. Not surprisingly, Sporting Index has made West Brom favourites to win, predicting a 0.6 to 0.8 goal victory.
It's been a mixed week for West Brom, with a great result at Wigan followed by the FA Cup defeat to Reading. The key to Premiership survival lies with their home form, where they are unbeaten in their last four games. By contrast, visitors Sunderland have picked up just three points away from home this season - the solitary away win at Boro in September. The Black Cats spirited performance against Chelsea last week should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt. Its difficult to see them raising their game to a similar level for this fixture. Not surprisingly, Sporting Index has made West Brom favourites to win, predicting a 0.6 to 0.8 goal victory.
Chelsea v Charlton
Chelsea's only home defeat this season came against Charlton in the Carling Cup, but it's difficult to see the visitors getting anything positive this time. Having kept three clean sheets in the last 20 matches, the Addicks couldn't be visiting Stamford Bridge at a worse time. Even their new 'Bent double' partnership should struggle to make an impact against the Blues defence.
Chelsea's only home defeat this season came against Charlton in the Carling Cup, but it's difficult to see the visitors getting anything positive this time. Having kept three clean sheets in the last 20 matches, the Addicks couldn't be visiting Stamford Bridge at a worse time. Even their new 'Bent double' partnership should struggle to make an impact against the Blues defence.
With Murphy looking for a transfer and an ever-changing first XI, it could be a nerve-wracking second half of the season for Charlton. Chelsea are clear favourites, priced up to win by 1.7 to 1.9 goals. For Chelsea, Drogba (African Nations) Essien (injured) and Bridge (on loan) will be missing, but they probably won't be missed. With Crespo in form, it could be a busy day for Myhre.
Man Utd v Liverpool
United's defeat to Man City was a surprise, but it's fair to say that the Red Devils are a team in decline. Ferguson's decision to play new boy Evra in that match was baffling and it will be interesting to see if he retains his place. Ronaldo is suspended for this game, but current form considered that may not necessarily be a bad thing. Rooney returns after suspension and his performance will be a key factor in deciding the outcome of this game.
United's defeat to Man City was a surprise, but it's fair to say that the Red Devils are a team in decline. Ferguson's decision to play new boy Evra in that match was baffling and it will be interesting to see if he retains his place. Ronaldo is suspended for this game, but current form considered that may not necessarily be a bad thing. Rooney returns after suspension and his performance will be a key factor in deciding the outcome of this game.
Sporting Index think this will be a tight match and have priced up United to win by 0.1 to 0.3 goals. With Liverpool undefeated in 12 games, its fair to say that Rafa's signings and tactics are paying off. Motivated by the chance to leapfrog United in the league, they should be confident of getting at least a point at Old Trafford.
As an added encouragement to have a flutter on the weekend's action, Sporting Index are offering all new clients a free £150 per goal football bet**:
Simply open a Sporting Index account*, place five sports bets (each with the potential to win and lose £20) and claim a free £150 per goal bet on any live Premiership, Championship or League match.**
For full details of these offers, and apply for your Sporting Index account, click here.
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.
Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
The information contained herein is for your general information and use. In particular, it does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by Sporting Index Ltd and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining to make) any specific decisions
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.