Friday, March 31, 2017

Cheeky Punt: Arsenal the only top six side to lose

Liverpool v Everton
The Toffeemen have not won at Anfield since 1999, when Steps were running things in the music world and Rolf Harris was still getting TV gigs. Indeed, the Blues have not won any of the last 13 Merseyside derbies and look up against it here big time. __with Romelu Lukaku in their ranks they are not without hope but their rivals from across Stanley Park look the bet here to claim three points and edge ever closer to that coveted top four finish.

Betting: Liverpool to win and both teams to score at 49/20 (Bet Stars)

Burnley v Tottenham
Spurs rarely fare well at Turf Moor, while Burnley sit sixth in a Premier League home table this season. Tottenham are the betting favourites but ask yourself, would you honestly smash them __with your last £100 in the world on Saturday? Thought not.

Betting: Both teams to score at draw at 9/2 (Bet Victor)

Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Talking of good home records, Chelsea have won their ten last Premier League games at Stamford Bridge. It’s the type of form that has helped them absolutely p*** the league this season and they are 41 points better off than Saturday’s opponents. No Eden Hazard? No problem; Diego Costa, Willian and Pedro will combine to get Chelsea over the line again.

Betting: Chelsea to win 2-0 at 11/2 (Bet Victor)

Hull City v West Ham
Hull played brilliantly down in east London earlier this season and really should have won against a Hammers side that rode their luck something rotten at times. Hull have won five and drawn one of six home matches under Marco Silva and ‘overs’ looks the way to go here.

Betting: Over 2.5 goals at 10/11 (Hills)

Leicester City v Stoke City
Put simply, Leicester look just about the best 11/10 shot in sport this weekend. They’ve been absolutely f**king brilliant since pie-ing Claudio Ranieri off, racking up four straight wins against Liverpool, Hull, Sevilla and West Ham. Stoke have not scored in any of their last three away matches, and this one looks a home banker.

Betting: Leicester to win at 11/10 (Bet Stars)

Manchester United v West Brom
The Red Devils are still in the mix to finish in the top four but let’s have it right, if they’d have been more clinical in home games such as this, games they were heavy odds on to win but ended up drawing despite dominating, they might still be in the title race. United face a hectic end to the season but should be well rested and can win this so long as they nullify the Baggies obvious threat from set pieces.

Betting: Manchester United to win to nil at 21/20 (Bet Victor)

Watford v Sunderland
The bookmakers feel it is already too late for Sunderland to save themselves, with the Black Cats now crazy odds on for the drop. They face a Watford side who have won just three of their last 16 Premier League and who are leaking goals. Jermain Defoe, who continues to defy old Father Time, looks a punt here to score at better than 2/1.

Betting: Defoe to score at 21/10 (Paddy Power)

Southampton v Bournemouth
Both teams have been scoring goals of late and despite the fact that Saints will be without new cult striker Manolo Gabbiadini, punters who back both teams to score won’t go far wrong. Saints have kept just two clean sheets in their last 11 league games so expect to see plenty of onion bag action.

Betting: Both teams to score at 4/5 (Betfred/Stan James)

Swansea v Middlesbrough
The Swans took a punt a few months ago by appointing Paul Clement but it has paid off royally. The big question now is whether Boro have left it too late to ship out Aitor Karanka and put their own house in order? Survival is definitely not beyond them but a defeat here would make it infinitely more difficult. Swansea have won their last three at the Liberty but this reeks of draw.

Betting: Draw at 12/5 (Paddy Power)

Arsenal v Manchester City
It’s looking grim for Arsenal. ‘Wenger Out’ banners are popping up at music festivals in Miami, such is the clamour now for the great man to down tools and give someone else a go in north London. The Gunners are on a wretched run and were smashed 3-1 by West Brom last time out. West f**king Brom! If Man City bring their ‘A’ game here there’s surely only going to be one winner. Pep Guardiola’s men won 2-1 at the Etihad earlier in the season and Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero and friends could have a field day against an Arsenal defence that is looking more listless and tires with every passing week.

Betting: Manchester City to win at 11/8 (Hills)

Degsy Bilton