Premiership Football Preview: Saturday 2nd December

Last week's Saturday selections drew a blank for the first time, which is a little sad yet every match was a close run event! Everton wasted our away win recommendation when Yobo decided to tie up his boots instead of defend a shot and Sheffield United had a questionable offside decision go against them in the last minute at West Ham. Fulham were unable to break down a stubborn Reading at Craven Cottage, plus I was right not to trust Arsenal at Bolton but the draw prediction went out of the window when the post denied the Gunners an equaliser and Nicolas Anelka then rubbed his old side's nose into the mire with a third goal!

Such are the margins of betting on football matches. Moving on, let's see what gems are available this week:

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, 12.45pm
Blackburn Rovers v Fulham, 3.00pm
Middlesbrough v Manchester United, 17.15pm
Portsmouth v Aston Villa, 3.00pm
Reading v Bolton Wanderers, 3.00pm
Sheffield United v Charlton Athletic, 3.00pm
Wigan Athletic v Liverpool, 3.00pm

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur

The big one in North London was always the scene of running battles in the days of terracing. Feelings are still feudal between the fans and Spurs supporters would love nothing more than an away win here. Arsenal have probably not been in such poor form for many a year while Spurs are showing occasional promise albeit with a rough away pedigree. However, this derby is not just any away game! A draw at 5/2 with Bet365 looks the better value than odds-on for a home win.

Blackburn Rovers v Fulham

Fulham are becoming a Jekyll and Hyde outfit, losing at home to Reading and then beating Arsenal, all in the space of four days. Who knows what an away trip to Blackburn holds in store? The draw at 9/4 at Bet365 and VC Bet once again looks tempting.

Middlesbrough v Manchester United

Non-stop United come to insipid Boro but at a ground where Chelsea came to grief. No, it doesn't hold water and an away win still seems highly likely. The bookies agree at 8/13 the best available. Leave it to the interest earners.

Portsmouth v Aston Villa

These two teams have had more than expected good starts and are perhaps starting to feel the pace. Both are still hard to beat but Pompey have a solid home record and backing to match. The 13/10 available at Premier Bet looks worth a punt given that other layers are evens in some cases. Villa have just suffered a jolt with a 1-3 home reverse to Manchester City so might be a little defensive.

Reading v Bolton Wanderers

Reading have consistently beaten teams below them in the table but lost to those above so far this season. Bolton currently sit above them in the table but are in a poor run of form whereas the Royals are on a roll of three straight victories. At 6/4 at various bookies such as Paddy Power and UKBetting, the home win seems a decent bet although Bolton will fight all the way.

Sheffield United v Charlton Athletic

Sheffield Utd are starting to grind out points in the necessary fashion needed to dig themselves from a hole. This match is another vital one from which to eke a result. If Charlton lose, that could be curtains for their survival hopes as they will be somewhat adrift of the safety zone. Charlton are talking a good fight under Les Reed but their last away game was poor and the Blades will not let them breathe at Bramall Lane. Ladbrokes, Blue Square and Bet365 all go 6/5 the home win and that looks value.

Wigan Athletic v Liverpool

Liverpool are fast becoming the bore draw away specialists and there's little reason to be surprised should that occur at improving Wigan. The home win might even represent value at 13/5 with VC Bet but the Reds may just have enough class to take a draw from it at 9/4.

Betting Decision

3pts Draw – Arsenal v Spurs 5/2
3pts Draw – Blackburn v Fulham 9/4
3pts Home win - Reading 6/4
4pts Home win – Sheffield United 6/5

Total Outlay 13 points

Ed note: A free £25 bet is yours when you open an account at Blue Square

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