Chelsea Drift as the Big Four Hit the Top Spots

Chelsea completed a stuttering festive period, last night, with another draw. A solitary point from their trip to Aston Villa sees the Blues a full six points behind leaders Manchester United and a huge 14 goals adrift in the goal difference column.

Following Manchester United's draw to Newcastle on New Year's Day, many were predicting Chelsea would capitalise by running out easy winners at Aston Villa last night. Chelsea couldn't break down a typically solid Martin O'Neill defence. A large 6 point gap, not to mention an overwhelming goal difference in favour of the Old Trafford outfit, now looms for Chelsea as the Premiership passes the half way point.

Bookmakers reacted by pushing Chelsea out to 7/4, whilst Manchester United are a firm 8/15. The value now appears to be in backing Chelsea. Manchester United must travel to Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal during their remaining games, three tough matches that will test United on every level. Should Chelsea regain any kind of form and defeat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge then the season could end in a nail biting finale.

Elsehwhere, the "other two" from the "big four" have finally announced their entrance. Liverpool and Arsenal both moved into the top four in the Premiership to push Bolton and Portsmouth out of the Champions League places. Huge odds are available for both of these teams and rightly so. Don't be tempted by three figure odds for winning the league. This season's contest is between the top two.

At the bad end of the Premiership table, Watford and Charlton are doomed (as predicted by us some months back). However, the third place relegation spot is looking increasingly the home for West Ham. The Hammers were... well, hammered, by Reading in their last outing. The shell shocked East Londoners took a 6-0 thrashing from an impressive Reading outfit, who could still clinch a UEFA Cup spot in their first season in the top flight.

West Ham are quoted at just 6/5 with Blue Square for relegation. How long they will stay odds against is not certain, especially if they are handed another 6-0 pounding soon.

More relegation betting news is available here

Ed note: Make your Premiership bets at Blue Square

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