Premier League betting – Liverpool vs Chelsea

Liverpool vs Chelsea betting preview

Liverpool     Form:LDLLWW

Liverpool will go into the tie against Chelsea on Sunday with a fresh belief after two straight wins in the League has moved them out of the relegation zone and up to 13th. However it will be a more difficult tie for Roy Hodgson’s men this weekend as his side, who have only scored 10 goals in 10 games so far this season, go up against the league’s top scorers with nearly three times that amount. Fernando Torres netted his first goal since August in the reds last home fixture two weeks ago and he is nicely priced at 6/1 with Coral to open the scoring on the day. While midweek hat trick hero Steven Gerrard is very tempting at 10/1 with Betfred to score the last goal. Liverpool go into the game on Sunday with forward Dirk Kuyt hoping to make a return and no other injury worries.

Chelsea     Form:WLWDWW

Chelsea turned on the style in midweek to earn a comfortable 4-1 victory over Spartak Moscow and qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. The league leaders go into the weekend clash top of the form table after a hard fought victory over Blackburn last time out and are firm favourites to get the win, best priced at 11/10 with Betfred and Victor Chandler. The Blues will be boosted by the return to action of Frank Lampard, who is a great price at 8/1 with Betfred to open the scoring. Unfortunately, Ancelotti has confirmed that current Premier League top goal scorer Florent Malouda is definitely out of tie, as it longer term absentee Yossi Benayoun.

Match Prediction: Chelsea at best odds 11/10 with Betfred

Chelsea have had a habit of pulling out big performances under current manager Ancelotti, beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United home and away last season. This should continue on Sunday with Chelsea in great form and boosted by the return to action of Frank Lampard. A 2-0 Chelsea win was the result in the corresponding fixture last season and a very good price at 9/1 with Unibet when remembered that the Blues have only conceded 3 goals in the league this season. Although if you think Liverpool can continue their recent upturn in form against the current champions then there is plenty of value in the market.  The correct half time/full time result combination of draw/Liverpool showing especially good value at 8/1 with Stan James.

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Liverpool vs Chelsea odds

Liverpool vs Chelsea betting preview

Billed as the title decider, Chelsea visit Anfield on Sunday in what will be a real test of their title credentials. The Blues’ are just two wins away from ending Manchester United’s three-year stranglehold on the domestic front but Liverpool won’t make it easy for them with fourth place still up for grabs. The West Londoners enjoyed a Champions League win on Merseyside last season and they are odds on to repeat this feat at 10/11, the Reds are a generous 7/2 while the draw chalks up at 14/5 with Bet365.

Diego Forlan’s extra time strike sent Rafa’s men tumbling out of the Europa League on Thursday despite winning 2-1 on the night. Following this exit Benitez has refused to commit his long term future to the club he joined in 2004, but this defeat summed up a disastrous campaign for a team that finished runners-up in the Premier League last term. The Anfield club remain hopeful of finishing fourth but results must go their way if they are to do so and one might argue they are playing for pride now.

A staggering 18 points separates the two teams going into Sunday’s Sky live clash but it will be the first time since the 2003/2004 season that Liverpool and Chelsea will only meet each other twice. The previous five seasons have seen the two clubs clash 24 times with Liverpool completing a famous double over their London rivals last season. The omen does look good for Rafa’s side however, in 66 meetings with Chelsea at Anfield, they have won 40, lost just 8 and drawn 14 scoring almost one hundred and fifty goals in the process.

If Chelsea pick up maximum points in this one, it is hard to see Manchester United preventing the title returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since the 2006/2006 season. United travel to Sunderland in the late kick off on Sunday and will head into this one in the knowledge of the Chelsea result. And should the Blues fail to win, United can return to the summit if they pick up all three points in the North-East.

The Blues have had a week to prepare for this match while Liverpool’s involvement in the Europa League on Thursday night may give Chelsea the slight advantage. The pair last met in early October, Chelsea ran out 2-0 victors that day at the Bridge and after running riot against Stoke last time out they head into this one full of confidence. So expect there to be goals at Anfield, there have been 22 goals between the two sides in their last six meetings in all competitions.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches winning three and drawing two and have gone ten games unbeaten at Anfield. But if Liverpool fail to beat Chelsea they will finish the season with lowest points total in five years. Didier Drogba heads the market for first goal scorer in this one at 7/2 with SkyBet but Frank Lampard seems to have rediscovered his goal scoring form of late and is an attractive 13/2 to break the deadlock with Paddy Power. Liverpool will once again be without Fernando Torres so Dirk Kuyt is next best to grab the opener and the Kop into jubilation at 8/1.

It might be a good bet to ebb on the side of caution with this one and take the 14/5 being offered for the draw. With so much riding on this game, expect a very open game with goals aplenty. The 2-2 draw is a longshot at a massive 20/1 with Stan James. This fixture has been riddled with controversy in previous years, Alan Wiley could be in for a busy afternoon and a sending off in the match is a creditable 13/5 with Betfred.

So will Carlo Ancelotti take the penultimate stride towards a maiden Premier League title? Or will Liverpool put a serious dent in the Blues’ title challenge and keep alive their hopes of finishing fourth?

By Mikey Mumford

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Premier League betting – Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa vs Arsenal betting preview

Liverpool vs Aston Villa league Position: 11th League Form: WDLWL

Uninspiring Liverpool’s 2010/11 campaign continues with a home game against Aston Villa this Monday. Having dealt with the pace and attacking verve of Spurs reasonably well for a large chunk of the game last Sunday, Roy Hodgson can be confident his team can stave off a side in the same mould in this match.

Liverpool were unfortunate last week. Without Gerrard, who is expected to remain on the sidelines for this match, Raul Meireles bossed the midfield comfortably. They also played with two up front, giving them more than Torres to look for on the attack and also someone for the Spaniard to try and play off. As he continues to find his sharpness, the Reds can be content others like Maxi and Jovanovic are picking up goals, as well as stronger performances.

The problem now is the defence. Carragher could be out for three months, whilst Agger is also sidelined. Kyrgiakos and Skrtel have performed well this season, but they’ve now got little cover, and both are suspect defenders.

Aston Villa: League Position: 16th, League Form: DWDLL

A frustrating season for the Villains gathers pace as the Christmas season approaches. As an O’Neill side they were built for the counter attack, springing forward with pace, a danger away from home. Houllier has come in the Midlands club and had to steer a ship in danger of imploding.

They’ve been robbed of key players over the past few months, and are unfortunate coming into such a big game that Agbonlahor and Carew’s returning fitness can’t combine with the mercurial, yet suspended, Ashley Young.

This is a game both Young and the injured Albrighton would have enjoyed, and now it’s up to Agbonlahor to carry the pace in the side. With many others missing, including Reo-Coker and Petrov, Houllier must put his trust in youth again. In the absence of so many of the star names in his tenure so far, the Frenchman arrives at his old club with a team averaging only a point a game under his stewardship.

Match Prediction: Liverpool Win – 1.62 Victor Chandler and Paddy Power,

Neither team is desperate to play with their foot on the pedal the whole game. This is a factor that has left many Liverpool fans disappointed by the reign of Hodgson so far. With Villa happy to counter attack, the presence of their home support may force Liverpool forward, and although out of their comfort zone, it may be the perfect way to play this game.

Considering Liverpool were on for a point away at Tottenham, until a stoppage time Lennon goal put them 2-1 down, it’s fair that they can expect three points at home against Villa. Without Young, who has carried the side at times this year, Gerard Houllier’s side lacks a creative spark. They’ll go for it, especially if they concede, but this will only expose an inconsistent defence.

With Torres at only 3/1 for the first goal, the value may be with a man who scores vital goals for his club. Dirk Kuyt consistently pops up with the odd goal, and offers the best supporting threat from midfield.

Highlighted Bets:

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Bet 365

First Goalscorer: Dirk Kuyt – 7.00 Paddy Power

Correct Score: 2-1 Liverpool Win – 9.00 Sky Bet, Stan James

Match Odds:

Liverpool – 1.62 Victor Chandler, Paddy Power

Draw – 4.00 Victor Chandler

Aston Villa – 7.00 Stan James

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Liverpool vs Arsenal

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting preview

Much has changed on Merseyside since Liverpool’s final day defeat to Chelsea last season. Rafa Benitez has been ousted, the Kop snared Roy Hodgson from the clutches of Fulham and Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have committed their long term futures to the club. But there is one small matter yet to be resolved – the Reds’ future ownership. Speculation has been rife concerning the various groups interested in purchasing the club from co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. And as Roy Hodgson prepares for his first game in the Liverpool dug-out, he’ll be hoping the talk of a buy-out will not prove a distraction on the field. Arsene Wenger’s young Arsenal side provide the opposition at Anfield on Sunday aiming to blunt the Hodgson party but who will prevail? Liverpool are 6/4 with Betfred to register an opening day win for their new boss while the North Londoners represent value at 2/1 with Paddy Power. The draw is being chalked up at 23/10 (Betfred).

The Reds have arguable pulled of the coo of the summer with the bosman signing of Joe Cole from Chelsea. The England International is likely to prove a huge hit with the Kop faithful and has been handed the number ten jersey at the club. All eyes will be glued to the ex-West Ham ace who will be eager to make his mark very early on at his new home. Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen have followed Cole through the door, the latter likely to be a straight replacement for the outgoing Javier Mascherano who has signalled his desire to leave. Liverpool fans have cause for optimism following the sure but steady two legged Europa successes against Rabotnicki but Arsenal will definitely provide a much sterner test.

The Gunners have had a fairly quiet summer in the transfer market adding just two new faces in the shape of Morrocan frontman Marouane Chamakh and French defender Laurent Koscielny. Wenger has been assured funds are available but surprisingly he hasn’t dipped into his warchest considering the mass exodus of players. Sol Campbell, William Gallas, Phillipe Senderos and Mickael Silvestre have all left the club this summer leaving Wenger with a rather depleted squad. The only saving grace was captain Cesc Fabregas not following them out the exit door. They will be hoping to improve on last seasons third place finish but worryingly there squad lack the numbers to carry the burden of playing regular domestic and European football. We should have more of an idea of Arsenal’s intention when they travel to Liverpool – if last seasons emphatic opening away day victory is anything to go by. Arsene’s Gooner’s hit Everton for six so Merseyside will bring back happy memories but the big question remains – can they repeat this feat?

Arsenal hold the upper hand in head to heads, they are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings both home and away against Liverpool. In fact, you have to look as far back as 2007 for the last Liverpool victory in this fixture, a crushing 4-1 win at Anfield. Last term, Arsenal completed the double over their Merseyside counterparts recording a 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture. If history is to repeat itself, Arsenal to win 1-0 this time around pays a plausible 8/1 with BlueSquare. The 1-1 draw seems the most likely scoreline with the bookies at 11/2 across the board.

Both teams are missing their star perfomers with Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas both likely to miss the game through injuries. The goalscoring duties could be left to Robin Van Persie, a losing finalist with Holland this summer, he can grab the first at 7/1 (Victor Chandler). Punters may well fancy Marouane Chamakh to grab a debut goal after scoring against AC Milan in the pre season Emirates Cup, the signing from Bordeaux is 23/10 (Paddy Power) to score at anytime in the ninety. Liverpool’s main goal threat must lie with Captain Stevie (15/2 SkyBet) to score the opener but it may be best to overlook David Ngog who despite scoring against Rabotnicki missed some guilt edged chances and generally lacked that cutting edge in front of goal. The longshot wager in this one rests with the little Russian Magician. Andrei Arshavin enjoys playing at Anfield having scored four here the season before last and he can trouble the score sheet at Paddy Power’s generous 11/4 at anytime.

So can Liverpool give new manager Roy Hodgson a dream start to life at the club or will Arsenal spring a reminder to just how big a job he has on his hands? A new gaffer can bring a turn in fortunes and the players will do it for Roy and the fans on Sunday afternoon. It’ll be a closely contested opener and the first goal as ever will be all important but Liverpool to nick it just by the odd goals.

Reccomended bets: Liverpool to win at 11/4 with William Hill – click for free bet

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By Mikey Mumford

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Premier League betting – Fulham v Liverpool

Fulham v Liverpool betting odds, tips & free bets

Fulham: League Position: 10th, League Form: WLDWW

A Fulham team who limped through the season, never far from the relegation places but never in them either, have come to life and burst away from the pack in recent months, coinciding with the return of strikers Dembele, Johnson and Zamora, let alone the contribution of American Clint Dempsey, with 12 goals, who deserves the kind of praise Tim Cahill of Everton continues to get.

Now they have hit form, with options going forward and goals in the team. Back to back 3-0 victories with scorers all outside of their strikeforce shows they can score across the pitch, and Mark Hughes has clearly grown into the job as time has gone, his influence proving stronger and stronger as the season lasted.

They have drawn the joint most games in the league and conceded only two more goals than Manchester United, clearly they are not any easy team to beat. Brede Hangeland is crucial at the back, and surely this summer a real transfer bid for the towering centre back will come in to test Fulham’s resolve.

Liverpool: League Position: 6th, League Form: LWDWW

Doubters of the Dalglish effect have been put in their place recently, with vibrant attacking displays and the progress of youth prospects delighting the fans. Luis Suarez has settled into English football without a worry, whilst Andy Carroll had clearly learned to deal with pressure wearing the iconic Newcastle number 9 shirt before moving to Liverpool as he has continued his fine form into the Reds squad. Even much maligned players like Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt have become vibrant goal threats, as if unleashed by the legend of King Kenny.

The fans will now be thinking of taking fifth spot from under the noses of Tottenham, who have the harder remaining fixtures, and another year of Europa League football, which they would not have imagined after their horrible start, although the tournament is a nuisance in the eyes of many. This season is one to put behind them, and they’ve set about leaving everyone with a reminder of the good old days of attacking football home and away.

To push back into Champions League contention next season they will need to sort out their away struggles. Poor showings and results away from home still deter many away from too much of a stake on the side.

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.3 ToteSport, BoyleSports, Victor Chandler, Coral

Both sides have built a rather impressive momentum as of late, the shackles of a season of struggle have come off and they each seem to have relaxed. Two clean sheets in a row for each side and plenty of goals (Liverpool have scored eight and Fulham six) will lead the fans into this game confident.

Andy Carroll seems set to return to fitness, and it’s hard to see the increasingly influential Luis Suarez not playing. This little and large combination looks set to shine, although Carroll’s fitness issues as of late have hampered it so far. The relatively stress free end to the season may have untold benefits for next season as the pair learn to play off of one and other.

Fulham themselves have plenty of options up top, with Johnson, Zamora, Dembele, Gudjohnsen and Dempsey all capable and fighting for positions. Their solid style, raised by former manager Hodgson and further enhanced by Hughes, sees them hard to put many past too.

The only problem in a fixture like this, at least in terms of predicting the outcome, is that the end of the season has a strange affect on sides. Both teams have gone after goals lately, and whilst Liverpool are a better side, home advantage for Fulham puts it back to a level playing field. Both teams to score as goals become more important than the result.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.1 Paddy Power
First Goalscorer: Dirk Kuyt – 9.00 William Hill
Correct Score: 2-2 Draw – 17.00 William Hill
Both Teams To Score: 1.83 Stan James

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Everton vs Man Utd

Everton vs Man Utd betting preview, odds and tips

He stole David Beckham’s limelight in the San Siro on Tuesday, and now Wayne Rooney returns to his boyhood club on Saturday as his Manchester United side prepare to do battle with Everton. Since donning the infamous ‘once a blue always a blue’ shirt when scoring for Everton, the England striker is nearing a century of goals for the Red Devils and looks set to spearhead his country at this years World Cup Finals. But that a side, a certain title race is gathering pace and United find themselves odds on favourites with the bookies to claim victory at Goodison in the Premier League’s lunchtime fixture. The visitors are 5/6 to secure all three points in front of the Sky cameras, the Toffees are a good 7/2 shot whilst a point-a-piece pays out at 5/2.

After heading a brace in Milan in midweek, Rooney and co return to league action this weekend in the knowledge that a point would take them back to the Premier League summit, at least temporarily. Chelsea travel to Wolves for a 3pm kick off, but the reigning champions have a superior goal difference and a point will lift United into top spot if only for a few hours. However, Sir Alex’s side have gone eight unbeaten in the league and the team will be oozing with confidence after smashing three past AC Milan in the Champions League. The United gaffer must be wary of an Everton side that have already accounted for leaders Chelsea and Manchester City on home turf. And memories of last season’s painful FA Cup semi-final defeat on penalties against Everton won’t have been quick to vanish. But the stats don’t make pleasant reading for Evertonians, they haven’t mustered a win against the Manchester United in the league since April 2005 and have failed to breach the United rearguard in their last two meetings.

Everton fans have already witness their team win at Goodison this week – hard fought 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Europa League on Tuesday – and David Moyes will settle for a repeat score line this Saturday. Prior to the defeat to local rivals Liverpool at the start of February, the Toffees had gone nine unbeaten in the league, a feat which now sees them sitting comfortably in 9th place, quite a turnaround considering the club were only two points clear of the relegation trap door in early December. They have been boosted by the return of midfield playmaker Mikel Arteta of late, who completed over an hour of football in midweek after a ten month lay off. But the Merseyside club have been dealt a massive blow as news emerged this week that fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini will miss the remainder of the campaign with an ankle problem.

The pair last met in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in November, United running out comfortable winners beating Tim Howard on three occasions without reply. Wayne Rooney didn’t manage to mark the score sheet that time, but his form of late is showing no signs of slowing 10/3 with Coral to break the deadlock. The man Sir Alex described as “devastating” against Milan has already netted three times against the club he joined as a 10 year old, since departing them in 2004 and he seems a cracking bet to add to his 25 goals already this term. Louis Saha bagged a brace against Chelsea last time out and is Everton’s best bet to score first against his former employers at 7/1. Wayne Rooney’s temper has been known to flare in games and may things boil over against his boyhood club? 14/1 says he is to receive his marching orders.

The key battle lies with Rooney and Everton’s Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo. Can the African keep the livewire quiet? The weight of history is firmly against the Toffees but on their day they are capable of beating the top teams, as Chelsea found out last week. They won’t be short of backers at 7/2 to topple Sir Alex’s side. Will a lethargic United turn up on Saturday after their midweek exploits? The bookies don’t think so and at odds on are not great value, so back United in a treble alongside Arsenal and Chelsea, who should also win their respective matches.

Reccomended bets: Back Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal all to win in an accumulator paying 2/1 with VC Bet

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Premier League betting – Everton vs Liverpool

Everton vs Liverpool betting preview

After the future of Liverpool FC being disputed in the high courts, the players can only concentrate on and prepare themselves for one of the most important derbies of their careers and try to win back the respect of their fans. A loss or a draw would leave Liverpool still stuck in the bottom 3 with their reputation in tatters. From winning the 2005 UEFA Champions League in Rafael Benitez’s first season in charge, to finishing 7th last season, Liverpool’s start to the new season has been a disaster compared to previous seasons. A 1-1 draw with Arsenal kicked off the season, but results gradually went downhill as they crashed to defeat against Manchester City, followed by Manchester United and Blackpool in last week’s stunner, combined with draws against Birmingham and Sunderland. Alongside such events, Fernando Torres is currently out injured after an adductor strain against Blackpool, causing doubt for his fitness.

Derbies between these two clubs have never been simple and with the titan that is Tim Cahill in top form for Everton, this looks to be a spectacle of a match. Everton’s season hasn’t been the best either hovering just above the dreaded drop zone, but with Cahill’s 3 goals under his belt Everton’s perspective seems to be much brighter than Liverpool’s. After draws against Manchester United, Wolves, Fulham and Birmingham as well as losses against Aston Villa and Newcastle, Everton’s early season table position would scream panic at any manager, but despite the highs and lows David Moyes has stood by his players. Their first win of the season last weekend spurred on a motivating speech by Moyes in the aftermath, commanding his players to take more opportunities and to be more clinical in the box.

Match Prediction

With Liverpool doing the double over Everton last season, there will definitely be scores to settle. A last minute panic over Torres may cause doubt to set into Liverpool’s squad, and things could get a lot worse if he doesn’t win the race to be fit in time combined with England’s dismal result last night, Gerrard and co. may also be lacking motivation. Everton’s situation doesn’t look much better with Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar also out injured but after last week’s relatively good performance and a 2-0 victory over Birmingham, Everton may have the upper hand in this year’s derby.

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Everton to win in the Draw no bet market at best odds 4/5 with Coral – Get a free £10 bet.

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Premier League betting – Everton vs Birmingham

Everton vs Birmingham betting odds, tips & free bets

Everton will go into Wednesday’s clash with Birmingham looking for the 3 points that will take them up to 8th in the league, matching their highest position so far this season. The Carling Cup winners will be looking for 3 points to take them out of the bottom 3 and away from trouble. The two sides haven’t met so far this season but the Blues did win the last match between the two in the FA Cup last season.

Everton

Everton recovered from the humiliation at the hands of Reading in the FA Cup last week by earning a good away win at Newcastle. The Toffees came from a goal behind to get the victory despite being without midfielders Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini who should also miss out on Wednesday. Everton are starting to build a bit of momentum after a slow start and might still hold hopes of qualifying for European football next season. Louis Saha has been in good form in recent months and the Frenchman is well worth a look at 5.5 with Skybet to open the scoring on the night. Everton have struggled slightly at home this season after winning just 5 of their 13 matches but they are firm favourites and best priced at 1.57 with Betfred to get the result on the night. It is also worth bearing in mind that Merseysiders haven’t lost at home in the league since November.

Birmingham

The Carling Cup winners were brought back down to earth at the weekend when they lost a local derby against West Brom and slipped into the relegation zone. The Blues do have 2 games in hand on some of the teams around them but will need to start turning some of their draws into wins, after drawing 12 of their 27 games, if they are to climb clear of safety this season. Their away form will also have to improve as they have won only 2 games away from St Andrews this season. However keeping it tight at the back has not been a problem for Birmingham and they have conceded the least number of goals in the bottom 8 this season. So despite being underdogs at 7.0 with Paddy Power you get the feeling that if they can find the net on Wednesday, the Blues might have a chance of walking away with something. Obafemi Martins got the winning goal against Arsenal in the cup final and the Striker is looking good at 4.33 to score at any time with Bet365.

Highlighted Bets

Louis Saha first goal scorer – 5.5 Sky bet
Birmingham WIN – 7.0 Paddy Power
Obafemi Martins anytime scorer – 4.33 Bet365
Both teams to score first half – 6.0 Sky bet

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Chelsea vs Sunderland

Chelsea vs Sunderland betting preview

Chelsea: League Position: 1st, League Form: DWWLW

League leaders have been playing below average lately, yet they’ve not moved from 1st spot in the table and are still four points clear. Even in their one defeat over the past five games they did everything but score against Liverpool. Their run of poor form has coincided with Didier Drogba’s indifferent performances, which can now be put down to malaria. Having now been treated, expect the usual snarling Drogba to return.

Chelsea have to handle the continued absence of Frank Lampard, who this week injured himself further in training and faces a further three weeks out, and must now go forward without Michael Essien for three matches after his midweek red card. With Anelka a doubt too, Chelsea must show the strength of their squad as the games come thick and fast.

Unfortunately for the other sides in the league, they do have players capable of filling the void.

Sunderland: League Position: 8th, League Form: DWLWD

At home, Sunderland have held the best teams in the league. But away from home, they’re capable of losing 5-1 to rivals Newcastle. As big a threat as Andy Carroll is, he’s not Didier Drogba just yet.

Steve Bruce’s side are capable of breaking into Europe this year, and also capable of getting involved in a relegation fight. It’s hard to track the progress the side has made since Bruce took over. They’ve spent a good chunk of money and pose a threat to every side in the league, yet they can’t consistently perform and the team Bruce has built must face serious scrutiny if they fall to the lower half of the table again come the end of the season.

Star player and top goalscorer Darren Bent is out, but Ghanaian World Cup star Asamoah Gyan has stepped up fantastically with three goals in his last two games. He’s the real quality player than can threaten Chelsea in this match, but he lacks support and could find this a frustrating tie.

Match Prediction: Chelsea Win

Sunderland are strong enough at home to frustrate and deny Chelsea over 90 minutes, but Stamford Bridge is a whole different prospect for sides like Sunderland. Yet to concede at home and averaging just under 3 goals a game, Chelsea are unstoppable on their own ground.

Although saved midweek by Michael Essien, who was later dismissed for a reckless challenge, it’s the ability of one player to win a match for the Champions, an ability that is available across the pitch from many world class players. And more than any team in the Premiership, they can grind out wins against the sternest defences and on their own poorest days.

All this against a Sunderland side yet to win away from home this year, having scored only 12 goals home and away so far, compared to the 17 Chelsea have put away in front of their own fans, plus another 11 on the road.

Whilst Drogba slowly finds his rhythm again, it’s been a couple of weeks since Malouda ran a game like he did as the season got under way. With injuries and suspensions all over the park, Chelsea may need Malouda to step again. An attacking threesome of Malouda, Drogba and Kalou will definitely get chances however the game goes.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 goals – 1.62 Victor Chandler
First Goalscorer: Malouda – 6.5 Bet 365
Correct Score: 3-0 Chelsea – 8.00 Victor Chandler

Match Odds:-

Chelsea – 1.25 Paddy Power,
Draw – 6.5 Bet Fred
Sunderland – 17.00 Stan James

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Premier League betting – Chelsea vs Stoke odds

Chelsea vs Stoke betting preview

Carlo Ancelotti conceded that the red mist descended on John Terry after his sending off in the 2-1 defeat at Spurs. And now the Blues’ must prepare to do battle with Stoke on Sunday without their skipper. Terry’s sending off at White Hart Lane summed up a disappointing afternoon and ended the FA Cup finalists four match winning run. Tony Pulis’ Stoke side visit the Bridge looking to avenge the reverse fixture at the Britannia in September, where Chelsea came from behind to win thanks to a 94th minute Florent Malouda winner. The Potters’ FA Cup run was also ended by the Blues’ in March at the quarter final stage, and the bookies are sounding Stoke out of this one at a massive 20/1, Chelsea are poor value at 1/6 while the draw pays out at 7/1 with Bet365.

While Chelsea left White Hart Lane empty handed at the weekend, Manchester United blew the title race wide open thanks to Paul Scholes’ last-gasp header at Eastlands. One point now separates the leading pair, but Chelsea face a difficult trip to Anfield in their next game which could be the season defining game. The Blues’ are odds on at 8/13 to hold the Premier League Crown aloft on May 9, but United are breathing right down their necks and at 11/8, they could yet nick the closest title race in Premier League history. Prior to their loss at Spurs, Chelsea had taken maximum points from their last four outings including victory at Old Trafford. A league and cup double is still on the horizon, so snap up the 15/8 SkyBet are offering for Chelsea to end the campaign with two pieces of silverware.

It was the Potters versus the Trotters last weekend, but it was Owen Coyle’s men who came out on top thanks to a late Matty Taylor double salvo. Wanderers inflicted only Stoke’s sixth home defeat of the season leaves the club mulling over mid-table mediocrity guaranteeing a third season in England’s top division. The Staffordshire based club’s bold, unfashionable, physical approach at the Britannia has caused problems for every visiting team, yet their away form this season has been something of a worry. They have won only three times on their travels all season and have hit just 9 goals in the process, the lowest in the league. Their inconsistent form of late has seen two wins, two draws and two defeats but three more points from their remaining four games will see them better last term’s tally of 45.

The Stamford Bridge faithful have yet to witness their side fail to score at home this season. The majority of these goals have been scored by Didier Drogba and it is no surprise he is the bookies favourite to open the scoring on Sunday at 9/4. Frank Lampard netted a late consolation at Spurs and has rediscovered his goal scoring from of late, scoring four against Aston Villa at the end of March, he looks a good bet at 4/1 to break the deadlock. Perhaps better value is for the England midfielder and Florent Malouda to both score in the game, SkyBet offer a plausible 5/1. Stoke’s main goal threat lies with Ricardo Fuller, the Jamaican already has eight goals to his name this term, 14/1 says he grabs the opener in this one. The Blues have rolled teams over at the Bridge on many occasions this campaign, they have scored three or more goals in thirteen games here in all competitions. With this in mind and Stoke’s poor scoring record on the road, it might be worth a flutter on the 13/10 with William Hill that Chelsea score over 3.5 goals.

Can Stoke upset the odds and have a big say in the destination of the Premier League title? Get your spectacles and find out ready because this one’s live in 3D.

Recommended bets:

Over 3.5 goals @ 13/10 with William Hill. Visit William Hill

By Mikey Mumford

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