Premier League betting – West Ham vs Arsenal

West Ham vs Arsenal betting preview

West Ham     Form: DDWLDW     Position: 20th

West Ham sit bottom of the Premier League table at the start of the New Year with manager Avram Grant coming under pressure, despite a midweek win over Birmingham in the Carling Cup Semi Final. If the Hammers are going to save themselves from relegation, they will have to start winning at home. As they have the third worst home record in the league, with only 3 wins from 11 games. While West Ham may try and take advantage of an Arsenal team who may be low on confidence after losing 1-0 away at Ipswich in midweek. Midfielder Scott Parker is a big player for the Hammers and after netting 4 league goals this season and the England international is a great bet at 20/1 with Skybet to get the last goal. Striker Victor Obinna will miss the game after being sent off in midweek but left back Wayne Bridge could make his debut after joining on loan from Manchester City.

Arsenal     Form: WLWDWD     Position: 3rd

Arsenal will be looking to put two disappointing cup results behind them and get back to winning ways against West Ham on Saturday and keep themselves in the title race. Although the Gunners have the second best strike force in the league, their defending has still left something to be desired after conceding in their previous two games against lower league opposition. Samir Nasri should be recalled to the side for the short trip to West Ham after being rested. With the French midfielder a great bet at 5/1 with Paddy Power to open the scoring. Striker Robin Van Persie could also return, however Bakary Sagna will serve the last of his 3 game ban. As Arsenal are firm favourites after winning the corresponding tie 1-0 earlier in the season, and best priced at 8/13 with Stan James.

Match Prediction Arsenal WIN best priced at 8/13 with Stan James

The Gunners should get the win over West Ham and erase the bad memories of the midweek loss. Although with Arsene Wenger’s men firm favourites a 2-1 correct score is offering a far better return with odds of 15/2 from Coral and Skybet. Although Andrey Arshavin has not been performing particularly well in recent weeks the forward has 9 league assists to his name, and Coral are offering odds of 3/1 for the Russian to assist any goal.

Highlighted Bets

Arsenal to win 2-1 – 15/2 Skybet
Scott Parker to score last goal – 20/1 Skybet
Arshavin to assist any goal – 3/1 Coral

By Sam Markham

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Next West Ham Manager betting odds

West Ham Manager betting

West Ham were the first team to be relegated this season,  with just two games left to go they had to win at Wigan last Sunday to have any chance of staying up. But after a 3-2 defeat they will now be playing Championship football next season. The two David’s Sullivan and Gold, didn’t waste any time either. Less than an hour after the final whistle and Avram Grant had been relieved of his duties at Upton Park. So who’s in the running to take the managerial hotseat next season, as the Hammers look to bounce back at the first attempt?

Steve Mclaren has already ruled himself out of the running after being placed as an early favourite, but there is still plenty of value to be had in the market. Chris Hughton, the current favourite with the bookies and best priced at 3.23 with Betfair, could well be a good bet after he guided Newcastle to the Championship title in 2010. Sam Allerdyce though, is looking good at 13.0 from Victor Chandler, as Allardyce has plenty of experience and that’s exactly what the Hammers board have said they will be looking for. Sticking with experience and Martin O’Neill is another name being mentioned and could well be worth a bet at 13.0 with Skybet. The popular manager has been out of work since leaving Aston Villa in August last year, and would be a good appointment as the Hammer board look to get back on the good side of the fans.

Some Highlighted bets

Chris Hughton – 3.0 Bet 365
Sam Allardyce – 13.0 Victor Chandler
Martin O’Neill – 13.0 Skybet
Billy Davies – 21.0 Bet365
Paolo Di Canio – 34.0 Skybet

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Premier League betting – West Brom vs Man Utd

West Brom vs Man Utd betting preview

West Brom     Form: LWWLLL     Position: 14th

West Bromwich Albion’s good start back to life in the Premier League has been halted somewhat over the last few weeks after suffering three straight defeats. Although they have the perfect motivation in the shape of Manchester United side struggling for form away from home, on New Year’s day to end that run. Peter Odemwingie has been a great addition for Roberto Di Matteo this season after scoring 6 goals in the league, and Paddy Power are offering great odds of 9/1 for the striker to score the last goal. Although Albion will have to look at their defensive problems which have seen them concede 7 goals in the last three games if they are to get anything against the league leaders. Defender Jonas Olsson is set to miss out through injury while Gabriel Tamas is suspended after being sent off on Tuesday.

Man Utd     Form: DWWWWWD     Position: 1st

Manchester United are going into the New Year top of the league table with games in hand and still remaining unbeaten. All despite a very average away record which has seen Sir Alex’s side winning just one and drawing 7. Never the less the Red Devils go into the lunchtime kick off firm favourites and best priced at 4/7 with Stan James to get the victory. Although Wayne Rooney has struggled to find the net since his return to the first team, Dimitar Berbatov has started to show his class this season with 14 goals from 15 matches. With the Bulgarian showing good odds of 6/1 with totesport to score 2 or more goals against a leaky West Brom defence. Man Utd will still be without John O’Shea, Park Ji Sung, Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves for their trip to the Midlands.

Match Prediction Man Utd WIN Best priced at 4/7 with Stan James

Manchester United should take all three points on New Year’s Day and improve their away form against a West Brom side struggling after losing their last three games. A 3-1 Manchester United win is showing very good odds of 13/1 with Unibet, as the attacking nature of West Brom’s play could see them exposed at the back against the league’s top goal scorers. Although odds of 6/1 are being offered by SkyBet for West Brom to end Man Utd’s unbeaten run.

Highlighted Bets

D Berbatov to score 2 or more – 6/1 totesport
3-1 Man Utd WIN – 11/1 Bet 365
P Odemwingie to score last goal – 9/1 Paddy Power

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Man Utd

Tottenham Hotspurs v Manchester United betting preview

Tottenham Hotspurs: League Position: 4th, League Form: DWWWL

Tottenham are in the title race. Their improvement, and the lack of progress of former untouchables Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, has thrust them into the top four comfortably, and a danger to every side in the league.

They’ve drawn with Chelsea and Manchester City at home, both in games they deserved to win, and beat Arsenal away from home. The one blotch on their big game copybook is an away loss at Old Trafford, but the current league leaders are struggling away from home.

The game will be as tight as big games usually are, but Tottenham fans will tell you that attack is always their priority. With echoes of Keegan’s Newcastle side of old, the attitude is outscoring the opposition, not grinding out results.  

It’s 20 games since their last 0-0, and with only one loss at home this season (a surprise defeat to Wigan) they come into this game confident of not only goals, but victory.

Manchester United: League Position: 1st, League Form: WWDWW

Unbeaten Manchester United have come into the new year top of the league and with games in hand on their closest rivals. They’ve passed the big tests so far, wins at home against Arsenal and this weekend’s opposition Tottenham, as well as a draw away at local rivals City.

Interestingly, the league leaders continue to be criticised for the lack of panache in the play that has got them to the top of the table. Yet they’ve played a game less than the renowned offensive Tottenham and scored 12 more goals.

The worry for United fans is their away form, where they have still yet to lose, but drawn seven of nine games. However, not many sides attack them. Avoiding defeat here will be a good result for Ferguson’s side, most likely leaving them top still after the weekend’s round of games, and still with games in hand.

Match Prediction: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN – 2.63 BetFred – Free £50 bet

Manchester United have been seen as weak away from home this year, and Tottenham will fancy themselves to have a go here. It has not been the Tottenham way to sit back so far this season, which will be something different for United on their travels. A chance to counter attack will play into United’s hands, and this game could find more comfort for the attacking players of the Reds.

There will be battles all over the pitch, many which the league leaders won in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Aside from Nani’s controversial late goal, making it 2-0 to United, Tottenham were outplayed. Rafael proved good enough to block Bale and Van Der Vaart was quiet with Fletcher and Carrick in the area he operates.

The big threat could be boo-target Berbatov, with the ex-Tottenham striker top scorer in the league with 15 goals. Where Rooney has failed in front of goal this season Berbatov has not, and he’s been ably supported by Nani and Mexican starlet Hernandez.

Surprisingly, Spurs have had more games with less than 3 goals than more (48% over 2.5 goals), whereas United have 63% over 2.5 goals.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.03 Bet365
First Goalscorer: Dimitar Berbatov – 6.5 SkyBet
Correct Score: 2-1 Manchester United Win – 10.00 SkyBet

Match Odds:-

Tottenham Hotspurs – 3.00 Victor Chandler
Draw – 3.4 – Victor Chandler
Manchester United – 2.63 BetFred

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Chelsea

Spurs vs Chelsea betting preview

Tottenham League Position: 5th League Form: DWWWD

Tottenham’s midweek display against FC Twente definitely showed us one thing; Jermaine Defoe is back, doping what he does best for the Yid army. Scoring goals. The obvious bet in this game then with Chelsea struggling defensively will be for the English International striker to score, Jermaine Defoe is priced at 6/1 with Bet365, and at 2/1 on Coral to score anytime.

Defensively Tottenham are a mixed bag, they do ship goals away from home but are luckier at the Lane. A surprise inclusion in the last two fixtures has been Michael Dawson sitting on the bench, the return of Dawson after such a lengthy absence will be something Redknapp doesn’t want to rush however he may be tempted to pick him for such a big fixture. Rafael Van De Vaart, Tom Huddlestone, Niko Kranjcar, Ledley King and Jonathon Woodgate are all defainetly missing for the fixture however Alan Hutton, Luka Modric and Younes Kaboul should be re-instated.

Chelsea League Position: 3rd League Form: WLLDD

Chelsea are not enjoying the best of form lately, well that may be an understatement. A loss this weekend really could seal the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure as Chelsea gaffer, with their last league triumph coming over a month ago at home to Fulham. John Terry’s return is making the blues look a lot more stable at the back however it still isn’t doing the trick.

The attacking trio of Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka seem to have lost the potency they had at the beginning of the season that gave Chelsea their invincibility, scoring only 3 goals in their last 6 league fixtures. Goals could normally be relied on through midfield dynamo Frank Lampard; however his absence is set to continue into the New Year meaning that the preferred midfield trio of Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Lampard cannot be played.

If the midweek displays in Europe are anything to go by, a Tottenham win should be on the cards and with odds of 19/10 on BoyleSports and Chelsea in such poor form it could be a shrewd investment. One thin g is certain though, both teams suffering at the back means that there will be goals in this game. The odds of there being over 3 goals in the game are a handsome 9/4 on Bet365 and can’t be sniffed at

Highlighted Bets:

Jermaine Defoe First Goalscorer 6/1 Bet 365

Jermaine Defoe Anytime Goalscorer 2/1 Coral

Tottenham Win 9/5 Bet Fred

Over 3 Total Goals 9/4 Bet365

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – Sunderland v Liverpool

Sunderland v Liverpool betting odds, tips & free bets

Sunderland and Liverpool go head to head on Sunday in a repeat of the famous beach ball incident last season. The two sides have had contrasting fortunes so far this season with Sunderland starting well and starting to slip over recent weeks while Liverpool started poorly and have picked up well under Kenny Dalglish in the second half of the season. As far as form goes across the season, Liverpool have won only 3 of their 14 away games while Sunderland have also struggled at home winning just 6 of their 14.

Sunderland

Sunderland have been in poor form recently after winning just one of their last 6 league games and have conceded 12 goals in the process. After looking likely to qualify for the Europa League the Black Cats have now slipped down to 8th in the Premier League. Injuries have not been kind to them though with 6 first team players currently out of action. But Steve Bruce will take heart from a solid 0-0 draw gained away at Arsenal last weekend. Despite losing Darren Bent to Aston Villa in January, Sunderland still have some good firepower up front in Asamoah Gyan who has scored 9 league goals this season. The Ghanaian is then a good bet at 7.5 with Skybet to open the scoring. Even though Sunderland have struggled in recent weeks they are still favourites and best priced at 2.7 to get the win and 4.33 to win by 1 goal, both with Stan James.

Liverpool

Liverpool suffered a real blow in the week when they went out to Braga in the Europa league after a 1-0 aggregate defeat. They are still going strong in the league though after winning 4 of their last 6 and losing just one. Liverpool will also have Luis Suarez back available for the weekend clash and could partner Andy Carroll up front for the first time since the two were signed in January. Dalglish will be hoping that Suarez can replicate some of the form that saw him terrorise Man United last time out and the Uruguayan is looking good at 15.0 with Paddy Power to score 2 or more goals. Although priced as underdogs The Reds will fancy their chances against a Sunderland side suffering from injuries and so a correct score of 2-0 Liverpool is definitely worth a look at 14.0 with Unibet.

Highlighted Bets

Asamoah Gyan first goal scorer – 7.5 Skybet
Sunderland WIN – 2.7 Stan James
Sunderland to win by 1 goal – 4.33 Stan James
Luis Suarez to score 2+ – 15.0 Paddy Power
2-0 Liverpool WIN – 14.0 Unibet
A Carroll and A Gyan to both score – 8.5 Paddy Power

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Stoke vs Liverpool

Stoke vs Liverpool betting preview

Stoke League Position: 15th League Form: LLLLW

Stokes form up until their midweek win over Birmingham had been extremely poor, losing their last 4 games prior to the fixture. However Stoke showed some fight and pulled off a late goal to seal the win. Stoke against the teams in the top half of the table has been strong this season, pulling of impressive victories over Aston Villa and Newcastle this season.

Stokes top scorer this season Kenwyne Jones looks like the Potters biggest threat in front of goal with 3 goals this season and is priced at 7/1 on Ladbrokes to score anytime in the game. Mathew Etherington could cause the Liverpool full backs some trouble, with Martin Kelly deputising for the unfit Glen Johnson he could be a good shout to score first at 20/1 on Ladbrokes.

Liverpool League Position: 9th League Form: LWWWD

Liverpool’s win over Chelsea looked set to end the torrid start to the season that they had endured so far, but the midweek draw against Wigan has brought them crashing back to earth. One thing is for sure though Fernando Torres is back. 3 goals in 2 games and 2 of them against rock solid Chelsea can only confirm that the real Fernando Torres is back. Odds of 4/1 for him to be the first Goalscorer look positively un-missable.

Liverpool though do struggle against teams like Stoke, who being at home will definitely set up to stifle the Liverpool efforts. Away from home though this season Liverpool have looked out of sorts, with performances such as the one against Wigan being a prime example of this. So this weekend’s fixture could be an interesting test to see if Liverpool can get back firing on all cylinders away from Anfield.

The game does look like it could be quite a close fixture, even with Liverpool’s turn in form a draw looks to be the likeliest outcome with maybe 1 goal deciding who gets the three points. With the best odds for this outcome at William Hill at 9/4.

Highlighted Bets

Anytime Goalscorer Kenwyne Jones 7/1 Ladbrokes

First Goalscorer Mathew Etherington 20/1 Ladbrokes

First Goalscorer Fernando Torres 4/1 Paddy Power

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – Spurs v West Ham

Spurs v West Ham betting odds, tips & free bets

Tottenham Hotspurs: League Position: 5th, League Form: WWWLD

Ten days since their 0-0 draw with AC Milan that put them into the last eight of the Champions League Tottenham return rested to the Premier League. This has given them a chance to prepare Gareth Bale’s fitness, and the rest may give injury doubts Gallas, King and Van Der Vaart a higher chance to return.

Having floundered lately in the league, Spurs need to get back on track if they are to claim a Champions League spot for a second season in a row. They have drawn too many games at home, the most of the top five (five draws) and also won the least home games of the top five.

Coming into a game against a relegation threatened team, you look at their ability to score goals as a basis of strength. Bale, Lennon and Modric create in midfield and if Van Der Vaart is unfit then Crouch, Pavlyuchenko and Defoe have either scored in recent games, both Defoe and Pavlyuchenko netted in their last league game, or looked dangerous all season. Yet Tottenham have been by all their Champions League place rivals, and maintained similar levels of defence. They choose their games to attack.

West Ham United: League Position: 18th, League Form: WLDWW

West Ham fans must have been feeling bleak in January, with the manager looking on his way out and their side propping up the league. Now the team are looking dangerous, scoring three goals on four occasions in their five last games.

Although defeated last weekend in the FA Cup, their two key strikers were rested, and Piquonne and Demba Ba will more than likely both return to the starting line-up. The latter has scored four goals in three starts, adding a new dimension to the sides play.

With Hitzlsperger finally coming into their midfield, the balance there has given a support to the talismanic Scott Parker, a midfielder finally being recognised as one of the finest in the country.

The weakness is defence however. They have conceded 49 goals, and there is a feeling that an electric attacking performance against them will brush them aside. Have they faced any teams playing well? West Brom, Blackpool and Stoke were all in a poor run of form, whilst Liverpool played quite awfully. With a struggle for points still ahead of them, they can only hope it’s the quality of their performances that has won them points.

Match Prediction: Tottenham Win – 1.57 Bet 365

Tottenham may be the only top five side West Ham have taken points from this season, but Tottenham’s reasonable home form, only one defeat (and that back in August), combined with West Ham’s poor away record, two wins this season, points to a positive result for Spurs.

West Ham are notably at their weakest in defence, although goalkeeper Robert Green is underappreciated outside of Upton Park considering his weekly heroics for this side. Tottenham are strongest in attack, even if they have scored fewer this year than people realise (41, four less than Manchester City) they do like to go forward, and even in their 3-1 defeat at Blackpool they could have hit six. The away side have also found reward with an attacking style recently, playing with three strikers against Stoke last time in the Premiership, and this could play into the hands of Harry Redknapp’s side.

Jermain Defoe returned to form sensationally at Wolves in their last league fixture, and does enjoy playing his old sides. For West Ham, it’s hard to ignore the in form Demba Ba, labelled as their saviour in the relegation battle.

If recent performances are anything to go by we’re in for goals, and an extremely open and exciting game.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.73 – Bet 365
First Goalscorer: Jermain Defoe – 6.00 Sky Bet
Correct Score: 3-2 Tottenham Win – 29.00 Stan James
Both Teams to Score – 1.83 Victor Chandler
To Score Anytime: Demba Ba – 3.75 William Hill

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Sunderland

Tottenham vs Sunderland betting preview

Tottenham     Form: LWWDLL

Tottenham suffered a Champions League hangover on Saturday lunch time as they went down 4-2 at Bolton Wanderers. Luckily for Harry Redknapp his side have the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways on Tuesday when they face Sunderland. Although they will have to improve their leaky defence if they are going to, as they haven’t kept a clean sheet in the league since the opening day draw with Man City. Their top scorer Rafael Van Der Vaart should be back for the visit of Sunderland and the Dutch midfielder has scored in every other game this season. Unfortunately they will still be without Jermain Defoe, Ledley King and Michael Dawson who continue their comeback from injury. With goals definitely being the theme for Spurs in the last few weeks there is no surprise that a 0-0 draw is priced at 10-1 on Bet365.

Sunderland     Form: DDDWLW

Sunderland bounced back at the weekend from their 5-1 thrashing against Newcastle with a solid 2-0 home victory over Stoke City. Thanks to two goals on his first league start for summer signing Asamoah Gyan, who looks a great bet at 9/1 with William Hill to open the scoring. This incidentally was the first time the Black Cats have won by a two goal margin in the league this season, although it will be a different story on Tuesday with Sunderland best priced at 40/1 with Paddy Power to repeat that feat. While Darren Bent returns to his former club again best priced at 15/2 to be the last goal scorer with William Hill. Steve Bruce will still be without Fraiser Campbell and David Meyler but Titus Bramble is back after a ban and Darren Bent should return after missing the weekend through illness.

Match Prediction Draw at best odds 11/5 with Bet365 – £200 in free bets

Tottenham and Sunderland go into the Tuesday’s game both on 15 points with the same goal difference. Sunderland will have a bit more momentum after finding some form over the weekend, while we can’t help but feel this game will come too quickly for most of Spurs injured players as their extra Champions League games start to catch up with them. The Black Cats have also managed to pull out some good performances against the bigger sides this season drawing with Arsenal and Manchester United, whilst beating Manchester City. There’s plenty of value in the market for the draw, with Bet 365 offering 11/4, but even more so with a 1-1 correct score best priced at 7/1 with William Hill.

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Liverpool

Spurs vs Liverpool betting preview

Tottenham Hotspurs League Position: 6th, League Form: LLDWW

On the back of 10 goals in 3 games, qualification from a tough Champions League group and an historic comeback against rivals Arsenal, Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham side are being talked of as Champions at home and abroad.

The return of Defoe, to a team who had already looked dangerous going forward anyway, has added another dimension to the Spurs attack. Against a team who have looked frail at the back and at times happy to draw teams onto them, they may feel that any early goal will force their opponents forward, and that on the break they have all the pace in this match.

Rafael Van Der Vaart is a major doubt, and without him they may be forced to play two out and out strikers. If they play a wide game they may find rewards, with both Konchesky and Johnson in less than convincing form so far this season.

Liverpool: League Position: 9th League Form: WWDLW

The signs of repair are there in this Liverpool side, and having passed their last big test against Champions Chelsea, this one will be a completely different type of game.

Last week’s easy win over bottom placed West Ham United is no barometer for this fixture, a 3-0 goal win against the worst opposition performance they may face this season. The visitors offered no threat and little resistance, Redknapp won’t let his side mirror that performance.

Gerrard is yet to return, but an improving Lucas comes back into the side. Joe Cole also has a chance of a return, but they look short of match winners outside inconsistent star man Fernando Torres. In form William Gallas will hope to keep him under wraps, and from there you worry where Liverpool can score.

If Roy Hodgson changes his approach, normally a defensive one, and goes on the front foot and attacks then there’s a chance of this being a cracker. Liverpool may look to sit deep and suffocate Tottenham’s flair, and if they succeed expect a drab affair.

Match Prediction: Tottenham Win – 2.1 Ladbrokes, Coral, Paddy Power, SkyBet

Liverpool’s approach to this game will dictate the tempo of the match, but Tottenham can adapt to however their visitors play. If Tottenham get the first goal they must fancy themselves to score a few, with Liverpool unlikely to be able to deal with the speed the hosts have on the break.

Matching up the key areas of the game, Bale vs Johnson and Lennon vs Konchesky is tipped majorly in favour of Spurs, especially on form, and if Liverpool are forced to double team the Tottenham wingers down the flanks it’s likely Torres will be left alone up top often.

Workhorse Dirk Kuyt is as important to his side as Torres here, linking attack and midfield with clever movement and passing. Both sides have a striker who can win a game with one chance (Torres and Defoe in particular)

Tottenham’s poacher in chief Jermain Defoe has the speed and brains to run rings around the Liverpool centre backs, and could be worth a punt to kick on with the goals this season.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 goals – 1.88 Bet365
First Goalscorer: Jermain Defoe – 7.00 Coral
Correct Score: 3-1 Tottenham Win – 19.00 SkyBet, BlueSquare

Match Odds:-

Tottenham – 2.1 Paddy Power,
Draw – 3.4 Victor Chandler,
Liverpool – 4.00 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

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