Premier League betting tips 31/10/09

Arsenal vs Spurs betting preview

As Christmas heads ever closer The Barclays Premier League table is taking its usual shape with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United dominating at the top, with Arsenal doing better than they have in recent years, followed by a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur and a dissapointing Liverpool outfit. Although not a weekend where one of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool take on another of the supposed ‘Big Four’, the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham takes place at the Emirates Stadium in Saturday’s early kick-off at 12.45, and who knows, next season, this could be a clash of two of the ‘Big Four’.

Arsenal and Spurs have always had a great rivalry with classic moments on and off the pitch, but the best part about the local rivalry is that we still get good games between them. Local Derbies have really gone downhill in recent years, the Merseyside Derby dragging out longer than what’s needed, and with the exception of the game earlier this season, the Manchester Derby has been drab with little or no shocks in recent years. However, the North London Derby has always been fantastic and continues to be so. With Spurs once again looking like a top 4 contender and Arsenal looking like title challengers, this could be a cracker. However, both teams are coming off bad results from last weekend, with Arsenal drawing 2-2 at West Ham, and Stoke City pulling off the shock of the weekend by beating Spurs 0-1 at White Hart Lane.

Most bookmakers are making Arsenal favourites, with Ladbrokes offering 8/13 for an Arsenal win. A Spurs win is backed at 5/1 over at Coral, and may not be a bad shout, but I can see this game heading for a score draw, and think 5/1 for a draw over at Coral has to be taken. Last year Arsenal dominated at home against Spurs, only for Harry Redknapp’s team to score two late goals to make it a draw and share the points. Expect that to happen again, and if you’re feeling lucky take up Ladbrokes 14/1 odds on Arsenal winning at half-time and then the teams drawing come full-time.

Bolton vs Chelsea betting preview

Another  Saturday kick-off is Bolton vs. Chelsea at the Reebok Stadium. The bookmakers are making Chelsea heavy favourites with the best odds over at Ladbrokes with 4/9 for a Chelsea win. Although I cannot see past a Chelsea win, I suggest you take a look at Ladbrokes 15/4 bet for Bolton to score first, and Chelsea to score last. Chelsea have been conceding first in a fair few of their games this season (Hull, Sunderland, Stoke) and with their defence struggling at set-pieces, expect Bolton to take advantage of this with Matty Taylor’s precise set-pieces and Kevin Davies’ aerial strength – don’t forget, last season Bolton were 4-0 down against the Blues and managed to pull back 3 goals in about 20 minutes. However, with the two teams meeting midweek in the Carling Cup and Chelsea winning 4-0, I fully expect Carlo Ancelotti’s men to take all three points.

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