This weekend, football doesn’t appear to offer much in the way of good value betting odds. Still, if you’re prepared to look a little closer and take a risk or two, you could land some decent priced winners. Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has been named as the manager of Aston Villa. Houllier is well respected in football circles but may well have his work cut for him at Villa. Time will tell.
There is little to interest punters in tomorrow’s round of fixtures with most of the top division at short prices as they come up against weaker opposition. Arsenal (against Bolton), Manchester City (against Blackburn) and Chelsea (against West Ham) look to be fairly obvious wins for the favourites. Fulham, Wigan and Newcastle should also have comfortable wins at home – also at short prices.
The two remaining matches tomorrow could be interesting although I do expect Spurs to account for West Bromwich, even though they are away. The opening game of the afternoon does look appealing from a betting perspective. Everton are at home to Manchester United and while Everton haven’t done anything special, a home game is a big advantage given their player strength.
Manchester United have had an even start to the year with two wins and a draw in their opening three games. Everton, on the other hand, have only been able to garner the single point, and that was as much through luck as good play. Still, at home, I think Everton will be out to prove something this weekend. Online bookmakers have Everton at 7/2, United are only just into the red at 10/11 while the draw is popular at 5/2. If you’re looking for a surprise result tomorrow, this could be it – our tip, the draw at 5/2.
Sunday’s game is wide open with Birmingham hosting Liverpool. Of all the weekend’s games, the betting odds in this match are generous no matter which way you go. Online bookmakers have Liverpool favourites at 7/5 with the home side at 23/10. The draw is also at 23/10. This game could go either way – however, at 7/5, Liverpool look to be good value.
The weekend wraps up on Monday with Stoke hosting Villa. Stoke are favourites at 6/4 with Villa well priced at 2/1. Visitors struggle when playing against Stoke – however, this season they haven’t quite got into gear – but then, neither have Villa. The visitors have been managerless so far this season and they will want to prove something to Houllier – Villa to win at good odds.