After being seven points clear at the top of the table at one stage, Chelsea are now in danger of dropping as far as fourth if results all go the wrong way. Their betting odds have been well into the red, but online bookmakers have now eased them back into the black. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Arsenal have both firmed with Arsenal drawing plenty of attention this week.

Chelsea are now just two points clear at the top but they face two testing away games over the next week followed by a testy little home game against Everton. Chelsea face Birmingham tomorrow and while the home side has not been on fire in recent weeks their home record is a good one. Chelsea are not firing well and their shock loss last week makes it hard to back them with confidence. Bookmakers have them at 8/11 to defeat Birmingham (9/2) with draw an attractive bet at 11/4. We’ll tip another upset with a 1-1 draw.

Bolton and Sunderland both have chances this weekend to put more pressure on the top four sides with their respective games. Bolton host a rejuvenated Newcastle United. Fresh from a season in the lower tier, Newcastle (11/4) started strongly although they have been down a bit in recent weeks. Bolton (6/5) has a grip on the lucrative 5th position on the table and and will be hard to beat at home. We’ll tip Bolton in a good game.

Sunderland (8/5) are on 19 points with Bolton and they will have to wait until Monday for their home game against Everton (19/10). The Black Cats have been playing well above themselves and, on form, should win this game as well. Everton know how to draw games but are struggling to win many. With betting odds at 8/5, Sunderland look to be the best bet of the weekend – pity we have to wait until Monday to back them.