What a week it’s been in English football. Chelsea lost their grip at the top of the table, Manchester United get rolled by the bottom team in the Carling Cup, then Villa failed to take on the opportunity of moving through by getting beaten by Birmingham. Just to add to the week’s tension, over a 1000 Birmingham fans took to the pitch following their victory and baited the Villa fans – just what England needed only 24 hours out from a decision on their bid for 2018 World Cup.
Surely, we won’t have another week like this. Normality will return to the football pitch and the favourites will do the right thing and win? There are many punters who bet on football who will be hoping this is the case. But then, non-favourites deliver better value when they win. Let’s see if we can get some for this weekend.
Chelsea, United, Liverpool, and Villa are all performing below expectations at present. On the flip side, Birmingham, West Ham and Bolton are all performing a little above expectations. Chelsea are at home to Everton this weekend where a loss could spell big trouble for the club – surely, they’ll win this weekend? United have suffered their first loss in 29 matches and this weekend they are away to Blackpool – I can’t see another loss here somehow.
Birmingham host Spurs in what could be the match of the day. Spurs are 6/5 favourites to win with the hosts at 11/4 and the draw 5/2. We’re tipping a home win at good value. West Ham, on the other hand, are traveling to Sunderland and while West Ham are on a roll, it’s hard to see them upsetting the Black Cats. Sunderland are 10/11 with the Hammers out 7/1 – the Black Cats should prove to be too strong.
We have to wait until Monday for the best game of the round with Liverpool hosting Aston Villa. Both sides are inconsistent and languishing midtable after good results last season. Liverpool at home are hard to beat and online bookmakers agree, making them short 4/6 favourites. Villa are unwanted in betting, blowing out to 11/2. I can’t back either side with any confidence so I’m taking the easy way out and tipping a draw – good value too at 14/5.