This weekend’s football promises to be interesting with challenging matches in front of several of the top teams. Online bookmakers aren’t taking any risks with top three very short in the market. Manchester United (7/1) have the toughest test as they face a rejuvenated Liverpool (5/1). Fortunately for United, they are at home.

Chelsea (1/2) are away to middle of the table Blackburn (7/1), however, their recent away record is not that impressive so don’t be surprised if Chelsea only escape with the point. The draw at 10/3 is pretty good value if you’re game.

That leaves Arsenal (1/4) and they are at home to West Ham (14/1). The easiest game of the weekend one would think. Outside the top three, there are four teams battling for the last two European spots. Villa (4/9) are the side most likely to make a move this weekend as they host Wolves (17/2). A win for Villa would move them clear into fifth place, at least until the Manchester City (11/8) – Fulham (12/5) game on Sunday.

City face an interesting battle as they travel to the Cottagers. They had a good win yesterday in the Europa League, which now sees them through to the quarterfinals. They will be riding on a high and would like nothing more than to upset the plans of City. The draw at 23/10 looks like good value again.

The last team in the mix is Tottenham (15/3) and they have had a hurdle to cross as well. Spurs travel to Stoke (11/4), a trip many teams dread given Stoke’s record at home. There’s nothing fancy about Stoke, but they do have a good record at home against many of the top teams. An away win at the Cauldron is always hard fought. I fancy the home side to again cause an upset.

Online bookmakers are finding it difficult to separate Chelsea and Manchester United in Premier League outright betting. They have gone into fractions with United marginally ahead at 79/50 (158/100) – Chelsea are at 163/100 a gap of only .05. Who’s your tip?