Premier League / Mike Norman / 30 October 2009 / Leave a Comment

Mike Norman has a 'magnificent' seven Premier League games to preview for us this weekend and has decided to use a vital weapon in search of winning selections - form and stats. Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 Goals at [3.8] in Everton v Villa.

Bolton [9.6] v Chelsea [1.46]; The Draw [4.7]

These two clubs met just a few days ago in the Carling Cup with Chelsea running out comfortable 4-0 winners at Stamford Bridge. Despite the change of venue, the outcome isn't going to be any different here and I suggest you back Chelsea/Chelsea at [2.18] in the Half Time/Full Time market.

The Blues have won at the Reebok Stadium in each of their last six league visits and during that time haven't conceded a single goal. Backing the Yes option in the Chelsea Clean Sheet market looks terrific value then at [2.16], whilst Correct Scores of 0-2 ([7.8]) and 0-3 ([13.0]) also appeal.

Burnley [1.97] v Hull [4.7]; The Draw [3.45]

Burnley's 100% home record may have come to an end against Wigan last time, but I can't see them having any problems getting back on track against a Hull side - off-field problems and all - that is winless on the road this season and have conceded 15 goals in the process.

I can't see Owen Coyle's men running riot however, and although I'm more than happy just to back Burnley to win, a wager will also be had on Under 2.5 Goals at [1.88].

Everton [2.7] v Aston Villa [2.96]; The Draw [3.35]

Poor August, excellent September, dreadful October. That's been the story of Everton's season so far and it looks as though the wheels have well and truly came off during the last week or so (three defeats on the trot conceding 10 goals in the process). Villa have been equally inconsistent of late so I'm going for the draw here at [3.35].

What you do get when these two sides meet is goals. A remarkable 37 of them have been scored in their last 10 meetings (all competitions) and 13 have been scored at Goodison Park alone in during the last three encounters. Not surprisingly then, Over 3.5 Goals is my bet of the week at a 'massive' [3.8].

Fulham [4.4] v Liverpool [2.04]; The Draw [3.45]

With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard once again expected to be absent I believe this game has all the makings of an upset. Although I'm not totally convinced that Fulham will win, I think they have enough about them - especially on home soil - to grab at least a draw.

Interestingly, Fulham have scored in all but one of their last 10 league and cup games whilst the Reds - despite seeming to be out of form - are the second highest goalscorers in the Premier League. This augurs well for followers of Over 2.5 Goals ([2.12]) and Over 3.5 Goals ([3.6]).

Portsmouth [2.52] v Wigan [3.15]; The Draw [3.4]

Despite tipping Pompey to be relegated at odds of [7.2] before the season even started, and being delighted at how things stand, I can't help but feel sorry for the club as a whole. They've not only had everything that can go wrong do so off the field, they've also played some good football on the field without getting their due rewards. However, I think they'll beat Wigan.

Paul Hart's men were convincing 4-0 winners against Stoke in midweek but you get the feeling that everyone connected with the club would happily settle for a nervy 1-0 victory. So that's exactly what I'm going for. A 1-0 Pompey victory is available to back at [8.8] whilst the Under 1.5 Goals option can be backed at [3.3].

Stoke [1.95] v Wolves [4.6]; The Draw [3.65]

Stoke's victory at Tottenham last weekend was arguably the result of the season in my opinion. With their poor away form, no-one expected them to go to White Hart Lane and win, but what they must do now is take all three points at home to Wolves, and at [1.95] to back, I think they will do so.

Games involving Stoke are usually low-scoring affairs, so with Wolves struggling for goals and form themselves, Under 2.5 Goals has to be the selection at [1.79]. It could be a cagey affair though with the home side not prevailing until late on, so a chance is taken on Draw/Stoke at [5.1] in the Half Time/Full Time market.

Sunderland [2.08] v West Ham [4.3]; The Draw [3.45]

It pains me to say that Sunderland have been a revelation this season under Steve Bruce with striker Darren Bent being particularly impressive. West Ham are completely out of sorts and are in big danger of become relegation candidate for the rest of the season. I fancy Sunderland to heap more woe onto the shoulders of Gianfranco Zola.

In the To Score market, Bent can be backed at an appealing [2.4] and the way he has been banging him this season makes that bet look quite an attractive one. I also like the look of Sunderland/Sunderland at [3.5] in the Half Time/Full Time market.

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