Premiership Non-Televised Matches: Plain sailing for Chelsea and Man Utd, stormy encounter for Arsenal at Stoke

Premier League / Robert Hughes / 31 October 2008 / Leave a Comment

Robert Hughes gives us the nuts and bolts of this weekend's non-televised Premiership matches where anything other than three points for Chelsea and Man Utd would be a massive upset. Middlesbroughh are a good bet for a second win in a row but Arsenal less so...

Chelsea v Sunderland

Chelsea's comfortable victory at Hull was their fourth win in five games - the exception being last weekend's defeat to Liverpool, which they will be hoping was just a blip. In contrast to their 100% away record, however, they have won only two out of five at home. Sunderland have been extremely unpredictable this season, and their confidence will not be high following their disappointing defeat at Stoke in midweek. There is not much value in the [1.22] currently available for a Chelsea victory, so you might want to consider something like a 2-0 home win, at [6.4] in the Correct Score market. Chelsea's Florent Malouda has been enjoying a much better second season in English football, and he can be backed at around [3.5] to score his fifth goal of the season here.

Man Utd v Hull

United eased to victory at home to West Ham on Wednesday, and this is a further opportunity for them to gain ground on the leaders. Old Trafford would be the last place that Hull would want to visit after Chelsea put an end to their winning run in midweek. Their success so far has to a large extent been based on their away form (with four wins out of five), but this will be their biggest test yet. United are not surprisingly, strongly-fancied to win this one, and are currently [1.2] to take the three points. However, given Hull's impressive away form and defensive organisation, you might want to consider the option of a draw, which can be backed at [7.6]. Geovanni has shown a knack for scoring important goals for Hull this season, and he is currently available at around [6.5] to score his sixth of the season.

Middlesbrough v West Ham

Middlesbrough have recovered well from their crushing home defeat to Chelsea, and deservedly beat Man City on Wednesday. They are normally very strong at home, but this season they have already lost twice at The Riverside. However, West Ham's away record is poor, with four defeats out of five - and their loss at Old Trafford was their fourth in a row. With this in mind, I'd be considering the [2.08] available for a home win. Another interesting factor, however, is that 14 of the 15 goals conceded by Middlesbrough this season have come in the second half. Therefore you might want to look at something like Middlesbrough / Draw at [16] in the Half Time / Full Time market. These teams have produced an average of 2.85 goals per game so far this season, so I would also consider Over 2.5 Goals at [2.0].

Portsmouth v Wigan

Portsmouth showed with their performance at Anfield in midweek that defensive organisation should not be a problem under new manager Tony Adams. However, will they also be able to produce the more positive, open football at home which they were capable of under Harry Redknapp? Meanwhile, Wigan seem to be in freefall since their victory over Man City at the end of September - Wednesday's defeat at Fulham was their fourth in a row. With Wigan struggling for form and the home side still finding their way under a new manager, the draw looks a decent option, at [3.5], while a 1-1 scoreline can be backed at [7.0]. Wigan's Amr Zaki, the second top scorer in the Premier League, is available at around [3.0] to score his 9th goal of the season.

Stoke v Arsenal

Stoke's victory over Sunderland was their third home win of the season, and they will relish the chance to take on Arsenal, who may still be coming to terms with their sensational draw against Tottenham - how they respond to that result could have a big influence on the course of their season. These two sides have scored 33 and conceded 28 between them this season, so I would expect a few goals here, and Over 2.5 Goals can be backed at [1.62]. With Arsenal having conceded three in the second half against Spurs, if you fancy them to again surrender a favourable position, the Half Time / Full Time market offers Arsenal / Draw at [19]. In contrast to his prolific start to last season, Cesc Fabregas has only one goal so far this term, but is available at around [4.3] to get going again with a goal here.

West Brom v Blackburn

West Brom are badly in need of a win, as their defeat at Newcastle was their third loss in a row. They have also been defeated three times already at The Hawthorns, and have managed only eight goals in ten matches. Blackburn are also struggling for form, having failed to win in their last four games. Not surprisingly then, the draw looks like the best option, at [3.45]. While neither side has been especially prolific so far, they have conceded 34 goals between them this season, so Over 2.5 Goals might be worth a look, at [2.1]. Albion's top scorer Roman Bednar, with three goals so far, can be backed at around [3.75] to find the net here.