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

"Mystical" Mike Norman consults his crystal ball and sees a win for Blackburn at the Riverside and a narrow victory for Arsenal courtesy of a big Robin Van Persie contribution.

It's my girlfriend's birthday on Saturday so I wanted to do something very special to show her how much she means to me.

Unfortunately, she has one of those atrial fibrillation (a dodgy ticker to you and me) conditions that prevents her from taking in much excitement. Usually we go for a quiet romantic meal, but this year her doctor has ordered that she gets as much rest as possible and takes part in activities where the risk of getting over excited is minimal.

Not one for staying in on such occasions, and after much deliberation, I've decided to take her to the only place in the region where she is guaranteed peace and quiet and no excitement whatsoever. I'm taking her to see Middlesbrough v Blackburn! Thankfully for others, this game is just one of the six non-TV Premier League games this weekend.

Arsenal [1.53] v West Ham [8.0]; The Draw [4.4]

Arsenal aren't losing many games at the moment, but without Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott they're not creating enough chances to win many either. West Ham are one of the form teams in the Premier League, winning four of their last five and scoring 13 goals. This is a lot tougher than recent assignments however, and I just fancy the Gunners in a low-scoring affair.

Arsenal haven't scored more than one league goal in a game at the Emirates since early November, so backing Under 2.5 Goals at [2.1] is the bet in the Over/Under market as they don't concede many on home soil. A Correct Score of 1-0 ([8.2]) is how I'd play in that particular market with a saver on the 1-1 draw ([9.6]).

For a First Goalscorer, look no further than the excellent Robin van Persie, who against Everton in mid-week proved once again that he has exceptional talent and is a danger throughout. He will be available to back at around [6.5] once the market matures.

Aston Villa [1.73] v Wigan [6.0]; The Draw [3.8]

Villa are grinding out the results at a crucial time of the season and are fancied to do so again against a Wigan team that has lost Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey in the transfer window, and Antonio Valencia to injury.

These two teams have met seven times in recent seasons with the games between them averaging just about 2.5 goals per game. Three of those games have ended with Over 2.5 Goals ([2.1] to back this time) and four have finished with Under 2.5 Goals being scored ([1.88]). I just favour Under 2.5 this time around.

Footballers have a strange habit of scoring against their previous employers (eg. Craig Bellamy on his Man City debut against Newcastle midweek) so don't be surprised if Heskey pops up with the First Goal (expected to be around [8.0] to back) or at Any Time ([2.5]) during the game.

Bolton [2.84] v Tottenham [2.74]; The Draw [3.45]

This game could possibly end up 0-0 ([11.0]) as it could 3-3 ([95.0]), such is the unpredictability of each side. Both had been struggling for league goals prior to their mid-week fixtures, but they suddenly hit five between them in no time at all before producing poor second half performances. Let's hope the goals continue to flow in a high-scoring encounter.

Over 2.5 Goals is available to back at [2.28], but don't ignore Over 3.5 Goals at [4.1] or even Over 4.5 Goals at a very appealing [9.2] (scores in recent seasons between the two sides include 4-1 and 4-3 to Tottenham and a 3-1 to Bolton).

I can just visage this game being wide open, littered with errors and some moments of genius. In such games I always cover the bigger priced options in the Half Time/Full Time market, so it's Bolton/Tottenham and Tottenham/Bolton for me - both available to back at [38.0].

Fulham [2.06] v Portsmouth [4.2]; The Draw [3.45]

Fulham are very reliable at Craven Cottage (unbeaten since September) but have now recorded just one league victory in their last nine games. Portsmouth's recent form is even worse (just one win in ten), but they didn't play too badly against Villa in midweek even with ten men and could snatch a point here.

The last five Premier League fixtures between Fulham and Portsmouth have all ended with less than 2.5 goals being scored, and with both sides struggling to find the net at the moment, Under 2.5 Goals is much the safest choice at [1.78]. Under 1.5 Goals is available to back at just [3.15] for those of you who, like me, are predicting a drab affair.

In the Correct Score market, 0-0 ([10.5]) and 1-1 ([7.2]) are likely to be popular selections, but if either team is to grab a much needed victory then it is likely to be by a single goal. You can back 1-0 to Fulham at [7.4] and 1-0 to Pompey at [12.0].

Hull [2.26] v West Brom [3.65]; The Draw [3.4]

Yet another game that features two teams who are struggling. Hull can't buy a win at the moment and have lost six on the bounce in the league. West Brom have won a few at home, but on the road they have now lost an alarming eight consecutive games. Something has to give here, and I fancy Hull to halt their recent slump.

Confidence in a home victory is slightly tainted with the knowledge that the last four meetings between these two sides have seen the away team win every time. However, Albion are suffering desperately with injuries and suspensions so backing Hull/Hull in the Halt Time/Full Time market at [3.8] seems logical.

It promises to be a scrappy affair that offers everything - goals (Over 2.5 Goals can be backed at [2.1]), cards ([4.5] for a Sending Off) and drama right to the end. Geovanni must rediscover his early season form sometime and he is my selection in the First Goalscorer market at around [10.0].

Middlesbrough [2.66] v Blackburn [3.0]; The Draw [3.4]

Try telling Rovers fans that the North East is dull. From their last 14 visits to the region they have won an amazing 12 times (including four straight victories at the Riverside) and drew twice (their toughest game was arguably against Blythe Spartans)! Now they're back, playing a Boro team that has perfected the art of scoring nil!

It pains me to say it, but the [3.0] about a Blackburn victory must be an early contender for bet of the year. Remember, Boro haven't won in ten league games and have scored just once in over 600 minutes of Premiership football. Blackburn are unbeaten under Sam Allardyce and always win in the North East. Push the boat out and back Blackburn/Blackburn at [5.8] in the Half Time/Full Time market, and Rovers to record a Clean Sheet at [3.7].

For a Correct Score, look no further than 0-1 ([10.0]) and 0-2 ([19.0]) scorelines which will cement Boro well and truly in the relegation zone.

I think I need a lie down now. Either that or my heart is fibrillating. Don't worry; it's nothing a dose of watching Boro can't solve!

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