Andy's Saturday tips - Chelsea to close gap

It looks like Manchester United are heading towards yet another Premier League title but the battle for Champions League places remains alive, as is the fight to avoid life in The Championship. Let's try to predict what will happen this weekend...

Chelsea v Tottenham

Tottenham really do have that look about them of a side who are jaded after a long season and slightly disappointed about the way this campaign has gone. A Champions League quarter-final place was a good effort and there was obviously no disgrace in crashing out to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.

But they went out of both domestic cups early on and have had some pretty inconsistent results in the league, often failing to win against teams at the wrong end of the table. Allowing a 2-1 home lead turn into a 2-2 draw against West Brom last Saturday like they did was typical of a team who have probably run out of steam and are wishing this season ended sooner rather than later.

The exact opposite can be said of Chelsea who seem to have a real second wind at the moment. Confidence is high, they're playing well and they're winning matches. The arrival of David Luiz was a big turning point in their season and though Fernando Torres only broke his duck last weekend, the fact he's at the club has just given Carlo Ancelotti more options and has increased the competition for places.

Then there's Frank Lampard. Having a player like him back from injury is like going out and signing a world-beater in January and it's no coincidence Chelsea's results and performances have improved dramatically since he's been back from injury - he really is that good.

Spurs have a poor record at Stamford Bridge and in the circumstances I've just mentioned, I don't think they'll be improving on it this Saturday. That said, they do have some attacking players in decent form and I can see them scoring at least once, albeit in a losing cause.

Recommended Bets:
Back Chelsea to win at [1.53]
Back Chelsea to win 3-1 at [13.0]
Back both teams to score at [1.92]

Andy's predictions for Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...

Blackburn v Bolton
That win over Arsenal at the weekend was the best possible comeback for Bolton after their FA Cup misery and life is looking a fair bit sweeter for them now. Life is pretty sour for Blackburn though and things could get even worse here.
Recommended Bets: Back Bolton to win at [3.95]; 0-1 at [15.0]

Blackpool v Stoke
Stoke are doing really well at the moment but they've played a lot of matches over the past two weeks and this could be the match where Blackpool take a huge step towards avoiding the drop.
Recommended Bets: Back Blackpool to win at [2.96]; 2-1 at [13.0]

Sunderland v Fulham
I'm not sure who will be starting up front for Sunderland because everyone is in the treatment room right now but I think they can muster at least a draw against a decent Fulham side.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.3]; 1-1 at [7.4]

West Brom v Aston Villa
These two teams don't have a huge amount to play for at this stage of the season but this is a local derby and I think we may just get a really good game of football.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at [3.45]; 2-2 at [15.0]

Wigan v Everton
Everton are ending the season on a positive note and though it's Wigan who really need the points, I think it's the visitors who will get them.
Recommended Bets: Back Everton to win at [2.6]; 0-1 at [9.0]

Andy Gray is now on Twitter so follow him for his exclusive tips and his take on the biggest stories in football each week.

Published: 28 Apr 2011

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