Don't dismiss Newcastle in scrap for sixth
Many will argue that it's a result of the lack of quality beyond the top five rather than because some of the Premier League's lesser lights have worked tirelessly to close the gap in class on teams like Liverpool and Aston Villa, but either way the battle for sixth is almost as open as the relegation scrap.
The Reds still hold the position, which will provide a Europa League spot if Manchester United, Arsenal or Manchester City win the FA Cup, yet their lead over Bolton and Sunderland stands at only two points, with Newcastle just three behind and Everton, Stoke and Aston Villa a further three back.
Liverpool are the clear favourites to improve on last season's seventh-place finish at [1.68], however their supporters will be far less confident than they were a few days ago after they suffered arguably their worst defeat to date under Kenny Dalglish away to West Ham on Sunday.
The flaws of the Anfield legend's favoured formation featuring three centre backs, which proved so successful against Chelsea earlier in the month, were exposed by Avram Grant, a manager regularly criticised - harshly in our opinion - for a lack of tactical nous, and they don't have the easiest of run-ins.
But who can take advantage? Sunderland ([6.8]) have lost four in a row to damage their chances and Bolton ([6.6]) may be distracted by fighting on two fronts if their FA Cup quarter-final against Birmingham goes to plan.
Everton are rated by Betfair punters as Liverpool's main rivals at [5.7] having re-entered the top half and the Toffees have a reputation as strong finishers, though they too could be dreaming of Wembley, so arguably the most interesting price on offer is the [14.0] on Newcastle completing a glorious top-flight return.
Alan Pardew's side are one of the most unpredictable in the division and aren't yet sure of survival but they are hard to beat, losing only one in nine in 2011, have spirit in spades and an encouraging final ten fixtures, while Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bolton was commendable having played almost a half with ten men. Stephen Ireland is also still to debut for the Magpies.
Could Newcastle spring another surprise? Have your say below...
Published: 1 Mar 2011
ballerfan2 (February 28, 2011 5:22 PM) said:
... not to mention that Ben Arfa is due back shortly too. Don't like that Pardew seems concerned by Barton's injury though. He has been instrumental in Toon's success so far.
I also would say that despite better results from Liverpool, they have looked far from convincing and yesterday's loss wasn't unexpected in my view. Has the Dalglish bubble burst? Newcastle's game against Liverpool could be very important.