Swansea v Wolves Saturday KO 1500, Match Odds: Swansea 1.584/7, Wolves 6.86/1, The Draw 4.3100/30
The pressure is off as far as the Wolves players are concerned. They now know their fate and will try and enjoy their last few games in the Premier League whilst giving their supporters something to cheer about. Terry Connor is one of football's good guys, but unfortunately his first job as a number one has seen him fall victim of the old saying about sow's ears and silk purses.
One statistic that Connor can take heart from is his team's historical record against Swansea, Opta points out that Wolves have lost only one of their last nine games against the Welsh outfit, winning six of them. It's an interesting fact, but yesterday has been and gone and it's what happens on Saturday that counts and having looked at it from every angle in the hope of finding some value by laying the Swans there really is no logical justification.
Probably the two most pertinent Opta facts are that Wolves have won none of their last 11 Premier League games and have failed to score in their last three matches making a home win to nil at around 3.02/1 look tempting.
West Brom v Aston Villa Saturday KO 1500, Match Odds: West Brom 2.166/5, Aston Villa3.7511/4, The Draw 3.5551/20
Aston Villa supporters were scathing in their criticism of their manager Alex McLeish after his side had produced yet another hapless performance during their 2-1 home defeat against Bolton in midweek.
Villa's current form is dire, Opta points out that they have won only one of their last 13 Premier League games, haven't recorded a victory in their last seven and it's dificult to see where their next decent result is going to come from as their points cushion evaporates.
Their under-pressure manager will be boosted by the news that Richard Dunne is available after a broken collarbone which caused him to miss 10 weeks of action and McLeish looks set to bring the influential defender straight back into the starting XI.
In contrast West Brom go into the game on a high having won at Anfield last week and as Opta points out they have won and kept a clean sheet in three of their last four Premier League games which makes the odds against available on the baggies looks very generous.
Wigan v Newcastle Saturday KO 1500, Match Odds: Wigan 2.915/8 Newcastle 2.6413/8 The Draw 3.5551/20
Both these teams come into this match in cracking form. Opta point out that Wigan have picked up 12 points in their last six Premier League matches and that only Man Utd (13) and Newcastle (18) have gained more. Newcastle's form is as good as it's ever been, Opta tells us that they are now just one short of their Premier Leage record of seven consecutive victories.
The Geordies' dream of Champions League football is fast becoming a reality but Alan Pardew will be concious of just how difficult a run-in his team has. Newcastle have to play Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton after this game and with only Roberto Macini's men scheduled to visit the North East Pardew knows that a win here is vital.
It helps when you have a striker who is on fire and Opta highlights the fact that Papiss Demba Cisse has equalled Micky Quinn's record of the most goals in his opening 10 league appearances, scoring 11 times. He has excelled in his role as a lone striker, it's a formation that fits perfectly to his game and there's every chance his hot-streak will continue on Saturday.
Recommended Bets
Best Bet: Back West Brom to win at 2.166/5
Back Swansea to win to nil at 3.211/5
Back Papiss Demba Cisse to score at anytime during the game at 2.35/4