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· WEST HAM UNITED have to be the bet of the day when they clash with fellow relegation candidates WATFORD at Upton Park on Saturday. This is simply a crucial game in the battle to survive the drop and although Curbishley has had some severe bad luck in terms of injuries to his new signings, attacking-wise he has an abundance of quality at his services. Watford on the other hand have endeavour and effort but have lacked that vital quality in the final third, especially taking into account the fact they lost Marlon King so early in the season. Put simply, if the Hammers are to start a revival then this Saturday is where it must begin. The home win is priced at around 5/6 which is a price well worth taking as Curbs and co. look to get a vital three points.
· The early kick-off sees surprise package READING take on a resurgent ASTON VILLA, and going by the form book this one is a home win all the way. However, I'm not too keen in writing off Villa. Although Reading took the spoils at Man City last time, the 2-0 scoreline was flattering and was also in no small part thanks to the City striker's inability to put the ball in the net. Villa on the other hand had no such problems against West Ham as Carew and Young continued their fine start. Not only that, but Villa survived immense pressure from the Hammers aswell to hang onto the three points. Villa do seem to be taking a turn for the better after a rocky patch, and although Reading are flying I feel that Villa can hold Coppell and co. to a draw, priced at around 9/4. Also, the 1-1 scoreline at around 5/1 may be worth an interest.
· Next up, battling SHEFFIELD UNITED welcome TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR to Bramall Lane and although the Blades were beaten last time I feel they can take advantage of Spurs' travel sickness. Warnock and co. easily deserved at least a draw at Blackburn last time and have shown a fantastic attitude, which may well just be enough to get the better of their opponents. Tottenham on the other hand haven't really remedied their poor start on their travels and they won't get an easy ride here. After being thumped 4-0 by Man Utd last time confidence may not be at the highest and the last thing you want as a pick-me-up is a tough slog at Bramall Lane. The home side once again have been underestimated by the bookies and are a staggering 15/8 to take a much needed three points, at that price they offer cracking value to make home advantage count.
· Champions CHELSEA can't afford any slip-ups in the title race as they face MIDDLESBROUGH at the Bridge. Last time out the Blues dispatched Blackburn with ease and I'm afraid Boro may suffer a similar fate. Although Boro upset Chelsea at the Riverside in the reverse fixture, which may give afew optimists hope of an upset here,(Boro are a massive 8/1 to win-draw no bet!), I personally can't see anything other than business as usual for Mourinho. Unfortunately the bookies odds of 2/7 reflect that but to be fair I thought they would be much shorter. This has to be accumulator material, and for a fairer price the 10/11 for main man Drogba to score anytime may pay out.
· A buoyant EVERTON will be looking to get back to winning ways against BLACKBURN ROVERS at Goodison at 3pm, and although they have already twice lost to their opponents I feel they should get revenge on Saturday. After holding rivals Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield with a fine defensive display, at home they can go one better against a Rovers side who have reportedly lost Pederson and Derbyshire to injury. The Toffees showed their defensive prowess last week and now need to step up a gear on the goal front, and in front of their home fans I feel they are due afew. Johnson should be sharper after recovering from an ankle injury and Anichebe looks a real threat, so the home win at around 11/10 looks well worth backing.
· After a superb result at White Hart Lane last weekend, MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to continue their fine form against CHARLTON ATHLETIC, who were narrowly beaten by Chelsea at home last time. This game may not be the one that defines the Addicks' season, but it may be one for the Red Devils. Although Charlton have improved, expectations of a result here should surely be asking too much. The 1/6 for a home win is ridiculous, however what worked last week may well work again, as the 4/6 for Fergie's boys to score in both halves once again looks a cracking bet. Also, Vidic is 8/1 to score anytime which is a good shout as he has netted on afew occasions and the Addicks may have trouble defensively at Old Trafford.
· The final 3pm game sees NEWCASTLE UNITED looking to bounce back from the defeat to Fulham as they welcome LIVERPOOL to St James Park. However, the home advantage may well work against them. The onus on the home side to take the game to the Reds may well play into their hands, especially if Rafa uses all three strikers again, giving them more space to operate. Everton did well to hold Liverpool last week, however it would be difficult to imagine the Toon Army being too enthusiastic about Roeder replicating the defensive approach that worked for Moyes. This could well be the game of the week as Newcastle do have goals in them, however I feel Liverpool are defensively stronger which may be the difference. The away win is priced around even money and I feel it is a great bet for Rafa and co. to bounce back to winning ways.
· The final Saturday game comes from Fratton Park as PORTSMOUTH take on MANCHESTER CITY. Although Man City were beaten by Reading last week, they showed that they can create chances and the abscence of an in-form striker is glaring, however I fell they can't be written off too easily on Saturday. Hosts Pompey themselves have wobbled a little, with a poor performance at Wigan last week and the news that Primus is injured has added further concerns. For me, both sides have struggled to flow recently and the 4/5 for the home win is too short as to offer value, similarly the 16/5 for the away win is too short to offer temptation. The draw however, at 9/4 looks like a reasonable bet with both sides struggling to find their form.
· After another dire performance on the international front it is back to the Premiership, THANKFULLY. A solid four-timer which may bring a bit of cheer (something severely lacking when watching an England match) is West Ham (5/6), Everton (11/10), Sheffield United (15/8) and Liverpool (evens), which pays out at around 22/1.
By Lee Sykes
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