Premier League tips

My weekend accumulator tips 

Liverpool, Manchester United,  Manchester City and West Ham to win. £5 returns £27. - Winner

Goals galore in the Tottenham, Swansea, West Brom, Norwich, West Ham, and QPR games. £5 returns £105.19 - Loss of a fiver

Saturday 20^th October

Tottenham vs Chelsea

Two in form sides meet at White Hart Lane in the early kick off on Saturday, with the Andre Villas-Boas coming up against the side that gave him the boot back in March of this year.

Chelsea will be without skipper John Terry who decided against appealing his four game ban for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. A side from the long term injuries to Younes Kaboul, Spurs are at full strength and will fancy their chances of getting something from the game.

If either side are going to win I fancy Spurs to do so, however I can’t see anything but a score draw on Saturday.

Tottenham 1 Chelsea  1 - 13/2 with William Hill - Lose a fiver

Other tips
Both teams to score - 4/6 with Coral - Returns of £8.33
Gareth Bale assist a first goal - 10/1 with BoyleSports - Bet void.
Under 2.5 goals - 22/19 with Betfair - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £6.67

Fulham vs Aston Villa

Fulham’s home form as always is very good, with champions Manchester City the only side to take something from Craven Cottage this campaign, whilst Aston Villa’s away record has been poor for a while now; however they did impress, all be it in defeat away to Tottenham a fortnight ago.

Dimitar Berbatov will be back for Fulham and the Bulgarian international will look to continue his fine start to life at the London club. Paul Lambert has a decision on his hands whether to recall Darren Bent or stick with the Belgain Christian Benteke.

Lambert’s Villa are getting there slowly, and if they want to be able to move up the table they need to get something from these sort of games, and back them to get a point from Craven Cottage.

Fulham 1 Aston Villa 1 - 13/2 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips
Draw - 14/5 with Pinnacle - Lose a fiver
Dimitar Berbatov anytime goalscorer - 15/8 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
Under 2.5 goals - 21/20 with Bet Victor - Returns of £10.25

Match returns - Loss of £9.75

Liverpool vs Reading 

Liverpool’s home form has been poor for a long time now, registering just two Premier league wins at Anfield in 2012, both coming in romps against Everton and Chelsea last season. Reading are slowly adjusting to life in the Premier League, however they are yet to win and have blown leads in their last two outings against Newcastle and Swansea.

Reading stunned Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup in 2010

Prior to their draw with Stoke, Liverpool under BrendanRodgers had been improving and I fancy them to earn a routine win here, against his former club.

Liverpool 3 Reading 1 - 12/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Luis Suarez anytime goalscorer - 5/6 with Bluesquare - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 9/13 with Betdaq - Lose a fiver
Liverpool to win - 37/100 with Betfair - Returns of £6.85

Match returns - Loss of £13.15

Manchester United vs Stoke 

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side got back on track in their last Premier League match away to Newcastle in comprehensive fashion, whilst Stoke were solid and deserved their point away to Liverpool.

Danny Welbeck scored his first Manchester United goal against Stoke in 2008.

Despite losing less games then their illustrious opponents so far this season, Stoke have never registered a Premier League point at Old Trafford, and I don’t expect that to change here.

Manchester United 2 Stoke 1 - 17/2 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Over 2.5 goals - 8/13 with Skybet - Returns of £8.07
A penalty to be awarded – 8/5 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver
Stoke first team yellow card - 1/2 with Paddy Power - Returns of £7.50

Match returns - Loss of £4.43

Swansea vs Wigan

Swansea’s fantastic start under Michael Laudrup seems a long time ago now, with the club picking up just two points in their last five games. Wigan are as unpredictable as ever, but their performances have merited more points than they’ve registered so far this season.

Defensively both sides concede too many goals, with both shipping in eleven goals each in their last five games, meaning the both teams to score bet should be a banker.

Franco Di Santo and Arouna Kone have started the season in good form for Wigan and I fancy one of them to score in a Wigan win at the Liberty. 

Swansea 1 Wigan 2 - 12/1 with bet365 - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 4/5 with Stan James - Returns of £9
Aruona Kone to score first and Wigan to win - 8/1 with Betfred - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 18/19 with 188 Bet - Returns of £9.73

Match returns - Loss of £1.27

West Brom vs Manchester City

Steve Clarke has taken to management like a duck to water with West Brom sitting comfortably in the top half of the Premier League. City are slowly finding their form this year, with the 3-0 victory over Sunderland their best performance so far.

West Brom have won all four games at the Hawthorns this campaign, however this will certainly be the sternest test the Baggies have faced at home so far. The champions have only registered one Premier league away win this season, but that was in their last away outing against a good Fulham side.

I fancy Manchester City to end West Brom’s fantastic home record here with a comfortable victory.

West Brom 1 Manchester City 3 - 14/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Manchester City to win - 3/4 with 888Sport - Returns of £8.75
Over 2.5 goals - 3/4 with Coral - Returns of £8.75
Yaya Toure anytime goalscorer - 10/3 with BlueSquare - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £2.50

West Ham vs Southampton

West Ham’s unbeaten home start ended last time out at the hands of Arsenal, whilst Southampton needed a late Jose Fonte header to rescue a point against Fulham.

These two promoted sides have adjusted to life back in the top flight in differing fashion, granted the Hammers have had a much more favourable fixture list then the Saints.

Nigel Adkins will see this as a great chance to register their first away point of the season, however I reckon West Ham will just have too much at Upton Park.

West Ham 2 Southampton 1 - 8/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Andy Carroll first goalscorer - 5/1 with Betfred - Lose a fiver
Both teams to score - 4/6 with Bet365 - Returns of £8.33
West Ham to win - 10/11 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £9.54

Match returns - Loss of £2.13

Norwich vs Arsenal 

Winless Norwich find themselves in the bottom three and in desperate need of points. Arsenal have impressed so far this year, but will feel their performances have merited more points.

Robin Van Persie struck twice as Arsenal won 2-1 away to Norwich last year

Arsenal won here 2-1 last year, and I fancy the same result.

Norwich 1 Arsenal 2 - 8/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Norwich to score first and fail to win – 23/10 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver
Both teams to score - 7/10 with Coral - Lose a fiver
Arsenal to win - 4/7 with Bet Victor - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £20
Liverpool, Manchester United,  Manchester City and West Ham to win. £5 returns £27.
Day returns - Down £32.90

Sunday 21^st October

Sunderland vs Newcastle

Combined these two sides have drawn seven of their 13 league games this season, and that is why they aren’t  higher in the league, with their inability to get over the line in matches cost them.

Newcastle have a good record in this game since their return to the top flight, securing eight points, whilst staying unbeaten. Both sides have goalscorers in their side, whilst having injury problems defensively, and I’m backing there to be goals in this game.

With the onus on Sunderland to attack as the home side, I fancy them to secure a narrow win.

Sunderland 2 Newcastle 1 - 10/1 with Ladbrokes - Loss a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 5/6 with Coral - Returns of £9.17
Steven Fletcher anytime goalscorer - 15/8 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
Sunderland + Newcastle double chance – 2/7 with Skybet - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £10.83

QPR vs Everton

It’s fair to say Queens Park Rangers haven’t had the best of starts to the season and will need to improve if they are to avoid a second consecutive relegation battle. Everton on the other hand have made a rare flying start to the season, and find themselves in the Champions league positions after seven games.

QPR were much better, although again in defeat, away to West Brom last week, with Estaban Granero and Adel Taarabt in particular very impressive. It was again defensively they were poor and the first two West Brom goals were very avoidable. Everton rallied well against Wigan last time out, and down the left in particular all season they’ve looked fantastic.

At Loftus Road QPR have shown they can compete with the league’s very best under Mark Hughes, and although Everton are doing very well at the moment, I fancy QPR to at least get a share of the spoils.

QPR 1 Everton 1 - 6/1 with Bet Victor - Returns of £35

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 3/4 with Coral - Returns of £8.75
Either Leighton Baines or Adel Taarabt to score from outside the area – 9/1 or 11/1 - Lose a fiver
Draw - 44/17 with Pinnacle - Returns of £17.94

Match returns - Profit of £41.69

Day returns - Profit of £30.86

Weekend returns - Loss of £2.04
Overall returns - Profit of £12.32

Comfortable safety for West Ham

Despite not being the most popular man at times at Upton Park, Sam Allardyce guided West Ham to promotion at the first attempt ensuring the quickest of returns to the Premier League. A very positive end to the transfer window saw 'Big Sam' bring in two impressive loan additions in the shape of Yossi Benayoun as well as pulling of a transfer coup in the form of Andy Carroll.

Carroll had an impressive West Ham debut before injury brought it to a premature end

A good start to the season ensures that West Ham sit comfortably in the top half of the Premier League. Two wins at Upton Park have proven they'll be a hard nut to crack at home, which is imperative if they are to avoid being part of the relegation mix come the end of the season. 

The addition of Carroll hasn't done the belief Allardyce's side playing 'long ball football' any favours; however they do have some flair players in the form of Ricardo Vaz Te and the returning Benayoun, and these two could be the difference in the tight games.

I worry about them defensively as in their previous two Premier League campaigns they've conceded a lot of goals. Under Allardyce they'll be more solid then both Avram Grant and Gianfranco Zola, and in James Tomkins they potentially have a world-class centre half; however if they defend half as poorly as they did away to Swansea, then the Hammers will concede more then they score. 

Key player - Kevin Nolan. Having previously worked under Allardyce at Bolton and Newcastle, bringing Nolan to a then Championship side was a brilliant move for West Ham. Just three games into the new campaign and Nolan has proven his worth to the team with two goals, including the winner on their return to the big time against Aston Villa. A goal scoring midfielder is key as it takes the pressure of the centre forwards, and Nolan is one of the best in the business at doing exactly that. 

Two goals in three games already for Nolan

Prediction - 15th. I don't think the Hammers will be in a relegation fight this year and 15th may even be a tad harsh as they've started the campaign well; however they don't have enough about them to make the top 10. It might not be pretty at times but under 'Big Sam' it'll be effective in ensuring they won't be in a dog fight.

View from a fan - Tommy Wathen

What would be a good year?
For most Hammers fans the general expectation is to stay above the dreaded relegation zone, but for me that wouldn't be enough. I would like to think we have the ability to finish at least 14th, but we'd need some big performances for that to happen. It would also be nice to see the players give everything and the fans get behind the team which didn't happen all last season, which really angered me.

What would be a nightmare season?

Plain and simply relegation! 

Do you have the right man in charge?

People have their own opinions on Sam Allardyce and there is the tag that we play 'long ball football which isn't the West Ham way', but to perfectly honest if we pass the ball three million times before scoring like Spain, or if the goalkeeper kicks it long onto the centre forward's head and into the net, as long as the goals are there and the points are being earned. I'm very happy that we have Sam as our manager going into the Premier League, there is a lot worse out there and Sam has experience in the Premier League. I have full confidence in him.

Who would you have like to have seen arrive at Upton Park in the previous transfer window?

Firstly I would have loved to have seen Carlos Tevez return, which I still hope will happen. I prefer a hardworking team player joining the team rather then a selfish superstar. One player I wished we had signed was Jermaine Defoe. I know the majority of the Hammers fans wouldn't agree with me but you only have to watch him play to realise just how good he is. West Ham have not had a 20 goals a season striker for as long as I can remember, and he is exactly that!

Who should we look out for this year?

I think the most interesting area to look out for next season would be the youth players that are coming through. During the season I hope some of the youngsters get to show what they've got, whether it's too early or not is another question. Ricardo Vaz Te may also be an interesting asset this year. He had a fantastic second half to the season with us last year, and for a player that has been away from the Premier League for many years now, it will be a surprise  for all the Premier League defenders when they have the tricky Portuguese attacker running at them. 

Liverpool are short of Champions League quality

After a great end to the 2010-11 season, Liverpool started the season with realistic hopes of regaining a top four finish, with Mark Bright incredibly even tipping them for the title. However a recent run of poor form has left them seventh in the table despite spending a net £44million since King Kenny's Liverpool return.

Has King Kenny got his transfers wrong and what can Liverpool achieve?

Since the return of the Liverpool legend to the helm of the club; he has brought nine players, all with differing success.

Good purchases

Luis Suarez- The Uruguayan striker has been an undoubted success. Suarez took no time in adjusting to the English game and was fantastic towards the end of last season. The former Ajax man has scored just twice in eleven games before his recent ban; but was still a consistent threat. Since his ban Liverpool have struggled and if they are to achieve their goals this season, they will need Suarez in good form.

Jose Enrique- Liverpool’s left back represented a bargain move at £6million, in doing so solving their problem area. Defensively Liverpool have actually been strong this season, with Enrique’s addition a vital one. The former Newcastle man is as comfortable in his own half as the oppositions, with many calling for him to be selected in the Spanish national side.

Craig Bellamy- A free transfer from Manchester City, Bellamy has been good whenever he’s pulled on the red of Liverpool. A versatile player, with his ability to playing on the wing or up front, meant the dealt was always worth the gamble. Bellamy has often been selected in the key games ahead of out and out wingers, and his goal threat is still as good as ever.

Poor purchases

Andy Carroll- Dalglish quoted him as the ‘minus £15million man’; however the £35million deal has backfired spectacularly on not on him but Liverpool, with a return of just four Premier League goals in 25 games for the former Newcastle man.

Stewart Downing- Was brilliant for Villa, distinctly average for Liverpool. Without a goal or an assist in the Premier League, it’s fair to say Downing’s start with Liverpool has yet to get going.

Jordan Henderson- Another overpriced move for a young English midfielder, Henderson is another who has struggled in the red of Liverpool. Of the three signings in this category, Henderson has been the best and I’m sure will get better over time.

All three have lost or are struggling to keep a hold of their England squad place ahead of Euro 2012.

Done ok

Charlie Adam- Liverpool got their target after attempting to purchase the Scottish midfielder in the transfer window of January 2011; however for me he isn’t as good as two of the centre midfielders Dalglish let go in Alberto Aquilani and Raul Meireles. With Lucas injured, the partnering of Adam with Steven Gerrard in the recent defeat at Bolton only highlighted that the similar duo probably can’t play together, meaning Adam may be edged out of the side in favour of a holding midfielder.  

Doni- A free from Roma, the second choice keeper is yet to figure for Liverpool; however his addition adds strength to the area as Doni is a better goalkeeper then Brad Jones.

Sebastian Coates- The defender was voted young player of the recent Copa America tournament and is seen by many as the replacement to Jamie Carragher when the Liverpool legend hangs up his boots. Due to Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel’s form, he has had limited chances to impress this season; however he is young and looks a good prospect.

Where can Liverpool finish this season?

For me Champions League football is out of the question for Liverpool. They’ve been fortunate in the sense that Chelsea and Arsenal have been poor this season, but Liverpool’s inability to score goals have resulted in far too many home draws. In the big games this season Liverpool have actually been good; with wins away to Arsenal and Chelsea particular highlights, but their recent failure away to Bolton only highlighted how desperately they need Luis Suarez, with Carroll again poor. The defeat to Bolton wasn’t only a poor performance, but its timing couldn’t have been worse, with all of their rivals for a Champions League spot failing to win, meaning Dalglish’s side missed an brilliant chance to close the gap, against a side whose home form was the worst of all 92 League clubs. I think Chelsea will have too much for them in the fight for fourth, so a Europa League spot is the best they can achieve.

They currently hold a 1-0 advantage going into the home leg against Manchester City and with either Crystal Palace or Cardiff in the final, the League Cup is theirs to lose, and with Manchester United in the F.A cup, the League Cup is their best chance at silverware this season.

Kenny Dalglish heavily criticised his players in the recent defeat at Bolton stating they won't be here long if they continue to under-perform, yet he must take some of the blame for this, as six of the 13 who featured were his purchases. Don't get me wrong, Liverpool have improved under Dalglish since his return, but for me they are still miles behind not only both Manchester clubs, but also Tottenham.

Liverpool still need to add if they are to challenge.

Liverpool's recent revival under Kenny Dalglish has been impressive, however if the club are going to challenge for the top four and silverware, they still need to add to their squad.

The left-back area for Liverpool has been a problem for the club, with the Paul Konchesky, the club's last signature in the left full-back spot, suffering a horrendous first season, finishing the season on loan at Nottingham Forest. The return of Emiliano Insua from his loan spell with Galatasaray offers an alternative, however it is highly likely that Dalglish will want to bring a full back of his own. The club lost out on Gael Clichy with the Frenchman opting for Manchester City, and next in the pecking order is reportedly Jose Enrique at Newcastle United, who has frequently been linked with a move to the Merseyside club. The Spanish full back will slot in well at Liverpool. After taking a year to adjust to English football, Enrique had successive fine seasons with Newcastle, and if Dalglish secures the services of Enrique, it could bring an end to the clubs problematic area. Enrique probably won't be the only defender on Liverpool's radar, and despite Martin Skrtel impressing last year, the club will want to bring in another centre back with Daniel Agger and Sotris Kyrgiakos both linked with moves away from the club.

Enrique's fine form has attracted interest from Liverpool

Liverpool are also in desperate need to sign a winger, with Maxi Rodriguez likely to leave the club to return to Argentina. Since Rafa Benitez the club has had many wingers come and go, Jermaine Pennant and Harry Kewell to name but two who haven't matched the hype surrounding their move. Dirk Kuyt over the last three seasons has often been deployed as a winger, moving from his favoured centre forward position to help the team. However despite the Dutchman's best efforts he isn't a winger. The club have moved their need for a winger to the top of their wanted list this summer, with Stewart Downing the most likely addition. Juan Mata, Jeffren, Aaron Lennon and Marc Albrighton have all been linked with the club, however a move for the former Middlesborough star is being lined up. After a bid of £15million rejected, it is expected that Liverpool will increase their bid, with Villa likely to accept an offer in the region of £20million.

Despite Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam being good additions, for me I don't feel the duo are better then the centre midfields they already have at the club. Henderson is a huge talent, however his tender age suggests his best years at the club will be in the future. The return of Steven Gerrard is a huge bonus, and despite now being in his 30's is still the best centre midfielder at the club. The much criticised Lucas Leiva had a fantastic season and was arguably the teams player of the year last year. And when you throw in Raul Meireles and the returning Alberto Aquilani, who when you can get on the pitch is a fantastic player, the club aren't short of centre midfielders, and with the double addition of Henderson and Adam, that means Liverpool have six centre midfielders all vying for a maximum three spots in the side.

Much will be expected from their £35million man Andy Carroll this season who struggled for fitness and form despite the clubs strong form towards the end of the season. One possible reason behind this was due to their lack of a winger at the club to supply crosses for the target man, added to the fact Steven Gerrard missed the final three months of the season, Liverpool didn't have a strong set piece taker to supply Carroll, who flourished under Joey Barton's ability behind a dead ball in the first half of the season. However with Gerrard set for a return and an addition on the wing immanent, Carroll should be able to regain his form that made him England's most expensive player.

Towards the end of the season Liverpool had a nice balance to them, and the question is can Dalglish's Liverpool replicate that form when the pressure is more intensified. For me there is no way Liverpool will compete with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea for the title, however I do feel they are only a couple additions away from a much need return to the Champions League.

King Kenny is likely to continue his spending spree