A sneaky set of midweek fixtures are upon us just 24 hours after the closure of the transfer window. It is transfer deadline day as I write this and everything is going a bit bonkers! If you are to believe the rumours, Fernando Torres will switch from Liverpool to Chelsea for 50 million pounds and Andy Carroll will leave Newcastle for Liverpool for 30 million quid. Spurs might even be after Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid. I doubt any of these deals will go through, but if there any major transfers, adjust your bets accordingly.
Wednesday Morning
Arsenal v Everton (0645 AEDT)
Arsenal stumbled over Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Sunday and have only a 2 day turn around. Everton worked their socks off to earn a replay in their cup match against Chelsea. Robin Van Persie was rested, look for the Dutchman to start and score in this one. Everton are tough to break down, so I expect this one to also be very tight.
Andy’s Bet: Robin Van Persie to score anytime @ 1.73 (Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.10 (Sportsbet)
Sunderland v Chelsea (0645 AEDT)
I am still not convinced on Chelsea away from home. Yes, I know they thrashed Bolton 4-0, but they actually didn’t play that well. Sunderland outplayed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to win 3-0 earlier in the season and I think the black cats are excellent value for a win in this match up.
Andy’s Bet: Sunderland to win @ 5.90 (Betfair)
Manchester United v Aston Villa (AEDT 0700)
United are playing at home. United will win at home. It is like a broken record and the bookies are always very tight with the odds. For some value, punt on goals and a handy United victory.
Andy’s Bet: Manchester United to win by 2 or more goals @ 1.91 (Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.62 (Sportsbet)
West Brom v Wigan (AEDT 0700)
One of my golden rules is never to back Wigan when they are on the road. It is almost always successful and I expect this to be no different. Wigan were in FA Cup action at the weekend while West Brom got a much needed rest. The Baggies have signed Arsenal’s Carlos Vela on loan for the rest of the season and the little playmaker is exactly the creative spark that could keep West Brom away from relegation.
Andy’s Bet: West Brom to win @ 1.77 (Betfair)
Thursday Morning
Birmingham v Manchester City (0645 AEDT)
If this was a cup match I would be all over Birmingham. They have treated their fans to a fantastic week. Firstly they knocked off West Ham in extra time to seal a place in the League Cup final and then they overcame a two goal deficit to beat Coventry and progress to the last 16 of the FA Cup. I think those games will have knocked the stuffing out of them and City should come and take the points. Think smash and grab.
Andy’s Bet: Manchester City to win @ 1.91 (Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: Carlos Tevez to score anytime @ 1.91 (Sportsbet)
Blackburn v Tottenham (AEDT 0700)
Expect entertainment. Tottenham are in a bit of a dip and were exposed at the back by Fulham in an FA Cup 4th round 4-0 spanking. Spurs will always attack and Rovers are more than decent in the home comforts of Ewood Park. Roque Santa Cruz misses with a hamstring niggle and if it is an attacking game, then I think Spurs will have just too much firepower.
Andy’s Bet: Tottenham to win by exactly 1 goal @ 4.00 (Sportsbet)
Blackpool v West Ham (AEDT 0700)
I think this match is all about ‘pool midfielder Charlie Adam. Adam has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool. If he stays it will be a great fillip for Blackpool, but if he goes I fear for the seasiders premiership survival come the end of May. I think Adam will stay and I think Blackpool will win.
Andy’s Bet: Blackpool to win @ 2.44 (Betfair)
Bolton v Wolverhampton (AEDT 0700)
This is an interesting one. Bolton are in a slump and haven’t scored in 3 matches, while Wolves have been ordinary in their last 2 outings. I fancy that both teams had one eye on this fixture and didn’t go all out in the FA Cup. I’m on Wolves to pull off a minor upset and snatch a point.
Andy’s Bet: Draw @ 3.60 (Betfair)
Fulham v Newcastle (AEDT 0700)
This should be a good match. Fulham are in a spot of form, finally, and Newcastle have been in good form, denied victories over Tottenham and Sunderland by stoppage time levellers. I am going for Fulham purely because they are playing at home, and also because big Andy Carroll is still out injured for the magpies.
Andy’s Bet: Fulham to win @ 2.10 (Centrebet)
Liverpool v Stoke (AEDT 0700)
I am all over Liverpool to do the business here! The reds are excellent at home, fresh from a weekend off and should regain captain Steven Gerrard. When they win at home, they generally win to nil.
Andy’s Bet: Liverpool to win @ 1.65 (Betfair)
Andy’s Bet: Liverpool to win to nil @ 2.40 (Sportsbet)