Last week it was title race on. As of this Saturday night, it will be title race back off. After such a big build up to the Manchester United and Chelsea game last weekend, it should have been inevitable the match itself would be done and dusted in the first half hour. United were dominant and the trophy will now head north to Old Trafford. Manchester City have sewn up a Champions League birth, while the drama freaks among us may not have a relegation struggle to watch on the final day. Wolves have snuck out of the drop zone and could secure Premier League safety this weekend with a game to spare.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Blackburn v Manchester United (2145 AEST)
United just have to pick up a point in this match or their final day home fixture to Blackpool. There is no way this won’t happen, so the Red Devils can start celebrating a title win already. They still have a big Champions League final with Barcelona to come, but that isn’t for another week and a half, so expect a strong United lineup as Sir Alex looks to secure the title in style. Blackburn probably don’t have to pick up another point to avoid relegation, but they still have that fear to contend with and will probably be quite nervous about the prospect of dropping points, making it all the more likely Fergie’s men can win comfortably.
Andy’s Bet: Manchester United to win @ 1.76 (Betfair)
Andy’s Bet: Manchester United to win by exactly 2 goals @ 5.00 (Sportsbet)
Blackpool v Bolton (2145 AEST)
This will be a real nail biter for Blackpool’s home fans. It is the last time Seasiders fans will see their team at Bloomfield Road this season. They will be wondering what division their boys will be in when they return next season. Premiership or Championship? Bolton are probably good visitors to entertain right now. The Trotters are smack bang in mid table and don’t have an awful lot to play for. With a trip to Manchester United on the final day, it really is now or never for Ian Holloway’s Blackpool.
Andy’s Bet: Blackpool to win @ 2.20 (Betfair)
Sunderland v Wolverhampton (2145 AEST)
Sunderland still don’t have any strikers, but conjured an excellent 2-1 away win at Bolton last weekend. Wolves were also winners last time out, climbing out of the drop zone with a 3-1 success against West Brom. The Baggies are unlikely to enjoy similar gifts from this Sunderland defence, so I’m tipping a low scoring draw.
Andy’s Bet: Draw @ 3.49 (Pinnacle Sports)
Andy’s Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.73 (Sportsbet)
West Brom v Everton (2145 AEST)
Speaking of West Brom’s defence, they were very leaky last weekend, and if Wolves can knock three past them, then so can Everton. Only Manchester United and Arsenal have been beaten fewer times on their travels this season than David Moyes’ resilient Everton team. After a poor start to the season, and a wretched run of injuries to key players, Everton can be really proud of their current seventh placed position on the table. West Brom will just be happy to be staying in the division for another year.
Andy’s Bet: Everton to win @ 2.86 (Betfair)
SUNDAY NIGHT
Chelsea v Newcastle (2230 AEST)
Chelsea should lock in a second placed finish in this Sunday afternoon kick-a-bout. Newcastle were far from impressive in victory last weekend, struggling to overcome a 10 man Birmingham 2-1 at home. Chelsea have made Stamford Bridge their fortress and really should win this to nil. The Blues will control the midfield battle as Newcastle’s defensive midfielder Cheik Tiote will likely be rested. Tiote picked up a Premier League record equaling fourteenth yellow card of the season last weekend, and one more will see him earn a three game suspension at the start of next season. He won’t be risked and the Magpies will be overrun. With the title likely gone before kickoff, Fernando Torres will probably be given a run from the start He’ll probably score too.
Andy’s Bet: Chelsea to win to nil @ 2.00 (Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: Fernando Torres to score at anytime @ 1.73 (Sportsbet)
Arsenal v Aston Villa (0100 AEST)
With not much to play for this is effectively an end of season exhibition game. An erratic Arsenal are far too short for the win, but with the end of season feel, there should be plenty of goals. I don’t know who is going to get them, but there will be plenty of net-busters!
Andy’s Bet: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.50 (Sportsbet)
Birmingham v Fulham (0100 AEST)
Birmingham are three points clear of safety with just the two games to play. A good result here and they should be right. They play a Fulham team who were breached five times by Liverpool on Monday night. The Cottagers are generally strong defensively and will tighten up here. Expect a low scoring draw.
Andy’s Bet: Draw @ 3.37 (Pinnacle Sports)
Liverpool v Tottenham (0100 AEST)
This is effectively a battle for fifth place. Tottenham lost their battle for fourth place midweek against Manchester City, and I’m betting they will lose this too. Liverpool have finally found form. Gareth Bale is out after sustaining an ankle ligament injury last weekend against Blackpool. Bale has been Tottenham’s standout this season. He hasn’t been as effective in the Premier League as he was in their storming Champions League run, demonstrating their lower league position. Without him Spurs will struggle to create much at Liverpool.
Andy’s Bet: Liverpool to win @ 1.79 (Betfair)
Wigan v West Ham (0100 AEST)
Oh yeah, time for a basement battle! A good old fashioned relegation six pointer rounds out the weekend. If results on Saturday go against them, West Ham could actually be relegated for kickoff. If not, this is a must win game for both teams. The cynic in me believes that an ironic draw will probably take place, leaving neither side happy.
Andy’s Bet: Draw @ 3.55 (Betfair)
Andy’s Bet: West Ham to be leading at half time and a draw at full time @ 13.00 (Sportsbet)
SNEAKY EUROPEAN MULTI
Andy’s Bet: Manchester United, Celtic, Lazio, Borussia Dortmund and Valencia all to win @ 6.55 (Sportsbet)