It’s time for more Premier League action as we enter into Week 22. League play has taken a back seat to Carling Cup and FA Cup action this past week, but we’re back into the swing of things on Saturday. Things are heating up as we finally have a change atop the leader board. Arsenal has taken over the number one spot with just one game and one point separating second place Chelsea and third place Manchester United. There is only one weekend match this week with others being played mid-next week. My pick for match of the week has to be Birmingham City at Chelsea. Here I take a look at a few this week’s top games, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Manchester United: -700
Draw: +625
Hull City: +1800
#3 Manchester United have won three and drawn one of their last four outings and remain just one point behind the leaders. A win this weekend could leapfrog last years reigning champs into sole possession of first place. The Red Devils shut out Burnley 3-0 in their last outing and are in good form. They will host #18 Hull City in this weekend’s only match up on Saturday at Old Trafford. The Tigers have finished all square in their last two outings, but still remain towards the bottom of the table. They have recently picked up Amr Zaki on loan but he will not be ready for this weekends match against United. With home advantage I expect Man U to pick up the win and all three points in this one, closing in on the top spot.
Aston Villa: +190
Draw: +225
Arsenal: +135
#1 Arsenal recovered from two goals down to beat Bolton 4-2 last Wednesday and take the number one spot away from Chelsea on the table for the first time this season. The Gunners will now travel to # 17 Aston Villa on Wednesday, a place they have done fairly well. Villa sealed a Carling Cup final spot after a thrilling 6-4 victory in the semi-final second leg at Villa Park over Blackburn this past week. They will be heading to Wembley in just a few weeks, but first they will have to face the red hot Arsenal. The Gunners always present a tough match, but the Villans have a heap of momentum behind them. Arsenal will remain without star striker Robin van Persieso, so they will need the same stellar performances from Rosicky and Arshavin as they had against Blackburn. The Gunners are 9-1-1- at Emirates Stadium so I expect an Arsenal win.
Chelsea: -450
Draw: +450
Birmingham City: +1200
Despite a 7-2 pounding of Sunderland last Saturday, #2 Chelsea fell from grace this week as Arsenal leapfrogged over them to top the table. It’s the first time since league play began that Chelsea has given up the number one spot. The two are tied with 48 points with Arsenal having one game at hand. The Blues will be looking to retake their seat atop the table when they host # 7 Birmingham City on Wednesday. City is arguably the most in-form team over the past few months. They are currently riding a 12 game unbeaten streak and will return to action after last week’s match against Portsmouth was postponed due to inclement weather. They have not lost at home all season, and have only drawn once. Chelsea will be the favorites in this match especially since they are 10-1-0 on their home pitch. But don’t discount Birmingham’s ability to take points, and even wins, away from home. They have already beaten teams like Liverpool at Anfield, so a win at Stamford Bridge wouldn’t be the biggest surprise we’ve seen this season. I expect a 2-2 draw with both teams taking away a point in this one.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.