Premiership Betting Analysis from PinnacleSports
26th Apr 2007, 7:36
The 2007 Premiership title race might now be remembered for a penalty incident. Referee Peter Walton waved away strong claims for a Boro spot kick at Old Trafford last Saturday, after United’s John O’Shea felled Dong Gook Lee late in the game. The Red Devils hung on for a point leading Jose Mourinho to claim a conspiracy. His anger intensified as he watched his team fail to beat Newcastle the following day, leaving them three points and 14 goals adrift. Luck is certainly an important part of winning titles but not successful gambling. The first rule of successful punting is to always get best price, and it is hard to beat the Premiership odds offered by www.PinnacleSports.com, up to 60% better than traditional bookmakers.
£30million Game at the JJB Stadium
In the starkest terms Saturday’s Premiership game between Wigan and West Ham could end up costing the loser around £30million. That is the value placed on avoiding relegation in the season before Premiership TV revenues increase dramatically. The Hammers looked dead and buried after defeats away to Sheffield United then at home to Chelsea, but kept their slim hopes of survival alive with a win against Everton at Upton Park last weekend. The problem facing Alan Curbishley is that the Irons have been unable to transfer the intensity of performances in front of their own fans to crucial games at fellow relegation strugglers. West Ham lost 4-0 at the Valley, and 3-0 at Bramall Lane; a similar defeat against Wigan will surely send them down with only games against Bolton and Manchester United remaining.
Wigan have endured a terrible second half of the season, but have doggedly avoided being dragged into the relegation places, despite failing to win any of their last six games. Though Paul Jewell will want the security of a win, he knows that the onus is on the visitors. The Londoners are three points below them with the worst goal difference of the five sides battling to avoid the two remaining relegation spots. It will however, worry Jewell that Wigan have conceded more goals at home than any Premiership side. Both sides are at almost full strength, so the time for excuses has gone, and it comes down to who performs better over 90 minutes. www.PinnacleSports.com have Wigan slight favourites 1.935 (0/scratch & -0.5) with West Ham 1.990 (0/scratch & +0.5).
Grudge Match at Goodison Park
Everton’s home game against Premiership leaders, Manchester United, is a true grudge match for reasons on and off the pitch. The Toffees currently occupy fifth place in the table, bringing with it a UEFA Cup spot, but they have a number of clubs snapping at their heels. United’s motivation is obvious - if they win their remaining four fixtures they win the title. The added spice comes from Wayne Rooney’s relationship with his former club. Many Evertonians see Rooney as a traitor and his popularity has plummeted to new depths after Everton coach, David Moyes, took out a libel action against the player as a result of claims in his biography.
Goodison Park is a hard place to get a result at the best of times, but with all these added under-currents, it is likely to be a Cup final atmosphere. The Red Devils are struggling with injury problems for a game that will present a huge physical test. Everton have lost just three times at home this season, but have won just one of their last ten league games against Manchester United at Goodison Park. They also have their own injury problems, missing two of their most important players, Tim Cahill and Andy Johnson. www.PinnacleSports.com price Man Utd as favourites on their Asian Handicap 2.520 (-1) with Everton 1.617 (+1).
Bolton Will Test Chelsea’s Resolve at the Bridge
Following United’s home draw with Boro, Chelsea had a golden opportunity to put the destiny of the Premiership title in their own hands. The chance slipped through their fingers as they were held at St James’ Park to a goalless draw, so they must now hope the Red Devils slip up again, while winning all their own remaining games. Chelsea play Bolton at the same time as the game at Goodison, looking to maintain their exceptional 60 game unbeaten home league record. That sequence includes a 5-1 thrashing of the Trotters last term at the Bridge, though this game is likely to be a little closer.
With this game sandwiched between two Champions League semi-finals Jose Mourinho will be juggling resources, while his opposite number, Sam Allardyce, can focus solely on this fixture. Bolton are in line for UEFA Cup qualification, but that spot isn’t booked yet, so Wanderers cannot afford to drop any points, while it would be a major coup to end Chelsea’s unbeaten record. Having recently been beaten at both the Emirates and Old Trafford stadiums, www.PinnacleSports.com envisage a further defeat for Bolton at Stamford Bridge pricing Chelsea 2.130 (-1.5) with Bolton 1.813 (+1.5).