Premiership Betting - Matchday 10 Preview
18th Oct 2007, 19:31
With less than ten fixtures played, Bolton’s Sammy Lee has joined Jose Mourinho on the Premier League’s managerial scrap-heap. There are certain to be more casualties, sooner rather than later, in a league where the financial stakes are so high, failure cannot be tolerated for long. Premiership bettors shouldn’t tolerate anything but the best Premiership betting odds, usually found at PinnacleSports.com.
Managerless Trotters Face Stern Test at League Leaders
After just nine games in charge of Bolton Wanderers, Sammy Lee has left the club by mutual consent. Having spent the last four seasons mounting a realistic challenge for a Champions League place, Bolton’s current position - one place off the foot of the table - has forced the club to act. Lee succeeded Sam Allardyce in the summer, who moved onto Newcastle, giving the impression that he felt the club had hit a glass ceiling. As the search for a replacement begins, the Trotters - with just one win this season - must prepare for a visit to unbeaten Premiership leaders, Arsenal, under stand-in coach, Archey Knox.
The Gunners have a perfect record at the Emirates Stadium this season, but left it late in their most recent home game against Sunderland. Robin Van Persie scored the decisive goal late on in the 3-2 win, after the Londoners had relinquished a 2-0 lead. So long as Arsene Wenger gets his multi-national squad back in one-piece from international duty, particularly Cesc Fabregas, the most influential player this season, Arsenal will be strongly fancied to maintain their position at the top of the league. However, bettors should note that Bolton have drawn on four of their last seven away trips to Arsenal, while losing the remaining games by a single goal margin. PinnacleSports.com price Arsenal favourites 1.990 (-1.5) with Bolton 1.935 (+1.5).
Torres Doubtful for Merseyside Derby Debut
Liverpool’s record signing and current top-scorer – Fernando Torres – is a major doubt to make his debut in a Merseyside Derby. He injured himself training for Spain, and is in race to be fit for Saturday’s key game at Goodison Park. The Reds will be looking to end a poor recent run that has seen them win just one of their last seven league and European fixtures. Rafa Benitez can not afford to see his side lose further ground on Arsenal, with several clubs including Everton breathing down their neck, defeat could see them slip to mid-table. The Toffees are without Andy Johnson, but he has been in dire form in any case. The club were given a huge boost by making the UEFA Cup group stages, but would love to top that off with a repeat of last season’s 3-0 home win against arch-rivals, Liverpool. PinnacleSports.com price Liverpool marginal favourites 2.140 (-0.5) with Everton 1.806 (+0.5).
Progressive Villans Ready to Thwart Red Devils
After an unlucky defeat in the dying seconds of their opening game at Villa Park, Aston Villa have recorded four consecutive home wins, including the scalp of Chelsea. The Midlands’ club certainly seem progressive in Martin O’Neill’s second season in charge, but must lift their game further against one of their least favourite opponents, Manchester United. The Red Devils have won the last eleven meetings of the clubs in all competitions, and Villa last beat them in 1999. After struggling for goals, United finally opened the flood gates last week against Wigan with a 4-0 win, featuring two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, who looks to be back to his best. United are however, still without Carrick and Hargreaves in central midfield, so with Villa in bouyant mood, this game is likely to be a much closer encounter. PinnacleSports.com price Man Utd marginal favourites 1.833 (-0.5) with Aston Villa 2.100 (+0.5).