Premiership Betting - Week 3 Preview
23th Aug 2007, 22:33
Last weekend’s Premiership game at Anfield between title hopefuls, Liverpool and Chelsea, once again proved how the outcome of football matches can turn on the decisions of officials. Referee Rob Styles has admitted he made a mistake in awarding Chelsea a penalty that allowed them to salvage a point, thereby robbing the Reds of two. Of course Styles’ mistake will have made a huge difference for bettors on the game, but unfortunately bad refereeing decisions are an occupational hazard of football gambling. What such events should underline for punters is the importance of maximising the benefit from those elements of betting within their control, such as always getting the best available price. For Premiership betting this will invariably be found at PinnacleSports.com, offering up to 60% better Premiership odds.
Must-Win Game for Misfiring Champions
Though we are only three games into the new Premiership season, Manchester United, the defending champions, already face a must-win game on Sunday at home to Tottenham. The Red Devils are winless having already dropped seven points, have scored just once, and are without the services of Wayne Rooney (injured) and Cristiano Ronaldo (suspended), last season’s top goal-scorers, while Owen Hargreaves is very doubful. This is United’s worst start to a Premiership season since 1992, when the league was launched, but the crucial point is that they still went on to win the title that year.
Spurs, visitors to Old Trafford on Sunday, have also experienced a turbulent start to the season. Two early defeats heaped early pressure on coach, Martin Jol, which a 4-0 home win over Derby has only marginally eased. The English press have reported that Seville boss, Juande Ramos, was lined-up as a replacement, but declined the invitation. This is of course all rumour, and may actually serve to rally the team behind their manager. The Lilywhites have a decent record at the Theatre of Dreams earning a draw in two of the last three visits, but with the pressure on Fergie’s side to deliver, Man Utd are favourites 2.11 (-1) with Spurs 1.826 (+1).
Premiership Leaders Face Another Stern Test
Early Premiership pace-setters, Man City, sitting pretty at the top of the table, with maximum points and no goals conceded, will face a stiff test of their new resolve at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Sven and his foreign legion have certainly made a huge positive impact, but few serious punters see the honeymoon lasting. Though the Citizens defended well in last week’s Manchester Derby game, they also benefited from United’s poor finishing, and a very lucky deflection. Micah Richards was outstanding in his new position of centre back, but he will have his hands full with Robin Van Persie & co. The Gunners will be boosted by an excellent 2-0 Champions League qualifier win in Prague, and the news that coach, Arsene Wenger, is close to extending his contract. The Gunners feel-good factor is further boosted by the return of Adebayor, Diaby, Eboue and Rosicky from injury. However, goalie Jens Lehmann, has already dropped several costly clangers, so the German stopper will be under close scrutiny. PinnacleSports.com have Arsenal 2.25 (-1) and Man City 1.741 (+1).
Elsewhere, Bolton seek their first points hosting the side with the longest injury list, Reading, while Chelsea could go top should they beat Portsmouth at home (and Man City lose). In eight Premiership meetings of the side, Chelsea have a 100% record having conceded just once.