Weekend

ALAN MCINALLY – Weekend Football Preview

The majority of Premier League sides have just eight games left, so this is the part of the season when results really matter. At both ends of the table there are some cracking battles going on, especially where relegation is concerned. There are three points between bottom-placed Wigan and Blackburn in 13th.

Most of the struggling sides are in action on Saturday, so it’s bound to be another thrilling round of fixtures. One club who remain in trouble, but have turned a corner in recent weeks are Avram Grant’s West Ham. The Hammers looked dead and buried only a few weeks ago, but ever since the unbelievable comeback at the Hawthorns they have been a different side.

Manchester United visit Upton Park next and the Hammers’ run of three consecutive home victories will be under threat. Sir Alex Ferguson is well aware his side have not been good enough on the road this term, failing to win 11 of their 15 away matches.

At Old Trafford against Bolton, United once again showed fantastic resilience as they grabbed a late winner having been down to ten for the final 15 minutes. Still, United’s problems remain away from home and the Hammers have proved a bit of a bogey team for Fergie’s lot of late. I’m therefore looking to back the hosts with the -1 handicap at around 1.59.

Carlo Ancelotti still has hopes of winning the title and they can maintain the pressure on the sides above them with victory at the Britannia. The Blues have the height and strength to deal with the inevitable aerial onslaught from the Potters.

For me the game will be decided in the centre of the park and Chelsea are far superior in that department. The Blues will keep possession and pass their way to three points. After a difficult patch, the champions have the bit between their teeth and will feel they can chase down the league leaders.

Blackburn’s game at the Emirates will be an interesting clash and I can see Arsenal falling further back in the title race. The Gunners will need to be up for a battle, as that’s exactly what Rovers bring to the pitch.

Steve Kean will be disappointed with the club’s league position, but it’s so tight down there that a couple of good results can move you a number of places. The Gunners are under huge amounts of pressure from chasing Chelsea and I just feel that they are due another slip up. I wouldn’t go crazy, but a small punt on the draw looks worthwhile.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:
West Ham v Man Utd: Back West Ham with -1 handicap at 1.59
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Stoke v Chelsea:  Back Chelsea at 1.75
To view the BETDAQ market for STOKE v CHELSEA - CLICK HERE

Arsenal v Blackburn: Back the draw at 6.6
To view the BETDAQ market for ARSENAL v BLACKBURN - CLICK HERE