Premiership Finale
9/5/2008
Author: J Beith
It looks like it’s going to be an exciting finale to the Premiership season on Sunday with the title still up for grabs and the relegation battle still to be decided. For some clubs and fans the day will end in delight at winning the title or surviving for another year in the Premiership, while for other’s the day will end in tears and despair.
We’re going to take a look at the matches that will decide the title and relegation battles and see if we can find some value bets to end the season on a high for punters.
Wigan v Manchester United
Manchester United will have to win at Wigan if they are to be sure of clinching the title with Chelsea looking a banker bet to take three points from Bolton. Wigan are unbeaten in their last seven games at home and with safety assured they will go into this game with no fear and will look to put on a good display for their fans. United haven’t won in their last three away matches, but they do have a good record against Wigan having beaten them in all five previous meetings since Wigan’s return to the top flight in 2005. With so much at stake for United a victory that would see them clinch the title looks certain and the 1/4 (Skybet) looks worth taking. We predict a score line of Wigan 0- 3 United 7/1 (Bet365)
Chelsea v Bolton
Mathematically Bolton could still be relegated if results elsewhere go against them and they take nothing from this match. Bolton have won three of their last four matches, but they have to overcome Chelsea’s formidable home record and that looks unlikely. Chelsea don’t offer much value at 1/6 (VCbet) but it still looks a banker bet and we take Chelsea to win and push United all the way to the wire. We think a good bet here is Michael Ballack 6/1 (Skybet) to be the first goalscorer.
Birmingham v Blackburn
Even if Birmingham beat Blackburn it may not be enough to see them survive in the Premier League. With just one win in their last nine matches Birmingham now sit second bottom a point behind Reading and Fulham and are in desperate trouble. We think they will give it a real go and can get a draw 9/4 (Bodog). This would be enough for them to stay up given their superior goal difference if Reading and Fulham were both to be beaten, but with Reading playing bottom club Derby a draw might not be good enough.
Portsmouth v Fulham
Having won their last two matches Fulham have a great chance of avoiding the drop if they can take at least a point from their visit to Pompey. Portsmouth have been in indifferent form of late, although they have only lost one of their last eight home matches. Fulham are 6/5 (Paddy Power) to win the match and are 12/5 (Coral) to get the draw. But given Portsmouth’s home record the 5/2(VCbet) on offer looks great value and shouldn’t be missed.
Derby v Reading
Reading just can’t seem to find the net at the moment and while they must have a great chance against a Derby team who have only picked up three points from their last 13 games, their lack of firepower must be a real worry. The three points Derby have managed to pick up at home have all been against sides struggling to avoid relegation and we think Derby can pick up another point here and leave Reading sweating on the outcome of other matches. We go for the draw 3/1 (Partybets) and think the 1-1 correct score 7/1 (Ladbrokes) could also be worth a small stake.
