14-09-2007 Premiership Betting - Week 5 Preview

After a double-header of international fixtures, some Premiership players will have already played twice for their respective countries. In some cases, commitments will have taken them as far as Australia and back, and next week’s Champions League fixtures will also heavily influence player selections. Bettors should therefore pay close attention to injury bulletins and team news, before taking advantage of PinnacleSports.com’s up to 60% better odds on Asian Handicap.

Everton have made a strong start to the season, taking 10 points from their opening five fixtures, keeping tabs on the Premiership leaders. If however, they are to remain in the top four by next May, they will need to take points off the big boys in home games, such as on Saturday when they host Manchester United.

In a crucial game at the very end of last season, Everton held a two goal lead at home to the Red Devils. However, instead of turning the Premiership race on its head, David Moyes’ side conceded four goals in the final half an hour, handing United the title. Moyes will want to improve on the aggregate score over both meetings last year which ended 7-2 in United’s favour. United have made an indifferent start, but their injury problems are easing, particulalry with the expected return of Wayne Rooney. Everton are boosted by the signing of Nigerian striker, Yakubu, but still start under-dogs with PinnacleSports.com, 2.140 (+0.5) with Man Utd 1.806 (-0.5).

Mourinho Must Assess Condition of Foreign Legion

Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, will be crossing his fingers that his multi-national squad return to the Cobham training centre in good condition. Andriy Shevchenko’s goal for the Ukraine, is welcome news, but the Blues need to pick themselves up after the very disappointing 2-0 defeat at Villa Park, their first of the season. Though his opposite number, Mark Hughes, will have similar concerns, he has a reduced exposure to the perils of international representation. Up until Mourinho’s arrival, Rovers had an excellent record at Stamford Bridge, unbeaten in their first ten Premiership visits, but have lost the last three visits with an aggregate score of 11-2. PinnacleSports.com price Chelsea 2.08 (-1 & -1.5) with Blackburn 1.855 (+1 & +1.5).

Under-pressure Jol Needs to Break Derby Hoodoo

Arsenal fans were given a huge boost ahead of the first North London Derby of the season, at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Arsene Wenger signed a new three year contract, but rumours persist of a possible takeover of the club by Russian billionaire, Alisher Usmanov, though at least Wenger’s commitment provides the kind of stability missing at Tottenham. Spurs’ recent capitulation at Craven Cottage will have heaped further pressure on Martin Jol, who’s position is rapidly becoming untenable, despite being barely five games into the new season. A win in this critical fixture would see the Dutchman’s stock rise dramatically, and he should have England winger, Aaron Lennon available for selection. Spurs however, haven’t won against Arsenal in 18 meetings but seven of the last eight at White Hart Lane have ended drawn. Nevertheless Spurs start as under-dogs 1.806 (0/scratch & +0.5) with Arsenal 2.140 (0/scratch & -0.5).

How Far Have the New Liverpool Come?

Liverpool’s 6-0 thrashing of Derby was interpreted by many as the sign that team had moved up a level. While it was impressive, form at Anfield under Rafa Benitez has never been called into question, it is on the road that the Reds must improve in order to become credible title challengers. Tricky visits to places like Fratton Park – where last year they lost - will determine whether Liverpool can end a long title drought. Portsmouth have themselves looked progressive this season, with a number of exciting new signings. In particualr the African trio of John Utaka, Sulley Muntari and Pape Diop, will give Rafa Benitez something to think about. Liverpool start favourites with PinnacleSports.com 1.962 (-0.5 & -1) with Portsmouth 1.962 (+0.5 & 1), a market priced to only 101.9%.

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