17-01-2008 Premiership Betting - Matchday 23 Preview

The biggest Premiership story of the week is without doubt the re-appointment of Kevin Keegan as Newcastle United’s manager. Keegan, who was a legend as a player at the club and went on to manage the Magpies from 1992-97, is a shock replacement for Sam Allardyce, who recently became the league’s eighth managerial casualty. Saturday’s match at St.James Park will now be the focus of intense media attention, but if you fancy a bet on the game, take advantage of 60% better Premiership betting odds at PinnacleSports.com.

Saturday’s game at the Madejski Stadium between Reading and Manchester United looks as close as you can get for a banker for goals. The Royals have the worst defensive record in the Premiership (joint with Derby) while no club has scored more goals than the visitors. The Red Devils gave their goal-scoring tally a healthy boost last weekend, smashing six second half goals past hapless Newcastle, with Cristiano Ronaldo – the division’s top scorer – bagging his first hat-trick for the club.

United crept past Arsenal last weekend to top the Premiership, courtesy of their excellent goal difference, and Alex Ferguson will want to keep them their with three points in Berkshire. Steve Coppell’s side were beaten 1-0 at home by Spurs in their midweek FA Cup replay, but he has made no secret of his indifference to that competition. Survival in a difficult second season is his priority, which could prove a challenge on recent form. The Royals have lost three straight in the league conceding eleven, and transfer rumours hang over several of their key players. PinnacleSports.com price Reading underdogs 2.110 (+1 & +1.5) with Manchester United 1.826 (-1 & -1.5). Bettors should note however, that in five recent meetings of the clubs, Reading have drawn three, and lost the other two games by an identical 3-2 score.

Keegan Returns to Call the Toon on Tyneside

Kevin Keegan’s shock return to Newcastle United on Wednesday, elevates the weekend’s game against Bolton – an otherwise fairly unappealing fixture – to top billing on the Premiership fixture list. During his previous stint at the club, Keegan famously saw his side relinquish a 12 point in the title race, handing the title to United. That is the closest Geordies have come to heaven in the club’s recent history, and it appears that owner, Mike Ashley, has faith in Keegan’s personality and charisma, which he hopes will be translated onto the pitch.

Keegan moved from Newcastle to Fulham, England and then Man City, after which he stated that nothing would tempt him back into football management. Some see as his appointment of the ex-European Player of the Year as the heart ruling the head at Newcastle, but Keegan’s presence on Wednesday night inspired the Magpies to a 4-1 FA Cup win over Stoke. Staurday evening’s game against Bolton now assumes greater significance, which is probably bad news for the Trotters. They have lost four of their last five games, are without an away win all season and their star striker – Nicolas Anelka – has gone to Chelsea, so the heightened atmosphere at an expectant St.James Park will make it difficult for Wanderers to end that poor run. PinnacleSports.com make Newcastle favourites 1.980 (-0.5) with Bolton 1.943 (+0.5).

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