English Premiership Betting Previews – March 22-23, 2008
The Premiership title race always hots up in March, considered the most important month in the Premier League calendar. It will reach boiling point this weekend with a grand slam double bill that could have a decisive influence on the outcome on the Premiership race. On Sunday Chelsea host Arsenal for a cracking London Derby, while its an all Red affair at Old Trafford, as Man Utd take on Liverpool.
Who Will Grab the Initiative in Crucial London Derby?
On Sunday, Chelsea face Arsenal in the first of two massive home games that will have a huge say in whether they can snatch the Premiership title. The other critical game is when Man Utd visit Stamford Bridge on April 26th; six points from these games would certainly hand Chelsea the initiative in the title-race. Also at stake is the Blues’ amazing unbeaten home league record which currently stretches back 77 games. The last team to win a Premiership game at the Bridge, were Sunday’s opponents, Arsenal, also the last team to beat Chelsea in the current season.
Avram Grant’s side haven’t lost since the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, and while the Gunners last defeat was one week prior to that game, their recent form is much more of a concern. Arsene Wenger’s side have drawn four consecutive league games, looking jaded and low on confidence. In contrast Chelsea have been revitalised by the return of Frank Lampard, while Didier Drogba should lead the line up front. Wednesday’s 4-4 draw at Spurs, was certainly two points lost for Chelsea, but the Gunners recent form is worse, so the pressure is on Arsenal to pull off another historic win similar to that at the San Siro.
Top handicap sportsbook PinnacleSports.com make Chelsea marginal favourites 1.909 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Arsenal 2.020 (0/scratch & +0.5)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Battle of the Reds at the Theatre of Dreams
A recent report suggested that it was no coincidence that teams that play in red tend to be successful. Two of the Premiership’s – if not the World’s – most famous ‘red’ teams will do battle at Old Trafford on Sunday, with a huge amount at stake for both clubs. It is unrealistic to suggest that Liverpool could still challenge for the title, but they still have the crucially important task of ensuring a fourth placed finish, so the Scousers have as big a motivation as the defending Champions, Man Utd.
The Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Liverpool last March was integral to their title-winning run, and Alex Ferguson will hope that three points on Sunday will provide a similar catalyst. United are without first choice keeper, Edwin Van de Sar, which will thrust either, Tomasz Kuszczak or Ben Foster into the limelight, neither with much ‘big-game’ experience, while Rio Ferdinand is also 50-50. Liverpool’s Fernando Torres will be making his debut at Old Trafford looking to enhance his growing reputation, having recently scored a match-winner at another daunting venue, the San Siro. History however, favours the home side as Liverpool haven’t even scored in the last six league meetings, losing five.
PinnacleSports.com make Man Utd marginal favourites 2.080 (-0.5)* with Liverpool 1.855 (+0.5)*.
*All odds subject to change – so check out the latest odds LIVE across the top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com.
Add comment March 21st, 2008
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