Football Betting
Blues’ Title Rivals to Take Advantage of Cup Obligations
Chelsea are taking a break from the Premier League this weekend to concentrate on the FA Cup and their supporters will be hoping strugglers Burnley and Wolves can do them a favour in the title race. The Blues’ surprise defeat at home to Manchester City last week has certainly opened the door for title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, and it’s hard to believe both won’t take advantage this Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti’s team still remain narrow favourites for the crown, however.
Arsenal face Burnley at the Emirates in what must be the home banker of the week. Burnley have managed just a single point in 14 away games since promotion to the Premier League and give every indication of being a team in terminal top flight decline. Their capitulation at Aston Villa on their last road trip was bordering on the farcical and they followed that up with a home defeat by crisis club Portsmouth. Only the most ardent Clarets’ fan will believe they’ll get anything out of a trip to north London, where the Gunners have only lost twice this season (against Chelsea and Manchester United).
It should also be business as usual at Molineux, where Manchester United are Wolverhampton Wanderers’ visitors. Wolves are capable on their day but must be frustrated at not always getting the results their general play has deserved and they continue to look vulnerable at home. Only Portsmouth have lost more games in front of their own fans and United look a solid bet at 3/10 to pick up all three points.
Liverpool (8/13) have regained some momentum and should also pick up maximum points on the road as they go to Wigan on Monday night, while it’s difficult to see Hull City threatening Liverpool’s near-neighbours Everton at Goodison. The Toffees are a totally different side to the one beaten 3-2 at the KC in November and the Tigers haven’t managed a single goal on their travels in the league since December.
The weekend’s other Premier League clash sees West Ham take on fellow strugglers Bolton. The Hammers haven’t conceded at home in the league since before Christmas and are chasing a third successive victory at Upton Park. They should be able to edge this potential six-pointer against goal-shy opposition.
