Arsenal v Tottenham

This game could go either way. However, looking at Tottenham’s away record to Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the last 20 years is shocking, as they haven’t recorded one win, in any competition. This is a different Tottenham team though, with so many world class players such as Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart, and you could back the latter to get the first goal at 8/1. Despite their terrible away record to Arsenal, there is no doubt they will fancy their chances on Saturday afternoon, Tottenham odds are 4/1 which doesn’t give them much chance, but that is definitely a bet other people will be considering.

Arsenal will, as always, believe they will have enough to see off Tottenham, but their home form hasn’t been great this season. Despite beating Blackpool 6-0, they have lost to the other two promoted teams at home this season, to West Brom and Newcastle. They also achieved unconvincing wins against West Ham and Birmingham, so the Emirates are no fortress. Arsenal are 4/6 on winning this match, and therefore comfortable favourites but I wouldn’t recommend it too highly in this fixture, and I think the odds are unfair on Tottenham, because of their shocking away form in the past.

My recommendation; Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham (14/1)

Manchester United v Wigan

Since Wigan were promoted into the Premier League back in 2004, they have been defeated by Manchester United 10 times in all league matches, as well as the Carling Cup final in 2005, which ended 4-0 to Manchester United. Perhaps Wigan are due an upset over United, with odds priced at 12/1, or maybe just not yet? Manchester United may have Wayne Rooney back for them, as he is 3/1 to score first, and I can’t see them having too much problem with this Wigan side at Old Trafford.

My recommendation; Manchester 3-0 Wigan (6/1)

Birmingham v Chelsea

Birmingham have lost two home games since they were promoted in 2009, and they were to Bolton or Everton. When the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have arrived, it has ended in a draw, priced at 11/4, which are decent odds. I personally see the same result, especially as Chelsea have a lot of defensive issues, although Birmingham have scored 2 goals in the last 7 against Chelsea, home or away. So I don’t expect Birmingham to be too much of an attacking force, but I expect them to hold Chelsea in this fixture.

My recommendation; Birmingham 0-0 Chelsea (10/1)