Premier League | Week 36
Arsenal's visit to Pride Park: both sides have little to play for and its hard enough when both teams are going full tilt. No bet is the call here, keep the funds safe till Tuesday.
Forecasting matches towards the close of this season is easier said than done, motivation playing a big part – with ‘dead rubbers’ particularly difficult to predict. Because of this the games we will be focusing on today are:
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea v Man Utd, 12:45
Man City v Fulham, 15:00
The premiership title could be decided tomorrow, as well as some relegation issues.
Chelsea v Man Utd is obviously the stand out tie: Chelsea are currently on the longest unbeaten sequence in the Premier League of 18, and on an phenomenal 80-match undefeated home league streak, stretching back four years and two months.
Both sides are in contention for a Premiership/European double, Ferguson will be certain to rest players against Chelsea given their must win game against Barcelona on Tuesday. Avoiding defeat at Stamford Bridge will all but seal the title for united; Ferguson’s tactics will no doubt reflect this. Chelsea on the other hand are coming into this game on the back of a great result at Anfield with one leg already in the final. Given Chelsea’s home record and a small distraction in the form of Barcelona, I will side with a:
Chelsea win @ 8/5 (Betfair) | won
Although Man City have nothing to play, Thaksin Shinawatras comments will provide more than enough incentive to ensure Sven gets a result against Fulham. Fulham wont go down without a fight as a win gives them a slim hope of surviving relegation, but I expect its all too late and I would like to think City will be able to reign. Despite a recent victory at the Madjeski Stadium, Fulham have been woeful away from home:
Man City win @ 5/6 (Bet365) | lost