Midweek Premier Preview by James

Tuesday 11th February

Cardiff v Aston Villa – 7:45 BT Sport 1

Two teams at the wrong end of the table and both know how to concede goals. Cardiff have conceded an average of over 1.7 goals and Villa over 1.4 per game this season. Both teams are desperate for a win and whilst they will both be looking to keep it tight, you sense that neither defense is good enough for a shut-out. I’m expecting goals in this one.

Bet – Buy Goals at 2.6

Hull v Southampton – 7:45

This may be a mid-table clash with 9th playing 11th but a second glance will show you that Southampton are looking up whilst Hull are very much looking over their shoulders. The teams from 10th down are in a relegation battle whilst Southampton will be looking to get a Europa league place for next season. Hull’s overall home form still reads well this season but has deteriorated since their 3-1 win against Liverpool on 1st December. They have picked up only 5 points from a possible 15 at home since then. I expect Southampton to pick up all 3 points here.

Bet – Buy Southampton/Hull at 0.1

West Ham v Norwich – 7:45

West Ham made it back to back wins on Saturday for the first time this season, a feat they only achieved once all of last season. Adam was a boy the last time West Ham won 3 on the bounce in the Premier League but I’m betting they’ll do exactly that against a Norwich side who have only managed one win since Christmas. I don’t expect many goals in this one and I’ll be backing West Ham just to nick it.

Bet – Buy West Ham/Norwich at 0.5

West Brom v Chelsea – 8:00

Jose has begun the mind games in earnest. Top of the league and he’s tipping them for a top 4 finish. In their present form Chelsea will win this. Add to that West Brom’s current form of 2 points from a possible 15 and I expect Chelsea to win comfortably. Hazard has been in sparkling form of late and I can’t see West Brom coping with him. Chelsea will put this one to bed early.

Bet – Sell time of first match goal at 35

Wednesday 12th February

Arsenal v Manchester United – 7:45 BT Sport 1

These two meet off the back of terrible results at the weekend and both managers will be looking for a response from their players. This could be a problem for David Moyes however, as his players don’t look capable of providing him with the performance necessary to win this. Obviously, after their respective results at the weekend, both will be looking to keep things very tight. I’d be siding with a draw or a small Arsenal win, but either way I don’t expect many goals.

Bet- Sell Total Goals at 2.7

Everton v C. Palace – 7:45

A bit of a resurgence in recent times from Palace but they have only taken 1 point from any of the current top half teams this year. That team was; you’ve guessed it – Everton. So to say they have struggled against teams in the top half is a bit of an understatement. I’m not expecting things to get any better for them here. Everton have serious European ambitions and will be looking to bounce back from an unlucky defeat at the weekend with a win here.

Bet – Buy Everton/C. Palace at 1.4

Man City v Sunderland – 7:45

City knocked off the top at the weekend with an unexpected draw at Norwich. Not much I can tell you about this one that you don’t already know. City will be looking to bounce back. Expect goals. Expect a lot of goals. Expect a City win.

Bet – Buy Total Goals at 3.6

Newcastle v Tottenham – 7:45

Tottenham’s away form is second only to Arsenal and that’s on goal difference. However, Their head to head doesn’t make for good reading (if you’re a Spurs fan). Tottenham haven’t won in the league here since Aug 2004. In their 7 meetings at St James Park since that, Spurs have managed only 2 draws. This fixture generally goes the way of the Magpies and I expect that trend to continue. Massive value to be had in this one.

Bet – Sell Tottenham/Newcastle at 0.1

Stoke v Swansea – 7:45

Stoke haven’t been playing as badly as recent results suggest and although Swansea have two wins from their last three games, these have come against the bottom two. Swansea will be on a high following their win against Cardiff at the weekend. However, as I have already said, Stoke aren’t as bad as their bare form reads and have started to play some better football of late. I’m expecting Stoke to win this and kick on their season from here.

Bet – Buy Stoke/Swansea at 0.2

Fulham v Liverpool – 8:00 BT Sport 1

Great result for Fulham at the weekend. Rene Meulensteen had his team set up very well and played some good counter attacking football. However, holding Man Utd at Old Trafford is no longer the feat it once was. Liverpool are an entirely different proposition and look unstoppable at the minute. Forget about the battle for fourth place, I’m expecting them to remount their challenge for the title. Fulham will be well set up again, but after the effort on Sunday I see them having to resort to plan B very quickly. Suarez didn’t get on the scoresheet at the weekend and he’ll be looking to right that early on.

Bet – Sell time of first match goal at 30

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.