Chelsea v Manchester United
It's crunch time in west London. We all know the drill. A United win and they will all but wrap up a second title win in as many years. A draw and they still should be alright with just a couple of games left. Defeat and it's all, as the irascible Brian Moore might have put it were he not dead, 'up for grabs now'. Chelsea should be full of it after their fortuitous draw at Anfield on Tuesday night, a draw that would not have been possible had old Scotch Egg balls himself John Arne Riise not put through his own net in shambolic fashion late doors. They have had an extra day's rest and are playing at home. United might be boosted by the return of influential stopper Nemanja Vidic but have not won at Stamford Bridge in over six years. They have also looked shaky in their last two away displays domestically (at Middlesbrough and Blackburn respectively) and so with all this in mind I reckon the Blues at 6/4 do look a bet. Joe Cole 4/1 to score any time in the game is also worth considering but a decent size lump on the home win to blow the title race wide open gets my vote.
Betting: Chelsea to beat Manchester United at 6/4 (VC Bet).
Birmingham v Liverpool
I said the Reds at even money to win at Fulham last week was a stonewall banker and despite the fact I fully expect senor Rafa to rest a number of star players for this one I'll stick my neck out and say they look value again to beat a Birmingham side who are where they are in the Premier League for one reason and one reason only. They're gash. OK, they are slightly better than absolute muck at HQ but even an under-strength Liverpool side should know a bit too much for them. Andriy Voronin has hardly hit the heights on Merseyside since his move from Germany but there is a good chance he plays on Saturday and if that's the case the 8/1 about him notching first looks way too big.
Betting: Voronin to score first at 8/1 (bet365).
Manchester City v Fulham
This one looks a nightmare to call. Sven's men are clearly the better side and Fulham have a worse record playing away from home than Darren Day so the percentage call is to lump on the home win at 8/11. However Citeh have precious little to play for and many of their players will already be pricing up the Garnier Ambre Solaire with the summer in mind. In stark contrast the Cottagers are scrapping for their very lives and will be desperate for a return here. I can't quite see them taking away all three points but one is not beyond them so I'm going to have a little tickle on the draw.
I>Betting: Manchester City and Fulham to draw at 5/2 (Ladbrokes).
Sunderland v Middlesbrough
The Black Cats were shockingly out of sorts against bitter rivals Newcastle last week and if they put in the same sort of shift against their other north-east rivals here Boro look a bet from the punting Gods at 12/5. However I'd wager Roy Keane has had a few choice words with his players this week and am expecting a much improved Sunderland to trot out at the Stadium of Light. The hosts know a win and they are safe for another season and they will be up for this big time. Boro seem to be going through the motions right now and any side that loses at home to Bolton simply cannot be trusted. It's Sunderland for me, possibly keeping a clean sheet to boot.
Betting: Sunderland to Win to Nil at 13/5 (Paddy Power).
Tottenham v Bolton
Spurs are playing for pride while Bolton are playing to avoid trips to Home Park and Turf Moor next term. I've deliberated long and hard about this and while Bolton need to win, it doesn't necessarily follow that they will. The Spuds can really turn it on when in the mood and while I don't fancy steaming into them at odds-on I reckon having a speculative few shekels on a 3-1 final score might provide an earner.
Betting: Tottenham to beat Bolton 3-1 at 16/1 (bet365).
West Ham v Newcastle
A quick glance at the table show that it wouldn't be a complete disaster if either side were to lose this one so I can't bring myself to even look at the match betting. However I do like the look of Michael Owen to score in the match. The one-time 'Boy Wonder' has been in brilliant form in recent weeks and when he's fully fit and playing with a swagger, he still has few peers when it comes to finding the old onion bag. West Ham clean sheets have been as rare as rocking horse sh*t in recent weeks and so at 2/1 Owen to score looks the call.
Betting: Owen to score anytime at 2/1 (Coral).
Wigan v Reading
If you have been going in large on either of these teams consistently this season then it's my guess that you are reading this from the poor house. Genuinely haven't a clue how this will go. With all due respect it's a Mickey Mouse game between Mickey Mouse Premiership sides. If you absolutely, positively have to have a bet back have a fiver on Mario Melchiot to score first. Then hang your head in shame.
Betting: Melchiot to score first at 40/1 (Skybet).
Degsy Bilton
