It’s looking unlikely that a new permanent manager will be installed at St James’ Park before Saturday’s match against Hull, and it’s therefore hard to predict what sort of performance you’ll get from Newcastle United as a result. The Magpies are a 7/10 chance (Skybet) to take the three points, although the club is clearly in a state of disarray and there’s no guarantee that the fans will be vociferous in their support of the team.
Phil Brown’s men are a huge 5/1 (bet365) to take advantage of their opponents’ situation, while fellow new boys West Brom face the other Premier League team currently without a manager. The Baggies are slight favourites (13/10 Sporting Bet) to land their first win of the season against West Ham, whose tag of being travel-sick was compounded by a recent 3-0 loss at Manchester City. The Hammers are 21/10 (bet365) for back-to-back league wins.
Arsenal will also be looking for an improved showing on the road, after losing 1-0 at Fulham in their first league away game of the campaign. Firms make the Gunners odds-on (5/6 Boylesports) to take three points from their match at Blackburn, while Paul Ince’s men are 7/2 (Skybet) to subject Arsene Wenger’s men to more misery on the road. This match was a draw last season and it’s a 5/2 chance (bet365) about this happening again.
Portsmouth have their tails up after winning 3-0 at Everton a fortnight ago, and Pompey are 11/10 (Skybet) to follow up this win with victory against Middlesbrough. However, Gareth Southgate’s men have two wins to date and were unlucky not to get something from their match at Anfield. Therefore, 3/1 (bet365) looks big about a team that won at Fratton Park last term.
Finally, Wigan (6/5 Boylesports) look a good bet to beat Sunderland on Saturday, especially after their 5-0 win at Hull a fortnight ago. Compare this with the Black Cats’ 3-0 home defeat to Man City, and it’s hard to make a case for the visitors, even at 3/1 (bet365). However, some might point to the fact that Roy Keane’s men won 2-1 at White Hart Lane in their first away outing in the league.