There are some belting matches on Sunday, with the top two in the Premier League hoping to preserve their unbeaten start to the season. Chelsea have a formidable record at Stamford Bridge, but this could well be tested by an Aston Villa side who have won their last three league matches. Indeed, you may remember Martin O’Neill’s side giving the Blues a scare when drawing 4-4 with them last season, and it’s 7/1 (Stan James) that the Villans go one better and take the three points.
Chelsea are struggling badly with injuries, with Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole certain to miss this match. John Terry and Joe Cole are also struggling to be fit, although many will argue they have enough quality to win the match (8/15 VC Bet). Frank Lampard is possibly their likeliest scorer, and he’s 11/2 (Paddy Power) to open the scoring. Villa’s Ashley Young is a 5/1 chance (Skybet) to score at any time.
Liverpool are faced with an even tougher task when they travel to the City of Manchester Stadium this weekend. It’s clear that the Reds are proving to be defensively tough on their travels, and it’s 13/8 (Paddy Power) that they keep yet another clean sheet. The Irish firm also go 13/5 that they win to nil, while No Goalscorer is an 8/1 chance (bet direct).
Don’t forget that this match ended 0-0 last season, although City will be keen to bounce back after a 2-1 defeat at Wigan. Indeed, if their performance reaches anywhere near the same level as their 6-0 thrashing of Portsmouth, then the 9/4 (Stan James) about Mark Hughes’ team will seem like a big price. Liverpool are 13/10 (Sporting Bet) for those that think Rafael Benitez’s men will be too strong for their opponents.
There’s another interesting clash at White Hart Lane, where Hull City will be looking to do the ‘North London double’. Despite a frankly unbelievable win at Arsenal, the Tigers are as big as 21/5 (bet direct) for the three points, with Spurs a 4/5 chance (Boylesports) to finally get a league win under their belts. After home defeats to Sunderland and Villa, plus a 0-0 draw with Wigan, it’s hard to be too confident about their chances.
Finally, Portsmouth (4/6 Paddy Power) might have too much in the tank for Stoke City on Sunday, with Harry Redknapp’s men looking typically strong at Fratton Park this term. Jermain Defoe is 11/8 (Boylesports) to continue his scoring ways, although it should be remembered that the Potters managed a 0-0 draw at Anfield in their last away match. It’s 13/5 (VC Bet) that they nick another unlikely point and 5/1 (888sport) that they win their first away match of the season.