May 4 2005

FA Premiership

Chelsea and David Beckham have a lot in common; they have both been screwed by an assistant, writes Gerry McDonnell.

The decision to allow Luis Garcia's 'goal' to stand has effectively ended Chelsea's season. They face mid-table Charlton on Saturday in a match that is now almost meaningless.

It's a tough task to find a winning bet when both teams have absolutely nothing to play for; in a way, the process is very similar to childbirth, only without the unnecessary griping about the hardship of it all. After weighing up all the factors, I would advise you to back Chelsea to win 2-0, an 11/2 shot at Skybet.

Arsenal are the footballing equivalent of the Labour party, imperious domestically, but both have questionable foreign policies.

The Gunners face a jubilant Liverpool in a Super Sunday showdown, and the Gunners will gain revenge for Neil Mellor's heartbreaking 90th minute stunner at Anfield. Super Soccer offer 7/1 about Arsenal scoring four or more goals, and that's a tempter.

West Brom travel to Man Utd knowing a defeat could send them down. The Baggies have not won at Old Trafford since 1978, where a certain Bryan Robson ran the show in a 5-3 cruise. Unfortunately for Robbo and West Brom, the Seventies are long gone. So are the Albion.

It has been suggested this week that Wayne Rooney is not a suitable role model for children, but the alleged quote of "We'd rather have Michael Jackson" has been strenuously denied by the English Schools F.A. He may not be a Saint, but he is a quality animal. Back the big lad to score a hat-trick, at Super Soccer's 14/1.

Quote of the week:

"It was a must game win for Southampton."

Mark Lawrenson gets a little excited.

Q and A of the week:

BBC Commentator: "Steve Bennett (the ref) made a few decisions you didn't seem to agree with."

David Moyes: "He's just not very good."

Special bet of the week:

"Every 'trick in the book" - Kluivert and Vieira both to be booked 9/1 @ Super Soccer

Nice Punt:

Everton: Newcastle have only won twice away from home all season; Everton have won eleven times at home. Pile in to the 4/5.

Acc's man:

Blackburn

Everton

Tottenham

Norwich

Bolton

The five fold will return almost 50/1 with Sporting Odds.

Weekend Betting:

Chelsea v Charlton Saturday 7th May 12.30 Live on Sky

Chelsea 1/3 UK Betting

Draw 4/1 Stan James

Charlton 10/1 Super Soccer

Get on: Chelsea

Chelsea won 4-0 at the Valley; it'll be an easy win for the Champions at home.

Match Special:

John Terry to score at any time 9/2 @ Stan James

Aston Villa v Man City Saturday 7th May 15.00

Aston Villa 11/8 Bet Direct

Draw 12/5 Stan James

Man City 2/1 Sporting Odds

Get on: Draw

City unbeaten in six, Villa have only lost one in six. Score draw.

Match Special:

Solano to score the last goal 10/1 @ BET 365

Blackburn v Fulham Saturday 7th May 15.00

Blackburn 11/10 UK Betting

Draw 9/4 Skybet

Fulham 14/5 Boylesports

Get on: Blackburn

Hughesy has Blackburn literally fighting, definite home win.

Match Special:

Blackburn to win from behind 9/1 @ Betfred

Crystal Palace v Southampton Saturday 7th May 15.00

Crystal Palace 5/4 Paddy Power

Draw 13/5 Boylesports

Southampton 11/5 Boylesports

Get on: Draw

They split the points at St Mary's in a four goal thriller, Déjà vu?

Match Special:

Match to finish 2-2 14/1 @ Super Soccer

Everton v Newcastle Saturday 7th May 15.00

Everton 4/5 Totesport

Draw 13/5 Boylesports

Newcastle 9/2 Skybet

Get on: Everton

Everton are jittery, the Geordies are ruderary. Home win.

Match Special:

James Beattie to score with a header 5/1 @ Betfred

Middlesbrough v Tottenham Saturday 7th May 15.00

Middlesbrough 13/10 UK Betting

Draw 12/5 Stan James

Tottenham 11/5 Sporting Odds

Get on: Tottenham

One win in five for Boro, Spurs demolished Villa last week. Away win.

Match Special:

Tottenham to score three or more goals 6/1 @ Super Soccer

Norwich v Birmingham Saturday 7th May 15.00

Norwich Evs Totesport

Draw 5/2 Super Soccer

Birmingham 3/1 Skybet

Get on: Norwich

It's a must win game for the Canaries; luckily, they're playing Birmingham.

Match Special:

Norwich to score three or more goals 7/2 @ Betfred

Portsmouth v Bolton Saturday 7th May 15.00

Portsmouth 2/1 Bet Direct

Draw 12/5 Skybet

Bolton 6/4 Paddy Power

Get on: Bolton

Only two wins from eleven for Pompey, Bolton are a great bet to take all three points.

Match Special:

Okocha to score at anytime 3/1 @ BET 365

Man Utd v West Brom Saturday 7th May 17.15 Live on Sky

Man Utd 3/10 Super Soccer

Draw 4/1 Totesport

West Brom 9/1 Stan James

Get on: Man Utd

Man U are warming up nicely with the F.A. Cup final around the corner. Easy home win.

Match Special:

Man Utd to score five or more goals 7/1 @ Super Soccer

Arsenal v Liverpool Sunday 8th May 16.05 Live on Sky

Arsenal 8/11 Super Soccer

Draw 13/5 Stan James

Liverpool 4/1 Boylesports

Get on: Arsenal

Liverpool can mix with the best in Europe; this isn't Europe.

Match Special:

Arsenal to score four or more goals 7/1 @ Super Soccer