A glut of home wins dominates this weekend’s predictions and Sunderland could add another twist to the relegation battle with great odds. Love them or loathe them, Chelsea will be in the FA Cup final alongside Middlesbrough, writes David Walker.
saturday april 22
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
The race for fourth place intensifies in this lunchtime bid as Arsenal look to make up the four-point gap that separates them from their North London rivals. The statistics point to a home win. The Gunners have won the last six Premiership games at home against Spurs and seven of 13 overall. Tottenham Hotspur have not had any joy at Highbury since the Premiership began in 1992/93 when they won 3-1. Forgotten striker John Hendry scored twice in one of his few appearances in a Spurs shirt following a £5,000 trade from Dundee.
Walker’s word: Arsenal to close the gap @ 4/5.
Bolton Wanderers-Charlton Athletic
Bolton ended a five-game losing streak in the league with a goalless draw against West Brom on Monday and this game could be a similar yawn-fest. Two of the last four meetings between these teams have produced goalless draws, while Charlton seem to like a 0-0 result, having featured in five of their last 10 Premiership games.
Walker’s word: Another boring draw @ 10/23 and 0-0 @ 2/17.
Everton-Birmingham City
Birmingham City are running out of games if they want to survive in the Premiership and are unlikely to draw any favors this Saturday. Steve Bruce’s side have not won at Everton since gaining promotion to the top flight but have drawn 1-1 twice in the last three meetings. Their chances of victory are slim and they have not won at Goodison Park since 1957 and have lost 11 times on the road this season.
Walker’s word: Home win @ 10/11.
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion
Under Glenn Roeder, Newcastle are one of the teams in form in the Premiership. They have won their last four games in a row and this is a great opportunity to make it five. The Magpies have won both Premiership games at St James Park, while the Baggies haven’t won there since 1977. Bryan Robson’s side have won away from home once all season and are unlikely to improve on that record this weekend. of week.
Walker’s word: Five on the turn for Newcastle @ 4/5.
Portsmouth–Sunderland
At first glance, it looks like a guaranteed home win. Portsmouth had won six in a row before going down 2-1 at Charlton on Bank Holiday Monday, while Sunderland have nothing to play for after being relegated. Right? Wrong. Portsmouth may have beaten Sunderland 4-1 at the Stadium of Light in October, but they haven’t beaten them at Fratton Park in the league since 1992. Since then, Sunderland have won three of five away visits, including two 4-4 wins. 1. Add to that the fact that Sunderland have nothing to lose while Portsmouth could succumb to nerves and you have a very tasty away win proposition with great odds to boot. There could still be another twist in the relegation battle.
Walker’s word: Sunderland to cause a shock @ 8/1.
FA Cup
Chelsea-Liverpool
Chelsea have a flawless home record against Liverpool, putting them in top position for a place in the FA Cup final. The Blues have won 10 of 14 Premiership games at Stamford Bridge, losing just once, 1-0, in 2004. Chelsea have been beaten just once in 90 minutes at home this season, against Barcelona in the Champions League and has won 17 away. 18 Premiership games in front of their own fans. This is the first time the pair have met in the FA Cup since 1997, when Chelsea rallied from 2-0 down to win 4-2.
Walker’s word: Chelsea will march on 5/6.
sunday 23 april
Middlesbrough-West Ham United
Bookmakers have priced West Ham as favorites given their positional superiority in the Premiership, but seem to have ignored the fact that the Hammers have not won at Middlesbrough in the Premiership. Steve McClaren’s side have won seven of eight meetings and West Ham’s last victory at Middlesbrough came in 1990, when both teams were in the old second division.
Walker’s Word: Boro’s local record will prevail @ 6/4.
