EPL Tips and betting odds for 30th March 2013 Easter weekend.
Sunderland v Manchester United
Stadium of Light, Saturday, 30 March 2013, Kick-off: 12:45 GMT
It goes without saying that it’s a tough one for the Black Cats this week. Sunderland have only beaten United the one time in the Premier League, way back in their maiden EPL season of 1997.
United have not conceded a goal for an incredible 537 minutes in the Premier League and have now equalled the most ever wins after 29 matches in a season (24), matching Tottenham (1960-61) and Chelsea (2005-06). United want to sew up the title early and the form of these two opponents indicates that they will more than likely take one step closer to achieving that goal.
Prediction: Sunderland 0 Manchester United 2 (Correct Score odds of 7.00)Betting odds on full time result: Sunderland win 6.00, Draw 3.9, Man Utd win 1.66
Arsenal v Reading
Emirates Stadium, Saturday, 30 March 2013, Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
New Reading manager Nigel Adkins has an uphill battle in visiting the Emirates after seeing his former club Southampton thumped 6-1 earlier in the season there. With Walcott, Wilshere and Diaby now out of this game through injury, the Gunners’ depth will be tested against relegation-threatened Royals. Not many will think it possible for Reading to leave with any points from this one, but they need to produce something now on the back of five successive defeats in the premier league.
With Arsenal having won four out their last five, they also have their own motivation in overhauling Tottenham for that coveted Champions League place. Given that the Gunners have won every match they’ve ever played against Reading, a draw could be about the most realistic odds to put a fiver on.
Prediction: Arsenal 1 Reading 1 (Correct Score odds of 11.00)Betting odds on full time result: Arsenal win 1.25, Draw 6.5, Reading win 15.00
Manchester City v Newcastle United
Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 30 March 2013, Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
With the title race now effectively over as conceded by Roberto Mancini, City are now playing for the automatic Champions League qualification place for next season. They are looking for their seventh win on the trot in games against Newcastle.
City have the best defence in the league this season (13 clean sheets & 26 goals conceded) whilst the Magpies have shocking away form. Everything points a Citizens win.
Stranger things have happened and a Newcastle win is priced at 12.00 over at bet365. Probably the safest bet is a home win.
Prediction: Manchester City 2 Newcastle United 1 (Correct Score odds of 9.5)Betting odds on full time result: Man City win 1.3, Draw 5.75, Newcastle win 12.00
Southampton v Chelsea
St Mary’s Stadium, Saturday, 30 March 2013, Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Another fixture with relegation candidates taking on top four chasing opposition. Southampton are up against it but are at least at St Mary’s for this Easter weekend clash. The Saints have showed some spirit under the management of Mauricio Pochettino and their mettle will be severely tested on Saturday as the Blues juggernaut looks to roll on.
The big question is, which Chelsea will turn up? Interim Manager Benitez (how he loves that title) needs to complete his mission of securing Champions League qualification and this is looking an increasingly likely scenario as the weeks go by. Should José Mourhino and his ego return next term, surely this will be an important factor to this decision.
The Saints have been scoring a good number of goals but Chelsea have kept clean sheets in their last two matches. This could be set up for a terrific fight and hopefully the goals flow once again.
Prediction: Southampton 2 Chelsea 2 (Correct Score odds of 12.00)Betting odds on full time result: Southampton win 3.5 , Draw 3.6, Chelsea win 2.15
Swansea City v Tottenham
Hotspur
Liberty Stadium, Saturday, 30 March 2013, Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Swansea are hoping to welcome back Flores back while Augustien is a doubt while Lennon and Dawson are likely to return for the visitors. This is very difficult to predict game. Tottenham were world-beaters just a few games back and then their confidence just seemed to vanish after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory against Liverpool.
Swansea have revelled in winning their first major silverware and have all but secured another season in the Premier League. Cast your mind back to Tottenham’s League Cup over Chelsea in 2008 – the rest of that EPL season under Juande Ramos was very ordinary. Swansea appear to be in a similar position this season and have little to play for now.
On the other hand, Spurs’ Bale, Defoe, Dempsey and Sigurdsson all scored for their countries during the international break and AVB will be hoping to see that form continue as every game from now on is a Champions League survival fight. Arsenal are now breathing right down Tottenham’s neck and Chelsea and Man City are unlikely to give any respite. Spurs to edge it.
Prediction: Swansea 1 Tottenham 2 (Correct Score odds of 9.00)Betting odds on full time result: Swansea win 3.25, Draw 3.4, Tottenham win 2.37
West Ham v West Bromwich Albion
Upton Park, Saturday, 30 March 2013, Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
The Olympic Stadium-bound Hammers have lost three out their last four whilst the Baggies are looking for their best ever Premier League finish. West Ham are not quite safe from the drop yet and at home should be fired up to get the points that take them away from the drop zone.
Although the Baggies have less to play for now until the end of season, they are a good unit and their skill could well balance the scoreline. These two clubs have recorded draws in their last four meetings and this one could follow suit.
Prediction: West Ham 2 West Brom 2 (Correct Score odds of 13.00)Betting odds on full time result: West Ham win 2.25, Draw 3.40, West Brom win 3.50
Wigan v Norwich City
DW Stadium, Saturday, 30 March, Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Looks like Wigan are at it again. It’s nearing the end of the season and the masters of the great escape are on a mission. Will defender Alca(T)raz return this week to aid this jailbreak? (Sorry) Wigan have the worst home record in the league and will look to change that when the Canaries visit the DW.
Norwich are looking to secure another Premier League season too, and although they are safer at the moment they also need a win to make sure of things. However, with the Canaries having won only one of their last thirteen Premier League games (six drawn, six lost) and with no away wins from their last six attempts away from home these clubs could swap positions before the end of the season if Wigan win today.
Prediction: Wigan 2 Norwich 1 (Correct Score odds of 8.50)Betting odds on full time result: Wigan win 1.9, Draw 3.6, Norwich win 4.5
Everton v Stoke City
Goodison Park, Saturday, 30 March 2013, Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
With Everton stars Pienaar and Fellaini both missing this match through suspension, this game is a close one to call. The Toffees have found it hard going in recent history against the Potters’ style of play, having won none of the last four meetings – 2 drawn and 2 Stoke wins.
Having said that, Stoke look to be in the mid-table safety zone – not suggesting that is their only ambition – but Everton are just six points from a Champions League place. They are a dark horse but not to be discounted.
Stoke seem to have become a little complacent of late and have only managed one win in 2013, and with Everton craving to finish ahead of Liverpool as usual, they should overwhelm Stoke.
Prediction: Everton 3 Stoke 1 (Correct Score odds of 13.00)Betting odds on full time result: Everton win 1.65, Draw 3.8, Stoke win 6.50