An up and down week last term around, Villa, United, and Chelsea all going as we expected – the less said about the abomination at Wigan the better.
Jumping out from the coupon at us this week is the very long 12/5 on Stoke overcoming Tottenham. Spurs started well against Manchester City, but expect the Young Boys Bern disaster to have a knock-on effect. Dawson and Bassong have both had the confidence rattled, and looked uncertain in the air throughout – with Ledley King likely to be preserved for next week, expect the same partnership to struggle against aerial onslaught that awaits them.
If a degree of risk is not really your cup of tea, then have a look at the 1/2 offered on Everton to beat Wolves. The corresponding fixture last year was a dream for the bookies, with Wolves snatching a ill-deserved point. David Moyes is nothing if not astute tactically, expect his tongue lashed players to give a far better account of themselves than last week – home certainty.
Elsewhere, 13/10 on Aston Villa to win at St James’ Park – but wait for team news on this one. If Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor both start, expect the paceless Geordie defence to have a very long day. The same applies to Monday night’s Man City versus Liverpool encounter – if City are at full-strength get right behind them at 11/8, the home crowd should be enough to see them beyond a Liverpool team very much in transition.
Accumulator? Take QPR, Middlesbrough and Chelsea.
Newcastle 6, Villa 0.
Here’s a tip: never listen to the Premier League Owl.
Not sure many people saw that coming – and to be fair, we did give Agbonlahor’s fitness as a caveat. And no love for the correct accumulator? Shame on you Disappointed Punter.