Premier League Preview – The Sunday Games

Arsenal v Tottenham – 13.30 Tottenham go into this match ten pointers ahead of their fierce rivals and when you look at both sides recent form, not many would bet againt that lead being extended to 13 points, a total that could ensure that Tottenham finish above Arsenal in the league for the first time in Arsene Wengers 6 year tenure. History shows that when Arsenal start to drop out of competitions, they do it in swift succession and with their exit from the FA Cup and what surely looks like an exit from the Champions League, it would be no surprise to see them drop further points in the league here and make their goal of qualifying for next seasons Champions League even tougher. If these two sides weren’t local rivals, going by the form book alone, I’d be backing Tottenham but the derby factor always throws a spanner in the works and the formbook isn’t so reliable. I was hoping the odds on over 2.5 goals would be a little further out as that was the bet I was considering for today but at around 1.6 I’m not getting enough potential reward for my risk so this is a “no bet” game for me.   Norwich v Manchester United – 13.30 Norwich are the surprise package of the season for me, not too long ago several of these players were plying their trades in League One football and as the club isn’t the biggest or the richest, I expected them to be fighting relegation all season,  I’m happy to sat I was wrong, very wrong. Norwich are just a few points away from assuring a second season in the Premiership and have surely exceeded even their most optimistic expectations.  A squad of talented players, moulded by a manager who seems destined for bigger things, Norwich and Swansea should be the model for clubs promoted to the Premier League in my opinion. Todays visitors Manchester United will prove a very stern test, chasing their neighbours in pursuit of the league title, they cannot drop points here and even if Wayne Rooney doesn’t make it, their squad has the required mentality to come to grounds like Carrow Road and get the win they so desperately need. The bookies have got a tight grip on this one and I see nothing of value so this is another game without a bet.   Stoke v Swansea – 15.00 This game is a clash of footballing styles, Stoke are pragmatic and battle hardened with a direct brand of football that although it may not be pretty, it does fulfimm it’s function of winning enough games to stay in the division. Swansea are style personified, perhaps only Wigan are so wedded to a single style of play and when it works so well and is so pleasing on the eye, who’s going to complain?  Certainly not a purist like myself. I would like to think that, for once, style will win out over substance but to be honest I have no idea, this game could go either way.  I can see it featuring a few goals though and looking at the over 2.5 i can see good odds on offer at several bookies, the 2.24 at Pinnacle is the best of the bunch and I’ll be placing some money on that. In terms of a winning side, I’m going for a Swansea win but I won’t be  etting on it.]]>