Tuesday 27th January 2009 - Premier League Picks

So, just a quick one to start with then.

WBA v Manchester Utd
Not much value to be had in backing Manchester United outright, but, how about an away win to nil? Should the current European Champions keep a clean sheet tonight they will set a new EPL record. Roman Pavlyuchenko's strike for Tottenham serves as a warning that this is not a forgone conclusion, but, WBA's style will allow Man Utd to play their game and a lack of hustle and bustle should instil a comfortable evening for the Champions.

Man Utd win @ 4/11 Bet365
Man Utd clean sheet @ 1.92 Betfair

Portsmouth v Aston Villa (Live on Sky Sports 2)
On to tonight's live action then. The Sky cameras will be at Fratton Park for an intriguing, if not glamorous match up. Aston Villa will be looking for their sixth consecutive away victory and following a humiliating FA Cup defeat to Swansea on Saturday, Portsmouth appear to be in dangerous waters. Aston Villa's sole signing of the January transfer window, Emile Heskey, is in line to make his bow tonight, teaming up with his former mentor Martin O Neil. Portsmouth have strengthened the squad considerably in the past couple of days with the additions of Hayden Mullins and Pele but it is felt these players will barely have had time to find a parking space, let alone gel into the squad. It could be a close one but Fratton Park is not the intimidating venue it once was. Villa are taken to increase their pressure on breaking the monopoly of the so called "big four". Away win.

Aston Villa win @ 11/8 Bet365

Sunderland v Fulham
Finally for today we focus on the clash at the Stadium of Light between the Mack'ems and the Cottagers. Despite an impressive run of results as caretaker manager, things have not gone to plan so far for Ricky Sbraglia since landing the full time role as gaffer for the Black Cats. Fulham, previously rock solid at the back, have begun to ship goals recently. Three last weekend at West Ham, followed by two at non-league Kettering in the Cup on Saturday spells signs of vulnerability along the back line. The loss of creative force Jimmy Bullard to Hull is also sure to hurt team morale and midfield strength. In a game that could possibly go either way, Sunderland are taken to sneak a result in this one. Fulham will be Craven a return to home ground and will be happy just to put this run of away fixtures behind them. For extra interest, consider Djibril Cisse for the first goalscorer of the game.

Sunderland win @ 5/4 Bet365
D Cisse 1st Goalscorer @ 5/1 Bet365

Outright Treble on 3 results: Approx 10/1

SB