Weekend Premiership (Saturday 31st January)

Many thanks to Nick for his view from the Championship. An excellent read and some cracking prices to tempt you into the bookies this weekend. For this weekend's action, I will be previewing Saturday's games, Andy will be looking at the huge double header live on Sky on Sunday and Tom will pop in with some Continental Selections.

So, on we go with the Saturday match-ups:

Fulham v Portsmouth
This one absolutely jumps off the page at me. Fulham have been struggling a little lately and the defensive stability on which they based their excellent run at the end of 2008 seems to have deserted them in their last three games. However, all of those matches came away from home and Roy Hodgson's men have made Craven Cottage quite a fortress this season. It may surprise readers to know that Fulham are the 2nd strongest side at home this season, behind Manchester United. With only one defeat in ten at home it will take a strong side to go to Craven Cottage and get a result. Portsmouth can be described as anything but strong right now, Tony Adams has endured a torrid time as manager and his cause has not been helped by losing his best players. Hayden Mullins is no Lassana Diarra and with no replacement for Jermaine Defoe, the South Coast side are being dragged fully into a relegation dogfight. Pompey haven't won away in five league matches, and, whilst a draw is not outside the realms of possibility, it is taken to be unlikely here. Home win.

Fulham @ Evens Bet365


Stoke v Manchester City (12.45pm Live on Sky Sports 1)

Here I go, breaking one of the golden rules of gambling - selecting Man City to win twice in the space of four days. It would seem unthinkable a few weeks ago, but, Mark Hughes has finally got some of this overpaid underachievers firing again. The worrying addition of Craig Bellamy paid an early dividend on Wednesday with the Welshman bagging a goal on his debut against a very poor Newcastle side. The Citizens have found winning away difficult in recent times, with no win on the road in eight matches. However, unlike Portsmouth, scoring on the road has not been a problem, averaging over a goal a game. This Stoke defence is shipping goals left, right and centre and, with the dazzling array of attacking players Man City have at their disposal, this could spell trouble up in the potteries. Stoke have not won a league match in nine attempts, and, something has to give. Man City are taken as good value here at odds against to lift their travelling troubles. Away win.

Manchester City @ 13/10 Stan James

Aston Villa v Wigan
Aston Villa are on an incredible run of form currently in the Premier League and it will take something special to stop them winning again. Arguably, they have looked stronger away from home than at Villa Park, but, Martin O Neil's side are going from strength to strength as the season goes on. The addition of Emile Heskey looks astute, with the powerful striker scoring an excellent goal at Fratton Park on Tuesday evening. Wigan secured a commendable score draw against Liverpool on Wednesday thanks to a late penalty cooly despatched by new loan arrival Mido. Wigan would have been struggling to get a result here when they had Heskey and Palacios in the side and, as a result, Villa are selected here to get the job done and secure all 3 points.

Aston Villa @ 4/6 Coral


SB