Weekend Premiership

Full marks for Tom here, Villa led for much of the game before Arsenal drew 1-1 with a last minute goal, while Utd obliged at the bigger stake, 3-1.

Eduardo’s horrific injury last weekend grabbed all the headlines but by my reckoning his ankle wasn’t the only thing that imploded at St. Andrews.

Arsenal’s last minute blunder, not to mention their inability to beat ten men, could have serious repercussions for Arsene Wenger’s side in the title race and the behaviour of their captain at the final whistle was laughable. William Gallas’ temper tantrum, after James McFadden’s 93rd minute penalty, was more than a shade concerning and it will take great strength of character to bounce straight back after what has been a difficult week.

Arsenal host Aston Villa and come up against a team that are playing at the top of their game. I watched Villa ease past Reading last Sunday and although the Premier League leaders represent a significant step up in class, they are equipped to deal with them. Always tough to beat, Martin O’Neill’s side possess superb counter attacking qualities and the pace of Young and Agbonlahor on the break will pose a real threat to the stroppy Frenchman and his defensive chums.

Given the circumstances, there is no way you could be backing the home side at a general 1.50 and Villa’s better than average away record, just two defeats all season, offers hope for those willing to take on the Gunners. I am one such person this weekend and the 1.72 about the visitors receiving a goal head start is good value.

The weekend’s action is always more eagerly anticipated when those contesting at the top are in action at the same time and, with Manchester United and Chelsea also playing at 3.00 on Saturday, this round of fixtures promises to be pivotal. Chelsea visit West Ham, but make no appeal at odds-on given their dismal Carling Cup showing, while the Red Devils travel to Fulham.

There is no doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side would have taken massive confidence from Arsenal’s dropped points at Birmingham last Saturday lunch time but their performance at St. James’ Park just hours later was top class and I see them dishing out more of the same to hapless Fulham. The title is back in their own hands, just three points adrift of the Gunners, and I don’t see the West Londoners causing them any problems whatsoever.

1.35 or thereabouts is never usually a price you’ll see me recommending, that’s the odds offered about an away win, but I genuinely believe that United will take Roy Hodgson’s side apart and can’t get enough of the odds against available about them defying a 1.50 goal handicap. The ‘Fantastic Four’ look set for another performance of Super Hero proportions and they can keep up the heat on the leaders.