Weekend Premiership

Two from two here from Tom, with Man Utd and Arsenal both chalking victories.

Big games everywhere you turn this weekend in the Premier League, none more so than at Old Trafford where Manchester United host West Ham.

Level on points with Chelsea at the summit, United know that a win against the Hammers and then three points at the JJB next Sunday against Wigan will see them retain their crown and I expect them to do so.

The Red Devils 2-1 reversal at Stamford Bridge means that the race for the title is all but assured to go to the last day of the season but United will strongly fancy their chances against a West Ham side that is severely hit by injuries and also one that has been in pretty poor form for some time now.

Alan Curbishley was often criticised when manger at Charlton for the timid way in which his sides finished seasons and, with the Hammers having safe but also miles off the pace for Europe, the same has happened at Upton Park.

While West Ham have virtually a starting eleven missing through injury, United appear only hampered by the likely absence of Wayne Rooney who is still struggling with a hip injury. The England striker was forced to sit out the epic win over Barcelona on Tuesday and will be desperate to be fit for the final in Moscow. He is unlikely to be risked but I don’t expect Sir Alex Ferguson to tinker too much elsewhere and, with just three games to go for reigning champions, it would be a major surprise were his established stars to be rested.

United are general 1.20 shots to win on Saturday and while regular readers will know that those sorts of prices never interest me, I do think United are good things. The 1.75 about them defying a 1.75 handicap with Bet 365 seems just a shade big and the Red Devils can take one more step towards the title with a comprehensive victory.

The only other bet this weekend is on Sunday and I rate Arsenal excellent 1.73 shots with Sky Bet to get the better of Everton at the Emirates.

David Moyes’ side still have their UEFA Cup destiny in their own hands but having thrown away a lead twice against their main rivals for that spot, Aston Villa, last weekend the Toffees can’t afford any more slips and Villa look to have two very winnable fixtures left.

I was actually quite impressed with Everton last Sunday, during their 2-2 draw with Martin O’Neill’s side, but facing Arsenal is a different proposition altogether and as I have stated here throughout the season the Merseyside club have a wretched record against the ‘big four’.

I don’t think that will improve on Sunday and with Arsene Wenger’s men now playing without the pressure of chasing a league title I expect them to claim maximum points. It’s just one win in seven for Everton, and that a tame 1-0 victory against Derby.