Another round of vital Premiership fixtures

We are in mid-March now and each team still as something left to play for as nothing is settled just yet. Okay you could say Portmsouth are all but down but the other two relegation spots are still anyone's guess whilst the three horse race for the title has signs of going right to the death with no team up there able to pull away from the others. The place for the top four is equally if not more close with Man City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and maybe a late surge from Everton all vying for that valuable last Champions League spot.

The first game I'm looking at this weekend is the 8th vs 9th clash between Birmingham and Everton. Birmingham continue to impress in the league, they don't have any big names as such but they do have a well organised, hard-working bunch of players which are capable of griding results week-in week-out. Birmingham also have a terrific home record this (7-5-2) and against almost any other team than Everton I'd probably be backing them based on that form.

But for me Everton are in terrific form, they showed that by comprehensively seeing of Hull City 5-1 last weekend. That's on the back of two massive wins over Chelsea and Man United. Although it's key to note all thoose games were at home and their away form isn't the best. Although in their last away game at Tottenham they were unlucky not to come away with a point after a unbelievable miss from Donovan, it's also key to note back in January they managed to get a point at the Emirates, which not many teams can say.

I therefore like the look of Everton in this game, particularly after seeing that Arteta seems to be returning to some sort of form after a long injury lay-off. Prior to his injury I'd vote Arteta within the top 5 Premiership midfielders without question. There's no doubt they've missed him whilst he's been out. Think he can help inspire another Everton victory here.

Birmingham v Everton tip:
Everton @ 2.50 (Various)

Next match is the first of the relegation six-pointers this weekend as Bolton take on Wigan at Reebok Stadium. These two only met less than a month ago and played out a 0-0. Neither side is full of goals and I expect a similiar low-scoring game, bit suprised at the odds on offer for the unders thought it would be a little bit shorter than it is. Especially if you consider the last four meeting between these sides has seen only two goals. I'm also maybe slightly risky going for Wigan on the level handicap here, risky because Wigan are unreliable in the extreme. That being said their away form against sides near the bottom is rather good. They've beat Burnley and Wolves on the road whilst gaining draws at Sunderland & Stoke. Think this one has got all the hallmarks of a draw, but I've got a feeling Wigan could nick this one by the odd goal.

Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic tips:
Under 2.5 goals @ 1.80 (Betfair)
Wigan Athletic (+0) @ 2.70 (PaddyPower)

The other relegation six-pointer is between Burnley and Wolves. I wouldn't like to call this one, Burnley have been going through a poor run of form but came back well against Stoke midweek. Whilst Wolves are sturggling to pick up any points whatsoever. Both have lost four out of their last five games and neither will get a better chance to pick up points than in this game. Watched the reverse fixture earlier in the season (Wolves won 2-0) that was an open attacking game which could have easily seen more goals. Expect a similiar attacking open game here as both teams go in search of what would be a massive three points.

Burnley v Wolves tip:
Over 2.5 goals @ 2.30 (Betfair)

Next in the Chelsea v West Ham game, I'm going for Nicolas Anelka to score during the match. He had numerous chances against Stoke in the FA Cup which Anelka would normally have tucked away with ease. Despite the missed chances his general play was very good and he got in all the right positions. The saying goes form is temporary, class is permanent and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we see Anelka's name on the goalsheet. Let's hope it's in tommorrow's game against the Hammers.

Chelsea v West Ham tip:
Nicolas Anelka- Anytime Goalscorer @ 2.10 (Bet365)

Stoke take on Villa at the Britannia and I think this will be difficult game for Villa who often excel away from home with their counter-attacking football. Stoke City have continued to impress this season as their no nonsense, hard-working brand of football as got them plenty of impressive results on their home ground. Think this will be a very close game but I'm happy to side with Stoke slightly and take the double of the game finishing either with a Stoke win or a draw.

Stoke City v Aston Villa tip:
Double Chance (Stoke or Draw) @ 1.62 (Boylesports)

Final Saturday match I'm going to look at is the Hull vs Arsenal match. Not much to say about this selection other than the fact that Hull leak goals at an alarming rate (5 last weekend vs Everton) and Arsenal are capable of scoring for fun against any opposition (scored 5 against Porto in midweek). Arsenal's defense is also suspect at times, all things considered overs looks a good thing here.

Hull City v Arsenal tip:
Over 2.5 goals @ 1.73 (Betfair)