Saturday's Premiership Betting Preview

August 21, 2008 - Lawrence Foley Anybody who was at the KC stadium last Saturday will tell you that Fulham were desperately unlucky not to come away with all three points;  Arsenal on the other hand, were largely disappointing against West Brom when expected to win handsomely.  For the first half an hour Arsenal looked as though they would fulfil expectations, but West Brom's defence showed gritty resolve whilst Arsenal's forwards displayed great wastefulness in order to ensure that Samir Nasri's debut goal was also a winning one.  Talking of debutants, it is possible that Andrew Johnson may make his Fulham bow on Saturday evening and it will be interesting to see how the £10 million man links with his new strike partner, Bobby Zamora.

Arsenal have a fantastic record at Craven Cottage having won six of their last seven games at the ground, and even at 8/13 they look tempting.  I would sooner back Arsenal to keep a clean sheet than back them to win at odds on though, and you can do so at 6/5 on betfair at present.  Mikael Silvestre has been drafted in to bolster their defensive ranks, but Arsenal fans are worrying that the real problems may be up front, an area of the field where Arsenal have traditionally thrived under Arsene Wenger.  Robin van Persie is still struggling to play on a regular basis, whilst Emmanuel Adebayor looked out of sorts against West Brom and the vitriol aimed at him by some sections of the Emirates stadium will surely have contributed to this.  Away from his home ground Adebayor may relinquish some of the pressure on his broad shoulders and he can get off the mark by scoring first here at odds of 5/1.  The 6/4 offered by Paddy Power for him to score anytime may also be a cracking bet.

Elsewhere in the Premiership on Saturday there are another six non-live 3pm fixtures.  Perhaps the pick of the bunch will be the match-up between Blackburn and newly promoted Hull at Ewood Park in a game that smells of goals.  Whilst Blackburn looked threatening every time they went forward last weekend, they will have to steady themselves defensively if Paul Ince is going to have a successful first season as manager.  While Hull fans will be delighted with their victory last weekend, I think the fairytale ends here, and if Blackburn can sort out their back four, then they have plenty enough quality in attack to put Phil Brown's side back in their place.
 
Recommendations:
Arsenal Clean Sheet – 6/5 (Betfair)
Emmanuel Adebayor First Goalscorer – 5/1 (Paddy Power)
Emmanuel Adebayor Anytime Goalscorer – 6/4 (Paddy Power)
Blackburn beat Hull 2-0 – 6/1 (Canbet)
Blackburn beat Hull 3-0 – 13/1 (Canbet)

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