Saturday
Fixture: Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool
Venue: Old Trafford (Man U home)
Kick-off: 12.45pm GMT
Verdict: Here's how the bookies see this game going: Man Utd will win (10/11); they will win without conceding (7/4); they will win by 1-0 (6/1) or (7/1); and there will be under 2.5 goals (4/7). This last one is key for me. While there are compelling arguments for it to be a low scoring affair particularly Man Utd's home record (one goal conceded in last seven home games). But this is the last chance saloon for Liverpool, and that means goals for me. I do think Man Utd will win this one, but I think the universe owes us a high-scoring thriller in one of these big games. And this could be it.
Betting Advice: 5pts more than 2.5 goals at 7/5 (2.4 at Bet365)
Fixture: Middlesbrough 1-1 Portsmouth
Venue: Riverside Stadium (Boro home)
Kick-off: 3pm GMT
Verdict: This relegation six-pointer is an interesting one because only one of these should really be in the bottom three. Middlesbrough have been pretty appalling this season and one look at their squad can see why. There is no strength in depth. There is no strength at all. Portsmouth are down there because of the rather stupid decision to let Tony Adams have a go at being in charge. Since he left there has been improvement and on the big games like this, they should prevail.
Betting Advice: 3pts Portsmouth to win at 13/5 (3.6 at Stan James)
Sunday
Fixture: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham
Venue: Villa Park (Villa home)
Kick-off: 4pm GMT
Verdict: I am mystified that the bookies continue to play to old prejudices and mark Aston Villa's prices down every week. Granted, Tottenham have improved a little of late, but since January they have lost to Wigan, Bolton and only managed draws with Portsmouth and Sunderland. So why oh why are Aston Villa (3rd place) still odds against. No Matter
Betting Advice: 4pts Villa to win at 11/10 (2.1 generally)
THE NO BETS
Saturday
Arsenal continue to be no value whatsoever at home, this time to Blackburn.
Bolton could be a good bet here, but Fulham have been known to pull off the occasional surprise and I have my doubts.
Everton have not got the greatest home record, and Stoke have pulled off a few surprises of late, so this is best avoided.
Newcastle are best avoided at the best of times, but against Hull City: this game is a lottery. Avoid at all costs
Normally, I would back Wigan to beat Sunderland home and away, but this tie has taken on an air of an end of season dead rubber, so I will let it pass.
Sunday
No value in Chelsea to beat Manchester City on Sunday. Plus, as City showed against Aston Villa a fortnight ago, they have the ability to beat the top teams.
Monday
West Ham are performing in fits and starts, but you would expect them to beat the bottom club West Brom at home. No value in the home side, though.
