Premier League Live Games 2 9th Feb

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert will be unsure what to make of their point against Everton last week. On the one hand he will be furious that they let three points slip by going 3-1 up and only drawing 3-3, on the other hand he must be delighted with the way his side played at times. Passion, commitment and skill were on show at Goodison Park and mostly from the visitors.

Bookmakers have Villa as the 17/10 (BetVictor/william hill/betway) favourites and I think this might be the way to play this game. West Ham did look improved last weekend with Andy Carroll back in the side and he will hope to take advantage of the problems Villa have at the back. The Hammers though have been poor on their travels in recent weeks taking just one point from their last 21 available on the road. Villa have the greater need to win, have the in-form striker in Christian Benteke and as such I will be taking Villa to give their home fans something to cheer. Those who disagree can get 19/10 (Totesport/betfred) on the London side taking all three points while the draw is a best priced 29/12 (pinnacle). Those looking for a first scorer bet will see the market is headed by Christian Benteke at 5/1 (sportingbet/BWin) who has scored five in his last four. Andy Carroll who grabbed a goal last weekend will be a handful at set-pieces and is available at 7/1 (bet365/BetVictor) in this market. Sticking with this game West Ham have conceded 12 goals in their last four away games and with Christian Benteke in such form then I also think you should back Villa to score over 1.5 goals which is available at a best priced 6/4 (Stan James).

The second game that day is the one between Man Utd and Everton with most casual observers hoping for a repeat of the 4-4 thriller from last year. Bookmakers have United as the 4/5 (BetVictor/william hill) favourites for the game as they seek a tenth consecutive home victory in the Premier League. Everton have drawn six of their last nine away games in the Premier League and a draw here at Old Trafford is 3/1 (general) while an Everton victory is 4/1 (general). Everton will be confident after beating them at Goodison Park on the opening day of the season and getting a draw here last season though they have won on none of their last 19 Premier League visits to Old Trafford.

Robin Van Persie heads the first goalscorer market at 13/4 (BWin) though it is Wayne Rooney who is in the greater scoring form having netted eight goals in his last seven league appearances. The England frontman is 4/1 (general) in the first goalscorer market. Those looking for an Everton scorer can get Marouane Fellaini at 10/1 (BetVictor/Coral) while set-piece specialist Leighton Baines is 22/1 (sportingbet/BWin) to open the scoring. I like the look of Victor Anichebe in this market. The Everton forward looks value at 13/1 (BetVictor) to score the opening goal and at 5/1 (Coral) in the anytime scorer market. If there is a complaint about United is that they are vulnerable to players attacking them at pace. Anichebe scored last weekend against Villa and when is handed the start (like he is expected to on Sunday) then he produces the goods. One final point for those dreaming of a repeat of last year then the 4-4 is available at 300/1 with BetVictor. It might not end like that again but neutrals will be hoping that the entertainment value is high in this game.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Villa to beat West Ham, 17/10 (BetVictor/William Hill/betway)
SILVER: Villa to score over 1.5 goals v West Ham, 6/4 (Stan James)
BRONZE: Victor Anichebe to score v Man Utd, first 13/1 (BetVictor), anytime 5/1 (Coral)

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09/02/2013     © Frixo 2024