Barclays Premier League Preview 010412

The Easter Weekend means that the Barclays Premier League action begins on Good Friday with a live fixture between Swansea City and Champions League chasing Newcastle United.

The Magpies probably have a little too much to do with a five point gap to make up on Arsenal and Spurs; nevertheless they can firmly put themselves in the driving seat for a Europa League berth by beating Brendan Rogers’ side.

Swansea have really impressed throughout their first season back in the top flight however back to back defeats against Everton and Tottenham have suggested the Welsh outfit may finally be running out of steam.

Thankfully, their fine earlier work means relegation worries are not an issue but they may not be able to prevent a third successive loss with the Toon Army in such fine form.

Both Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are firing up front for the visitors and they look good value to follow up their home victory against Liverpool at an attractive price of around 19/10.

Another away team potentially well priced are Everton who take on Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The Canaries have been more than solid on their own turf for the majority of the campaign but may also be feeling heavy legs like their fellow newcomers Swansea.

Four league defeats from their last six have certainly reinforced that notion and an in form Toffees can continue their good work at 8/5 ahead of a crucial F.A Cup semi-final showdown with Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Wembley.

Tottenham will also appear well priced to many at 11/8 away at Sunderland but Harry Redknapp’s men could be vulnerable if the Black Cats are able to turn in one of their better performances.

A measure of Sunderland’s capability arrived most recently against Man City at the Etihad when they had to settle for a 3-3 draw after leading the title challengers 1-3 with minutes to go.

Nonetheless, Martin O’Neill’s men are also prone to the odd howler as demonstrated against Everton in the F.A Cup quarter-final replay.

This should be one of the more fluent games of the weekend and perhaps it is worth backing a draw as both teams can give a strong account of themselves without doing quite enough to force a positive result.

Things continue to get interesting at the wrong end of the table and Bolton Wanderers will face another acid test of their survival credentials when they host Fulham at the Reebok.

Fulham’s largely dismal away record should give the Trotters a lot of hope and confidence going into the game but this would not be the first time Bolton have failed to fulfil expectations if they cannot bag three points.

But with Fulham safe in mid-table, it is questionable how committed they will be from here on in and Owen Coyle’s side can triumph at 7/4 if able to get away on the front foot.

The pressure will also be on for Blackburn Rovers away at West Brom whilst Wolves have the unenviable task of visiting the Britannia Stadium to play a Stoke team searching to restore its status as a fortress.

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02/04/2012     © Frixo 2024