Weekend Football Betting Preview And Tips

Pinnacle Sports offer their betting tips and analysis for this weekend's football action.

Last weekend Manchester United maintained their six point lead over an improving Chelsea, with an impressive 4-0 romp at White Hart Lane. That situation is unlikely to change with the Premiership schedule handing both sides comfortable home ties on Saturday.

The fixed odds for United's home game with Charlton, and Boro's visit to Stamford Bridge will be prohibitively short, but both games are perfect prospects for Asian Handicap betting, where Pinnacle Sports is an industry leader.

Rooney's Absence Only Ray of Hope for Struggling Charlton

Alan Pardew has been encouraged by the recent improvement in Charlton's form, and the attitude his squad have adopted in the face of the threat of relegation. The ex-Hammers' boss is up against it however, as Saturday's visit to Old Trafford follows hot on the heels of the visit of Chelsea to the Valley, which ended in defeat for Charlton.

Their were plenty of positives to take out of the narrow 1-0 loss to the Champions, but the Addicks record at the Theatre of Dreams strongly suggests that punters may only profit with the aid of an Asian Handicap. Pinnacle Sports are offering the Londoners 1.952 (+2) with the Premiership leaders 1.971 (-2), but bettors must bear in mind that Charlton have lost nine straight encounters with the Red Devils, conceding an average of three goals per game. The only ray of light for the visitors is the absence of Wayne Rooney through suspension.

Chelsea Must Keep Pressure on United

Chelsea's win at the Valley last Saturday was important not only for keeping the pressure on United, but for John Terry's brief involvement (from the 88th minute) and the equally significant show of solidarity between players and manager after the final whistle. Despite rumours of conflict between Mourinho and Abramovich, it appears the Special One still has the crucial support of the dressing room.

The Champions return to their home fortress this weekend as they welcome Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough. Pinnacle Sports rate Boro 1.901 (+1.5) which seems generous considering the Teessiders have won the last two meetings of the clubs. However, both victories were with home advantage, and their record at Stamford Bridge is far less encouraging. Boro have failed to score in their last five visits to the Bridge, so given Chelsea's understandable motivation, Pinnacle Sports have the Londoners 2.03 (-1.5).

Crucial Relegation Battle at Upton Park

Saturday's clash between West Ham and Watford at Upton Park is probably the first relegation six-pointer of the season. No-one can reasonably dispute that both clubs are in peril of the drop, so with the price on survival conservatively estimated to be GBP30million, this game assumes mammoth importance. The Hammers are five points above Watford but having played a game more, that gap could quickly evaporate should the Hornets repeat the comfortable 1-0 win achieved in FA Cup dress rehearsal two weeks ago.

Since then Alan Curbishley has drafted in reinforcements, but GBP6million signing, Matthew Upson, lasted just 30 minutes of his debut, and was forced to watch as his new side failed to win for their ninth successive Premiership game. He remains crocked, but Lucas Neill, Anton Ferdinand and Carlos Tevez are all available for a game where West Ham's big players must show their desire to keep the club up. Despite their dire form Pinnacle Sports still has West Ham as slight favourites 1.833 (-0.5) and Watford 2.100 (+0.5).

Improving Wigan Still Not Safe

Last Saturday Wigan ended an atrocious nine game losing week by beating Portsmouth at the JJB, giving them a little breathing space from the bottom three. However, defeat at the Emirates Stadium will put the pressure back on, and Paul Jewell is well aware that Arsenal remain unbeaten at home. The 'Latics have conceded twelve goals in their last four failed away trips, so Pinnacle Sports have taken no chances for Sunday's game at Arsenal. The Gunners, unbeaten in nine games are favourites 1.893 (-1.5), with the struggling visitors 2.04 (+1.5). Wigan played twice away to Arsenal last season losing 4-2 in the league and 2-1 in the Carling Cup.