Premier League and League One betting, 7 Apr

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Stoke - Wolverhampton

The Potters are having a decent season despite four league games without a win. They put a problematic display last week, at the defeat from Wigan and Pulis will probably demand reaction from players. They lost the reputation of typical home side, but still have very good record against bottom sides.

Wolves look hopeless at the bottom place. Since Terry Connor took the charge, they have taken only a point (from possible 18). They also have scored only five goals in those six matches, while conceded 19 (3.17 average)! Some calculations say they will need five more wins to stay in league. Hardly to imagine, since they have a total of five wins in past 31 matches!

Wolves did create some chances and scored lately, but their defending is still horrible. With Stoke’s physical domination, every attack, free or corner kick will be a problem. I am on home side.

Bet: Stoke -0.75
Odd: 1.98 (bet365)
Stake: 9/10

Oldham Athletic - Charlton Athletic

Oldham look pretty safe from relegation and their results look like the players are already on the summer holidays. They’ve collected seven defeats out of last nine matches in league and on last three haven’t even scored.

The Addicks are the far best away team in the league, with again far best defence. Recently they’ve brought on loan two very good players for this level, midfielders Lee Cook (QPR) and Dany N'Guessan (Millwall), who should bring more attacking power.

I am going to back Charlton with very good odds.

Bet: Charlton
Odd: 2.25 (Unibet)
Stake: 7/10

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Tottenham Hot. - Stoke City

After nine rounds left, Tottenham hold the third place and after many years seem as a serious contender to break top-four of English football end earn a Champions League spot. With “’Arry” in charge, team finally looks more than competitive. Only two failures came after the clashes against probably the best league clubs Man.Utd.(1-3 at home) and Chelsea (0-3 on the road) and those are the only two games where Spurs didn’t score at least twice! Also, they look in a great shape recently, with three wins (Preston North End 5-1, Burnley 5-0 and Portsmouth 2-1) and a draw (Bolton Wanderers 2-2) in last four competitive games. Main story in English press is missing of excellent Jermaine Defoe who got a red card against Pompey. In my opinion it won’t be such a big lose, ‘cause his replacement Peter Crouch could be more useful against the team who will defend with 10 players, which Stoke surely plan to perform. Jonathan Woodgate played in a midweek friendly against Dag&Red and could make his first-team comeback this weekend, while Modric stays absent with a broken leg. 

Stoke have been noticing their dream start of the recent campaign. And while their tough performance at Britannia Stadium were expected, their recent good run on the road with three undefeated encounters (all three draws, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and Everton) looks a little bit surprising. They play tactically almost perfect with strong defense displays (Huth, Shawcross, Collins and Faye back), waiting a chance from some set piece or counter attack. However, those chances haven’t come too often, Potters have some problems to score on the road and they also don’t have an away win so far. Considering statistics as well, they’ll have to wait more for it, as Stoke have only beaten Tottenham once in 29 attempts at White Hart Lane - a 2-0 win in 1975. They’ll have a chance to take something from this match as far as they manage to keep the clean sheet. Missing of key defender, Robert Huth, who has been banned for three matches for punching West Ham defender Matthew Upson, surely won’t help. Irish Glenn Whelan should return, but fellow midfielder Liam Lawrence is doubtful after missing training with a virus.

Tottenham possess more than decent quality, big spendings finally started to produce some results on the field, team looks in a great shape and they’re clear favorites here. Stoke have decent run of results, but the problem is they play over their real capabilities. Drop in form is unavoidable and I think it starts at White Hart Lane. My pick is home win with -1 handicap, bet365 offer 1.75.

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Stoke City - Sunderland

After three rounds in Premier, Stoke already showed they’re capable to secure their status in Premier. Opening win at home (3-0) against new-comers Burnley got the real weight after Burnley defeated Man.Utd. and Everton. Then heavy 0-4 defeat at Enfield (that surely didn’t discourage them) and first point on the road against Birmingham (0-0). So, key of the success is the same like in previous season, winnings at home and grabbing as much points away as it is possible. Last season, only Everton, Chelsea, Man.Utd. and West Ham took all three points from Britannia Stadium (Stoke collected 35 of their 45 points at home). Club’s management is very active in the finish of transfer window. Beside earlier signed Dean Whitehead (ex Sunderland midfielder), German international Robert Huth has completed his transfer to Stoke from Middlesbrough, with Tuncay expected to join him once personal terms are agreed. Also, Sunderland defender Danny Collins is in talks over a potential move to the Potters. It seems the club is a little bit stronger than in previous season and we should expect at least the results at same level. Defender Ryan Shawcross will have a late fitness test, while James Beattie should be fit to play despite limping off against Birmingham with a knee injury. Boss Tony Pulis rested his keys in Cup against Leyton and all will be ready for the game.

The Black Cats have made their best start to a Premier League campaign. Two wins from three games give a faith the club can finish in top half of the table. It is the result of big investments in new players in past two years and the current squad under the lead of Steve Bruce seems very competitive, but surely will need some time to reach their limits. After opening win on the road against Bolton (1-0), Sunderland noticed a defeat at Stamford Bridge (1-3), but team didn’t disappoint with performance. In the last round team made, public judgment is, very lucky win (2-1) against Blackburn at home. During the mid-week, Bruce gave a chance to fringe players vs. Norwich, who used it on the right way and with 4-1 win on the road just additionally raised the confidence in the club. Fit-again goalie Craig Gordon could make his first league appearance since April, with first solution Marton Fulop nursing a heel injury. Mentioned defender Danny Collins, a transfer target for Stoke, is unlikely to be involved in this encounter. As Stoke, Sunderland usually put the better displays at their Stadium of Light than on the road. Last season noticed just three away wins from 19 games and I simply don’t believe they can take three points at Britannia, where btw. they have lost their last two visits.

Considering the players’ individual qualities, Sunderland have a clear advantage. But, Stoke have a home crowd behind, they traditionally notice good results there and visitors are still far from using their full potential. I think hosts will win, but just in case cover a draw with more than decent odd (about 1.74). So, dnb on  home side.

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