Premiership / Richard Walker / 29 January 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Big Sam meets Bolton for the first time, England captain returns to Blues backline, Robinho rocks up and Richard Walker applauds the best boss in the Premier League as he previews Wednesday night's fixtures.

Blackburn Rovers v Bolton Wanderers

Big Sam takes on his old club for the first time since August 2007 when, as Newcastle manager, he presided over a 1-0 defeat of Bolton at St. James' Park.

Rovers haven't lost since Sam Allardyce took over some five games ago. Bolton had been showing the resilience they were famous for under Allardyce but have let things slip of late.

Blackburn are at near full-strength so, while Wanderers welcome back skipper Kevin Nolan, I can see Rovers extending their unbeaten run - but only with a draw. I'm taking Bolton to end a losing patch and grind out a stalemate in true Megson fashion.

Recommendations:

Back The Draw at [3.4] or Lay Bolton to [1.98]

Back No Goalscorer in the First Goalscorer market at [9.2]

Chelsea v Middlesbrough

It's funny how the FA Cup, much derided in some quarters, can help league form. Chelsea were swishing about in the water like a fish with no head recently; then that 4-1 FA Cup replay win at Southend precipitated a 2-1 win at home to Stoke in the league and a comfortable victory over Ipswich in the cup again.

They're as short as [1.27] in Match Odds to see off out-of-form Boro so I'm steering to some different options, as you'll see below.

Julio Arca and Emanuel Pogatetz return for Gareth Southgate while Marlon King is likely to be pitched straight in having arrived on loan from Wigan. Trouble is, John Terry's back for Chelsea so that rather negates the chances of his hold-up play being too effective.

I can't see past a home win, given both sides' recent records.

Recommendation:

Back Chelsea to Win Both Halves at [2.5]

Back Chelsea/Chelsea in Half-Time/Full-Time market at [1.81]

Take Michael Ballack to continue his scoring run, back him at [8.8] from the First Goalscorer list

Everton v Arsenal

Pound-for-pound - resources-wise - David Moyes is the best boss in the Premier League, in my humblest of opinions. Apart from Big Sam's spell at Bolton, I can't think of a manager who's consistently got so much out of his players.

Will this almost striker-less formation continue to pay dividends? A lot has depended on ball retention so, with Mikel Arteta only "50-50" according to Moyes, that's a concern for me. Sure, they were right up for the Merseyside derbies but that extra adrenaline might just have drained away for this one.

William Gallas is available again for Arsenal and should start, while Gael Clichy also returns. I think the Gunners will extend their unbeaten spell by nicking this one - but I have to say I'm not confident suggesting against Moyes and all he brings to a game.

Recommendations:

If bold, back Arsenal at [2.48], if not so sure Lay Everton to [3.3]

Back Over 2.5 goals, reckoning on Everton's tiredness making for an open game, at [2.18]

Back The Draw as the Half-Time result at [2.22]

Manchester City v Newcastle United

Newcastle's management team of Joe Kinnear and Chris Hughton have been talking about little else other than "getting a couple of quality players in" while this January transfer window has progressed.

The fact they haven't (Peter Lovenkrands is a squad addition not a star) doesn't necessarily mean they can't win this game against a melancholy Manchester City - but I feel it does put them on the back foot.

Mark Hughes will play Robinho, despite a flight home and an assault charge of late, because the owners say he must. He and Craig Bellamy, while not the biggest, might strike up a useful partnership with Steve Ireland's runs from midfield added into the mix.

You've got no idea what's going to happen with City but I'm plumping for one of those crazy games they can muster at Eastlands now and then - and a convincing home win against a still struggling Magpies.

Recommendation:

Back Man City to win at [1.71]

Back Over 4.5 goals at [6.4]

Back Craig Bellamy To Score at [2.74]

Back Any Unquoted in the Correct Score list at [17.0]

Wigan Athletic v Liverpool

Talk is all about Robbie Keane on the red half of Merseyside but Liverpool are too professional - and too engrossed in the title race - to let that affect them collecting all three points at the JJB.

The hosts have lost Wilson Palacios to Spurs and Emile Heskey to Villa in the last few weeks - not the perfect preparation for the visit of the Reds. Mido will attempt to fill Heskey's role but Antonio Valencia, Chris Kirkland and other new signing Ben Watson are all doubtful.

Keane's back in the squad for tonight but will no doubt have to do what he does best - coming off the bench...and I think he might well get one, just to give that story another twist.

A dominating away win for me. State-the-obvious stuff maybe, but I think the Latics will still be a little deflated by their recent key departures.

Recommendation:

Back Liverpool to prevail at [1.83]

Back Robbie Keane To Score at [3.25]

Back a Liverpool Clean Sheet at [2.3]