15-5 EPL Matches

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match BIRMINGHAM vs ARSENAL
Match No. 0310
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
4.30 3.67 1.60

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
BIRMINGHAM (+1½) 1.45 ARSENAL (-1½) 2.45

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
8.50 4.40 3.80 3.80 5.70 7.90 15.00 25.00 55.00 85.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
8.30 17.00 24.00 8.60 6.30 4.20 32.00 17.00 2.30

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match LIVERPOOL vs ASTON VILLA
Match No. 0309
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
1.53 3.53 5.20

1/2 GOAL
Home Away
LIVERPOOL (-1½) 2.40 ASTON VILLA (+1½) 1.47

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
8.50 4.10 3.70 3.80 5.50 8.70 16.00 30.00 75.00 110.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
2.15 15.00 29.00 4.30 6.20 11.00 20.00 17.00 10.00

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match TOTTENHAM vs BLACKBURN
Match No. 0308
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
1.43 3.72 6.20

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
TOTTENHAM (-1½) 2.35 BLACKBURN (+1½) 1.48

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
9.50 4.10 3.80 4.00 5.30 8.30 15.00 26.00 50.00 75.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
1.97 16.00 35.00 4.40 5.90 13.00 22.00 16.00 12.50

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match CHARLTON vs CRYSTAL PALACE
Match No. 0306
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
2.70 3.40 2.15

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
CHARLTON (+1½) 1.22 CRYSTAL PALACE (-1½) 3.60

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
7.50 4.20 3.70 3.80 5.80 8.70 16.00 33.00 65.00 105.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
4.95 14.00 18.00 5.90 6.00 5.40 23.00 13.00 3.45

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match BOLTON vs EVERTON
Match No. 0305
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
1.87 3.22 3.52

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
BOLTON (-1½) 3.35 EVERTON (+1½) 1.25

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
8.00 4.20 3.70 3.80 5.80 8.50 15.00 30.00 70.00 110.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
2.90 12.00 23.00 4.90 5.40 7.30 19.00 15.00 7.00

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match SOUTHAMPTON vs MANCHESTER UTD
Match No. 0304
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
2.65 3.78 2.05

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
SOUTHAMPTON (-1½) 5.50 MANCHESTER UTD (+1½) 1.09

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
8.50 4.00 4.00 4.10 5.50 8.00 14.00 25.00 55.00 90.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
5.10 15.00 22.00 5.20 6.00 4.80 20.00 14.00 3.80

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match MANCHESTER CITY vs MIDDLESBROUGH
Match No. 0303
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
1.90 3.15 3.50

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
MANCHESTER CITY (-1½) 3.50 MIDDLESBROUGH (+1½) 1.23

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
8.00 4.45 3.80 3.80 5.50 8.50 15.00 26.00 55.00 100.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
3.10 11.00 23.00 4.80 5.50 7.20 19.00 14.00 6.70

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match FULHAM vs NORWICH
Match No. 0302
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
2.60 3.50 2.18

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
FULHAM (+1½) 1.17 NORWICH (-1½) 4.10

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
9.50 4.70 3.80 3.90 5.60 8.20 12.50 22.00 35.00 55.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
4.50 14.00 15.00 6.10 6.10 4.90 21.00 16.50 3.85

PJ_Quek SG

League E PREMIER
Match WEST BROMWICH vs PORTSMOUTH
Match No. 0301
Sales Close ^ 15/05/05 9:00PM

1X2

Home Draw Away
1.59 3.66 4.40

1/2 GOAL

Home Away
WEST BROMWICH (-1½) 2.50 PORTSMOUTH (+1½) 1.43

TOTAL GOALS

No. of Goals
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
9.00 4.25 3.80 3.80 5.50 8.70 14.00 27.00 65.00 110.00

HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE

Selection
H-H H-D H-A D-H D-D D-A A-H A-D A-A
2.28 14.00 25.00 4.70 6.20 10.00 18.00 18.00 8.00

PJ_Quek SG

Birmingham v Arsenal preview

The final day of the season sees Arsenal attempt to follow up their thumping 7-0 win over Everton as they make the trip to Birmingham.

The Gunners have flailed in the wake of London neighbours Chelsea this season but they can still record a vastly impressive 86 points with a win,
whilst Birmingham are fighting for mid-table pride at St Andrews.

Steve Bruce's side have an enormous task on their hands as they take on a rampant Arsenal, who are on the back of a twelve match unbeaten run, although if they grab a win they could finish in a very respectable eleventh
position.

The main team news centres around the status of Jermaine Pennant, as, although he is technically still an Arsenal player, there is nothing in the tricky winger's loan agreement to prevent him trying to prove a point against
Arsene Wenger.

Bruce does have a depleted midfield however as Stan Lazaridis and Damien Johnson will both miss the visit of the recently deposed champions.

The Australian winger has undergone surgery for the troublesome groin injury that has afflicted his season, whilst Johnson is suspended for four games
after punching Thomas Helveg in the 1-0 defeat to Norwich.

Julian Gray and Stephen Clemence are on standby to replace the duo, whilst Matthew Upson should continue in the side to face his former team.

Arsenal meanwhile are focused on preparing for the FA Cup final against Manchester United, with Wenger admitting he is ready to drop key players in order to rest them ahead of the showdown clash.

Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Francesc Fabregas could all be given a breather, whilst Edu is set to make his last appearance in The Premiership before he leaves Highbury on a free transfer.

It could also be a final league bow for Dennis Bergkamp, with the Dutch star's future yet to be resolved, whilst Wenger will be hopeful that his two of his most impressive performers this season will come through the tie unscathed.

Thierry Henry is in contention for a start after recovering from a groin injury to play the second half of the rout against Everton, whilst Freddie Ljungberg should return for 45 minutes following a hip injury that is threatening his participation in Cardiff.

Selection worries of a different kind trouble Wenger at the back, as he is expected to switch Kolo Toure to right back as Lauren will miss out with food poisoning.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports

PJ_Quek SG

Liverpool v Villa preview

Liverpool warm up for their UEFA Champions League final by ending the season against Aston Villa.

The game at Anfield will give The Reds fans a chance to wave off their heroes ahead of their biggest game in 20 years when they head off to Istanbul to face Milan.

Although they could be crowned kings of Europe in Turkey, Saturday could see them finish as low as seventh after a disappointing Premiership campaign.

Their pursuit of Everton in fourth place has ultimately been fruitless and Rafa Benitez knows their league form needs addressing for next term.

For now though, Benitez will be looking to end on a high note and head off to Turkey on the back of a win, and may use the Villa game to finalise his plans.

The main quandary for Benitez will be who gets the nod in midfield, with Igor Biscan, Didi Hamann and Xabi Alonso all vying for starting places.

Harry Kewell and Djibril Cisse both made an impact off the bench against Arsenal and they may start in a bid to persuade Benitez they are worthy of a spot in the final.

Steven Gerrard is out with a minor thigh injury, while Jamie Carragher could be a candidate to be rested, while Milan Baros has looked out of sorts of late and may be given a break.

Luis Garcia is out with a thigh strain, and Benitez admitted that he may make a number of changes with Istanbul in mind.

Villa's season is also effectively over as David O'Leary's side no longer have any hope of competing in Europe next term.

Nolberto Solano could return for the final game of the season to replace the departing Thomas Hitzlsperger, although the German should figure in his last game for the club.

It is also Carlton Cole's final game of his loan spell from Chelsea, but he may have start on the bench, while Eric Djemba-Djemba could start.

Not much to play for for either side but several reds will be playing for European Cup final places while the buoyant home crowd should sway it.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports

PJ_Quek SG

Spurs v Blackburn preview

Tottenham take on Blackburn at White Hart Lane, knowing that they still have a mathematical chance at a Uefa Cup qualification spot.

Spurs are reliant on other results, but will be aware that they have to win this game by three goals and wait for the result of Middlesbrough's game to book seventh place in The Premiership.

They will consider themselves fortunate that they face a side, in Blackburn, that look burnt out from the exertions of staying clear of the relegation dogfight.

Indeed, since confirming their Premiership status, Rovers have lacked the bite that has been present since Mark Hughes replaced Graeme Souness at the helm, and will be wary of signing off the season with a run of five games without victory.

Spurs have several players out of action for the game, although they will wait on news on Thimotheee Atouba's return to fitness.

Radek Cerny will continue to deputise for England international Paul Robinson in goal.

Michael Brown, Noureddine Naybet, Anthony Gardner, Noe Pamarot and Pedro Mendes are all ruled out.

Blackburn are waiting on Dominic Matteo and Andy Todd as Hughes looks to shore up his defence, whilst Paul Dickov has been absent of late and could miss out again with his knee problem.

Jay Bothroyd is ruled out, as is Stephen Reid.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.

PJ_Quek SG

Newcastle v Chelsea preview

Chelsea bring their title-winning campaign to a close with a trip to Newcastle.

Jose Mourinho wanted the season to end after their triumphant 3-1 win at Manchester United on Tuesday night, but they must raise themselves just one more time up in the North East.

Chelsea showed their strength in depth at Old Trafford and several of their second string will get the chance again to sign off for the season with a win.

Skipper John Terry is out after having surgery on his toe on Wednesday, while Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff are major doubts for the game.

Frank Lampard also needs an operation but he is set to start the match - as he has done for every single Premiership game for Chelsea this season.

Glen Johnson and Robert Huth will remain in the starting XI, as should Carlo Cudicini who has stepped in for Petr Cech in recent games.

Graeme Souness would like to end a disappointing league campaign on a high note but injuries are again conspiring against him.

The Magpies did inflict a rare defeat on Chelsea at St James' Park back in February when they ended their domestic Treble hopes by knocking them out of the FA Cup.

Alan Shearer will return for Newcastle after being rested as Shola Ameobi is suspended while Patrick Kluivert has a knee injury.

Michael Chopra is in the squad after returning from his loan spell at Barnsley, and could get a rare taste of first team football.

Steven Taylor, Stephen Carr and Amdy Faye are all doubtful, while Nicky Butt, Aaron Hughes, Kieron Dyer, Lee Bowyer and Robbie Elliott are all out.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.

PJ_Quek SG

Charlton v Palace preview

Crystal Palace travel to South London rivals Charlton knowing victory is needed if they are to have any hope of staying in The Premiership.

However, even with a win at The Valley - Palace are still relying on results elsewhere to go their way.

Should The Eagles win, then they will stay up if both Norwich and Southampton fail to get anything more than victory from their games, although they could also survive with a draw if Norwich and Southampton lose, (Southampton by two goals or more), and West Brom do no better than a draw.

Charlton's dismal run of form means they have little to play for other than local pride and a possible place in the top ten as victory would mean tenth place at best.

The Addicks are without a win in eight games and of those they have lost six, which will give Palace real hope that they can take the three points which they need to stay up.

Iain Dowie has already stated that his players are playing for their futures, which could mean some will be donning the Palace shirt for the last time.

One of which is Wayne Routledge, widely expected to depart in the summer no matter the result, and will be hoping to sign off on a high.

The only change Dowie is expected to make is in defence with Gonzalo Sorondo following his sending off against Southampton last week. Danny Butterfield is expected to come in for the Uruguayan.

For Charlton, Chris Perry is back following a ban and Jerome Thomas and Shaun Bartlett could return to the squad meaning Alan Curbishley has a near fully fit squad at his disposal.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.

PJ_Quek SG

Bolton v Everton preview

The Reebok Stadium hosts the climax of the season for two of The Premiership's surprise European representatives for next year.

Both Bolton and Everton have exceeded pre-season expectations by claiming continental competition, although it is Everton who have most notably
caused shockwaves by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Whilst David Moyes' side have now secured fourth place, Bolton still have positional issues to settle as they could still leapfrog Liverpool into fifth or be pushed down to seventh if Middlesbrough triumph.

Either way the Trotters' faithful will no doubt give their heroes a rousing send-off as their Uefa Cup qualification represents the first time the club have embarked on a foreign campaign.

Particular focus will be on Spanish legend Fernando Hierro as he has confirmed that Sunday's clash will be the last in a lengthy and prestigious career.

The former Real Madrid man has ignored Sam Allardyce's calls to help lead the club into uncharted European waters next season, and the Reebok will surely rise to its feet to give Hierro a rousing send-off.

Allardyce will have to do without Nicky Hunt who is out with a shoulder injury, whilst Ivan Campo is also suspended for the visit of The Toffees.

Bolton captain Jay Jay Okocha has voiced his concern that his side may be on the end of an Everton backlash following their embarrassing 7-0 thumping
by Arsenal, although Allardyce is well-equipped, with minimal injury concerns.

In contrast his adversary Moyes has a raft of issues to contend with, as the defeat to the Gunners came at a cost to fitness as well as pride.

Striker James Beattie aggravated the medial knee ligament problem that has blighted his career at Goodison to date, costing him three weeks on the sidelines, whilst Mikel Arteta sustained an ankle injury and could miss out.

Leon Osman is still suffering from a knee problem and top scorer Tim Cahill could be rested again after he missed the Highbury debacle to aid his recovery from a back injury.

Gary Naysmith and Li Tie are long-term absentees, and Alan Stubbs and Steve Watson could be making their last appearances for The Toffees as the out-of-contract duo are yet to resolve their future.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.

PJ_Quek SG

Soton v Man United preview

Manchester United might be looking to end a terrible week on a high but Southampton also have rather pressing issues on their mind as they look to avoid crashing out of The Premiership for the first time.

Saints boss Harry Redknapp has a knack of putting one over United and will strive to mastermind a victory that would give the South Coast side hope of clawing their way out of the bottom three.

The absence of Peter Crouch through suspension is a major blow to Saints as their top scorer lost an appeal against his red card at Crystal Palace last weekend. Henri Camara could be expected to fill a key role and his pace may trouble a defence that looked less than secure in the midweek reverse to Chelsea.

David Prutton is back from suspension and is eligible to feature after coming through a specially-arranged practice game while Brett Ormerod is another option in attack following his recall from a loan spell at Wigan Athletic.

Jelle van Damme, Fabrice Fernandes and Marian Pahars are all available but Andreas Jakobsson looks set to miss out.

United chief Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged to field a strong line-up after the troubles of a week that has seen the club lose convincingly to an under-strength Chelsea side; perform a lap of honour around a half-empty Old Trafford; face losing out on highly-rated youngster John Obi Mikel, even though they have signed him; and, of course, been subjected to a controversial takeover from Malcolm Glazer.

Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy will be the players to fear for Saints if they start. Rooney has bagged three goals in his two Premiership starts against Southampton and van Nistelrooy has six goals in six league games against them.

FA Cup final places may be up for grabs but there needs to be a sharp improvement on the display against Chelsea so Ryan Giggs could return to the midfield after being left out completely on Tuesday. Gabriel Heinze remains sidelined with an ankle injury and David Bellion was hurt in the reserves on Thursday.

Ferguson's team selection is always a guarded secret but he did state: "We will play a strong side for a lot of reasons, not least what is happening roundabout Southampton."

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.

PJ_Quek SG

Man City v Boro preview

Stuart Pearce takes charge of his first game since been appointed manager of Manchester City knowing that victory over Middlesbrough will secure a Uefa Cup spot.

After a great run as caretaker, Pearce has been named City boss on a permanent basis and he now has the chance to guide his team into Europe.

City currently lie three points behind Boro, but with a superior goal difference they
only need to beat the Teessiders to take a top seven spot - although mathematically Spurs could still catch them if they beat Blackburn by a large enough margin.

However, while City and Spurs work out the maths - Boro will be hoping that there will be no need for any complicated arithmetic as a draw will be good enough for Steve McClaren's men to book their passage into the Uefa Cup for the second year in succession.

Boro are currently unbeaten in five games and that includes hard fought draws at Liverpool and Newcastle, so they already know they are capable of getting something at The City of Manchester Stadium.

City too are in good form, although Pearce is likely to make a change from the side that defeated Aston Vila 2-1 last weekend.

Robbie Fowler is fit again after overcoming a calf problem and Jon Macken looks set to make way.

Danny Mills will continue at right back against his former club as Richard Dunne is sidelined - meaning Nedum Onuoha will again start in the centre of defence.

Like Pearce, McClaren may tinker with his side - despite victory last week against Spurs.

Much will depend on what formation McClaren opts for - should he stick to 4-4-2 then he will need to decide whether to bring Doriva into midfield for a more defensive look - which would likely mean Stewart Downing or Ray Parlour
dropping out.

Stuart Parnaby is likely to continue at right back, although both Michael Reiziger
and Tony McMahon are fit and hoping for a recall.

McClaren's other options could see him switch to a five-man back-line with Reiziger coming in at left back and Franck Queudrue switching to the middle.

The Boro boss also has the option of going with one man up-front, although Szilard Nemeth has improved of late and is likely to maintain his position next to
Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.

PJ_Quek SG

Fulham v Norwich preview

A win would keep Norwich in The Premiership, but they must win away for the first time against a Fulham side brimming with confidence.

With their fate in their own hands, The Canaries are in an enviable position in the most exciting relegation battle for years.

Nigel Worthington must pick up their first three-point haul away from Carrow Road if they are to ensure that they remain in the top flight having stolen a march on their rivals with victory over Birmingham last weekend.

A 3-1 victory over Blackburn saw a return to form of the influential Steed Malbranque, and Fulham boss Chris Coleman will be desperate to end a largely
disappointing season with a win.

Malbranque scored twice against Rovers, despite some ill-disguised jibes at his attitude from Coleman, and the French midfielder may well be keen to illustrate his ability ahead of the summer transfer window.

Jerome Bonnissell has been through minor surgery so will not feature for Fulham, and Sylvain Legwinski is also ruled out.

Collins John has recovered from a hamstring strain, but is a major doubt - and Claus Jensen will be handed a late fitness test as he battles back from a virus.

Liam Rosenior is suspended after his dismissal last weekend.

For Norwich, Nigel Worthington again has the luxury of having his full squad available.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.

PJ_Quek SG

West Brom v Pompey preview

Some Portsmouth fans will be travelling to The Hawthorns wearing West Brom shirts as the main priority of the afternoon for the away supporters is to see arch rivals Southampton relegated.

The Baggies are two points adrift of 17th-placed Norwich City so a victory on Sunday could alter the final picture considerably if The Canaries slip up at Fulham.
Of course, Southampton and Crystal Palace are also in the relegation shake-up.

A surprise draw at Manchester United has kept Albion alive and Bryan Robson is urging his side to clinch the three points that at least gives them hope of scraping their way out of trouble.

Robson is set to field Tomasz Kuszczak in goal as Russell Hoult is struggling with the groin injury he sustained at Old Trafford. Kuszczak performed well in the 1-1 draw and the Baggies boss has no qualms about pitching him into another big game.

Kieran Richardson returns after being ineligible for the match against his parent club last weekend and Robson, as always, has plenty of options in attack with Robert Earnshaw pressing his claims with a calmly taken penalty at Old Trafford.

Pompey will probably not include the players released by Alain Perrin, including Steve Stone, Patrik Berger and Shaka Hislop, but the Frenchman has pledged not to field a weakened side, whatever some of the fans may think.

Nevertheless, the South Coast side have the worst record of all the Premiership teams this year and have taken only one point from their last eight away games.

Tresor Lomana Lua-Lua is out with a hamstring pull, joining Andy Griffin, Vincent
Pericard and Svetoslav Todorov on the sidelines.

Top scorer Yakubu Aiyegbeni should be allowed a farewell 90 minutes for Pompey, even though his attitude has been criticised by chairman Milan Mandaric, before he departs, almost certainly for Middlesbrough.

With acknowledgements of Sky Sports.