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THE BEAN PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW 15-9-06
Christopher Bean
How do! And welcome to yet another exciting* instalment of The Bean Preview.
After Middlesbrough decided to have a fallow year of European football action, the Boro have been given the midweek off to recuperate after the great draw (which I predicted!) at the Emirates stadium.
I did not do too badly at the weekend. I correctly predicted four results right, with Reading giving me my only spot-on prediction.
We have broken up this week's preview into two parts, due to half of the fixtures being on Saturday and the remaining five on Sunday. So on to Saturday's fixtures.
*Might be classed as a lie
Charlton v Portsmouth
Charlton 6/4 - Total Bet
Draw 9/4 - Victor Chandler
Portsmouth 2/1 - Bet365
Well who would have believed Pompey would be sitting in second position after four games? They are currently unbeaten and are the only team in the league to not concede a goal. Harry Redknapp's team make the short trip to South London where they face an injury-ravished Charlton. Iain Dowie's team does not look like it has gelled yet, and will be desperate for a result.
Former Liverpool defender Djimi Traore will be out for several months with a broken leg. He is joined in the treatment room by Andy Reid and Diawara. Hreidarsson is still unfairly suspended for elbowing Kevin Davies. Andy Cole, Rudolph Douala and Niko Kranjcar could be making their first starts for Pompey, whilst Gary O'Neil returns to the picture after a strained stomach.
Normally Portsmouth go on a purple-patch in the last ten games of the season, but for some reason it is happening in reverse this season. It will soon end, but not in this match as they will pick up a point, but will concede their first goal in the process.
Prediction - 1-1
Best Odds for a 1-1 draw - 11/2 at Skybet
Bolton v Middlesbrough
Bolton 21/20 - BetDirect
Draw 12/5 - Victor Chandler
Boro 3/1 - Victor Chandler
The Boro travel to the Reebok, in the hope of picking up their first away win of the season. It has always been a tricky place for Boro to pick up points. Sam Allardyce is hoping to get some momentum going after triumphing over Watford last weekend.
Bolton's Greek midfielder Stelios (there is no way I am typing his whole name, I have not got all day!) is fit again after a groin injury. Persistent elbower Kevin Davies is out injured along with Pedersen, O'Brien and Gardner. Boro look set to name the same team which picked up a point at the Emirates, apart from George Boateng who has a one game suspension. Lee Cattermole will fill his boots, whilst Woodgate will nick his armband.
After only four games this season, you can just tell Boro will be full of inconsistencies for another year. If the same team as last week turn up we will win this match, if the one against Portsmouth shows up then we'll be murdered. I am just hoping last week's team turns up so we can get an away win.
Prediction 2-1 to Middlesbrough
Best odds for a 2-1 Boro win - 14/1 at Victor Chandler
Everton v Wigan
Everton 4/6 - UK Betting
Draw 5/2 - Paddy Power
Wigan 9/2 - Victor Chandler
After dismantling the red half of the City last week, the Bluenoses looked to have rekindled their form which took them to a Champions League place a couple of seasons ago. This week they welcome their northwest rivals Wigan to Goodison Park.
The Toffees look set to name an unchanged line-up from their 3-0 win last week. James McFadden and Alan Stubbs are still not in contention to gain places in the squad due to injury. Former Everton player Kevin Kilbane looks set to make his debut against his former club. On loan striker Todorov could start if Henri Camara does not get himself fit.
It has not been the most impressive start for Wigan this season, and they will struggle in this match. Andy Johnson looks unstoppable at the moment and you cannot bet against him scoring again tomorrow. It will be a comfortable victory for Everton.
My prediction - 3-1 to Everton
Best odds fr a 3-1 Everton win - 14/1 with Paddy Power
Sheffield United v Reading
Sheffield United 6/4 - Bet365
Draw 9/4 - Stan James
Reading 2/1 - BetDirect
This weekend we have the first battle of the new boys in this Premiership season. Last year's runaway Championship winners Reading travel to Bramall Lane where they face their runners-up from last season. The Blades have not made a great start to the season after only picking up two points. The Royals have won two of their matches and comfortably sit in mid-table.
Michael Tonge will have a late fitness test for United and if he fails it Phil Jagielka will slot into defence. Forward Christian Nade will replace Danny Webber; let's just hope he does not balls up his opportunity. Reading are still without Kitson, Brown and Sodje, but are boosted by the news that centre back Ingimarsson is cleared to play after seeing double on Monday night due to a clash of heads.
The Blades may be in the bottom three, but they are unbeaten at home, whilst Reading have not gained a point on their travels. With that simple logic I am going for a home win.
Prediction - 1-0 to Sheffield United
Best odds for a 1-0 Sheffield United win - 7/1 with Total Bet
Watford v Aston Villa
Watford 2/1 - Victor Chandler
Draw 9/4 -  Betfred
Aston Villa 6/4 - Total Bet
Watford have been very unfortunate so far in their second ever Premiership campaign. They have been playing great football, but are lacking the killer instinct where it matters which is hitting the ball into the back of the net. Aston Villa travel to Vicarage Road and will be aiming to compound the agony to the Hornets.
Watford will be without the experienced duo of Chris Powell and Clarke Carlisle who have a calf injury and a chest infection respectively. Czech striker Milan Baros is in contention for a place in Villa's starting line-up after overcoming a foot injury. They don't make boots like they use to, do they.
With Aston Villa unbeaten, and Watford only gaining one point from four games, you would think it will be a straight forward victory for the Birmingham club. But I have a feeling in my water (still have not had it checked out) that the Hornets are going to nick a win.
My Prediction - 2-1 to Watford
Best odds for a 2-1 Watford win - 11/1 with Betfred
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