Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur

Aston Villa look set to play Premier League football next season; leading both Queens Park Rangers and Bolton by 3 points and a superior goal difference with 2 games remaining. Alex McLeish has produced one of the poorest seasons out of Aston Villa for a long time and things aren’t going to get any better on Sunday for him.

Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 4-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers midweek to maintain their goal difference advantage over Newcastle. The Magpies beat Chelsea on that same Wednesday night to extend their lead to 4 points over Chelsea who are almost certain to miss out on fourth place now.

A stunning strike from Luka Modric opened the score as he helped himself to a personal best 4 Premier League goals this season. Rafael van der Vaart has scored in his last two games for Spurs whilst Emmanuel Adebayor helped himself to a brace on Wednesday. Their key players coming good once again, coincidentally after Roy Hodgson has been given the England job on a permanent basis.

Tottenham will want to win their remaining two games to give themselves their best shot at playing in the Champions League next season. That starts with a trip to Aston Villa; a side winless in their last 8 league games, and winning just 1 of their last 14.

Gareth Bale has looked good in Tottenham’s last two televised matches, whilst the pace of Aaron Lennon on the opposite flank gives them another good outlet. Luka Modric pulled the string superbly in a 2-0 thrashing of Blackburn last weekend, alongside an attack-minded Sandro.

Aston Villa have had little to offer of late. Chelsea are the only side they have scored more than 1 goal against in their last 13 matches. That came in a 4-2 defeat at Villa Park. Bolton Wanderers won at Villa Park the last time a Premier League game was played here. There’s no reason why Spurs shouldn’t beat the Villans on Sunday.

Tottenham are the same price they were to beat Bolton for this game. It was a bargain on Wednesday and I think remains decent value for Harry Redknapp’s side given what is at stake.

Tottenham to beat Aston Villa 10/11

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton

Wolves miraculously fought back from 4-1 down to earn a point at Swansea last weekend. Gaffs from the Welsh side’s defence let them back into the game, but Terry Connor’s third point during his 11 games in charge was not enough to give them a fighting chance for a top 19 finish. Wolves, for the second time in their history will finish bottom of the Premier League.

Everton also scored 4 goals last weekend, thumping Fulham 4-0 before drawing 1-1 at Stoke City on Tuesday night. Back-to-back away games must take their toll on players, but Everton have looked great since the acquisitions of Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar in January. They certainly have too much going forward for a woeful Wolves defence to keep out.

David Moyes would love to guide Everton to only their second Premier League finish above Liverpool. Something that would only be tiny consolation having lost all 3 games to their bitter rivals this season, including the recent FA Cup clash. The Toffees lead the Reds by 3 points going into the final two games.

Steven Pienaar is pulling the strings in midfield. The South African was responsible for 3 assists last weekend. Alongside him, Marouane Fellaini bosses the opposition. Wolves remain without a few key players in the middle of the park as I expect Everton to control the game from there.

Nikica Jelavic can’t stop scoring and I would expect him to get his name on the scoresheet once again this weekend against a Wolves defence that will set a Premier League record for conceding the most goals at home during a single season should they fail to keep a clean sheet on Sunday.

Everton aren’t the worst odds in the world given 3 points would put them closer to finish above Liverpool this season and are in good form. Wolves have lost 8 of their last 10.

Everton to beat Wolves 8/11

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Stoke City vs Arsenal

With Chelsea in the Champions League final, there is a little extra pressure on Arsenal to make sure they finish third to guarantee Champions League football next season. Fourth place is not a guaranteed place unless Chelsea lose the final after the Premier League season has ended. Even then, it’s a place in the qualifying round after Euro 2012.

Stoke City have looked fatigued recently and it was game over for them in the first half last weekend as they went down 3-0 at Newcastle. The skilful attacking players for the Magpies were too much for the physical Stoke defenders. Arsenal have creative, agile players in their team too that should have success against this Stoke defence the way they have played recently.

Arsenal’s form has dropped in their last two games. They were shut out by a defensive Chelsea last weekend as they go into this weekend only 3 points ahead of Newcastle having played 1 game more. Robin van Persie’s penalty against Wolves is all the Premier League’s top scorer has to show for in his last 7 games. The Dutch ace did score a brace off the bench in a 3-1 victory over Stoke earlier in the season (the only Premier League game RvP has not started this season).

Theo Walcott and Mikel Arteta are absentees in this game for Arsenal. Aaron Ramsey has been really disappointing for me this season, but midfielders Arsenal can call upon in this match are Tomas Rosicky and Yossi Benayoun. Perhaps a chance for Arsene Wenger to give exciting prospect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a rare start in this game.

With Laurent Koscielny back and Thomas Vermaelen fit, Arsenal are fit at the back. Their physical game and aerial ability will be called upon in this game.

Despite a couple of absentees and their top scorer failing to score many of late, I think Arsenal win this one.

Arsenal to win 10/11

Swansea City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers were relegated last weekend and are now on course to become the fourth team in Premier League history to finish bottom on more than one occasion.

Terry Connor’s side put in their best effort in recent games in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. But overall, Wolves are deservedly relegated and have only got worse under their caretaker manager.

Swansea City were left wondering how they did not beat Bolton in a 1-1 draw at the Reebok Stadium last week. Danny Graham, Scott Sinclair and Steven Caulker all missing great opportunities in another game which saw Gylfi Sigurdsson pulling the strings.

The Icelandic midfielder is going to enjoy playing against an opposition which tend to back off from the player in possession of the ball. Between the sticks for Wolves will be former Swan, Dorus de Vries. Sigurdsson may have preferred Wayne Hennessey as the now injured Welsh number 1 leads the league in long range efforts conceded. Long range shots being one of the midfielders specialities.

Danny Graham is without a goal since mid-February but continues to get the chances under Brendan Rodgers. Scott Sinclair scored his first goal since the end of January last weekend, before missing further opportunities. Sinclair’s effort was his first away from the Liberty Stadium this season.

Steven Fletcher’s aerial ability will be something for the Swansea defence to keep an eye on. However the Scot has not been taking his chances in recent months.

A victory on Saturday gives Swansea an opportunity to end the weekend in the top half and I cannot see them failing to beat relegated Wolves.

Swansea City to win 4/7

Wigan Athletic vs Newcastle United

Wigan’s good run came to an end last weekend as Philippe Senderos scored a late winner for Fulham. Wigan had previously won 4 of their last 5 and losing 1 of their last 7 prior to their trip to Craven Cottage.

Newcastle won their sixth straight, conceding just 1 goal during this run as they thrashed Stoke City 3-0 at the Sports Direct Arena. Papiss Cisse got on the scoresheet once again, in between goals from Yohan Cabaye.

The French playmaker has been a big part of Newcastle’s success this season as they go into the final weeks of the season on course for their first Premier League top 4 finish since 2002/03.

Demba Ba has now failed to score in his last 10 Premier League games for Newcastle. Cisse has taken all the goals from his international team mate as he has become an instant hit on Tyneside.

Defensively for Newcastle, Fabricio Coloccini made PFA Team of the Year this week as Newcastle have not allowed the opposition much since mid-March. Tim Krul between the sticks has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Wigan don’t score too many, and if Newcastle can keep Victor Moses quiet, it’s hard to see how the hosts will break the deadlock in this game.

Newcastle are a tempting 8/5 to win this game outright, with double chance being the safest bet.

Lay Wigan at 3.00

Roberto Di Matteo’s side have kept a clean sheet in each of their last two games playing very defensive tactics and attempting to hit their opponents (Barcelona and Arsenal) on the counter attack.

Chelsea’s tactics worked to a degree in the first leg. Despite allowing 24 shots from their opponents and being saved by the crossbar, post, Ashley Cole’s goal line save, two chances missed inside the six yard box and a couple of saves from Petr Cech!

Barcelona were frustrated by Didier Drogba’s tactics which, whilst annoying to the neutrals, went to plan. Chelsea’s banks of defenders also prevented Lionel Messi from hitting full flow. The Argentinian has now failed to score in 7 meetings with the English side.

Chelsea are 7/1 to win the Champions League, whilst Barcelona are 6/5 favourites.

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Aston Villa vs Sunderland

Neither of these sides come into the weekend on any sort of form. Aston Villa are winless in 5 Premier League games, Sunderland in 4. The Black Cats have failed to score in their last 3 games since a 3-3 draw at Manchester City.

Not only have Aston Villa’s results been bad, so have their performances under Alex McLeish. Unsurprisingly thrashed 4-0 at Manchester United last weekend, Villa barely put up a fight and rarely threatened David de Gea’s goal.

Aston Villa have been playing a youthful side in recent games due to a number of injuries in their team; including Stiliyan Petrov, Darren Bent, Richard Dunne, Marc Albrighton and Stephen Warnock.

James McClean is playing well down the left wing as he has 4 games left to earn himself a place in the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad. He works well with Stephane Sessegnon in this Sunderland side, with the Benin forward currently joint-top scorer with both Nicklas Bendtner and Sebastian Larsson at the Stadium of Light.

The home side have defender set pieces poorly this season and Martin O’Neill’s side are decent attacking them. With Larsson’s deliveries I would expect to see Shay Given’s goal greatly tested from them. The Irish goalkeeper himself is notably bad at defending them.

Aston Villa’s odds are too short in this game which is why I am laying them this weekend. Martin O’Neill will certainly be geared up to face his former boss.

Lay Aston Villa at 2.44

Bolton Wanderers vs Swansea City

Swansea City blew relegation contenders Blackburn Rovers off the park last weekend with a 3-0 thrashing. Heading into the weekend 1 point behind Sunderland in 9th, 3 points would be big for Brendan Rodgers’ side’s hopes of finishing in the top half.

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored another good goal for the Swans last weekend before missing a close range tap in. The Iceland midfielder now has 7 goals since joining on loan in January; the same number as Scott Sinclair.

Danny Graham is still without a goal since mid-February, but scored in Swansea’s 3-1 win over Owen Coyle’s side back in October.

I can see Swansea’s pacey wide men causing Bolton’s full backs a lot of problems in this game. Sinclair and Wayne Routlege/Nathan Dyer will also be dangerous on a counter attack should the home side push too many players forward during the game. Joe Allen and Scott Sinclair caused problems in the first game between these two, whilst Leon Britton got his media attention catching 100% pass completion stat.

Bolton were thumped 3-0 in their last home game versus Fulham, before losing 2-0 at Newcastle last week. I don’t see them getting a victory on Saturday. Swansea are an attractive 13/5 to win this one. A safer bet with the double chance.

Double chance: Swansea to win or draw 4/6

Newcastle United vs Stoke City

Newcastle’s incredible performance this season sees them going into the weekend on the same number of points as fourth place Tottenham. Alan Pardew’s side kick off before Harry Redknapp’s side, meaning 1 point would at least temporarily put the Magpies in a Champions League spot.

5 wins in a row has seen Newcastle close the gap on Tottenham. Tim Krul has conceded just 1 goal during that time (an error from Mike Williamson). Despite defensive injuries, Newcastle continue to over perform. Helped by an attacking trio of Papiss Cisse, Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba, the Toon Army are a legitimate shot at qualifying for Europe’s top club competition next season.

Stoke City may have lost just 1 of their last 5, that being a 2-0 defeat at Wigan. But a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa and coming from behind to beat Wolves 2-1 weren’t overly impressive. Neither of those sides are playing football as successfully as Newcastle right now.

After a season in Europe and a run in the FA Cup, Tony Pulis’ side appear to be a little jaded recently. Yes, they’re a physical side who may attempt to knock Ben Arfa off the ball before he gets running and give Cisse an uncomfortable welcome to English football. But overall, there’s enough attacking talent on this Newcastle side to beat a tiring Stoke City on Saturday.

6 in a row? I think Newcastle beat Stoke this weekend to further improve their Champions League chances.

Newcastle to win 8/11

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City

Wolves can be relegated on Sunday afternoon if they fail to beat Manchester City and results on Saturday have gone against them. Whether it happens on Sunday or not, Wolves will be playing Championship football next season.

Terry Connor ended his 7-game losing streak to pick up his 2nd point from a possible 27 in a 0-0 draw at Sunderland last weekend. I’d be surprised if he gets another chance next season. Then again, I was surprised to see him get the chance in the first place.

Manchester City have scored 10 goals in their last 2 games as they go in hunt of leaders Manchester United. Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero are clicking up front and I expect another route from this pair against a defence that has been all over the place of late.

Wayne Hennessey is out for the next half a year after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament during the week. Dorus de Vries joined from Swansea over the summer and looks set to make his league debut in this game.

Wolves lost 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season and I expect the visitors to put at least 3 past the Wolves defence in this game. They’re looking woeful as City are getting back to their best.

Manchester City are a great price to win 1.5, are evens to win by more than 2 goals. For anyone not as confident as me, the game is live on Sunday afternoon for some in-play betting.

Manchester City to win -1.5 4/6
Manchester City to win -2 1/1

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Norwich City vs Manchester City

Despite Roberto Mancini’s comments after Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over West Brom on Wednesday night, his side still have an outside chance of winning the Premier League this season. The multi-million pound spending club require Manchester United dropping points and City winning their five games. That starts at Norwich.

The back-to-back promoted Canaries are safe for another season. They will head into this game as a top half side, but I still have question marks over the quality of their side against the top teams. Despite winning 2-1 at Tottenham last time out.

Manchester City beat Norwich City 5-1 when these two met earlier in the season. Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson all got on the scoresheet that day as the different in class was exposed.

Carlos Tevez played well against West Brom on Wednesday and I can see the likes of he, Aguero and David Silva being the thorns in Norwich’s defence in this game. Balotelli is still suspended, Edin Dzeko is out of form, so we can expect an Argentine front pair starting at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Should Paul Lambert put out an attacking formation and go for it as he has all season, I would simply expect Manchester City to take advantage of the open space in the Norwich half and produce another convincing victory that would close the gap to 2 points at the top before Manchester United host Aston Villa on Sunday.

Manchester City to win 8/13

Sunderland vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sunderland were humiliated in a 4-0 thrashing at Everton on Monday. David Moyes’ side put out an understrength side ahead of their FA Cup semi final clash this weekend and Martin O’Neill’s side were played off the park.

I expect the Sunderland manager to have got under his players’ skin after their performance at Goodison Park and put in a much better performance this weekend. The Black Cats will be 11th when this game kicks off and O’Neill will be wanting 3 points to move them back into the top half. A top half finish for Sunderland will be a very pleasing finish following the poor start they had under Steve Bruce.

Nicklas Bendtner missed the trip to Merseyside with a back injury and remains a doubt to play this weekend too. The Dane has scored 4 goals in his last 6 league games. Also up front, Stephane Sessegnon is playing well despite only scoring 1 goal in his last 8.

Both wingers, Sebastian Larsson and James McClean can deliver good balls into the box. This is where I expect a lot of threat to come on Saturday. Wolves’ defence is particularly poor at defending set pieces under Terry Connor, which makes Larsson one to watch in this game.

Wolves have picked up just 1 point in 8 games under Connor; losing their last 7. They have conceded 24 goals under his inexperienced management. The Black Country side have just 5 more Premier League games this year before they play Championship football next season.

The start of three favourable fixtures for Sunderland to end April. I expect Martin O’Neill’s side to be in the top half by the end of the month and it starts with 3 points this Saturday over a sinking Wolves.

Sunderland to win 4/7

The Dutch ace who leads the Premier League top scorers chart with 26 goals has been constantly linked to a move away from the Emirates following Arsenal’s failure to win a trophy for a seventh consecutive season.

Robin van Persie lifted the Community Shield and FA Cup in his first season with Arsenal but has failed to lift a trophy since. Now in his eight season under Arsene Wenger, van Persie has played and scored more Premier League goals than any previous season.

Arsenal are 3rd in the Premier League following Mikel Arteta’s late winner against Manchester City on Sunday. They travel to Wolves on Wednesday night where they are comfortably odds-on to pick up another 3 points.

Wolves, Fulham and Manchester City are the only sides (excluding Arsenal) Robin van Persie has not scored against in the Premier League this season.

Paddy Power are giving odds of 11/8 that Robin van Persie finds a new club over the summer.

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Everton vs Sunderland

I have been critical of David Moyes’ tactics over the years but I am finally coming around to the former Preston manager. He is getting the best out of what his budget allows to bring in, and although Everton required a controversial second goal in a draw with Norwich on Saturday, the point ensured they stayed above Liverpool in 7th place heading into Monday’s games.

Nikica Jelavic, whom I had doubts over following his January transfer is looking deadly from 8 yards. His pin-point finishing has brought him to 4 goals – Everton’s joint-top scorer and 1 more than £35 million Liverpool-signing Andy Carroll this season. Will he get 90 minutes on Monday? I have my doubts.

I expect Everton to field a weakened side for this one, as they did against Liverpool prior to their FA Cup quarter final match. With their FA Cup semi final on Saturday I cannot see David Moyes fielding his strongest side ahead of such an important match, 2 days after their last game.

Sunderland are playing for position and a victory on Monday will see Martin O’Neill’s side end the day in 7th position. A dramatic improvement from when Steve Bruce was in charge. Harry Redknapp was full of praise for James McClean after Spurs’ goalless draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Both he, Stephane Sessegnon and Nicklas Bendtner are playing well going forward for the Black Cats.

Sunderland’s defence hasn’t been playing too well on the road of late, but assuming Jelavic won’t be up front for Everton in this game, the home side won’t have any consistent goal threat on the pitch. A reminder that after 32 games, the Toffees top scorers have 4 goals this season…

Lay Everton at 2.02

Newcastle United vs Bolton Wanderers

Papiss Cisse is giving Demba Ba a run for his money in the signing of the season category. The January signing has scored 9 goals in his 8 Premier League games having added a brace at Swansea on Friday.

Newcastle continuing to overachieve this season are genuine contenders for a top 4 finish and will be odds-on favourites for their next 3 league games. Cisse, Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa had been combining well until the trio failed to get many touches of the ball at the Liberty Stadium. Bolton certainly aren’t going to have 77% possession in this game, and therefore I expect this attacking trio to combine well against one of the league’s poorest defences, and score a couple between them.

Bolton Wanderers were hammered 3-0 at home by Fulham on Saturday, 24 hours after Newcastle’ victory. Curse of the manager of the month award to Owen Coyle or not, I cannot see Bolton’s defence shutting Newcastle out, whilst they’re facing a defence that has conceded just 1 goal in their last 4 games. It’s a tough ask.

A top goalkeeper, a defence playing well and a frighening attacking trio… against relegation-threatened Bolton. I think these odds are excellent on Newcastle to win. The Magpies are 43/40 to win -1 on the Asian Handicap, and 15/8 to win to nil.

Newcastle to win 8/13

Aston Villa vs Stoke City

Stoke City are kicking off at 5.30 for the second time over these Easter holidays, but this time are not on UK TV. Tony Pulis’ side were worthy 4/6 winners over Wolves on Saturday’s live game, and were better value in-play after falling one down.

Robert Huth volleyed in Stoke’s equaliser as Wolves failed to clear a free kick, before Peter Crouch headed home the Potters winners from a Jermaine Pennant free kick.

Aston Villa have conceded 13 goals from corners this season and once again I expect Tony Pulis to exploit this. With the likes of Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross to aim at, there’s every chance this game will go the way of the stats, and Stoke score from another set piece.

Chris Herd produced a top finish to give Aston Villa the lead at Anfield before they were pegged back by Luis Suarez’s close range effort. Alex McLeish’s side had some fortune in hanging onto a point and not conceding a penalty throughout the match. A decent point, but not the most convincing of defensive performances.

Peter Crouch has scored a couple recently and I expect Stoke to score from at least one set piece in this match. There’s value to lay the home side in this match, who sit 6 points above the drop zone heading into Monday’s fixtures.

Stoke win or draw 4/6

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s stunning late strike on Sunday all-but handed the Premier League title to Manchester United, as extended Arsenal’s lead over North London rivals Tottenham to 2 points.

With Tottenham hosting Norwich on Monday, Arsenal could well be back in fourth place by the time these two kick off on Wednesday. The Gunners were frustratingly held to a 1-1 draw when these two met at the Emirates earlier this season. Wayne Hennessey played the game of his life, but the Welsh number 1 hasn’t shown any form of late. He’s been at fault for a number of goals lately and I cannot see he and the Wolves defence keeping this Arsenal attack quiet.

Robin van Persie has now gone 4 Premier League games in a row without a goal. He hit the outside of the post on Sunday and positioned himself for a tap in but for Aaron Ramsey’s selfishness in stoppage time. Wolves are one of three sides the Premier League’s top scorer have not scored against this season (excluding Arsenal), with Manchester City and Fulham being the other two.

On top of that, Theo Walcott’s pace down the right wing will be a menace to the Wolves defence. Arteta, Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky and Yossi Benayoun are all creative players and with the time the Wolves midfield and defence have been giving opposition players under Terry Connor, these Arsenal players will enjoy possession in their opponents half on Wednesday.

Arsenal’s price is nice against a side who have lost their last 6 and don’t look like picking up too many points for the rest of the season. Yes, without Laurent Koscielny (suspended), Wolves may get a strike or two on goal, but the visitors are more than capable of outscoring the bottom of the league team in this game.

Arsenal are 1.78 to win -1 on the Asian Handicap, but halves is better value to win outright.

Arsenal to win 1/2 betfred

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Swansea City vs Newcastle United

Two teams who are playing enjoyable football this season meet on Friday on Sky Sports in a game we hope can live up to the expectation.

For all of the possession Swansea City have (56.8% average – 4th highest in the Premier League), they only average 11.5 shots on goal per game – only Stoke City attempt fewer. Gylfi Sigurdsson’s long range effort in their 3-1 defeat at Tottenham last weekend is the only goal Swansea have scored in their last two games.

Newcastle have scored 5 goals in their last 2 games and won 3 in a row for the second time this season. The trio of Papiss Cisse, Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba have been on top form in their last two games; victories at West Brom followed by Liverpool at the Sports Direct Arena.

The trio have settled in together almost immediately, combining for 14 shots over the past two games. Helped by the creativity by Ben Arfa, as shown for Newcastle’s opener last weekend. Papiss Cisse has struck 7 in his first 7 Premier League games, and although Demba Ba only has 1 Premier League goal since the African Cup of Nations, he has 16 on the season – and remains a threat.

Defensively, I had no faith in Mike Williamson and James Perch in the centre but they kept a clean sheet last weekend. The pair look set to continue their place in the middle at the back with no other options available to Alan Pardew.

Gylfi Sigurdsson is yet to score in Wales and Danny Graham is without a goal in his last 6. With protection in front of the back four from Yohan Cabaye, Cheik Tiote and Jonas Gutierrez tracking back, Newcastle have a midfield to protect their defence. In goal, Tim Krul has proven to be a good shot stopper this season.

With the good run Newcastle are on, both results wise and their performances, and with Swansea losing their last two, I can see the visitors getting at least a point on Friday. For those more confident, you can back the Magpies at 11/5.

Newcastle +0.5 4/7

Stoke City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Stoke City and Wolves do battle in the 5.30 game on Saturday. For those who have not seen how poorly Wolves have been playing of late, ESPN will be showing a full 90 minutes of them.

Tony Pulis and Peter Coates are more than aware of the financial incentive of finishing as high as they can in the Premier League. For those who are going to bring out the “nothing to play for” claims with 7 games to go may remain quiet for this one. Stoke City will be trying to win this game as much as struggling Wolves, 1 point behind Fulham who head into the weekend in 10th position.

Stoke City are winless in their last 4 Premier League games, but a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea, draws with Tottenham and Manchester City aren’t so bad. Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Wigan was though. A chance for the Potters to bounce back has been handed on a plate to them with a Wolves side headed for the Championship.

Jonathan Walters is without a Premier League goal since New Year’s Eve, but the journeyman should fancy his chances against a defence that has been leaking goals under Terry Connor. An opportunity for Peter Crouch to add to his 8-goal tally this season as he looks to claim a place on the England flight to Poland and Ukraine in the summer.

Wolves have conceded a staggering 19 goals in their 6 games under Connor, including 3 at home in a defeat to Bolton Wanderers last weekend. Many pundits have written Wolves off now, and it would take something drastic to overcome the 6 point deficit they face playing the way they are.

Being a solid team at set pieces, expect goals from this Stoke City side on Saturday as Wolves have been defending set pieces woefully of late.

Stoke City to win 4/6

Manchester United vs Queens Park Rangers

Manchester United got the job done in the final 10 minutes once again on Monday night as Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young struck in a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers. This result moved United 5 points clear of local rivals City after Roberto Mancini’s side were held to a 3-3 draw with Sunderland on Saturday.

With Manchester City not playing until after the final whistle has gone at Old Trafford on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side can conceivably be 8 points ahead of the Citizens. Mancini has conceded that a defeat to his side at the Emirates will see his side out of the title race.

Although they haven’t been banging the goals in of late, with the creativity of Antonion Valencia on the wing, Paul Scholes in the middle, Wayne Rooney all over the park, Manchester United are overdue a thumping victory. Sunday could be just that.

Queens Park Rangers’ defence, although they shut out Robin van Persie last weekend still look very fragile to me. Vulnerable down their left side particularly, I can see Valencia being a real handful and taking the lead at the top of the assists chart when this game is over.

The movement of Javier Hernandez, should he play, and/or the pace of Danny Welbeck will cause the Queens Park Rangers defence troubles. Throw in the aforementioned Valencia, Rooney and Ashley Young and I don’t give the visitors a prayer on their trip.

Djibril Cisse remains suspended and Manchester United have kept clean sheets in their last 4 Premier League matches. A win to nil? Priced at 10/11 is a bit short. Priced at 1/5 to win the match outright is printing a free 20% bonus. The Asian Handicap brings up more profitable prices for the soon-to-be 20 times Champions.

Manchester United -1.5 11/20

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Queens Park Rangers vs Arsenal

Another disappointing performance and result for Queens Park Rangers last weekend as they were beaten 3-1 up at Sunderland with Djibril Cisse being sent off in the process. As that was taking place, Arsenal were comfortably strolling to a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Arsenal are on the best run in the country, winning 7 Premier League games in a row since a 0-0 draw at Bolton to start February. Wojciech Szczesny has treated himself to back-to-back clean sheets with little to do in the process. The Gunners have also shown they can score without Robin van Persie. The Dutch ace hasn’t scored in either of his last two games and has yet to go on a three-game run in the league without a goal this season. Surely van Persie scores goal number 27 for the season in this one?

Queens Park Rangers have scored in each of their last 4 games, picking up 4 points in the process. Their 3-2 victory over Liverpool was somewhat fortunate if truth be told, whilst home defeats by Fulham, Wolves and Norwich in 2012 doesn’t spring a whole lot of confidence into the home fans. Paddy Kenny is one of the poorest goalkeepers in the league this season, whilst the two central defenders in front of him; Anton Ferdinand and Nedum Onuoha have had their fair share of problems recently. Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Mikel Arteta and even Alex Song are going to enjoy playing against this back four.

Wojciech Szczesny needs to prepare for long range shots in this game, with 55% of Queens Parker Rangers’ efforts coming from outside the 18 yard box this season; a higher percentage than any other team. Adel Taarabt has been one of QPR’s most creative players but it’s questionable whether Mark Hughes will start with the former Tottenham player as hard-working players to fight for the ball may be his best bet when facing Arsenal.

Arsenal’s form is the best in the league, QPR’s is one of the poorest. Arsenal have the best striker in the league, QPR have one of the poorest defences. Perhaps not worth the £55 the away fans are being charged to watch this game, but Arsenal pick up 3 points on Saturday.

Arsenal to win 8/13

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Bolton Wanderers

The battle of the Wanderers is a real relegation scrap this weekend. Wolves need a win to get them in touching distance of safety, whilst Bolton could do with a win to pull them further away from it.

Wolves have looked atrocious under Terry Connor; losing their last 4 and conceding a whopping 14 goals in the process. Last week they scored for the first time since Connor took over from Mick McCarthy, but blew their lead to lose 2-1 at out-of-form Norwich. Defensively, they are all over the place. Going forward, they’ve not caused their opponents too many problems of late.

Yes, Bolton needed two set pieces to see off Blackburn Rovers as they picked up a massive 3 points last weekend. That meant Owen Coyle’s side recorded back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this season. Avoiding defeat on Saturday would be a big leap towards survival. Wolves have actually defended set pieces really poorly in recent weeks which should light up the eyes of David Wheater who scored both of Bolton’s goals last weekend.

Bolton’s away record is horrendous this season, but with the way Wolves are playing and the slight change in form Bolton have seen recently, I believe Wolves’ odds are short enough to lay on Saturday.

Lay Wolves 2.42

Newcastle United vs Liverpool

A comfortable 3-1 victory at the Hawthorns last weekend saw Newcastle extend their lead to 8 points over Liverpool after the visitors fell 2-1 at home to Wigan Athletic less than 24 hours before.

Newcastle head into this match without Fabricio Coloccini who was forced off with a hamstring injury last weekend. The makeshift central defence partnership of Mike Williamson and James Perch looked anything but convincing in the second half. With a lack of players available, Alan Pardew may be forced to partner the same two in central defence again this weekend. Ryan Taylor is a doubt at left back which could also see Davide Santon making a rare start. A complete shift in the defence for Newcastle.

Liverpool are on a wretched run of form since winning the Carling Cup at the end of February. It’s 4 defeats in their last 5 Premier League games which included last week’s home embarrassment at the hands of Wigan. Kenny Dalglish continues to make his excuses though and the team get on with it the following week.

Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba are looking a real handful up front. Added to that last weekend was Hatem Ben Arfa who put in a man of the match performance, scoring 1 and setting up Cisse’s 2 in the first half. The French international looked class running at the West Brom defence last weekend. The Liverpool defence isn’t much of a rise in level to what he faced at the Hawthorns; conceding 3 in the last 15 minutes at Queens Park Rangers and with only 1 clean sheet in their last 6 league matches.

Andy Carroll has the chance of facing his former side, but it’s the dribbling of Luis Suarez that should cause this Newcastle defence problems on Sunday. Kenny Dalglish should look to put the Uruguayan in the centre of attack where he can run at the backup central defenders. Should Suarez hang out on the left wing, he’d be up against a Danny Simpson who has shut down both Gareth Bale and David Silva this season.

With the two defences on show this weekend I’m expecting goals to be on the cards. Newcastle have a trio up front who put in an excellent performance against West Brom, whilst Liverpool will be playing against a makeshift defence. I hope I haven’t cursed it.

Both teams to score 8/11

Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United

Steve Kean’s out-of-form and relegation headed Blackburn Rovers pulled off one of the shocks of the season when they won 3-2 at Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve. Things have changed a bit since then… Blackburn are no longer in the relegation zone and Manchester United are now top of the Premier League.

Manchester United’s form is impressive despite a disappointing performance in a 1-0 over Fulham on Monday night. A mistake from Brede Hangeland lead to United’s goal, whom were fortunate to escape a 90th minute Fulham penalty when Michael Oliver decided not to see Michael Carrick’s trip on Danny Murphy in the box.

Wayne Rooney scored the goal to continue his excellent form; scoring 17 goals in his last 17 games in all competitions and 8 in his last 6 Premier League games alone. The supporting cast around him are playing well too; both Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young on the wings and Patrice Evra looking creative from full back. Danny Welbeck hasn’t had much luck with goals recently, but Javier Hernandez’s good record on the road this season would be a good candidate for this game. Jonny Evans setup Rooney’s goal on Monday; he’s been solid at the back recently, albeit not greatly tested.

Blackburn Rovers were beaten 2-1 at Bolton last weekend to end their two-game winning streak. Yakubu’s only scored twice since his brace at Old Trafford, and the player in form for Rovers of late is Junior Hoilett. Playing on the left wing he’s in a good position to attack the vulnerable Rafael da Silva. Although the Brazilian likes to go into a battle, so I would expect a combative duel between the two of them, with support from Antonio Valencia dropping back.

Manchester United will have learned their lesson from the first meeting. There will be no slow start, no underestimating and no defeat this time around. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be coming to Ewood Park looking for 3 points and that’s what I expect them to get. Being live on Monday night also means in-play betting opportunities to get the odds up to a more respectable figure.

Manchester United to win 2/5

The Black Country side are sitting bottom of the Premier League heading into the final 9 games of the season and have conceded 19 goals in their last 5 games, picking up just 1 point in the process.

Following the sacking of Mick McCarthy, inexperienced manager Terry Connor has taken over the duties as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season.

Under Connor’s stewardship, Wolves picked up a 2-2 draw at Newcastle in this first game in charge, before being thrashed 5-0 at Fulham, 2-0 at home by Blackburn and 5-0 at home by Manchester United.

Wolves travel to Norwich City today, 3 points and 15 goals from safety, currently occupied by Queens Park Rangers in 16th place.

Terry Connor’s side still have to host both Arsenal and Manchester City before the season is out and finish the season with a trip to Wigan Athletic; the team currently above Wolves on goal difference.

Despite failing to score in their last 3 games, Wolves’ weakest part of their team has been the defence. Wayne Hennessey between the posts has conceded a league high 63 goals and been forced into making the most saves through 29 games.

The pressure put onto the opposition has been little to non-existent in recent games, as has the protection in front of the back four. Captain Roger Johnson has yet to play under Connor following a training ground incident; all part of the shambles that is currently taking place at Molineux.