Stats for all of this weekend’s Premier League matches

For Man Utd/Arsenal stats, check out our Correct Score wizard

Baffled by Sky’s decision to broadcast a nothing match between Chelsea and Blackburn over games that will have a huge impact on the relegation battle and the race for seventh, we’ve decided to instead publish a stat for every league match taking place this weekend:

Bolton v Hull
Gary Megson’s side are unbeaten at home to sides below them in the table and have won their final league game at the Reebok in three of the last four years.

Everton v West Ham
The Toffees have lost just one of their last 13 home games in all competitions while West Ham haven’t beaten a top-six side all season.

Middlesbrough v Aston Villa

Posted: May 15th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Spurs are seventh best, Kevin Davies is Britain’s top scoring striker and more

Five stats about this weekend’s football

1. Spurs have been the seventh best team in the Premier League since Harry Redknapp took over in October. Over his 21 games in charge they have taken just three points less than Arsenal and five less than Aston Villa.

2. Aston Villa have lost three of their last four league games having been unbeaten in thirteen prior to that blip. Similarly, Manchester United had conceded just two goals in sixteen league games prior to their 4-1 home humiliation against Liverpool.

3. Middlesbrough have only lost one of their last eight Premier League home games but have only won once during that spell.

Posted: March 16th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Why Newcastle’s unbeaten run will be ended by Bolton

Bolton/Newcastle, Sunday 1pm, Setanta S1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Photo Credit: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

Three games without defeat might not impress Man United or Liverpool fans but for Newcastle a successful February has helped ease relegation fears significantly. However Bolton, who are 11/10 with 888sport and Ladbrokes, are likely to ensure a miserable start to March for the Magpies:

» Bolton have won five of their last six home games against Newcastle, with their only loss coming on the opening day of last season when they had Sammy Lee as manager.

» Gary Megson’s side have won their last two league home games against Tottenham and West Ham, who are both above Newcastle in the league.

» Wanderers are unbeaten in seven home games with teams outside the top eight - winning five and drawing two.

Posted: February 27th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | 1 Comment

Why Chelsea should go on to finish above Aston Villa now

Five stats about this weekend’s football

1. Aston Villa’s chances of finishing above Chelsea were severely damaged by the Blues completing the double over them. Not since 1993-94, when they beat champions Manchester United twice, have they finished below a team they’ve triumphed over home and away.

2. Blackburn may have ended Manchester United’s clean sheet record but after losing 2-1 they remain one of three clubs, alongside West Brom and Bolton, who have lost all their matches against the “Big Five” this season.

Posted: February 23rd, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

There’s one recurring theme from each of Liverpool’s seven trips to the Reebok

Bolton/Liverpool, 12.45pm, Sky Sports 1, Best Odds, Free Bets

Liverpool’s win at the Reebok in March was their first in five-and-a-half years and they haven’t won successive away league games against their North West rivals since 1920. But while this casts doubt onto whether the away win, available at 4/6 with totesport, is a safe bet, there is one constant from all seven of Liverpool’s visits to the Reebok, as well as their final trip to Bolton’s old ground Burnden Park eleven years ago: the half-time score has always been 1-0.

On five of the last seven occasions it has been Bolton who have enjoyed the half-time interval but on the two occasions during that period that Liverpool have taken three points, they have been the club who have held the half-time advantage. So if you expect Liverpool to win then the 5/2 that Bet365 offer on them leading 1-0 at half-time may appeal whereas if you fancy an upset, or expect the Reds to have to come from behind again, then the 8.4 that Betfair offer on Bolton leading 1-0 at the break should appeal, especially as it has drifted from 7.8 at this point yesterday.

After the jump are a few stats to help you decide which side are more likely to lead at the interval if the trend continues tomorrow lunchtime, which also provides useful advice for first goalscorer betting:

Posted: November 14th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment