With no material bets backing favourites to speak of, today could be a very disappointing outcome. Coupled with the usual lay bet against Derby who could see their second win of the season losses could be big. Most of the value in today’s odds are in backing away teams which the funds don’t do. I will take a look at that again this week and try and add those bets to the armoury.

Today’s Premier League betting tips are shown at the bottom of this post with matches discussed below.

Birmingham v Man City. Surprised to see Birmingam as favourite in this game as the teams occupy opposite ends of the table. The Blues look a cheap bet against at just 2.54.

Bolton v Arsenal. It’s been a bad season for Bolton as they occupy the antepenultimate position in the league. The odds look short as do Arsenal’s given their lack of killer instinct in the second half of the season. Lay both teams.

Derby v Fulham. Battle of the relegated - well almost. Fulham have the talent to take this game. The outcome will just depend on whether Paul Jewell has managed to kick a reaction into his Derby players. Lay Derby.

Man United v Aston Villa. If Man City can beat Man U away then i’m sure Villa should be shorter odds than 12.50. Trouble is Man U are hardly going to lose a second match at home this season to ’second-rate’ opposition. Marginal backing of Man U.

Portsmouth v Wigan. Pompey, having won their last 3 home games, are probably too short at 1.86. Wigan have been playing well recently although it’s been 5 games since their last away win. Lay Pompey.

Reading v Blackburn. Surprisingly Reading are only 2 places below Blackburn. Having won their last 2 home games Reading are deservedly favourites. Back Reading and lay Blackburn.

Sunderland v West Ham. 14th plays 13th here and Sunderland are only favourites due to home advantage. Back Sunderland.

AGGRESSIVE FUND
HOME AB Odds Ex Odds Value Stake AWAY AB Odds Ex Odds Value Stake
Birmingham 3.58 2.54 -29% -£2.11 Man City 2.67 3.20 20% £-
Bolton 5.16 3.60 -30% -£2.22 Arsenal 2.38 1.85 -22% -£1.64
Derby 161.86 3.40 -98% -£7.40 Fulham 1.92 2.44 27% £-
Man United 1.36 1.36 0% £0.02 Aston Villa 7.81 12.50 60% £-
Portsmouth 2.01 1.86 -7% -£0.58 Wigan 3.90 5.50 41% £-
Reading 2.36 2.40 2% £0.15 Blackburn 3.37 3.25 -4% -£0.29
Sunderland 2.15 2.24 4% £0.35 West Ham 3.65 3.70 1% £-

BALANCED FUND
HOME AB Odds Ex Odds Value Stake AWAY AB Odds Ex Odds Value Stake
Birmingham 3.28 2.54 -23% -£8.45 Man City 2.77 3.20 15% £-
Bolton 4.98 3.60 -28% -£10.47 Arsenal 2.40 1.85 -23% -£8.62
Derby 29.50 3.40 -88% -£33.83 Fulham 1.97 2.44 24% £-
Man United 1.36 1.36 0% £0.12 Aston Villa 7.82 12.50 60% £-
Portsmouth 1.90 1.86 -2% -£0.82 Wigan 4.14 5.50 33% £-
Reading 2.38 2.40 1% £0.29 Blackburn 3.34 3.25 -3% -£1.11
Sunderland 2.16 2.24 4% £1.55 West Ham 3.63 3.70 2% £-

TRADING FUND
HOME Ex Odds Stake AWAY Ex Odds Stake
Birmingham 2.54 -£28.89 Man City 3.20 -£19.65
Bolton 3.60 -£16.12 Arsenal 1.85 -£5.30
Derby 3.40 -£31.85 Fulham 2.44 -£8.90
Man United 1.36 £2.68 Aston Villa 12.50 -£7.08
Portsmouth 1.86 -£4.48 Wigan 5.50 -£16.94
Reading 2.40 -£0.02 Blackburn 3.25 -£0.76
Sunderland 2.24 -£11.53 West Ham 3.70 -£12.04