Weekend Betting Tips

Charlton Athletic v Gillingham

Charlton have only lost twice at home all season, and despite a recent wobble, including a 4-0 defeat at Millwall, they will be looking to respond and get their promotion push back on track.

On the other hand, Gillingham haven’t won away from home all season and were lucky to come away with a point at bottom-side Stockport last time out. Facing a crisis in the striking department, with Chris Dickson unable to play due to the terms of his loan and Simeon Jackson facing a late fitness test, it is difficult to see where any goals are coming from.

I expect Charlton to win this comfortable and there may be some interest in the -1AH @ 1.95, but the straight win is the safer bet.

Bet: Charlton to win @ 1.57

Everton v Bolton

Everton have been in excellent form in recent months, particularly at home where they have won their last six games, including wins over Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. The returns of Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka have been a massive boost, and Saha, Yakubu and Anichebe are all in good form up front. The departure of Landon Donovan will be a blow, but they have the quality to overcome that.

Bolton have taken only four points from the past seven away games, scoring 4 goals and conceding 16 in those games. The possible return of Gary Cahill would be a boost for Bolton, but they will struggle to get anything out of this game.

I expect Everton to win this and continue their late charge for a European place. Bolton are good enough to stay up as they have shown with 3 wins in the last 4 games, but will predominantly get the points at home as they are simply not good enough to challenge at places like Goodison Park.

Bet: Everton -1AH @ 1.93

Stoke v Tottenham

The Britannia Stadium is a notorious difficult place to go and win – only United, Chelsea and Arsenal have won there this season. The other 3 contenders for 4th place have all drawn there in recent weeks and Stoke will fancy their chances of preventing Spurs taking all 3 points back to London. With only 1 league defeat in 2010 and the memories of victory at White Hart Lane back in October mean that Stoke will be confident of getting a result. The return of Ryan Shawcross after suspension will tighten their defence and the likes of Ricardo Fuller and Dave Kitson will provide a goal threat.

Spurs have often struggled against some of the more physical sides away from home this season and will have to face the aerial barrage that ensues from the Rory Delap long throws. Spurs are still dreaming of fourth place and would love to get a result here, where their competitors have failed. However, their win at Blackburn last week suggests that they are able to go to difficult places and grind out results and with Defoe and Pavlyuchenko in top form, they always have the ability to score goals.

Very few teams go to Stoke and return with the three points and I suspect Spurs will be no different from Liverpool, Villa and City in recent weeks. None of them have won there and Stoke will fancy their chances of picking up more points against one of the top teams.

Bet: Stoke or Draw @ 1.66

Merthyr Tydfil v Hednesford Town

Merthyr have lost four straight games at home, have only won 1 of the last 11 and have a lengthy injury list, meaning they have struggled to find enough defenders in recent games. They have scored in each of their last 13 games, suggesting they have goals in them, but have conceded 29 in those games.

Hednesford have won 7 of their last ten games, having scored 22 goals in that time. They play aggressive attacking football, and although they give the opposition chances to score, they should have the firepower up front to see off Merthyr

Bet: Hednesford @ 2.25

Boston United v Nantwich Town

Since losing to Bradford Park Avenue in mid-December, Boston have won 12 straight games, scoring 41 goals in the process. An impressive record that has seen them moving up the table rapidly.

Nantwich Town have a long injury list and this is their fifth game in 14 days. Three defeats in their last four games, although they became only the second side to win at Kendal this season. They have been trying to bring in loan players to refresh their squad, but Boston should be too strong for them on this occasion.

Bet: Boston United @ 1.40