Easter Saturday, 11th April 2009, sees a full complement of Barclays Premier League football matches – which makes a pleasent change on a Saturday afternoon in the football season. In this page, we provide the tips, after last weekend’s romping successes on football pitches up and down the length of the United Kingdom saw us double our football batting banks. Be sure to stake according to a rigid plan.

Liverpool v Blackburn, 12:45

Liverpool will be stinging from their humbling at home to Chelsea in the UEFA Champion’s League mid-week and Reds fans may be slightly worried that this seaon, which promised so much, could turn out to be trophyless come the middle of May. This match at home to a resurgent Blackburn Rovers is a must-win if Liverpool are to maintain their good Premier League momentum. Liverpool have been enigmatic in these home banker fixtures for some time, however, and have drawn several of these matches which, on paper, they should be lifting with ease. After midweek exertion, we could either see Liverpool rip Blackburn to shreds or, as their form suggests more likely, they’ll be held to either a one goal advantage with a shut-out or a 1-1 draw. Slight preference, with Blackburn’s increasing goal threat, is for the latter.

Gerrard starts from the bench today, and Liverpool have been at their worst without their ebulient captain.

Advised:

• back the draw – 1 point @ 4/1 with Totesport
• Back correct score 1-1 – 1 point @ 10/1 with Totesport

Chelsea v Bolton, 15:00

Chelsea managed to score more than once – something of a rarity – in midweek, while Bolton hammered Boro last Saturday: this match looks likely to contain goals. Chelsea are much tighter in defence than the Wanderers and, while they often perform well on their travels to the capital, Chelsea have what it take to win this match by more than a one goal margin.

Advised:

• Back Chelsea to win – 3 points @ 3/10 with Boylesports
• Back total goals over 3.5 – 1 point @ 6/4 with Bet365

Middlesbrough v Hull, 15:00

Middlesbrough are struggling at the moment and have probably the worst form in the league right now – having stolen that mantle from today’s opponents, Hull City last weekend. Its looking more and more likely that Boro will go down, and Hull City will look to capitalise on that feeling here in what could be a ‘them or us’ match. Expect Hull to score through Geovanni, who is recapturing his early season form. Whether Middlesbrough can reply is the question – the form book says they will not.

Advised: Lay Middlesbrough – 2 points @ 2.22 with Betfair

Portsmouth v West Brom, 15:00

Portsmouth will beat this West Brom side at home today as their opponents are draining of confidence week by week.

Advised: Back Portsmouth to win – 2 points @ 1.8 on Betfair

Sunderland v Man Utd, 15:00

Manchester United have the 2008/09 Premier League title firmly in their sights this season and, despite recent slips, should have more than enough to beat out of sorts Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Advised: Back Man United to win – 2 points @ 1/2 with Expekt

Tottenham v West Ham, 15:00

Spurs need a win today to keep those below them from getting too close for comfort. West Ham are trying to close in on European places after a great few months. This match is too close to call given Spurs inconsistency.

Advised: no bet

Wigan v Arsenal, 15:00

Arsenal have got their season firmly back on the rails now, as their confident home win against City proved last week. They have more than enough class to see off Wigan albeit away from home. The Arsenal midfield is fully fit and firing again, so expect at least a couple of goals from Adebayor and co.

Advised: Back Arsenal to win – 3 points @ 11/13 with Expekt

Stoke v Newcastle, 17:30

Now this is a relegation battle, and its an interesting proposition too. Were it not for the recent addition of Alan Shearer to the Newcastle mix, I’d anticipate a Stoke victory today, however, it pays always to anticipate the positive effects of a morale boost in football. I recommend swerving this match as a betting proposition as its really going to come down to who puts chances away and may well be a very nervy affair. Either side has the potential to win this: Stoke with their rocket throw ins and general set-piece practice; Newcastle with their smattering of class players who can play great football, but never for more than 5 minute spells.

Advised: No Bet