This Saturday sees us return to Barclays Premier League action after a break for international football which can only be seen as having gone pretty much to plan for England fans, while Wales were very unlucky to be undone by a German wondergoal.

In any case, its back to business as usual, with a full complement of 7 games taking place today.

Be sure to check out our new footballing Sister, Final Whistle, for some highlights of these and other matches, at the end of the day.

Here are the tips and betting advice for today’s Premier League fixtures:

Middlesbrough v Chelsea KO 12:45pm Sky Sports 1

Chelsea are flying high at the top of the league, and are yet to lose a match this season – the only team other than Liverpool who have that 100% record. Middlesbrough, by contrast, are becomming something of a Jekyl and Hyde team, who are unpredictable and inconsistent: playing extremely well and leding Liverpool until the final moments before being beaten 2-1, playing very well at Sunderland, before missing a penalty and falling to pieces. John Terry returns for Chelsea too, which should see their defence shored up further.

Chelsea look far too strong here, despite Ballack’s enforced absense adding to their growing injury list. Expect possession to be retained by the Blues, who will break down Middlesbroughs defence a number of times. Goals possible from Anelka and Malouda.

Advised:

• Chelsea -1 Goal – 15/8 with Paddy Power
• Anelka to score – 2.56 with Betfair
• Malouda to score – 6.4 with Betfair

Arsenal v Everton KO 3pm

Arsenal at home has been a different story of late: their Highbury status was almost legendary, but the Emirates Stadium has proved less of a fortress. This was most aptly demonstrated by their surprising home loss to Hull City.

Everton have been struggling too, of late, and their manager David Moyes will be happy he’s managed to get a new five year contract this week given the rising note of dissent which is drifting around the Blue half of Merseyside.

This match sees Arsenal take a hit from the international break, with Gallas, Sagner and Bendtner all returning injured.

Expect Arsenal to retain the ball for much of this game, and perhaps play a more direct approach than normal following some bad beats of late. Arsenal could well score a few goals today, with Adabayor the most likely candidate for goals.

Advised:

• Arsenal to win – 4/11 with 888Sport
• Adabeyor to score in 90 minutes – Evens with Skybet

Aston Villa v Portsmouth KO 3pm

Villa take on Portsmouth in a match which is arguably a match between this generations main UEFA Cup contenders. This is likely to be a close affair which could go either way. Portsmouth’s strike partnership of Defoe and Crouch is developing into an effective goal machine, and this might be the difference today. Finishing is vital today, and the men on form are those two.

Expect a close match in which both sides see a few opportunities. Crouch or Defoe are likely to score in a match that will be taken by the odd goal by one side or other, with the most likely result a score draw.

Advised:

• Lay Villa -0.5 & -1 Asian Handicap – 2.15 with Betfair
• Back Defoe to score in 90 mins – 3.5 with Betfair
• Back Crouch to score in 90 mins – 4.2 with Betfair

Manchester United v West Brom KO 5:30pm Setanta Sports

A very simple equation here: Manchester United look to be this weekend’s biggst banker. They should demolish West Brom by more than one goal. Rooney looked in great form this week, which can only be good news for United, and he looks the most likely source of goals again today.

Expect fast, flowing football from United, with some slick moves ending in well taken goals.

Advised:

• Back Man Utd to win -2 & -2.5 Asian Handicap – 1 point @ 2.32 on Betfair
• Back Wayne Rooney to score anytime – 1 point @ 5/4 with William Hill

Of the rest of the day’s fixtures, we’ve avoided a couple of close ones, and we expect Liverpool to beat Wigan at home.

See you next time.