Monday Football Accumulator

We have to take a fresh look at the Premier League after recent results reminded us that nothing can be taken for granted in this game. Blackburn’s astonishing 3-2 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday has surely changed the whole mood around the club, and it should be carried through to Monday. Rovers suddenly look good value (8/5) to beat Stoke at Ewood Park. Throw in wins for Crystal Palace (15/8) and Barnsley (7/4) and we have ourselves a treble at best odds of 19/1 with VictorChandler.

The worry with Blackburn would be the ‘after the Lord Mayor’s Show’ effect. I was therefore encouraged on their behalf to hear that Gael Givet, David Dunn, Junior Hoilett and Martin Olsson may all be available to freshen things up if needed. Up front, Yakubu just looks like he expects to score every time he gets the ball at the moment. He grabbed two against Man Utd which made it seven for him in December alone. Stoke will be disappointed that they failed to win either home game last week and they rarely look so tough on the road anyway. It may be a good time to catch them.

Crystal Palace have won three of their last four and continue to pick up clean sheets with surprising regularity. There have been a few too many draws at Selhurst Park, but with just six goals conceded in 11 home matches, one goal will often be enough for Freedman’s side. Leicester continue to flatter to deceive after failing to win any of their last five. The Foxes have only won twice away all season and lost to Doncaster last time they travelled.

I’m backing Barnsley to win away to Doncaster simply because of confidence and recent results. The Tykes will be on cloud nine after thumping local rivals Leeds 4-1 at Oakwell on Saturday. Meanwhile, bottom club Donny were losing by the same emphatic scoreline at Watford. Anything but an away win in this one would therefore require a major reversal in form.