20th Aug 2011 | Football
Premier League: The Sunday Double
Back two close contests to end as draws at just under 10/1. It's that easy.
Two of Sunday’s top flight contests look likely to be tight affairs and the draw double can be backed with SkyBet at just fractionally under 10/1. It’s time to celebrate the return of Premier League football to Carrow Road as Norwich entertain Stoke, before Wolves kick-off against Fulham just half an hour later.
Norwich marked their return to the elite with an encouraging 1-1 draw away to Wigan. Paul Lambert has just strengthened his backline by signing Liverpool youngster Daniel Ayala in midweek. The Canaries were top scorers in the Championship last season and it’s at home where they will fancy their chances at this level. The big question is which Stoke City will show up?
Formidable at the Brittania Stadium, the Potters haven’t won a league match on their travels since Boxing Day, a run of 10 matches. But on a more positive note, Tony Pulis’s side took 11 points from a possible 18 against the promoted teams last season. They have established invaluable Premier League know-how very quickly after their own ascent in 2008. I’ll follow my old adage that in a tight game, if both sides would be content with a draw, then it’s more than likely to happen.
Our second match features two sides who I predicted will finish comfortably in that mid-table zone come May. Wolves will have been delighted to start with an away win of any description, and that they did at Blackburn. Fulham pushed hard for three points at home to Villa but found Shay Given in inspired form in the opposition’s goal. The Cottagers were the division’s draw specialists in 2010-11 and I think it will be another two to start this campaign.
Martin Jol inherited a sound defensive unit and he has kept things ticking over nicely in that department with the run now at 10 clean sheets in 13 competitive matches. Roger Johnson has been bought to make a similar impact for Mick McCarthy’s side, and well organised units should cancel each other out on Sunday.
Back both games as individual draws at 23/10 with SkyBet or take the value of doubling up with the same firm to come up with a virtual 10/1 shot.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:36 20th Aug, 2011 but subject to change
