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13th May 2011 | Football

Premier League Treble

Will Charlie Adam play for the home side at Bloomfield Road again after Saturday?

In the games that matter in the Premier League on Saturday, wins for Man Utd and Blackpool would be vital. A draw for Wolves would have its own significance.

Manchester United have too much class, and too much determination to make history in style to be tripped up by Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Blackpool may be lacking some of the craft of the champions-elect, but their heart and passion should be enough to claim a vital three points when they need it most. Wolves seized their big chance at Molineux last weekend to move out of the drop zone; a point at Sunderland would give them hope going into the final day. That result, combined with wins for Man Utd and Blackpool would comprise a 12/1 treble with StanJames.

Starting at Ewood Park, the case for the visitors writes itself. Ferguson’s side demolished an in-form Chelsea at Old Trafford last week when the pressure was really on. They are unbeaten in 10 games with Rovers, winning eight of them. Steve Kean’s side don’t just struggle against the best sides though; one win in 12 league matches is testimony do that. Having scored the fewest goals of any Premier League side in 2011 they will have to be tight in defence to stand any chance. But United have Hernandez and Rooney in fine fettle and can always call on Berbatov if needed. He scored five in the 7-1 demolition of Rovers in November. Case closed.

Blackpool have started to play well again lately, but ironically this is the point they have finally slipped into the drop zone. A fine draw at Spurs last week was off the back of credible points from home games with Stoke and Newcastle. The Toon Army were particularly fortunate to escape with a share of the spoils. Now, Holloway’s side simply must win - there is only a trip to Old Trafford to follow. Bloomfield Road will be buzzing on Saturday and if the visitors could be hand-picked, Bolton might still be the side to show up. Nothing to play for, the Trotters have lost 10 of their previous 11 away games. They even lost at the Reebok last time out to a 93rd minute Sunderland winner.

Steve Bruce’s side have rarely enjoyed such moments of jubilation in 2011 and the continued absence of a recognised striker in their ranks won’t help against Wolves. Mick McCarthy’s side moved out of the bottom three for the first time since February after beating local rivals West Brom 3-1 on Sunday. Morale and confidence will be up and its almost tempting to contemplate a rare Wolves away win at the Stadium of Light. But with the worst record of any top flight side on their travels, a point might still be credible. Nine points from 18 away games is dismal, but the passion and determination of a side fighting for their lives counts for a lot at this stage.

All and all, Sunderland and Wolves should cancel each other out. A draw there, and wins for Man Utd and Blackpool can herald a 12/1 payday with StanJames.

Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:30 13th May, 2011 but subject to change

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