Saturday Accumulator Tip

At this stage of the season it’s about motivation, desperation and momentum. This week’s accumulator backs four teams with plenty to play for against four teams who are essentially done for 2011-12. It comes in at best combined odds of 16/1 with BetVictor.

First up I’m backing Newcastle Utd (8/11) to uphold their status as the form team in the Premier League, at home to Stoke. Five wins on the bounce has propelled the Magpies into genuine Champions League contenders. With Tottenham stuttering and Arsenal and Chelsea playing each other, what an opportunity this is for Alan Pardew’s over-achievers. With Papiss Cisse looking unstoppable, and Ben Arfa scoring one of the goals of the season last time out, surely the Potters will find their hosts too much to handle.

Next in line is Bolton Wanderers (13/10) to take three points when Swansea City come to town. The Trotters may be third-bottom, but with two games-in-hand on the sides directly above them, they have significant grounds for optimism. Admittedly they had a bad day at the office recently against Fulham, but prior to that Blackburn and QPR were both beaten at the Reebok. Welsh opponents who have lost four of their last five provide another welcome opportunity. Brendan Rodgers has even declared an intention to rotate his squad in these final few games; that could make all the difference for Bolton.

Dipping into the Championship next, Birmingham City (11/8) deserve inclusion as the only away team we’re backing in our selection when they head to Brighton. It sounds tricky on paper, but the Seagulls have slipped out of play-off contention with a winless run of six matches. A 6-0 loss at Upton Park last week was a particular lowlight and morale as dipped alarmingly at the Amex Stadium. Meanwhile, Chris Hughton’s side are almost assured of a top six spot after a seven match unbeaten stretch. They won’t want to lose momentum now.

My final pick is Bristol City (20/23) to beat Barnsley at Ashton Gate to ensure relegation is avoided after an arduous campaign. Only two points separate these sides but that’s significant because the Tykes are mathematically safe despite going on a winless run in their last five outings. Compare that to a wonderful sequence for the Robins which has seen them dramatically pull clear of trouble in the final weeks. Wins over Forest and Coventry and draws with West Ham and Birmingham have made this a wonderful April for Derek McInnes. His players and their fans should be wildly celebrating survival by 5pm.