Saturday Accumulator

I’m going to do something unusual this week and simply back the ‘big five’ to all win their fixtures on Saturday. It’s one of those rare occasions when it’s hard to see where the big guns will slip up. The short odds are individually unappealing, but as an accumulator, we get our value by backing several very likely outcomes to all hold up.

Let’s start with Sir Alex Ferguson’s 25th anniversary celebrations at Old Trafford. Had the knight of the realm been able to hand-pick his guests for the occasion, he might have selected Sunderland. Steve Bruce was captain when Manchester United won their first title under the legendary boss back in 1993. The former centre-half doesn’t tend to upset Ferguson when he returns either; Sunderland have managed just one Premier League victory in 20 attempts - way back in 1997.

Arsenal lost to WBA at the Emirates last season but I can’t see a repeat based on current form. The Gunners have strode up the table in recent weeks; the 5-3 win at Stamford Bridge last week proved that Wenger’s side are back in business. Robin van Persie is close to unplayable at the moment, he will surely return to the starting line-up after a midweek rest. The Baggies were pretty poor against Liverpool last week and the double loss of Shane Long and Paul Scharner to injury is devastating; if Peter Odemwingie fails to pass a late fitness test then it’s all over.

Liverpool entertain a Swansea side who will be relishing a trip to one of the famous old grounds. The Welsh side have impressed on their side of the Severn Bridge, but taken just one point on their travels. The Reds are unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions and there are signs that Suarez won’t have to shoulder all the burden by himself any longer. Charlie Adam, Andy Carroll, Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy have all scored in the league since the Argentine last struck.

Chelsea head to Ewood Park for the sort of match that top sides just find a way of winning. It’s been a bad two weeks for Andre Villas-Boas, but Steve Kean appears to be even more luckless. The Blues haven’t lost in ten league games against Blackburn, conceding just two goals. It’s worth remembering that this is a top four side against one in the relegation zone; the gulf in class in undeniable.

If all those results go as expected then we will only be reliant on Man City carrying on business as usual to win our 4/1 accumulator with WilliamHill. Mancini’s side average a goal every 25 minutes away from home this season; QPR are finding the net once every three hours at Loftus Road. It’s a staggering contrast. City have taken 28 points from a possible 30, and it’s hard to believe that a side that lost 4-0 at home to Bolton will be their undoing.