Saturday Accumulator

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Chelsea marked up at a price I would regard as decent value, but this week they can be considered a strong start to a Premier League accumulator. If we also take Wigan and Bolton to continue winning form then we come up with a treble available at a best price of 14/1 with VictorChandler.

If we start with Roberto Di Matteo’s resurgent side we find a team that has won five and drawn one of seven matches since the change of management. That the one loss came late at Manchester City is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. The 1-0 victory away to Benfica in the Champions League quarter final this week was another impressive result for the Italian. To leave Drogba, Lampard, Sturridge and Essien on the bench and be successful was mightily brave and impressive. It also means the Blues have plenty of fresh options for the weekend.

They face an Aston Villa side who could yet be dragged into the relegation scrap. One win in seven games would be a worry for Alex McLeish even if upcoming fixtures didn’t include Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. The Villains have basically lost at home to all the big sides they have faced so far - Arsenal, Liverpool and both Manchester sides. There’s no reason to think that pattern will change this weekend at close to evens money.

Next up we look to Wigan to carry on their momentum after a magnificent maiden victory at Anfield last time out. The Latics have a wonderful team spirit and three matches undefeated shows that yet again they are finding something extra when the chips are down. Roberto Martinez will know that with Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal to come next, another three points against Stoke is vitally important.

The Potters are winless in four, although the fixtures have been incredibly tough. They always look a slightly softer touch away from the Britannia Stadium and they aren’t fighting for their lives. Wigan fans know that home games against mid-table sides with less at stake are the ones you have to win at this stage. With Moses, Rodallega and Diame likely to be fit after knocks, the omens are good for the hosts.

Finally, I feel slightly bad about pursuing the same old policy of backing whatever team is playing Wolves. But after four straight defeats for the side now rooted to the bottom, I’m not going to stop now! Not least because at individual odds of 11/5, an inspired Bolton side really helps us get our long accumulator price. The Trotters have won their last two in the league, first against QPR, then against Blackburn when they were inspired to put on a performance for Muamba. That desire remains and Wolves are the weakest of the sides down the bottom.