Saturday Football Accumulator

Having tipped Adam Federici to have a tough time at Stamford Bridge in midweek, sadly, his fragile confidence remains an issue as Reading head to Sunderland this afternoon. The Australian keeper now has two high profile blunders next to his name and the Premier League offers nowhere to hide. With this partially in mind, I’m backing the Black Cats to beat the Royals as the first part of an 11/1 (BetVictor) accumulator.

To be fair to Federici, the reasons why odds of virtually evens money (39/40) on a home win look generous are manifest. Sunderland look like an established mid-table outfit under Martin O’Neill and gaining three points from fixtures like this is only to be expected. The hosts have also enjoyed an exciting week having splashed the cash on striker Steven Fletcher and winger Adam Johnson. Even if one or both don’t play, there will be a buzz around the Stadium of Light at kick-off.

Next up I’m featuring the battle between the two sides who lost 5-0 on the opening weekend - Norwich and QPR. The meeting at Carrow Road will probably give us a strong indication as to whether either team faces a long season of struggle. At a price of 21/10, I think the visitors are best-equipped to bounce back in style.

Mark Hughes has made heavy summer investment at Loftus Road and he is likely to hand a debut to experienced former Chelsea defender Jose Boswinga on Saturday. There should be more additions to come but I think the likes of Hoilett, Cisse and Taarabt should provide real threat on the break at Norwich. The manager can also draw on last season’s experience; an opening day hammering to Bolton was swiftly followed by victory at Goodison Park for QPR. History may repeat itself.

Finally, I’m happy to delve into the Championship to back early leaders Blackpool to maintain their 100% record at home to Ipswich Town. Better than evens money (21/20) looks like a bargain when you consider what a brilliant start the Seasiders have made to 2012-13; a 2-0 success at Millwall was followed by a 2-1 win over Leeds.

Winger Tom Ince is looking like a star at this level while Matt Phillips may be unsettled but he came off the bench to grab a dramatic late winner in midweek. The Tangerines are nine league games unbeaten and were victorious in this corresponding fixture last season. They look even better now, so they could complete our treble at best odds of 11/1 with BetVictor.