MUCH TO PLAY FOR IN THE PREMIERSHIP ..........

In addition to the blog profits on the day to day matches, plus the Swansea, MK Dons, Zenit and Aldershot bets we also have two outstanding positions on the Premiership, which are reproduced below, it was originally written on August 10th 2007.

United are, obviously in a strong position going into the final weekend and so too, are Blackburn, who are currently in 7th and are joint leaders of the handicap, along with Arsenal. We might cover this bet in some way before the weekend, to at least cover our stakes, so, if you are involved, keep reading.

OUTRIGHT

No real shocks for me here, United should retain their crown. Much has been written about the challenge from Liverpool this season and the money the Merseysiders have spent. They should indeed close the gap, but have a lot of ground to make up and need to start collecting wins on the road. Away from Anfield 18 goals, a total fewer than Wigan and Fulham and only two more than relegated Charlton, was nowhere near good enough.

Chelsea already enter the season with injury concerns and seem dependent on the goals of Didier Drogba, who will be missing for several weeks in mid season at the Cup of Nations.

United were lucky with injuries last season, but look much stronger this time round, what team in world football would not be, with the addition of Tevez, Nani, Anderson and Hargreaves. The defence still looks a little suspect, but Sir Alex's men scored 19 goals more than anyone else last season, that is a full half goal per game and they hardly look likely to score fewer this time round.

6 points Manchester United 2.375 outright, general quote.

Not going to put this up as a bet, but Tottenham should prove to be the best of the rest, currently quoted at 2.375, without the big 4. They have held on to Dimitar Berbatov and spent a fortune on Darren Bent, Robbie Keane has signed a new contract and even a poacher like Jermain Defoe, will be lucky to get a look in. With Lennon, Bale and Chimbonda eager to get forward at every opportunity, they have a surplus of attacking options.

The big minus is that Ledley King is out for 2-3 months and the Dawson- Gardner partnership, has yet to prove it works. Regardless of that, they looked booked for 5th place at worse, a spot they have occupied for the last two seasons.

Spent a long time looking at the handicap list and like the look of Mark Hughes' Blackburn Rovers.They have no shortage of pace and goals up front with Roque Santa Cruz joining Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts, with David Bentley and Morten Gamst Pedersen just behind, they will be a match for all but the very best. They were quite adventurous on the road last year, only Bolton outside the top 4 had more wins, if they can win a few more at Ewood Park, they should improve on last years 10th spot. Maybe a repeat of 2005's 6th place is possible and that should take them close on the handicap, where they receive a 34 points start. Ladbrokes looks the place to go, as they give fewer points to the teams I see as potential dangers.

If that is not available to you,or makes limited appeal, they can be backed at 6.0 for a top 6 spot with Bet 365/ Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, amongst others.

2 points each way Blackburn Rovers +34 points handicap 16.0 1/5 odds 1234 Ladbrokes.

Good Luck.