Predictability

Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba both missed penalties last week and William Hill are offering 16/1 that any player misses a penalty during the Chelsea/Manchester United game on Sunday. Rooney’s miss was just another in a catalogue of “barn-door” moments and Hills are taking bets on how Rooney’s next goal will come about. The 4/7 favourite is for him to score a shot from inside the box with Hills offering 9/2 for a shot from outside the area. Should he be allowed to take another penalty, he is 5/1 to bag his next goal from the spot. Fortunately Rooney’s miss came as United were already in the lead and they eventually went on to win the game.

Chelsea on the other hand, seem to be going through a rather sticky patch at the moment and Hills are offering 6/5 that their next victory comes against Manchester United and 7/2 that it comes against Arsenal.

“As far as Chelsea’s title aspirations go, the next two games are vital. Anything less than a three point return and they may as well wave goodbye to the Premier League trophy,” said Hill’s spokesman Joe Crilly.

The early kick off on Saturday sees Bolton visit the Stadium of Light in a matchup between two of the Premier League’s surprise packages. The two sides sit in sixth and seventh and Hills are offering 13/8 that one of the pair play some form of European football next season and 16/1 that they both do. Sunderland are the 6/5 favourites to win, while the visitors are 12/5. The draw is 11/5.

“Sunderland and Bolton have been a refreshing change to the normal predictability of the league this season. In Bruce and Coyle they have two of the finest up and coming British managers and a European tour would be no less than their efforts so far deserve,” said Hill’s spokesman Joe Crilly.

Arsenal have been drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League and as a result, Hills have cut their price to end the season without a trophy from 15/8 to 7/4. Arsene Wenger is also 4/1 to have left Arsenal by the first game of next season.

The Ghosts Of Managers Past and Present

William Hill have opened betting on who will be the first of the terrible trio (Hodgson, Benitez and Houllier) will leave their job first. Benitez is the Even money favourite, while Hodgson is 6/4 and Houllier is 7/2.

“Liverpool have a history of producing great managers: Shankley, Paisley, Dalglish et al, but their recent managers have not and are not living up to their predecessors’ high standards. One or more of the threesome may have to get used to walking alone sooner rather than later,” said Hill’s spokesman Joe Crilly.

William Hill Weekend Specials:

Fergie’s Old Boys (who will get the sack first?): Keane 1/4; Bruce 11/2; Hughes 5/1
Liverpool past and present (who will get the sack first?): Hodgson 6/4 ; Benitez EVS; Houllier 7/2
Sunderland OR Bolton to qualify for Europe. 13/8
Sunderland AND Bolton to qualify for Europe. 16/1
Will Arsene Wenger be at Arsenal on the first game of next season: 1/7 Yes; 4/1 No
7/4 Arsenal end the 2010/11 season without a trophy

When will Chelsea next win?
Man Utd (H)
6/5

Arsenal (A)
7/2

Bolton (H)
7/4

Aston Villa (H)
11/1

Wolves (A)
25/1

None of these
33/1

Method of Next Rooney Goal: 4/7 shot from inside the box (excluding header & penalty); 9/2 Shot from outside the box (excluding header or free kick); 5/1 Penalty; 6/1 Header; 12/1 Direct from free kick.

16/1 – A penalty is missed during the Manchester United/Chelsea game

Further Information…Joe Crilly…07850 518 164