Football betting: Midweek Premier League preview

After an unconvincing win against Tottenham at the weekend now is a good time to play Manchester United. Unfortunately for Portsmouth it's an even better time to play the South coast side and Paddy Power agree, pricing them as long as 14/1 to win at Old Trafford on Wednesday (live on SS2 at 20:00).

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wasted no time in questioning Sir Alex Ferguson's wisdom at sending his side on a money-spinning trip to Dubai masquerading as a 'warm-weather training break. Wenger's assertion that tiredness and focus can weigh on returning players appeared to be a fair assessment on Sunday as Tottenham were not particularly troubled by the champions. Spurs squandered several good chances before Matthew Dawson got himself sent off and gave away a penalty that effectively ended their FA Cup run.

Ferguson's side will still be without the solid Nemanja Vidic, who has a virus, and his absence will offer Pompey the chance to attack a particularly soft centre. However, Harry Redknapp's side are not the same without their African trio of Kanu, John Utaka and particularly Sulley Muntari, as they showed when losing in facile fashion to Sunderland.

The signing of Milan Baros might help sharpen their cutting edge up front while Lassana Diarra already looks a shrewd buy, not least because he scored on his debut against Plymouth. However, that 2-1 win was barely convincing and even assistant manager Tony Adams admitted they "looked rattled at times".

Imagine then what Ronaldo and co will do to them. No wonder they are 2/7 to seal a home win. Pompey have beaten United three times and held them to a draw over the last five years but unfortunately, that rule does not apply to Old Trafford, where they haven't tasted victory since beating the Busby Babes 3-0 just over 50 years ago.

This column tipped Ronaldo to score at any time against Spurs at the weekend at Evens, and after he scored twice to take his tally to 25 goals in 26 games there's no reason why not to do so again. Most bookmakers have shortened those odds, with the exception of Boylesports who are bravely sticking to that price. Take it.

Elsewhere, West Ham are a tempting 3/1 to beat Liverpool at Upton Park with Bet365 and William Hill. The Hammers have won two of their last three home league games, including the defeat of United and they drew at Manchester City last time out.

Liverpool are Evens to return to winning ways but away from home are simply desperate. Only Derby and Newcastle have lost to a visiting Reds side in the Premier League since the lucky 2-1 win at Everton in October and with Rafa Benitez's side drawing all four of their last league games, that looks the likeliest outcome here.

Verdict: 3pts Ronaldo anytime goalscorer @ Evens (Boylesports); West Ham to draw with Liverpool @ 5/2 (Bet365)

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