EPL round of 27

Today shall see a few matchups that garner interest for profits, namely NEW VS LIV, MANU VS CHA, and READ VS AV. We have done well over the past few weeks, notching up more wins than losses. Hope the run continues today.

READ VS AV

Reading has continued their good run of 2007, having 6 victories on and off the road while only drawing once. Even then, their draw against Everton was after Reading took a 1-0 lead into half time. It seems Coppell and his men has lived up to their label of the surprise package this season even though many of the results are expected given the predictablity of the top four. Some, although the numbers are now increasing, are beginning to believe that Europe qualification rather than relegation strugglers are more apt in describing Reading.

They have lost their reverse fixture by 2-1 and Reading will definitely be gunning for victory in their backyard. A sturdy home form has ensured that the Berkshire outfit are a tough proposition at the Majeski Stadium, winning thir last four home games.

It is a totally different story for Villa, with 5 defeats in their last 5 away matches. Having won only once on the road this season, many are still convinced that O'Neill can lead his team to greater heights. However, the hype is starting to wane after a bright start to the season, yet the capture of Carew and Young give fresh impetus to an otherwise suspect strikeforce.

Reading has mainly Shane Long doubtful, given that the starlet picked up a knock while playing for Ireland last week. With midfielder Harper expected to be fit after stitches to his feet injury, and the return of both strikers Doyle and Kitson, Reading have not much, except for who to pair upfront, to worry about.

Villa defender Wilfred Bouma is a major doubt. He suffered an ankle injury while on international duty for Holland in midweek and was unable to train on Friday. If Bouma is ruled out, skipper Gareth Barry is expected to switch to left-back with either Patrik Berger or Steven Davis replacing him in midfield. Gabriel Agbonlahor is expected to shake off the calf injury which ruled him out of England's Under-21 game with Spain. Striker Luke Moore is recalled to the squad after recovering from his shoulder problem.

The new owner, Randy Lerner, has already expressed his desire and O'Neill will want to match up to his expectations. Reading, on the other hand, exceeds Wigan, the previous season's surprise, in achieving greater heights. My money is on Reading, given their impressive home form and overall performance at the moment.

READ -0.25 @ 188bet.com

NEW VS LIV

Newcastle full-back Celestine Babayaro could return to the starting line-up for Saturday's Barclays Premiership clash with Liverpool.

The 28-year-old Nigeria international has missed the last 11 games with a hamstring injury, but is now back in the squad after returning to training.

Kieron Dyer is fit despite suffering from the after-effects of his exertions for England in midweek, but full-back Stephen Carr could be sidelined for a month with the thigh injury which forced him to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad.

Emre (calf), Shay Given (groin), Peter Ramage and Craig Moore (both hamstring), Michael Owen and Charles N'Zogbia (both knee) and Shola Ameobi are still out.

Liverpool will have captain Steven Gerrard in the squad after he played just 45 minutes for England in midweek due to a "niggling" injury picked up last weekend in the Merseyside derby against Everton.

But Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso misses the match at St James' Park due to a one-match suspension.

Boss Rafael Benitez could call in Mohamed Sissoko, who has been back in full training following a dislocated shoulder sustained at Birmingham in November.

LIV -0.5 @ 188bet.com

MANU VS CHA

Wayne Rooney has been passed fit for Manchester United's Barclays Premiership clash with Charlton at Old Trafford.

Rooney missed England's midweek defeat to Spain with a hip injury but came through training on Thursday and should be in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI.

Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also start as Edwin van der Sar has been ruled out with a broken nose.

John O'Shea (ankle) is out, while Michael Carrick (groin) and Cristiano Ronaldo (heavy cold) are both minor doubts.

Charlton manager Alan Pardew will not risk striker Darren Bent.
The England international has recently resumed training after a knee injury but is not ready for a first-team return, so Marcus Bent is expected to continue in a lone striker role.

Luke Young (knee), Herman Hreidarsson (knee), Andy Reid (hamstring) and Talal El Karkouri (suspended) are also ruled out, but Pardew will hand debuts to two of his new signings, Alexandre Song and Madjid Bougherra.

MANU 4-0 @ 188bet.com