One standout bet in the top flight this weekend and Wolverhampton Wanderers must be opposed at the prices at home to Stoke City.
With the pair set to survive with relative ease, Stoke are certainly safe, both Mick McCarthy and Tony Pullis should be applauded for what hey have achieved with their respective side’s this season.
Two unfashionable coaches, McCarthy and Pullis have managed to steer their men clear of the drop and while Sunday’s game has little riding on it, the bet is still a strong one.
Stoke arrive at Molineux having lost just twice since the turn of the year in 13 Premier League matches and are seeking a hat-trick of wins. Victories over Hull City and West Ham, both without conceding, have seen Stoke edge into the top half and the Potters Welsh boss will be hopeful of staying there.
These two shared the spoils earlier in the campaign when drawing 2-2 at the Britannia Stadium but, while it was Stoke’s excellent home form that saw them flourish last season, they have also picked up points on the road this time around.
Just five defeats in the top flight, the same number as Manchester United, on their travels has been impressive and Stoke’s defensive record away from home is nothing short of remarkable.
Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has been beaten just 16 times in 15 matches and with Stoke always a threat on the break and set pieces, one goal should be enough for them to claim at least a draw.
Wolves’ position of relative safety this season has been the result of a recent burst of excellent results but while there was no disgrace in failing to find the net on their last two outings against Everton and Arsenal, picking up a point in the process, they have struggled for goals for some time now.
Just 10 at Molineux all season must be a concern for McCarthy and the match on Sunday isn’t likely to feature many chances.
Wolves have picked up just four wins in front of their own fans this season and must cope without captain Karl Henry who was dismissed at the Emirates last time out.
The fixture isn’t likely to grab many headlines this weekend but Stoke are not the type of side to relent in their pursuit of achieving their highest finish possible and couldn’t go into the game in better form. Wolves must be taken on and I’ll be very disappointed if the bet fails to land.
3.5pts Lay Wolves (vs. Stoke) @ 2.38 (Betfair)