Football
Derek Bilton, ESPN.co.uk betting writer 4y

Man City to thrash in-form Chelsea? Vardy to score for Leicester?

It was a great midweek for the column, after we landed a 13/2 treble and got our banker bet up too thanks to Wales beating Hungary. The Premier League returns this weekend as Manchester City look for keep their title challenge on track by seeing off Chelsea and the blog looks to stay hot.

Running total: +£43.12

The Banker

Manchester City sit eight points off the summit and face a monumental task to try and reel Liverpool in. However, given the fact they managed to collar the Reds at the death last season to retain their title, they won't be panicking just yet with roughly two thirds of the season still to play. Pep Guardiola's men are 2/5 shots this weekend to beat a Chelsea side who've scored in five of their six top-flight away matches this term.

Chelsea have actually scored more goals on the road (18) than any other Premier League side this season, so they won't be fazed by Saturday's trip to the Etihad. Frank Lampard's vibrant young Blues are zoning in on a seventh-straight Premier League victory, while they can also secure an eighth-consecutive away win in all competitions for the first time in their history.

For their part, the Citizens have scored an impressive 35 goals in just a dozen Premier League games so far and if they bring their "A Game" they have the firepower to blow Chelsea clean out of the water on home soil. Sergio Aguero has netted eight goals in his last six Premier League outings against the Blues and City won this corresponding fixture 6-0 last season. A similar score is unlikely here but we do fancy the champions to win it by more than a goal.

Selection: £5 on Manchester City (-1) to beat Chelsea at 21/20 with bet365.

The First Goal Flutter

Jamie Vardy has scored in each of his last four Premier League matches, and tops the scoring charts with 11 this season. The tenacious hitman is a 100/30 shot to score first when Leicester City travel to Brighton on Saturday, and that price looks a tempter. The Foxes are looking to make it five straight wins in the league and Vardy can help them continue their blistering surge up the table at the Amex.

Selection: £3 on Vardy to score first at 100/30 with bet365.

The Tasty Treble

Sheffield United have been immense on their return to the Premier League and the Blades sit proudly in fifth as they welcome Manchester United to Bramall Lane at the weekend. On current form the hosts will have their backers at 5/2 but we like the look of the Red Devils here at 23/20. Anthony Martial has given them a new dimension since returning to the starting XI and the Frenchman can help his side claim a hard-fought three points in South Yorkshire.

Elsewhere, leaders Liverpool can rumble to a fourth win in a row at Selhurst Park when they face Crystal Palace. The Reds are 2/5 for the win and should get it against the Eagles, who have already lost to Leicester City and Chelsea this season.

Finally, add in under-fire Arsenal at 9/20 to see off Southampton. The Gunners have only managed two clean sheets in 12 matches so far but surely can be trusted to turn it around here? If you need any more convincing, the Gunners have won their last 32 Premier League home matches against sides starting the day in the relegation zone. The treble with bet365 pays over 3/1 and looks solid.

Selection: £3 on the treble at 3.36/1 with bet 365.

The Euro Wager

Inter Milan are emerging as genuine title contenders in Serie A and sit just a point behind leaders Juventus. They face a Torino side on Saturday evening who have failed to win any of their last three home matches. Inter have won six out of six away from the San Siro, bagging 15 goals in that span and they look a fair old price at 4/5 with bet365 to get the job done at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

Selection: £5 on Inter to win at 4/5 with bet365.

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