Football Premier League Preview 26th and 27th December

So far, this season has been anything but predictable for spread bettors - and last weekend was no different with a number of bizarre results. Spread punters will have their work cut out if they are to make Boxing Day a profitable one. The Premier League has thrown up some interesting post-Christmas games including Birmingham v Chelsea, Hull v Manchester United and Fulham v Tottenham. At the halfway point in the season Sporting Index's traders have Chelsea as current favourites for the title with a spread of 49-52 points (60pts to the winner, 40pts for runner-up, 20pts for third etc) with Man Utd at 38-41.

Birmingham's superb form will have had most that have backed them on the spreads recently jumping for joy. Their current run has seen them take 21 points from the last 27 available, taking Alex McLeish's team up to seventh in the league. Those looking to buy their win index against Chelsea will understand how well they'll have to play to extend their run - especially as Chelsea have never lost against West Midland's Blues in the Premier League. However, spread punters looking to take on Chelsea and sell their win index can take some heart that Birmingham have managed to hold out for a draw on four occasions in their eleven league meetings. Those looking at the total goals spread market will be interested to note that Chelsea's previous four visits to St Andrews in the league have only yielded a total of two goals but buyers will point out that there were five goals the last time they met at Stamford Bridge.

Spread punters that have bought Man United's total league points spread will be concerned with the Red Devils' poor form on the road this season. United have now lost four times away from Old Trafford and they will be desperate for a win at Hull. Buyers of United's supremacy spread can take heart from their double over Phil Brown's side last year - even beating them with a reserve side on the last game of the season. Spread punters that bought goals in the fixture that featured United's stronger line-up will have witnessed the 4-3 Old Trafford thriller with delight. Both meetings last year were fairly quiet games for the officials as only seven yellow cards were handed out in total.

Fulham versus Tottenham promises to be a fascinating match-up for spread enthusiasts as the battle for Europe ramps up. The Cottagers are coming off the back of a win against last season's champions Manchester United and another win here will give buyers of Fulham's supremacy spread a timely Christmas present. Three of the last four meetings between the sides have seen three or more goals which will offer plenty of encouragement to spread goal buyers. Punters that enjoy a spread bet on total goal minutes will be pleased to know that the last three games versus Spurs at Craven Cottage have produced a make-up of 184, 308 and 241. The last two meetings in Fulham have only produced twenty points on the bookings spread but buyers will allude to the game before which totaled 65 points after Vicenzo Montella was given his marching orders.