West Brom

Aston Villa V West Brom

Sunday, 30 September 2012 – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Live on Sky Sports 2

Just the one match on Sunday, and it’s an all-Midlands affair between Aston Villa and West Brom at Villa Park – where last season the Baggies secured their very first Premier League win in this fixture at the sixth attempt. The bookies, though, despite how this contest panned out eleven months ago, have Villa down as favourites – tentative ones at that, mind – although I’m not convinced.

Down the years Villa have had a stranglehold in this fixture, winning three of their first five encounters at home to West Brom in the Premier League. That streak was brought to an end last season as the Baggies produced a 2-1 victory, despite falling behind early on to a Darren Bent penalty (though Villa were reduced to ten men). A sign, perhaps, that the tide is changing in this fixture – if not, the fact Villa finished nine points behind their Midlands rivals that same season is; or that, even at this early stage, they already trail them by six points after making a dire start to the new campaign.

Indeed, Paul Lambert’s tenure as Aston Villa has been one to forget thus far. Four points from his first five matches at the helm is well below the lofty standards supporters at Villa Park expect – and demand! But it has been the manner of their performances which will gripe on many; they were abysmal in their first two fixtures, in which they carved out very few openings in losing 1-0 at West Ham and 3-1 at home to Everton – the latter defeat comprehensive.

They did improve ever so slightly to take a point away from their trek up north to Newcastle (1-1), before clinically dispatching of Swansea (2-0) at home. However, Villa’s resurgence of sorts was short lived as Southampton – who had lost their opening four league games beforehand – put four past Brad Guzan in the Villa goal in a resounding 4-1 reverse.

Next up for Lambert’s beleaguered side are neighbouring rivals West Brom at home, a fixture he dare not lose if he’s to avoid alienating any more of the Villa faithful. It won’t be easy either, as the Baggies – under the tutelage of Steve Clarke – have made a phenomenal start. They’ll kick-off Sunday’s Midlands derby in 6th, with victory for the second year running at Villa Park enough to see them move above Tottenham, Man City and Man Utd into third. As incentives go, do they come much bigger than that?

I will be honest though, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the work Steve Clarke has done early into his first stint as manager – he spent numerous years garnering experience as assistant coach to the likes of Gianfranco Zola (West Ham), Jose Mourinho (Chelsea) and last season under Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool. And speaking of his former employers, it was against the Reds with whom West Brom got the balling well and truly rolling – an emphatic 3-0 victory on the opening day a dream start for Clarke and his new charges, who would follow that stunning result up with a hard-earned draw away to Tottenham (1-1) before another impressive victory at home, this time against inform Everton (2-0).

Then the Baggies were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage. It was then we started thinking that they might just unravel, but that wasn’t the case – far from it – as they dug deep in their next fixture, at home to Reading, to grind out a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win. Although yet again the three points were earned at home. So that’s three consecutive victories at The Hawthorns, maintaining their flawless record on their own patch. However, they’re still searching for their first away – but where better to pick it up than down the road at your nearest and not so dearest?

Whereas I’m not in the slightest bit convinced Aston Villa have turned any sort of corner under Paul Lambert, I am confident West Brom still have plenty of early season vigour left, enough to seriously challenge for all three points here. Their cause will be aided significantly by news that midfielder James Morrison, who has been instrumental this season, is set to shrug of a minor leg injury to feature from the start. The 26-year-old playmaker pulls all the strings in the middle, feeding the ball to various outlets over the pitch. Although he certainly isn’t one to pass up a shooting opportunity.

It was Morrison’s 90th minute strike which rescued a hard-fought point at Spurs, while the Scotland international could have bagged a hat-trick in the hour he was on the pitch against Reading last time out, yet somehow failed to net at all. So just as I’ll keep faith with West Brom’s early season promise, I shall do the exact same with star man James Morrison. At 85/40 (BetVictor) and 11/2 (SkyBet) respectively, I think I may have unearthed some Super Sunday value deep in the Midlands.

Match Prediction: West Brom to WIN @ 85/40 with BetVictor

Recommended Bet: James Morrison to Score Anytime @ 11/2 with SkyBet

Paul Lambert’s first games as Aston Villa manager have been blighted by inconsistency in both performance and results. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, however, considering that he’s new to the job and because the amount of changes he’s made to the playing squad during that time. Heading into Sunday’s match against West Brom at Villa Park, the home support will be hoping that they see a performance similar to the one they produced in their last home match against Swansea as opposed to their most recent league game – where they capitulated in the second half against Southampton. Lambert and the supporters will be buoyed by the fact that they bounced back from that loss with a morale boosting victory over Man City in the League Cup. The 3-2 extra time success highlighted more of a resilience and far greater determination which will stand Villa in good stead as they approach what will be a busy period for them. Sunday’s derby against West Brom will be their first of six games in four weeks.

West Brom obliged for the column last weekend with victory over Reading which means they now sit in fourth spot after five matches. Their consistency when playing at the Hawthorns this season has been excellent and they have yet to concede a league goal at home, managing six of their own. There are signs, however, that they are not quite as impressive as they were earlier on in the season. I touched on their defeat to Fulham a fortnight ago where their attitude and discipline was questionable. They also lost out to a very young Liverpool side in the League Cup at hoe despite fielding a strong side. It’s now two defeats in three for Steve Clarke’s men and the tests become more challenging as well as more frequent. Their only other away match in the league came at White Hart Lane where they managed a draw after going behind – it’s a performance which will hearten the Baggies before making the trip across the Midlands on Sunday as it shows that they can recreate their performances at home on the road.

Before losing to Southampton at St Mary’s last Saturday Villa had went three games unbeaten so there are definite signs of improvement under Lambert, especially in an attacking sense. They looked toothless a lot of the time under both Alex McLeish and Gerard Houllier but Lambert has set about changing that and they are beginning to create a lot more tempo in their play, resulting in putting teams under pressure for longer spells. The 2-0 success over Swansea was the best performance of the season and a repeat of that will see them with an excellent chance of recording back to back victories for the first time under their new manager.

Clarke is learning all the time as a manager despite having been involved in the Premier League for over a decade. He will be delighted with the start he has made but it is just that, a start, there is a long way to go. There were more nervous moments last week in their match against Reading than there had been in their first two home games against Liverpool and Everton so there is a suggestion that the players are finding it a little more difficult to deal with the pressure that goes hand in hand with a good start. It will be up to the more experienced players in the squad to shoulder most of that expectation and allow the younger players to continue playing with little fear.

It will be both managers’ first experience of a Midland’s derby at their respective clubs and both have reason to be optimistic. West Brom proudly sit in fourth placed whilst Villa were impressive during their last home match. I seen enough in Villa’s win over Swansea to side with them on this occasion however – home win.

Aston Villa 6/4 @ William Hill

West Brom suffered their first defeat under Steve Clarke when they went down 3-0 to Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend. It was a performance which will have no doubt frustrated both the manager and the supporters as the team seemed to lack the discipline and organisation that has been evident throughout their positive start to the season. It’s a season which has seen them start very well with victories over Liverpool and Everton at the Hawthorns, either side of a deserved 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane against Spurs. The defeat last Saturday could well serve as a reality check after such a good start but the manner of their loss will have been most disappointing as they lost two first half goals where, defensively, they could have done a lot better. The other frustrating part which Clarke looked to be furious with was the sending off of Peter Odemwingie. The Nigerian forward is an important player to his side but his petulant kick out which resulted in the red card means he misses the next three games and it’s the kind of action which could see Clarke take further punishment with in the  future.

It’s fair to say that Reading are finding life back in the Premier League a touch difficult. The Royals have yet to register a victory since their return to the top flight following their Championship success last season. Defeats to Chelsea and Spurs followed a 1-1, last minute salvo at home to Stoke. Brian McDermott can take some solace in the sense that there is no doubt his players have given him everything and have fought right to the end of each of their games. Their performance against Chelsea was probably the best thus far as they troubled the European Champions before eventually losing out 4-2. Their most recent game (on Sunday against Spurs) was the biggest sign yet that they are lacking quality throughout their team. Before the game, Tottenham had failed to hit the heights they are capable of but they were miles ahead of Reading and, if anything, the `1-3 score line flattered the hosts. It’s still very early in the season and there is plenty of time for Reading to climb the table but they have to improve defensively. Even though they may not have the same standard of player as other sides, if McDermott can get them defending well as a unit they can improve their fortunes.

With Odemwingie’s suspension, Clarke will have to change his side. He has several options available to him and it could mean a first league start for on loan Chelsea striker, Romelu Lukaku. He’s came off the bench in three of their four league games but he could start on Saturday and if so, his size and presence in and around the box could prove decisive – especially against a Reading defence who have shipped eight goals in three games.

It was noticeable how much Reading struggled with the movement and pace of Spurs’ attack on Sunday. Ian Harte, who has been their preferred left back this term, is not getting any younger and he was hapless against the threat of Lennon, Bale and Defoe. Chris Gunther who was brought to the club from Championship side Nottingham Forest is making a big step up and it will take a while for him to get fully up to speed with the pace of the Premier League.

West Brom have started the season in flying form at the Hawthorns and it’s no surprise that they are favourites for the game against a struggling Reading side. It’s not original but I strongly fancy the Baggies to record their third home win of the campaign.

West Brom 5/6 BetVictor

Fulham V West Brom – Saturday, 15 September 2012 (Kick-Off: 15:00)

Betting Selection: Both Teams to Score @ 8/11 (Bet365)

On the opening day of the season, Fulham looked awesome as they consummately swept aside the challenge from Norwich at Craven Cottage. Martin Jol’s men were given rave reviews in the national newspapers the following morning, all of which were justified following an emphatic 5-0 win. Since then, however, the Cottagers have been anything but impressive – which is the very word I would use to describe the start opponents West Brom have made to the new term. So it’s easy to find a case for the visitors here, who will appeal to some at 3/1.

On the back of their thumping opening day victory over the Canaries came a couple of away defeats for Fulham, at Manchester United and West Ham. Hardly surprising considering the West London club have never been particular positive on the road. The 3-2 reverse at Old Trafford was slightly harsh on them I felt, but they got precisely what they deserved for an abject display against West Ham in their final league game before the international break, with a comprehensive 3-0 loss occurring less than 24 hours after the club completed the sales of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to London rivals Tottenham. A coincidence? Certainly not.

I had predicted that Fulham would struggle to maintain the high standards they had previously set in the first two weeks of the season without arguably their two greatest assets. Both Dempsey and Dembele have been fantastic servants in recent seasons; Dempsey was Fulham’s leading marksmen last season, while Dembele possessed a real touch of class in the middle of the park. The team will recover, of that I am confident, but there are concerns that the Cottagers may fall back into their mould of being heavily reliant on results at home now – the 3-0 loss to West Ham, who were devoid of attacking threat in their first two matches, possibly an ominous indication of what might be to come away from home this season.

Perhaps it was a knee-jerk reaction to losing two influential figures, the poor performance at West Ham? I’m inclined to think it was, as there is a nice balance to this Fulham team. For me, the loss of Dempsey isn’t too detrimental. I mean, it isn’t as though the club are short of forwards. Bryan Ruiz, Hugo Rodellega, Mladen Petric and Dimitar Berbatov will all contribute this season. The loss of Dembele, however, will more than likely be felt for a long time.

There isn’t a ready-made replacement for the Belgian midfielder currently on the Fulham books, a player who was supremely confident on the ball; not only could he retain possession so well, his distribution was outstanding. Therefore without him, there is every chance Fulham will struggle to retain possession this season. And when you don’t have the ball, you’re vulnerable to attacks yourselves. Their defence is decent on paper though, without jumping out the page at you, so it could be a mixed campaign once again on the clean sheet front for Mark Schwarzer.

Inform West Brom will be the first team to put my theory to the test, and they are a team – as we’ve seen in their first three games under their new chief tactician – that can make full use of the ball. Manager Steve Clarke is already being lauded for the early work he has done at The Hawthorns, where both his team’s two victories have been earned so far – beating Merseyside duo Everton (2-0) and Liverpool (3-0) in impressive fashion – yet it was possibly the point registered at White Hart Lane which impressed me the most.

I thought the Baggies were exceptional against Tottenham. The home side bossed possession yet it was West Brom who created the better opportunities, ruthlessly counter-attacking their hosts only to be confronted by an inspired Brad Friedel in goal. The draw, which was earned via a stoppage-time equaliser from James Morrison, was the very least they deserved. We have every right to expect more of the same at another London ground, Craven Cottage, where they had lost on all five visits before a 1-1 draw there last season. I’m anticipating a few more goals this time around, although the final outcome may well be the same.

Prediction: Fulham 2-2 West Brom (16/1 with WilliamHill)

Match Odds: Fulham 21/20; Draw 5/2; West Brom 3/1 (Odds with BetVictor)

West Brom V Liverpool

Saturday, 18 August, 2012 – 15:00 kick-off (GMT)

English Premier League

Last Season

West Brom 0-2 Liverpool

Liverpool 0-1 West Brom

Preview

It’s been a summer of acclimatization for both Liverpool and West Brom. So it could be a case of whichever side makes the necessary adjustments the quickest, will register maximum points on Saturday, in a contest which last season was split right down the middle. Kenny Dalglish’s Reds inflicted a 2-0 defeat upon Roy Hodgson’s Baggies in the corresponding meeting at The Hawthorns, though the Midlands outfit exacted their revenge later on when winning 1-0 at Anfield – only their second victory over the Merseyside outfit in twelve Premier League encounters. Adapting to a new manager, and with it the possibility of a change in tactics and philosophy, will be the biggest challenge for both sets of players.

Although the sacking of Kenny Dalglish at the very beginning of the post-season did come as a shock at the time, it was to be expected. Liverpool, despite ending their six-year barren streak when it came to silverware by clinching the League Cup, as well as making the final of the FA Cup, endured a horrendous league campaign: languishing down in eighth, the Reds finished the term a staggering 37-points adrift of the champions, 17-points off Spurs in fourth, and, shockingly, four behind local rivals Everton. Simply unacceptable for a club that invested in excess of £100million on its playing staff during King Kenny’s reign.

The new man at the Liverpool helm?: 39-year-old Brendan Rodgers, formerly of Swansea City. And it was under his tutelage that the Welsh club secured promotion to the Premier League for the very first time in 2011, before going on to mesmerise audiences with their majestic brand of football the following season. Rodgers has promised the Reds faithful to expect something very similar while he’s at the helm, and that has got everyone excited, fans very much included but especially the players, who, according to the Northern Irishman, have all bought into his project – and that is crucial for me, as morale can’t have been good when he first arrived at Melwood, not after a bitterly disappointing 2011-12 term.

As for West Brom, they’ve had to absorb a monumental blow with the departure of Roy Hodgson, who gleefully accepted the role of England head coach at the end of last term. Filling the vacancy is none other than Steve Clarke, who last season was Kenny Dalglish’s number two at Anfield. So he should know a fair bit about this Liverpool side; their strengths and weaknesses. This is, though, his first spell in charge as a Premier League manager, and he’ll have huge boots to fill, also; Hodgson guided what I believe was, and certainly is now, a very average group of players, by Premier League standards, to safety in each of the last two seasons, comfortably as well. With the club, in my opinion, having failed to strengthen sufficiently during the summer, with forward Romelu Lukaku signing on a season-long loan the one noteworthy addition, I have a feeling Clarke may struggle to emulate the success of his predecessor.

Prediction: Liverpool to Win @ EVENS with StanJames

I expect Liverpool to begin the new season with a fairly routine win at The Hawthorns – where they have won on five of their previous six visits in the Premier League – which is just as well seeing as mouthwatering contests with Arsenal, Man City and Man Utd at home, as well as a tough trip to Sunderland, await them afterwards. Visiting fans may well catch a glimpse of their two marquee signings of the summer, with Allen and Borini tipped to play some part in proceedings. I especially hope to see Allen from the off, as the Welshman would line up alongside Lucas in the middle of the park which would hand Gerrard the initiative to push forward and link up more with dangerman Suarez, to devastating effect one would hope. 

Either way, I just think the visiting team will have too much craft and nous going forward for a Baggies outfit that spent much of pre-season contesting friendlies with lower-league opposition. West Brom also suffered more defeats at home (10) than they did on their travels (6) last season, including reverses at home to Arsenal, Man Utd and Tottenham, as well as that 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Value Bet: Steven Gerrard to Score Any Time @ 12/5 with PaddyPower

Liverpool had a knack of not only winning penalties last season, but missing them, too. In total, five spot-kicks went awry in the league, and if my memory serves me right, Steven Gerrard was at fault for none (because he was absent in those games through injury). The Reds skipper will brush everyone aside should his team earn one this weekend, and the stats would suggest that (Liverpool winning a penalty) could be the case: no team conceded more penalties in the Premier League last term than West Brom (9), while Luis Suarez earned more of them than any other player (4), including one in this very fixture, which Charlie Adam surprisingly scored.

So Gerrard, who should play in behind frontman Luis Suarez, appears a fantastic bet to notch at The Hawthorns on the opening day – because if he doesn’t manage one from open play, there is every chance he may have an opportunity to net from 12-yards at some stage.

West Brom V Everton (FINAL SCORE 0:1)

Sunday, 1 January 2012 – 12:30 GMT (LIVE on SKY SPORTS)

Barclay’s Premier League

Two of the Premier League’s bluntest attacks clash at The Hawthorns on New Year’s Day in the very first top flight encounter of 2012, with West Brom and Everton hopefully putting on a show for Sky Sports viewers – although, I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Perhaps this won’t be the curtain raiser to the new year that we all hope for, but at the very minimum we should get a very competitive affair between two teams who rarely lack commitment. The problem is, neither are accomplished in the final third meaning goals are likely to be at a premium.

Only Wigan have netted fewer than Everton (18) this season, who have had issues with scoring for the past two to three seasons now, whilst Roy Hodgson’s Baggies have only plundered one solitary goal more than those toothless Toffees.

So, it would be easy to simply plump for the draw, possibly even a goalless one. Instead, however, I see value in the hosts, who I make favourites for this contest for several reasons. The first being their current form, the second their strikeforce.

Although both teams go into the game unbeaten in their last three matches, it is West Brom who host this fixture with all the momentum having recorded back-to-backs away wins over Blackburn (1-2) and Newcastle (2-3) before holding leaders Manchester City, who have averaged three goals per game so far this season, to a goalless draw at home.

Of course, it would be ignorant of me not to mention the fact the Baggies have lost five of nine at The Hawthorns this season, but many of those were against tough opponents: Liverpool (0-2), Man Utd (1-2) and Tottenham (1-3).

Everton, meanwhile, could only muster a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich before edging past Swansea (1-0), also on home soil. In their last match, away to Sunderland, there was little doubt they deserved something from the game, but they were incredibly fortunate in the end to leave Wearside with a share of the spoils courtesy of an outrageous referring decision from Howard Webb.

Moreover, David Moyes still hasn’t found a solution to his side’s scoring woes. Even in this encouraging three-match unbeaten run of theirs they’ve only managed a paltry sum of goals, three in total (just three in their last five now), with their leading marksmen for the term being full-back Leighton Baines – and all three of his goals came from the penalty spot.

A lack of options up front, or should I say quality, is holding Everton back at the minute. I bet David Moyes is kicking himself after letting Yakubu move to Blackburn in the summer, with the experienced Nigerian goal-getter having scored twelve goals for his new employers this term.

In contrast, Roy Hodgson does posses quality up front; strikers with goals in them – and that is what clinches the deal for me.

Shane Long has made the step up to Premier League football with consummate ease, scoring five times, though it is his tireless work rate and endeavour which has endeared him to the Baggies faithful. Then there’s Peter Odemwingie, their top scorer last season with 15 goals; he has four for the season.

As solid and well-organised as Everton generally are, it’s difficult envisaging them penetrating a team just as well-drilled as West Brom. A resolute outfit who held the most prolific team the Premier League has ever seen to a 0-0 draw last time out. You’d expect nothing less from a Roy Hodgson team. The important difference being, West Brom have goals in them, in their strikers, whereas Everton, quite simply, do not.

Also, West Brom did the double over Everton last season, scoring FOUR at Goodison in a 4-1 success and 1-0 at The Hawthorns. Their scorer that day, Youssouf Mulumbu, is out injured, but so is Everton’s Marouane Fellani. Jack Rodwell is also doubtful for the visitors, while loan signing Landon Donovan is ineligible.

Recommended Bet: West Brom to WIN @ 13/8 Boylesports

Value Punt: West Brom to WIN to NIL @ 10/3 VictorChandler

Everton V West Brom

Date & kick-off: Wednesday, 21st September 2011 – 20:00 (GMT)

• Both teams will rotate their squads for Wednesday’s Third Round tie.
• John Heitinga, Phil Neville, Ross Barkley, Apostolos Vellios, Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi are all in contention for Everton after starting Saturday’s league game with Wigan on the substitutes bench.
• Martin Fulop should start in goal for West Brom; Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley, Jerome Thomas, Graham Dorrans, Zolton Gera, Simon Cox and Marc-Antoine Fortune are all in the reckoning for a rare start.
• West Brom have won on one of their last eleven visits to Goodison Park – a 4-1 victory in last season’s Premier League.
• Everton are now unbeaten in four games in all competitions, meanwhile West Brom have lost four of six competitive matches in 2011/12, including a 3-0 reverse away at Swansea on Saturday.

One of several all-Premiership ties pits David Moyes and Everton against Roy Hodgson’s usually combative but currently out of sorts West Bromwich Albion.

We’re anticipating plenty of changes from both camps to the sides that were in Premier League action over the weekend, the pair who endured contrasting outcomes. Everton’s renaissance continued with a gritty home win over Wigan, 3-1, whereas West Brom became the first club to lose outside of England when they were comprehensively beaten by Swansea in Wales, 3-0.

The strength of both managers’ squads will prove decisive in determining a winner, and I have to say there isn’t a great deal to choose between them.

Baggies boss Roy Hodgson has a very strong squad, one that in the last round he rotated to devastating affect: goals from Jerome Thomas, Simon Cox and a Marc-Antoine Fortune brace sealed an empathic 4-1 win away at League One Bournemouth.

Everton, meanwhile, despite a brief scare early on, did eventually win with an element of ease and panache as they also overhauled League One opposition – Sheffield United their victims in a 3-1 victory at Goodison Park. Since then, the Toffees have gone from strength to strength, going on to take seven points from their subsequent three league fixtures, and with confidence now extremely high, coupled with home advantage, where they’ve notched five times in their last two games, David Moyes’ men will take all the beating.

It has been a dismal start to the season for West Brom who, after five league games, prop up the table down in 20th. A rout in Swansea at the weekend was their fourth reverse of the campaign, and arguably their poorest display under Roy Hodgson. So worrying times then in the Midlands, even at this early stage. Their next league game at home to Fulham couldn’t be any more important.

A significant factor could be who Everton play next in the league, which just so happens to be high-flying Man City at Eastlands. Moyes will be reluctant to name his strongest eleven but will also guard against complacency as well as the prospect of seeing their encouraging four-game unbeaten run in all competitions evaporate into thin air, not to mention a shot at a first trophy for seventeen-years.

There are, however, several in this Everton team/squad who are desperate for some playing time – new signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi very much included. Louis Saha, who has been forthright about airing his views on his recent lack of playing time, could also be drafted in.

So, it should be a competitive line-up at the very minimum that David Moyes selects, but whether that will be enough to wear down West Brom’s resilience – whom dumped out Manchester City at this stage of proceedings in last season’s tournament – remains to be seen.

At first I was leaning towards a very tight contest, but West Brom’s woeful display at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday really has put the cat amongst the pigeons, especially as elsewhere Everton grounded out their third win in four games, eventually dispatching of a resilient but toothless Wigan.

However, there will be a number in that Everton dressing room eager to impress the gaffer, players who could have a telling impact in that all-important game-winning area of the pitch: the final third. Couple that with home advantage, which is often crucial in cup ties, and Everton are the way to go I feel.

There may also be a slice of value in the odds of Both Teams Scoring. Three of the previous four encounters between the two at Goodison Park have featured both teams netting, while neither have been masterful at keeping clean sheets this season.

Betting Tip: Everton to WIN – 8/11 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – 10/11 WilliamHill

I don’t know about you but the English League Cup, otherwise known as Carling Cup, always has me running scared – from a betting perspective. You just never know which teams are showing the competition the respect it deserves, and those in the Premier League are the worst culprits.

We’re only at the Second Round stage but already the competition is hotting up, with thirteen clubs from the English top-flight – those who don’t have European commitments in 2011-2012 – set to enter the fray. But we will see any major upsets? If so, who’ll be this year’s giant-killers?

Could Exeter eliminate the competition’s most decorated club? The Grecians will entertain Liverpool at St James Park in a dream tie for the Devon outfit that you can catch live on Sky Sports 1.

Everton endured another miserable pre-season and could be vulnerable on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to QPR, with the Toffees up against Sheffield United at Goodison Park.

Meanwhile, Premier League new boys Norwich tackle League One pacesetters MK Dons at Carrow Road, Blackburn host Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park while Wolves and Newcastle both have potentially awkward away encounters with lower league opposition in the form of Northampton and Scunthorpe.

A shock is inevitable; there could even be a few looking at all 19 ties scheduled for this week, so it really does beg the question why on earth I’ve gone with my picks.

 - – - – - – - – - – - – -

EVERTON to beat Sheffield United (Everton V Sheff Utd; Wed, 24 Aug)

A demoralised Everton certainly look vulnerable on the back of a miserable pre-season; a severe lack of funds meant the club didn’t bring in a single new player during the summer while confidence in camp will be at its lowest for quite some time following the 1-0 home reverse to QPR at the weekend. Their Second Round opponents are a Sheffield United side in buoyant mood, the Blades having made an encouraging start to life down in League One with a four-match unbeaten run consisting of three wins and a draw.

Despite all the negativity which has engulfed Goodison, I fully expect the Toffees to chalk up their first win of the campaign on Wednesday, albeit against inferior opposition. A lack of depth means David Moyes will have to name a strong XI, mainly because he doesn’t have many other alternatives with what could best be described as a threadbare squad. It is, however, a squad which boasts its fair share of outstanding individuals and it’s about time they collectively raised their game during what is an incredibly difficult period for the Merseysiders.

After a drastic start to the new season, this is a glorious opportunity for Everton to not really amend the weekend’s wrongs but to finally get that elusive first win under their belts which should lift morale ahead of Saturday’s trip to Blackburn in the league – hence why David Moyes SHOULD name an ultra strong line-up, especially as the club doesn’t have any European commitments in 2011-2012.

Best odds: 4/9 Bet365

LIVERPOOL to beat Exeter (Exeter V Liverpool; Wed, 24 Aug)

It has been a while since the Reds were in League Cup action at such an early stage of proceedings, but their lack of European involvement should enhance their claims for a first domestic trophy for seven years as Liverpool set their sights on an eighth English League Cup triumph.

A trip to Devon isn’t ideal but the tie certainly is, kicking off against League One’s Exeter City. It will be an opportunity for manager Kenny Dalglish to exploit the full potential of a squad now boasting a wealth of quality in depth, something Jamie Carragher paid tribute to after Saturday’s 2-0 win at Arsenal.

I suspect there will be wholesale changes; Doni replacing Reina between the sticks; John Flanagan, Danny Wilson Emiliano Insua and Sotirios Kyrgiakos will all come into defensive contention; Jay spearing will almost certainly play the anchorman in a midfield containing Joe Cole, Raul Meireles, Maxi Rodriguez and possibly Jonjo Shelvey, while up front Daniel Pacheco, the 20-year-old Spaniard who has made just 5 first-team appearances for the club, could be handed a rare start and a window of opportunity to showcase his talents, with fellow striker David N’Gog on the verge of signing for Bolton.

Although wholesale changes is rarely viewed as a positive move, in this case it can be. There will be numerous players desperate to impress King Kenny ahead of an exciting campaign which has every chance of ending in silverware, whether it be in this competition or another. Plus, their opponents are prime for the taking having made a torrid start to the new term, losing three and winning none of their opening four fixtures in League One, where they currently reside in 22^nd position.

Best odds: 2/5 Bet365

WEST BROM to beat Bournemouth (Bournemouth V West Brom; Tue, 23 Aug)

Following two gruelling league encounters with Man Utd and Chelsea, Roy Hodgson is set to rotate his West Brom squad, a healthy sized one at that, ahead of Tuesday’s trip down south to Bournemouth. The Baggies were dispatched by both United and Chelsea despite valiant displays in both, so a chance to freshen things up could be just what the doctor ordered.

Gonzalo Jara, Marek Cech, Graham Dorrans and summer signing Gareth McAuley are just some of the fringe players who will come into contention, while there is no shortage of forward options with Simon Cox, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Peter Odemwingie all vying for some playing time, the latter – top scorer last season with 15 Premier League goals – having only recently returned to first-team action and will be eager to get some minutes under his belt.

So it will be a competitive West Brom team that makes the trip to Dean Court to face a Bournemouth side who have been sluggish in the early parts of the season. The Cherries are languishing down in 20^th position after three defeats from their first four league fixtures, so the arrival of superior opposition to what they are used to facing is far from ideal.

Best odds: EVENS VictorChandler

BRISTOL ROVERS to beat Watford (Bristol Rovers V Watford; Tue, 23 Aug)

Rovers were a busy club over the summer, bringing in former Torquay manager Paul Buckle who later went and signed a whole host of players who should steer The Pirates into promotion contention at the very minimum in 2011-2012.

They’re up against what I would describe as an ‘average’ Watford side who’ve made a dismal start to the new campaign, failing to win any of their first four games, registering just points. The Hornets have also mustered just one league goal thus far.

By the way, this is actually a First Round clash, as the original fixture has to be postponed due to the on-going riots in Bristol at the time.

Best odds: 19/10 Bet365

HUDDERSFIELD to beat Cardiff (Cardiff V Huddersfield; Tue, 23 Aug)

My final pick is my most handsome one; Huddersfield of League One to leave Championship side Cardiff stunned at the Cardiff City stadium.

The Welsh side will boast home advantage, which is always crucial in cup ties, but they’ve gone a little off the pace since winning their opening two league games, failing to win either of their next two. The Bluebirds also struggled to overcome Oxford in the previous round, a much-changed Cardiff eleven eventually winning 3-1 after extra-time.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield opened their league account with a succession of draws, no fewer than three in fact, but I’m hoping they’ve established some momentum after Saturday’s 3-2 comeback win over Colchester.

The Terries are, or were, the outright favourites for League One, so this should give manager Lee Clark a rough idea of where his team are at. And speaking of the Huddersfield chief, Clark, in his pre-match interview, insists his team won’t be phased by the calibre of opposition and that his charges will give their absolute all in a bid to reach the Third Round, hinting that he would name almost his strongest eleven similar to the one which thumped Port Vale 4-2, away from home, in the previous round.

Best odds: 7/2 WilliamHill

The Carling is on me should this five-timer deliver at 50/1 with VictorChandler!

Wolves V West Brom

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 8 May 2011 – 12:00 (GMT)
Competition: Barclay’s Premier League

Preview in brief

- Wolves are 19th, second from bottom, but just one-point off safety; West Brom are 11th on 43-points and would leap into the top-half of the table with a win.

- Wolves are without a win in five but have recorded seven of their nine league wins this season at home, whereas West Brom have won four and lost only one of their last nine in the league.

- Kevin Doyle is still out injured for the hosts, meanwhile Baggies boss Roy Hodgson has several question marks regarding his first-team personnel but should have his big names available.

- These two sides have never met at Molineux in the Premier League.

Regarded as one of the most knowledgeable managers in the game, Roy Hodgson has received no end of praised for the outstanding work he and his backroom staff have done in transforming West Brom’s fortunes.

The Baggies are now assured of Premiership football next season, something which was up in the air when he took over from Roberto Di Matteo back in February. While he’s also got the team, one previously lacking in togetherness and weren’t really playing with any fluidity, certainly not in the final stages of Di Matteo’s reign, operating like a well-oiled machine; with the football attractive on the eye but more importantly the points have been arriving thick and fast.

During Hodgson’s nine-game reign as Baggies manager, the club have risen to 11th in the table, with the prospect of a top-half finish very much a reality. West Brom have also lost just once and boast an incredibly healthy record under the 63-year-old: W4 D4 L1.

Some leadership and organisation at the back and in the midfield; better quality of passing throughout the team in fact. Extremely resilient. The spirit and camaraderie has returned, and we know why because the players are actually smiling and looking happy for a change, as wasn’t the case in the final months of Di Matteo’s reign, when results weren’t going their way and they were on a slippery slope towards relegation. There is just an all round better feel to West Bromwich Albion.

Results do play a huge part in player confidence, as well as maintaining healthy levels of morale back in camp, and so it’s hardly surprising that West Brom, whom have lost only one of their last ten league games and have beaten the likes of Aston Villa and Liverpool in recent weeks, continue to collect points.

One team who have lost their way when it comes to locating the points trail is Wolves. Not since the middle of March have Wolves celebrated a Premiership victory, losing three of their five matches since. Their form is alarming considering they’re in a relegation dogfight, are second from bottom and only have three more games left, all against teams of a similar ilk I may add, to save their season.

Last week, Wolves drew 1-1 with a Birmingham side who spent much of the game down to ten men but in general aren’t too dissimilar to Wolves’ opponents on Sunday. The Baggies are very resilient and extremely well-organised, the only difference being that West Brom, in all probability, will play the full 90 minutes with ten men and are in far better form. So I envisage another tricky assignment for Mick McCarthy’s team, who would struggle to beat a team from the Championship on current form, which is where I firmly believe they’ll be next season.

West Brom to push those pesky Wolves over the edge looks outstanding value.

Betting Selection(s):

West Brom to WIN - 3.40 WilliamHill

Peter Odemwingie to Score - 3.00 Unibet

No player in West Brom’s hardly illustrious or extensive Premiership history has scored more times in a single campaign than Peter Odemwingie, who has found the net 14 times in the league this season and will be their biggest goal-threat on Sunday.