English

Saturday 22^nd August

English Championship

Preston v Peterborough

Peterborough have found things tough in the Championship thus far, and it does not look like it will get any easier when they head to Deepdale to take on unbeaten Preston North End on Saturday.

‘Posh’ earned their right to play in the Championship with back to back promotions and received many plaudits for playing an expansive brand of football. Aaron McLean, Craig Mackail-Smith and Adam Boyd have scored over 120 goals between them during their time at the club and have been constantly linked with moves way. Manager Darren Ferguson has made it clear that they do not want, nor need, to sell their star trio. Things have been slightly different for them this season however. In their first 3 matches, they have lost to both Derby and West Brom with their solitary point thus far, coming at home against Sheffield Wednesday. They continue to score and make chances, but it’s at the opposite end of the park where they have struggled, conceding 6 goals in 3 matches.

Preston were very close to achieving their goal of promotion last season, narrowly missing out in the play-off semi final to Sheffield United. They accumulated the most home wins in the Championship which was the foundation of their success. Manager Alan Irvine has built a strong and disciplined side who can also knock the ball about. The skill and ability of players such as Ross Wallace, Richard Chaplow and Paul Parry very much compliments the strength and impact of strikers Neil Mellor and Steve Parkin.  North End have been impressive so far, with 1 win and 2 draws. Their two draws were in fixtures, Bristol City at home and away to Doncaster, which will prove troublesome for most so when added to their excellent 3-0 victory at Oakwell against Barnsley on Tuesday, Preston can be well pleased with their start to the new season.

The result, as ever, will depend on numerous things. However, one key point will be whether or not the Posh defenders will be able to cope with the brute strength of Mellor and Parkin. Barnsley couldn’t cope midweek when both were on the scoresheet, Morecambe never managed it either when they went down 5-1 in the Carling cup and Bristol City also succumbed to the physical onslaught with Parkin netting on the opening day of the season. Craig Morgan and Gabriel Zakuani have the unenviable task of stopping the big bruisers tomorrow afternoon. Both are big and experienced lads and will need every bit of both attributes to come out on top.

At the other end, Preston will have to cope with Peterborough’s quality in attack. All three of Boro’s prized assets are off the mark already and will be determined to get their teams first win of the season as soon as possible. Their case is helped somewhat with the absence of influential defender, Youl Mawene, for the home side.

Ferguson is under no illusions as to the task facing his side this year. He knows that the Championship is a big step up from League 1 and his difficult start to the season is only going to get harder as he takes his troops to a club who won more games than anyone at home last a season. With that in mind, added to the impressive start to the season, I fancy the home side to take all three points in what promises to be a very entertaining game at Deepdale.

My selection: Preston to beat Peterborough

Best odds available: 10/11 with several bookmakers including Bet365

Other bets: I expect a few goals in tomorrow’s games as both sides have strikers in form who will be looking to add to their season’s totals.

More than 2 goals in Preston v Peterborough – Best odds available: 10/11 with StanJames

I have looked through the other matches on Saturday and I do not feel confident at any reasonable price to advise another bet. I have a fancy that I will be playing myself and have posted it below with a little explanation as to why. I would stress again that this is a fancy as opposed to a tip.

Reading v Sheffield United

Reading have lost a lot of their attacking options with the departures of Lita and Doyle as well as the loan return of Dave Kitson to Stoke City. They have also lost the services of attacking midfielder, Stephen Hunt, who moved to Hull last week.

Sheffield United are unbeaten in the league this season and look as resolute as ever. They’ve conceded 1 goals and scored 3 so it doesn’t take Stephen Hawking to determine where their strengths lie.

With Reading’s lack of firepower weighted with United’s mean defence, I cannot have a home win. It then comes down to whether or not the away side are capable of scoring and winning at what is usually a difficult place. At the prices, they are value to succeed and I will be having a play on the away win which is a best price 2/1 with Boylesports

Saturday 11^th April

English Premiership

Stoke City v Newcastle United

The proverbial relegation 6-pointer takes place tomorrow evening in front of the television cameras. In what will be Alan Shearer’s 2^nd match in charge of Newcastle, they travel to the Britannia Stadium to face Tony Pulis’ Stoke side who have been excellent at home this season.

Shearer’s first match in charge ended in disappointment with Newcastle being easily disposed of by Chelsea. It was arguably a match where anything they got, would have been a bonus, however, games are fast running out and their lack of threat would have been a worry to the caretaker manager. What would have pleased him, however, would be star man and top goalscorer, Michael Owen, completing 90 minutes and more importantly, coming through the match unscathed. It is necessity that they keep Owen fit between now and the end of the season to have any chance of beating the drop.

The home side are coming into this match on the back of a much more positive result after a vital 2-0 away victory over bottom club, West Brom. It was their first away win in the league since gaining promotion and would have been a huge relief to finally get that monkey off their back. As with the majority of clubs in the league, it has been the side’s home form that has provided them with most of their points. Their direct style of play and physical presence has basically intimidated a lot of their opponents and has meant that two more wins, will probably be enough to see them remain in the top flight for a 2^nd season.

The visitors have only managed two wins on the road all season. One of those wins was against hapless West Brom whilst the other was a victory over Portsmouth during the festive period when frankly, everyone was beating Tony Adams’ side. In their defence, they have been very rarely disgraced or hammered in their 8 away defeats. Since September, United have only lost one game on the road by more than 1 goal, a 3-0 defeat at Blackburn. On the face of it, this suggests that they are not doing much wrong; however, a defeat is a defeat at the end of the day. They seem unable to pick up points against teams with a half decent home record.

Stoke City’s home record would be impressive for most teams, let alone a team who has been fighting relegation all season long. Pulis’ team has managed 8 victories and 4 draws from a total of 15 league matches. They have defeated Aston Villa, Arsenal and Everton this season whilst their last home reverse came against Champions and league leaders, Man United, on Boxing day of last year.

Newcastle will be without several long term absentees as well as recent injury victims, Peter Lovenkrands, Jose Enrique and Steven Taylor. This sort of match is perfect for the latter of that trio. His love for the physical aspect of the game has been well documented lately so his absence is sure to be a massive blow. City will have their key players available tomorrow and their strikers, Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie, will have to perform if they are to take 3 points.

Stoke’s style of play and physical presence may be too much for Newcastle’s porous defence. With Steven Taylor missing it makes things even more difficult and I expect another home win for the Potters.

My selection: Stoke City to beat Newcastle United

Best odds available: 6/4 with Bet365

English Championship

Burnley v QPR

QPR are in disarray this week after the club’s board sacked manager, Paulo Sousa, after only 5 months in charge. Sousa has publicly stated that the sale of striker Dextor Blackstock was done behind his back and it is this claim that has saw the departure of the former Juventus midfielder.

QPR’s season is effectively over as they lie in mid-table mediocrity and have no chance of gaining a play-off spot. Burnley on the other hand, have everything to play for. The Turf Moor club have had an excellent season thus far with two superb cup runs, they also lie in 6^th position and occupy the final play-off spot.

Owen Coyle has formed a side which comprises both youth and experience which plays lovely, effective football. His side have defied a lot of the doubters who felt that their cup runs would have an adverse effect on their league position. It is testament to Coyle’s management style and enthusiasm as well as his players’ resolve that they are still in the promotion picture. They are undefeated in their last 6, winning 4 of those and have only lost two home games in all competitions since the turn of the year.

QPR were tipped as promotion favourites at the start of the season due to their wealthy owners and extravagant wage bill. Things, however, have failed to materialize due to a variety of reasons. They got rid of Ian Dowie in November to replace him with Sousa before getting rid of him this week. Their instability and constant change will not have had a positive effect on the players to say the least, whilst this latest event highlights the split between the boardroom and the pitch and suggests all is no well at Loftus Road.

QPR’s recent form is not too bad with only one defeat in their last 6. However, their last 3 away matches have resulted in 2 defeats and 1 draw. These games were also against much inferior opposition than what they’ll face tomorrow. Rangers’ away form all season has been indifferent; the London club have only won 3 on the road this term.  Burnley have an excellent record over QPR with 8 wins from their last 10 meetings with only one win for tomorrow’s visitors.

Both sides could not be further apart in terms of off the park. Whilst QPR are getting rid of their 2^nd manager, Burnley have moved quickly to snap up Owen Coyle on an improved contract which will give both he and the players a massive boost going into the final few matches of the season.

I had picked this bet out at the start of the week and although I’m always wary of backing against a team who has changed their manager, I just can’t see past a home win tomorrow.

My Selection: Burnley to beat QPR

Best odds available: 5/6 with Betfred

Good luck and Happy punting

Saturday 14^th March

Manchester United v Liverpool

It’s all or nothing for Liverpool tomorrow afternoon. Win and they still retain hopes of catching Manchester United at the top of the English Premiership. Lose and they will be locked in a battle with Chelsea for 2^nd place and Automatic qualification into the Champions League.

Both sides are coming into this match off the back of excellent victories in the European arena. United eased past Italian Champions, Inter Milan by scoring an early goal in either half and always looked like they could move through the gears if needed. Liverpool turned in the best performance of the week by destroying Spanish Champions, Real Madrid, 4-0 at Anfield. Madrid may not be as good as they once were but the performance of Liverpool should not be under-estimated, they played some of their best football they ever have done under the stewardship of Rafa Benitez.

It will be interesting to see how the away side set up for the lunchtime fixture. Should they attempt to match United like for like and play an open match, you can only see the Champions running over the top of them as they have the better quality of player for that kind of match. It is more likely that Benitez will adopt his European style formation with Torres as a lone striker, ably supported by Steven Gerrard and whoever plays in the wide positions for Liverpool, most likely Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt.

Sir Alex Ferguson will know that a win for his side would all but wrap up the title and he’ll be of the opinion that the sooner they can secure this League, the better it will be for their chances in the other competitions. He may choose to shuffle his pack around with the likes of Anderson, Darren Fletcher, Park Ji Sung and Carlos Tevez all pushing for a starting place. The usual suspects will fill the back first 5 positions on the team-sheet, but there may be one or two surprises in the home side’s line-up as Ferguson was not best pleased with how his players performed in the 2^nd half.

Man United will be hurting after losing to Liverpool at Anfield earlier on in the season. It was the first time that Ferguson suffered a reverse in the league at the hands of Rafa Benitez. Liverpool have not won at Old Trafford since 2004 and have lost on their last 4 visits to the Theatre of Dreams, including a 3-0 mauling last season. Fergie knows what beating Liverpool means to the United fans and the likes of Scholes, Rooney, Giggs and Ferdinand will be determined to avenge the 2-1 defeat in September.

The match can go two ways. Liverpool may play with a bit more freedom following their midweek victory over Madrid with a little pressure off them as no-one expects them to win the title anymore. Or it could go the way many expect it to with United powering on to their 3^rd successive EPL title victory by defeating their arch rivals and leaving no-one in doubt that they are the best team in the land by a wide margin.

Liverpool will have a chance if they repeat Tuesday night’s performance but United are in scintillating form at present and look an excellent wager.

My selection: Manchester United to beat Liverpool

Best price available: United are 10/11 with Williamhill

English Championship

Swansea v Crystal Palace

A huge match for the home side as they look to heap the pressure on the sides above them as they currently lie one position outside of the play-off positions.

Saturday’s visitors are Crystal Palace who themselves look liked play-off hopefuls over the Christmas period. Since their good run, they have tailed off and have only managed to win two league matches in 2009 in 10 attempts. A run which see’s them 10 points off of tomorrow hosts, albeit with one game in hand. Maybe even more alarmingly for manager Paul Warnock is the fact they’ve conceded 8 goals in their last 3 away matches including 4 in their last outing against Burnley in midweek – a side who play similar football to tomorrow’s opponents.

Swansea have not won as many games as they may have wished recently, drawing 3 of their last 4 Championship matches. 2 of their draws did come in difficult away matches against Derby and Nottingham Forest whilst they defeated a side who had taken points off of Reading, Wolves and Sheffield United in recent weeks in the shape of Plymouth. Roberto Martinez knows his side must grind out similar wins if they are to move up the table, starting tomorrow.

Swansea have suffered defeat only once on home soil and that was back in November against 2^nd place Birmingham. With 9 wins and 9 draws from their other 18 matches at the Liberty Stadium, visiting teams know they will have to go some to taking all 3 points home with them. Swansea can also boast the 3^rd highest total in home goals scored, behind Reading and Wolves.

Palace have not been great away from home, picking up just 5 victories from 18 matches thus far, losing a massive 10 of those. Their bid for a win here will not be helped by the loss of a couple of key defenders and with this being the case, Swansea’s inform striker, Jason Scotland, may prove to be very problematic.

Swansea know they require wins to get into the much coveted play off places and I can see them getting one tomorrow by brushing Crystal Palace aside. Also, Jason Scotland is in terrific form so have a little stake on him scoring at anytime.

My selection: Swansea to beat Crystal Palace

Jason Scotland to score anytime

Best price available: Swansea are 5/6 with Coral

Jason Scotland to score anytime is 5/4 with Bet365

Saturday 14^th February

English FA Cup

Swansea v Fulham

Championship side Swansea host Fulham of the Premier League in Saturday’s early kick off in one of the tie’s of the round.

The away side head into this game on the back of a run which has seen them lose only two matches out of their last fifteen. The impressive form has seen them record 6 wins with 2 of these coming in this competition, both away against lower league opposition.  Despite these victories away from home in the cup, they have yet to take maximum points on their travels in the league. From their last 3 matches in the league they have lost two and drew the other one, last week’s goalless draw with Wigan.

As I have no doubt mentioned before, Swansea have been a revelation this term. Roberto Martinez has put together a team full of craft, pace and ability and entwined it with graft and enthusiasm. Despite missing last season’s star man, Ferrie Bodde, for much of the season they have put together a run of even better form than Saturday’s visitors. Since their reverse at home to Birmingham in November, they have went on a run of 15 games unbeaten. Granted, 9 of those games were stalemates, but it should be noted that they have won 6 of their last 7 games, including their impressive 2-0 victory over Portsmouth in the last round. Incidentally, their last defeat was also their only home defeat of the season; winning 7 and drawing 8.

Swansea have done exceptionally well against the more cultured sides in the Championship this season, defeating the likes of Reading, Preston, Ipswich and Burnley in recent weeks, with relative ease as well it has to be said. The likes of Jason Scotland, Jordi Gomez and Nathan Dyer are far more effective when they are given space to play and Fulham will allow them a lot of the ball on Saturday as they will look to hit the hosts on the counter-attack.

Fulham have been given two tough games thus far in the FA Cup. They have left it late against both Sheffield Wednesday and Kettering Town, the winning goals coming in the last 5 minutes in both cases – they will find this match even tougher. Having only managed 6 points all season on the road, and scoring a paltry 3 goals in the process, I can see them coming unstuck at what is sure to be a rocking Liberty Stadium.

I think Saturday’s game will be an open game and can see both sides scoring, I just feel that the home side will have a little too much for their higher ranking opponents.

My selection: Swansea to beat Fulham

The best odds available for a Swansea win is  13/8 with Skybet

Also, if you are not as confident in the outright result, I would advise a couple of side bets for a little bit of added interest in what is sure to be an enthralling encounter.

Other selections: Jason Scotland to score anytime 2/1 with Paddypower

More than 2 goals in Swansea v Fulham 5/4 with Stanjames

Saturday 14^th February

English League One

Oldham v Northampton

High flying Oldham entertain perennial mid table finishers Northampton at Boundary Park on Saturday in a match they will be looking to gain all three points in a bid to keep their promotion challenge firmly on track.

Despite a couple of recent setbacks on their travels, Oldham have continued to be a force at home. They have picked up 8 wins and 6 draws from their 15 home games in league 1 already this season, including gaining maximum points from 2 of their last 3. A big part of their success is the quality of their strikers, especially Lee Hughes. The controversial hitman has bagged 15 already this term. Midfielders Liddell and Taylor also have 8 goals apiece, add that to the experience of Dean Windass, on loan from Hull City, then it’s not hard to understand why Oldham sit in 5^th place, 7 points off the 2^nd automatic promotion spot.

Northampton are something of an enigma. Despite proving incredibly difficult to beat on their own turf (only 3 defeats from 15), they have only managed to pick up 3 points on two occasions when playing away from Sixfields. Both these victories were against sides below them in the table and both are currently occupying positions within the relegation zone.

Despite having to contend with a suspension to their goalkeeper, the home side should have too much firepower at the other end of the pitch for Northampton to cope with and should take all 3 points. It’s a game they will have targeted as a must win beforehand and they should oblige.

My selection: Oldham to beat Northampton

The best odds available are 8/11 from Betfred Betfred

Saturday 14^th February

English FA Cup

West Ham v Middlesborough

An all Premier league clash between two sides enjoying contrasting fortunes. The home side are flying in the top half of the table under Gianfranco Zola whilst ‘Boro are on their worst run in 13 years. These are games I normally avoid due to their unpredictable nature but I just cannot see where the away side are going to pick up anything.

Survival is the name of the game for Saturday’s visitors to Upton Park on Saturday. Slap bang in the middle of the relegation zone and without a win in the EPL since the beginning of November, manager Gareth Southgate is faced with his biggest task yet since taking charge. In spite of their shocking league form, they have managed to make it through to this stage by defeating lower league opposition in the shape of Wolves and Barrow.

Zola has started to stamp his mark on this side after a relatively timid opening couple of months in charge. Their narrow defeat to Man United last Sunday was their first reverse since the middle of December, a run of games which has seen them win 6 and draw 2. The likes of Cole, Collison, Behrami and Mark Noble will be a handful for an away side who have failed to win at Upton park since 2000.

The cup may prove to be a welcome distraction for ‘Boro but their pitiful recent form leaves a lot to be desired. Zola will know that defeat would mean merely playing out the rest of the season and hoping for a top 10 finish whereas victory could be the catalyst for a prolonged run in a competition they came so close to winning in 2006.

Roared on by an now expectant home crowd, the pace and power of West Ham should be more than enough to brush aside Southgate’s charges.  

My selection: West Ham to beat Middlesborough

The best odds available for a West Ham win is 5/6 available with Boylesports

Saturday 31^st January

English Premiership

Fulham v Portsmouth

Fulham host Portsmouth this Saturday in a clash between two sides that are not in the best of form. The home side have not won a league game in 5 when they brushed aside Middlesborough the weekend before Christmas. Since that match they only played one other EPL match at home, a 2-2 draw against 3^rd place Chelsea. Outwith those games, they have only managed to pick up single point from three matches on the road, losing their last two away games against West Ham and Sunderland.

Unfortunately for Portsmouth, they have picked up even less points. From their last 8 league games they have amassed a pitiful 5 points. The run has seen them slip further and further down the table and the lie perilously close to the dreaded relegation places. Tony Adams has actually only managed to win two out of his 14 league matches since taking over at the end of October, it really is a startling stat. His cause has not been helped by the loss of key players such as Defoe and Diarra, as well as the ongoing financial troubles that have impeded his own transfer dealings. The likes of Mullins and Pennant are decent enough players, but they’re also journeymen who their own clubs were only too happy to let go of.

Fulham have also lost a key player in the shape of Jimmy Bullard. The transfer of the much admired English internationalist could prove detrimental to the Cottagers in the long run. His goals, set piece delivery and energy for central to most things that Fulham done well.

The hosts have a home record they can be very proud of. From 10 matches they’ve played at home, they’ve won 6 and drawn 3. Their solitary defeat came against a West Ham side who were extremely lucky to escape with anything, let alone all 3 points. They also have the 4^th best home defensive record in the league, only bettered by the top 3.

Portsmouth have been pretty poor on the road this season. Winning only two of their 11 games on the road thus far, they have lost 5, including two of their last 3. They managed to pick up a draw at Tottenham but even then they were very lucky not to suffer another defeat.

Interestingly enough, Pompey actually have a decent record away to Fulham, winning on their last two visits. Those wins however, came when they had pace to burn going forward. With Peter Crouch and Kanu their likely front pairing tomorrow, they are unlikely to be able to get in behind a resolute Fulham defence.

It’s been a tough old start to Adam’s managerial career and I can’t see it getting much better anytime soon. Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora could enjoy a fruitful today tomorrow.

My selection: Fulham to beat Portsmouth

The best price available for a Fulham victory is 21/20 which is available at Bluesquare

English Championship

Southampton v Swansea

The away side comes into this match absolutely flying. Not only are they unbeaten in any competition since the end of November, they also defeated Portsmouth 2-0 in last week’s FA Cup tie at Fratton Park. The home side are at the other end of the form table, they’ve only managed victory once in their last 11 league matches, which was a single goal victory away to fellow struggler, Barnsley.

The Swans have finally started turning draws into victories. After stalemating in 8 league matches in a row, they have won their last 5 matches, including league wins over Reading and Preston at home and a 2-0 victory over Burnley on the road. Manager Roberto Martinez has put together a very balanced squad which can battle but also play quality football when they get the opportunity. A mixture of home based players and oversee imports has set them up for a very interesting second half of the season.

The home side have suffered a nightmare season to date. They recently lost manager Jan Poortvliet who only came in during the last close season. His philosophy of playing good football and nurturing young players may not have been getting consistent results, but it was the best way forward for a club who have had to loan out or sell their best players because they are in financial difficulties. All is not well at St Mary’s and the fans have not been slow to vent their anger at Chairman Rupert Lowe.

The away side will have to do without a key player in the shape of Darren Pratley. His presence will be missed in the middle of the park will no doubt be missed, but it should be noted that he went off 10 minutes into Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over Preston. Another player missing will be on-loan Nathan Dyer. Last week’s FA Cup hero is actually on loan from Southampton so is ineligible for tomorrows match.

Southampton have only managed to pick up one victory all season long at St Mary’s in the league. They have lost 7 games on home soil, only equaled by bottom club Charlton. Swansea have won only 4 matches on the road, but have only suffered defeat the same amount of times. I was tempted with backing the draw because of the players Swansea are missing but I just feel they will still have too much quality with the likes of Jason Scotland and Jordi Gomez.

My selection: Swansea to beat Southampton

The best price available for a Swansea win is 13/10 available with Coral

Saturday 10^th January

English Premiership

Everton v Hull

After both sides were involved in FA cup action last Saturday, it’s back to the Premiership and a clash between two sides in the top 8.

Hull were the surprise package during the first half of the season, remaining in the top 6 of the EPL for long periods of the first round of games. The points they accumulated earlier on in the season may prove to be invaluable come the end of the season if their recent form is anything to go by. Their last win the league came over a month ago at home to Middlesborough. You also have to go back to the end of October for their last win on the road. They have however, only lost two of the following 5 matches, both defeats coming to the Manchester clubs.

Everton on the other hand, took a while to get going, especially at Goodison which had proved such a fortress in the past seasons under Davie Moyes. Beset with numerous injury problems to key players resulted in the Toffees going 6 before gaining their first league win on home soil against Fulham. Since that victory, they have drawn 2, lost 1 and in their latest home game, brushed aside Sunderland 3-0. They are unbeaten in 5 games in all competitions winning 4.

Tim Cahill has proved pivotal in Everton’s recent good run playing as a lone striker for much of the last month in the absence of Yakubu, Saha and Anichebe. The latter, however, started last weekend’s cup tie and should keep his place in the starting line-up with Cahill in support. Hull will hope for a bit of magic from Geovanni who has been their talisman, especially away from home.

Everton have aspirations of European football and if they wish to achieve that, they must beat a Hull side on their worst form of the season thus far. Moyes will be hammering home how important it is to get all 3 points tomorrow with their next 3 matches against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. Teams are now getting accustomed to Hull’s style of play and the promoted side may find things a lot different in the 2^nd half of the season, beginning tomorrow.

My selection: Everton to beat Hull

The best price available for an Everton win is 4/6 with several bookmakers including Skybet

English Championship

Ipswich Town v Sheffield Wednesday

One point separates these two sides which suggests it has all the makings of a close fought encounter at Portman road on Saturday.  

The home side have a squad equipped to challenge for a play-off spot and play some lovely football a lot of the time. It could be argued that their young midfield is too inconsistent to put a run of victories together which is needed in this league. Their last 5 games have saw a return of 7 points whilst they have lost 2 of their last 3 home games. It should be noted, however, that these defeats came against top sides in the shape of Birmingham and Cardiff, two sides which have quality in abundance and both coming away with victories by the odd goal.

Sheffield Wednesday have stuttered of late having been challenging for a play-off spot themselves in the earlier part of the season. Their home form was key to their lofty position having only picked up 2 wins on the road, losing 8 and drawing 3. Both wins came against sides in the lower half of the table in the shape of Blackpool and Charlton. Manager Brian Laws has attempted to pick up points by playing good football, which is not always the most effective way in the Championship.

Whenever the home side have came up against mid to lower half of the table sides, they have inevitably brushed them aside, with wins over Bristol City, Derby and Barnsley amongst their 5 home successes. They themselves will play football the way it should be played and with the visitors missing the likes of Clarke, Tudgay and Wade Small.

Already 6 points behind 6^th place, the home side cannot afford to fall any further behind at this stage of the season and will be looking to record a much needed win. Wednesday concede goals on the road, they have managed to ship 30 goals on the road, the highest amount of any side in the league. Whoever play’s upfront for the home side will not get a better chance to grab a couple and kick-start their season.

My selection: Ipswich to beat Sheffield Wednesday

The best price available for an Ipswich win is 5/6 available with several bookmakers includinng Betfred

English Championship

Sheffield United v Norwich City

Tomorrow’s clash see’s two sides needing the points for very different reasons. The home side find themselves in 6^th place and occupying the 4^th and final play-off spot whilst the visitors are at the opposite end of the table only two points outside the relegation zone.

United come into this game in relatively good form with 3 wins and 2 draws from their last 5 matches. They can also count themselves very unfortunate in one of those matches when Crystal Palace equalized in the 4^th minute of injury time. Their home form has been decent with 6 wins and only 3 defeats. It should also be noted that these defeats have came against sides above them in the table, in the shape of Burnley, Reading and Wolves.

Norwich City have been rather disappointing this year considering the amount of players they brought last summer. They have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in the league with the other game resulting in a narrow win over hapless Charlton at Carrow Road in December. Their away form has been especially poor this year, picking up 8 points (2 wins and 2 draws) in 13 matches. They have only managed 11 goals in these games conceding 24.

With Preston North End, Crystal Palace and QPR breathing down Sheffield United’s neck in the play-off place hunt, they will be desperate to pick up 3 points and continue their recent good form.

My selection: Sheffield United to beat Norwich City

The best odds available for a Sheffield United win is 7/10 available with Paddypower

, they have inevitably brushed them aside, with wins over Bristol City, Derby and Barnsley amongst their 5 home successes. They themselves will play football the way it should be played and with the visitors missing the likes of Clarke, Tudgay and Wade Small.

Already 6 points behind 6^th place, the home side cannot afford to fall any further behind at this stage of the season and will be looking to record a much needed win. Wednesday concede goals on the road, they have managed to ship 30 goals on the road, the highest amount of any side in the league. Whoever play’s upfront for the home side will not get a better chance to grab a couple and kick-start their season.

My selection: Ipswich to beat Sheffield Wednesday

The best price available for an Ipswich win is 5/6 available with several bookmakers includinng Betfred

English Championship

Sheffield United v Norwich City

Tomorrow’s clash see’s two sides needing the points for very different reasons. The home side find themselves in 6^th place and occupying the 4^th and final play-off spot whilst the visitors are at the opposite end of the table only two points outside the relegation zone.

United come into this game in relatively good form with 3 wins and 2 draws from their last 5 matches. They can also count themselves very unfortunate in one of those matches when Crystal Palace equalized in the 4^th minute of injury time. Their home form has been decent with 6 wins and only 3 defeats. It should also be noted that these defeats have came against sides above them in the table, in the shape of Burnley, Reading and Wolves.

Norwich City have been rather disappointing this year considering the amount of players they brought last summer. They have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in the league with the other game resulting in a narrow win over hapless Charlton at Carrow Road in December. Their away form has been especially poor this year, picking up 8 points (2 wins and 2 draws) in 13 matches. They have only managed 11 goals in these games conceding 24.

With Preston North End, Crystal Palace and QPR breathing down Sheffield United’s neck in the play-off place hunt, they will be desperate to pick up 3 points and continue their recent good form.

My selection: Sheffield United to beat Norwich City

The best odds available for a Sheffield United win is 7/10 available with Paddypower

Cardiff v Sheffield Wednesday

English Championship

Saturday 20^th December 15.00

Cardiff go into Saturday’s clash with Wednesday at Ninian park having taken 4 points from two difficult away games so they should be in great heart. The visitors will be disappointed not to have defeated Bristol City at home last weekend but they themselves have gained a win and a draw from their last two matches on the road, albeit against easier opposition than the bluebirds.

Cardiff have been nothing short of excellent at home this season with only Birmingham and Wolves taken all three points back home with them. The hosts have brushed aside Crystal Palace and Preston recently and can count themselves unlucky to only have drawn with Reading who scored snatched a late point.

Sheffield Wednesday, despite their last two away matches, have found it tough going away from fortress Hillsborough. They have only managed two wins from their 11 road games and a total of 11 points from a possible 33.

Cardiff will hope on-loan hitman, Michael Chopra, will pass a late fitness test to take his place alongside Jay Bothroyd, who miraculously recovered from injury last weekend to put Ipswich to the sword. Top scorer Ross McCormack misses out again but they haven’t missed him thus far. Sheffield Wednesday will be without 4 regulars and possibly a further two in the shape of veteran Steve Watson and wide-man, Wade Small.

The home side face a difficult next match away to Reading so will be doubly determined to get the festive run of games off to a winning start tomorrow. With the play-offs as tight as they are they know their home form is crucial to any sort of challenge and will go out tomorrow expecting nothing less than all 3 points.

It will be a tough, competitive match, but with Joe Ledley and Stephen McPhail providing that wee bit extra quality, the home side should just edge it.

My selection: Cardiff to beat Sheffield Wednesday

The best price available for a Cardiff victory is 5/6 available at www.online-betting.me.uk/links/Betfred

Inverness C. Thistle v Aberdeen

Scottish Premier League

Saturday 20^th December 15.00

Anyone going to tomorrow’s match does so with my best wishes, having been through in Inverness for work this week, take it from me, it is absolutely freezing.

Speaking to followers of Caley, it is apparent that all is not well at the highland club. Having lost 4 of their last 5 matches and the last 3, the home side go into the match tomorrow desperate to stop to rot against the closest club to them in the SPL, geographically. The fans seem to place most of the blame on manager Craig Brewster and if you believe the local press, it would seem he is in big danger of being sacked if he cannot improve his side’s fortunes rather quickly

Aberdeen have won their last 4 games at home but have not managed to pick up three points on the road since mid-October. Since then, however, they have played 4 of the top 6 on their travels, picking up a point at both Edinburgh clubs but succumbing to Rangers and Dundee United. The only other side they have lost to away this term was Celtic in September, so their form has not been as bad as it seems.

Aberdeen’s star player returns to bolster their squad tomorrow afternoon. Sone Aluko has been one of the most exciting talents in the SPL this season and deservedly won November’s young player of the month last week. He will almost certainly start tomorrow and will hope to be joined by fellow winger, Jamie Smith who faces a late fitness test. With Scottish internationalist Lee Miller bagging two goals last week, the ICT defence could be in for a tough time.

The home side welcome back Ross Tokely who will hope to keep Aluko quiet and will have for his side to stand any chance of getting a result.

The home fans will be looking for their team to go at the visitors tomorrow from the first whistle. If this is the way Brewster goes about things, it could play straight into the visitors’ hands who have pace to burn going forward with the aforementioned Smith and Aluko as well as striker Darren Mackie.

The away side will also be buoyed by the fact they’ve never lost a match at the Caley stadium and have won 5 of the 7 matches they two have played in Inverness. They have sold out their allocation and their fans come through in expectant mood.

I fear the end is nigh for Brew and he could be undone by one of his former clubs on Saturday.

My selection: Aberdeen to beat Inverness Caley Thistle

The best price available for an Aberdeen win is 8/5 available atwww.online-betting.me.uk/links/boylesports   

Blackburn v Stoke City

English Premiership

Saturday 20^th December 15.00

New Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce could hardly have picked a better match for his first in charge. His new troops are up against a side yet to taste victory away from home in the Premiership this season. Stoke have only picked up 3 points from 24 on their travels and they will have to contend with the new manager syndrome which has haunted so many teams in the past.

With the exception of David Bentley, it is basically the same squad available to Allardyce that finished in 7th place for Mark Hughes last season. The likes of Santa Cruz, Pedersen, Warnock and Dunn are all exceptionally talented individuals just begging to be given a new lease of life and an injection of confidence.

Allardyce is a past master at man management and he will need every bit of his talent to guide Rovers to safety this term. He will be extremely determined to show that he was unfairly treated during his time at Newcastle and will want to get off to the best possible start with a victory tomorrow. Let’s face it, if he’s going to keep them in the league, they have to be able to beat sides like Stoke at home.

The visitors were probably dreading a quick appointment by the Blackburn board but will go into the match after snatching a terrific late draw at St James’ Park two weeks ago after being 2-0 down. They will have to go in search of their first win without key players in the shape of Sidibe and Lawrence.

Blackburn have far more quality than Stoke all over the park. They have been a top 10 EPL side for several sides and players do not turn bad overnight. They will go at the visitors from the word go tomorrow and the crowd will back their new manager from the off.

My selection: Blackburn to beat Stoke City

The best odds available for a Blackburn win are 17/20 available at www.online-betting.me.uk/links/bluesquare

English Premiership

Saturday 6^th December 15.00

Fulham vs Manchester City

The early kick off on Saturday in the Premiership see’s Fulham host a Manchester City side who come here off the back of a disappointing derby defeat last Sunday.

The hosts have, as is normal in the last few seasons, been exceptionally strong at the Cottage so far this year. 7 home matches in the league have yielded 5 wins and a draw. The solitary defeat came against West Ham in a game they completely dominated and should never have lost. City’s away from has been the complete opposite. They have lost 4 out of 7 and pick up just the single victory – against hapless Sunderland at the end of August. They have, however, won away in Europe – an impressive 2-0 vitory away to Schalke 10 days ago.

Both sides will see this match as one they can win and in City’s case, one they should be winning considering the money invested in the last couple of years and also because of where they are lying in the league at the moment.

Robinho is an excellent player and one of the few players in the EPL who can produce a bit of world class magic at the blink of an eye. He does, however, want a lot of touches on the ball and that can hinder his side away from home where they need to move the ball quickly on the counter attack. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that he has only scored one of his 8 league goals away from Eastlands.

Fulham spent wisely in the summer with the purchase of strikers Johnson and Zamora who have struck up an excellent partnership and the former is beginning to hit form with 4 goals in his last half dozen games. They will test the City defence to the fullest extent and could end their impressive run of Richards and Dunne who have only conceeded 1 goal in their last 4.

Everything points towards goals tomorrow afternoon. Not only is their a plethora of attacking talent on the park from both sides, history suggests it will be an open game. The last 6 matches between the two have all had more than 2 goals in them. This run included a 6 goal thriller in the meeting between the two at the Cottage last season.

I feel Fulham will just have the edge tomorrow with the tried and tested balance of Murphy and Bullard in them centre of midfield. I also believe there will be goals so I am suggesting two bets on this game.

My selections: Fulham to beat Manchester City

The best price on a Fulham win is 13/8 available at www.online-betting.me.uk/links/skybet

My selection: More than 2 goals in Fulham vs Manchester City

The best price available for more than 2 goals is EVENS available at several bookmakers including www.online-betting.me.uk/links/betdirect

English Premiership

Saturday 6^th December 17.30

Manchester United vs Sunderland

I’m taking a different approach with my next selection. I am taking Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime against a Sunderland side who are in disarray and must surley be heading to a 5^th defeat in 6 at Old Trafford tomorrow evening.

Ronaldo has a habit of scoring in the Saturday evening matches when United are at home and will look to hit back at his critics who have have rightly lambasted him for his antics in the Manchester derby last weekend.

Sunderland are not only managerless, they’re hopeless and completely spineless. They capitulated at home to Bolton after taking the lead last Saturday and ended up losing 4-1. I can’t see Roy Keane’s departure having an real effect on the outcome of this match and it should surely be a damage limitation job.

Ronaldo has scored in 3 of his last 4 league games at OT and 5 out of his last 7. The difference in odds for Ronaldo to score anytime tomorrow is staggering. Paddypower offer odds of 8/15 whilst Sky go 5/6.

Depending on how confident you feel or how well you have done in the 3 o’clock fixed odds, you may wish to back him to score the first goal, he is a best price 7/2 with Coral to open the scoring against the the North-east club. He will want to answer his critics and celebrate his Ballon D’or in style.

My selection: Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime against Sunderland.

The best price available for Ronaldo to score anytime is 5/6 available at www.online-betting.me.uk/links/skybet

Let the People Punt

Birmingham vs QPR

Saturday 4th October 12.45 k/o

Birmingham entertain QPR in the live lunchtime match in the English Championship. Both sides were amongst the pre-season favourites to challenge for promotion and they should both be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

The home side have turned St Andrews into something of a fortress and the partisan crown can be a huge advantage. The likes of McFadden, Larsson and Jerome thrive upon it and when you add Phillips, Owuse-Abeyie and O’Connor to the mix, there is real competition for places. Alex McLeish will admit himself that they have not hit top form, but they’re incredibly difficult to beat and I believe they’re only one game from giving a team a hammering. I’m not saying that it will come tomorrow but I wouldn’t put it past them.

QPR are an enigma, they come into this game having only taken a point out of 2 home games and have already lost to Sheffield United on the road this year where they were completely outplayed. I think Birmingham are similar to United in the way that they have 2 or 3 players with that extra bit of quality.

Birmingham have only conceeded 1 goal in 4 home games and have won 3 of these without really impressing. They are dogged however and I think they’ll target this as a must win having lost their last home match.

My tip: Birmingham to win at 10/11 with William Hill

Carlisle vs Tranmere Rovers

Saturday 4th October 15.00 k/o

Carlisle have suffered 3 defeats in a row with 1 of these coming at home. They play a side in similarly poor form with Tranmere only won 1 of their last 4 matches. Carlisle’s success in recent seasons has been primarily down to their home form losing only 3 games at home all last season. They’ve won 3 out of 4 this season losing only to Leeds who have also beaten Scunthorpe and Swindon on the road this term.

If they have any realistic hopes of challenging for promotion they can ill afford to go 4 games without a win. The effect on confidence and morale would be huge even at this early stage of the season.

Tranmere are hit and miss and although they done the double over tomorrow’s hosts last season, they tend to be stronger at home. They’ve already conceeded 9 goals in 4 matches on the road this season as well as losing 4 at thome to a poor Colchester side last Friday so there will be goals to be had by Carlisle tomorrow. With the likes of Bridges, Dobbie and Graham available the home side tomorrow, they could take advantage of the visitors leaky backline and should secure all 3 points.

My pick: Carlisle to win at 10/11 with several bookmakers including Coral

Aberdeen vs Hibernian

Saturday 4th October 15.00 k/o

Aberdeen take on Hibs looking for their first home win of the season. Both sides were expected to challenge for 3rd spot this year but have yet to really get their season up and running. Having watched Abderdeen play Celtic last week, there is obvious ability within the team when they attack, however, they are shipping goals for fun at the moment have conceeded 7 in their last 2 matches. They have scored 5 goals in these matches themselves so it is clear where the problems lie.

Hibs were terrible last week at home to Rangers, really poor. If they play like that again then the result is not in doubt, it’ll be a home win. I very much doubt they will play like that again but I can’t see them improving enough to take all 3 points. Much like Aberdeen, the away side have had problems at the back. Their goalkeeper cannot instill confidence amongst his team-mates with his constant flapping and poor decision making. The heart of their defence is soft and they lack real aggression all over the park. Upfront they have goals, Fletcher, Riordan and Nish will score against anyone in the SPL, that goes without saying.

Aberdeen have not lost in their last 7 home games vs Hibs so I wouldn’t put anyone off backing the home side tomorrow. At 13/10 with several bookmakers including Coral, it ranks as decent bet in my opinion.

The bet I prefer is over 2 goals. Both teams have and will score goals this season and they will most certainly concede just as many. 5 of the last 6 meetings between the two have ended with 3 or more goals being scored and I see this continuing tomorrow.

My pick: Over 2 goals at 11/10 with several bookmakers including VCBet