English League one

Saturday 10th September

Sunderland v Chelsea

Top flight league action returns after a week of International football as Steve Bruce’s Sunderland, still without a win, entertain Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have endured a tough start to their league campaign with just two points to show from their opening three games. They have found it hard to score goals having found the net just once which was on the opening day of the season. At the same time, however, they remain hard to break down which results in few teams getting the better of them. Liverpool could only manage a draw on the opening day of the season whilst Swansea, for all their efforts, had to settle for a point as well. It’s testament to the organsation of Bruce who prides himself on building from the back having been such an accomplished defender in his playing days. The Sunderland fans will be hoping that the new arrivals from the summer begin to click with Nicklas Bendtner the latest to sign on after agreeing a year long loan deal from Arsenal. He may just be the focal point the Black Cat’s need to push on and turn some draws into victories.

Chelsea remain unbeaten with two wins and a draw from their three games but few have been impressed with how they have reached their seven points. Andre Villas-Boas is learning the hard way in the Premier League that time is not a manager’s friend. Stuttering home wins against West Brom and Norwich followed an opening day draw with Stoke. The young manager said after that game that his side’s opponents were too physical and never played football in the correct manner – he may find history repeating itself tomorrow. Accused of lacking craft for a while now, Juan Mata and Raul Meireles who both arrived in August will be charged with providing that spark to ignite their title aspirations. Fernando Torres has looked sharper but is still to get off the mark this term whilst the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Nicholas Anelka are another year older.

Sunderland will make it difficult for Chelsea tomorrow with a five man midfield abley supported by a well drilled back four. Bendtner will likely start in place of Gyan who after the Ghanian injured himself in his country’s friendly against Brazil. Chelsea will also be without a striker in the shape of Drogba as he is still recovering from the vicious head injury he recieved in their last match against Norwich. This means Torres is likely to play through the middle with Mata and Florent Malouda possibly supporting him from the wide areas.

Chelsea have a magnificent record away to Sunderland winning on their last six visits. The home side will take heart from the fact they crushed Chelsea 3-0 last season at Stamford Bridge so they know it can be done. Personally I think Chelsea will be all the better for the International break and can seem them kicking on a bit now. Mata is a terrific addition to the squad and his trickery may well be the difference.

My Selection: Chelsea to beat Sunderland

Best odds available: 8/11 available with Paddypower

English Championship

Reading v Watford

Both Reading and Watford were much higher up the table for a lot of last season but they are looking up at most teams at the moment so both will be determined to get the points at the Madejski Stadium.

Brian McDermott must have been aware that this season would be even harder than his first full season last term. Not only did he need to pick his players up after losing out at Wembley in the play-off final, he also had to contend with the loss of key players such as Matt Mills and Shane Long. Both made big money moves and little of that money has been reinvested into the team. Adam Le Fondre has been brought in to shoulder the burden left by Long whilst Kaspars Gorkss has replaced Mills at the heart of the defence. Having impressively beaten Leicester at the Walkers Stadium in the middle of August, many would have expected the Royals to kick on but they have lost their next four games in all competitions. McDermott may well take some heart from the fact that every defeat has been by the odd goal but it’s little consolation as it still results in the same outcome – no points.

Watford have also had to contend with a shake-up in the summer as their manager, Malky Mackay has moved on to pastures new to take up the job at Cardiff. Sean Dyce, former player at the club, has come in but he has had to sell his best players as well. Danny Graham, last season’s top scorer, moved to Premier League side Swansea whilst Don Cowie has followed his former manager to Wales. It has resulted in Watford failing to win any of their five league games to date. Three draws with Birmingham, Coventry and Burnley, as well as defeats against West Ham and Derby have left many fans fearing the worst. The one positive that the Hornets can take solace from is the fact they have kept hold of their much sought after striker Marvin Sordell. Southampton were one of many sniffing about but he will be a Watford player until January at least.

Reading were one of the most impressive sides in the division last season and despite their departures, they still have a lot of quality. Le Fondre is a goalscorer and his move from Rotherham may prove to be a stroke of genius on McDermott’s part.

Watford on the other hand look likely to struggle this season. Dyce is very inexperienced and his signings have yet to impress. If it wasn’t for a last minute equaliser against Birmingham last time out then they would have been faced with the prospect of going into this match in second bottom place.

The home side look very attractive at the prices and with Le Fondre set to make his debut I can see them taking all three points tomorrow afternoon.

My Selection: Reading to beat Watford

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Betfred

English League One

Huddersfield v Tranmere Rovers
Huddersfield remain unbeaten but will face a tough test as Tranmere, who sit above them in the table, come visiting in search of extending their good run with their fourth victory of the season.

Having tipped up the Terriers in last week’s previews, they let readers (and myself) down as they could only manage a draw with rivals Oldham. Only the bar denied Alan Lee from helping Huddersfield to all three points but as it was, they settled for keeping their unbeaten record in tact. They will be looking to get back to winning ways tomorrow however as they cannot afford to keep drawing matches if they wish to pursue automatic promotion. With MK Dons and Sheffield United flying high at the top, Lee Clark will be aware that his side must be more ruthless infront of goal, especially on their travels. Their home record his strong, and has been for a while. Two wins and a draw from their first three matches, it already looks ominous for visiting opponents who will find it difficult to take anything from the Galpharm Stadium.

Tranmere have surprised many with their start to the season after a few seasons at the other end of the table. Les Parry, formerly the club’s physio, has worked wonders on such a limited budget. From their first six matches they have won three and drawn two, their only defeat was against Notts County in a five goal thriller, losing out by the odd goal. They have secured two wins on the road, however, both down in London with Brentford and Leyton Orient losing out respectively. They are a team very much built from the back as they have scored just seven goals from their half dozen league games. Tomorrow will arguably be their biggest test as Huddersfield have been in the promotion shake-up the last couple of years so Parry will be able to see how far his side have come in recent weeks.

Tranmere are packed full of experience from the back four right through to the strikers. They do, however, have a very small squad so getting points early may well prove vital come the end of the season. As much as these sides are only seperated by a point, I believe Huddersfield, especially at home, are much better equipped to mount a serious charge for promotion and sustaining their good early season form. Having scored seven already at home, I’m banking on the Yorkshire side to get the better of tomorrow’s opponents.

My Selection: Huddersfield to beat Tranmere

Best odds available: 3/4 available with William Hill

Saturday 3rd September

Sheffield United v Bury

The Premier League and Championship in England takes a break for a week due to International football so League One and Two take centre stage. Sheffield United have made a strong start to their campaign and will be looking for another three points at home to Bury.

Danny Wilson is quickly becoming the man of many clubs, Yorkshire clubs to be precise. Having started out with Barnsley, he had an unsuccessful spell at Sheffield Wednesday before being manager at a further four clubs before ending up at the other Sheffield club. Four wins from five matches means they are joint top of the table and it’s a start that has rejuvenated the Blades’ crowd after relegation last season. The squad is pack full of experience and there are a few players who have stayed on at the club to prove that they are worthy of the magnificent support they always recieve. Richard Cresswell, Nick Montgomery and Stephen Quinn are no strangers to Bramall Lane so they understand what the club is all about. The way the fixtures have fallen has meant that United have played just one match at home in the League thus far so it makes the start even more impressive.

Bury have made a steady enough start to lives in League on with two wins and a draw from their first five matches. Sitting in mid table at the moment, it’s surely a position that everyone associated with their club would take come May. They have already defeated one half of the Sheffield clubs when victorious at home last months. That match will give them confidence that they can take on the big clubs in the division of which the Steel City clubs most certainly are. Their other victory was away to Wycombe Wanderers, they kept a clean sheet that day so again, the fact they have got their first away win will be a weight off their collective shoulders. Richie Barker is in his first managerial post after a a playing career which spanned more than 15 years – much of it in the lower leagues in England. It is a test for him and his side but at the moment, they seem to be coping rather well all in all.

United will be looking forward to getting back to Bramall Lane after playing just one match so far. With a big crowd expected, United may well face their two new loan signings from Rangers in the shape of John Fleck and Kyle Hutton. They will add real energy and drive to the squad, bringing about a better balance within the squad between experience and youth. Bury will have to do without their talisman in recent seasons, Ryan Lowe. The prolific striker has moved to Sheffield Wednesday ironically enough so the challenge for Bury will be to replace Lowe’s goals to enhance their chances of staying up.

There was two divisions between these sides last season as United were in the Championship and Bury were promoted from League Two. The fact they are now competing in the same division suggests, that for very different reason, they deserve to be. I think the odds on a home win are very generous and I am selecting them with a good deal of confidence to get their fifth victory of the season.

My Selection: Sheffield United to beat Bury

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Coral

English League One

Oldham Athletic v Huddersfield Town

It’s another battle of the roses as Lancashire based Oldham take on Huddersfield from Yorkshire at Boundary Park.

Oldham have started in League One for well over a decade now, and for most of those years, they have been in and around the bottom half of the able. Apart from a couple of years at the start of this decade when they reached the play-off’s, it’s been a struggle for the Lactics. This season has started with two victories and three defeats, not bad after they lost their first two matches of the season. Their home form is nornally what keeps them in the league so Paul Dickov, in his second season in charge, will be hoping to boost their points total with a victory tomorrow. Dickov has bolstered his attacking options this week by signing Shefki Kuqi. The veteran forward played with his new manager when at Blackburn the Scot will know exactly what he will bring to his side. Kuqi is likely to make his debut tomorrow alongside loan signing Tom Adeyami from Norwich.

Huddersfield remain undefeated after five games with two wins and three draws. After losing key players such as Anthony Pilkington and Lee Peltier in the summer, it’s taken a little longer than expected for the Terriers to find their full stride. Last weekends 3-0 romp against Wycombe certainly signalled their intention however and they well be hitting a bit of form. It was their third win in a four in all competitions with the only blot on their copybook in that run being an extra time defeat to Championship side Cardiff. Despite the departures there are still plenty of goals in the side with Lee Novak and Jordan Rhodes still scoring freely. The introduction of players in the ilk of Tommy Miller from Sheffield Wednesday will hopefully boost the chances of Huddersfield going one step better in their bid for promotion. Having failed at the semi-final stage of the play-off’s two seasons ago, they were beaten 3-0 by Peterborough in the final last season.

Oldham may have been underachieved in recent seasons but the fact they have not been relegated in so long shows that they can be hard to beat and that they can get a result when they need to. Obviously, so early in the season, the pressure is not on as yet which I think play’s into the away teams hands. The pitch will be in the best state of the whole season which will suit the footballing style of Clark and his side. With so many matchwinners in their side, I think Huddersfield will be victorious on their travels for the first time in the league this season.

My Selection: Huddersfield to beat Oldham Athletic

Best odds available: 6/5 available with Victor Chandler

English League Two

Crawley Town v Bristol Rovers

Big spending Crawley were most people’s favourites to win League Two this season whilst Bristol Rovers posess a strong squad after their relegation from League One last season so tomorrow’s match looks nailed on to be entertaining.

Crawley romped the Conference last season and they have taken well to life in League one as they currently sit just three points off of first placed Rotherham. Last weekend’s defeat to Cheltenham was their only blot thus far when losing 3-1 away from home. It was a shock to many especially as they were 3-0 down at half time. Steve Evans will be hoping for a reaction from his players as it is now three defeats in a rown across all competitions. They do boast a 100% record at home however and have yet to concede a goal having notched five themselves. The man who scored for fun last season has taken off on the same foot this one as well with three goals from four. It means that Matt Tubbs has now scored 40 goals in 44 league games, an amazing record.

Bristol Rovers may well be a little disappointed with their start to the season as they had a couple of results where most expected better from them. Last weekends draw with Hereford was not on the agenda and they will consider it two points dropped. Manager Paul Buckle will be looking to his experienced players to get back on track as they also lost out in the cup during the week. Adam Virgo at the back is a big presence is more ways than one whilst Matthew Gill in the middle of the park has impressed thus far. It’s upfront where Rovers have struggled with just six goals scored in the league to date. Whay may come as a consolation to Buckle is the fact they are unbeaten at home in the league taken four points from a possible six.

It is a big match in the context of League One and much like the Sheffield United v Bury match, there were two divisions between the sides last term. As ever though, there is a reason why they are in this League and with Crawley so impressive at home added to a slightly indifferent start from their more illustrious opponents makes the home side clear favourites. They are a side I would stay on the right side of more often than not when playign in Sussex and I’m taking them to get back on track after three defeats on the road.

My Selection: Crawley to beat Bristol Rovers

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Betfred

Saturday 11^th December

English League One

Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol Rovers

The big freeze has thawed over the last few days but it’s effect is still evident up and down the country. One of the teams, who played last week, Sheffield Wednesday, will be looking to put their defeat to Swindon behind them when they play host to Bristol Rovers at Hillsborough.

Alan Irvine’s side have had something of an indifferent campaign to date with some positive performance and results being levelled out with some very poor matches and a load of dropped points. Despite already suffering seven defeats this term, they are only six points off top place and comfortably sit in the play-off zone. Their home form has been nothing special with the Owl’s being successful in half of their 10 games on their own patch. They have already lost to Huddersfield, Southampton and Carlisle at home, however all three of these sides are one’s who are likely to be challenging Wednesday for promotion come the end of the season. Since their loss to Huddersfield, they have went on a run of four straight wins at home in all competitions, including two in the league. One of their star men in recent weeks is veteran striker Clinton Morrison. The former Irish Internationalist had a slow start to his career in the Steel City but he has scored six goals in his last eight games which has been a big factor in their rise up the table.

Bristol Rovers seem to have been in League One for ever and an age. They always seem to survive but at the same time, they never seem to do anywhere near enough to be in with a chance of promotion. They really are the perennial underachievers of lower league English football. This season has been a little different as Craig Trollope’s side are currently sitting 18^th, just three points off the relegation zone. It’s a tenuous position and one which could get worse if results do not start to improve. With just one win from their last ten league matches, it’s no surprise that they are in the position they are. One of their main problems has been the number of draws they have accrued already. They have gained the solitary point from more than a third of the games this season and to lift them up the table, they really need to turn some of those stalemates into victories or they could find themselves in deep trouble.

These two sides are look for maximum points for very different reasons tomorrow afternoon. Wednesday are looking to cement their position as one of the main clubs jousting for promotion. Rovers, on the other hand, desperately need points to jump start their season and provide them with the momentum to climb League One. A win for the away side tomorrow would be a massive boost as Sheffield Wednesday are arguably the biggest club in England out with the Championship and Premier League.

Wednesday are one a bit of a roll at home at this juncture and it would be silly to go against them as you just feel they have an extra bit of quality compared to most teams in this league. Due to that, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they put together a run over the next few weeks and really put pressure on the teams above them.

I am confident that the home side will triumph tomorrow and the odds are pretty generous considering the sort of run Bristol Rovers are on at the moment.

My selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Bristol Rovers

Best odds available: 4/5 available with William Hill

Please note that there will be further previews over the course of the weekend. They will be posted as soon as time allows.

Saturday 9^th October

English League One

Rochdale v Yeovil

As there is no action in either of the top two divisions in England because of the international fixtures, we head into League one and to Spotland as Rochdale entertain Yeovil.

Rochdale are experiencing their first season in a different league in 37 years after earning promotion from League two last season, and it’s been an enjoyable one thus far. They currently sit in 5^th position in what is a very tightly compact league. They have absolutely identical records both home and away, even down to goals scored and conceded. This goes to show the consistency they possess and type of team that Keith Hill and his players have formed in recent years. Unlike so many teams now, they play the same way whether they are at home or on the road. Their early season form has been even more impressive, and possibly surprising, considering the fact that they lost their top scorer from last season, Craig Dagnall, to Scunthorpe. For any side, there is no good time to lose your star striker and main source of goals but it’s even more of a hindrance when you have to step up a level.

Yeovil, unlike tomorrow’s opponents, are League 1 veterans nowadays. Season 2010/11 will be Town’s sixth season in the third tier of English football. It’s a pretty decent run as they were in the Conference seven years ago. They have went through a number of managers in that time, attempting to replace Gary Johnson who led them so successfully during his tenure. The man who is entrusted with ensuring Yeovil remain a League 1 club for now and the future is Terry Skiverton. Having played for the club for over 10 years, he knows what the job entails and what expectations can be like at Huish Park. Their start to this season has been very much as expected – inconspicuous and inconsistent. Yeovil remain hard to beat at home but they can be very fragile on the road as their record of one win and three defeats from five games testifies.

Rochdale’s most recent home game was a 3-0 success over one of the bigger sides in League 1, Huddersfield. Despite being outplayed for much of the contest , the home side defended resolutely a and took their chances when they came along. The tight pitch at Spotland allows ‘Dale to play to their strengths and limits the threat from sides who like to play out wide. Yeovil are direct themselves so Saturday’s match will prove an altogether different perspective. Much will come down to who is the most clinical on the day and which side forces more mistakes from the other.

With Rochdale’ strikers having hit form of late, especially at home, I’m siding with them to gain their third successive home victory. They took a wee while to get going at home in their new league but now that they have, their confidence and form can land them all 3 points on Saturday.

My selection: Rochdale to beat Yeovil

Best odds available: 21/20 available with several bookmakers including William Hill

English League Two

Hereford v Port Vale

Two sides that, this season, would have been looking to emulate Rochdale’s achievements last season meet at Edgar Street as top of the table Port Vale travel to bottom dogs Hereford.

Hereford have struggled in what is their second successive season in League two. One win and seven defeats from 10 games see’s them propping up the table and three points adrift of the team directly above them. They could not have asked for a better start to the season either with an opening day success on the road followed by a well earned draw. However it’s been all downhill from there as they only picked up one more point from the following eight games, a run which has seen them lose their last three in the league. The stat of the season has been so bad and detrimental, that the club have already sacked manager Simon Davey who only joined the club during the summer.

Port Vale on the other hand have made a flying start to the new campaign and find themselves clear of the rest at the top of the table. Micky Adams side have flown from the traps and won seven of their first 10, including four on the road. It’s been somewhat of a surprise considering their mediocre form of last season which even resulted in the whole squad being put up for sale at one point as performances were not up to scratch or Adams’ high standards. However with the introduction of a couple of players in key areas and no doubt the players already there knowing that they had to improve or be shipped out as meant that their form and expectations have been transformed. They suffered their first defeat on the road last weekend away to Oxford which was not only their first defeat in seven but also the first time they conceded in six games.

I am always very wary of venturing into games involving top v bottom, especially when then side propping up the table are at home. It’s even more of a concern with Hereford now managerless as teams can often stop playing for one person, but suddenly raise their game with the anticipation of someone new taken over in the near future. However Port Vale have been impressive all season, even in defeat. They ran Carlisle (riding high in League 1) very close in midweek, only losing out on penalties. They have the best defence in the league which is often a telltale sign at this level as it’s much harder to keep a clean sheet the lower down the leagues you go. Hereford on the other hand have been shocking at the back and have the second worst defensive record in the division whilst boasting the joint lowest amount of goals scored with a paltry four.

Port Vale know will be aware of the pressure on them when they are top of the league whilst they will be looking to go on another run of games without defeat. Adams is a very clever manager in the lower league and is shrewd enough to know that these kind of games require more concentration than one’s against fellow promotion candidates. Providing they do not get complacent, Vale should have too much for a poor Hereford.

My selection: Port Vale to beat Hereford

Best odds available: 5/6 available with several bookmakers including Coral

Well its back! The football season really kicks into action this weekend with the return of both the English Premier League and the SPL. After a slightly underwhelming World Cup in South Africa now a mere afterthought, we can look forward to 10 months worth of drama, disappointments and hopefully delirium on the betting front.

Saturday 14^th August

English Premier League

Wigan v Blackpool

Our first port of call takes us to the DW Stadium where Premier League new boys Blackpool are the visitors in a fixture which should have taken place at Bloomfield Road but for reconstruction work.

Roberto Martinez achieved his mandate last season by keeping his Wigan charges in the league in an acceptable first year as manager. Survival will once again be the main target this season for the club but seeing as though Martinez has always been one of the games optimist, he will be hoping to surprise a few by avoiding a relegation battle this season. He’s been relatively busy this summer with the arrivals of 5 new players including £6m for Mauro Boselli who has been signed to solve their lack of goals. He will join Hugo Rodallega upfront in what looks a pretty decent strike partnership. They will have to do without Gary Caldwell for the foreseeable future after the Scottish defender had two hip operations over the summer. It will be a new look defence for Wigan as Titus Bramble has departed so expect to see new signings Antolin Alcaraz and Ronnie Stam make their debuts tomorrow afternoon.

Ian Holloway would no doubt have been very frustrated for much of the summer being unable to add to his squad the way he would have liked. He only signed one player up until this week where he landed 5 new signings. The most recognisable one for British readers would be Marlon Harewood. The former West Ham striker was on a free after being released from his Aston Villa contract at the end of last season. He’s expected to go straight into the squad to face Wigan and may even start due to the lack of senior strikers available at the club. Holloway is still on the look for new arrivals as he believes his squad to be weaker than the one that gained promotion due to the loan returns of Seamus Coleman and DJ Campbell. Both were stand-outs during the playoffs and will be missed by the Seasiders. One player that will be playing tomorrow is Charlie Adam. The Scot excelled in the Championship and he has stayed to lead out his side in their first Premier League match. If Blackpool are to do anything this season, he’ll be the man at the centre of it all.

Wigan are now an established Premier League side as they face their 6 successive season in England top’s flight. Despite being a very unfashionable club, they’re resilient and I can see them getting off to a winning start tomorrow. Charles N’Zogbia is still at the club and his undoubted talent should see him start tomorrow to provide that extra bit of class. James McCarthy will also be expected to perform at a consistently high level after an up and down debut season. The teenager exudes confidence and he can be a big player starting tomorrow.

Blackpool will have days in the sun during their debut season but I think this game will come too soon for a lot of their players as they seem behind in their preparations. Wigan have had a decent pre-season but most importantly, they’re experienced and Martinez is a shrewd character.

My selection: Wigan to beat Blackpool

Best odds available: 5/6 available several firms including with William Hill

English League One

Bournemouth v Peterborough

Dropping down the leagues for our next preview as we visit Dean Court for a battle of two sides who were separated by two leagues last season – Promoted Bournemouth host relegated Peterborough.

Bournemouth exceeded all expectations last season by gaining promotion despite having such a small squad. Manager Eddie Howe worked wonders and he will be desperate to show that last season was not just a flash in the pan. They had a difficult first match in League 1 last week away to Charlton, they done pretty well but eventually lost out by a single goal. They followed this up midweek with a 2-0 reverse in the League cup away to Southampton. Howe will not be panicking yet, nowhere near it, but at the same time, he’ll also know that the longer it goes without scoring a goal and gaining points, the harder it becomes.

Peterborough did not do themselves justice last season in the Championship. Darren Ferguson was one of 3 managers to ultimately fail to keep the side up in the 2^nd tier of English football. Last season, however, is behind them and they are now under new stewardship in the shape of Gary Johnson. The acquisition of the former Bristol City manager was a real coup and having already won promotion from this division previously, he knows what it’s all about. He has managed to keep the likes of Joe Lewis, Aaron McLean and George Boyd which has been very important, whilst also adding a couple of decent players, most notably Grant McCann from Scunthorpe.

Bournemouth were very strong last season, especially at home, but this is a massive step up as they are playing one of the promotion favourites. They’ve equipped themselves well thus far and still look hard to beat. With Brett Pittman upfront, they have a striker that is always liable to nick a goal so will be threatening. Peterborough, however, look irresistible at the moment after scoring 7 goals in their opening two matches. They followed last Saturday’s 3-0 league win at home to Bristol Rovers with a 4-1 cup victory against Rotherham. This will be their first away game but they have a lot more quality than their hosts and players who have thrived at this level beforehand.

I expect the likes of Boyd and McLean (if fit), to be too powerful for Howe’s Bournemouth. I think the Cherries will stay in this division but this will be one of their more difficult fixtures they face, as the fresh, grassy pitches will suit the Posh’s quick, passing game.

My selection: Peterborough to beat Bournemouth

Best odds available: 7/5 available with several bookmakers including Betfred

Saturday 8^th May

English League One

Millwall v Swindon Town

If Leeds win then this game is nothing more than a glorified friendly but both Millwall and Swindon will be going for the win in order to capitalise on any mistakes for the Yorkshire club.

Millwall looked odds on to go up automatically after winning 2-0 at Elland Road at the end of March only to slip out of 2^nd spot after losing 2 and drawing 1 of their last 4 matches in the league. As it stands now they can only hope Bristol Rovers do them a favour by getting something at Leeds but no matter what happens there, the Lions must take all 3 points against Swindon tomorrow afternoon. Kenny Jackett will probably rue the loss at Huddersfield as up until then, his side had been fantastic. They had only lost once in 2010 up until that defeat but ever since then, they have toiled and looked only half like the side they were beforehand.

Swindon have surpassed all expectations this season in what has been a surprise to many, if not all, in League 1. Danny Wilson has went about his business in a quiet manner for much of the season whilst his strikers, Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin have earned most of the plaudits with 44 goals between them. Swindon have also found pressure hard to cope with though, as they too had a slippery patch when it really mattered. They went on a run of 4 games without a win in April which saw them hand the advantage back over to Leeds in the hunt for automatic promotion. They must win tomorrow to give themselves any hope of finishing 2^nd, but like Millwall, they rely on a favour from elsewhere.

 It’s difficult to know how the game would go if news reached the New Den that Leeds got an early goal, but it’s pretty easy to guess the reaction if there was no news, or even better, if Rovers managed to get a lead. Both managers will send their teams out to get a win and a good start so the pressure reverts back to Elland Road.

Millwall have an excellent home record with just 1 defeat all season. It’s a fabulous record and one Jackett and his players can be very proud of. Swindon have lost just 5 games away from home all season however so it won’t be a case of turning up and expecting all 3 points. With everything that is at stake I expect a really open match as neither side has anything to lose, but they do have a lot to gain. They both require the 3 points to have any chance of going up so rather than predict a winner, I’m going to go for goals.

My selections: Over 2.5 goals at a best priced 10/11 available with Boylesports

                             Both teams to Score at a best priced 3/4 available with BlueSquare

Sunday 9^th May

Scottish Premier League

Hearts v Celtic

For the last two seasons, Celtic have been going for the title on the last day of the season, Rangers have long since wrapped that up this time around so there’s nothing other than pride to play for when they travel to Tynecastle on Sunday. 

Hearts welcomed home a former manager midway through this season in the shape of Jim Jefferies who took over the reins once again after Czaba Laszlo was sacked. He’s done relatively well by guiding them to a top 6 finish as well as notching two successive derby victories over arch rivals Hibernian. The close season will mean a rebuilding job with the club desperate to get rid of some of the high earners as Hearts reported a debt of over £30m earlier this week. Jefferies will look to youth to take Hearts forward and has blooded a plethora of teenagers already in his short time since rejoining.

Celtic also have a different manager to the one they started the season with. Neil Lennon took over from Tony Mowbray in March after Celtic slipped a massive 13 points behind Rangers. Lennon has steadied the ship and cut the gap to 8 points. He has won 7 successive league matches on the bounce including a midweek derby success at Parkhead. The one blot on his copybook will be the defeat to Ross County in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. It was a disgraceful performance and one that could count against him when the board decide who gets the job on a permanent basis.

Even though there is nothing much to play for, Sunday’s encounter will be a competitive affair – it always is when Celtic go through to Gorgie. Lennon will be demanding 8 wins from 8 whilst Jefferies will want to gain his first win over one of the Old Firm since returning to Edinburgh. With this in mind, both sides will be right up for it and you can expect a decent game with plenty of action. Celtic are in excellent form in the league and there looks to be far more unity and a lot more strength and determination about them under Lennon.

Robbie Keane plays his last game for Celtic before returning to Spurs in the summer so he too will want to go out on a high note. The Irishman has scored 15 goals since February which is an excellent return, especially when you consider how poor Celtic were under Mowbray.

I think Lennon will get his 8 from 8 but I expect plenty of goals and for it to be pretty tight throughout the match. I also believe Keane will get a goal as he bids goodbye to the Celtic family.

My selections: Celtic to beat Hearts at a best priced 8/11 available with Betfred

                             Over 2.5 goals available at a best priced 10/11 with William Hill

                             Robbie Keane to score anytime at a best priced EVENS with Extrabet

Saturday 5^th December

English Premier League

Manchester City v Chelsea

Money meets even more money as Mark Hughes’ City look to end their run of 7 successive league draws when they take on all conquering Chelsea who sit 5 points clear at the top of the table.

Man City have been something of an enigma all season long. They have flattered to deceive on occasions but at other times have been scintillating and shown glimpses of a side capable of matching the best. They’ve brushed Arsenal aside twice already this term, once in the league and once in the cup, whilst they have put in credible performances away to Liverpool and city rivals United but have come away with just one point from those two games. Their defeat in the derby game is, to date, their only loss in the league thus far which proves them as being one of the toughest nuts to crack in the EPL this season. They have, however, been let down with draws against the likes of Burnley, Fulham and Hull at home along with poor performance on the road at places such as Birmingham and Wigan. Even if they had won 3 of those games they would have been in a much healthier position than their current standing of 7^th, 3 points off 4^th placed Arsenal.

Chelsea have been very impressive all season. Not only have they been impressive, they’ve been extremely consistent for much of it as well. Apart from 2 slip up’s away to Wigan and Aston Villa, they have a flawless record with 12 wins from 14 matches. The ease of some of their wins has also caught the eye. Since losing 2-1 to Villa in October, they have won 6 in a row in the league, scored 17 and conceded 0. It is breathtaking form and it’s even more impressive when you take into account the fact that they have played Arsenal and Manchester United in that run of fixtures. These are two sides who lie 2^nd and 4^th in the league at this point in time so it’s safe to say that Carlo Ancelotti’s charges are sitting top because they are purely the best team in the country currently. Last week’s London derby at the Emirates was so comfortably for the away side it was scary. They were under very little pressure throughout the game but were quite willing to allow Arsenal to have the ball for much of the match, confident in their defensive ability to withstand the quick passing as they kept them 30 yards from goal. It was the footballing equivalent of keeping a midget at arm’s length if we’re being honest. Going forward they were powerful, clinical and precise. Didier Drogba and Nicholas Anelka have been excellent all season and they caused the Gunners all sorts of problems.

City proved earlier in the season that they can compete with the top four sides. They have not been embarrassed by any of Arsenal, Man United or Liverpool, far from it. The thing they have to do now is not only do they have to compete; they have to better them on a regular basis. They won’t get a much stiffer task than that of Chelsea in their current form. Emmanuel Adebayor will be their focal point in attack with Carlos Tevez almost certain to partner him after his goal in midweek. It will be interesting to see who operates on the left. Will Craig Bellamy, who turned in a man of the match performance in that game, be preferred to the now fit again Robinho? It’s difficult to say, Bellamy will certainly be more efficient in terms of the shape of the team and tracking back, but he doesn’t have the same ability as the little Brazilian.

Chelsea will line up very similar to that of last Sunday’s team with Drogba and Anelka supported by Joe Cole upfront. Their midfield trio of Lampard, Essien and the returning Michael Ballack is so strong it’s difficult to imagine City’s midfield dominating them.

People will tell you that the value pick is to go with City as they have lost just once all season and will be on a high after Wednesday’s win over Arsenal. However, there’s not many, if any, teams in World football at the moment who would get the better of Chelsea on form so I don’t see any other result other than an away win to make it 5 wins in a row for Chelsea at Eastlands.

My selection: Chelsea to beat Manchester City

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

English League 1

Swindon Town v Leyton Orient

Just a slightly less affluent fixture as we delve back into reality football when Danny Wilson’s inform Swindon entertain poor travellers Leyton Orient at the County ground.

Swindon have struck 3 wins together in the league on the bounce after a run of poor form which as seen them climb to 10^th and just 3 points off of the last play-off spot in a tightly congested league. They have had excellent wins over Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle away as well as a very decent win over highflying Huddersfield at home last time out in the league. They have lost just once at home and just the 3 in total so it’s no surprise that they have the promotion in their sights. They are arguably strongest in the midfield where they have a plethora of good players at this level. Simon Ferry is on loan from Celtic and has been a stand-out for Wilson’s men this season alongside Jonathan Douglas who joined from Leeds in the summer. These two make the side tick in the middle of the park so it’s important Douglas will be fit to take his place in the side.

Orient are sitting relatively safe with a 5 point cushion over 21^st placed Brighton but know they will have to start to improve their away form to make sure of their survival later in the season. Their home form is good with 7 points from a possible 9 most recent but they have failed to pick up a point away from home in the league since the beginning of October. In total, they have lost 6 on the road this season with their two successes coming against Wycombe and Bristol Rovers as well as a point against Yeovil. They have lost, amongst others, at Leeds, Huddersfield and Norwich.

Although Swindon are not quite at the level of the three teams mentioned above, they are still good and I think they’ll be too classy in the midfield for an Orient side who haven’t even managed a goal in their last 3 away reverses.

My selection: Swindon to beat Leyton Orient

Best price available: 4/5 available with several bookmakers including Coral

Scottish Premier League

Celtic v Aberdeen

Third and final preview takes us North to Scotland as league leaders Celtic will be looking to stay top as they take on a buoyant Dons side who defeated the other team from Glasgow last weekend when they were victorious against Rangers at Pittodrie.

Celtic have been strong at home this season with 4 wins and 2 draws from their 6 matches. They have been inconsistent away from home but still remain hard to get the better of when they are infront of their home fans. In the last week they have beaten St Mirren 3-1 and won 2-0 in Europe against Tel Aviv, both at Parkhead. In both those games, the winning margin could have been much greater with missed chances aplenty. It is likely Tony Mowbray will line up with Scott McDonald and Giorgios Samaras in attack for the 3^rd successive match with big money signing Marc Antoine Fortune once again on the bench. It’s midfield where Celtic create most of their opportunities with Aiden McGeady in fine form of late and the midfield partnership of Landry N’Guemo and Marc Crosas beginning to show signs of blossoming.

Aberdeen have been mean on the road and have the 2^nd best away defensive record. Mark McGhee has attempted to build from the back and has worked to an extent. They will be on a high following their 1-0 win over Rangers last weekend but will have to do without their captain Mark Kerr for Saturday’s visit as he was sent off in that game. They have already kept two clean sheets against Rangers this season but that does not really tell the story. Rangers missed chance after chance in both games and let Aberdeen off the hook on so many occasions.

I don’t envisage this being too much of a test for Celtic other than their own poor finishing. Aberdeen worked so hard last week, especially when down to 10 men and they’ll find it hard to reach those same levels again so soon after, especially away from home. Celtic will create chances, there is nothing surer so providing their strikers are in form, and I think they’re due a big home win, I can see them winning starting minus a goal.

My selection: Celtic (-1) to beat Aberdeen

Best odds available: 11/10 available with Skybet

Good luck and happy punting