Leyton Orient

Saturday 25th November

English Premier League

Arsenal v Fulham

A Lodon derby at the Emirates between inform Arsenal and Fulham is the early evening kick off on Saturday.

After an horrendous start to the season which culminated in an 8-2 thrashing by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arsenal’s form has picked up dramatically in recent weeks. From their last 13 matches in all competitions they have failed to win just two of them – one in the league and one in Europe. The only match they did lose was the North London derby against Spurs at White Hart Lane. That defeat was back in early October which means they are on a run of nine games without defeat winning eight of those. Their last home defeat was against Liverpool in August and despite their early season troubles, it was, to date its the only loss they have suffered on their own patch this season. They have, in actual fact, won nine of their following ten matches at home which is an excellent record by anyone’s standards. Their good form see’s them sitting in 7th place at the moment, three points off the fourth Champions League spot which is surely their aim at this stage of the campaign.

Fulham have been diasppointing thus far and are edging ever closer towards the dreaded relegation zone. Last weekend’s draw with Sunderland was one of the most boring fixtures that have been played in a long time. Fulham had a couple of chances to win the game but it would have been harsh on Sunderland who dominated for large spells. It now means Martin Jol’s side have won just two of their 12 Premie League matches which means they sit only above four sides in the division. Jol has had a reputation of playing attractive, attacking football at his previous clubs including Spurs. That doesn’t seem to be the case at his current club, however, despite the amount of attacking talent that he has at his disposal. One of their victories has come away from home so there is a little crumb of comfort for the travelling fans but it’s only the smallest of crumbs as their record away to Arsenal is terrible – they have yet to win. From 25 games they have lost 22 and managed just three draws.

There is not a man in World Football who is in better form than Robin Van Persie. The Dutch striker has really came to the fore in 2011 and his run of form has conincided with his longest injury free spell for years. From 33 matches this calendar year, Van Persie has scored 31 goals. Arsenal have scored 15 goals in their last five games of which Van Persie has scored two thirds of them. There is little doubt that the Gunners have adopted a different style of play this season since losing Cesc Fabregas in the summer and it’s suited their striker in form. Theo Walcott’s direct play from the wide areas as well as Mikel Arteta’s and Aaron Ramsey’s distribution from the middle of the park has allowed Van Persie to get more chances and with his confidence so high and finishing so clinical, he is not missing too many at the moment.

Fulham paid a big fee for Brian Ruiz who arrived from Dutch side Twente in the last transfer window. He has taken some time to adapt to his new club, so much so that despite the large fee he has been unable to command a regular starting spot and has just one goal to his name. Bobby Zamora remains Fulham’s biggest threat and despite not scoring as many as he would have liked he is still very much in the thoughts of England manager Fabio Capello. Zamora lined up in his country’s recent 1-0 victory over Sweden at Wembley and will be hoping to kick on between now and the end of the season and stake a claim for a place in the Euro 2012 squad.

There can only be one winner for me on Saturday evening and I envisage a comfortable home win. The 1/2 available may well tempt many but to make it a little more attractive, go for Van Persie to score anytime and his side to take all three points.

My Selection: Robin Van Persie to score at anytime and Arsenal to win

Best odds available: 13/10 available with Betfred

English Championship

Leeds United v Barsnley

Another derby but this time it’s of the Yorkshire variety as promotion chasing Leeds entertain their near neighbours Barsnley at Elland Road.

Leeds have been in and around the play-off zone for much of the season and after narrowly missing out at the end of last season, will be even more determined to ensure they last the pace this time around. Simon Grayson has had to contend with losing key players throuhgout his time in charge at Leeds but he still manages to keep churning results out and keep his side competitive with the other sides looking gain promotion to the Premier League. The Championship is as competitive as ever this season so it will be close come May when the top six will be set in stone but currently sitting fifth and with a couple of points to spare, it’s looking positive for Leeds. What will be especially pleasing for Grayson and their prospects of sustaining their challenge is that their away form is just as good as their home record. He will be hoping that his players can make amends for their last home match which resulted in a 5-0 thumping from Blackpool. In actual fact, Leeds have not won a home match since the 1st of October.

Barnsley’s aim at the start of the season will have been to remain in the division but they will be hoping to do that as early as possible and then look to finish as high as possible. 17 matches into the season and they are sitting in 15th position with a healthy 21 points. Their last match was a 2-0 win over another Yorkshire side in the shape of bottom club Doncaster at Oakwell. Tomorrow’s match will be a totally different prospect but they will make the short journey to Elland Road in good heart after that win. Their away form does leave a lot to be desired however as it’s now six games without a win on the road. They have lost their last three matches against Portsmouth, Cardiff and Brighton so they, along with tomorrow’s opponents, have something to prove and rectify. Their sole win on the road came back in August when they got the better of Reading in a 2-1 victory.

Leeds have won their last two games since being thrashed 5-0 at the beginning of the month. A 1-0 victory over Leciester was followed by a come from behind 2-1 success against Burnley last Saturday. At the heart of both of those wins and most of the good things about Leeds this season has been Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack. The Scottish internationalists have scored 13 goals between them in the League this season and their fitness and form will be vital as Leeds look to cement their positive league position.

Barnsley have not faired too badly against Leeds in recent times and have managed to accumulate eight points from their last four meetings – two wins and two draws. Goals were a common theme last season in this fixture with a total of 13 goals shared between the sides so there is reason to believe that there may well be goals tomorrow. That hope is enhanced further with the amount of goals that both sides have conceded this term. Leeds have shipped 26 goals already this season (the most of any top side) whilst Barnsley’s defences have been breached nine times in their last three away matches alone.

I wouldn’t put anyone off backing over 2.5 goals but the value bet for me is for the home side to record their first home win in four.

My Selections: Leeds to beat Barnsley

Best odds available: 3/4 available with William Hill

English League One

Sheffield Wednesday v Leyton Orient

The third match previewed this week see’s Sheffield Wednesday host Leyton Orient with the home side hoping to maintain their unbeaten record at Hillsbrough.

It would have been hard for any side to keep tabs on Huddersfield and Charlton with the form the top two in League One have been in but Gary Megson and his Wednesday side are just about managing it. Just two points off of second placed Huddersfield, the Owls are impressing many with their consistency. One defeat from 11 matches in all competitions is impressive form considering how competitive League One is. Their home record is also very strong as the only blemish from nine league games was their most recent home fixture against Brentford. That matched ended goalless but they had won their other eight matches at Hillsbrough with an aggregate score of 18 goals for and just five against. Viisitng sides will really have to be on their game if they wish to take anything back home with them.

Leyton Orient are also a side in very decent form as they have not lost in any of their last nine games. Russell Slade’s side certainly started slowly but no-one can deny that they have certainly turned the corner and are definitely heading in the right direction. Orient have actually performed slightly better on the road and ammased more points on their travels than when playing at home. Their only two defeats away from home this season have come against Brentford and Walsall both of which were very early on the season. It means that they have been to Huddersfield and avoided defeat so they will certainly not be overawed heading into tomorrow’s fixture, despite Wednesday boasting the best home record in the division.

Megson will once again be hoping that the goals of Gary Madine can prove to be the difference for his side. The former Carlisle striker is enjoying an excellent season but he has failed to score in his last four matches. Before that, however, he had went on a run of eight goals in seven matches. If he does get back to that kind of form then there is no reason that Wednesday cannot look to push for one of the automatic promotion spots.

Leyton Orient may not score as many as other teams in the league and have had some trouble keeping them out at the other end but they are one of the form sides in the division at present. Kevin Lisbie is an experienced head upfront and he will lead the line tomorrow as he looks to do the double over the Sheffield clubs having scored against United earlier in the season.

Both sides are in good form and people may be put off backing the home side because Orient haven’t lost in nine. I’m of a different opinion and despite the away side being hard to beat, Wednesday are a better side and have better players. Gary Madine will be a handful for one of the worst defences in the league so take the Owls side to gain another three home points.

My Selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Leyton Orient

Best odds available: 8/11 available with Skybet

Having seen Everton crash out of the FA Cup, Arsenal will be wary of another upset on the cards. Arsenal replay against Leyton Orient on Wednesday night, and another test of their fortitude will arise. How will Arsenal bounce back after losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City on the weekend? A howler at the back landed Birmingham with an easy winner there, and Arsenal still have to wait for that piece of silverware which they so desire. Further bad news has been heaped upon Arsene Wenger after learning that Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott will be out of action, and both will likely miss the return leg against Barcelona in the Champions League. With captain Cesc Fabregas already nursing an injury, two further crocked players will miss the match against Leyton Orient, with Laurent Koscielny and Alex Song both missing through injury are well. Arsenal will be expected to get the job done, and they looked comfortable enough in the first leg, until they suffered a late blow with the O’s equalising through an opportunist Jonathan Tehoue. Arsenal really have had problems against lower opposition in the cups this year, and will the Emirates see another match which the Gunners just scrape through. Of course they have the class and the strength in depth to get the match done here, even though this replay is an extra game that Arsene Wenger really didn’t want.

Leyton Orient, the only remaining team from League One in the competition, have a couple of injury concerns of their own, and have Harry Kane suspended. The same uphill task is facing Orient, as they barely made an impact in front of goal in the first match in front of their home support, so it will likely be even harder for them to get a look in on goal at the Emirates. Manuel Almunia starts in goal for Arsenal, with youngster Wojciech Szczesny moving to the bench, presumably to think some more about the mistake which cost the Gunners the Carling Cup. The match could have even great importance in terms of the FA Cup, because the winners of this one will go on meet Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Quarter Finals. United and Arsenal are front runners to lift the title, so one of them (at least) will be gone by the quarter final stage. This naturally should influence your Outright Winner betting for the famous old cup. Arsenal should prevail, albeit with a somewhat second string team again. Ignore the strong outright price on Arsenal, look instead for a winning margin bet where a sensible 2 goal margin fetches 3/1 at Bet365. Also look for Marouane Chamakh in the Anytime Goalscorer market for 5/6 at 888Sport, the Moroccan badly needs a goal.

Arsenal to win: 1/5 at William Hill
Draw: 13/2 at Totesport
Leyton Orient: 18/1 at Totesport

There is an interesting London Derby on Sunday in the FA Cup, with Arsenal making the trip across the capital to Leyton Orient. The O’s are in the First Division, and will of course be the big underdogs in the match, even though they have home advantage. Brisbane Road will no doubt be rocking as their side take on one of the best teams in the country. Arsenal of course, will go into the match on the back of a thrilling Champions League win against Barcelona, so they will be in fine form of course. Arsene Wenger has played stronger sides in the cup matches than he normally would, as he is clearly gunning for silverware on all four fronts. His new philosophy has seen his side reach the final of the Carling Cup already, and in this David v Goliath match, the Gunners will expect to progress. The Gunners did make hard work of Huddersfield, another League Out outfit in the fourth round, and even though there is a vast difference in class between the two teams, the Gunners will have to be wary of an upset. The Gunners have struggled a little bit against lower class opposition this year, including a famous defeat away at Ipswich in the Carling Cup. There was also the last minute p third round of the FA Cup this year Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup this year at the Emirates. As for Orient, well they have put in some seriously battling performances to earn their rewards here in the fifth round, having beaten Norwich and Swansea.

Leyton Orient are waiting on the late fitness of midfielder Matthew Spring, but other than that, look to be pretty much at full strength. The O’s are in great form at the moment, and haven’t lost in the league since New Year’s Day. They are also averaging two goals per match at Brisbane Road this season, although clean sheets have been hard to come by in the FA Cup. Arsenal are clearly putting some priority on winning silverware from some source this season, and that will make them dangerous of course. Naturally this is a match which Arsenal should win, and even if it will be by another narrow margin, it will be good enough. This may just be a trickier match than people may be imagining, because while the gulf in class is there, if the mental approach isn’t right from the Gunners, then they could find themselves mired in a big battle. However, Arsenal run a great record I the FA Cup, and haven’t lost in 25 matches to teams from a lower division in the competition. This is a job Arsenal will need to get done first time around, and they will be well aware of the importance of doing so. With crucial matches in the league, the Carling Cup final and the Champions League coming up, the last thing they will want to put themselves through is a replay. There won’t be a lot of value in backing Arsenal of course, their odds are too short to really pick up enough profit.

It could be worth looking at Over 2.5 goals in this one, as we know Arsenal can score plenty and that combined with Orient’s good record at finding the back of the net at home, makes some sense. You find around 1/2 at Bet365 which isn’t too bad really. You could also be well advised to look in the Asian Handicap betting markets, and backing Arsenal to overcome a good deficit. There is often some good value to be found here, and if you look around the mark of Arsenal -1.5 should bring some decent odds. This Asian Handicap market selection is 5/6 at Victor Chandler and is well worth considering. Both teams to score should also bring a little bit of profit and is worth dipping into, again because of the goal scoring records here. At a price of evens for both to score at SkyBet, it is worth a flutter. Even though it probably won’t be an Arsenal side which would be at the same strength as it would be playing against Barcelona, the Gunners should have enough professionalism and quality in them to get this done. With Chelsea exiting the tournament, that elusive silverware is edging ever closer.

Leyton Orient to win: 3/10 at BetFred
Draw: 5/1 at Victor Chandler
Arsenal to win: 3/10 at Unibet

Online bookmaker BetFred are running a Money Back Special for the Leyton Orient v Arsenal FA Cup match. If Arsenal score 4 goals or more in the match, then the popular bookie will refund all losing First and Last Goal Scorer bets, Correct Score bets and Scorecast bets, up to a coverage value of £200. This is a decent promotion, as you can easily see Arsenal turning up the heat against lower opposition. They are a much more mature side than in seasons past, and are in great shape at the moment. BetFred offer £50 free bet for new customers opening an account with them, and the online bookmaker comes highly recommended for their great betting promotions.

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