Norwich City

Online bookmaker Ladbrokes have a good football betting promotion running for your Norwich v Arsenal betting this weekend. The Gunners have started to show a bit of spirit as their revival from a poor start to the season continues. Arsene Wenger has eased a bit of pressure off himself, after pulling his side up to seventh in the league ahead of Saturday’s round of matches. They are still a massive twelve points off the top of the league at the moment, but only three back of fourth place Chelsea in the fight for a Champions League place. The Gunners have now rattled off four back to back victories, largely thanks to the one man show that is Robin Van Persie.

As for Norwich City, this is an important match for them, as they sit in mid table. With a victory over Arsenal, the Canaries could pull themselves to within just three points of the Gunners, and help to give them confidence that they are going to do more than just survive this season. Norwich have not won in the last three league matches though, picking up two draws and an away defeat at Aston Villa the last time out. So this will be a great match at Carrow Road, because the Canaries have the spirit and football to really get at Arsenal. Online bookmaker Ladbrokes will be right there for you, as they are running an online betting promotion for your Norwich v Arsenal betting.

If Arsenal score the first goal of the match, but fail to go on and win, then Ladbrokes will refund any losing Single Match bets placed on the game. This is decent coverage, because Arsenal have not been particularly solid at the back this season, and Norwich will definitely fancy their chances of causing an upset at home. So this bit of insurance for your Norwich v Arsenal betting from Ladbrokes means that you can have an outright punt on the match, and be covered if Arsenal slip up after taking the lead.

Online bookmaker Ladbrokes welcome new customers with a free £50 bet as a sign up bonus. The highly rated online bookmaker, will match the value of your first stake placed on a new account with them, giving you a free bet up to the maximum value of £50  for this generous offer. The bookie is also running a promotion for a Free £5 live in play bet as well for this match. When you place a minimum £10 bet on the Result After 15 Minutes in live betting of this match, you will get yourself a free £5 bet to use live in play on the same match! This superb offer also applies to the Swansea v Man Utd and the big Chelsea v Liverpool matches in the Premier League this weekend.

Norwich v Arsenal Betting Odds at Ladbrokes
Norwich 9/2, Draw 5/2, Arsenal 4/6

Saturday 1st October

English Premier League

Manchester United v Norwich

Norwich are coming off the back of two consecutive league victories, can they make it three in a rown when they travel to Old Trafford to take on the league leaders and Champions, Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson will not have been happy as his side surrendered a 2-0 lead at home to FC Basel on Tuesday night and ended up drawing 3-3. It followed United’s first dropped points of the season last Saturday when a Nani goal was not enough to get all three points against Stoke who hit back through Peter Crouch. It means they are back level on points with rivals Manchester City at the top of the table. United will be hoping to welcome back their dynamic strike duo, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, who have both been missing through injury. Danny Wellbeck will be hoping that his two goals in midweek will be enough to keep his place upfront but with the calibre of striker coming back to fitness, it may well be that he finds himself on the substitute bench. Ferguson will be under no illusions that these are the type of games that can catch teams out; a home match against a newly promoted team on the back of a European fixture.

Paul Lambert must be delighted with his side’s start to the season, especially the last two games. He has stuck to his principles of playing attractive and expansive football which has served them so well, earning the Canaries back to back promotions. Lambert has went against the grain and done what many managers are not prepared to do – buy mainly from the lower leagues. It’s a risk strategy but the effort that his players have put in, added to their quality, would suggest that it is paying off at the moment. Monday nights 2-1 win over Sunderland was indicative of everything Norwich are about. Their two goals were really well worked using plenty of width whilst they fought for every single ball, rarely giving Sunderland any space whatsoever in behind the home defence. It’s a different test altogether tomorrow, of course it is, but it’s one that Lambert will be keen to take on and he may well spring a surprise in his team selection – he certainly won’t be scared to go with two upfront.

With Rooney and Hernadez back, Ferguson has a lot more options than he had the last couple of matches. With the form Rooney is in, the other players in the team will get a lift from his return which will hopefully eradicate the poor result in midweek from both the players and supporters memories. One man who is almost certain to start is Nani who has been in terrific form all season. Rooney has quite rightly ended a lot of plaudits this term but Nani has also been in exceptional form.

Norwich have been rocked with the news their their striker James Vaughan is out injured for several months after a serious knee injury sustained after coming on as a sub against Sunderland on Monday. It’s a cruel blow to the former Everton man who has had a series of knee problems throughout his career. Norwich are well stocked when it comes to frontmen but it will still be a sore one as he cost a couple of million which is a lot of money for them.

United will be on their guard after Norwich ran Chelsea very close earlier in the season. The romantics will be hoping for a an upset whilst the Norwich supporters will be bouyed by their back to back wins. For me, there is only one winner and I expect it to be a comfortable one at that.

My Selections: Manchester United (-2) to beat Norwich

Best odds available: 5/4 available with Unibet

English Championship

Peterborough United v Doncaster Rovers

Bottom of the table Doncaster will be looking to continue their promising start under new manager Dean Saunders when they travel south to face Peterborough.

Darren Ferguson is enjoying his second stint in charge of the Posh after a brief spell as manager of Preston last year. Successful in his initial spell, Ferguson has picked up where he left off this season as his side have won three out of four at home which see’s them sitting eight in the league. Promotion may well be out their grasp but a top half finish is probably their target despite being newly promoted. Norwich proved last season that successive promotions is possible and that promoted side’s can challenge established Championship teams throughout the season. The Posh changed a lot over the past few seasons with star players leaving for big money. One man who is still there is George Boyd who has been a constant fixture (barring a loan spell to Forest two seasons ago) at the club. The influential wide player has his admirers but he seems to play his best football under Ferguson which may well see him remain at the club for a while yet.

Dean Saunders has won one and drawn one since taken over as manager of Doncaster just last week. They still remain bottom but it is a marked improvement from a team who had gone over a month without a victory and had yet to win a game in the league. Injuries have played their part as they have lost Billy Sharp who scores most of their goals and has done for a while. However, they cannot feel sorry for themselves and must continue their good form when they travel to London tomorrow afternoon. Despite being unbeaten against Crystal Palace and Hull, Donny have a terrible away record this season. They have lost all four of their away games scoring just one and conceding nine goals. What will be even more worrying for Saunders is that they have still to face a lot of the better sides in the league in the coming weeks so they must get it sorted as soon as possible.

The Posh have already got the better of Palace, Ipswich and Burnley – Hull are the only team to leave with anything so Ferguson has built a fortress of sorts which will be crucial as they bid to not only stay in the Championship but to finish as high as possible. The destruction of Ipswich at the beginning of the month proved that there are goals galore in the team so a porous Doncaster defence best beware.

Saunders was today confirmed as permanent boss so he will go in to tomorrow’s match in the knowledge that no matter what happens, he has time to try and turn things around. A novice at this level in his managerial career, it will be interesting to see how he approaches his first away game in charge. It’s debatable whether or not Rovers have the players to play on the backfoot as they like to control the tempo of a game which is a major strength.

Doncaster have started well under new management but those games were at home where they are normally very strong. On the road is a different matter altogether and with their terrible record coupled with good home form for the Posh, I think the points will stay in London on Saturday night.

My Selection: Peterborough to beat Doncaster

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Coral

***Once again, there will be a third game previewed for Sunday’s fixtures***

The Club:
Norwich make a welcome return to England’s top flight. The Suffolk outfit are one of those teams many neutral fans like to get behind, as there is still a family oriented, close knit feel about them. Life in the Premier League is going to be a culture shock for their players who have been plying their trade in the Championship, but they look youthful and vigorous enough to adapt quickly. Norwich do attract their critics, but they have a lot going for them, and seeing them back in top flight football is a nice thing to see. Hopefully we see some of the attractive football that saw them overpower teams in the Championship, and with the strengths they do have, they have the capability of scrapping it out for survival. Norwich are the side how are being tipped to surprise people in the Premier League this season. Will it be a step too far, or will the steady, smart hand of Paul Lambert guide them to safety. It will be a season about survival for Norwich, and achieving it will be like winning the league at this point.

Players/Manager:
Norwich boss Paul Lambert seems pretty unfazed about the challenges of staying in the Premier League. After a successful season in leading Norwich to an automatic promotion place from the Championship, Carrow Road will once again taste the heady heights of life in England’s top flight. Norwich really played some strong, attractive football the right way through the Championship, and there is just the sense that out of the newly promoted sides, Lambert may just about have the craft and guile to guide Norwich to safety. The first big blows to life in the Premier League for Norwich City, is that striker James Vaughan and defender Elliot Ward will both have to miss the start of the season after picking up pre season injuries. The last thing that a newly promoted squad needs is injury concerns at the very start of the season. Norwich won’t be able to go the big spending money route, but salvation could come in the form of loan deals which will help them bolster their squad. They have brought in Kyle Naughton at left back from Tottenham for that reason, and it is the Norwich defensive line which will be tested the most this season. Up front, Norwich showed a good penchant for goals in the Championship, and while they won’t find them as easy to come by this season, they at least look as if they have decent cover up front while Vaughan misses the start. Last season’s top scorer Grant Holt is ready to make his mark in the Premier League, and with a good young core at the heart of Norwich City, we could see a bit of adventure from them. Not a strong enough squad at first glance to finish anywhere above half way, but a solid bottom half finish will have the Canaries singing.

Last Season: 2nd in Championship
The Canaries were the Championship’s top scorers last season, netting 83 goals. They couldn’t match the defensive efforts of fellow promotees, Swansea and QPR though, but they showed great form to book their place in the Premier League. Plenty enough from their performances last season to see them being on a par with some of the established Premier League sides like Wigan and Wolves who struggled badly last year.

2011/12 Projection:
After playing some decent football last season, Paul Lambert now needs to translate Norwich’s style to the Premier League. They probably won’t foresake or change much about the way they play, but some adaptability is going to be needed. There is a lot of trust in the ability of Lambert to get them through their trials and naturally, points at the start of the season, adjusting to life in the Premier League are going to be tough to come across. Still, there is enough hope that Norwich will just be OK, with a huge emphasis on their home form. They have to keep things tight at Carrow Road, they cannot afford to throw away valuable home points, but they will make life difficult for visiting teams there. There is a big air of optimism around Carrow Road and we are going to buy into it and back them to maintain their Premier League status and look ahead to the following season. They need to get points out of their first two fixtures to give them a footing in the Premier League though.

Finishing Position: Bottom Half of Table Safety

Premier League Relegation Odds:
8/11 at Bet365

First Three Fixtures
August 13th: Wigan v Norwich
August 20th: Norwich v Stoke
August 27th: Chelsea v Norwich

BACK TO 2011/12 PREMIER LEAGUE BETTING GUIDE

Well, time to look at the story of the Championship promotion race, following QPR securing a tentative spot back in the Premier League. Now the attention in the league turns to the  story of promotion hopefuls  Norwich and Cardiff, and what they need to do to follow QPR up. The two big matches are Portsmouth v Norwich City and Cardiff v Middlesbrough, and both games can be seen through live streams at Bet365. Yes, the online bookmaker is bringing the best of Monday’s Championship matches right to your computer. Bet365 really excel with their live streaming service, and getting access to top matches such as this, really shows the weight they carry. It’s not only football of course which the Bet365 Live stream service carries, as you can watch things like top level ATP and WTA Tennis, Snooker, Basketball and much more. But football, being the massive industry it is, really gets the lions share of features on the Bet365 live streaming service, and you can see both Portsmouth v Norwich and Cardiff v Middlesbrough on the Bet366 website. This falls perfectly into unison with Bet365’s live in play betting service, so you can bet on the action as you are watching it, right there on the website. The streams are live and free, you just need to be a funded account holder with the highly rated online bookmaker to be able to see them. Even signing up for a new account with Bet365 is something special, as new customers can get a free £200 bet when registering. This is a fantastic service, and the entire Bet365 package, including their live football streams and live in play betting should not be missed!

Well, QPR have found their way back to the top flight of English football, after they were promoted on Saturday. QPR hit a 2-0 away win at Watford to secure promotion to the Barclays Premier League. The champagne may be on ice just a little bit though, because although they sit top of the league by eight points at the moment, the club are waiting on a ruling from the FA over Argentinean midfielder Alejandro Faurlin, and that could end up with some points being deducted. It is all to do some alleged irregularities over the signing of Faurlin. The worst case scenario could be up to fifteen points docked for QPR (which would be a bit ironic as they will have ended a 15 year wait to get back to the top flight if they don‘t lose points), which, were it to happen right at the moment, they would be sixth in the table, with is the final play off spot. It would add a bit of drama to the end of the Championship season, however, it is hard to deny QPR their success, because of the way they perform on the pitch. Having lost just five matches all season in the league and having a rock solid defence, QPR boss Neil Warnock really has done an incredible job of building a team spirit at the club. Still, all the looming threat of docked points didn’t stop QPR boss Neil Warnock from celebrating with a big cheesy grin on his face, and now two of the clubs who will be looking to join QPR in the Premier League next year, get their chance on Monday to take a step closer to promotion. Here we will take a look at the two feature games on Monday, as Norwich City and Cardiff City look to get just that little bit closer. Assuming QPR do take get their promotion spot, there is an almighty race for the other automatic promotion spot. Norwich are sitting there at the moment, eight points behind QPR with a game in hand, and just one point ahead of Cardiff City.

Portsmouth v Norwich Betting Odds

Back at the start of December, Pompey scored a surprise 2-0 away victory at Norwich, so there will be some revenge in the minds of the title chasing Canaries. They just need to keep winning in their final two games to secure that second promotion spot and avoid the uncertainties of the play offs. They are in good enough form to take down a bottom half of the table Portsmouth, as Norwich have won their last three matches in the Championship, including a massive 5-1 derby victory over rivals Ipswich at Portman Road. The Canaries have been stuttering on the road though of late, as that win was their first triumph on the road in four matches (two draws and one defeat accounting for the other matches). Norwich are the Championship’s top scorers, having netted eighty times, and they average a league leading 1.82 goals per match this season. Pretty impressive, and they are the second most in form team according to the Championship for table, having taken 17 points from their last eight matches. In that period, Norwich have picked up five wins, two draws and one defeat. That defeat, against play off bound Swansea City, was Norwich’s only defeat in their last fourteen league matches. Portsmouth v Norwich betting odds are leaning heavily towards an away win. A win against Portsmouth would really put Norwich in the driving seat, and you really have to look at Norwich to deliver the goods here. You can actually see if Norwich deliver the goods or not with Bet365’s Live Football Stream, as the match is being streamed by the online bookmaker on Monday, live! Pompey are really struggling at the moment, not having won a match in their last six, and not being very heavy scorers either. So, basically it is like this, if Norwich win and Cardiff fail to, then the Canaries will be singing all the way back to the top flight of English football again.
Norwich 10/11, Draw 13/5, Pompey 11/4

Cardiff v Middlesbrough Betting Odds

Well, the Welsh side have home advantage, while Norwich face a tricky away test. After going through a really found patch in November and December, Swansea have picked up their pace just at the right time of the season to put themselves in touch of playing in the Premier League. With five wins, three draws and no defeats in their last eight matches, Cardiff are the in form team of the Championship. They find themselves trailing second placed Norwich by four points, so they know that they can afford nothing less than a win in this penultimate game of their regular season. They are secure enough to take a play off spot at the worst, but they want more than that naturally, and have to keep pressing on, because if QPR get docked points, then an automatic promotion could still be in the pipeline. Cardiff went to Middlesbrough at the start of December, and came away empty handed after a 1-0 defeat. That was in during a period where they won just one matches in seven (losing five) during the end of 2010, but they bounced back with a very strong January and February. It is all down to the wire now for Cardiff, who have lost just three home matches all season in the league. If you want to see how Cardiff fare, then you can the action live from this one as well at Bet365’s live streaming service. The match is on there live on Monday for funded account holders and Cardiff v Middlesbrough betting odds can be taken at the bookie, the match can be watched and you can be live in play as you are watching it! Cardiff are on a run of four home matches with no defeat, winning two and drawing two. In their last six Championship league matches, Cardiff have won five out of the last six. Only a 2-2 draw against QPR blotted their copybook in that sequence of game. As it stands, all Cardiff can do is win (which they should do against 16th placed Middlesbrough) and hope second placed Norwich drop points. It is going to be a big Monday in the Championship promotion race.
Cardiff City to win: 815, Draw: 3/1, Middlesbrough to win: 5/1

Bet365 also run a football betting promotion which covers all games listed on their website. Place a bet on any Correct Score, Half Time/Full Time or Scorecast markets and if the game ends in 0-0 draw then you will get your lost stakes refunded as a free bet.

Friday 2^nd April

English League 1

Tranmere Rovers v Norwich City

Norwich can take another massive step towards the automatic promotion and the League 1 title with a win on Good Friday away at relegation threatened Tranmere.

Tranmere have struggled for much of the season thanks to the disastrous appointment of John Barnes as manager last summer. After a run of horrendous results, Barnes was sacked to be replaced by the club’s physio Les Parry. His appointment saw an upturn in results and for a while it looked as though they’d be comfortable from relegation. However 1 win in their last 6 games have seen them slip back down the table and back into the final relegation spot. Their destiny is still very much in their own hands however as they have a game in hand so they know what it will take to stay in the division.

Norwich managed to score in the 90^th minute last week to defeat Leeds 1-0 at Carrow road in what has surely sealed their return to the Championship at the first time of asking. They are now 11 points clear of last weeks opponents with 8 games to go. Paul Lambert will never admit to it being over until it’s mathematically impossible for them to be caught but it looks all but over. Should they win tonight they will be on course to clinch promotion with 3 more victories and would remain in the hunt for a staggering 100 points. It is a phenomenal achievement for Lambert in his first season as boss of what is still a very big club in England.

Norwich have won on their last 3 visits to Prenton Park and the odds are very much stacked in their favour to make it 4 in a row. Tranmere’s only win in 6 attempts was against mid-table Southampton back at the start of last month. They have since lost to an out of form Leeds and also to Brighton. Norwich have only lost one away game in the league since the middle of October, and with Chris Martin, Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt all available, I expect them to take another big step towards their ultimate aim of promotion with their 6^th win from their last 7.

My selection: Norwich City to beat Tranmere at a best priced 3/4 available with Totesport

Saturday 3^rd April

English Premier League

Manchester United v Chelsea

A massive game by anyone’s definition as the top two in the Premier League meet at Old Trafford with Chelsea looking to topple league leaders Manchester United.

All the talk this week has been about the injury to Wayne Rooney which rules the inform striker out for at least the next fortnight, possibly longer. It’s a monumental blow to Sir Alex Ferguson as Rooney has taken on the lead mans role since Ronaldo’s summer departure to Real Madrid. His loss will no doubt hamper United’s surge for 4 league titles in a row, and the Champions league, but it’s a long way from ending it. Many people forget the quality of Dimitar Berbatov who will come in to replace Rooney. The Bulgarian is a huge talent and has got 12 league goals himself, so although he may not be in the same form as Rooney, he will feel he has something to prove and will be determined to take his chance now Rooney is injured.

Chelsea will be able to call upon their star striker Didier Drogba despite the hitman missing last weeks 7-1 win over Aston Villa with an injury scare. He will no doubt be restored to the starting line-up despite that fabulous win last weekend. He will be Chelsea’s biggest threat and will surely be up for the game after disappointing in Chelsea’s most recent big match – at home to Inter in the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have hit back in recent weeks after their European exit and then dropping points at Ewood Park in a 1-1 draw. They have since hit 12 goals in 2 games taking maximum points along the way. Key to this resurgence in form has been Frank Lampard with the midfielder notching 6 goals in two games. He has had a quiet season by his own high standards but he could be hitting form at just the right moment.

Ferguson is likely to go with Berbatov upfront himself, supported by Nani on one side and Antonio Valenica on the other. It’s a formation which has served United very well in recent years and it’s one which I think will suit Berbatov’s style of play. United will look to get the ball wide and get balls into the box for their striker who will thrive on the service. Anything he won’t be able to get on goal, he will be looking to lay back to the likes of Darren Fletcher and whoever else will play in the advanced midfield role, either Paul Scholes or Park Ji Sung. Chelsea on the other hand will probably go with a front 3 of Drogba, Nicholas Anelka and Florent Malouda. Between them they have over 50 goals in the league already this season so will pose a huge threat to a United defence which looked shaky in their 2-1 loss to Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

It really is an intriguing match which could go either way, especially with Rooney absent. From a betting perspective there are plenty of attractive propositions away from the outcome of the match itself as I think it’s too close to call. I’ve picked out 3 bets which I think are good value and suit the type of game as well as what is at stake.

My selections: Both teams to score at a best priced 5/6 available with Betfred

Paulo Ferreira to be booked at a best priced 9/ 2 available at Skybet

Manchester United to have over 6 corners at a best priced EVENS available with Paddypower

Good Luck and have an enjoyable holiday weekend

Apologies for the late post, I was holding off as much as possible to see which games will survive the horrific weather conditions in the country today.

 Saturday 19^th December

Scottish Premier League

St Johnstone v St Mirren

Gus McPherson takes his St Mirren side to MacDiarmid Park to take on St Johnstone in a match that will give the victors some much needed breathing space at the foot of the table.

The home side have earned many plaudits from other clubs managers and supporters for their exciting approach to the game. They have the 5^th highest goals for in the league which is no mean feat for a side who have just been promoted to the top league in Scotland. They have, however, conceded the most amount of goals in the league, with 29, 4 more than any other team. Their cause is not likely to be helped today with Derek McInnes’ missing at least 7 players for today’s match. One of those who is definitely out of the game is Collin Samuel. The striker is not only his teams top scorer, he’s also arguably their most important player. He leads the line well and gives them the option to go in behind with his pace.

St Mirren have struggled for wins off late, with none in their last 6 league matches. It’s a bit of surprise that they have struggled as much lately, especially after comfortable wins over Hearts and Falkirk in October. They have missed their talisman Andy Dorman in recent weeks as the Welsh International has picked up a long term injury. His absence has taken away a lot of the creativity from the St Mirren side. The emphasis for McPherson’s side is now more on getting the ball up earlier to their physical strikers, Michael Higdon and Billy Mehmet. Both were troublesome for the Falkirk defence last week, with the former netting a spectacular goal in the 1-1 draw.

The spoils were shared when these sides last met back in September. The parks were far better than what they are now, the players were fresher and there was still a surprise element to St Johnstone’s style of play. 3 month’s on, the parks are beginning to cut up, the  squads are  suffering from injuries and suspension and there is the suspicion that other teams are becoming wise to McInnes’ tactics. This is highlighted by a defeat to Kilmarnock in their last home match. Killie, much like St Mirren, were coming off the back of a poor run of form and their style of play is very similar to that of Gus McPherson’s side. With that in mind, and with the amount of key players the home side are missing, I just feel that St Mirren have the knack of winning against teams in and around them, especially when they’re not playing too well.

My selection: St Mirren to beat St Johnstone

Best odds available: 9/4 available with several bookmakers including Coral

English League 1

Norwich v Huddersfield

A match between these two sides at this time of year has all the makings of a Christmas cracker as Paul Lambert’s 3^rd placed City play host to 5^th placed Town.

Paul Lambert has transformed the fortunes of the Carrow road side since his appointment in August. He has got the team playing exciting and productive football which has catapulted them up the league table, sitting comfortably within the play-off positions and with a real chance of automatic promotion. He has built his side around his captain, Grant Holt. The prolific striker has already notched 13 goals this season since his move from Shrewsbury in the summer. It’s not just goals which Holt brings to the side; he is an excellent team player. He holds the ball up, he links up well with the midfield and is always willing to work back to help out his defenders. His performances, coupled with the consistent displays by his team-mates, have resulted in only 1 defeat in 16 league matches. This is a staggering run of form at any time in any league, but it’s even more impressive when it’s a new manager in such a fiercely competitive league.

I’ve previewed Huddersfield several times already this season so I think we all know what I think of them. I am a big fan of their attacking philosophy both home and away and I fully expect them to be in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season. Lee Clark will know that these games will be the true test of how far his team has come this season as Norwich have only lost 1 game at home all season, and that was under former manager Bryan Gunn. Town have let themselves down on the road this season, picking up just 8 points from a possible 30. They will know that they have to improve on their travels, sooner rather than later.

Having watched both sides on a couple of occasions this term, I think this will be an open match with more than a couple of goals and both sides scoring. The managers are attacking by nature and set their teams up to win games. Huddersfield showed a couple of weeks ago when drawing 2-2 at Elland Road that they are able to give anyone a game, home or away. Norwich, however, are very strong at home and I just think that Holt and Chris Martin will pose too much of a threat to a porous Huddersfield defence.

My selection:  Norwich to beat Huddersfield

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

Sunday 20^th December

Scottish Premier League

Hearts v Celtic

This fixture has proved to be problematic for Celtic in recent times as they never get it easy when travelling to Tynecastle to take on suspension and injury ravaged Hearts.

Hearts have had a disastrous start to the season and currently find themselves in 8^th position, 6 points off of the bottom and 20 points off top spot. Their discipline has once again let them down, especially recently. They have had 3 red cards in the last 4 matches which has been extremely detrimental to their fortunes and results. They have only picked up 1 win in 9 league games which is basically relegation form in any league. For tomorrow’s match, they will be missing Ian Black and Suso Santana who are both suspended whilst Christian Nade is also set to miss out due to injury. This will likely mean a start for fit again Calum Elliot upfront which will mean even more reliance on their midfielders to get forward in support.

Celtic have turned their season around in recent weeks with 5 games unbeaten and some very encouraging performances in the process. 3 home wins in a row was followed by a come from behind victory away to Motherwell and then most recently on Thursday night, they secured a morale boosting 3-3 draw in Europe, despite being 3-0 down inside 20 minutes. In all 5 of these matches they have demonstrated a strong resolve as well as a will to win which was sadly lacking in some games at the start of the season. A lot of this will be down to a settled team, especially in the centre of the pitch. Marc Crosas has formed a very decent partnership with Landry N’Guemo in midfield whilst Gary Caldwell and Glenn Loovens are settled at the back as are Scott McDonald and Girgios Samaras upfront. This consistency has meant more impressive performances and improved confidence in the side. One man pushing for a start is Marc-Antoine Fortune. The £3.8m striker has scored 3 in his last 2 so will be hoping to dislodge Samaras, especially as the Greek is struggling with injury.

These games are very competitive and the midfield will play a big part for both sides. Aiden McGeady, despite being in danger of missing the derby match in January, will most likely play and he is in excellent form. He creates chances and has added goals in recent months, with 5 already in the league. Hearts have been very poor of late, but it would not be a surprise to anyone if they turn in a strong performance tomorrow. Even still, Celtic are in good form and will always score goals, with their increased confidence and key players finding form, I fancy them to win tomorrow.

My selection: Celtic to beat Hearts

Best odds available: 4/6 available with Totesport

Good Luck and Merry Christmas

First things first, I can’t apologise enough for my awful selections last weekend. A freak occurrence such as Manchester United losing 4 goals at Old Trafford in the Premiership for the first time 1992 only happens once, well every 17 years, so I’ll not dwell too long on that. However, the Swansea pick was even worse from my perspective, I failed to take into account the fact the Swans were without a couple of key defenders and I can only offer my apologies once again.

Let’s hope this week’s picks return more positive results.

Saturday 21^st March

English Championship

Birmingham v Norwich City

We delve back into the Championship this week for a clash between two sides, both of whom are on a decent run of form. Norwich have won 3 of their last 4, including impressive wins over Cardiff at home and QPR on the road. Birmingham have also won 3 of their last 4 as well as their last 3 at home.

Both sides need to keep on winning for very different reasons. The hosts are sitting pretty, currently 3 points off of top place and occupying that all important 2^nd automatic promotion place. Norwich, however, require the points the steer themselves away from the drop zone. Sitting 4^th bottom and just one point above the 3^rd relegation spot held by Nottingham Forest.

Birmingham are in the fortunate position of most of their key players returning from injury at the same time. Strikers Gary O’Connor and Kevin Phillips both take their place in the squad for tomorrow’s game whilst impressive left back, David Murphy, also looks set to play some part against City. James McFadden is also close to a return although tomorrow’s match will be too soon for the Scottish internationalist. With this caliber of player returning, there is sure to be a feel good factor surrounding the club.

The away side, on the other hand, has the opposite problem. Not only is key player Wes Hoolahan out of the rest of the season, star midfielder Darrel Russell is suspended for two matches, starting tomorrow, after a silly last minute sending off last weekend against Plymouth. These two players have been excellent for the Canaries this term and will be sorely missed at St Andrews.

Norwich’s away form has not been great throughout the season although they did pick up a vital 3 points away to QPR as mentioned earlier on. That was only their 3^rd away success this term however whilst they have lost a total of 12 games on their travels. City have only taken 1 point from the top 8 sides when playing away from home this season. Birmingham have the 2^nd best home record in the league after Preston and also have the joint best defensive record along with Cardiff City, conceding a mere 13 in 19 games.

This will be both sides last game before the International break and both will be doubly determined to sign off with a positive result. Birmingham have a lot of experience within their squad and have been in this position enough times recently to know what it takes to get promoted. Their returning stars, especially the strikers, will be a huge boost and the 4/5 on offer atBet365   is value for a team with such a good home record.

My selection: Birmingham to beat Norwich City

Sunday 22^nd March

Scottish Premier League

Dundee United v Celtic

Celtic are coming off the back of a morale boosting cup final win against arch rivals Rangers last weekend and well head to Dundee in confident mood. The home side have struggled for consistency since Christmas but will be sure to raise their game for the visit of the Champions.

Gordon Strachan’s Celtic have themselves been erratic since the turn of the New Year but are past masters at timing their run with perfection in the race for their 4^th successive Championship. Currently 3 points ahead of Rangers, they will most likely be in 2^nd place come Sunday’s match as Rangers play at home to Hearts on Sunday and if the win, will go ahead on goal difference.

Dundee United are running the risk of repeating last season’s mistake of faltering at the wrong time in the race for the all elusive 3^rd place and the European football which comes with it. Craig Levein has had to do without a couple of key players for most of 2009 who were pivotal to their excellent run from September through to December. Willo Flood was signed by Sunday’s opponents and may play a part against his old side, whilst Scott Robertson was their best player in the first half of the season and he has been injured since January. These two have been missed hugely and it shows in their results. The Arabs have lost 6 of their last 10 in all competitions, only winning twice.

Celtic look set to bring in a couple of fresh faces after the energy sapping extra-time success last Sunday at Hampden. Scott McDonald is expected to be joined by either Samaras or Vennegoor of Hesselink upfront after playing as a lone striker last week whilst Marc Crosas or Flood should come into the middle of the park.

Strachan’s sides have enjoyed their visits to Tannadice since the flame-haired Scot took over in 2005. In 6 visits, the Hoops have been successful 4 times with the other two matches ending in draws. Celtic’s away form has been cause for concern of late having only been victorious in 1 out of their last 4 matches on the road.

Despite that stat, I expect Celtic to be buoyant after securing the League Cup in the fashion they did and should just have too much for an ailing United side. Snap up the 8/11 on offer at Boylesports.

My selection: Celtic to beat Dundee United