Reading

Monday 26th December

English Premier League

Manchester United v Wigan

Manchester United have rediscovered their form in recent weeks so go into the Boxing Day clash with Wigan in high spirits despite trailing neighbours City by two points.

Sir Alex Ferguson was coming under pressure from a few quarters after his side’s Champions League elimination to Basle at the start of the month but he has been in similar situtations before and will have laughed off claims that this United side are not as good as one’s from recent history. Despite not being top at Christmas this year, United have actually accumulated more points compared to this stage last season. Wednesday’s 5-0 away win against Fulham was their second win in London in a three days after a comfortable 2-0 success at Loftus Road against QPR. The most pleasing aspect for Ferguson will have been the amount of chances they created in those games as well as the 4-1 over Wolves in their last home match. It was getting back to something like the form they showed at the beginning of the season when their attacking play was immense and they were scoring goals for fun. With back to back home matches in their last couple of games of 2011 against Wigan and Blackburn, it provides United with the perfect opportunity to boost their goal difference as it may well come down to that at the end of the season with the two Manchester clubs so evenly matched.

Wigan are coming to the end of a difficult run of fixtures after playing both Chelsea and Liverpool at the DW Stadium within the space of a week. They managed to get a draw out both of those games despite looking like second best for the majority of both games. A late leveller from Jordi Gomez against Chelsea last Saturday and a penalty save from Charlie Adam’s spot kick against Liverpool may prove to be vital come May. It’s so tight at the bottom of the table that every point counts and those two draws are as valuable as wins when you consider the opposition. Monday’s match may well be the most difficult of the lot with the form of United so Roberto Martinez has to get his players to take confidence from the two home games and use it when they go to Old Trafford. Currently still in the bottom three, any sort of result on Monday would be a massive bonus and would mean they had played three of the divison’s best sides and remained unbeaten. In order to get a result, however, Wigan must begin the game better than they did on Wednesday against Liverpool as they could have lost the game in the opening half hour if it wasn’t for their goalkeeper and their opponents being so wasteful infront of goal.

Wayne Rooney has scored in each of his last three games including an excellent strike in the comprehensive win against Fulham. His double against Wolves were his first goals since October and his first strikes in the league since September. The fact he has 13 goals to his name this season in league competition alone shows how prolific he wss in the early stage of the season. His return to form also proves how important he is to United’s attacking play so Ferguson, his team-mates and the supporters will be hoping that he can continue it over the course of the rest of the season.

Unsurprisingly Wigan have struggled to accumulate points on the road again this season with five defeats from their first eight matches on the road. Their two victories, however, came in their last two matches away from the DW Stadium against West Brom and Sunderland. They will definitely improve the morale of the team when they make the short trek to Manchester but they will also be under no illusions as to how difficult it will be. The last four games between the two clubs have yielded zero points for Wigan, zero goals for Wigan and a woeful 16 goals against.

No surprise to read that I think United will continue their dominance against a Wigan side they have never failed to win against and it will be a comfortable one at that.

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

Best odds available: 11/8 available with Boylesports

English Championship

Reading v Brighton

Reading will be aiming to continue their recent good form against a Brighton side who have lost their last two.

After losing Shane Long to West Brom at the start of the season, Reading found it difficult to get any sort of consistency to their game and it was obvious that the other players had not adjusted to both Long’s departure and the loss of captain Matt Mills who joined Leicester. Slowly but surely, however, the Royals are finding their best form at just the right time with the games coming thick and fast. Last week’s 1-0 win over Leeds at Elland Road was their fourth win from their last five and it means that they have climed the table in recent weeks and are just outside the play-off positions. Three defeats in 15 is good going considering the competitive nature of the Championship and the difference in recent weeks has been the conversion of draws into wins which of course, makes all the difference. The players will take most confidence from their last two wins against Leeds and West Ham as they are sides which are in and around them at the moment.

Brighton looked as though they had recovered from their indifferent spell after a great start to the season. Three straight wins got their season back on track and they were threatening the teams in the play-off zone but they followed that run up with two consecutive losses against Burnely and Middlesbrough, both by a solitary goal. Gus Poyet will not be too disheartened by those results considering the teams that did beat them were in good form and they were also closely fought encounters as well. He may be more worried by the fact that his players still continue to struggle infront of goal. The Seagulls have managed just six goals from their last 10 games so it’s evident where they need to improve. Their top scorer, record signing Craig Mackail-Smith, has just six goals in the league and has scored just one goals in his last 13 games for his club side.

With the goals of Shane Long, well, long gone, Reading have had to spread the goals around the team as opposed to relying on one man for the majority of their strikes. Adam Le Fondre has managed five, Simon Church has six and then it’s a case of a handful of players having two or three to their name, including Noel Hunt. It is noticeable, however, that Reading are not as potent infront of goal this term as compared to previous season when they had the likes of Long, Kevin Doyle and Dave Kitson.

Brighton have managed even less goals to date but they still remain dangerous and as the old saying goes, if you keep a clean sheet, you can’t lose. The story of Brighton’s season is that when they do keep a clean sheet, they normally win. Six of Brighton’s nine wins have came with clean sheets so they will be hoping they can keep Reading’s forwards out in order to aid their chances of coming away with a win which would put them ahead of their opponents.

I can see this match being particularly close as the sides are very evenly matched in terms of ability as well as their current league positions and records to date. Reading are in slightly better form going into the match but that can often count for nothing in this league. Brighton have lost three of their last four away form home in the league with their only win being against a Derby side who were in terrible form at the time. With that in mind, I am on the home team’s side to prevail – just!

My Selection: Reading to beat Brighton

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Betfred

English League One

Walsall v Sheffield Wednesday

Second top Sheffield Wednesday travel to Walsall hoping to keep the pressure on league leaders Charlton.

Walsall have been in and around the relegation places for much of the season and find themselves occupying the final position in the dropzone ahead of Wednesday’s vist – on Monday. Their recent form has been littered with draws, four in the last five to be precise. It’s a lot better than losing four of their last five but if teams close to them are getting the odd win it makes it so much harder to climb the table. Charlton visited in the middle of the month and could only manage a draw so although their fans will be hoping that they are converted into wins sooner rather than later, they will be delighted with the players’ desire and hardwork, especially against the better sides in the league. Manager Dean Smith will no doubt take heart from that performance as well when the Owl’s come to town and will be reminding his players that it will take the same level of performance if they wish to get anything out the match on Boxing Day.

Wednesday were involved in the game of the season in League One last Saturday against Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield. After going down 2-0 early on, Wednesday recovered and eventually took a 4-2 lead late on only to end up with the one point after Jordan Rhodes scored two late goals and rescued a point for their visitors. Gary Megson is not known for his side’s free flowing football so he will be disappointed that they not only failed to win, but also because they conceded four goals at home. That will be fresh in the mind for Megson and his defenders so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the away side adopt a slightly more conservative approach, especially early on against Walsall.

Walsall have still not won since October but for the reason’s mentioned earlier in this preview, the result of Monday’s match is certainly not a forgone conclusion. Jon Macken scored against Charlton as well as when these sides last met back in April so he’ll be closely monitored by the Wednesday defence and is the biggest threat for the home side.

Wednesday will again be without Gary Madine who is out with a broken toe but the four goals last week prove they are still very dangerous going forward. Nicky Weaver is expected to come into goal as Stephen Bywater has returned to his parent club after his loan spell. Wednesday have been in excellent form on the road of late with three straight league wins and four in all competitions.

Wednesday are in far better form than their Boxing Day hosts and I expect them to go one better than Charlton by taking all three points.

My Selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Walsall

Best odds available: 10/11 available with Totesport

Finally, I hope all readers have a very Merry Christmas. Let’s hope Boxing Day brings with it a few delayed presents.

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

Sunday 29th May 2011

English League 1 Play-Off Final

Huddersfield v Peterborough

My Selection: Over 2.5 goals

Best odds available: 3/4 available with Bet365

Huddersfield will be aiming to return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 2001 but they must get the better of a Peterborough side who have hit top gear since Darren Ferguson returned as manager.

Huddersfield have been a model of consistency this season which is emphasised by the fact they haven’t defeated since the back end of 2010, a run of 27 games. It’s a tremendous run of form which was only bettered by Southampton’s closing matches which was eventually good enough to pip the Yorkshire club to the second automatic promotion spot. Lee Clark has been able to rally his troops for another charge at the Championship door as they overcame stern opposition in the shape of Bournemouth in the semi-finals, on penalties. It was a typical play-off game which included many emotions for fans, players and management alike. What it did prove is that Huddersfield look to be more resolute this season than in the past, which they have been criticised for.

Peterborough were the top scorers in England this season amassing an amazing 106 goals in the league alone. Entertainment has been a constant which is more than can be said for their form as they have been up and down like a yo-yo at times. Having sacked Gary Johnson in early January, the club looked to a former boss in the shape of Darren Ferugson who had previously left under a cloud for pastures new. The prodigal son has turned things around and steered the Posh to the Play-Off final to return to the Championship at the first time of asking. They have had to do it the hard way however as the club have sold one of their three prized assests in the shape of Aaron McLean. Having got the better of MK Dons over two legs in their own semi, the Posh head into tomorrow’s match knowing that they have to do something that teams have failed to do 27 times – defeat Huddersfield.

As you would expect over the course of a long season, there is not much to split these two teams. Huddersfield managed to accumulate four more points whilst the two games the sides contested during the regular season resulted in a draw and a win for Huddersfield – both were extremely tight despite being very entertaining.

One thing that can normally be assured when these two sides meet is goals. In the last six games there have been 27 goals so it despite being a desperately hard match to call, it does bode well for plenty of chances and hopefully goals.

The final will take place at Old Trafford as Wembley is being used and prepared for tonights Champions League final. Being in the North-West could just swing it in favour of Huddersfield who should have the majority of the support behind them.

The bookies find it just as hard to split the two sides so rather than attempt that, I’m sticking with goals in this game.

Monday 30th May 2011

Swansea v Reading

My Selection: Swansea to beat Reading

Best odds available: 17/10 avaialable with William Hill

Bank Holiday Monday is the traditional day when two Championship sides clash with the ultimate prize being a place in England’s top flight, this year see’s Reading aiming for a return against a Swansea side who have yet to taste the Premier League.

Brendan Rodgers will be in a strange position on Monday as he will lead out his Swansea side knowing that it could very well have been the opposition he was walking out with. Rodgers was sacked as Reading manager despite not being given an appropriate amount of time. He has done exceptionally well since becoming Swans manager, surpassing all expectation and leading his players to within one game of the promised land. Not only have the Welsh club been effective and successful this season, they have achieved it by playing excellent, attacking football. Rodgers’ philosophy has never wavered and he has remained loyal to it. Central to that style of play has been Darren Pratley who illustrated his importance by scoring the clinching goal in the semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Pratley has been linked with a move away all season but it’s not affected his performances as he has notched 10 goals from midfield in the league alone.

There is always one side who go on a run of form at the tail end of the season to secure a play-off spot and this year it’s Reading’s turn. The Royals have lost just one from their last 18 league games, a tremendous run by anyone’s standards. Boss Brian McDermott has been an unsung hero having gone about his business very quietly with little fuss. He has proven he is capable of handling the big occasion as well as his side’s FA Cup exploits have shown with victories against Everton and Liverpool in recent seasons. Many will be cursing Reading as their comprehensive defeat of Cardiff in the semi-final deprived the public of a Welsh Derby at Wembley. It would have been unique but it was plain to see that Cardiff had run their race long before the second leg of the return leg – Reading were streets ahead.

No matter what happens at Wembley on Monday one thing looks certain – Shane Long will be playing in next season’s Premier League. The striker has attracted interest from numerous top flight clubs after a prolific season in the Championship. If Reading are not successful then it’s likely he’ll head for pastures new.

The size of the Wembley pitch may well be a factor on Monday as both sides play the game rather differently. Reading have been very successful at hitting on the break with the pace of Long upfront whilst Swansea like to keep the ball and probe away looking for openings. If Swansea to get into a rythm they will be hard to peg back as their technique is exceptional.

I expect a fantastic match with so many gifted players in form. I am siding with the Welsh side as they have impressed me throughout this season with their attitude and desire as well as their excellent performances.

Saturday 23^rd October

English Championship

Burnley v Reading

Both Burnley and Reading have tasted top flight action in recent years and will be determined for points tomorrow in an effort to return to the Premier League.

Brian Laws had a pretty disastrous spell when taking over from Owen Coyle at the start of the year. Three wins from 19 premier league games meant relegation and a straight return to the Championship; there were even calls for him to be sacked before the start to this season. He survived those claims however, and both he and his side have came out fighting. 20 points from their first dozen games means they find themselves in a very promising position of fourth, just six points off of 2^nd placed Cardiff City. The majority of their points have come at Turf Moor (16 in total) but they have only suffered a couple of defeats on the road at the same time, proving they are in pretty good form and also hard to beat.

I previewed Reading last week in their home match against Swansea and to say that their performance and result was a disappointment is an understatement. Tepid, indecisive and disjointed were three words that could apply for that game, as well as their most recent match – another 1-0 loss, this time away to Bristol City. Despite my confidence last week, there are signs there that Reading are beginning to struggle now after a very decent spell. One point from their last three and two goals scored in their last four suggest that something is amiss at the Madejski Stadium. It may just be a case of freshening things up and giving some of their younger players who have played a lot, a rest. Brian McDermott is still a novice as a manager at this level so it will be interesting to see how he can cope with this slump in form and what he does to both halt it and improve things.  

Without doubt, Burnley’s star man and player in form so far this season, has been former Manchester United youngster, Chris Eagles. The midfielder has been in scintillating form thus far earning the plaudits and praise of Brian Laws in the press. The midweek win over Barnsley saw Eagles net another two goals to bring his season tally to six (five in his last four games) resulting in Laws describing him as unplayable at the minute. Eagles has always threatened to be a quality player but has suffered from massive inconsistencies so he has to now build on his latest good efforts and ensure it lasts for the majority of the season. His battle up against Reading left back, Ian Harte, is sure to be one of the more intriguing match-up’s tomorrow afternoon.

Bristol City are the only team to have left Turf Moor with a point this season as the likes of Hull, Leicester and Nottingham Forest have all been defeated. Burnley also notched a famous victory over Coyle’s new club, Bolton in the league cup earlier in the season. With the form Burnley are in at home weighted against how poor and lacklustre Reading have been of late, I strongly fancy the home side to gain all three points.

My selection: Burnley to beat Reading

Best odds available: EVENS from a host of bookmakers including Betfred

English Championship

Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town

Nottingham Forest and Ipswich both have a rich history of success, both domestically and in Europe, they meet each other at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon, looking for points in a bid to boost their chances of writing another chapter.

Nottingham Forest done ever so well to reach the play-offs last season in what was Billy Davies’ first full season in charge. Davies was forever telling the media and supporters that it would have been too early for the club to go to the Premier League. That may just have been bluster but with their start to this season, added to the amount of youngsters in their squad, then it may have been wise words after all. Forest started very slowly, much like last season, but there are signs that things are beginning to turn around heading into the winter months. One defeat in 11 matches has somewhat consolidated their position before hopefully, for them, pushing further up the table. Of those 11 matches, seven have ended in draws which have somewhat curtailed their progress up the league. Their last three home games have witnessed a return of seven points, wins against Middlesbrough and Swansea, and a draw with Sheffield United. Continuing this good form will be pivotal to any hopes of gaining promotion this season, especially at home.

Roy Keane endured a terrible start to last season with his Ipswich side which set the tone for much of the season as they were rarely out of the bottom quarter of the league for the majority of the season. Another year older, another year wiser, the Tractor boys have started this season much, much better. They are only two points and places outside the play-off places, giving themselves a far better chance of succeeding in their wish to be promoted after spending a considerable amount of money for the league. The last week, however, has seen two defeats in a row, one at home to Coventry and the other during midweek away to Watford. Keane will be stressing to his players the importance of halting this mini slump as soon as possible in order to stave off a lack of confidence or belief within the team itself.

Forest built their season around their home form in the last campaign. They suffered jut three defeats at the City ground last season and basically made it a fortress. What’s also interesting to note about last year, was that they really started to push on and put a run together from a similar point of the season to the one we’re currently at. Between the 27^th of September and the 6^th of February, Forest suffered only one defeat in the league. Davies knows the Championship inside out after spells with Derby and Preston before joining Forest, and he will know that it’s around this time of year where you can really give yourself a chance and put yourself in a position to challenge for the 2^nd half of the season.

Ipswich have looked sluggish of late which doesn’t bode well for tomorrow’s game. It doesn’t bode well ahead of their visit to the City Ground as Forest have not been defeated there in 25 matches. It’s also been over a decade since Ipswich won at the ground. A home win would put Nottingham Forest above tomorrow’s opponents and it’s one I believe they are capable of getting.

My selection: Nottingham Forest to beat Ipswich

Best odds available: 6/5 available with Ladbrokes

Saturday 16^th October

English Premier League

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

Top league domestic action returns with a bang at Craven Cottage as Fulham entertain Spurs in what is sure to be a frantic London derby.

After seven games in the Premier League this season, Fulham remain only one of two teams still to taste defeat, along with Manchester City. Mark Hughes has certainly built from the back and made his new side resolute and hard to beat, but also ensuring that they score goals going the other way as they have only failed to score in two of their seven matches. Their home form has been good for several years, it was taken started by Rod Hodgson before Hughes took over in the summer and it’s been taken forward by the present incumbent. Having only played three games thus far at home, they have amassed 5 points. It may not sound very impressive from face value, but when you consider they have played both Everton and Manchester United already, it suggests that the Cottage will remain a fortress once again this season. The aim for Hughes now is to turn draws into wins. With six stalemates from their opening seven matches laying good foundations, it’s now a case of improving on that if they wish to challenge for Europe again.

Spurs have been rather inconsistent compared to tomorrow’s hosts in terms of fluctuating results but they remain above Fulham simply because of more wins. Seven games have brought 3 wins, 2 defeats and 2 draws. Harry Redknapp would have probably expected that kind of pattern of results as his side embark on their first Champions League campaign of the season. It’s a hard thing for any club to do, manage domestic aspirations and challenge on the European stage, but Spurs are mere novices at this and it’s still early days but things look to be heading on the right track. Their away form is a pretty similar with three games boasting one of each outcome. Their most recent away fixture was another London derby against West Ham. Spurs dominated large spells of that game but were unable to convert one of many chances. This was, in part, down to the fact that they had several of their key players out injured, including Jermaine Defoe.

Neither side has had their troubles to seek in the injury department with both clubs missing key personnel already. Defoe was joined by Luca Modric and Michael Dawson on the treatment table with Modric the only one of the trio available for tomorrow. Fulham have had to endure the massive loss of Bobby Zamora who has broken his leg and will be out till the New Year. His absence was further compounded with the loss of Moussa Dembele who is also missing for the visit of their London neighbours.

These games have been notoriously tight of late with five of the last eight meetings at the Cottage ending in a draw, three of which have been goalless. It highlights how contested and competitive these games have become despite the difference in stature of the two clubs involved. There is little to suggest that tomorrow’s game will be any less competitive considering the start to the season for both clubs. I do believe, however, that the chance of goals is more likely this time around. Spurs have yet to keep a clean sheet on the road this term. From their five away matches (including European games) they have conceded eight goals and notched 7. Fulham have been slightly more conservative with three games boasting a total of seven goals.

Spurs very rarely draw a blank in back to back games on the road whilst Fulham are even less likely to go two successive games without giving the home fans a goal. I wouldn’t put anyone off backing the draw but I believe both teams to score is a sound bet.

My selection: Fulham and Tottenham both to score

Best odds available: 3/4 available with Blue Square

English Championship

Reading v Swansea

Three goals and one position in the table are all that separates Reading and Swansea so a close game is expected as the two clash at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Reading have started where they left off last season with excellent form seeing them riding high in the table. Manager Brian McDermott took over midway through the last campaign and with a few more games, would have had a good chance of making the play-offs. This season started slowly with a mere three points from their first three games, however results have certainly picked up and they find themselves in 7^th position, just outside the play-offs on goal difference. The main reason for their healthy points total thus far has been their home form. Since their opening day defeat, they have won three and drawn one. Their last three home games have been unblemished with them taking a maximum 9 points, scoring 7 and conceding none.

Tomorrow’s match takes on an added edge. As well as the battle for points to get into the play-offs, Brendan Rodgers, the man who made way for McDermott to take over at Reading, returns to his former employers for the first time with his new club. Swansea have also carried on where they left off last season with a similar pattern emerging from their results under former manager Paulo Sousa – good at home, not so good on the road. From their 16 points on the board, only three of them have come away from home. Their away form was a problem for them last season and ultimately meant they missed out on a play-off position come the end of the season. Rodgers will be hoping that their last outing on the road is a sign of things to come as they defeated another one of his former clubs Watford, 3-2.

Reading will be looking to Jimmy Kebe to deliver once again as the midfielder has been in outstanding form already this season. With four goals already to his name, he has taken on the mantle of playmaker and main man since the £7m departure of Sigurdsson at the end of August. The visitors will be hoping that their on loan winger, Scott Sinclair, carries on in the form he was in before the International break. The young Chelsea player has scored eight goals in his last seven matches in all competitions.

Reading are on the crest of a wave at home at the moment, three straight wins have restored confidence after a shaky start and they will be determined to keep their run going, especially against their former manager. I’m always keen to side with a home side with momentum behind them and as I’m still not convinced with Swansea’s away form, I fancy Reading to get one over on their old boss.

My selection: Reading to beat Swansea

Best odds available: 23/20 with several bookmakers including William Hill

The transformation which Championship side Reading have undergone of late, has been nothing short of a miracle. Down and out near the foot of the Championship, their looked to be nothing on the horizon but relegation to League One. Up steps Brian McDermott after the much publicised departure of Steve Coppell, and out go Liverpool from the FA Cup. That victory in the Third Round replay at Anfield, has appeared to be the catalyst for a remarkable turnaround in the Royal’s fortunes. There looks to be a lot of faith around the club now, after winning 5 of their last 6 games, topped off with a 5-0 thumping of Sheffield Wednesday in their last league outing. As displayed in the Anfield heroics, they go out to the pitch with vigour and look to concentrate on playing their own game, as opposed to worrying about what the opposition is doing.

Their feats in the FA Cup didn’t stop with beating Liverpool, for there was more Premier League opposition on the horizon for them. They beat Burnley in the fourth round 1-0 and then triumphed in a replay against high flying West Brom, who are seeking automatic promotion from the Championship. They are not safe from relegation yet, but the recent run of games has put them in with a much better chance of survival. They are only one point above Sheffield Wednesday, who are third from bottom, but the bottom half of the table is so tight, that a couple more wins will see them firmly in the safety of mid table. At least there is a lot more to be optimistic about now, as they welcome Aston Villa to the Madejski Stadium, in the hope of yet another giant killing act. Could they join Portsmouth as being one the fairy-tale stories of the FA Cup 2010, by joining them in the Semi Finals?

First they will have to get past Carling Cup finalists Aston Villa, who are proving to be a resilient lot under Martin O’Neill. They get Richard Dunne back from injury, as they look to fill the disappointment of losing one Wembley final this season, by getting back there to have another crack of the whip. Villa have had a preference for not putting out full sides for cup fixtures this season, but they will be strong on Sunday, as this is now a much more trickier tie than it may have been a couple of months ago. Villa are tight at the back, which is the foundation they have built upon in order to get them into the race for fourth spot in the Premier League, as well as their successful run in the Carling Cup. They do like to play a wide game though, as well as directly hitting the pacy big men up front, notably Gabriel Agbonlahor. England dangerman James Milner is also one to watch, along with Ashley Young.

Villa have already had a scare against Championships opposition in the FA Cup this season, needing a replay to get past a battling Crystal Palace. Reading are the only team left in the competition, not to come from the Premier League, and so will have their work cut out for them. This should be a free flowing game, as the initiative will be with the home side Reading to take the game to the higher level of opposition. The Villa defence should stand tall, as they have done for most of the season, but they are not big goalscorers. Still, they went 12 games unbeaten this year, only losing that record to Man Utd in the Carling Cup final, and are in good form. But Reading, as they have proven so far during this FA Cup run, they are capable of being the downfall of teams in much higher standing than them. Will this be another great day for the underdogs?

BETTING STATS (All competitions)

Head to Head
Reading 1, Aston Villa 2
Aston Villa 3, Reading 1
Reading 2, Aston Villa 0
Aston Villa 2, Reading 1

Last 5 Match Goals
Reading: 12 For, 7 Against
Aston Villa: 12 For, 8 Against

Last 10 Match Form
Reading: W5, D2, L3
Aston Villa: W5, D4, L1

Win Percentage:
Reading have a 26.3 win percentage at home
Aston Villa have a 41.2 win percentage away from home

MATCH PRICES
Aston Villa to win: 11/13 at Expekt
Draw: 13/5 at Boylesports
Reading to win: 7/2 at Bet365

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: Villa will be favourites to take this, even if it is away from home. They managed well enough against similar opposition in Crystal Palace in a tricky replay, and will have to curb the early giant killing enthusiasm of Reading in the early stages. They will have a battle on their hands, and this could easily turn out as draw, which is something to lean towards finding coverage in the betting. If you fancy another upset will be on the cards with the buoyant Reading side going so well this year, then taking a chance on Reading +0.25 will fetch 7/5 at Paddy Power (which will bring a half win for a drawn match). Otherwise, with Villa expecting to be in the ascendancy, but not a high scoring club:
Aston Villa -1.00 Asian Handicap 11/10 at Stan James

Liverpool v Reading, Anfield, Wednesday, January 13th. Can Reading “do a Leeds” and cause a major upset in this year’s FA Cup? Credit where it is due, they were probably the better of the two teams when they met, with Steven Gerrard having to come to Liverpool’s rescue to claim a 1-1 tie. With the January transfer market, it will be interesting to see what, if any, changes Rafa Benitez makes to his team. That is the important factor, the team. He has signed countless squad players, just not enough of them are real quality first team players. This was again highlighted in the draw with Reading, and now they have to dig just a little bit deeper again to avoid being out of everything for this season. Liverpool aren’t going to the Premier League, they are out of the Champions League, they are out of the Carling Cup, and it will really make sorry reading for Benitez and the Kop, if they crash out of the FA Cup in the third round.

They would have had a good testing warm up on the weekend in a Premier League fixture against Tottenham, but that got abandoned due to the adverse weather. Now they have to come from a cold start to beat the lowly Championship side, but at least they will have the backing of the home fans this time around. The grit that got them through the first encounter, will probably translate into enough for them to beat Reading in all honesty. It usually is the way when it comes to cup replays like this. The underdog will usually give the bigger team a run for their money in the first match, but if the top side can at least scrounge a draw, they usually pull through in a replay.

Liverpool have seen a couple of players go, with Voronin and Dossena leaving Anfield, but there has been no movement coming back so far. Whether the money is there to make big signings is another matter, and if not, Benitez is going to have a real battle on his hands all season to keep up a challenge for a top four finish. One other departure has been Tom Hicks Jr from the Anfield board. After alleged disputes with a fan, the director stepped down. The board has been under pressure from Liverpool fans to get out of the club, including Tom Hicks Sr and George Gillett, who took on a lot of debt to buy the club, leaving their financial status in not too great a condition. Fans are unhappy about the current status of the football club, and the apparent inability to do anything to change it.

Still, all that’s for the boardroom discussions, and it is on the pitch where the football will be focused on Wednesday night. Reading are just one place out of the drop zone in the Championship, after winning just one home game all season. No doubt they will be going to Anfield and playing with all of the heart they can, and they have performed much better on the road so far. In the first encounter, they exposed a lot of Liverpool’s fragilities. If they can produce that again it will be a good entertaining match, with questions being asked of the home side. However, one needs to think how hard it really is to cause upsets, and how often they happen, even to struggling Premier League sides. Liverpool need the win, as a chase for some domestic silverware will keep the Wolves from Rafa Benitez’s door a little bit longer.

Liverpool to win: 2/9 at BetFred
Draw: 6/1 at SkyBet
Reading to win: 14/1 at Paddy Power

Saturday 22^nd August

English Championship

Preston v Peterborough

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

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

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

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

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

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

My selection: Preston to beat Peterborough

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

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

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

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

Reading v Sheffield United

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

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

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

Saturday 20^th February

Reading v Bristol City

Bristol City visit the Madejski stadium on Saturday looking to get back on track after losing their first league match since the end of December whilst the host’s will look to continue their very impressive home record.

Reading have been nothing short of sensational when playing at home this season. From 16 matches at the Madejski in the Championship this season, they have picked up maximum points on 12 occasions, losing only once – a 2-1 defeat to lowly Southampton. The key to their success at home has been their ability to hold on to nearly all their big players from last season’s relegation from the EPL. Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt and James Harper have been key to their lofty position and are all Premiership class players. Stephen Hunt’s brother, Noel, has been an inspirational signing as well for Steve Coppell. The striker has already bagged 10 goals despite starting on the bench for most of the first half of the season. As well as quality going forward, Reading also have the best home defensive record in the league, conceding just 8 all season.

Bristol City suffered their first defeat, since losing at home to Burnley in December, against Doncaster on Tuesday night. By all accounts they were poor that night, and also lucky against Southampton last weekend, despite picking up 3 points. Their recent good run has found them just outside the promotion places and credit must go to manager Gary Johnson who stuck by his philosophy of playing good football. Their overall away record has been more than decent. They have been victorious seven times on the road, losing 6. Those statistics may not tell the whole story however. All 7 of their wins have come against sides currently in the bottom half of the table whilst 4 of their 6 defeats have come against teams currently above them in the table.

Reading are currently 4 points off top spot with a couple of games in hand over the teams who occupy the automatic promotion places and know that these kind of games are crucial if they want to go straight back into the top flight. Wolves and Birmingham have been stuttering of late and Reading can put the pressure on them big time. Bristol City may prove stubborn tomorrow afternoon but I expect them to lose for the 4^th time in 5 matches at the Madejski.

My Selection: Reading to beat Bristol City

Best odds available: 8/11 with betfred

Plymouth v Sheffield United

Plymouth manager, Paul Sturrock has been under huge pressure following a run of 7 defeats from 9 games with the other 2 ending in stalemates. It could be argued that the visit of a side who have not tasted defeat in 13 away games, is not what he would have wanted.

Argyle have put up little resistance to the likes of Derby, Crystal Palace and Charlton in the last fortnight. They have conceded a total of 8 and scored just the once in the trio of games preceding tomorrow’s match. There were calls from the Plymouth fans for Sturrock to be sacked following Tuesday’s home match against Palace but the board have given the Scot a bit more time to get it sorted and Sturrock himself has come out fighting.

Sheffield United have had to contend with the loss of star man and top goalscorer, James Beattie, who was sold to Premiership side, Stoke City. Since his sale, the steel city side have struggled to win matches – they have only managed to pick up maximum points once. Having said that they are still proving stubborn to beat and their derby reverse at home to Wednesday, was the only time they have come away with nothing.

Plymouth, as you would expect from a team lying 19^th, have struggled to pick up points at Home Park this season. At what is normally a tough place to visit, they have only managed to take 18 points from a total of 16 matches, losing a staggering 8 of these (incidentally the joint worst in the division). Sheffield United on the other hand are one of the stronger sides on the road. They have won 7 of their 16 games losing just four. They have conceded the least amount of goals when playing away as well, losing just 13 all season.

You can usually tell when a team is not playing for their manager and it looks increasingly like that this is the case with Plymouth Argyle. Just 3 points outside of the relegation zone having played more games than everybody else, they are really up against it. United sit in 6^th place, the last play-off position, but know they must keep on winning to stay there. They will be looking for a repeat of their 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last term and I fancy them to get it.

My selection: Sheffield United to beat Plymouth

Best odds available: 5/4 with totesport

Inverness Caley Thistle v Hibs

Since Terry Butcher’s arrival as manager of ICT, Caley have held both Celtic and Dundee United in the league whilst defeating Kilmarnock at home in the last round of the Scottish cup. Hibs have had an indifferent season thus far and find themselves well off the pace for the coveted 3^rd spot behind the Old Firm pair.

Before Butcher took the reins, Inverness were on an abysmal run of 9 defeats in 10 league matches. They looked like a team in desperate need of a change and thankfully for the club, they got just that. They look much more solid and compact as a team, whilst also carrying more of a threat going forward. Dougie Imrie has been a key player for the Highlanders in the last month and he is just the type of player they need to have any chance of survival. Richie Foran has also been signed on loan, as has Filipe Morais, and both have these have added a bit more variety in the final third.

Hibs have struggled for consistency all season long and it shows in their recent results. From their last 6 matches, they have won 1, drawn 3, and lost 2. Derek Riordan is beginning to look more like the player he was 3 years ago when he was first at the club whilst Steven Fletcher and Rob Jones are both set to return to the side. The capital club will be disappointed with last week’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock considering their opponents barely had a fit striker. They will be determined to get back on the winning trail this week to salvage any sort of push for a European place.

Hibs’ record in Inverness is nothing short of disastrous. Not only have they failed to win at the Caledonian stadium, they have managed just a solitary goal on their trips through. They have managed an away win over ICT, but that match took place at Pittodrie which was the Highlanders home in their very first season in the SPL. Due to the feel good factor around Caley at the moment added to the mediocrity that has blighted Hibs all season long, I can’t see the home side getting beat tomorrow.

I would urge slight caution in backing ICT outright tomorrow as they have not won in the league for a long time. Instead, I’d advise backing ICT on a ‘draw no bet’. This bet means that if the game ends in a draw, your stake will be refunded or if part of a multiple, it will be declared a non-runner.

My Selection: ICT ‘Draw no bet’

Odds available:  ICT ‘Draw no bet’ = 5/6 with Bluesquare

Saturday 4th October

Wigan Athletic v Middlesbrough (Premiership) 

Wigan have played some good football this year. Their only defeat at home this season has been agains’t Chelsea (0-1), which was quite an unfair result for them. Last week Wigan beat Man City 2-1 and I think Middlesbourough will prove to be an easier opponent than City. Middlesborough haven’t picked up a point away from home yet and lost to West Brom last week which will not help their cause. Wigan have a in form striker in Amr Zaki who should be a handfull for the Middlesborough defence.

Prediction: Back Wigan to win at 2.1 (William Hill)

Reading v Burnley (Championship)

Reading have been very impressive this year, especially at home. They have won all of their 4 games at home scoring an average of 4 goals a game. In their last game they beat Wolves away which were unbeaten until then and are 1st in the Championship. Burnley have had some good results lately, but against sides that were quite average.

Prediction: Back Reading to win at 1.67 (ladbrokes). They are too good and should bring Burnley back down to earth.

Bradford v Luton Town (Div 2)

This game might be a blowout. Bradford are 4th, have won 3 out of 4 at home and have scored 15 goals in 8 games so far. Luton on the otherhand are a club in shambles who are in administration.Bradford are not a Div 2 club and should get promoted at the end of the year.

Prediction: Back Bradford at 1.91 (Coral)