Saturday

English Premier League

Saturday 16th May 12.45

Manchester United v Arsenal

Man United know that if they win on Saturday, they will secure their 3^rd league title in a row, and their 11^th English Premiership since the league’s formation in 1992. Their opponents are a side who were their closest rivals for the best part of the last decade.

United may not have been as fluent as they were in the preceding couple of seasons, but they have been equally, if not more, effective. This year’s success has been built around a steely determination which has seen them all but fight off the fierce challenge of North West neighbours, Liverpool. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has had a solid spine right through their season. Veteran goalkeeper, Edwin Van de Saar, has been ably supported by central defenders, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. This trio of players have been excellent when together, and are essential to any future successes. The central midfield has been more varied and the likes of Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher have all excelled, as has Anderson, who having missed much of the season through injury, has injected a little bit more energy and creativity in the last couple of months. Wayne Rooney has been consistently brilliant whilst Cristiano Ronaldo, despite not being fit for the first 3 months of the season, sits on top of the goalscoring chart with 18 EPL goals to his name.

For Arsenal, Arsene Wenger especially, the end of the season cannot come quick enough after a dismal last month. Everything looked rosy for the North London club when they knocked out Villareal to reach the semi finals of the Champions League to go along with reaching the last four of the FA Cup and having secured the 4^th Champions League spot. However, defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United in the FA Cup and Champions League respectively, have quickly ended any hope of securing their first piece of silverware since 2005. Their misery was further compounded last weekend, when their FA Cup conquerors, Chelsea, powered past them, triumphing 4-1 at the Emirates. The fans are beginning to grow restless with Wenger’s refusal to spend big money on established players, preferring to nurture and develop a group of youngsters instead.

It was only 10 days ago when these two last met in the 2^nd leg of the Champions League. That game was virtually over in the first 10 minutes when United went 2-0 up on the night, and 3-0 on aggregate. Over the two legs, the gap in quality and power between the two sides was as big as it’s been for over a decade. The United players looked dominant all over the park and thoroughly deserved their impressive victory.

United will want to win the title as soon as possible and it would be extra special for Ferguson and his players to win it against their old foes, Arsenal. With the Champions League final coming up in less than a fortnight, winning the title at the first opportunity will be of paramount importance in order to allow the manager to rest some key players. The fans will also expect them to do it in style so tuck into the 4/6/

My selections: Manchester United to beat Arsenal

Best odds available: 4/6 withCoral

For those of you preferring a bit more value, there are a couple of other bets which appeal.

Due to the noticeable gap between the two sides in the Champions league and the fact United can win the league tomorrow, they look rather big with StanJames at 2/1 minus a goal on the Handicap.

Also, Cristiano Ronaldo is going for his 2^nd top goalscorer award in consecutive seasons. He is currently tied on 18 with Nicholas Anelka of Chelsea. Ronaldo has a good record against Arsenal, he notched 2 at the Emirates in the Champions League, whilst he also scored in the same fixture last season. The 11/10 with William Hill looks well worth taking for him to score at anytime during the game.

Other selections:

Manchester United -1 at 2/1 with Stanjames

C. Ronaldo to score anytime at 11/10 withWilliamHill

Saturday 9^th May

Scottish Premier League

Kilmarnock v Falkirk

Just concentrating on one game again this week and that game takes place at Rugby Park where Kilmarnock entertain a Falkirk side in a match that should go some way to determining both sides end of season fate.

Kilmarnock come into this match just 3 points ahead of bottom club Falkirk having lost to Hamilton last weekend whilst today’s visitors collected maximum points at home to Motherwell, despite going down to ten men late on. Killie are in turmoil off the park; the club are around £15m in debt and their chairman has previously stated that if they were to be relegated, there is a good chance that they may not even survive. There have also been rumours this week that even if the club do survive, any player that they can get a fee for will be sold on. This is clearly not good for morale and last week’s showing at Hamilton illustrates that. It was a very poor performance and the score flattered the Ayrshire club.

Falkirk have had a very poor season considering they finished in 7^th position the previous year and the quality of player they signed in the summer. Falkirk’s quality of squad is not in question; the Bairns have made it through to the Scottish Cup final which proves they are a good side. The pressure of the league has obviously gotten to the team and it has affected performances and results. John Hughes side know that they cannot lose this match today if they are to play in the SPL next year. Kilmarnock, along with St Mirren, are their nearest rivals which leaves no margin of error today.

There may be mitigating circumstances for such a poor performance by Kilmarnock last week, with players such as Kevin Kyle, Manuel Pascali and David Fernandez all missing. They are big players for them and will add some much needed quality tomorrow. That being said, there was no heart, commitment or desire last Saturday, and a lot will need to change, quickly, for the visit of a Falkirk side who have won back to back matches, rather convincingly. They also welcome back a couple of players, although Hughes may decide to go with the players who performed so well last weekend.

Both sides met, at Rugby Park, a month ago, a game which saw a Kyle hat-trick earn the home side all 3 points. Falkirk, however, had won 2 of their last 3 visits to the ground before then. The last fixture will give hope to Jim Jefferies and his side, which proves they are able to get the better of the Bairns. They also know that if they do win, they will extend their 3 point advantage to 6 with another 2 home games left to play. Falkirk are the form team and that goes for a lot in these matches where confidence is everything.

Football’s a funny old game and I’m taking Falkirk to avenge their 3-0 defeat on their last visit to Ayrshire.

My selection: Falkirk to beat Kilmarnock

Best odds available: 13/5 available atBet365

Good luck and Happy punting

Saturday 2^nd May

Scottish Premier League

12.30

Aberdeen v Celtic

The first post-split match in the SPL takes place between Aberdeen and Champions, Celtic at Pittodrie. The away side are a solitary point ahead of arch rivals Rangers, whilst Jimmy Calderwood’s side are chasing a Europa league spot for next season.

Aberdeen will have to contend with a number of injuries and suspensions tomorrow afternoon, with no fewer than 5 first team regulars, including strikers Lee Miller and Darren Mackie, whilst their defensive lynchpin, Zander Diamond, also misses out. One piece of good news is the return of Mark Kerr who has impressed throughout his first season at the Dons. Calderwood is likely to move Scott Severin back into the defence allowing Kerr to take up his favoured holding role in the middle of the park.

Celtic boss, Gordon Strachan took his league leading side away to La Manga for a short break in order to focus their minds with a fortnight break between their last game and tomorrow’s match. The break has witnessed the return to fitness of captain Stephen McManus and top scorer, Giorgios Samaras who had missed their previous match, which was, ironically enough, against tomorrow’s opponents. McManus will almost certainly take his customary place in the back four, but it looks as though Samaras will have to make do with a place on the bench as Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Scott McDonald both scored two weeks ago. Celtic will have to do without Scott Brown who begins a two match ban which is a massive blow as the former Hibs player has been in sparkling form this season, earning himself a nomination for Players player of the year. Strachan has several options available to him, he could bring Paul Hartley in alongside Marc Crosas but the most likely central midfield partnership will be Gary Caldwell alongside Hartley.

Aberdeen have proven to be tough opposition for Celtic this season. The Dons were unlucky losers in September at Celtic Park when a last minute Hesselink goal denied them of a deserved point which was followed by a dominating 4-2 success in January at Pittodrie when Diamond bullied Celtic’s defence at set pieces, nothing two goal for himself. Celtic were most comfortable however, a fortnight ago when they brushed aside Aberdeen, 2-0. The absence of Lee Miller and Darren Mackie were key as there was no real outlet or threat upfront for the away side that day.

Celtic know that if they win their next 5 matches, they will win the league. They will be refreshed from their Spanish break and the vibes coming out of the club are positive with the return of key players in recent weeks and the return to form of Vennegoor of Hesselink has been crucial. Aberdeen will again miss their potent attack which is a big part of their side. Without Miller’s physical presence they lacked any threat and created very few chances. Diamond will also prove to be a massive miss at the back, especially with JVOH in such good form at the moment.

Celtic should win this match and if they get an early goal they could easily get a few.

My selection: Celtic to beat Aberdeen

Best odds available: 4/6 with Boylesports

Other selections:     Celtic -1 to beat Aberdeen 15/8 withWillhill

                                         Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to score anytime 6/4 withCoral

Good luck and Happy punting

Saturday 25^th April

English Premier League

Everton v Manchester City

Everton entertain Man City on Saturday, hoping to keep the pressure on 5^th placed Aston Villa whilst the visitors will be looking to finish the season as strongly as possible as the squad are basically playing for places before what is sure to be a busy summer at Eastlands.

Everton are on a high after winning their FA Cup semi-final against Man United last Sunday and in turn, qualifying for their first final since winning the competition in 1995. They followed that win up by earning an excellent draw at the home of inform Chelsea on Wednesday night. Despite having to endure long spells without the ball, David Moyes’ side had the better of the chances and could feel hard done by for not collecting all 3 points. The midfield trio of Leon Osman, Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar caused all sorts of problem with their passing and movement.

 Man City were gallant in defeat when they went out to Hamburg in the UEFA Cup despite winning the 2^nd leg and playing extremely well in the process. Brazilians, Robinho and Elano, along with Stephen Ireland were especially good that night and showed how effective they can be when on form. They followed that up with an entertaining 4-2 win over bottom club WBA at home on Sunday. In a match littered with chances and goals, you couldn’t help noticing how fragile City are at the back. West Brom are not prolific scorers to say the least but they managed to cut City open time and time again. Dunne and Onuha look very accommodating at the moment in the sense that they seem far too willing to follow the player they’re marking, out wide. This leaves huge gaps in the centre of defence for midfield runners to exploit. It was Chris Brunt who took advantage last week and Everton will no doubt be looking at something similar for Saturday.

Moyes resisted the chance to rest most of his FA cup heroes for Wednesday night’s game, only making a couple of changes from the victorious Wembely side. Their intention is clear, finish as high in the table as possible. The difference between finishing 5^th and 6^th is an extra £1m+ in the EPL and Moyes knows that Everton could do with every penny they can get for transfer funds. Under the terms of his loan deal, Jo will not feature on Saturday against his parent club. That will probably mean another start for Louis Saha, although it wouldn’t be a major surprise if James Vaughn got the nod instead, after impressing when he came on last week.

City will hope to have Shaun Wright Phillips back from injury for Saturday’s game and if he is fit, it could be the enigmatic Elano who makes way. Despite scoring two penalties in the last two matches, Elano can often flatter to deceive, especially away from home. Mark Hughes knows that he has to have a strong finish to the season in order to convince the owners that he is the right man for the job.

Goodison will be rocking on Saturday after an excellent few days for the Toffees. Every Everton player knows that they are playing for cup final places now and anyone caught resting on the laurels will be in severe danger of missing out in 5 weeks time. City will always be a threat with their pace and ability going forward. Their last 3 away matches however, have ended up in 3 losses without even managing a goal. Everton on the other hand have won their last 5 at Goodison, scoring 9 goals and conceding just 1 in their last 3. The movement of their midfield players and late runs into the box of Cahill through the centre of City’s defence could prove the difference.

My selection: Everton to beat Manchester City

Best odds available: 10/11 with CORAL

Other selection: Tim Cahill to score anytime

Best odds available:  11/5 with BOYLESPORTS

Good luck and Happy Punting

Saturday 18^th April

English Championship

Swansea v Bristol City

Both sides can still reach the play-offs mathematically, but only one can do so realistically. Swansea are 5 points behind Burnley whilst City are a further 4 points behind. Ipswich’s equalizer on Monday should prove fatal for Gary Johnson’s promotion bid and another season in the England’s 2^nd tier beckons.

I’ve tipped Swansea enough for everyone to know their home record (only two defeats all season) so I won’t repeat myself further. They are unbeaten in their last 4 matches but more importantly, have won their last two. A battling win over Norwich at home, was followed by an excellent away victory at Barnsley on Easter Monday. Roberto Martinez’s side are benefiting from the end of season parks by continuing to play their quick passing game whilst other teams are struggling to deal with the fiery playing surfaces.

Bristol City are on a poor run of form just at the wrong stage of the season. After a strong run from January onwards, they have slipped of late and failed to win in their last 6. City have also lost their last 4 on the road which does not bode well for tomorrow’s match.

The Swans have won 2 of their last 3 and have continued to make the Liberty stadium a fortress. A win tomorrow will strengthen their hope of reaching the play-offs. I think that there is an air of acceptance around Bristol City’s supporters and players which was illustrated on Monday when they conceded the equalizer. A Swansea win tomorrow will definitely end City’s season and I expect that to be the case.

My selection: Swansea to beat Bristol City

Best odd’s available: 4/5 with Betfred

English League 1

Leeds United v Tranmere Rovers

Another tussle involving sides seeking promotion, this time in League 1 with a match between 5^th placed Leeds up against 6^th placed Tranmere.

Leeds suffered their first defeat in 12 matches after conceding a goal 2 minutes into injury time against league leaders, Leicester on Monday. They were desperately unlucky to come away with nothing and tomorrow’s match is sure to be a test of character. Their home record is exceptional however, especially recently. United have only won their last 8 at Elland Road, defeating the likes of MK Dons, Peterborough and Millwall on their way.

Tranmere have had a very good season thus far and seem to be coming with a good run of form at exactly the right time. Unbeaten in 5 (winning four of them), they have won two of their last 3, drawing the other match. Ronnie Moore’s side have built their season on their impressive home record but are now beginning to pick up more points on the road. Their recent away wins however, have tended to come against sides below them in the league (Walsall and Oldham) whilst struggling to gain points against sides directly above them, losing away to MK Dons, Millwall and Leicester.

Tomorrow’s match is sure to be an enthralling encounter and both sides will no doubt be looking to win to cement their place within the play-offs. I just feel that Leeds have an extra bit of quality with the likes of Jermaine Beckford and Fabian Delph in their ranks. A passionate and noisy Leeds faithful can roar their side on to another home win and make it 9 in a row.

My selection: Leeds to beat Tranmere

Best odds available: 4/5 with Coral

English Premier

Sunderland v Hull City

A real relegation 6 points takes place on Saturday at the Stadium of Light when 17^th placed Sunderland play host to 15^th placed Hull City.

Both sides know that they can ill-afford to lose this match tomorrow as teams around them face games where they will expect to pick up points. With that in mind, tomorrow’s match is sure to be a nervous one with experience and proven Premiership quality going to be extremely important.

Sunderland were narrowly defeated by Man United at home last weekend, the difference being a fortunate deflection off Frederico Macheda. Their manager, players and supporters know that it is not those matches which will save them, it is the games against teams in and around them that will ultimately determine their fate. They can take great heart from their performance last Saturday and know that if they can deliver a similar one tomorrow, they will be well placed to pick up a vital 3 points.

After an excellent first half of the season, Hull have slipped back and are now in a position that most people expected them to be in when they won promotion last season. Phil Brown has done an excellent job this term and whatever happens from now until the end of the season, City fans will have had a memorable first year in the Premiership. Losing last week to Middlesborough was a sore one as they themselves had not won in an age.

Sunderland are at the foot of the form table with no wins in 6 whilst Hull have the solitary success in that time. I just feel that the home side have proven Premiership experience and quality in the likes of Richardson, Cisse and Jones which should just see them collect 3 points in a nervy and pressure soaked atmosphere.

My selection: Sunderland to beat Hull

Best odds available: 10/11 with bet365

Saturday 11^th April

English Premiership

Stoke City v Newcastle United

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My selection: Stoke City to beat Newcastle United

Best odds available: 6/4 with Bet365

English Championship

Burnley v QPR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Selection: Burnley to beat QPR

Best odds available: 5/6 with Betfred

Good luck and Happy punting

Saturday 28^th March

League 1

Leeds United v MK Dons

On any other weekend, Saturday’s clash at Elland road would be the fixture of the day in League 1 with the biggest side in the division, and currently 5^th placed Leeds, playing host to the side directly above them, MK Dons. However, this weekend also see’s the top two, Peterborough and Leicester, meet at London Road in the early kick off. This weekend may prove pivotal for all four sides in their desperate attempt to get into England’s 2^nd tier.

Leeds’ season has been rejuvenated of late thanks to manger Simon Grayson. The former head man at Blackpool, Grayson was presented with the challenge of steering Leeds to promotion in December after the sacking of Gary McAllister. After a somewhat indifferent start to his stint at Elland Road, the former Leicester captain has oversaw a 7 match unbeaten run as well as guiding his team to 7 successive home victories in League 1. A run which has witnessed wins over fellow promotion hopefuls, Peterborough, Millwall and Scunthorpe. A key player in this run has been star man, Jermaine Beckford. The young striker has notched 21 goals this season, including 6 in his last 3 matches at Elland Road, a terrific run by anyone standards.

MK Don, however, currently boast the 3rd best away record in the division. Roberto Di Matteo’s side have lost just three times on the road this season, with no away defeats in their last 6 matches, a run stretching back to January. Their recent form, however, has been littered with unimpressive draws. The Milton Keynes side have played out stalemates with lowly Yeovil and Swindon in their most recent away trips and also surrendered a two goal lead at home to Crewe on Tuesday night, with the matching ending all square. With this being their first season playing at this level, the games may just beginning to catch up on what is a relatively young and inexperienced squad. Also, it is Di Matteo’s first managerial job in this country, and his free flowing football philosophy may not be what is required at this stage of the season.

Leeds should welcome back their captain, Frazer Richardson, who has been missing with an injury, whilst Beckford also returns after missing last weekend’s victory at Crewe. Grayson has also acquired the services of Reading defender, Sam Sodje, who may come straight in due to an injury to Rui Marques.  Beckford is expected to reclaim his place, but it is up for debate who drops out. On loan, Liam Dickinson, may be the unlucky one as Lucciano Becchio has, more often than not, partnered the clubs top scorer when both have been fit.

Di Matteo will have to decide who comes in for the injured winger, Luke Chadwick. He may also decide to freshen things up as he looks for his first away win in since the first weekend in February.

It’s been a long hard season for both clubs and things are not going to get any easier as we approach the final weeks of the campaign. Leeds seem to be finishing the stronger and a lot of it may be down to the manager. Simon Grayson won promotion from this division with Blackpool in 2007 and he knows what it takes. The relative novice, Di Matteo, may just come up short this season with his team stuttering at the worst possible time. Elland Road will be bouncing tomorrow with Leeds on their best run of the season.

I expect Leeds United to notch a victory tomorrow and make it 8 home wins on the bounce. Jermaine Beckford is bound to be a key man, take him to score anytime in the match.

My selections: Leeds United to beat MK Dons                      11/10 with BETFRED

                           Jermaine Beckford to score anytime               7/5 with PADDYPOWER

I’d also like to remind anyone who may not have seen my earlier tip for tomorrow’s football. Earlier in the week I advised punters to get on Holland (-1) to beat Scotland at a tasty Evens. As predicted, the price has been slashed in many places, but Sportingbet still go EVENS for Holland (-1)

Previous selection: Holland (-1) to beat Scotland at EVENS with  SPORTINGBET

Good luck and Happy Punting

World Cup Qualifying

Saturday 28^th March

Holland v Scotland

I thought I’d get this pick in early as I am certain that the price of the bet will fall before kick off on Saturday

George Burley’s Scotland face the daunting task of attempting to get a positive result against a Dutch side who have a 100% record thus far in qualifying. The away side, however, have had a mixed bag of results with only a single victory from their three games played to date, which also included a disappointing home draw with Norway, last time out.

Burley comes into this game with a depleted squad. Stephen McManus, David Weir and Kirk Broadfoot look certain to miss out whilst Paul Hartley and Kris Commons have also pulled out of the initial squad. These call offs come are even more disheartening when you take into consideration the players who have been missing for a number of weeks and would almost certainly have played. James McFadden, Shaun Maloney, Barry Robson and Lee Miller would almost certainly have been included in the squad but for long term injuries.

The Scots should be able to call upon captain Barry Ferguson and Kenny miller. The Rangers duo had been doubtful but are both expected to start on Saturday night. Scotland look likely to adopt their favoured 4-5-1 formation which brought them much success in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign under Walter Smith and Alex McLeish. Miller will be deployed as a lone striker with Ferguson, Scott Brown and Darren Fletcher playing as a central 3 in the middle of the park.

Burley has made the decision many expected by deciding that Rangers keeper, Allan McGregor will start in place of Craig Gordon who has not played since February. McGregor is an able deputy but this will be his first competitive start for his country and it is probably one of the most difficult fixtures he could have wished for.

Dutch coach, Bert Van Marwijk only has the one absentee to date. Atletico Madrid defender, Johnny Heitinga will miss out for the home side but there are numerous replacements waiting in the wings in what is a squad packed full of talent. Four players from Real Madrid join a quintet of players from the English Premiership. Aside from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Edwin Van Der Saar, it is a similar squad of that which was very impressive at Euro 2008.

The Amsterdam ArenA will play host to this fixture and it is a stadium which will hold few good memories for a lot of the Scottish side. The last time the national team played there, they were crushed 6-0 by a rampant Dutch side in the play-off for Euro 2004. This Dutch side may not have as well known names as the team back then, but it is certainly not lacking in quality. Klaus Jan Huntelaar has found his scoring boots recently after a January move to Real Madrid. The striker has notched 8 goals in 11 appearances for Madrid, including a brace in his last outing. He will be raring to go and will want prove himself as a worthy successor to the now retired Van Nistelrooy. Liverpool duo, Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt will also be full of confidence after their clubs recent exploits.

Even if Stephen McManus does recover in time, Holland will have far too much for the current Scottish squad. An expectant home crowd will be expecting an early goal from their heroes and for them to build upon that. With the pace of Arjen Robben and the ability of midfielders Van Der Vaart and Snijder,  a comfortable win for the home sides beckon.

The Evens of offer at  Paddypower  for Holland – 1 on the handicap*, should not be missed.

My selection – Holland -1 to beat Scotland

*Handicap betting means one team begins with a goal meaning the other team starts with a deficit of a goal. In this case, Scotland have an imaginary 1 goal lead at the start of the game which means Holland need to win the game by at least two goals for the bet to be a winner.

Saturday 14^th March

Manchester United v Liverpool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My selection: Manchester United to beat Liverpool

Best price available: United are 10/11 with Williamhill

English Championship

Swansea v Crystal Palace

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

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

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

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

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

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

My selection: Swansea to beat Crystal Palace

Jason Scotland to score anytime

Best price available: Swansea are 5/6 with Coral

Jason Scotland to score anytime is 5/4 with Bet365

Saturday 7^th March

FA Cup 

Fulham v Manchester United

After clinching the League cup on penalties last Sunday, Manchester United are straight back into domestic cup action with an FA cup quarter final tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

United are a still on course for an unprecedented quintuple. Having already secured the World club championship in December, as well as the League cup last weekend, they go in search for the third leg of their desired trophy haul but they will meet stubborn resistance up against a Fulham side who suffered only their second defeat in the EPL at home all season on Wednesday.

Alex Ferguson is likely to make changes from the team that defeated Newcastle at St James’ Park in Premier League in midweek past. United also take on Inter Milan next Wednesday in the 2^nd leg of their Champions League, last 16 tie which is surely more of a priority in their bid to become the first side to retain the trophy. Despite that, with the squad he has at his disposal he can still rest key players and replace them with full Internationalists.

Fulham have had a relatively straightforward passage to this stage having played clubs from lower leagues in rounds 3-5. They suffered a couple of scares in the last round against Swansea, not only did the Championship side take them to a replay at the Cottage, they also took the lead before succumbing to two quick goals in the 2^nd half. Roy Hodgson and his side do not have much else to play for other than this competition. That’s not a slight; he has done remarkably well to establish Fulham in mid-table for much of the season and relatively safe from relegation. Due to that, he can ask his players for a massive effort tomorrow evening and his players are sure to respond.

Both sides strength is getting the ball down and allowing their midfielders to roam around the park creating chances for their strikers. Both sides also have excellent defenses and goalkeepers and as a result, unsurprisingly, do not lose many goals.

United have not been great away from home this season and are not as free-scoring as they were last season. They have improved of late however, and are beginning to win the type of games that they were drawing earlier in the season. There is a steely determination amongst the players which is down to Ferguson and the older statesmen in the squad. Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have been excellent of late and look set to play some part in London tomorrow.

Fulham will be up for it and the night setting along with the TV cameras will add a little extra spice to the game. United will not want a replay to add to an already congested schedule whilst Fulham know that their best chance of progressing is to win the first time of asking on their home patch. With that in mind I expect an open and attractive contest with the attackers getting a bit of space. United have the better quality of player and I expect them to get their 4^th win on the trot at Craven Cottage.

My selection: Manchester United to beat Fulham

Best odds available: 10/11 with Williamhill

Other bets advised: More than 2 goals at a best price of 13/10 with Bet365

Other information for Saturday’s games

I do not fancy much else this weekend as it is Cup weekend in both England and Scotland and this dramatically limits a lot of my options for advising bets. I do not have enough information to strongly advise another pick but I have a couple of fancies at decent prices which I will put up but I cannot stress enough, these are just personal fancies having done only a small bit of research.

Sheffield Wednesday v Wolves

Wolves travel to Hillsborough to take on one of the stronger home sides in the division in a match which may go a long way to ensuring automatic promotion come the end of the season.

After being publicly lambasted by manager Mick McCarthy after last week’s home defeat to Plymouth, the league leaders responded brilliantly by taking all three points from Tuesday’s match at Crystal Palace in a match where they were back to something like their best.

Good teams tend to put together runs at this time of year and after some desperate form of late, Wolves look good value to record back to back wins from difficult away matches.

Best price 6/4 with Betfred.

Confidence level: 4/10

QPR v Sheffield United

Another team chasing the automatic promotion places travel to another team fighting mid-table mediocrity with a late push for the play-offs. United have been excellent on the road of last whilst QPR have slipped in recent weeks, especially at home where they began the season so strong.

QPR have not won at home in the league since December of last year, a run of 4 draws and two defeats, both have which came in their two most recent matches at Loftus road. United on the other hand, boast the best away record in the division along with Wolves and have not suffered an away reverse since their derby day defeat in October.

With Birmingham looking vulnerable in every game they player, Kevin Blackwell and his boys know they can put more pressure on them and the other teams above them by winning their second away match in the space of a week.

Sheffield United to win at a best price 15/8 with Coral

Confidence level: 4/10