Saturday’s British betting preview

Saturday 20th August

English Premier League

Everton v QPR

Everton’s start to the season was delayed due to the riots in London whilst QPR would have been wishing for such a circumstance as they crashed 4-0 at home to Bolton last Saturday. The two sides go head to head in the hunt for their first points of the campaign.

Goodison Park has probably been the quietest of grounds in the Premier League when it comes to transfer business in the close season. There has been virtually no movement either in or out of Everton since the end of last season. The most pleasing thing for manager Davie Moyes will have been that, to date, the club have managed to be keep hold of their star players including Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Mikel Arteta. There is, of course, still time between now and the close of the window but it’s doubtful that Everton would sell with so little time left to reinvest the funds gained from the sale in replacements. The Toffee’s finished seventh last term, just four points off their city neighbours Liverpool. A repeat of that finish would surely be considered a success for the fans, management and players. Heading into tomorrow’s game they will be hoping that they can get off to a better start than what they did last season. They had to wait until October, a run of seven games, before recording their first win. The slow start is what killed them in their quest for a European spot so Moyes and his players will be under no illusions as to how important getting that first win on the board really is.

QPR were torn apart by Bolton in the second half last Saturday despite starting the game quite brightly. A Gary Cahill goal just before the break knocked the stuffing out of last season’s Championship winners but they will have to learn quick that the Premier League is not only a tough league physically, it’s also extremely draining mentally as well. Since that defeat, the club have been bought over which, for Neil Warnock’s sake, will hopefully mean that more transfer funds become available to sign the players they desperately need. A bid for Scott Parker has been rejected by West Ham but it does signal some sort of intent on Rangers’ part. What Warnock will have to avoid is another trouncing tomorrow as it will not only drain the players of confidence and motivation, but also make it more difficult for he himself to avoid suffering as a consequence. With a new owner on board, it doesn’t take much for them to throw their weight about and start looking for their own people.

Everton are normally strong at home and will look to use that form from the off tomorrow. They have not lost at home this year which bodes well. However, they are notoriously slow starters and they usually perform better when they are underdogs. They will be expected to go for it from the first whistle against a newly promoted side and there is cause for thinking that it may well play into QPR’s hands. Warnock will be looking to hit on the counter attack and with a new air of optimism surrounding the Hoops, I can see this being an entertaining game.

Everton with Louis Saha and Tim Cahill will always be a threat whilst QPR have plenty of options going forward and were a tad unlucky to to score in the first half last Saturday. Two bets I fancy are both teams to score and for their to be more than two goals in the game.

My Selection: Both teams to Score at a best priced EVENS with Skybet
            Over 2.5 goals at a best priced 5/6 available with Victor Chandler

English Championship

Derby County v Doncaster Rovers

Derby have surprised many with their 100% start to the new season whilst Doncaster too have a 100% start to their season – unfortunately for them however, it’s 100% of losses as they have failed to grab a point from their first three matches.

Nigel Clough is now into his third season in charge of County and know’s that time is fast running out for him to convince the fans and the board that the can lead Derby back into the Premier League. They’re a massive club with an excellent stadium but have done nothing of note fore over four years. Their fans will be bouyed by the start to the season but will also be well aware that it is just the start, there is still over 40 games to go. Their most recent win, a 1-0 over Blackpool, is their most impressive to date as they too had a 100% record going into the match. They looked resolute and determined from the outset and come the end of the season, I can’t see too many teams going to Bloomfield Road and leaving with all three points. Craig Bryson got the winner in the second half of the season and his signing has brought energy and drive to what was a pedestrian midfield at times last season. Clough also has a lot more options upfront than he did last season with the signings of Chris McGuire and Nathan Tyson. As yet, both have yet to play any part but it makes the squad a lot stronger and once they do get fit and get games under their belt, they will score goals.

Donny have been likened to Arsenal because of their style of play but like Arsenal, they may need to sacrifice part of their philosophy and attempt to put a run of results together in order to prevent them from being cast adrift at the bottom of the table. Admittedly, Rovers have not had the easiest of openings to their league campaign as they have faced Brighton, West Ham and most recently Nottingham Forest. They have also not been hammered as they have lost by the odd goal in each of their matches. A 3-0 cup win over Tranmere also shows that they are capable of scoring goals which they have struggled to do in the league thus far, with just one goal for. Part of the reason for that is the absence of Billy Sharp who is injured. Their top scorer from last season has not played since the opening day of the season when he got stretchered off after opening the scoring earlier in the match. He is likely to be out for several months which deals a massive blow to Sean O’Drisscoll who has delved into the transfer market in an attempt to soften the blow of losing his star striker.

Derby were the last team that Doncaster beat in the division back in March. It means that the away side have won just once in 22 games, and the match was also their only away win in the last nine months. Could it be that they can record their second win in that time at the same ground? Possibly, but not for me. The vibes coming out of Derby County after their success in midweek were very positive and I feel than can continue their excellent start to the new season.

My Selection: Derby County to beat Doncaster Rovers

Best odds available: 5/6 available with Totesport

Sunday 21st August

English Championship

West Ham v Leeds United

A match that wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League takes place at Upton Park on Sunday as recently relegated West Ham look to continue their good form when Leeds, fresh from a resounding 4-1 over Hull, come to visit.

Sam Allardyce suffered a defeat in his first league match in charge when Cardiff scored in the last minute to win on the opening day of the season. Since then however, West Ham have looked far more accomplished and are getting the results that many expected of them before a ball was kicked. Still with Scott Parker onside, Allardyce is looking to galvanize a support who were disillusioned with many at the club, from the owners down to the players on the park. The only way he will succeed in doing that is by winning games. Tuesday’s emphatic win over Watford will have done no harm at all but consistency is the key. There’s no point in winning two matches on the road if they are unable to get maximum points in their home games. Key to that is Kevin Nolan who Allardyce worked with at Bolton, which is arguably the main reason why the former Newcastle midfielder dropped down a division when he left the Tyneside club. Nolan is forming a formidable relationship with Scott Parker, Jack Collison, Mark Noble and Matty Taylor in the West Ham midfield. There is a mix of everything and is the envy for all the other Championship managers.

Leeds lost their first two league games in a whimper before thrashing Hull on Tuesday night. It will have boosted everyone’s confidence and giving some belief back to the players who were so close to finishing in the play-off’s last season. Simon Grayson has refused to make wholesale changes during the summer instead trusting the players who have done so well for him and the club. Darren O’Dea is arguably their biggest transfer of the summer coming in on loan from Celtic. The defender has slotted straight into the first eleven and will make an impact at the club. Last weekends defeat to Middlesbrough will have hurt Grayson in more than one way. Not only did they lose the match, but certain players lost their discipline as well resulting in two yellow cards. This will be a worry for Grayson as Leeds were dogged with suspensions through all of last season. In order to have the best possible campaign this time around, Grayson and his players must keep their heads and concentrate on playing football.

It’s sure to be a fiery match as there is not much blood loss between the two sets of fans. Both are massive clubs and will be hoping that this season is just a stepping stone for better things in the near future. Leeds have been soundly beaten on their only away game to date when they lost 3-1 to Southampton, whilst as mentioned, West Ham lost their only home match thus far. Something has to give and with the form West Ham are in at the moment, I’m siding with Big Sam’s boys to do the business.

My Selection: West Ham to beat Leeds United

Best odds available: 3/4 available with William Hill

Saturday 13th August

English Championship

Ipswich v Hull City

The Premier League takes centre stage this weekend as it stages it’s first round of fixtures but our first stop takes us into the Championship which started last week.

Ipswich started the season in impressive fashion defeating Bristol City 3-0 away from home. It was the perfect start for Paul Jewell who begins his first new season at Portman Road since taking charge at the start of the year. Jewell has been relatively busy in the summer with players coming and going. Connor Wickham, Gareth McAuley, David Norris and Pablo Counago are the most notable departures from Portman Road whilst they have brought in Lee Bowyer, Ivar Ingimarsson, Jay Emmanuel Thomas and Michael Chopra, amongst others, in their quest for promotion. Despite losing a lot of their mainstays of recent seasons Ipswich look stronger this year and expectation is high amongst the fans. Jewell himself is no stranger to the league and has gained promotion with Bradford and Wigan from the Championship, so they certainly have the right man in charge.

Jewell has further strengthened his midfield with the loan signing of Keith Andrews from Blackburn, it’s another quality addition and he looks set to make his debut tomorrow.

Hull have stabilised since being relegated two seasons ago and Nigel Pearson has done well to bring in some much needed reinforcements. Matty Fryatt and Aaron McLean are two players who bring with them goals and have had a few months to get used to their new surroundings after signing last year, more will be expected from them this time around. Jack Hobbs was their most expensive purchase of the summer after signing from Pearson’s old club Leicester City. Pearson has also signed the likes of Kevin Kilbane, Dele Adebola and Paul McKenna which will bring much needed experience to what is a relatively young group of players. Hull were denied by Blackpool in their opening match of the season with the Seasiders pinching a late goal to take all three points at the KC Stadium. It was a reminded to all that the Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in English football.

Ipswich will be looking to Michael Chopra for a lot of their goals this season and the prolific striker got off to the best possible start with a double in last Saturday’s 3-0 success. He is used to scoring goals, it’s what he was bought for and his partnership with Nathan Ellington will be one of the most potent in the division.

Hull will be hoping they can secure their first points of the season after their sticky start last Friday so it would be no surprise to see them set out with a defence minded approach. Pearson likes to build from the back so will look to frustrate Ipswich who are at their best when allowed to dictate the pace of the game and get the likes of Bowyer and Lee Martin on the ball.

Success in this league revolves around a strong home record which Jewell will be well aware of. With so much attacking options in the team, the home side have the definite advantage and I think it will be enough for them to secure their second straight league victory.

My Selection: Ipswich to beat Hull

Best odds available: 21/20 available with William Hill

Scottish Premier League

Celtic v Dundee United

Celtic play their first home game of the season tomorrow, after two away matches, against a so far unbeaten Dundee United side who will be hoping they can repeat last years feat of taking a point from Celtic Park.

Neil Lennon and his Celtic side have enjoyed a 100% record thus far after two away matches at Hibernian and Aberdeen. They have yet to concede a goal either but have been struck down with numerous injuries so early in the season. Mark Wilson, Beram Kayal and Glenn Loovens all look set to miss out tomorrow but the biggest blow to Lennon is that last season’s player of the year, Emilio Izzaguirre will be out for up to six months with a broken leg sustained in the victory at Pittotdrie last Sunday. Charlie Mulgrew will deputise in his absence for now but it the little Honduran is a big player who will be missed. Scott Brown looks set to take the armband for the first time this season after missing the opening games through suspension, he picked up a knock whilst on international duty but should shake it off in time to lead out the Hoops tomorrow afternoon.

Dundee United have a different look to them this season after three of their best players have moved on in recent weeks. David Goodwillie followed Prince Buaben and Morgao Gomis out the door. Peter Houston is unable to delve into a massive transfer budget so the free transfers of John Rankin from Hibs and Willo Flood from Middlesbrough are decent alternatives in the midfield. Houston will be hoping that Johnny Russell can take a further step forward this season and attempt to fill the void that Goodwillie has left. Russell is certainly talented and will score goals, but it’s a matter of whether this will have come a little too soon for him, time will tell. United have one win and two draws from their first three games. Their only away game thus far resulted in a 1-0 victory at Tynecastle over Hearts so there will be a belief when they travel to the East end of Glasgow tomorrow that they can come away with something.

Celtic have not been the busiest of clubs in the transfer window this summer so the team looks very similar to last season with only Kelvin Wilson and Adam Matthews added to the starting XI for tomorrow’s match. It means that going forward they will rely on the likes of Anthony Stokes, who has already scored twice this term, Kris Commons and last years top scorer Gary Hooper. Hooper has failed to get off the mark yet this season but has scored several in pre-season and will be itching to get going in competitive football.

The odds on a home win are a little primivative to say the least and seeing as though United are no pushovers, I’m inclined to give the handicap a miss with this game. Instead, I see value in Gary Hooper to score at anytime during the match and for Celtic to be victorious. Four bookmakers carry odds for such bets with the best odds available with BlueSquare and 888Sport.

My Selection: Gary Hooper to score in 90 minutes and Celtic to win

Best odds available: 5/6 available with BlueSquare

available with BlueSquareMotherwell

Saturday 21st May

Scottish Cup

Celtic v Motherwell

available with Coral Totteham

English Premier League

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday 14th May2011

FA Cup Final 2011

Manchester City v Stoke City

18 top flight sides are preparing for league action this but for two it’s the final of the greatest cup competition in World football as Manchester City and Stoke travel to Wembley for the 130th FA Cup Final.

City secured fourth position and with it, the final Champions League spot for next season, when they defeated Tottenham 1-0 at Eastlands on Tuesday. It is the perfect tonic for Roberto Mancini and his players as they head into a match which could secure them a long awaited piece of silverware for their ardent supporters. Standing in their way is a side who they have beaten only once in their last six meetings which is one obstacle they will need to overcome if they wish to be successful. The City support will be hoping that their talisman, Carlos Tevez, will be fit to start the match. Not only their captain and top scorer, Tevez is an inspirational figure who is very often the difference for the North West Club. He has not started a match since April but came on for the closing stages of Tuesday’s match and is expected to be given every possible chance of playing. If he is missing then the onus will fall on either Mario Balotelli or Edin Dzeko, neither have covered themselves in glory after big money moves this season but there would be no better place to start repaying the faith of Mancini and prove their worth to supporters than tomorrow’s showpiece.

Having defeated their city rivals United in the semi-final to get to this stage, you could be forgiven for thinking that they have done the hardwork but the pressure in a final, especially if not used to them, is far greater and brings with it so many more demands of a player and team. It will be vital for the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva to help those less experienced players as they have shown they are capable of handling such occasions for previous clubs as well as country.

Stoke have had another terrific season and so much credit must go to their manager Tony Pulis. Working with a fraction of the budget available to tomorrow’s opponents, the Potters have surpassed all expectation once again and not only reached a major cup final, but also comfortably secured their top flight status for another year. Like Man City, they head into tomorrow’s game in good heart having defeated Arsenal at home last weekend. It was a very impressive performance and one which should be yet another warning to anyone who thinks tomorrow’s final will be a one-sided affair. They of course reached this stage after demolishing Bolton in the semi-final which would have been pleasing for a number of reasons, not least because it will have proven to Pulis that his players are capable of handling the big stage at Wembley and everything else that comes with it. Like Man City, they too have their injury problems with key defender Robert Huth struggling to get over a knee injury in time to take his place. He is a massive presence for Stoke and if he is missing then it will be a real blow for everyone concerned as he is not only adept at keeping out goals, he is a threat in the opposition’s box as well.

This game has the potential to go one of two ways. It’s been well documented how cautious Mancini can be in his approach to big games but this time around, the onus will be on his side to attack as they are the overwhelming favourites. Many would argue they have the players capable of doing this and they are suited to playing a more open and expansive game. However, it may well play into Stoke’s hands as they have pace and power in abundance going forward so are exceptionally dangerous on the counter.

I would be very surprised to see Stoke go gung ho, it’s much more likely they will look to hit on the break the Mancini may have no option but to be more attacking – for the neutral, hopefully this will be the case.

I am a big fan of Stoke and inparticularly Pulis so my pick may have a slight hint of bias this week for which I can only apologise.

I think the price on a Stoke win is too big to ignore but if you feel as though you want to err on the side of caution, back the Potters + 1.

My Selections: Stoke City(+1) to beat Manchester City (FA Cup Final 2011)

Best odds available: Even money with Totesport.

English Premier League
Blackpool v Bolton Wanderers (14th May 2011 – 12.45)

With everything else all but decided in the Premier League the relegation battle is the focus between now and the end of the season as Blackpool, one of the sides occupying a relegation spot, host near neighbours Bolton tomorrow lunchtime.
Blackpool were agonisingly close to securing their first three points since February last weekend when they took a late lead at White Hart Lane only to succumb to an even later goal which resulted in them leaving with just one point. If you had offered them that before the match then the chances are they would have taken it but Ian Holloway will have been no doubt regretting the missed chances at 1-0 as well as the first of their two penalties which was spurned. It does, however, give them a boost heading into tomorrow’s match that they can compete at this level after such a poor run of form. As both Wolves and West Ham have difficult away fixtures, Blackpool will be hoping to capitalise on this weekends fixtures and put the pressure on by gaining a much needed win tomorrow. They will take encouragement from the fact that they gotten points from their last two home matches against sides in and around the same position as Bolton so it’s now a question of holding their nerve, taking their chances and ensuring they are strong and concentrated at the back.

Bolton have tailed off a little of late which is only to be expected after being so consistent for the best part of the season. They were understandably down after being torn apart by Stoke at Wembley and there will certainly be a hint of ‘what could have been’ when they take the field at Bloomfield Road tomorrow as opposed to the National stadium. But they have a duty, as professionals, to perform for the rest of the clubs fighting relegation. Owen Coyle will not need reminded that it was only last year that he steered the Reebok club to safety so will demand 100% to maintain the integrity of the division. What both he and his players have to overcome if they are to get anything at Blackpool is a run of four straight defeats in the league. It’s classic end of season form but they have proved that when on form, they can cause problems for the best of them in the Premier League, so it’s certainly not beyond them turning in a performance tomorrow.

The last time these sides met it resulted in an entertaining 2-2 draw after Bolton came from two goals down to rescue a point. It may not have as many goals in it tomorrow as there is so much to play for and tensions will certainly be high. It’s a match where a draw is of little use to either side. Blackpool need to win if they wish to play Premier League football next season whereas Bolton will be desperate to get back on track as well by getting one over their Lancashire rivals.

Bolton look deflated last week when losing a last minute winner to Sunderland at home and as mentioned, there is a chance that their minds may be elsewhere tomorrow. Blackpool managed to gain a vital point last weekend and I am taking them to build on that by securing all three points tomorrow.

 My Selection: Blackpool to beat Bolton

 Best Betting odds available: 6/5 available with Betfred

There will be another preview over the weekend so please check in on Saturday evening.

Saturday 7th May
 
English Premier League
 
West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers
 
Massive match at Upton Park on Saturday as both West Ham and Blackburn are still right in the thick of a relegation battle and desperately need points in their bid for survival.  
 
West Ham put in a decent enough performance last Sunday when away to fourth placed Manchester  City. They went down narrowly losing 2-1 but it’s yet another game, in a list of many, where they’ve came away with no points. Last weekends fixtures saw the Hammers fall to bottom of the division and no team has managed to beat the drop when in last place this late on in the season. Avram Grant is of course no stranger to relegation as he was in charge of Portsmouth when they were demoted last season. He would have been expecting a much easier season in charge of West Ham but that has not been the case. Everyone expected the clarets to kick on when they brought in reinforcements during the January transfer window. They managed a decent enough run of form between February and March but have since tailed off and are now without a win since March. In actual fact, they have lost six of their last seven so it’s no real surprise to see where they are at this point. Their last point was gained in the middle of March so they are certainly right out of form heading into the final three matches of their season.  
 
Although Rovers won last weekend at home to Bolton, they are still not safe from the drop. They are six points clear of tomorrow’s rivals but only half that margin ahead of the third bottom side, Wigan. Steve Kean will have been delighted with last Saturday’s victory as it does provide a bit of breathing space, but will be under no illusions that a point at worst tomorrow could provide so much more and would mean they would all but end West Ham’s hopes of staying up. It may not guarantee safety for Blackburn, but it would eliminate one of the many sides battling to beat the drop. Rovers will have to overcome a horrendous away record which has seen them win just three of 17 matches on their travels. Their last win on the road was against West Brom at the back end of last year. It means a run of eight away games without a win. They have lost seven of those but they can take some encouragement from their last trip to the capital when they held Arsenal to a goalless draw.  
 
Tensions will be understandably high tomorrow. West Ham know that anything but a win and there season could be as good as over depending on results elsewhere so they will be going all out for a win. Scott Parker, recently crowned Player of the Year, will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders once again, but the likes of Robbie Keane and Matthew Upson will also be important as their experience should come to the fore. Blackburn are in diabolical form away from home whilst West Ham are in terrible form overall. With so much at stake and with confidence set to be so low in both camps, the bet I like tomorrow is for their to be more goals in the second half. Often in games, teams who are in low in confidence are very susceptible to conceding late goals as they retreat deeper and deeper into their own half inviting pressure on to them. When you think of how nervous players will be in the opening 45, it looks a sound bet.  
 
Not every bookmaker offers such bets and I apologise in advance if you are unable to place such a bet but I often do these type of wagers in such games and believe it is the best bet of this fixture
 
My Selection: More goals in second half of the match  
 
Best odds available: 11/10 available with Coral
 
 
English Premier League
 
Everton v Manchester City
 
Manchester City look to have secured the fourth and final Champions League spot but as it’s not totally sealed, will be looking for all three points when they visit Goodison to face Everton.
 
Everton are really only playing for pride as they approach the final few games of the season. They had faint hopes of getting into the final Europa League spot but those seemed to be distant memory now as Spurs are seven points ahead having played a game less. Moyes will be disappointed as he is very ambitious and would have been targeting Europe through a league finish or from a domestic cup success. Neither will happen now but you can expect the Toffee’s to be kept up to their business as Moyes will be hoping to cement seventh place and hold off the challenge of Bolton and Fulham, with the latter of the two finishing the season strongly. Every position counts in the Premier League as more prizemoney is awarded the higher you finish. With Everton one of the clubs who can’t rely on massive investment, it can make a big difference to their budget for the following season.  
 
Roberto Mancini looked to be a couple of games from the sack about a month ago when they were struggling for form but football’s a funny old game and City have not only strengthened their grip on the final Champions League spot but they have also defeated their city rivals, United, in the semi final of the FA Cup which means they have the curtain piece to the domestic season to look forward to in a fortnight when they face Stoke at Wembley. It would be a unique ‘double’ of sorts for the Italian and his players who had to achieve something this season or their knives would have been out for him. Last weekends win over West Ham, aligned with Spurs defeat to Chelsea has all but ruled the London side out of the running whilst Liverpool’s late surge has come to late as they have also played a game more than City.  
 
Everton’s recent record against the light Blues has been excellent. They have won six of the last seven meetings between the two including the one just before Christmas where they were very impressive. Recent results, and performances against City may suggest that Moyes has the Indian sign over the mega-rich club and it’s something that the man in the away dugout will be hoping that it’s a run which comes to an end starting tomorrow.
 
Mancini can obviously call on a far bigger squad of players than tomorrow’s counterpart but it’s not exactly hindered Everton in the past. The players work so well as a unit and despite the lack of numbers, there is certainly a great deal of quality in the squad. They have had to contend with massive injury problems this season which has stretched their squad so it is testament to Moyes and his players that they are in the position they are currently in.  
 
Everton have certainly performed really well against City of late and it’s a run I envisage continuing tomorrow simply because of their ability to raise their game when they wish. They’re not always consistent but the odds on a home win are too attractive to knock back.
 
My Selection: Everton to beat Manchester City
 
Best odds available: 7/4 available with Victor Chandler
 
 
English League One
 
Southampton v Walsall
 
We delve into League One for the third preview of the weekend and pay a visit to St Mary’s where recently promoted Southampton play host to relegation threatened Walsall.
 
Nigel Adkins and his side have been the team to follow in recent weeks as they have powered themselves into the second automatic promotion spot behind runaway leaders Brighton. Adkins, who took the job after Alan Pardew was sacked earlier in the season, will be thrilled that his side have achieved their goal with a game to spare and that they can enjoy playing infront of their fans without any real pressure put upon them. This is further enhanced because of their opponents tomorrow as Walsall will be scrapping for their lives looking for points to ensure they are still in the division come next season. The Saints won’t be in the division but they will be plying their trade in the next level of English football. They have won 12 of their last 14 league games, an incredible record by anyone’s standards in any division. It may not come as a surprise considering the players at the club and the quality they have within the squad but they still have to have the right attitude and desire to go and perform and win matches which they certainly have had in recent weeks and months.  
 
Walsall currently sit on the threshold of relegation, one point above Dagenham and Redbridge who occupy the final relegation spot. They are in decent enough form of late as they are unbeaten in three and won last time out but they would have liked a better game to finish with than they one they are currently faced with. Any side would like their destiny in their own hands which the Saddlers have but they would have preferred to be at home on the final day. As it is they have to travel to the form side in the division, if not the country, and attempt to win which would guarantee their survival. Of course, they could end up losing the match and still stay up depending on results elsewhere but it’s hardly something they’ll wish to experience as their nerves will be bad enough when they stop on to that pitch tomorrow.  
 
Looking at the prices for this game and you can obviously see that the fact Southampton have nothing but pride to play for and Walsall everything to play for, has played a massive part in the pricing of the fixture. If this games was played last week you would never have gotten close to the price Southampton will be whilst Walsall would have been much bigger, probably double what they currently are.  
 
Walsall can console themselves with the fact that Dagenham too are away and face a difficult match against free-scoring Peterbrough at London Road – not a gimmee by any stretch of the imagination.  
 
It will be party time for the home side tomorrow and the fans will expect a good performance to sign off what has been a successful season. They have so much quality and so many goals in the side that their price is a false one to me and I believe the bookies have got this one wrong.  
 
My Selection: Southampton to beat Walsall
 
Best odds available: 4/6 available with Betfred

Saturday 19^th February

English FA Cup

Birmingham v Sheffield Wednesday

Both Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday have not performed as well as they would have wished in the league this season so the Cup is proving a welcome distraction.

Alex McLeish’s side are looking forward to one cup final already as they take on Arsenal in the League cup at the end of the month at Wembley. With a home tie against lower league opposition in the FA Cup, things are looking good for an extended run in this competition as well. Currently in 14^th position in the league, the Blues have not hit the heights of last season but have put a decent enough run together. Before losing the Newcastle during the week, Birmingham had won four of their last five in all competitions. At home they remain hard to beat as the defeat to Newcastle was only their third all season. Their main problem has been the amount of draws they have accumulated with seven games already ending in stalemate.

Sheffield Wednesday have been desperately disappointing and look as though they could miss out n the play-off’s altogether in their current form. They currently sit in 16^th position and a massive 10 points off the final play-off position. Their current form is deplorable for a club of their size with just one win, in the last round of the cup, from their last eight matches. Gary Megson has been brought to the club to attempt to save their season but the impact has been slim to none. Players look as though they are lacking discipline and organisation. No club is too big to go down when players are not performing and Megson will be only too well aware of the fact that the Owls are just five points off the final relegation spot. The cup may well provide the distraction that is needed to get things back on track but the priority for Wednesday is most definitely the league, and staying in it at this point.

Birmingham seemed to have been rejuvenated in recent weeks with the signings of players such as David Bentley and Obafemi Martins. These signings have put pressure on the players currently there and one man who has risen to the challenge and proven he has a role to play is Nikola Zigic. The giant striker has scored three goals in his last four games including winning goals against both Stoke and West Ham. Often subject to criticism from his own fans, Zigic seems as though he’s proving the doubters wrong of late. A player of his size should always be a threat and it looks as though he’s finally matching the effort to stature.

Wednesday have impressed with comprehensive wins over Bristol City and Hereford thus far in the competition but this is by far their biggest test to date. Megson will no doubt look to frustrate the home side with a resolute, dogged display. Birmingham will be used to it by now and although they may have struggled previously, there seems to be more creativity in the side nowadays. With that in mind, I fully expect the home side to advance to the quarter finals of another cup competition.

My Selection: Birmingham to beat Sheffield Wednesday

Best odds available: 7/10 available with William Hill

English Championship

Millwall v Middlesbrough

These two sides need points for very different reasons as Millwall attempt to chase down a play-off position whilst Middlesbrough are desperate to move further away from the relegation zone.

I have previewed a couple of Millwall games in the last couple of months and most of the analysis still applies. They are a hard side to beat, especially at home; their style of play is very effective, especially at home; and they continue to accumulate points, especially at home. Currently on a run of six straight home wins in the league, Millwall are still a serious contender for promotion. Kenny Jackett’s side have shown a tremendous attitude in their first season back in the Championship since winning the League One play-off final last season. This attitude has been reinforced in recent weeks with three points from a possible six being rescued with goals in the last minute. The man who has notched both times is Kevin Lisbie who was scoring only his second and third goals of the season, and first since August. This is testament to the team morale and spirit within the camp as Lisbie has had to contend with a place on the bench more often than not. However he has continued to work hard and has got his rewards in recent weeks.

Tony Mowbray was welcome like a prodigal son when taking the reins earlier this season. The former ‘Boro defender has probably not had the impact he wished to have by now but things are slowly beginning to turn for the better. That was the case until recently as after a run of six matches unbeaten in the league came to a halt with back to back defeats. They were on the wrong end of reverse in a seven goal thriller at home to Swansea last Saturday which followed on from a narrow defeat away to Crystal Palace. Those losses have pushed Middlesbrough back into the relegation mix as they sit four points off the drop zone. Mowbray has attempted to be more cavalier in recent weeks by going three upfront. The formation has meant more chances created and goals scored but also leaves them open at the back. This was of course highlighted in the goals fest last Saturday.

The rule of three applies in this fixture as Millwall have lost just three games from a total of 15 games played at the New Den this season whilst ‘Boro have won just three on the road from the same number of games. It really does underline the difference between the two sides. I’m always a fan of Millwall at home and even more so in this match up.

My Selections: Millwall to beat Middlesbrough

Best odds available: 11/10 available with Skybet

Scottish Premier League

Aberdeen v Kilmarnock

Thirteen points separate these two sides but incredibly, it’s Kilmarnock who are streets ahead of tomorrow’s hosts, Aberdeen, as we approach the SPL split.

Craig Brown had an instant impact when replacing Mark McGhee as manager towards the end of last year. Confidence was high, results were noticeably better and performances definitely improved. Things have unravelled a little of late, however, and the Dons are currently on a run of three defeats in four games in all competitions. Granted, two of those defeats were against league leaders and the form side of the division – Celtic. However they turned in a very lacklustre performance on Tuesday when losing 2-1 at home to Motherwell. Even before losing Paul Hartley to a red card, it wasn’t the Aberdeen we came to expect under Brown, who was certainly not shy in telling his players that displays such as Tuesdays will not be tolerated in future. The positive thing for all concerned at Aberdeen is that they have a chance to quickly rectify things tomorrow.

Kilmarnock have enjoyed a terrific season to date and have earned many plaudits for the style of play. One man who was key to their success was Connor Sammon who has since departed to pastures new in the form of Wigan. It’s hard not to underestimate how important the tall striker was as he is still the second top scorer with 15 league goals. It was an incredible return for a striker playing with one of the lesser sides in the SPL and since he left, Kilmarnock have found it hard to kill off teams like they were with him in the side.  Despite taking the lead in several matches, Killie have won just once in seven matches. Last time out they were very poor as they lost to Hibs at Easter Road.

I’m a big fan of Craig Brown and believe he is one of the best managers in the SPL. Having watched them several times recently, Aberdeen have decent quality, especially going forward but need to shore up defensively. I was also a great admirer of Connor Sammon this season as he had everything you would look for in a striker – pace, strength, good finisher and good in the air. Without him Kilmarnock are a much weaker side and I can see them struggling without him in the closing months of the season. Aberdeen are too big a price tomorrow to resist and the value definitely lies with the Dandy Dons.

My Selection: Aberdeen to beat Kilmarnock

Best odds available: 13/8 available with PaddyPower