Sheffield United

Saturday 19th November

Coventry v West Ham United

Second top West Ham travel to second bottom Coventry tomorrow as the Championship returns from taking a break last weekend due to the International break.

Coventry have endured a torrid season thus far and find themselves just one place off the bottom of the Championship. Doncaster are the only team who sit below the Sky Blue’s at the moment but they have the same number of points so it’s obvious that results need to improve otherwise Andy Thorn will soon be out a job. Their last match was a 4-2 home defeat by league leaders Southampton. The only crumb of comfort they can take from that was they came back from two goals down to level the match, only to lose two late goals. It means that they have not won any of their last five matches – their last win was in the middle of September. At home they have won just two of their seven matches to date, losing three of them. Attendances have been plummeting over the years at the Ricoh Arena and they don’t show any sign of stopping as crowds slip to just over 10,000.

West Ham have adapted to life in the Championship pretty well as the only have one team above them heading into the winter. Sam Allardyce has bought very smartly in his quest to return the Hammers to England’s top flight. The likes of Matt Taylor, Kevin Nolan and John Carew were all playing in the Premier League last season so there experience and quality have been essential. Arguably, however, the most exciting signing thus far has been Sam Baldock from MK Dons who has bagged five goals from his first nine league games. Baldock notched his fifth of the season last time out against Hull in an impressive 2-0 victory at the KC Stadium. It was West Ham’s fifth away win from eight games having just lost once, incidentally against the current league leaders. Allardyce has shored things up at the back and employed plenty of attacking threat which has struck a very effective balance, especially away from home.

Coventry will be hoping that their more experienced players come to the fore and turn in a performance tomorrow. Gary McSheffery is one such player who has simply disappointed this term. A player of his calibre should have more than one goal by this stage but it’s just further proof of how much the club as a whole have been struggling. It’s fallen up on a less experienced player to get the goals with top scorer Lukaz Jutkiewicz the only player in the squad to have hit more than one goal in the league all season. It’s clear what has to change if they have any desire to climb the league in the short term.

West Ham will be hoping to close the gap at the top but know that if they do drop points, there are several teams waiting to take advantage as the challenge for the automatic promotion spots hot up. The squad they have at their disposable may well prove vital come the end of the season as the likes of Henri Lansbury, David Bentley and Papa Bouba Diop have not yet hit top gear. Another shrewd signing has been the loan deal which brought Manuel Almunia to Upton Park. The Arsenal goalkeeper has yet to taste defeat at his new club and was outstanding in the win over Hull.

I’m confident that West Ham will be raring to go after the week’s break whilst Coventry, in my opinion, are on a very slippery slope at the moment so I think the away team will be taking maximum points back home with them tomorrow evening.

My Selection: West Ham to beat Coventry

Best odds available: 4/5 available with William Hill

English League One

Sheffield United v Carlisle

A resurgent Carlisle travel to Yorkshire to take on Sheffield United as both sides look for the points in their quest from promotion to the Championship.

Danny Wilson who took over the job as manager in the summer is not having it all his own way as he did earlier in the season. Sheffield United were roundabout the top two for much of the early part of the season but recently they are slipping down the table. They are still in a healthy enough position but will be hoping to climb the table again and challenge for the automatic promotion spots which their supporters will be expecitng, especially as rivals Wedensday are also performing well at the moment. Although they are not quite in the same vein of form they were in earlier in the campaign they have only one league game in their last seven. Their home form is decent with five wins and just two defeats from nine matches. Their last home match in the league was a 4-4 thriller with Exeter. It was an entertaining match for the neutral but Wilson will be determined to shore things up at the back.

Carlisle had been on a run of five defeats from six matches in September but they are coming strong now with just one loss from their last nine games in all competitions. Greg Abbott celebrated his third year in charge this month and he can look back on what he has done with some amount of pride. He led his side to Wembley two years in a row and after losing heavily the first time around, they won the Football League Trophy in March with a 1-0 win over Exeter. Despite their slow start this season they are looking like they can mount a challenge for a play-off position. Currently 10th, they are only three points off of sixth place so are definitely one of several clubs in the mix as the season begins to hot up.

Sheffield United brushed aside Oxford United at home in the FA Cup last Saturday scoring three and keeping a clean sheet. It would have been the perfect tonic heading into this match against a team in form. Brammall Lane has definitely been one of the most entertaining grounds on matchdays this term as there have been 34 goals scored in just nine matches. It’s easily the most out of all the League One clubs so it will be no surprise if there are a few goals for the fans tomorrow.

Carlisle have won four and lost just two games on their travels this season so will be heading to Sheffield tomorrow knowing they have a chance against their more illustrious opponents. Like the Blades, the Cumbrians enjoyed a comfortable cup victory last weekend and being on the run they are currently on, will be confident they can cause a shock and go level on points with tomorrow’s opponents.

I can see this match being very open tomorrow and there could be several goals as both sides like to get the ball forward quickly and each have strikers bang in form. Carlisle have a good away record but they have not played many of the better sides thus far. One side they have played who are above them was league leaders Charlton who were far too good and ended up thrashing them 4-0. With that in mind, seeing as Sheffield United have been strong against the lesser lights of League One at home, I am siding with the home side.

My Selection: Sheffield United to beat Carlisle

Best odds available: 19/20 available with William Hill

Scottish Cup

For my third preview this weekend, rather than selecting one team, I am going to suggest a treble as the Scottish First division clubs enter the cup for the first time this season.

Ayr v Montrose

Firstly, my local town club host third division Montrose so will be hot favourites to turn over a side who sit two tiers below them. Ayr are no stranger to cup runs and have already made the semi-final’s of the other cup competition having put out SPL sides Hearts, Inverness and St Mirren. Montrose on the other hand are one of the worst sides in the Scottish Football professional set up. The club are thrid bottom of the third division and have won just four of their 12 league matches. They were 4-0 down last weekend only to come back and draw 4-4 with Stranraer. The main reason for their comeback was the fact their opponents goalkeeper got sent off and they never had a replacement on the bench.

Ayr are not the greatest by any stretch but they should prove far too strong here and are certainly one of the few clubs who target the cup competitions as it provides much needed income.

Ayr are a best priced 4/11 available with William Hill

Bo’ness United v Cowdenbeath

One of three Junior sides left in the competition, Bo’ness, host Division two leaders Cowdenbeath hoping to cause a shock and take their place in the draw for the next round when the SPL teams enter it. Bo’ness playing their league games in the East of Scotland Premier League and are certainly one of the better sides at the at level. This is a big step up though and they will need to raise their game in order to get a result against their league opponents. Cowdenbeath done us a turn last weekend when winning the top of the table clash against Stenhousemuir and although their away form is not as strong as their form on the road, they go into this match as heavy favourites.

Bo’ness are on a bad run of form and have won just one of their five league matches this season. They are currently sitting third bottom so would have been hoping for a better preparation as they head into one of their biggest matches in their history.

League form can often count for little in cup compeitions but when there is also a gulf in class between the two sides, it’s harder to ignore. Hopefully Cowden can oblige for us again this week.

Cowdenbeath are best priced 4/7 available with William Hill

Irvine Meadow v Livingston

The third leg of our treble also see’s a Junior side take on league opposition. Irvine Meadow, who qualified after winning the West Superleague, host First division Livingston at Meadow Park. The Ayrshire club have a big repuation in Junior circles because they were once able to offer a lot more to players than teams in the professional game. That financial clout has gone but they remain successful and lost their first match of the season last Saturday. Livingston are placed higher on the pyramid than Cowdenbeath so the challenge for Meadow is even greater despite being in better form. Livi sit third in the table at the moment and have lost just two league games although they have drawn seven of those.

The task Meadow face is a stiff one because Livingston are a full time professional club so their players do this for a living whilst the junior’s will also have their main occupation as well as playing football at the weekend. This can often be the decisive factor as fitness can tell in these sort of matches.

With than in mind, the away win is added to Cowdenbeath and Ayr to complete our cup treble.

Livingston are a best priced 4/11 available with William Hill

Good Luck

Saturday 3rd September

Sheffield United v Bury

The Premier League and Championship in England takes a break for a week due to International football so League One and Two take centre stage. Sheffield United have made a strong start to their campaign and will be looking for another three points at home to Bury.

Danny Wilson is quickly becoming the man of many clubs, Yorkshire clubs to be precise. Having started out with Barnsley, he had an unsuccessful spell at Sheffield Wednesday before being manager at a further four clubs before ending up at the other Sheffield club. Four wins from five matches means they are joint top of the table and it’s a start that has rejuvenated the Blades’ crowd after relegation last season. The squad is pack full of experience and there are a few players who have stayed on at the club to prove that they are worthy of the magnificent support they always recieve. Richard Cresswell, Nick Montgomery and Stephen Quinn are no strangers to Bramall Lane so they understand what the club is all about. The way the fixtures have fallen has meant that United have played just one match at home in the League thus far so it makes the start even more impressive.

Bury have made a steady enough start to lives in League on with two wins and a draw from their first five matches. Sitting in mid table at the moment, it’s surely a position that everyone associated with their club would take come May. They have already defeated one half of the Sheffield clubs when victorious at home last months. That match will give them confidence that they can take on the big clubs in the division of which the Steel City clubs most certainly are. Their other victory was away to Wycombe Wanderers, they kept a clean sheet that day so again, the fact they have got their first away win will be a weight off their collective shoulders. Richie Barker is in his first managerial post after a a playing career which spanned more than 15 years – much of it in the lower leagues in England. It is a test for him and his side but at the moment, they seem to be coping rather well all in all.

United will be looking forward to getting back to Bramall Lane after playing just one match so far. With a big crowd expected, United may well face their two new loan signings from Rangers in the shape of John Fleck and Kyle Hutton. They will add real energy and drive to the squad, bringing about a better balance within the squad between experience and youth. Bury will have to do without their talisman in recent seasons, Ryan Lowe. The prolific striker has moved to Sheffield Wednesday ironically enough so the challenge for Bury will be to replace Lowe’s goals to enhance their chances of staying up.

There was two divisions between these sides last season as United were in the Championship and Bury were promoted from League Two. The fact they are now competing in the same division suggests, that for very different reason, they deserve to be. I think the odds on a home win are very generous and I am selecting them with a good deal of confidence to get their fifth victory of the season.

My Selection: Sheffield United to beat Bury

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Coral

English League One

Oldham Athletic v Huddersfield Town

It’s another battle of the roses as Lancashire based Oldham take on Huddersfield from Yorkshire at Boundary Park.

Oldham have started in League One for well over a decade now, and for most of those years, they have been in and around the bottom half of the able. Apart from a couple of years at the start of this decade when they reached the play-off’s, it’s been a struggle for the Lactics. This season has started with two victories and three defeats, not bad after they lost their first two matches of the season. Their home form is nornally what keeps them in the league so Paul Dickov, in his second season in charge, will be hoping to boost their points total with a victory tomorrow. Dickov has bolstered his attacking options this week by signing Shefki Kuqi. The veteran forward played with his new manager when at Blackburn the Scot will know exactly what he will bring to his side. Kuqi is likely to make his debut tomorrow alongside loan signing Tom Adeyami from Norwich.

Huddersfield remain undefeated after five games with two wins and three draws. After losing key players such as Anthony Pilkington and Lee Peltier in the summer, it’s taken a little longer than expected for the Terriers to find their full stride. Last weekends 3-0 romp against Wycombe certainly signalled their intention however and they well be hitting a bit of form. It was their third win in a four in all competitions with the only blot on their copybook in that run being an extra time defeat to Championship side Cardiff. Despite the departures there are still plenty of goals in the side with Lee Novak and Jordan Rhodes still scoring freely. The introduction of players in the ilk of Tommy Miller from Sheffield Wednesday will hopefully boost the chances of Huddersfield going one step better in their bid for promotion. Having failed at the semi-final stage of the play-off’s two seasons ago, they were beaten 3-0 by Peterborough in the final last season.

Oldham may have been underachieved in recent seasons but the fact they have not been relegated in so long shows that they can be hard to beat and that they can get a result when they need to. Obviously, so early in the season, the pressure is not on as yet which I think play’s into the away teams hands. The pitch will be in the best state of the whole season which will suit the footballing style of Clark and his side. With so many matchwinners in their side, I think Huddersfield will be victorious on their travels for the first time in the league this season.

My Selection: Huddersfield to beat Oldham Athletic

Best odds available: 6/5 available with Victor Chandler

English League Two

Crawley Town v Bristol Rovers

Big spending Crawley were most people’s favourites to win League Two this season whilst Bristol Rovers posess a strong squad after their relegation from League One last season so tomorrow’s match looks nailed on to be entertaining.

Crawley romped the Conference last season and they have taken well to life in League one as they currently sit just three points off of first placed Rotherham. Last weekend’s defeat to Cheltenham was their only blot thus far when losing 3-1 away from home. It was a shock to many especially as they were 3-0 down at half time. Steve Evans will be hoping for a reaction from his players as it is now three defeats in a rown across all competitions. They do boast a 100% record at home however and have yet to concede a goal having notched five themselves. The man who scored for fun last season has taken off on the same foot this one as well with three goals from four. It means that Matt Tubbs has now scored 40 goals in 44 league games, an amazing record.

Bristol Rovers may well be a little disappointed with their start to the season as they had a couple of results where most expected better from them. Last weekends draw with Hereford was not on the agenda and they will consider it two points dropped. Manager Paul Buckle will be looking to his experienced players to get back on track as they also lost out in the cup during the week. Adam Virgo at the back is a big presence is more ways than one whilst Matthew Gill in the middle of the park has impressed thus far. It’s upfront where Rovers have struggled with just six goals scored in the league to date. Whay may come as a consolation to Buckle is the fact they are unbeaten at home in the league taken four points from a possible six.

It is a big match in the context of League One and much like the Sheffield United v Bury match, there were two divisions between the sides last term. As ever though, there is a reason why they are in this League and with Crawley so impressive at home added to a slightly indifferent start from their more illustrious opponents makes the home side clear favourites. They are a side I would stay on the right side of more often than not when playign in Sussex and I’m taking them to get back on track after three defeats on the road.

My Selection: Crawley to beat Bristol Rovers

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Betfred

Sheffield United v Aston Villa is a match between two struggling sides near the foot of their respective divisions. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Villa boss Gerrard Houllier on his return to English club management, as Villa have slipped into the relegation zone. They gave themselves renewed hope for better things to come after holding Chelsea to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge, but went and lost the very next at home to Sunderland. That is three losses in the last four games for Aston Villa now, and they have lost six of their last eight league matches. There is probably a long season ahead for Aston Villa, but there is a lot of a hope still there, as they play good football and have a young, exciting crop of players there. They just have not quite got the quality to perform week in and week out just yet, and it is hurting them. A trip to Bramall Lane is not going to be an easy one for them to get past now, although their opponents are not faring much better. The two sides last came together in the FA Cup back in the 2004/05 season, when it was the Blades who came out on top with a 3-1 win. Overall though, Villa just edge things in the FA Cup meeting, winning three of their five encounters.

This could be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Sheffield United, who really need to kick start their season. They have a good record against higher ranked teams in the FA Cup, and have won three of their last four matches in the third round against teams from England’s top flight. However, Blades boss Micky Adams is going to be struggling to put out a side as he lost striker Richard Cresswell last Monday, just to add to a list of suspended and injured players. This means that Sheffield United will be a weaker force than they would have hoped to have been for the visit of the Premier League side. It is a bit of a coin toss as to where this match is going to go. You would expect Villa just to have that little bit extra quality, but they are struggling badly for form. But then so to are Sheffield United, who have lost three of their last four in the league, and six of their last eight league matches. If they raise their game enough, then the Blades could sense an upset here. Between them, they have amassed just three wins in their last sixteen league matches, so it is going to be a matter of who is braver on the day. The force really should be with the home side in ties like this, and with two poor defences, and goal shy forwards, the likelihood is, that this will go back to a replay, although it may be worth edging Sheffield United in your betting.

Sheffield United to win: 28/11 at Unibet
Draw: 5/2 at Victor Chandler
Aston Villa to win: 6/5 at Bet365

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Sheffield United +0.25 for Evens at Bet365

Saturday 6^th February

English Premier League

Liverpool v Everton

The second Merseyside derby of the season takes place at Anfield as the home side look to move into 4^th place in the table when they take on an in form Everton.

Rafa Benitez knows how important it is for his Liverpool side to finish in the Champions League places this season so anything other than a win here would be a catastrophic blow to their chances. As a result, this derby game takes on even more significance than it normally would. Liverpool are currently unbeaten in 6 league games, a run of games in which they have won 4 and drawn 2. The pick of their wins was against Tottenham last month where they played a more controlled game and always looked like winning. They are beginning to keep clean sheets as well with more regularity, conceding only 1 goal in those 6 matches, a last minute equalizer against Stoke. Benitez has finally stuck with a team selection and formation which has brought more consistent and better results and performances. They are still nowhere near the level they were last season but much better than earlier on in the season. Captain Steven Gerrard is back fit but he must start producing more often this season as he’s been disappointing in the first half of the campaign.

Everton are beginning to play like everyone expected them to from the start of the season. David Moyes’ side have had no luck whatsoever with injuries but now that the treatment room is beginning to empty, performances and results have improved dramatically. The blue half of Merseyside are unbeaten in 10 league matches, by far their best run of the season. They have won 5 of the 10, including their last 3. There have been several reasons for their resurgence in form, one of them is the loan signing of Landon Donovan on loan from the MLS. Donovan has provided a goalscoring threat from wide for the Toffees which they were missing in the early part of the season so it has given opposition defences more to think about. This has meant there has been more freedom for the likes of Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar to play centrally and behind the striker, allowing them to play their natural game has inevitably brought more goals and in turn, points. Cahill notched the winner last weekend away at Wigan as well as at home against Sunderland whilst Pienaar has 3 in his last 5 games.

Liverpool will have to do without their main man upfront again as Fernando Torres is still absent. Glen Johnson is also still out so Jamie Carragher will fill the right back slot once again which will mean Soti Kyriagkos keeps his place at the heart of defence. He has been in good form of late but I remain very unconvinced that he’s good enough for a club like Liverpool. He was extremely error prone when at Rangers a few years ago and even against Stoke his concentration was lacking at times. He’ll be up against it tomorrow with all the attacking threat on show for Everton from all over the park. The away side are also brilliant at set-pieces so concentration is a must.  Everton will have Yakubu and Joseph Yobo back from international duty but both may have to settle for a place on the bench as the side are in such good form at the moment.

I expect their will be goals tomorrow afternoon despite both sides defences playing well of late. This will be the hardest match both sides have faced on their good runs in my opinion, simply because it is a derby game and the pace of the match will be even greater than it normally is in the Premier League. I’m not convinced Liverpool are good enough to beat Everton tomorrow despite being in decent form results wise. They were woeful against Wolves a fortnight ago whilst they were lucky not to concede last week at home to Bolton. Everton are playing far better than their city neighbours but they’ve not won at Anfield in the last decade so they know how hard it will be to take all 3 points back to Goodison. With all this considered I feel the wise money is on a scoring draw. However there may also be value in Everton draw no bet. The blue’s are in terrific form and records are there to be broken. I’m not convinced of the Liverpool defence and with Everton so strong at set pieces, they stand a good chance of breaking their Anfield hoodoo.

My selections: Liverpool and Everton to draw at a best priced 5/2 available with Skybet

                            Everton to beat Liverpool ‘draw no bet’ at a best priced 11/4 with Boylesports

Providing Liverpool do not win, you’ll be in profit should you back both of these bets at level stakes. Should the game end in a draw you will also receive your stake back on the DNB wager.

English Championship

Sheffield United v Derby County

Kevin Blackwell will be glad to get his side back to home comforts after two successive away defeats as Sheffield United take on Derby County at Bramall Lane.

The blades have got themselves back into the promotion picture after a run of good from since the end of December. They’ve won their last 4 home matches and unbeaten in the last 5, conceding zero goals in the process, so it doesn’t take a genius to work out where their strengths currently lie. They have, however, conceded 6 in the last two away games, against West Brom and Watford. Blackwell was left seething after both performances so will be demanding a much improved display tomorrow. With the 4^th best home record in the division, it is not inconceivable that they can put their poor away form behind them and get back to winning ways.

Derby put in a massive performance last weekend in their local derby against Nottingham Forest. Forest had been unbeaten in 16 league matches and had not lost away from home all season before their visit to Pride Park. 90 minutes and a Rob Hulse goal later, both records were away and Derby received a massive morale boost in their bid to stay in the Championship. Their away from, however, is not great at all with only 2 wins from 14 games on the road. Nigel Clough would no doubt be happy with a point and his side will be in buoyant mood after their heroics last Saturday.

Michael Tonge is no stranger to playing at Bramall lane after playing there for 8 years. This time, however, the midfielder will be lining up for the away side after his loan move from Stoke at the start of the week. He’ll likely go straight into the side as he’ll be match fit after a similar spell at Preston North End. Chris Morgan is out injured for the home side as is Andrew Taylor and Marcel Seip, so it will be a defensive reshuffle for Blackwell. The Blades have won their last two home games against tomorrow’s opponents and know that another victory is vital in their quest for a play-off place.

Derby will have put in a massive amount of energy last weekend, both physically and mentally. It will be interesting to see how they react to that expenditure tomorrow but I have a sneaky feeling that they will fail to maintain those levels this time around. There is a reason they are where they are and it is inconsistency.

My selection: Sheffield United to beat Derby County at a best priced 5/6 available with Coral

Betting Preview Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United

The first game of the new season is a Championship game, Middlesbro’ v Sheff. Utd. (Friday 7th August). These two sides could well be in the shake-up come next May.

I’m not really one for long term predictions but I do have a strong fancy for Middlesbro’ to bounce straight back up to the Premiership.
They’ve lost Stewart Downing but have replaced him with a winger with an eye for goal.Twenty-four year old Mark Yeates began his career in the ‘Spurs youth team. After loan spells at Leicester and Hull City, he most recently played for Colchester for whom he scored twenty goal in seventy games. On the other side of the field is Adam Johnson, well starred in Stewart Pearces’ notebook for this seasons under 21 squad. The backbone of the side is provided by Brad Jones, David Wheater, Robert Huth and Julio Arca. Arca has had the joy of winning promotion with Sunderland in 2005.

Wheater is a no-nonsense Centre-Back who has been noticed by a few of the Prem big boys. Huth’ first English side was Chelsea where his chances were limited due to the large squad.

Brad Jones is a reliable goalkeeper, who could hold his own in bigger/better company. However Gareth Southgate has signed Danny Coyne from Tranmere. Not so much as back-up as to keep Jones on his toes. Coyne has had over four hundred and fifty senior games in his career so far. Having played for Burnley, Leicester and Grimsby. He fully expects to get a chance to lay claim to become first choice   ‘keeper.Another arrival is Leroy Lita from Reading. Brought in almost before Mido had cleared his locker. His Premiership experience should be invaluable.Together with Marvin Emnes and Jeremie Aliadiere, these three will hopefully be the source of the goals that were very noticable by their absence last season. On the reverse side, Tuncay Sanli and Afonse Alves both look destined for new clubs in the not too distant future.

So put these together with a young but vastly able manager, in Gareth Southgate and I think here is a combination for SUCCESS.            Currently Middlesbro’ are best offered @ 7.00 to win the Championship (V.C. Bet) and @ 3.25 to be promoted (ToteSport). As your money will be tied-up for some time, I would suggest SMALL stakes only. Incidentally the "Book" fiigures for the Outright market is 102.8%. For the Promotion Market a whopping 294.2%. Not a lot of value, unfortunately.

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

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 10^th January

English Premiership

Everton v Hull

After both sides were involved in FA cup action last Saturday, it’s back to the Premiership and a clash between two sides in the top 8.

Hull were the surprise package during the first half of the season, remaining in the top 6 of the EPL for long periods of the first round of games. The points they accumulated earlier on in the season may prove to be invaluable come the end of the season if their recent form is anything to go by. Their last win the league came over a month ago at home to Middlesborough. You also have to go back to the end of October for their last win on the road. They have however, only lost two of the following 5 matches, both defeats coming to the Manchester clubs.

Everton on the other hand, took a while to get going, especially at Goodison which had proved such a fortress in the past seasons under Davie Moyes. Beset with numerous injury problems to key players resulted in the Toffees going 6 before gaining their first league win on home soil against Fulham. Since that victory, they have drawn 2, lost 1 and in their latest home game, brushed aside Sunderland 3-0. They are unbeaten in 5 games in all competitions winning 4.

Tim Cahill has proved pivotal in Everton’s recent good run playing as a lone striker for much of the last month in the absence of Yakubu, Saha and Anichebe. The latter, however, started last weekend’s cup tie and should keep his place in the starting line-up with Cahill in support. Hull will hope for a bit of magic from Geovanni who has been their talisman, especially away from home.

Everton have aspirations of European football and if they wish to achieve that, they must beat a Hull side on their worst form of the season thus far. Moyes will be hammering home how important it is to get all 3 points tomorrow with their next 3 matches against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. Teams are now getting accustomed to Hull’s style of play and the promoted side may find things a lot different in the 2^nd half of the season, beginning tomorrow.

My selection: Everton to beat Hull

The best price available for an Everton win is 4/6 with several bookmakers including Skybet

English Championship

Ipswich Town v Sheffield Wednesday

One point separates these two sides which suggests it has all the makings of a close fought encounter at Portman road on Saturday.  

The home side have a squad equipped to challenge for a play-off spot and play some lovely football a lot of the time. It could be argued that their young midfield is too inconsistent to put a run of victories together which is needed in this league. Their last 5 games have saw a return of 7 points whilst they have lost 2 of their last 3 home games. It should be noted, however, that these defeats came against top sides in the shape of Birmingham and Cardiff, two sides which have quality in abundance and both coming away with victories by the odd goal.

Sheffield Wednesday have stuttered of late having been challenging for a play-off spot themselves in the earlier part of the season. Their home form was key to their lofty position having only picked up 2 wins on the road, losing 8 and drawing 3. Both wins came against sides in the lower half of the table in the shape of Blackpool and Charlton. Manager Brian Laws has attempted to pick up points by playing good football, which is not always the most effective way in the Championship.

Whenever the home side have came up against mid to lower half of the table sides, they have inevitably brushed them aside, with wins over Bristol City, Derby and Barnsley amongst their 5 home successes. They themselves will play football the way it should be played and with the visitors missing the likes of Clarke, Tudgay and Wade Small.

Already 6 points behind 6^th place, the home side cannot afford to fall any further behind at this stage of the season and will be looking to record a much needed win. Wednesday concede goals on the road, they have managed to ship 30 goals on the road, the highest amount of any side in the league. Whoever play’s upfront for the home side will not get a better chance to grab a couple and kick-start their season.

My selection: Ipswich to beat Sheffield Wednesday

The best price available for an Ipswich win is 5/6 available with several bookmakers includinng Betfred

English Championship

Sheffield United v Norwich City

Tomorrow’s clash see’s two sides needing the points for very different reasons. The home side find themselves in 6^th place and occupying the 4^th and final play-off spot whilst the visitors are at the opposite end of the table only two points outside the relegation zone.

United come into this game in relatively good form with 3 wins and 2 draws from their last 5 matches. They can also count themselves very unfortunate in one of those matches when Crystal Palace equalized in the 4^th minute of injury time. Their home form has been decent with 6 wins and only 3 defeats. It should also be noted that these defeats have came against sides above them in the table, in the shape of Burnley, Reading and Wolves.

Norwich City have been rather disappointing this year considering the amount of players they brought last summer. They have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in the league with the other game resulting in a narrow win over hapless Charlton at Carrow Road in December. Their away form has been especially poor this year, picking up 8 points (2 wins and 2 draws) in 13 matches. They have only managed 11 goals in these games conceding 24.

With Preston North End, Crystal Palace and QPR breathing down Sheffield United’s neck in the play-off place hunt, they will be desperate to pick up 3 points and continue their recent good form.

My selection: Sheffield United to beat Norwich City

The best odds available for a Sheffield United win is 7/10 available with Paddypower

, they have inevitably brushed them aside, with wins over Bristol City, Derby and Barnsley amongst their 5 home successes. They themselves will play football the way it should be played and with the visitors missing the likes of Clarke, Tudgay and Wade Small.

Already 6 points behind 6^th place, the home side cannot afford to fall any further behind at this stage of the season and will be looking to record a much needed win. Wednesday concede goals on the road, they have managed to ship 30 goals on the road, the highest amount of any side in the league. Whoever play’s upfront for the home side will not get a better chance to grab a couple and kick-start their season.

My selection: Ipswich to beat Sheffield Wednesday

The best price available for an Ipswich win is 5/6 available with several bookmakers includinng Betfred

English Championship

Sheffield United v Norwich City

Tomorrow’s clash see’s two sides needing the points for very different reasons. The home side find themselves in 6^th place and occupying the 4^th and final play-off spot whilst the visitors are at the opposite end of the table only two points outside the relegation zone.

United come into this game in relatively good form with 3 wins and 2 draws from their last 5 matches. They can also count themselves very unfortunate in one of those matches when Crystal Palace equalized in the 4^th minute of injury time. Their home form has been decent with 6 wins and only 3 defeats. It should also be noted that these defeats have came against sides above them in the table, in the shape of Burnley, Reading and Wolves.

Norwich City have been rather disappointing this year considering the amount of players they brought last summer. They have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in the league with the other game resulting in a narrow win over hapless Charlton at Carrow Road in December. Their away form has been especially poor this year, picking up 8 points (2 wins and 2 draws) in 13 matches. They have only managed 11 goals in these games conceding 24.

With Preston North End, Crystal Palace and QPR breathing down Sheffield United’s neck in the play-off place hunt, they will be desperate to pick up 3 points and continue their recent good form.

My selection: Sheffield United to beat Norwich City

The best odds available for a Sheffield United win is 7/10 available with Paddypower

by Matthew Chapple

With the championship season just four games old, there has already been a few surprise results with both Derby and Crystal palace occupying two of the relegation places. The biggest shock of the season so far came on the opening day with new boys Doncaster defeating Derby at Pride Park. Derby, who are widely tipped by several to be serious promotion contenders, have already given themselves a mountain to climb under Paul Jewell and are without a win after their first 4 league fixtures.

Crystal Palace are the other side who have made a dreadful start to the season. Two draws and two defeats see them lye in 22nd in the league and are also without a win from their first 4 fixtures.

Several have made undefeated starts to the season with Wolves, Preston, Birmingham, and Bristol City all yet to taste defeat. Wolves currently occupy top spot on goal difference which was largely down to their two terrific home victorys over Sheffield Wednesday which finished 4-1 and their 5-1 rout over Nottingham Forest.

Another surprise is that none of the three new clubs occupy any of the relegation places with Nottingham Forest the lowest out of three in the league in 16th. After Doncasters opening victory at Derby they went on to get 4 points from their next 3 matches.

Outright Betting: With Birmingham winning 3 out of the first 4 fixtures they are justified 10/3 favourties to win the league and judging by their early performances, they should go close. Wolves look good value at 11/2. They eased past their first few league games especially at home and look the team to beat in my opinion. Reading will be thereabouts come the end of the season and the bookies think so too and have priced reading up as third favourties at 7/1 while the new rich boys, QPR are currently 9/1 to win the Championship outright.

Relegation Odds: With both Blackpool and Barnsley not getting particularly good starts the bookies have priced them up as favourites for the drop with Blackpool 5/4 and Barnsley 11/8. The value looks to be with Derby County at 7/1. They are winless in 4 games and have just 1 point to their name. Their performances have been poor and haven’t really looked like winning any of the first 4 fixtures. Burnley lack quality and at 11/4 they look a fair bet for relegation and they should be around the foot of the table come the end of the season.

How we rate each team chances individually.

Barnsley
Players In: Luke Steele, Iain Hume, Roberto Colace, Mounir El Haimour, Darren Moore
Players Out: Paul Reid, Sam Togwell
Key player: Iain Hume
Prediction: 21st Despite making it all the way to the semi-final of the Fa Cup last season they struggled in their domestic campaign and finished 18th. They have a distinct lack of quality especially up front and they will struggle for fire-power in front of goal. We expect them to be around the bottom again this season.

Birmingham
Players In: Lee Carsley, Kevin Phillips, Marcus Bent, Kemy Agustien, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
Players Out: Adam Lezgdins, Fabrice Muamba, Daniel de Ridder, Olivier Kapo, Sone Aluko
Key Player: Kevin Phillips
Prediction: 2nd They were unfortunate to be relegated last season as they got some decent results in the Premiership. They have kept the basic structure of the team while adding the likes of Everton’s Lee Carsley and West Brom’s Kevin Phillips. They have made a decent start to the season and they should be challenging for the automatic spots this season.

Blackpool
Players In: Matt Gilks, Joe Martin, Alex Babtiste, Steve Kabba, Jermaine Wright, Adam Hammill, David Vaughan, Marlon Broomes, Rob Edwards, Sone Aluko, Alan Gow
Players Out: Marcus Bean, Keigan Parker, Michael Jackson, Wes Hoolahan, Kaspars Gorkss
Key Player: Daniel Nardiello
Prediction: 23rd They did extremely well to avoid any sort of relegation battle come the end of the season but with a lack of quality, we fancy them to have a difficult season this time around. With just 4 points from the first 4 fixtures it doesn’t look too good.

Bristol City
Players In: Nicky Maynard, Gavin Williams, John Akinde
Players Out: Alex Russell, Nick Carle, Darren Byfield, Richard Keogh
Key Player: Nicky Maynard
Prediction: 9th They had a fantastic season last year and were unfortunate in the play-off’s. Once again they have made a great satrt to the season and with 8 points from the first 4 games they currently lye in 4th position and look on course for another good season. They were the surprise team last season but we doubt they will beat that and we fancy them to settle in the top half of the table this time around.

Burnley
Players In:Martin Paterson, Kevin McDonald, Christian Kalvenes, Diego Penny, Remco van der Schaaf, Chris Eagles, Russell Anderson, Steven Thompson
Players Out: John Spicer, Kyle Lafferty, James O’Connor, Jon Harley, Djemba-Djemba, David Unsworth
Key Player: Martin Paterson
Prediction: 22nd Burnley finished in mid-table last term and will be lucky to surive this season in our opinion. Chris Eagles should provide them with creativity while fan will be looking towards Martin paterson for goals this season after they let Kyle Lafferty go to Rangers. With just a single points form the opening fixtures the writing looks on the cards already. They lack quality and look set to face a relegation fight this season.

Cardiff
Players In: Darren Dennehy, Ross McCormack, Mark Kennedy, Jay Bothroyd, Eddie Johnson, Peter Encklemen
Players Out: Aaron Ramsey, David Forde, Warren Feeney, Robbie Fowler, Steven Thompson, Jimmy Flyod-Hasselbaink, Trevor Sinclair
Key Player: Joe Ledley
Prediction: 7th Cardiff somewhat sacrificed their league campaign for a great cup run in the FA Cup which seen them lose 1-0 to Portsmouth in the final. They will be disappointed with the departure of Aaron Ramsey who had a lot of potential and doesn’t seem as if Cardiff have found a replacement. Joe Ledley will be key if they are to push for the play-off’s this season but we think they will just come up short.

Charlton
Players In: Stuart Fleetwood, Martin Cranie, Hameur Bouazza
Players Out: Patrick McCarthy, Darren Randolph, Chris Iwelumo, Marcus Bent, Madjid Bougherra, Osei Sankofa, Sam Sodje, Ben Thatcher, Jerome Thomas, Amdy Faye,
Key Player: Marcus Bent
Prediction: 8th We’re not impressed with their lack of incoming transfers but they do posses some decent players in the final third. I think their season will rely heavily on a good start. If they hit a win less streak then they could start struggling. 6 points from 4 games isn’t the ideal start they would have hoped for and we doubt they will make a claim for one of the play-off spots.

Coventry
Players In: Guillaume Beuzelin, Aron Gunnarsson, Keiren Westwood, Freddy Eastwood, Steven Wright, Clinton Morrison
Players Out: Liam Davis, Julian Gray, Donovan Simmonds
Key Player: Freddy Eastwood
Prediction: 10th They had a poor season last year and were lucky not to go down. A new manager at the helm in Chris Coleman and their new signing Freddy Eastwood could one of the buys of the season. The welsh international is a proven goalscorer at this level and his goals this season will be crucial for Coventry’s ambitions. I don’t think they have the credentials to push for promotion and might have to settle for a mid-table finish.

Crystal palace
Players In: Patrick McCarthy, Johannes Ertl, Darryl Flahavan, Jos Van Nieuwstadt, Jose Fonte, Simon Thomas, Nick Carle, John Oster, Leandre Griffit, Alan Lee
Players Out: Jeff Hughes, Lewis Spencer, Mark Kennedy, John Bostock, Tony Craig, Clinton Morrison, Tom Soares, Dougie Freedman
Key Player: Nick Carle
Prediction: 6th Crystal palace made it to play-off’s last season and we fancy a repeat this season despite their poor start to the season. Neil Warnock has built a decent side at Palace and his side have the ability to push for promotion back to the top flight once again. One negative for me was them letting go of Clinton Morrison to league rivals Coventry. The forward bagged 16 goals in the championship last season and will be missed.

Derby
Players In: Kris Commons, Steve Davies, Nathan Ellington, Paul Connolly, Ruben Zadkovich, Paul Green, Jordan Stewart, Martin Albrechtsen, Liam Dickinson, Przemyslaw Kazmierczak, Rob Hulse
Players Out: Robert Earnshaw, Kenny Miller, Michael Johnson, Lee Holmes, David Jones, Darren Moore, Jason Beardsley, Craig Fagan, Tyron Mears, Eddie Lewis
Key Player: Rob Hulse
Prediction: 12th Despite them dropping down from the premiership we reckon they will have a difficult season. They were the worst ever team to play in the Premiership last season and they haven’t strengthen enough for us to think they will bounce straight back up. Add that to their poor start to the season we reckon they will find things tougher then they first expected in the Championship. Kris Commons and Rob Hulse look decent signings but we’re not too confident of their defence. A tough season ahead predicted which could see the end of Paul Jewell.

Doncaster
Players In:John Spicer, Darren Byfield, Tomi Ameobi, Matthew Mills, Jos van Niewstadt, James Chambers
Players Out: Paul Green, Stephen Roberts, Mark McCammon
Key Player: Darren Byfield
Prediction:19th Doncaster made it into the championship via the play-offs from League one and although they didn’t go up through automatic promotion, we fancy them to do well this season. They have a solid look about them and they could give some of the bigger sides in the league a surprise when they play them. Derby have already found this out when they lsot at home to Doncaster 1-0. Going by their first few performances they should have enough to stay up.

Ipswich
Players In: Pim Balkestein, Gareth McAuley, Kevin Lisbie, Richard Wright, Ivan Campo, Ben Thatcher, Moritz Volz, Johnathan Stead
Players Out: Gavin Williams, Gary Roberts, Nick Colgan
Key Player: Johnathan Walters
Prediction: 3rd Ipswich are a team with a great home record. They were the best home side of last season with just the on defeat at Portman Road. We didn’t think many would beat them at Portman Road this season but with two straight home defeats it has certainly made us concentrate harder. Although they have made apoor start to the season by their own standards, we still fancy them to at least get one of the 4 play-off positions. A distinct lack of transfers into the club is a slight concern but we fancy them to go well and possibly sneak automatic promotion.

Norwich
Players In: Sammy Clingan, Wes Hoolahan, Ryan Bertrand, Dejan Stefanovic, Elliot Omozusi, Arturo Lupoli, David Bell, Stuart Nelson
Players Out: Matt Gliks, Andrew Cave-Brown
Key Player: Arturo Lupoli
Prediction: 14th Norwich finished 17th last season which is unacceptable for a club with their recent history. They lacked goals last season and have brought in some strikers wit h the aim of putting it right this season. However they still lack quality in the midfield and there is a lack of quality creative players in their squad. If they can provide the former Arsenal youngster, Lupoli with regular service then they may go well but they are very incocnsistent and we fancy them to have another poor season.

Nottingham Forest
Players In: Robert Earnshaw, Guy Moussi, Andy Cole, Joe Garner, Paul Anderson, Mickael Darnet, Lee Martin
Players Out: Kris Commons, Matt Lockwood, Alan Power, Sammy Clingan, Grant Holt, Junior Agogo
Key Player: Robert Earnshaw
Prediction: 17th Last seasons League two runners-up Nottingham Forest look to have enough to see off relegation for one season at least. The signing of Robert Earnshaw from Derby County is a massive positive. The welsh international has bags of pace and can score at this level. If Nottingham are to survive then his goals will play a key part. A 5-1 hammering against Wolves won;t go down too nciely with the players but their other 3 performances look good enough for us to think they should settle nicely in the bottom half of table.

Plymouth Argyle
Players In: Jason Puncheon, Karl Duguid, Yala Bolsaie, Graham Stack, Emlie Mpenza, Nicolas Marin, paul Gallagher, Chris Barker, Simon Walton
Players Out: Paul Connolly, Paul Wotton, Najim Abdou, Peter Halmosi
Key Player: Emile Mpenza
Prediction: 15th I live near Plymouth and the fans are not too optimistic about the season ahead. Plymouth have let several of their best players go over the past year with the likes of Ebanks-Blake going to Wolves in January and their most high profile of them all in Peter Halmosi who couldn’t resist the lure of the premiership with Hull City. Emile Mpenza is a fantastic signing for Sturrock and he could be crucial for Plymouth this season. After a decent season last year we fancy them to finish in mid-table this term.

Preston
Players In: Barry Nicholsen, Ross Wallace, Jon Parkin, Stephen Elliott
Players Out: Tamas Priskin
Key Player: Neil Mellor
Prediction: 13th Preston struggled for the majority of last season and spent a lot of the time near the foot of the table. The eventually finished in 15th and with the lack of activity in the transfer market this summer they won’t be too far away from where they finished last season. They have made a great start to the new season though and have 10 points from their first 4 games beating some of the favourites for promotion. Their start to the season is very good but they are a inconsistent side and we doubt they can keep it up throughout the season.

Queens Park Rangers
Players In: Radek Cerny, Peter Ramage, Emmanuel Ledesma, Kaspars Gorkss, Dani Parejo, Samuel Di Carmine
Players Out: Stefan Bailey, Jake Cole, Daniel Nardiello, Zesh Rehman. Simon Walton, Chris Barker
Key Player: Emmanuel Ledesma
Prediction: 4th QPR fans are confident they can win the title this season. With new investors from the world of Formula 1 they have the cash to push for promotion and a minimum of a play-off spot will be expected from the fans. They have brought in a decent keeper in former spurs shot stopper Radek Cerny and Ledesma is a classy winger who can deliver a good ball. The board have already expressed that they aim to be in the premiership within the next couple of season and we think this could be their year but it will take a lot of work.

Reading
Players In: Noel Hunt, Chris Armstrong
Players Out: Adam Bygrave, Ben Hamer, Glenn Little, Dave Kitson, Scott Davies, Ibrahima Sonko
Key Player: Kevin Doyle
Prediction: 5th Despite Reading being relegated from the Premiership they have managed to keep the majority of their best players. Leroy Lite, Steven Hunt and Kevin Doyle have all stayed at the club with their only big departure being Glen little to Portsmouth. They have started fairly well and are in 6th position after 4 games. They have enough quality to regain their premiership status and we expect them to be in the play-off’s come the end of the season.

Sheffield United
Players In: Greg Halford, Sun Jihai, Darius Henderson, Justin Haber, David Cotterill
Players Out: Chris Lucketti, Rob Hulse, Ben Starosta, Luton Shelton, Johnathan Stead, Michael Tonge, Chris Armstrong,
Key Player: James Beattie
Prediction: 11th A disappointing season last term saw them finish in 9th. They are a club expected to push for promotion each season but are very inconsistent. They did well to keep hold of James Beattie who scored 21 league goals last season. Even with Kevin Blackwell at the helm i can’t see them mounting a promotion challenge this season and will have to settle for another average campaign in mid-table.

Sheffield Wednesday
Players In: James O’Connor, Tony McMahon, Jimmy Smith
Players Out: Burten O’brien
Key Player: James O’Connor
Prediction: 24th Sheffield Wednesday seem to struggle each season and were tipped for relegation last season. They do lack fire-power in front of goal and with no recognised signings they will be in for another difficult campaign and a dogfight at the foot of the table looks inevitable.

Southampton
Players In: Chris Perry, Lee Holmes, Paul Wotton, Tommy Forecast, Morgan Schneiderlin, Anthony Pulis, Jack Cork
Players Out: Cedric Baseya, Andrew Davis
Key Player: Bradley Wright-Phillips
Prediction: 20th Another former Premiership club on the decline. After their stint in the top flight they have seriously struggled for results in the championships and were very fortunate not to go down last season and their survival went down to the last day of the season which saw Leicester take their place in the last relegation spot. A team who lack goals and confidence and if they get off to a bad start, their could be no way back for the Saints.

Swansea
Players In: Ashley Williams, Mark Gower, Federico Bessone, Albert Serran, Fabien Brandy, Stefan Morrision
Players Out: Kevin Austin, Kevin Amankwaah, Darryl Duffy, Darren Way
Key Player: Jason Scotland
Prediction: 18th Last season League one champions will be hoping to avoid a relegation fight but with a lack of depth within the squad they could have one on their hands. Despite manager Martinez making some signings over the summer they do lack a potent striker and could struggle somewhat for goals. Going on their first couple of performances they should have enough to pull off survival though.

Watford
Players In: Jon Harley
Players Out: Nathan Ellington, Jordan Stewart, Toumani Diagoura, Steve Kabba, Darius Henderson, Moses Ashikodi, Danni Shittu
Key Player: Tommy Smith
Prediction: 16th After a great start to last season which seen them top of the league at Christmas, they fell off the pace and only just managed to get the last play-off spot. They went out at the first hurdle to eventual play-off winners Hull City. Their does seem to be cash problems at the club also with Boothroyd being forced to sell several key players with Nathan Ellington, Steve Kabba and Darius Henderson all departing the club. With very little coming into the club they look in trouble. They are widely tipped to struggle this season and we reckon they will finish 10 places behind their position last season in 16th.

Wolves
Players In: Sam Vokes, Richard Stearman, David Jones, Chris Iwelumo, Matthew Hill
Players Out: Freddy Eastwood, Matt Bailey, Seyi Olofinjana, Elliott Bennett, Lee Collins, Jay Bothroyd, Charles Mulgrew
Key Player: Michael Kightly
Prediction: 1st Manager Mick McCarthy has made some decent signings over the summer in a bid to improve on last seasons finish of 7th. Wolves had a disappointing season last term and were fancied to at least get a play-off spot. Welsh international Sam Vokes looks a decent proposition for the future while Chris Iwelumo should be what they need to get the goals to push them higher up the league. They have made the best start to the season out of any of the championship clubs and with them currently in first place, we fancy them to remain their aslong as they keep up the good performances.