Sheffield Wednesday

Monday 26th December

English Premier League

Manchester United v Wigan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best odds available: 11/8 available with Boylesports

English Championship

Reading v Brighton

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Selection: Reading to beat Brighton

Best odds available: 4/5 available with Betfred

English League One

Walsall v Sheffield Wednesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Walsall

Best odds available: 10/11 available with Totesport

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

Saturday 25th November

English Premier League

Arsenal v Fulham

A Lodon derby at the Emirates between inform Arsenal and Fulham is the early evening kick off on Saturday.

After an horrendous start to the season which culminated in an 8-2 thrashing by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arsenal’s form has picked up dramatically in recent weeks. From their last 13 matches in all competitions they have failed to win just two of them – one in the league and one in Europe. The only match they did lose was the North London derby against Spurs at White Hart Lane. That defeat was back in early October which means they are on a run of nine games without defeat winning eight of those. Their last home defeat was against Liverpool in August and despite their early season troubles, it was, to date its the only loss they have suffered on their own patch this season. They have, in actual fact, won nine of their following ten matches at home which is an excellent record by anyone’s standards. Their good form see’s them sitting in 7th place at the moment, three points off the fourth Champions League spot which is surely their aim at this stage of the campaign.

Fulham have been diasppointing thus far and are edging ever closer towards the dreaded relegation zone. Last weekend’s draw with Sunderland was one of the most boring fixtures that have been played in a long time. Fulham had a couple of chances to win the game but it would have been harsh on Sunderland who dominated for large spells. It now means Martin Jol’s side have won just two of their 12 Premie League matches which means they sit only above four sides in the division. Jol has had a reputation of playing attractive, attacking football at his previous clubs including Spurs. That doesn’t seem to be the case at his current club, however, despite the amount of attacking talent that he has at his disposal. One of their victories has come away from home so there is a little crumb of comfort for the travelling fans but it’s only the smallest of crumbs as their record away to Arsenal is terrible – they have yet to win. From 25 games they have lost 22 and managed just three draws.

There is not a man in World Football who is in better form than Robin Van Persie. The Dutch striker has really came to the fore in 2011 and his run of form has conincided with his longest injury free spell for years. From 33 matches this calendar year, Van Persie has scored 31 goals. Arsenal have scored 15 goals in their last five games of which Van Persie has scored two thirds of them. There is little doubt that the Gunners have adopted a different style of play this season since losing Cesc Fabregas in the summer and it’s suited their striker in form. Theo Walcott’s direct play from the wide areas as well as Mikel Arteta’s and Aaron Ramsey’s distribution from the middle of the park has allowed Van Persie to get more chances and with his confidence so high and finishing so clinical, he is not missing too many at the moment.

Fulham paid a big fee for Brian Ruiz who arrived from Dutch side Twente in the last transfer window. He has taken some time to adapt to his new club, so much so that despite the large fee he has been unable to command a regular starting spot and has just one goal to his name. Bobby Zamora remains Fulham’s biggest threat and despite not scoring as many as he would have liked he is still very much in the thoughts of England manager Fabio Capello. Zamora lined up in his country’s recent 1-0 victory over Sweden at Wembley and will be hoping to kick on between now and the end of the season and stake a claim for a place in the Euro 2012 squad.

There can only be one winner for me on Saturday evening and I envisage a comfortable home win. The 1/2 available may well tempt many but to make it a little more attractive, go for Van Persie to score anytime and his side to take all three points.

My Selection: Robin Van Persie to score at anytime and Arsenal to win

Best odds available: 13/10 available with Betfred

English Championship

Leeds United v Barsnley

Another derby but this time it’s of the Yorkshire variety as promotion chasing Leeds entertain their near neighbours Barsnley at Elland Road.

Leeds have been in and around the play-off zone for much of the season and after narrowly missing out at the end of last season, will be even more determined to ensure they last the pace this time around. Simon Grayson has had to contend with losing key players throuhgout his time in charge at Leeds but he still manages to keep churning results out and keep his side competitive with the other sides looking gain promotion to the Premier League. The Championship is as competitive as ever this season so it will be close come May when the top six will be set in stone but currently sitting fifth and with a couple of points to spare, it’s looking positive for Leeds. What will be especially pleasing for Grayson and their prospects of sustaining their challenge is that their away form is just as good as their home record. He will be hoping that his players can make amends for their last home match which resulted in a 5-0 thumping from Blackpool. In actual fact, Leeds have not won a home match since the 1st of October.

Barnsley’s aim at the start of the season will have been to remain in the division but they will be hoping to do that as early as possible and then look to finish as high as possible. 17 matches into the season and they are sitting in 15th position with a healthy 21 points. Their last match was a 2-0 win over another Yorkshire side in the shape of bottom club Doncaster at Oakwell. Tomorrow’s match will be a totally different prospect but they will make the short journey to Elland Road in good heart after that win. Their away form does leave a lot to be desired however as it’s now six games without a win on the road. They have lost their last three matches against Portsmouth, Cardiff and Brighton so they, along with tomorrow’s opponents, have something to prove and rectify. Their sole win on the road came back in August when they got the better of Reading in a 2-1 victory.

Leeds have won their last two games since being thrashed 5-0 at the beginning of the month. A 1-0 victory over Leciester was followed by a come from behind 2-1 success against Burnley last Saturday. At the heart of both of those wins and most of the good things about Leeds this season has been Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack. The Scottish internationalists have scored 13 goals between them in the League this season and their fitness and form will be vital as Leeds look to cement their positive league position.

Barnsley have not faired too badly against Leeds in recent times and have managed to accumulate eight points from their last four meetings – two wins and two draws. Goals were a common theme last season in this fixture with a total of 13 goals shared between the sides so there is reason to believe that there may well be goals tomorrow. That hope is enhanced further with the amount of goals that both sides have conceded this term. Leeds have shipped 26 goals already this season (the most of any top side) whilst Barnsley’s defences have been breached nine times in their last three away matches alone.

I wouldn’t put anyone off backing over 2.5 goals but the value bet for me is for the home side to record their first home win in four.

My Selections: Leeds to beat Barnsley

Best odds available: 3/4 available with William Hill

English League One

Sheffield Wednesday v Leyton Orient

The third match previewed this week see’s Sheffield Wednesday host Leyton Orient with the home side hoping to maintain their unbeaten record at Hillsbrough.

It would have been hard for any side to keep tabs on Huddersfield and Charlton with the form the top two in League One have been in but Gary Megson and his Wednesday side are just about managing it. Just two points off of second placed Huddersfield, the Owls are impressing many with their consistency. One defeat from 11 matches in all competitions is impressive form considering how competitive League One is. Their home record is also very strong as the only blemish from nine league games was their most recent home fixture against Brentford. That matched ended goalless but they had won their other eight matches at Hillsbrough with an aggregate score of 18 goals for and just five against. Viisitng sides will really have to be on their game if they wish to take anything back home with them.

Leyton Orient are also a side in very decent form as they have not lost in any of their last nine games. Russell Slade’s side certainly started slowly but no-one can deny that they have certainly turned the corner and are definitely heading in the right direction. Orient have actually performed slightly better on the road and ammased more points on their travels than when playing at home. Their only two defeats away from home this season have come against Brentford and Walsall both of which were very early on the season. It means that they have been to Huddersfield and avoided defeat so they will certainly not be overawed heading into tomorrow’s fixture, despite Wednesday boasting the best home record in the division.

Megson will once again be hoping that the goals of Gary Madine can prove to be the difference for his side. The former Carlisle striker is enjoying an excellent season but he has failed to score in his last four matches. Before that, however, he had went on a run of eight goals in seven matches. If he does get back to that kind of form then there is no reason that Wednesday cannot look to push for one of the automatic promotion spots.

Leyton Orient may not score as many as other teams in the league and have had some trouble keeping them out at the other end but they are one of the form sides in the division at present. Kevin Lisbie is an experienced head upfront and he will lead the line tomorrow as he looks to do the double over the Sheffield clubs having scored against United earlier in the season.

Both sides are in good form and people may be put off backing the home side because Orient haven’t lost in nine. I’m of a different opinion and despite the away side being hard to beat, Wednesday are a better side and have better players. Gary Madine will be a handful for one of the worst defences in the league so take the Owls side to gain another three home points.

My Selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Leyton Orient

Best odds available: 8/11 available with Skybet

Saturday 22nd October

Bolton v Sunderland

Neither Bolton or Sunderland have had the start to the season that they would have wanted or expected so Saturday’s game give’s both sides a chance to rectify that at the Reebok.

Owen Coyle will have been disappointed with the number of defeats his side have so early in the season but he will have been boosted by recent performances. Last weeks victory over Wigan was far more like it and they looked like the team of last season with so much quality going forward. They troubled the Wigan goal on a regular basis and looked threatening for the full 90 minutes. It was just their second win of the season after eight games (losing the rest of them) and their first since the opening day of the season, so it was very timely heading into such an important stage of the season. Despite their victory they still remain in the bottom three, one place behind tomorrow’s opponents despite having the same number of points. What may provide a source of comfort for Coyle is the fact that Bolton have already played the likes of Chelsea, the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Arsenal. It’s a tough run of fixtures for anyone at anytime of the season but for a club who had brought in several players to begin their campaign with so many hard games it is doubly difficult.

Steve Bruce is under a lot of pressure at the minute after a less than positive start to the season. Last weekends defeat to Arsenal in London was their fourth of the season and with just one win to their name thus far, the pressure is mounting on the former Manchester United captain to start achieving results sooner rather than later. Their only win to date was a 4-0 thumping of Stoke City back in September which they would have been hoping would have been the turning point but the following three games have yielded just one point – and that was after being 2-0 down early on against West Brom. Like Bolton it’s not all doom in gloom as there were some positive signs against Arsenal last Sunday. Despite losing a goal in the first minute, the Black Cats equalised and held their own for much of the match only to lose to a fantastic Robin Van Persie free kick in the last few minutes.

It’s too early to talk about a six pointer – far too early, but it could prove to be a vital match for the future of Steve Bruce. A defeat and it would mean Bolton would leapfrog Sunderland and leave them in the relegation zone whilst a win could be the catalyst for them to clim the table. Sunderland do have a good recent record at the Reebok as they are unbeaten in their last three visits, winning two of them. A repeat of that would be a timely boost for the under-fire Bruce.

Bolton impressed me last weekend with the manner of their win against Wigan. To dominate a local derby is a feat at anytime but coming off so many defeats in the league and to do so away from home is even more impressive. Sunderland also stepped up their game against Arsenal but with home advantage I think Bolton will prove to be too strong and put even more pressure on Sunderland and their manager.

My Selection: Bolton to beat Sunderland

Best odds available: 13/10 available with PaddyPower

English Championship

Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace

Sixth meets fifth in the Championship tomorrow so it promises to be an entertaining match at Portman Road when Ipswich meet Crystal Palace.

Ipswich’s recent resurgence see’s them sitting top of the form table in the Championship as well as sitting in the play-off zone in the league itself. Paul Jewell will have been as disappointed as anyone with the start to the season by his side but things have certainly picked up in recent weeks. Key to their revival has been a strong midfield, one which would not look out of place in the Premier League let alone the current level they are playing at. Keith Andrews, Lee Bowyer, Jimmy Bullard and Grant Leadbitter have all had recent experience of playing at the top level whilst Jay Emmanuel Thomas was purchased from Arsenal in the close season. Despite winning their first match of the season they went on to lose five of their next six league games which saw them in the relegation zone at one point. Things have certainly picked up however and they are now unbeaten in their last six matches, winning four of them. It’s even more impressive when you consider they teams they have played during that time.

Palace have certainly surpassed many people’s expectations this season with the amount of points they have gathered so early on. Six wins from 12 is a more than decent return for a club who have been battling relegation for the past few seasons. Dougie Freedman is doing a grand job and will be delighted with the response of his players but he will also know that there is a long way to go between now and May so will be demanding that they keep it up. A big positive for Palace is that they seem equally comfortable away from home as they do at Selhurst Park as they have amassed the same amount of wins on the road as they have done at home. Back to back wins against Watford and Bristol City after the International break will have done wonders for confidence heading into a busy set of fixtures where they will be up against some quality sides such as tomorrow’s opponents, Southampton and Cardiff.

It’s such a cliche but the midfield battle is so important when two closely matched sides meet. It will be no different tomorrow and the likes of Bullard and Andrews will be up against South African and Australian internationals. Kagisho Evidence and Michael Jedinak will be accompanied by the goalscoring threat of Darren Ambrose in the Palace midfield whilst the potent partnership of Glenn Murray and Jermaine Easter will certainly test the home defence.

Ipswich are on a real role at the moment with a midfield packed full of quality it was only a matter of time before they got their act together. Michael Chopra will be tasked with adding to his five league goals as he assumed a likely lone striker role with the wide players expected to get up and support the former Cardiff hitman.

I am expecting game packed full of chances and possibly goals tomorrow as both managers like to get their teams forward. There has been 19 goals shared at Portman Road this term whilst Crystal Palace’s away games have yielded 16. With that in mind, as well as fancying Ipswich to gather all three points, I think the over 2.5 goals is also worth a wager.

My Selection: Ipswich to beat Crystal Palace at a best priced 21/20 available with William Hill Over 2.5 goals at a best priced 4/5 available with Bet365

English League One

Sheffield Wednesday v Colchester United
After a morale boosting come from behind draw against city rivals United last weekend, Sheffield Wednesday host Colchester knowing that a win could see them top if other results go their way.

Gary Megson may not have been everyone’s idea of Wednesday’s new manager and had a less than successful start last season but he has proved his doubters wrong this term. Six home wins from six in the league is the main reason for sitting third in the table and gives them real hope of returning to the second tier of English football after a few years in the wilderness. They have not tasted defeat since the middle of September and as mentioned, their 2-2 draw with Sheffield United would have felt like a win as they were two goals down with less than 10 minutes to go before their late, late show.

Megson has assembled a team of quality players who have experience at a higher level than this throughout their careers. Chris Sedgwick is one of those players and his vast experience is a real help in the middle of the park. The man everyone is talking about, however, is Gary Madine. Unlike others, Madine has not yet tasted a higher level of football but the former Carlisle man is really impressing and has scored 11 goals in 13 matches.

Colchester are not one of the bigger names in the League One list of clubs but they are consistent and do have a history of upsetting the odds so they do come with a warning. John Ward will be a little more satisfied after his side went the last four games unbeaten, winning two and drawing two. Before that they were struggling for any kind of consistency which meant they were towards the bottom of the table but they are improving as recent wins against Chesterfield and Walsall would back up. Two 2-2 draws followed so heading into tomorrow’s match against a heavyweight such as Sheffield Wednesday, confidence should be as high as it has been all season.

Anthony Wordsworth has been the jewel in Colchester’s crown this season as the midfielder has scored six goals in 13 games which is an excellent return for a striker at this level let alone a midfield player. He is attracting interest from bigger clubs but he looks totally devoted to Colchester and his development over the past couple of seasons has been excellent. With his six goals, he is on course to beat his tally of 11 goals he notched in 2009/10.

This game may have had home win written all over it a couple of weeks ago such was the form of Colchester but they are proving that they can be hard to beat with just one loss in eight games. That loss was against the other Sheffield side when they were easily beaten 3-0 at Brammal Lane.

Despite Colchester’s better form of late, there is a great deal of momentum behind Sheffield Wednesday and with Gary Madine in such prolific form, it’s hard to see anything other than a victory for the Owl’s.

My Selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Colchester

Best odds available: 5/6 available with Stan James

Charlton‘s squad looks to have a bit of quality about it this season and the Addicks look a decent bet at William Hill‘s 9/1 to grab the League 1 crown and start edging back towards a position in the Football League to which their support are more accustomed. It’s been a barren few years for Charlton fans and last season’s 13th place was another new low, but rookie manager Chris Powell has addressed several problems over the summer and made a few shrewd signings which suggests the Londoners should do a lot better this term. Danny Hollands and Rhoys Wiggins both did well for Bournemouth last season and will have learned from their play-off experience with the Cherries, while Paul Hayes should score goals for funs at this level and former Exeter captain Matt Taylor is a good man to have around when the going gets tough. Bradley Wright-Phillips should be all the better with a proper pre-season behind him and adds further quality and Charlton can make a major impact this term.

Another side that catches the eye at bigger odds are Carlisle. No side relishes a trip to Brunton Park in the depths of winter and it’s unlikely the Cumbrians will forfeit many points again this season in front of their own fans. Greg Abbott was obviously fairly happy with last season’s squad because he hasn’t added much to it but the Cumbrians have impressed in pre-season victories over higher-ranked opposition and did win the Johnston’s Paint Trophy last season, which has proved a surprisingly good indicator for the following year on occasion. United can be backed at 50/1 with bwin and William Hill, and get a generous 24 points start on the handicap (18/1) with the latter.

Given last year’s near miss, Huddersfield Town are favourites with most layers, Willam Hill again best at 6/1. Losing a play-off final can be a demoralising blow to a club but Lee Clark‘s squad has plenty of strong characters and the fact that the manager has just spent £1million on Bolton’s Danny Ward suggests he still has the backing of the board for now. The Terriers shouldn’t be far away but I’m yet to be convinced that Sheffield Wednesday are ready to make a title push, despite Gary Megson‘s heavy investment in power over panache. They are 7/1 with William Hill. For once, it’s easy to pick holes in the merits of relegated sides Preston, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe, while the promoted teams could also struggle to acclimatise to a higher level. Last season’s League 2 champions Chesterfield, for example, have lost their best two strikers. 

At the bottom, Bury may find it tough to survive and can be backed for an immedaite return to League 2 at 11/4 with Skybet and Victor Chandler, while Hartlepool also look set for another season of struggle and are the same price with Betfred and totesport for the drop. Oldham’s summer signings have been collectively underwhelming and it would be no surprise if they were to also be looking down rather than up for most of the campaign. Paul Dickov‘s side are 3/1 with Betfred and totesport for relegation.

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

Happy New Year to all! I apologise for the lack of previews over the festive period, I’m sure you can understand how hectic and busy this time of year is and I have just been unable to get enough time to do the website justice. I felt I was hitting some form over the closing weeks of 2010 so I hope 2011 can continue that.

The FA Cup returns this weekend so punters should be wary as there are often shocks at this time of year whilst some teams totally devalue the historic competition nowadays.

Saturday 8^th January

English FA Cup

Coventry City v Crystal Palace

One of two all Championship ties takes place at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow as Coventry entertain relegation threatened Crystal Palace.

After a powerful run heading into Christmas, the Sky Blues have tailed off a little of late as they head into this game without a win in six matches, losing 4 of them. Aidy Boothroyd has done it all before in the Championship and would have expected a run like this with a squad that was only put together a matter of months ago. They are a club that is very much developing and the fact they’re only four points off a play-off position in the first week of January, should provide some comfort and satisfaction for all those associated with the club. Their home form this season has been in and out as they have won six and lost five of their 13 matches at the Ricoh. City had a decent run in the FA Cup two seasons ago as they reached the Quarter Finals only losing out to eventual winners Chelsea at home. Boothroyd will be hoping that his side can replicate some of that form this season. By his own admission it’s likely that this season is far too early for promotion, but with some experience and quality in the ranks, a good cup run is not out the question.

Crystal Palace have struggled all season long, so much so that they parted company with George Burley towards the end of last year. Former fans favourite, Dougie Freedman has taken the role of caretaker manager since Burley’s departure. The Scot picked up his first win in charge earlier this week as Palace triumphed 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Preston North End. The winning goal came from former Spurs striker Stefan Iversen. The Norwegian striker marked his debut with a goal and is line to face Coventry tomorrow. Still an international striker, his acquisition may prove vital in the coming months as Palace bid to stave off relegation. The fans will be hoping that their new signing and current managerial team can alter things away from home. The Eagles have an abysmal record on the road which is the main reason they find themselves at the wrong end of the table. Just one win, and 10 defeats, from 13 away games tells its own story, as does the 31 goals conceded (the worst record in the division).

There are two lines of thinking as to how Crystal Palace will approach this game. Given they have just won a match and require momentum to lift themselves from their current league position, you could be forgiven to think that they would consider this game a must win. However I’m of the other opinion that the FA Cup could prove to be a hindrance with so many crucial league games coming up. They may well field a strong team given their lack of depth in the squad, but their priority is surely league survival. Coventry, on the other hand, can play with some more freedom as they sit in a much more comfortable position.

Priorities have to come into play here so with that in mind, I believe a home win offers the best value in this match up.

My selection: Coventry to beat Crystal Palace

Best odds available: EVENS available with William Hill

English FA Cup

Burton Albion v Middlesbrough

Tony Mowbray takes his Middlesbrough side to League Two side Burton Albion as he bids to turn the fortunes of the club around in the New Year.

Burton have been anything but spectacular this season and are not a team in form heading into this cup tie. Had they been, then there is a line of thinking that suggests this could be one of the more likely shocks due to the season their opponents are experiencing. Albion’s manager, Paul Peschisolido, is no stranger to the FA Cup as he has been around clubs such as Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United. He reached the semi-finals of this competition with United so will be hoping that his experience and knowledge cup football in this country can help some of his younger players as they prepare for what is their biggest match since hosting Manchester United five years ago. They done ever so well to hold United to draw at home before losing the tie in the replay. That match should prove that they have little to fear in these fixtures as the pressure is all on the ‘big’ sides.

Tony Mowbray replaced Gordon Strachan in a job for the second season running when taking over the reins at Middlesbrough. Success and progress has not been instantaneous but performances are slowly getting better even if the results are much the same. Mowbray has always sought to get his teams playing attractive and expansive football, in order to do that, however, he needs his own players. The frustrating thing for him is that he is working with players that he deemed surplus to requirements in his previous job with Celtic. The likes of Barry Robson, Scott McDonald, Stephen McManus and Willo Flood were all shipped out last January but has fate would have it, they are now under his stewardship once again.

Burton have lost just three games at home this season and have won two of the last three at the Pirelli Stadium.

Middlesbrough will need to improve their results if they wish to move up the table, but they also have to fight and scrap for a win tomorrow to save any more embarrassment and criticism. That is exactly what they would get as the wages some of their players are on would probably eclipse the total wage bill for the whole Burton side.

I watched ‘Boro’s last match at home to Norwich and I was impressed with their passing and the amount of chances they created. If they can replicate that performance then the odds against them winning tomorrow could prove to be silly come 5pm.

My selection: Middlesbrough to beat Burton Albion

Best odds available: 23/20 available with William Hill 

English FA Cup

Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday

An intriguing matchup at Ashton Gate is in store when high flying Sheffield Wednesday of League One hope to get the better of Championship side Bristol City.

This season started with so much optimism for Bristol City as they had Steve Coppell in charge; David James chose to sign with them as they pushed towards the Premier League and the board backed the new manager with some big wages. Things, however, quickly turned sour. Coppell left, James came in for criticism and the new players failed to gel at first. The man entrusted to get things back on track was Keith Millen. Millen oversaw things towards the end of last season and now has the job permanently. His side currently sit five points clear of the relegation places which is a vast improvement on where they were earlier in the campaign. The main reason for their rise up the table is their home form. They are undefeated in eight matches at home with five wins and three draws. It’s excellent form, even more so when you consider they have three goals during that run.

Alan Irvine saw his charges turnaround their indifferent form and put a run together which catapulted them right back into the automatic promotion shake up. He has also witnessed a capitulation again as Wednesday are on a run of five games which has returned just one solitary victory. He must be banging his head against a wall with all the inconsistency which has plagued them for much of the season. Their away form has bore the brunt of this as they have lost the last four on the road which makes them vulnerable heading into this match. Irvine’s priority is obviously getting the Owl’s back into the Championship and making this fixture a regular thing. However tomorrow’s game could be just the tonic needed to go on another run of form over the next few weeks.

Bristol City have a lot of attacking options going forward and having made Ashton Gate a bit of a fortress of late, it’s no surprise that I feel they are the safest option and the odds suggest value to me.

My selection: Bristol City to beat Sheffield Wednesday

Best odds available: 21/20 available with Victor Chandler

Saturday 11^th December

English League One

Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol Rovers

The big freeze has thawed over the last few days but it’s effect is still evident up and down the country. One of the teams, who played last week, Sheffield Wednesday, will be looking to put their defeat to Swindon behind them when they play host to Bristol Rovers at Hillsborough.

Alan Irvine’s side have had something of an indifferent campaign to date with some positive performance and results being levelled out with some very poor matches and a load of dropped points. Despite already suffering seven defeats this term, they are only six points off top place and comfortably sit in the play-off zone. Their home form has been nothing special with the Owl’s being successful in half of their 10 games on their own patch. They have already lost to Huddersfield, Southampton and Carlisle at home, however all three of these sides are one’s who are likely to be challenging Wednesday for promotion come the end of the season. Since their loss to Huddersfield, they have went on a run of four straight wins at home in all competitions, including two in the league. One of their star men in recent weeks is veteran striker Clinton Morrison. The former Irish Internationalist had a slow start to his career in the Steel City but he has scored six goals in his last eight games which has been a big factor in their rise up the table.

Bristol Rovers seem to have been in League One for ever and an age. They always seem to survive but at the same time, they never seem to do anywhere near enough to be in with a chance of promotion. They really are the perennial underachievers of lower league English football. This season has been a little different as Craig Trollope’s side are currently sitting 18^th, just three points off the relegation zone. It’s a tenuous position and one which could get worse if results do not start to improve. With just one win from their last ten league matches, it’s no surprise that they are in the position they are. One of their main problems has been the number of draws they have accrued already. They have gained the solitary point from more than a third of the games this season and to lift them up the table, they really need to turn some of those stalemates into victories or they could find themselves in deep trouble.

These two sides are look for maximum points for very different reasons tomorrow afternoon. Wednesday are looking to cement their position as one of the main clubs jousting for promotion. Rovers, on the other hand, desperately need points to jump start their season and provide them with the momentum to climb League One. A win for the away side tomorrow would be a massive boost as Sheffield Wednesday are arguably the biggest club in England out with the Championship and Premier League.

Wednesday are one a bit of a roll at home at this juncture and it would be silly to go against them as you just feel they have an extra bit of quality compared to most teams in this league. Due to that, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they put together a run over the next few weeks and really put pressure on the teams above them.

I am confident that the home side will triumph tomorrow and the odds are pretty generous considering the sort of run Bristol Rovers are on at the moment.

My selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Bristol Rovers

Best odds available: 4/5 available with William Hill

Please note that there will be further previews over the course of the weekend. They will be posted as soon as time allows.

Southampton were one of the best teams in League One last season, although a large points deduction for going into administration and a slow start prevented them from reaching the play-offs. This time around, the Saints have been installed as strong favourites to win the division and they may well oblige at odds of 5/2 that are available with Sporting Bet. The Hampshire club shouldn’t be short of goals thanks to the firepower of Rickie Lambert and Lee Barnard.

However, as we saw with Leeds United last season, the short-priced favourites don’t always oblige and it’s perfectly possible that Alan Pardew’s team could have a run in one of the cup competitions. Not to mention the fact that they are the big fish in the division with the exception of a certain sleeping giant in south Yorkshire!

Sheffield Wednesday supporters must have thought they had seen the back of the English third tier, although this well-supported club are once again enduring a downward spiral and there’s not much cash available to improve the side. Although Allan Irvine seems like a decent manager and Clinton Morrison was an eye-catching signing for the Owls, the odds of 6/1 (Victor Chandler) about them winning League One look a little skinny.

Indeed, the bookmakers have done their usual trick of making the relegated trio from the Championship too short in the outright betting for League One. Peterborough (12/1 Victor Chandler) might bounce back under Gary Johnson, but we can practically draw a line through Plymouth (18/1 Blue Square) who have appointed the hapless Peter Reid and will be lucky to scramble a place in the top six.

Instead, it may be preferable to consider a progressive team such as Huddersfield Town or Brighton and Hove Albion. The Terriers reached the play-offs under Lee Clark last term and the former Newcastle player will be looking for his team to improve their away form and grab themselves an automatic promotion spot. With Jordan Rhodes, Theo Robinson and Lee Novak leading the line, Ladbrokes’ 8/1 about them winning this division looks well worth taking.

Brighton were situated near the foot of League One for much of last season, although the appointment of Gus Poyet as manager proved to be the turning point. The Uruguayan rallied the Seagulls to the extent that they were beating some of the best teams in the division and Paddy Power offers excellent each-way value at odds of 14/1.

Swindon Town were a whisker away from being promoted last season, losing out in the play-off final to Millwall by a single goal. The Robins are 20/1 (Coral) on the outright market this time around, although the sale of striker Billy Paynter to Leeds arguably makes them a weaker prospect this time around.

Notts County are the most interesting of the newly-promoted teams that came up from League Two last season. While their financial position continues to be murky, they have the benefit of momentum gathered from last season and Lee Hughes should score regularly at this level. Victor Chandler offer 25/1 that the Magpies are crowned champions in May.

Saturday 10^th April

English Premier League

Hull City v Burnley

Another week in the Premier League and another massive game at the bottom of the table as Hull and Burnley go toe to toe at the KC stadium.

Iain Dowie has won 1 and lost 2 in his first 3 games in charge of Hull but there definitely seems to be an improvement in their displays since he took over. His first game in charge away to Portsmouth was a hard defeat to take considering they were leading 2-1 in the dying minutes only to lose two goals. Their next game was at home to Fulham where they turned in an excellent performance to clinch a 2-0 win and give them renewed hope in their battle against the drop. Confidence was high going into last weekends away match at Stoke but they were brought back down to earth with a comprehensive 2-0 loss. Not many teams come away from the Britannia with much so it may not have been a surprise but it was still another 3 points away and 1 less game to play. Dowie must now recharge his troops ahead of tomorrow’s match. It really is a must win match and one which he will have targeted for 3 points as soon as he was installed as Hull’s manager last month.

Burnley are on an horrendous run which culminated last week in an embarrassing 6-1 home defeat to Manchester City. Brian Laws’ side were 5-0 down going in at half time and you have to wonder what that defeat has done to confidence as well as their already remote chances of staying in the Premier League for another season. They are currently 4 points behind 17^th placed West Ham but more crucially, they haven’t managed to collect maximum points from a game since the beginning of February. They have lost 9 out of a possible 10, drawing the other one. They are damning statistics and you have to think that they are all but down. Even if they win tomorrow, Burnley will be 1 point adrift of Hull who will still have a game in hand over them. As well as their recent run of horrific form, they are still chasing their first away win of the season as we approach the last 4 weeks of the season. 1 point from a possible 48, 11 goals scored and 47 conceded (just under 3 goals a game). You wouldn’t fancy them doing anything constructive on the road when you look at such a record.

These two sides know it’s win or bust basically at this stage of the season and as such you can expect a tense 90 minutes. Both defences leak goals however so it would not be a massive surprise if there were some goals in the fixture, then again, you wouldn’t be shocked if it was a dour encounter with 1 goal settling the game. Due to the nature of the match and how important it is for both sides to get all 3 points, I’m ruling out the draw. It doesn’t benefit anyone so late in the season so I think both sides will be going for it right up until the last kick of the ball if it is a stalemate at that point. Hull have a decent home record for a side who are in a relegation battle with 6 wins and 5 draws from 15 matches. Jimmy Bullard is back fit and his influence cannot be underestimated. He’s creative, he’s a leaders and most importantly he scores crucial goals. I’ve often considered Burnley to be weak in the midfield with no real quality, Hull certainly do in the shape of Bullard and to a lesser extent Stephen Hunt, and for that reason, I’m tipping them to take all 3 points.

My selection: Hull to beat Burnley at a best priced 3/4 available with Paddy Power

English Championship

Middlesbrough v Sheffield Wednesday

Both sides are in desperate need of the points for very different reasons at the Riverside tomorrow as ‘Boro are still chasing a play-off spot whilst Wednesday are battling for their lives at the bottom.

Gordon Strachan has not had the season he would have wished for since taking over from Gareth Southgate earlier on in the season. After enjoying plenty of success at Celtic over the last 4 years, the stop start nature of this season will have surprised him. His side have never been able to put a proper run of form together and as a result they find themselves trailing in the search for a play-off spot behind far lesser clubs in the shape of Blackpool, Leicester and Swansea. Strachan tried to recreate the environment he had in Glasgow at the Riverside by bringing in several players from Celtic in the January transfer window. Stephen McManus, Willo Flood, Barry Robson, Chris Killen and Scott McDonald all arrived to link up once again with their former manager. Robson has been the biggest success to date whilst McDonald is back fit and will undoubtedly score goals at this level after such a successful spell in the SPL over the last few years.

Sheffield Wednesday are also a big club in the Championship, but they might not be for much longer – they could end up being a massive club in League 1 next season. They have struggled for much of the season at the foot of the table and have it all to do if they want to survive. They are level on points with Watford who sit directly above them but out of the relegation zone, only Watford have a game in hand. Alan Irvine was brought in at the turn of the year to lead the club to safety after the sacking of Brian Laws, after a initial good start, the players have reverted to form. They have won just once in their last 8 games but at the same time, have lost just twice in that run of fixtures. Draws  are decent enough at this stage of the season for a lot of clubs, but when you are fighting for your lives you really need to pick up more wins in as many games.

‘Boro are 6 points outside of the final play-off spot with 4 games to play. It looks very much like an uphill battle but one thing you can be sure of is Strachan’s teams going to the wire. They will never give up on anything until it is mathematically impossible. Blackpool travel to Newcastle this weekend, whilst Leicester go to Peterborough who will be on a high after appointing Gary Johnson as manager during the midweek. It’s not inconceivable that Middlesbrough could find themselves just 3 points off of 6^th place tomorrow evening if results go their way. They had an excellent 2-0 away win down at Plymouth  on Easter Monday so it’s clear that they still have the desire to go up. They also have an excellent record of tomorrow’s opponents with 4 wins in the last 4 games in this fixture.

My selection: Middlesbrough to beat Sheffield Wednesday available at 8/11 with Betfred

                           Scott McDonald to score anytime at a best priced 6/4 with Skybet