SPL

Saturday 18^th December

English Championship

Millwall v Barnsley

Both Millwall and Barnsley comfortably sit in mid-table as they prepare to clash at the New Den tomorrow afternoon.

Millwall started the season very well and looked as though they took the transformation from League One to the Championship in their stride. However it’s never as easy as it looks and there is bound to be some sticky patches along the way. The Lions have suffered one of those already as they went on a run of seven games without a win in September and October. Since then, they have suffered from a lack of consistency as they have won four, lost four and drawn three from their most recent run of fixtures. Kenny Jackett will have probably expected this kind of form at this stage in the season as they have a number of players who have never played at this level before. Of course it’s going to take time to adjust and mistakes will be made. Without a doubt, their biggest disappointment would have been the 6-1 mauling at home to London rivals Watford. It was humiliating and embarrassing but if the younger players learn from it then there will be a positive to take from it.

Barnsley seem to have been around the Championship for years. Mark Robins men have flirted with relegation more often than not in recent seasons but they have that knack of being able to accumulate just enough points to survive. This time around, however, they look to have enough about them to produce a comfortable enough campaign, with the small possibility of even challenging for a play-off position. They currently sit 10^th in the Championship, just four points behind 6^th placed Norwich City. It’s testament to the hard work and discipline that has been instilled in the side by Robins since he took charge in 2009. Aside from some senior strikers, it’s another pretty young squad which has resulted in an almost identical season. Thankfully for Barnsley however, they’re on a very good run of form at the moment after a slow start. Having won four of their last 5, undefeated in all, they head into tomorrow’s game full of confidence, especially as they have won their last two away games.

Without a doubt, Millwall’s star man of the season to date has been Steve Morison. The man who was playing league football for the first time last season, is the club’s top scorer and talisman on their return to the Championship. Now a Welsh internationalist, Morison has led the line superbly well and is catching the eye of some Premier League clubs heading into January. After notching a brace in his side’s last home game, he’s in decent form and will certainly be a pest for the visitors defence tomorrow.

Barnsley will do well to hold on to Adam Hammill as the tricky winger is the subject of some firm interest from England’s top flight. It’s no surprise really as the former Liverpool youth has seven goals from out wide and is thriving at present. When you consider the quality of player plucked from this league in the past, Hammill may well be plying his trade elsewhere next month.

Millwall’s home record has been in and out all season which will be frustrating for Jackett as they normally are so strong at the New Den. Barnsley have had a couple of good wins on the road of late, but they have been against sides struggling for form and even then, they were lucky to grab all three points. I like Millwall’s intensity and style of play at home and because of that, I believe they can triumph tomorrow.

My selection: Millwall to beat Barnsley

Best odds available: EVENS available with Coral  

English League Two

Northampton v Morecambe

Northampton host Morecambe at Sixfields tomorrow knowing a victory could hoist them as high as eighth in the table.

The Cobblers have had an indifferent season to date but things seem to be picking up heading into the festive period. A run of six straight defeats in the league earlier this season was a real shocker for everyone at the club but they have picked themselves up and managed to put a decent run together which has seen them lose just one league match since October. The last time they lost a match at home in the league was over eight weeks ago which proves that they have turned a corner. At the heart of this recovery has been veteran striker Leon McKenzie. The forward has scored six goals in his last ten matches including a hat trick over Hereford. His experience and ability to put the ball in the net is there for all to see and should prove to be a shrewd acquisition in the coming months.

Morecambe have had a real fall from grace this season after their exploits last term. Sammy McIlroy guided his side to the play-off’s last season, only to be thrashed by eventual winners, Dagenham. This time around, however, has been surprising for all the wrong reasons as they are currently languishing in 20^th place, just a couple of points away from the relegation zone. Their dire form may be partly due to their change in stadium as they made the move over the summer. It can have either a positive or negative effect on clubs, for Morecambe, it certainly seems to be the latter. Just two wins from their last nine games in all competitions has resulted in them plummeting to the lower ebbs of the division and very much in a dogfight to stay up.

For all of Northampton’s problems in the early part of the season, they have still only lost two games at home. With two wins and a draw from their last three games, Ian Sampson’s men will be in buoyant mood, especially as tomorrow’s visitors have not tasted success on the road in the same number of matches.

Form is everything in these kind of matches and it makes sense to side with the team on a good run of it. That being the case, I expect Northampton to claim all three points.

My selection: Northampton to beat Morecambe

Best odds available: EVENS available with Victor Chandler  

Scottish Premier League

Kilmarnock v Hibernian

Neither Kilmarnock or Hibernian have played in December due to the big freeze in Scotland so both will be desperate to get back into action at Rugby Park tomorrow.

I have previewed a couple of Kilmarnock games this season and explained that the difference between Killie this season to last is night and day. The style of football, the make up the squad and the entertainment value have all benefited from the change in management. Tomorrow’s match against Hibs represents a different challenge though as they have been inactive for a couple of weeks and unable to train properly because of the weather. With it being a pretty young squad, it will be interesting to see how they cope with not only expectation with the form they’re in, but also the lack of competitive action of late.

Hibs are on to their second manager of the season after John Hughes was sacked for a poor run of results. Colin Calderwood is now tasked with the challenge of toppling city neighbours Hearts from third position. Anything other than that would be considered failure by the Hibee faithful who have grown disillusioned with the club of late. Their recent form has been anything but consistent as they have mixed disaster with delight. A derby day trouncing by Hearts was followed with an excellent success away to Rangers. The quality is at the club but it needs to be focused and channelled in the right direction in order for it to flourish.

Five points separate the clubs heading into tomorrow’s match with Killie looking for a win to close the gap on Motherwell above them. In recent times, Hibs have a terrible record in Ayrshire which doesn’t bode well for them tomorrow. I like trends in the SPL and I believe that Kilmarnock were on too good a run of form before the enforced break for Hibs to gain anything tomorrow.

My Selection: Kilmarnock to beat Hibernian

Best odds available: 6/5 available with Betfred

Whatever next? This year, we’ve had cricketers accused of deliberately bowling no-balls and dropping catches and one of world’s best snooker players suspended over match-fixing allegations. Add to that the usual batch of racehorses deemed to have ‘ not been allowed to run to their merits". Betting (the licensed and non-licensed arms of the gambling industry) has been getting a lot of bad press lately and the last thing football needed was to be added to the list of sports regarded as cash cows by those of dubious scruples. With corruption allegations being bandied about the offices of FIFA, I was disturbed to read that the Association of British Bookmakers has been alerted to irregular betting patterns surrounding a recent Scottish Premier League match.

Of all of Europe’s leagues, the SPL is usually among the easiest to predict but this potential scandal revolves around a red card which was shown to Motherwell‘s Steve Jennings in their game against Hearts. Jennings was sent off for using ‘insulting, offensive and aggressive language’ towards referee Stevie O’Reilly in the 82nd minute of the match, the midfielder apparently becoming incensed after his team had a penalty claim turned down and grabbing the arm of the referee as he sprinted past. Everything was done according to the book and the right decision was undoubtedly made. But what has attracted the eye of online bookmakers is the fact that the in-running odds of 8/1 for a player in the match to get his marching orders had been heavily punted just prior to Jennings’ dismissal, most of them originating in the Liverpool area. The fact that English punters were betting in large amounts on a midweek game in Scotland would have been enough to raise suspicions in some quarters, but bookmakers were crying foul even more loudly when it was realised that Steve Jennings is a native of Merseyside and undoubtedly still has connections to the area.

Jennings remains indignant that he was totally unaware of any gamble, "It is unbelievable. I am in a complete state of shock." he said, "I want to make it clear I had no involvement whatsoever in any betting scam." Perhaps all sports should take seriously a suggestion by Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, who is advocating all players undertake a lie-detector test. Though then, of course, that would leave those persons carrying out the tests open to bribery.

The Gambling Commission has revealed that 108 cases of suspicious betting werer reported to it between September 2007 and March 2010, it appears even losers can be winners nowadays!

Saturday 27^th November

English Premier League

Everton v West Brom

There are some signs that West Brom are beginning to struggle after a good start so tomorrow’s match versus Everton at Goodison is probably not the match they would have been hoping for.

Everton are still currently enduring their season as opposed to enjoying it. There have been some bright sparks like the comeback against Manchester United at home and the derby win against Liverpool, but they’ve still to really kick on and add much needed consistency to their season. Their latest match away to Sunderland on Monday night ended in another draw meaning they have drawn exactly half of their 14 matches thus far this season. Monday’s game was endemic of their season to date as they played some really good stuff and even dominated at times, creating a plethora of chances, but they were undone by some poor defending and shocking decision making at crucial times.

West Brom had a flying start to the season after gaining promotion last season. Roberto Di Matteo’s side surprised many with their early season form, especially away from home. A win over Arsenal was further complimented by a draw with Man United at Old Trafford. They even found themselves in the top four at one point. Things since, however, have gone slightly pear shaped and they are currently on a run of five games without a win, losing four of them. They have slipped right down the table and sit in 16^th position, just two points off of the third and final relegation spot. That being said, three points are all that separates them from eight position so it is a very tight league this season.

 Everton are finally able to name a strong starting eleven and able deputies on the bench as well. They always seem to suffer from a lengthy injury list but things look to be brightening up on that horizon. They have key players such as Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar and Louis Saha are all fit and well. The four of them linked up well on Monday night and looked dangerous for the whole of the game. West Brom will have to match their opponents in the middle of the park tomorrow as Everton have dominated better sides than Albion when on top at Goodison Park. A key player for the visitors will be Youssuf Mulumbu who has excelled since making the step up to the Premier League. He is strong, powerful and has excellent technical ability which has led to some very impressive performances already. His match up with Arteta could prove to be pivotal tomorrow afternoon.

Everton have struggled at home this season which is unusual for them as they are normally very hard to beat on their own patch. With just two wins at Goodison all season, they really need to pick up more points and that begins tomorrow. They were impressive on Monday night and looked a real handful going forward. With West Brom on a poor run at the moment, I believe the home side will come out on top in what promises to be an attractive football match.

My selection: Everton to beat West Brom

Best odds available: 8/13 available with PaddyPower

FA Cup

Bury v Peterborough

One of the more intriguing FA Cup fixtures of the weekend takes place at Gigg Lane as Bury of League Two entertain League One side Peterborough.

The home side are coming into this game on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Lincoln away from home during the week. It was a win that followed on from another impressive showing at Burton and highlighted the form they are currently in, form which has catapulted them up the table where they currently sit third. Just two defeats in 13 league games finally see’s the Shakers living up their pre season billing as one of the promotion favourites after some good efforts in recent seasons. One man who has been at the centre of this recent success and key to their hopes this season is Ryan Lowe. The striker is already into double fixtures this time around and has been instrumental over the last couple of years in improving the hopes and expectations of the club. The veteran striker had went six games without netting before a double in midweek which should stand him in good stead for tomorrows big match.

Peterborough have been the model of inconsistency this season and are proving really hard to predict. They have mixed some sublime performances with some absolutely horrendous one’s in the league so will be hoping that the cup provides a welcome distraction this weekend. They have conceded at least once in their last 11 matches which just emphasises where their problems lie. They had to have a second bite at knocking out another League Two side, Stockport, in the last round as they were ran really close in the first game before finishing off the task at home ten days later. Gary Johnson knows the benefits that a good cup run can bring to a club as he showed when manager of Yeovil Town. Not a stranger to causing the odd upset in the cup, he will be hoping he’s not on the wrong end of one come Saturday night.

Bury have already knocked out a League Two side in the shape of Exeter City in the last round. A comfortable 2-0 success proved that they are a match for sides in a league above them and will give them the confidence needed to compete tomorrow afternoon in what is another step up.

The cold snap has hit the North of England in recent days and I am always wary of Southern sides making the long trek in such a climate. This match-up is exactly what the FA Cup early rounds is all about and although a league separate’s them, it wouldn’t be a massive upset if Bury did triumph. They are in excellent form at the moment and the Posh will not relish the surface at Gigg Lane tomorrow nor the sub-zero temperatures.

My selection: Bury to beat Peterborough

Best odds available: 7/4 available with Victor Chandler

Scottish Premier League

Kilmarnock v Aberdeen

Scottish football has been in limbo all week with a referee’s strike putting SPL games in danger but Aberdeen will travel to Ayrshire to take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Grade One officials, who are normally in charge of SPL games, have decided to strike this weekend because of what they deem to be unfair and excessive criticism of their performances. Some of their decisions have been nothing short of diabolical so it’s no surprise to see that they look to have made another blunder as the SFA have called their bluff and brought in foreign officials for the weekend.

To matters on the park now and Kilmarnock will be desperate to resume their winning form after losing an entertaining match with Rangers last Saturday. Before that defeat, Killie had won three and drawn one of their last four games. During the run they notched 10 goals and conceded just one. Even last week they ran Rangers close with 10 men, finally succumbing 3-2 in the end. Mixu Paatelainen has transformed what was an ailing squad, under Jim Jefferies and then Jimmy Calderwood, into a young, vibrant and exciting team. Star of the show has been Alexei Eremenko; the Finnish internationalist has been a revelation since coming on loan and is certainly a fans favourite at Rugby Park.

Aberdeen are in dire form and are plummeting down the table. Their only saving grace is the fact that Hamilton Accies are worse off than them at the moment. Mark McGhee has had to endure a horrific season to date. There was a 9-0 thrashing from Celtic which was incredibly embarrassing and one of five straight league defeats. McGhee is still sure he won’t resign nor be sacked, and quite frankly, it’s hard to believe he will as the club simply do not have the funds to pay him off and get someone else in. The fans are obviously growing disillusioned with the situation at the club but there is still support for the current man in charge due to the lack of finances being awarded to him.

Kilmarnock have impressed for much of the season and look like a team going places. As well as Eremenko, the Ayrshire side have another man in form in the shape of Connor Sammon. The big striker has taken on the mantle left by Kevin Kyle to be the focal point of the attack. He has scored 10 goals in 14 matches this season and is a big threat to a very dodgy Dons defence tomorrow. Aberdeen have not won away in the league since August and it’s hard to see how they can alter that tomorrow.

I have been impressed with the improvement of Kilmarnock and feel they will be too strong for a shocking Aberdeen side.

My selection: Kilmarnock to beat Aberdeen

Best odds available: 10/11 available with Stan James

Saturday 6^th November

English Premier League

Blackpool v Everton

Everton travel to Blackpool on Saturday, with both sides knowing that a win could lift them as high as 5^th position come tomorrow evening.

Blackpool survived a late scare against nine men West Brom on Monday as the visitors threatened an extraordinary comeback despite having two men sent off in the first half of the match. Ian Holloway will be delighted that his side managed their first home win of the campaign but will be disappointed in the manner of it as it should have been much more comfortable. Despite leading 2-0 against nine men with 10 minutes to go, West Brom missed a couple of chances in the last minute which would have earned them a point. Blackpool’s inability to keep possession was their greatest downfall and it will have served as a wake-up call for Holloway in their debut season in the Premier League. Four wins and 13 points from ten games is a decent return for such a young and inexperienced Premier League outfit. Their greatest test will be the next couple of months when the games come thick and fast and the injuries and suspensions start to pile up. It is, of course a cliché, however it’s also very relevant to such a small quality which relies a whole lot on several key players.

I previewed Everton’s last match at home to Stoke and tipped them up as being a sound bet to which they duly obliged. This week is a different sort of test as Blackpool will be more open and attacking in their approach as they are at home. Stoke soaked up a lot of pressure and threatened on the counter attack last weekend which rarely suits Everton’s game when playing at Goodison. Davie Moyes was able to call on Mikel Arteta against Stoke and it’s difficult not to overplay how important the Spaniard is to the Toffee’s. His range of passing aligned with his set piece delivery and ability to shoot from long range make him pivotal to the way Everton play. His presence in the side also frees up Tim Cahill to play ahead of him and behind the lone striker. It’s a system which works as it’s effective and the depth in their attacks also means it’s hard for teams to defend against.

Blackpool will look to Charlie Adam once again as the man to create and dictate the play on Saturday. The Scot has been linked with Everton, as well as Liverpool, of late due to his high quality of play this season. His penalty on Monday makes him the joint top scorer for the club emphasising his importance even more. For Blackpool to survive in the league this season, it’s vital that he is fit and available for the majority of their games.

Games at Bloomfield Road tend to be open and have plenty of goals and I expect this one to follow suit. Blackpool do not boast a resolute defence and go for the jugular when at home. Unfortunately for them, however, that style plays right into Everton’s hands. They attack with pace and precision on the break. I think it’s certainly a match up which promises goals but I also think it’s the sort of game which Everton have come accustomed to winning in recent years with their experience and quality being the key factors.

Another bet I see value in is Tim Cahill to score tomorrow. He has been unlucky not to add to his four goals already accumulated in recent weeks and his late runs into the box may prove fatal for the home side tomorrow.

My selections: Everton to beat Blackpool at a best priced 5/6 available with William Hill

                             Over 2.5 goals at best priced 17/20 available with Bet365

                             Tim Cahill to score anytime at a best priced 11/5 available with Stan James

Scottish Premier League

Celtic v Aberdeen

Celtic benefited from Rangers slip up at home to Inverness last weekend and a win tomorrow afternoon at home to Aberdeen would see them return to the top of the SPL.

Neil Lennon suffered his first dropped points as Celtic manager a fortnight ago when his side lost to arch rivals Rangers at Celtic Park. It was a poor performance from the Hoops and one which may have deflated some players who had only known success in the SPL since coming to the club. They have, however, followed up with two successive wins – both against St Johnstone. Last week’s win over the Perth Saints in the league was as comfortable and as routine as they come. Lennon will have been very pleased with his side’s reaction to the derby defeat. He will also be satisfied that they have gotten on with their business in the midst of a refereeing scandal which has blighted Scottish football in recent weeks. Lennon knows he has to put all the controversy behind him as they head into a crucial part of the season which sees Celtic play 5 games in the next 3 weeks. It’s a period of the season which may make or break their season heading into the festive fixtures

Mark McGhee is into his second season in charge of the club he once starred for as a player. His time as manager has been nowhere near as successful however, and he is under real pressure to bring consistency and results. Six defeats in 10 games has been a dreadful start but in all honesty, it’s not a surprise in the least. For years the Dons fans have had to suffer as the club have underperformed and failed to live up to their expectations. A key reason of this has been their inability to hold on to their top players in recent seasons. The likes of Barry Nicholson, Lee Miller and Scott Severin all left for the Championship for more money as Aberdeen were unable to compete with clubs down south, financially. McGhee has sought to bring through a number of youngsters as well as trying to wheel and deal in the transfer market. As yet, it’s been a relatively unsuccessful method but he is adamant that he will get it correct and has no plans to leave the job until he does get it right.

Neil Lennon will be able to recall Gary Hooper and Shaun Maloney who both missed the 3-0 win over St Johnstone. Both are key players and their inclusion will only strengthen the chances of a home win tomorrow.

Celtic have a fantastic record against Aberdeen over the last decade. Celtic have won 30 of the last 40 matches between the two with the Dons last win in Glasgow coming over 5 years ago. I see very little in the way of changing this record tomorrow but you won’t get rich backing the 2/9 on offer for a Celtic win. I’ve looked elsewhere for a bit of value.

My selections: Celtic (-1) to beat Aberdeen at a best priced 8/11 available with Betfred

                             Over 3.5 goals at a best priced 11/8 available with Victor Chandler

Saturday 2^nd October

English Premier League

Sunderland v Manchester United

Steve Bruce once again comes up against his old boss as his Sunderland side welcome Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland go into their third match in a row against one of England’s supposed top four. They go into it in good heart after avoiding defeat against both Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks. Draws have very much been the story of the season for the North East side thus far with four of their opening half dozen games ending in stalemate. Their only defeat came on the road against West Brom back in August; it’s been an encouraging, if not spectacular, start to Bruce’s second season in charge. The manager will know it could have been a lot better though as at least two of those draws probably should have been victories. Sunderland conceded two second half goals on the opening day of the season when comfortably leading Birmingham, whilst last week’s visit to Anfield included a farcical goal for the home side before a late leveller from Liverpool after Sunderland dominated much of the game and held a 2-1 lead for a long time.

Man United have also endured a frustrating start to the season with draws which could have been wins as well as enduring several injuries to key personnel. Draws with Everton, Fulham and Bolton have been costly in the sense that they trail Chelsea by three points despite the leaders having lost a match whilst United remain unbeaten. Ferguson has also had to suffer injuries to Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs of late, all three of whom will miss the trip to Wearside on Saturday. The manager, and his players, will be boosted by their result in the Champions League after they brought home an impressive 1-0 victory from Valencia thanks to Javier Hernandez’s first competitive goal for his new club. What will be just as pleasing for Ferguson would be the return of Rio Ferdinand and as a direct result of this; the more solid his side looked.

Sunderland have proven very difficult to beat at the Stadium of Light under Steve Bruce. They lost just three games at home last season and remain undefeated so far this term. A lot of their good form, and points, is down to Darren Bent. The England striker scored 24 times in 2009/10 and he has already notched five goals this season. Bruce will hope he can link up with new signing Asamoah Gyan who is already off the mark after scoring against Wigan in September. Man United will probably line up pretty similar to the way they set out on Wednesday evening, possibly with the exception being a start for Hernandez up alongside Dietmar Berbatov.

Sunderland have already accounted for the other half of Manchester in a 1-0 victory but will be all to well aware of Saturday’s visitors record when the two meet in the North East. United have won on their last four visits whilst their last defeat was in March 1997. With that record and off the back of an excellent European victory, I’m siding with the away side to do the business and collect all three points.

My selection: Manchester United to beat Sunderland

Best price available: 4/5 available with Victor Chandler.

Scottish Premier League

Inverness Caley Thistle v Aberdeen

A game often described as a local derby despite their being nearly 100 miles separating Inverness and Aberdeen; nevertheless, the two sides face each other on Saturday.

Terry Butcher’s side are still waiting on their first points at their own Stadium since their return to the SPL. Defeats to Hearts, Hamilton and Celtic have meant that ICT have accumulated their seven points on the road. Not a bad trait but they will be desperate to sort out their home form sooner rather than later. A case could be made for adopting a slightly more attacking style for home games as they look very much like a side hoping to hit on the break. This is all well and good on the road when the opposition has more of the ball and they come out a bit more leaving space in behind. However, more and more now, visiting teams are being cautious and as a result, it’s very much up to the home side to break down their opponents, Caley, thus far, have failed to do this and there is a question over the amount of creativity in the side.

Aberdeen had a flying start to the season with seven points from their first three games. They soon found themselves top of the league but that form has dwindled and they are without a win in their last three. They have lost two of those matches against Dundee United and most recently Rangers, but have performed well in spells. A terrible first half where they lost three goals meant they had no chance at Tannadice despite playing relatively well in the second 45, whilst a flying start last week at home to Rangers meant they were 2-0 up in the first half hour. That level of performance never remained and they lost three goals without reply from there on in.

Despite not being much of a local derby, these games are always fiercely competitive. Both sides have shared players over the years as well as managers so there is a history to the fixture and it’s always hard fought and intriguing. Aberdeen have a pretty decent record when travelling to Inverness, so much so that in eight visits, they have yet to taste defeat whilst taking home maximum points six times. It’s an amazing statistic.

Aberdeen showed enough last week that they can cause problems and have a bit of quality going forward. I don’t know how different the home side can play, if they have the flexibility or strength in depth to alter things drastically. With that in mind, and with that fantastic record at the stadium, I believe Aberdeen are good value to record another three points at a happy hunting ground.

My selection: Aberdeen to beat Inverness

Best odds available: 2/1 available with Coral

Saturday 25^th September

English Premier League

Birmingham v Wigan

Both Birmingham and Wigan only have one win apiece this season so neither side will be lacking in fight or desire at St Andrews tomorrow.

Alex McLeish has recently signed a new long term contract with the midlands club which is a sign of intent as he has done a fantastic job and transformed the club into an established Premier League outfit. He will be satisfied with his start to this season but frustrated nonetheless. An opening day draw at Sunderland was followed up with a home win over Blackburn. Since then, they have suffered their first defeat of the season in the derby against West Brom last week. Their most impressive display was arguably their home draw with Liverpool. But for Pepe Reina, the Blues would have easily won the game.

Wigan have been this season’s whipping boys, especially at home. Blackpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have all comfortably won at the DW Stadium already. Roberto Martinez’s side did spring a surprise on the road when they held on for a 1-0 success against Spurs at White Hart Lane. That, to date, is their only away match of the season thus far so Martinez will be hoping his side can replicate that form at St Andrews tomorrow. The biggest problem for Wigan has been their defence as they have conceded 13 goals already, the joint worst record in the Premier League along with West Ham. Add to that the fact they’ve only scored two goals all season (the worst in the league) then it’s fair to say that drastic improvement is needed if they are to survive this season.

Birmingham have a fantastic home record which they will be looking to preserve for as long as they can. The last side to take three points from St Andrews was Bolton Wanderers just under a year ago. It’s testament to how hard they are to beat and the belief that McLeish has instilled to the club. Wigan, on the other hand, have only won twice in 12 away games in England’s top division.

Alexander Hleb surprisingly moved to Birmingham on loan from Barcelona at the end of August. But it’s another midfielder who has caught the eye already – Craig Gardener. The former Villa player has been in scintillating form and has three goals already to his name.

Wigan are an unknown quantity away from home as they have only played the one match on the road and Spurs were particularly poor that day. However, you cannot get away from how strong the home side are on their own patch and I’m taking them to enhance their fantastic run at their ground with their second 3 points of the season.

My selection: Birmingham to beat Wigan

Best odds available: 5/6 available with several bookmakers including Betfred

English Championship

Norwich City v Hull City

These sides were separated by two divisions this time last year but both Norwich and Hull are both vying for wins in the Championship, at opposite ends of the table.

Paul Lambert has been in charge of Norwich for little over a year but what a year it’s been. The club were propping up the League 1 table before Lambert joined but the Scot got them playing attacking, winning football, and before long, they were well clear and won the League 1 Championship. This season has been much of a continuation and they find themselves in the Play-off places after half a dozen matches. Despite losing their first match of the season, at home to Watford, they have surprised many with such a young, and small squad.

Hull City have had a complete opposite start to the season.  An opening day win at home has been their sole success of a terrible season thus far. Nigel Pearson knew what he was inheriting when he took over in the summer – an ageing squad which needed trimmed due to massive financial problems. He has had to deal in free transfers as well as loans from the EPL in order to try and build a squad capable of staying in the division let alone being promoted. From their three away matches this term, they have zero points, conceded nine and scored one, it doesn’t bode well for their trip to Carrow Road.

Norwich have defeated Swansea and Barnsley already at home and will be looking for their third consecutive win to carry on their momentum. Key to their fortunes will be Grant Holt who is their main source of goals and their captain. He is the experienced head in amongst the youngsters around him and will be pivotal to anything that Norwich which to do this season. Hull have recalled Jimmy Bullard lately despite the fact he looked destined to leave due to his high wages. He could prove a talisman but you have to question how much desire he has at this level.

I watched Hull’s last game at home to Nottingham Forest and it was such a poor match, low in chances, low in entertainment and low in quality. Norwich can take advantage of the disarray tomorrow’s opponents find themselves in and add to their already decent tally at this stage of the season.

My selection: Norwich to beat Hull

Best price available: Evens available with several bookmakers including William Hill

Scottish Premier League

 Celtic v Hibernian

Celtic will be looking to maintain their 100% domestic record as Hibs travel to Parkhead tomorrow afternoon.

Neil Lennon is still boasting a 100% record in the SPL since taking over in March and it shows no signs of stopping soon. Since they were last previewed, Celtic have defeated Hearts and Kilmarnock in the league before destroying Inverness 6-0 in the league cup during the week. Lennon will be hoping that the run can continue with the first Old Firm game of the season creeping ever closer with the 24^th of October looming. He will also know that Rangers are doing just as well as his own side and will want to keep the pressure on their arch rivals as they play on Sunday this week.

Hibs have had a dreadful run since winning on the opening day of the season away to Motherwell. Two defeats at St Mirren and at home to Rangers have been in amongst a couple of poor home draws with Hamilton and Inverness. Boss John Hughes will feel the pressure even more now since his side crashed out of the League Cup away to Kilmarnock despite taking the lead. On top of all that, they lost their star striker, Anthony Stokes, to tomorrow’s opponents.

Celtic are a different proposition at home than they are on the road. Three narrow away wins have kept their run going but it’s at Celtic Park where they have been most impressive. A 4-0 thumping of St Mirren was followed up with a 3-0 success against Hearts and as already mentioned, the 6-0 win over Inverness means from three domestic home games, they have scored 13 and conceded zero.

With the form Hibs are on at the moment and the fact confidence is low within the Easter Road camp, you fear for them when they travel to Glasgow. They look toothless upfront and very leaky at the back so it probably won’t come as a surprise to note I am siding with the home side for a very comfortable win.

Also, Stokes has scored 3 in 2 for his new club and should start against his old club. It would be typical if he notched another against his former employee’s so it would be negligent not to side with him

My selections: Celtic (-2) to beat Hibernian at best priced 12/5 available with Paddypower

                            Anthony Stokes to score at anytime at a best priced 10/11 available with Bet365

Saturday 11^th September

English Championship

Queens Park Rangers v Middlesbrough

Top of the table QPR host the pre season title favourites Middlesbrough who are desperately looking for a kick start to their stuttering season. 

Neil Warnock has went about his transfer business quietly over the summer and has sought to bring in players who he knows and trusts. Paddy Kenny played under Warnock for years at Sheffield United and was brought in as Rangers’ new number 1 whilst Shaun Derry was Warnock’s captain at Crystal Palace and has been brought in to add a bit of steel in the middle of the park. Other signings include Bradley Orr at full back, Clint Hill at centre half and Jamie Mackie upfront. These signings were added to on deadline day at the end of August with the purchase of Rob Hulse from Derby and the loan signing of Tommy Smith from crisis club Pompey. Both attackers are proven at this level and look set to excel in a side that are full of confidence and play with a purpose. QPR remain unbeaten after the first 4 games with 3 wins. Both home games have been straightforward, routine victories against Scunthorpe and Barnsley. They have yet to concede a goal at Loftus Road but will face their biggest test yet with big spending ‘Boro visiting tomorrow.

Gordon Strachan is under big pressure to succeed after spending millions over the summer and recruiting big names from the SPL. Despite taking over last season with the club in the play-off positions, Strachan endured a poor start and never really recovered. This season hasn’t been much different with just 4 points from a possible 12. Their two defeats have came against Ipswich and Millwall, two sides at the top end of the table. Their sole victory was in their most recent league match at home to struggling Sheffield United. It was a very disappointing match with little creativity on either side. Strachan will know that the quality and consistency will have to improve if his side are to challenge for play-off position, let alone automatic promotion. He will be looking to the likes of Barry Robson, Scott McDonald and Kris Boyd to provide the quality after all 3 came South with SPL winners medals with Celtic and Rangers. One man whose confidence will have been given a boost is Stephen McManus. The big centre half scored Scotland’s winning goal on Tuesday night in the 7^th minute of injury time. He, and Boro supporters, will be hoping it’s a catalyst for his club form.

The last times these sides met at Loftus Road the home side were on the wrong end of a 5-1 drubbing from Strachan’s charges. It was a game which turned out to be manager Jim Magilton’s last home match as he was subsequently sacked later that month.

Tomorrow’s game should be an entertaining match with the attacking options on show for both sides but Middlesbrough have rarely been entertaining under the stewardship of Strachan. He tends to set his sides up with two solid banks of four and the two strikers. It’s likely he’ll go with this again but his side will have to show some more attacking ambition soon if they wish to turn their season around.

Neil Warnock knows this league inside out and will realise the pressure Strachan is under at the moment. An early goal for the home side could make things exceedingly difficult for his counterpart so it would be no surprise if his side come out flying. With the extra quality upfront in Smith and Hulse, added to the likes of Taarabt and Mackie, I think the home side will be too strong for Middlesbrough. It may not be a classic but QPR should do enough to stay on top of the league for another week.

My selection: QPR to beat Middlesbrough

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

Scottish Premier League

Celtic v Hearts

Both Celtic and Hearts put their unbeaten records on the line at Celtic Park tomorrow in what is always a keenly contested encounter.

Neil Lennon has still yet to drop a single point in the SPL since taking over as Celtic manager in March. His record is currently: Played 11, Won11. It’s a fantastic effort and one which he’ll aim to ensure is further enhanced tomorrow. Celtic have been impressive in the league to date and have still yet to concede a goal. It’s basically a brand new team the manager has to play with the introduction of 11 new first team players. Most of these signings have taken up positions in the first eleven as well with only a select few players from the previous season remaining. Scott Brown, Shaun Maloney and Jos Hooiveld are the only three who look likely to command a regular starting slot in the coming months. Celtic’s last signing of the transfer window was Anthony Stokes from SPL rivals Hibernian. Stokes notched 23 goals last season for his previous club and he will be looking to be involved from the off against a side who’s fans will already loathe him from his time in Edinburgh.

Hearts have started the season solidly enough with two draws and a win from their opening 3 games. Jim Jefferies has started building from the back and made Hearts stronger as a team. He has done this with most of the players he had at the end of last season with the only difference being the introduction of Darren Barr from Falkirk. The right back has made the step up and has been impressive for his new club. Hearts, however, were dealt a massive blow in midweek with the news that Lee Wallace will be out for the best part of the season after injuring his knee in Scotland’s win at Hampden. Wallace has been exceptional for Hearts for the last 18 months and his absence will be massive for Jefferies as he looks to challenge for 3^rd spot.

Celtic will have Gary Hooper back in contention for the first time in the league this season. The striker injured himself in pre season and he will be desperate to play some part tomorrow to show the Celtic fans why Lennon paid over £2m for him. Fraser Forster will continue in goals for Celtic after debuting in their last game at Fir Park whilst the likes of Baram Kayal and Efrain Juarez will be looking to regain their starting places after being rested last time out.

Hearts will have Kevin Kyle leading their line once again and a lot of responsibility will lie upon his broad shoulders. Kyle is dominant in the air and will be looking to bully Celtic’s defence and cause them as many problems as he did for his previous club Kilmarnock. With Andy Driver still absent through injury, the creative influence will once again fall with Suso Santana. The tricky wide player has already scored this season and will be desperate to add to his tally tomorrow.

Celtic have an excellent record over tomorrow’s opponents at Celtic Park in recent years in the league with 4 wins from their last 5 encounters. Going by their domestic form already this season, I can see another 3 points for Neil Lennon’s Bhoys and it could be comfortable if they managed to get an early goal. The 2/5 on offer for a home win is decent enough, but I see value on the handicap as Celtic brushed aside St Mirren 4-0 in their only SPL home game thus far.

For anyone who likes coincidences then you need look no further than former Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes making his debut against their arch rivals Hearts for his new club Celtic. Stokes is a prolific goalscorer at this level and it would be just like him to score on his debut against a side who love to hate him.

My selections: Celtic (-1) to beat Hearts at best priced 15/13 with BWIN

            Anthony Stokes to score at Anytime at a best priced 11/10 with Bet365

Saturday 28^th August

English Championship

Millwall v Coventry City

Millwall will be looking to put last week’s disappointing defeat away to Leeds behind them when they entertain unbeaten Coventry City at home tomorrow.

Kenny Jackett has worked wonders since taking over the reigns as Millwall boss at the tail end of 2007. He stabilised the club before pushing for promotion and, after a couple of near misses, eventually succeeded last season when they defeated Swindon in the play-off final at Wembley. They have had a good start as well to life in the Championship, after thrashings of Bristol City and Hull. Their only blot thus far has been last week’s loss to Leeds at Elland Road. It was a strange match as the visitors took the lead despite being 2^nd best for much of the game. Leeds dominated for long spells and the result was fair at the end of the day. However, as good sides tend to do, the Lions recovered during the week with a win at home to Middlesbrough in the League cup. It was as comfortable a 2-1 victory as your likely to see and further enhanced the reputation of the New Den as being something of a fortress.

Coventry City have made an even better start to the new season under new manager Aidy Boothroyd. The former Watford manager has been a breath of fresh air for the midlands club and there is a genuine belief that the club can move forward and challenge for promotion this season. Home wins against Portsmouth and Derby, either side of a well earned draw away to Watford, have set the tone and standard for the weeks ahead. Saturday is expected to be their hardest test of the season to date and it will be a good yardstick to how far they have come as there have been many false dawns of late for the blue’s faithful. Indeed, at the exact same point as this last season, City had 7 points from their first 3 league games before going on to lose their next 2. That was ultimately another disappointing season so the players should be under no illusions as to what a good start counts for if it’s no followed through.

Millwall have a very similar squad of players available to them this season that they had last. A couple of loan signings in the shape of Darren Carter and Kevin Lisbie, who know the league well, are the only notable additions to the squad. This is endemic of what Jackett is all about. He needs to be able to trust his players and usually goes with experience. One player that was a possible exception to the rule is Steve Morison. The Welsh striker came from non-league football last season to star in League 1. He has carried on where he left off and his form this season has earned him a call up to the Welsh side where he made his debut earlier this month. It’s been a proper rags to riches story and Jackett and the Millwall fans will be hoping there is a few more chapters to be written.

Coventry have been busier during the summer than tomorrows opponents. They have strengthened their squad with the purchases of Lee Carsley, Clive Platt, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Gary McSheffrey. Two of those 4 have previously played with the club, and at a higher level than the Championship, so they understand the demands of the club and the expectation level from the fans. One player that could be added to that list is Marlon King. The disgraced footballer has recently been released from Prison for indecent assault of a woman. Boothroyd, who had him at Watford, is said to be keen on linking up with him again and a deal is close.   

I previewed several Millwall matches last season and heralded their strength as being how good they are at home. They have continued that form with 2 wins from 2 and looked excellent against Hull a couple of weeks ago. They were once again very strong during the week against big spending ‘Boro. Coventry have started pretty well too, and currently sit above Millwall by a point. However, they have not had any serious tests thus far. Portsmouth, Watford and Derby are not the strongest of sides, and in their only other match, they were soundly beaten by Morecambe in the League cup. I think Millwall’s style of play and their directness will be too much tomorrow afternoon and fully expect a home win.

My selection: Millwall to beat Coventry

Best odds available: 20/21 available with a couple of bookmakers including Victor Chandler

Scottish Premier League

Inverness Caley Thistle v Hamilton

A clash of two sides who are expected to make up the numbers in the SPL’s bottom 6 by many, but Caley Thistle and Hamilton have surprised many before so an interesting clash awaits at Caledonian Stadium.

Terry Butcher and his players managed to bounce straight back from relegation at the first time of asking. A strong second half of the season in the First division last term, entitled the highlanders to another crack at the SPL. Much like Millwall, ICT have went about their business pretty quietly and kept much of the same squad as they had for their promotion campaign. It has served them pretty well so far as they held their own against Celtic on the opening day of the season, narrowly losing 1-0, before a fantastic 4-0 away success against Dundee United last weekend. They followed this up with a comfortable 3-0 League cup win over Peterhead in midweek. Butcher will be delighted with the start but he knows there is a long way to go and will be demanding his team to be focused from the off tomorrow.

Hamilton were previewed last week and fortunately for us, not so for them, they came through with a pitiful home performance against Hearts. They were well and truly trounced for the second week in a row in the league and also conceded 4 without reply for the second week running. It’s dark times at the moment for Billy Reid as he also witnessed his side go out the League cup in midweek to 1^st division Raith Rovers. It was always going to be difficult start with the games they had in the league added to the turnover of players in the summer, but they have had no encouragement that thing will get better with their performances so far.

Inverness have a goalscorer in Adam Rooney who has netted 4 in all competitions so far. His two against Dundee United last season will give him the confidence boost he needed to prove he can cut it in the SPL after finishing top scorer last season in the league below. Hamilton, on the other hand, do not have anybody at this moment in time who will put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis. They lost Marc-Antoine Curier during the summer and as yet, he’s not been replaced. That is the difference at this level.

Hamilton were toothless last week and completely played into Hearts’ hands by playing 3 at the back. There’s a very good reason as to why that system has become null and void in world football as it’s so easy to counter against. Caley Thistle will have received a boost after last week’s result and performance, and with confidence being a lot at this level, I can see them getting their first home win of the season and heaping yet more sorrow on the visitors.

My selection: Inverness to beat Hamilton

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

It’s time for the annual toss of the coin to see whether one should side with either Celtic or Rangers in the new Scottish Premier League season. Rangers won the title last season but the revolving door at Ibrox appears to have been jammed in the one position over the summer, with no notable signings coming in but key players like Danny Wilson, Kris Boyd and Kevin Thomson heading south. That probably explains why the Gers are odds-against to retain their crown with all the major layers. Coral‘s 5/4 being the biggest price on offer. One could understand that if everything in the Parkhead garden was rosy, but that’s hardly the case!

Unlike Walter Smith, Neil Lennon has been given a decent transfer kitty to overhaul the Hoops and the signing of Joe Ledley is a step in the right direction. Gary Hooper has also joined after a successful season in the Championship with Scunthorpe, but you can’t help feeling that Celtic may have paid over the odds for a striker who was released by Southend barely 18 months ago and may find it hard to adjust to a new life lived constantly in the media spotlight. Question marks remain, too, over the Celtic defence but the Hoops are still a general 8/11 to win the title.

It may be worth, however, examining other betting opportunities surrounding the new SPL. For example, most bookmakers are operating a market without the Glasgow giants and sportingbet may have got it slightly wrong in offering 4/1 against Hearts. The acquisition of Stephen Elliott from Preston is a statement of intent by Jim Jeffries and the Edinburgh club should win more than they lose. I did look closely at Dundee United (7/4 with Stan James) in this market but there must be a doubt that last year’s Scottish Cup winners will be able to stave of interest on their best players before the transfer window closes.

If the battle at the top looks tight, the fight to avoid bottom spot may be even more intense. Kilmarnock’s new manager Mixu Paatelainen is facing a huge task rebuilding a squad and Killie may be the best bet to prop up the rest at 18/5 with extrabet.

• Hearts SPL W/O Celtic and Rangers – 4/1 with sportingbet
• Kilmarnock to finish bottom of the SPL – 18/5 with extrabet

Saturday 8^th May

English League One

Millwall v Swindon Town

If Leeds win then this game is nothing more than a glorified friendly but both Millwall and Swindon will be going for the win in order to capitalise on any mistakes for the Yorkshire club.

Millwall looked odds on to go up automatically after winning 2-0 at Elland Road at the end of March only to slip out of 2^nd spot after losing 2 and drawing 1 of their last 4 matches in the league. As it stands now they can only hope Bristol Rovers do them a favour by getting something at Leeds but no matter what happens there, the Lions must take all 3 points against Swindon tomorrow afternoon. Kenny Jackett will probably rue the loss at Huddersfield as up until then, his side had been fantastic. They had only lost once in 2010 up until that defeat but ever since then, they have toiled and looked only half like the side they were beforehand.

Swindon have surpassed all expectations this season in what has been a surprise to many, if not all, in League 1. Danny Wilson has went about his business in a quiet manner for much of the season whilst his strikers, Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin have earned most of the plaudits with 44 goals between them. Swindon have also found pressure hard to cope with though, as they too had a slippery patch when it really mattered. They went on a run of 4 games without a win in April which saw them hand the advantage back over to Leeds in the hunt for automatic promotion. They must win tomorrow to give themselves any hope of finishing 2^nd, but like Millwall, they rely on a favour from elsewhere.

 It’s difficult to know how the game would go if news reached the New Den that Leeds got an early goal, but it’s pretty easy to guess the reaction if there was no news, or even better, if Rovers managed to get a lead. Both managers will send their teams out to get a win and a good start so the pressure reverts back to Elland Road.

Millwall have an excellent home record with just 1 defeat all season. It’s a fabulous record and one Jackett and his players can be very proud of. Swindon have lost just 5 games away from home all season however so it won’t be a case of turning up and expecting all 3 points. With everything that is at stake I expect a really open match as neither side has anything to lose, but they do have a lot to gain. They both require the 3 points to have any chance of going up so rather than predict a winner, I’m going to go for goals.

My selections: Over 2.5 goals at a best priced 10/11 available with Boylesports

                             Both teams to Score at a best priced 3/4 available with BlueSquare

Sunday 9^th May

Scottish Premier League

Hearts v Celtic

For the last two seasons, Celtic have been going for the title on the last day of the season, Rangers have long since wrapped that up this time around so there’s nothing other than pride to play for when they travel to Tynecastle on Sunday. 

Hearts welcomed home a former manager midway through this season in the shape of Jim Jefferies who took over the reins once again after Czaba Laszlo was sacked. He’s done relatively well by guiding them to a top 6 finish as well as notching two successive derby victories over arch rivals Hibernian. The close season will mean a rebuilding job with the club desperate to get rid of some of the high earners as Hearts reported a debt of over £30m earlier this week. Jefferies will look to youth to take Hearts forward and has blooded a plethora of teenagers already in his short time since rejoining.

Celtic also have a different manager to the one they started the season with. Neil Lennon took over from Tony Mowbray in March after Celtic slipped a massive 13 points behind Rangers. Lennon has steadied the ship and cut the gap to 8 points. He has won 7 successive league matches on the bounce including a midweek derby success at Parkhead. The one blot on his copybook will be the defeat to Ross County in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. It was a disgraceful performance and one that could count against him when the board decide who gets the job on a permanent basis.

Even though there is nothing much to play for, Sunday’s encounter will be a competitive affair – it always is when Celtic go through to Gorgie. Lennon will be demanding 8 wins from 8 whilst Jefferies will want to gain his first win over one of the Old Firm since returning to Edinburgh. With this in mind, both sides will be right up for it and you can expect a decent game with plenty of action. Celtic are in excellent form in the league and there looks to be far more unity and a lot more strength and determination about them under Lennon.

Robbie Keane plays his last game for Celtic before returning to Spurs in the summer so he too will want to go out on a high note. The Irishman has scored 15 goals since February which is an excellent return, especially when you consider how poor Celtic were under Mowbray.

I think Lennon will get his 8 from 8 but I expect plenty of goals and for it to be pretty tight throughout the match. I also believe Keane will get a goal as he bids goodbye to the Celtic family.

My selections: Celtic to beat Hearts at a best priced 8/11 available with Betfred

                             Over 2.5 goals available at a best priced 10/11 with William Hill

                             Robbie Keane to score anytime at a best priced EVENS with Extrabet