St Mirren

Saturday 17th December

Scottish Premier League

Motherwell v St Mirren

Christmas is only eight days away but Motherwell will be in no mood to provide St Mirren with any festive cheer when the two sides meet at Fir Park.

Motherwell have surprised many this season with their form and currently sit best of the rest in the Scottish Premier League. There was ambitious talk earlier in the season that they may even be capable of splitting the two Glasgow sides but that seems like a fading possibility. They have, however, been very consistent and that is evidenced by the fact that they have lost just four game all season and three of them have been to Celtic and Rangers. St Johnstone are the only other side who have defeated them and they to have been impressive this season. Stuart McCall took over from Craig Brown last season and he managed to get the club to the Scottish Cup Final where they eventually lost out to Celtic but things are definitely on the up and the fans will be excited about what the future holds.

St Mirren’s manager Danny Lennon has been in the job for 18 months and it looks as though, slowly but surely, he is starting to mould his side into what he wants them to play like and what he set out at the start of last season. They look much more threatening this year and play a more attacking brand of football which the fans were crying out for. The other side of that story, however, is that they concede more goals as their defence is less protected than what it has been in previous season. It seems to be working though as the Buddies currently sit eighth which is unusual for them as they are normally in and around the relegation zone. Seven points clear of bottom placed Dunfermilne means that the first few months of the season have been a success but their is a long way to go between now and May so Lennon will be aware that the job is only half done.

Motherwell have one of the most exciting talents in Scotland in the shape of Jamie Murphy. The striker has been in and around the first team picture at Fir Park for a few years now but over the last couple of seasons he has really come to the fore and he is now one of the manager’s first picks every week. Along with Michael Hingdon he is the club’s top scorer with six league goals, but he’s also a provider of goals which makes him so important to the team. Having scored two goals in his side’s 3-0 win over St Johnstone last Saturday, Murphy heads into tomorrow’s fixture full of confidence.

St Mirren had spent a lot of money on wages by bringing in the likes of Paul McGowan, Steven Thompson and Gary Teale over the summer and all three are players who have contributed to their teams good form this season. Lennon will have been happy that his side came back from two goals down last Saturday against Aberdeen to earn a draw but they may well have won it as they were by far the better team in the second half and had plenty of chances. It means that St Mirren have went three games without a win and have won just one of their last five. Away from home they have won just one of their last six but they did manage a draw against Rangers at Ibrox so Fir Park should hold no fears for them.

Motherwell have won 10 of their 17 matches this season which is an excellent record in a league where so many of the sides are evenly matched. With Higdon and Murphy upfront they have two players capable of causing defences a lot of problems and scoring that vital goal which is often the difference in the SPL. They are too big a price to pass up tomorrow despite the fact that their home form is not as strong as their form on the road, they still remain the percentage and value call.

My Selection: Motherwell to beat St Mirren

Best price available: Evens available with William Hill

English Championship

Cardiff v Middlesbrough

Big match in the Championship as third placed Cardiff host fourth placed Middlesbrough – a win for either side could see them end up in an automatic promotion spot tomorrow evening.

Malky Mackay has worked wonders in truth since arriving at Cardiff. He has had to change so much of the squad which is often disruptive and results in a team having to gel before they can get to the level they were at previously. That’s not been the case here as the former Watford manager has seen the changes that he made pay off and the Bluebirds are just a couple of points off the top two positions. Their last defeat was way back in October and since that loss at Peterborough they have won six of their following nine games. It’s tremendous form and some of the wins have come against difficult teams and at notoriously hard venues such as Reading and at home to Birmingham. Overall they have lost just three games all season and only one of those has come at the Cardiff City stadium where they have won seven of their ten matches to date.

Tony Mowbray has got things right at Middlesbrough this season and they seem desitned to challenge for promotion this season after a couple of indifferent campaigns. Level on points with tomorrow’s opponents it’s no surprise that there is a lot of pressure on tomorrow’s match but for all the right reasons. They set themselves up perfectly with two 1-0 victories against Bristol City and Brighton in recent weeks. Those games have been par for the course this season as they may not be the prettiest team to watch but they are hard to beat and more often than not, are able to nick a goal and take the points. Their away form is particularly good with six wins from 10 matches – only West Ham can boast a better record than that in the division. Those defeats came against Nottingham Forest and Southampton, both of which were after their magnificent run of six straight away wins in all competitions between August and September.

Kenny Miller has been an inspired signed for Cardiff as he allows Mackay to set up a system which is both hard to break down, but also allows them great freedom going forward. Miller is very much a striker who likes to put defenders under pressure and never stops running for the whole time he’s on the pitch. This means that Cardiff can play a counter attacking style of play away from home but at the same time they can switch it and keep the ball for long periods with that extra midfielder thanks to Miller playing as a lone striker. The Scottish internationalist has six league goals to his name already but few would back against him adding to that in the next few weeks.

‘Boro are one of the lowest scorers in the top half of the Championship with 25 goals so it’s no surprise to read that they boast the best defensive record in the league as well. Their defences have been breached just 17 times this term which is their foundation for their success. They do need to do better against the sides in and around them in the table however as the loss to Southampton earlier in the season was coupled with a home defeat against West Ham. They have also drawn against the likes of Blackpool and Leicester. There is an argument to be made that the fixtures have been kind to them in the early part of the season but they do face a difficult programme of fixtures over the Christmas period so their credentials will be put to the test – starting tomorrow.

Cardiff, for my money, have been the most impressive Championship side in recent weeks. They are not conceding many goals and look dangerous on the break. The only criticism of them would be that they may not take as many chances as they should be and that could be key tomorrow against a resoulte Middlesbrough defence but I have a suspicion that Tony Mowbray’s men have been flattered somewhat by their league position and fancy the home side to come out on top here.

My Selection: Cardiff to beat Middlesbrough

Best odds available: 5/4 available with Victor Chandler

English League Two

Crewe v Crawley

Top of the table Crawley travel north to take on Crewe in a bid to extend their unbeaten run in all competitons to 15.

It was the end of an era when Dario Gradi finally stepped aside and allowed a new man to take on the role as Crewe’s manager. Gradi had been in the job for over 20 years so you could forgive the new manager, his assistant Steve Davis, of being a little worried that he was in a no win situation. His start as manager may not have been terrific but it’s not been terrible either. Crewe are currently sitting in mid-table and of the four games that Davis has been boss, they have won two, drawn one and lost the other one which was, incidentally, his first match in charge in the FA Cup so they remain unbeaten under his stewardship in the league. Tomorrow will be their hardest test yet as they face the league leaders and their home form is definitely something that needs to improve as they have already lost five games on their own patch.

Crawley were many people’s favourites to go up and earn consecutive promotions due to the amount of finances they have at their disposal. The form they are currently in has seen them climb to the top of the division with a three point lead heading into the festive period. Steve Evans is no strange to managing succesful sides in the Conference but it’s the first time that he has been in charge of a club at this level who have been doing so well. 14 games unbeaten for anyone is a massive achievment due to the competitive nature of football nowadays but even more so for a team who were playing in the division below last season. Their last defeat was in the middle of September and to date it’s only their third league reverse of the campaign so far.

Crewe will be hoping that their three game unbeaten run in the league can give them the confidence to compete against high flying Crawley and if they can produce their best form on the day then they well give their visitors problems. The key is consistency at Gresty Road though as they have such a young team and it’s inevitable that they are going to have some off days as they are on their learning curve at the moment.

Crawley will travel to Crewe full of confidence having won their last five scoring 16 in the process. Matt Tubbs was prolific last season in the Conference and he has carried on that kind of form this season. He’s scored four goals in his last two games after a run of five games without a goal so the chances are he is hitting a bit of form one again which is probably not great news for tomorrow’s opponents.

When a team is in the form that Crawley are it’s hard to oppose them and it’s certainly not going to be me that is the brave man who backs against them. I think they will have too much going forward for tomorrow’s hosts.

My Selection: Crawley to beat Crewe

Best odds available: 8/11 available with Bet365

Saturday 15^th January

English Premier League

Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers

Stoke and Bolton have had to deal with some unfair criticism during their Premier League tenure, but both have had a good first half to the season and will look to continue it at the Britannia tomorrow.

Tony Pulis’ side has been battered from pillar to post ever since they were promoted to England’s top flight for their style of play. Critics have attempted to downplay their incredible achievements by branding them too physical and even setting out to injure other opponents. Such claims are downright ridiculous and it’s a credit to Pulis who has gone about his business in a quiet and dignified manner. His side are currently enjoying their third consecutive season in the Premier League and they’re comfortably set in mid-table as we approach the second half of the campaign. Occupying 11^th spot in the table, Stoke are six points off the relegation zone but also the same number of points from the final European spot. A key difference in their performance this season as opposed to the previous two, as that they have accrued more points on the road. Normally so strong at home, the Potters have won three games away already, just one fewer than their whole total of last season and one more than their debut year.

Owen Coyle has enjoyed the exact opposite reaction from pundits than his opponent tomorrow. Journalists and colleagues alike have praised his brand of football and lauded him for turning Bolton into a football playing side. For years Wanderers were criticised for being too physical, like Stoke, and for playing route one football, like Stoke. Sam Allardyce’s sides always had a touch of quality about them with the likes of Jay Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff pulling the strings so the criticism was very unfair. It was slightly more understandable when Gary Megson had the manager’s job as his sides tended to be far more reserved and disciplined with little flexibility. Coyle has transformed that viewpoint however and his midfield is much more dynamic with creativity in abundance. Having played one more game than tomorrows opponents, Bolton find themselves three points better off, despite having won just one in their last six league games.

Stoke have completed the permanent transfer of Jermaine Pennant from Real Zaragoza as they look to finish in the top half of the table for the first time since their return. The winger had been in excellent form during his loan spell and linked up really well with the likes of Tuncay, Ricardo Fuller and Kenwyne Jones. More than that, however, he provided a real balance with Matty Etherington on the left wing. Bolton also have a number of player who have been a real threat going forward this season. Aside from Kevin Davies, Johan Elmander, Stuart Holden and Lee Chung-Yong have been a menace for Premier League defences. Coyle will have to do without Lee, however, as he is on International duty with South Korea in the Asian cup.

Bolton are currently experiencing their leanest run of the season with just four points from a possible 18. Their away form has also been very poor of late as they have lost their last four on the road scoring just one goal. Stoke know that they can bully teams at home with their physicality and their ability to hem teams in with their style of play. Whether that’s possible against Bolton, a strong team themselves, remains to be seen. However with the form Bolton are in on the road, and the fact Stoke brushed aside Everton last time out, I fancy the home side to edge this.

My Selection: Stoke City to beat Bolton

Best odds available: 6/5 available with Boylesports

English Championship

Nottingham Forest v Portsmouth

Nottingham Forest put their incredible home record on the line again with Portsmouth the latest side attempting to leave the City Ground with all three points.

Billy Davies has overseen a fantastic run of 31 Championship games unbeaten at home which is the envy of all of his rivals. This league is notoriously difficult to get out of and one of the most important ingredients for doing is a strong home record. Davies, who has already been promoted with Forest’s arch rivals Derby, knows that there are obviously other things needed, but will be especially pleased with how difficult it is to come to the City Ground these days. Six wins and six draws already this term, Forest are beginning to put a run together which would see them challenge the teams above them in the hunt for promotion. One defeat in nine has saw them rise to seventh in the table just a couple of points behind Watford with a game in hand.

Portsmouth have had a pretty normal season compared to last year and Steve Cotterill has used this to his advantage by steering Pompey clear of any real danger of relegation. Currently in 18^th position and five points clear of the final relegation spot, 2011 will hopefully, for Pompey supporters, see a fresh start for the club after all their recent problems, on and off the park. Working with such a small squad is never easy so Cotterill and his players have to be commended for their performance thus far. A key player for them has been Liam Lawrence as the experienced midfielder has brought some much needed quality and composure to the South coast club. Having already chipped in with seven league goals, his involvement between now and the end of the season is vital if the club are to consolidate and move forward. He was a doubt earlier on in the week but should be fit to take his place on Saturday.

The visitors have failed to win a game in their last five in all competitions. They were also soundly beaten last time out in the FA Cup away to Brighton. Forest, who were victorious in the cup, have Marcus Tudgay available again whilst captain Paul McKenna will also return. Pompey will have to do without Dave Kitson and Greg Halford.  Both will be missed as they provide both experience and quality.

With such a threadbare squad, lessened even more with injuries, Portsmouth have it all to do, especially as they have to travel to a ground where no visiting side has left with three points for over a year. Forest are hitting form just at the right time and they should account for tomorrow’s opponents as they continue their quest for promotion to the Premier League.

My Selections: Nottingham Forest to beat Portsmouth

Best odds available: 8/11 available with Betfred

Scottish Premier League

Aberdeen v St Mirren

Amazingly just one points separate’s Aberdeen and St Mirren as we approach February but that’s the case as the two meet at Pittodrie tomorrow.

Craig Brown has had an immediate effect since becoming Aberdeen boss at the end of 2010. Before that, Aberdeen were enduring a horrific season under former manager Mark McGhee which culminated in seven straight defeats. Brown has came in from Motherwell, with his assistant Archie Knox, and instilled some much needed organisation and discipline within the squad. He has sought to strengthen the squad with the introduction of David McNamee at full back and Nick Blackman upfront. Blackman was on loan at Motherwell for the first half of the season, he impressed with 10 goals so it was natural Brown would be interested in him again at his new employers. The former Scotland manager has used his lengthy list of contacts to further bolster his squad with Fulham midfielder Robert Milsom joining until the end of the season as well.

Danny Lennon’s first season managing at this level has been one of inconsistency and frustration. St Mirren continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table, where they are just four points off bottom, and fail to turn good performances into points. Lennon doesn’t have the resources available to him that Brown will at Aberdeen, but even still, he will be annoyed with the amount of missed chances taken by his misfiring strikers. All of this was highlighted last week in the Scottish Cup as they were held to a goalless draw at home to second division Peterhead.

Aberdeen, on the other hand, ran riot against lower league opposition in the cup hitting East Fife for six. The man who got a hat-trick that day, Chris McGuire, is bang in form and enjoying a new lease of life under his new manager. St Mirren can take solace from the fact that they won last time out on the road against Inverness. They are actually unbeaten in the last three on the road which should provide some encouragement.

If this match took place a month ago then I believe it would have a very different complexion on it. Aberdeen were struggling whilst St Mirren were putting a run of form together. However it’s not and with Brown having such a positive impact up North, I feel the value is definitely with the home side tomorrow.

My Selection: Aberdeen to beat St Mirren

Best odds available: 10/11 available with William Hill

Apologies for the late post, I was holding off as much as possible to see which games will survive the horrific weather conditions in the country today.

 Saturday 19^th December

Scottish Premier League

St Johnstone v St Mirren

Gus McPherson takes his St Mirren side to MacDiarmid Park to take on St Johnstone in a match that will give the victors some much needed breathing space at the foot of the table.

The home side have earned many plaudits from other clubs managers and supporters for their exciting approach to the game. They have the 5^th highest goals for in the league which is no mean feat for a side who have just been promoted to the top league in Scotland. They have, however, conceded the most amount of goals in the league, with 29, 4 more than any other team. Their cause is not likely to be helped today with Derek McInnes’ missing at least 7 players for today’s match. One of those who is definitely out of the game is Collin Samuel. The striker is not only his teams top scorer, he’s also arguably their most important player. He leads the line well and gives them the option to go in behind with his pace.

St Mirren have struggled for wins off late, with none in their last 6 league matches. It’s a bit of surprise that they have struggled as much lately, especially after comfortable wins over Hearts and Falkirk in October. They have missed their talisman Andy Dorman in recent weeks as the Welsh International has picked up a long term injury. His absence has taken away a lot of the creativity from the St Mirren side. The emphasis for McPherson’s side is now more on getting the ball up earlier to their physical strikers, Michael Higdon and Billy Mehmet. Both were troublesome for the Falkirk defence last week, with the former netting a spectacular goal in the 1-1 draw.

The spoils were shared when these sides last met back in September. The parks were far better than what they are now, the players were fresher and there was still a surprise element to St Johnstone’s style of play. 3 month’s on, the parks are beginning to cut up, the  squads are  suffering from injuries and suspension and there is the suspicion that other teams are becoming wise to McInnes’ tactics. This is highlighted by a defeat to Kilmarnock in their last home match. Killie, much like St Mirren, were coming off the back of a poor run of form and their style of play is very similar to that of Gus McPherson’s side. With that in mind, and with the amount of key players the home side are missing, I just feel that St Mirren have the knack of winning against teams in and around them, especially when they’re not playing too well.

My selection: St Mirren to beat St Johnstone

Best odds available: 9/4 available with several bookmakers including Coral

English League 1

Norwich v Huddersfield

A match between these two sides at this time of year has all the makings of a Christmas cracker as Paul Lambert’s 3^rd placed City play host to 5^th placed Town.

Paul Lambert has transformed the fortunes of the Carrow road side since his appointment in August. He has got the team playing exciting and productive football which has catapulted them up the league table, sitting comfortably within the play-off positions and with a real chance of automatic promotion. He has built his side around his captain, Grant Holt. The prolific striker has already notched 13 goals this season since his move from Shrewsbury in the summer. It’s not just goals which Holt brings to the side; he is an excellent team player. He holds the ball up, he links up well with the midfield and is always willing to work back to help out his defenders. His performances, coupled with the consistent displays by his team-mates, have resulted in only 1 defeat in 16 league matches. This is a staggering run of form at any time in any league, but it’s even more impressive when it’s a new manager in such a fiercely competitive league.

I’ve previewed Huddersfield several times already this season so I think we all know what I think of them. I am a big fan of their attacking philosophy both home and away and I fully expect them to be in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season. Lee Clark will know that these games will be the true test of how far his team has come this season as Norwich have only lost 1 game at home all season, and that was under former manager Bryan Gunn. Town have let themselves down on the road this season, picking up just 8 points from a possible 30. They will know that they have to improve on their travels, sooner rather than later.

Having watched both sides on a couple of occasions this term, I think this will be an open match with more than a couple of goals and both sides scoring. The managers are attacking by nature and set their teams up to win games. Huddersfield showed a couple of weeks ago when drawing 2-2 at Elland Road that they are able to give anyone a game, home or away. Norwich, however, are very strong at home and I just think that Holt and Chris Martin will pose too much of a threat to a porous Huddersfield defence.

My selection:  Norwich to beat Huddersfield

Best odds available: 11/10 available with several bookmakers including Bet365

Sunday 20^th December

Scottish Premier League

Hearts v Celtic

This fixture has proved to be problematic for Celtic in recent times as they never get it easy when travelling to Tynecastle to take on suspension and injury ravaged Hearts.

Hearts have had a disastrous start to the season and currently find themselves in 8^th position, 6 points off of the bottom and 20 points off top spot. Their discipline has once again let them down, especially recently. They have had 3 red cards in the last 4 matches which has been extremely detrimental to their fortunes and results. They have only picked up 1 win in 9 league games which is basically relegation form in any league. For tomorrow’s match, they will be missing Ian Black and Suso Santana who are both suspended whilst Christian Nade is also set to miss out due to injury. This will likely mean a start for fit again Calum Elliot upfront which will mean even more reliance on their midfielders to get forward in support.

Celtic have turned their season around in recent weeks with 5 games unbeaten and some very encouraging performances in the process. 3 home wins in a row was followed by a come from behind victory away to Motherwell and then most recently on Thursday night, they secured a morale boosting 3-3 draw in Europe, despite being 3-0 down inside 20 minutes. In all 5 of these matches they have demonstrated a strong resolve as well as a will to win which was sadly lacking in some games at the start of the season. A lot of this will be down to a settled team, especially in the centre of the pitch. Marc Crosas has formed a very decent partnership with Landry N’Guemo in midfield whilst Gary Caldwell and Glenn Loovens are settled at the back as are Scott McDonald and Girgios Samaras upfront. This consistency has meant more impressive performances and improved confidence in the side. One man pushing for a start is Marc-Antoine Fortune. The £3.8m striker has scored 3 in his last 2 so will be hoping to dislodge Samaras, especially as the Greek is struggling with injury.

These games are very competitive and the midfield will play a big part for both sides. Aiden McGeady, despite being in danger of missing the derby match in January, will most likely play and he is in excellent form. He creates chances and has added goals in recent months, with 5 already in the league. Hearts have been very poor of late, but it would not be a surprise to anyone if they turn in a strong performance tomorrow. Even still, Celtic are in good form and will always score goals, with their increased confidence and key players finding form, I fancy them to win tomorrow.

My selection: Celtic to beat Hearts

Best odds available: 4/6 available with Totesport

Good Luck and Merry Christmas

Saturday 24^th January

Scottish Premier League

Motherwell v Falkirk

Two sides currently occupying places in the bottom six of the SPL meet at Fir Park on Saturday afternoon. The home side are on their best run of form all season, whilst there has been glimpses in recent weeks that John Hughes’ side are returning to something like their old selves.

Motherwell were a revelation last year in manager Mark McGhee’s first season in charge. Finishing ahead of Aberdeen, Dundee United and both Edinburgh clubs meant they qualified for the UEFA cup for the first time since the mid 90’s. As it does with many teams not familiar with success, the preparation and anticipation of European football took its toll on the club and inevitably, domestic results suffered.  Added to the fact the star man and talisman, Ross McCormack left to join Cardiff during the summer, ‘Well found themselves at the foot of the table for much of the season.

With key players such as David Clarkson, Stephen Craigan and Stephen Hughes having returned to the starting line-up in the last month or so, it is no real surprise that results have improved. Since the derby loss to Hamilton 4 weeks ago, Motherwell have gained 10 points from a possible 12, with home wins over Inverness and Hearts followed up by an excellent 4-0 away win over Dundee United last time out.

The visitors have not won a game in the league since the end of October. In the 12 SPL games proceeding that win, they have lost 6 and drawn 6. Of the 6 losses, 4 have been on the road. Despite this stat, they have only lost one of these games by more than a goal, this came in last week’s game against Rangers. This suggests that they are difficult opponents to play against and never give up, it also suggests that they are lacking that wee bit of quality needed to gain more points away from home.

The home side are as strong as they have been all season in terms of personnel as well as performances. They are by no means out of the European picture despite their poor start but at the same time, know they have to continue their recent good run by picking up all 3 points tomorrow afternoon. Falkirk will not make it easy for them and it promises to be a close game. I just feel that with that wee bit extra confidence and a bit more quality, the home snide may sneak this by the odd goal.

My selection: Motherwell to beat Falkirk

The best price available for a Motherwell victory is 10/11 available with  Bet365

Scottish Premier League

Dundee United v St Mirren

Both clubs come into this match on the back of disappointing defeats last time out. The hosts will still be smarting from their 4-0 drubbing by Motherwell at Tannadice whilst St Mirren’s recent good run came to an end at Easter Road where Hibs ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

Last week’s defeat to Motherwell was United’s first home reverse in the league since August which proves they are a formidable outfit on their home patch, most of the time anyway. Last week may just have been one of those games where ‘Well played exceptionally well and United’s every error, was punished. They’ll be hoping for a return to winning ways against a side who they have defeated twice already this season.

St Mirren were undefeated in 5 league matches before defeat in the Scottish capital, picking up 13 points from a possible 15. The away wins in that run came against Kilmarnock and Falkirk, two sides who have found home wins hard to come by this season. Their record away to the teams in the top 6 is poor, they have lost to all the sides currently occupying places in the top half of the SPL. Their away record for this season reads four wins and seven defeats, whilst the head to head record at Tannadice is very much in favour of the Arabs. In 11 matches, United have been victorious 7 times, losing just two games.

Craig Levein will have to shuffle his pack with the absence of midfielder Scott Robertson. Spanish striker, Sandaza will be looking to play from the start after returning from his own injury problems and may displace John Daly. St Mirren are only without long term absentees, Stephen O’Donnell and Will Haining.

Last week will have hurt the home side and they will be doubly determined to go into Wednesday’s league cup semi-final, against Celtic, on the back of a strong showing tomorrow afternoon. I think their midfield will be too strong for the visitors and should pick up all 3 points.

My selection: Dundee United to beat St Mirren

The best price available for a Dundee United win is 8/11 available with several bookmakers including  Ladbrokes