Swansea

The return of Thierry Henry to Arsenal was the big talking point ahead of their FA Cup fixture against Leeds last weekend. It was the talismanic Frenchman who stood up and scored the winning goal of the third round tie, reigniting his passion for the club. That was a big emotional moment for Henry on his return to North London and it will be interesting to see what the Gunners legend can now produce in the Premier League. Henry is only back on loan while the MLS season is closed down and Henry will at least give Arsene Wenger some alternative attacking options up front, as they have been lacking in that area, with no-one offering support to Robin van Persie. Will boss Arsene Wenger go for a dual pronged attack of Henry and Van Persie against Swansea? Arsenal need to muster up a response to their last Premier League outing which was also on the road, as they went down 2-1 at Fulham on January 2nd. The goals have started drying up just a little bit for the Gunners, so the arrival of Henry may give them an extra spark. Arsenal have only scored more than one goal in just one of their last six Premier League matches. A trip to face Swansea is not going to be an easy one, and Arsenal haven’t secured a great record on the road this season. The Gunners have landed just four wins and a draw out of their ten away fixtures this season, and they have conceded a goal in each of their last three games away from the Emirates. Their have conceded a tremendous amount of goals on their travels this season, 22 in total which is an average of 2.20 per game. What has seen them through has been the twenty away goals they have scored, so there is potential for a pretty tight game at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners have only managed just two clean sheets out of ten on the road, and 80% of their away games have, not surprisingly ended over 2.5 goals. The Gunners need the input of Robin van Persie and there is the feeling that a victory will probably just come by a one goal margin. With Arsenal suffering two defeats out of their last three away fixtures, this match is by no means a foregone conclusion. They are still in a scrap for fourth place at the moment, and obviously won’t want to lose any more ground to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool who are sandwiching them.

Swansea are ticking along a nice enough pace, which should see them maintain their Premier League status if they keep up their form. The Swans are now undefeated in their last three matches in the league and go into Swansea v Arsenal betting on the back of a well earned three points away at Aston Villa at the start of the year. It is Swansea’s home record which is still making impressive reading in the league, as they have suffered just one defeat at the Liberty Stadium this season. For Premier League new boys, that is a pretty great stat to look at for the Welsh club’s fans. Swansea have won four, drawn five and lost just that one game at home, and the only side to beat them on their home turf has been Manchester United, who scraped a 1-0 win there. There have been just four goals conceded by Swansea at home, as they are proving to be a pretty tough team to break down, and conceding at just 0.4 goals per game, should give them hope of taking another important point off one of the top teams in the Premier League, just as they did against Spurs during the festive period. The Swans have only netted twelve times themselves in their ten home games at just over 1 goal per game, but with 60% of their home matches ending in clean sheets for them, they will make life difficult for the Gunners. Eighty percent of Swansea’s home games have ended Under 2.5 goals this season, and with their very attractive style of football they will be confident of making use of the fortress Liberty Stadium. There hasn’t been many too goals flowing for the Swans of late, and boss Brendan Rodgers will be looking for his defence to stand tall again. But having failed to score in five of their last ten matches, they will be looking to top scorer Danny Graham to overshadow the Premier League return of Thierry Henry.

Swansea v Arsenal Betting Odds
Swansea to win: 4/1 at Totesport
Draw: 11/4 at BetFred
Arsenal to win: 5/6 at VC Bet

While the return to the Premier League for Thierry Henry will be in focus, online bookmaker Paddy Power have a Money Back Special on Swansea v Arsenal betting surrounding Robin van Persie. If Robin van Persie scores the final goal of the match, then Paddy Power will refund lost stakes on all losing First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Correct Score and Scorecast singles on the match. Great coverage on the betting for this match, with the bets such as Van Persie 3/1 and Henry 9/2 in the First Goalscorer market. Popular bookie Paddy Power offer a free £50 bet for new customers registering an account. The bookie will match the value of your first stake on a new account with a free bet, up to the maximum value of £50.

Sunday 29th May 2011

English League 1 Play-Off Final

Huddersfield v Peterborough

My Selection: Over 2.5 goals

Best odds available: 3/4 available with Bet365

Huddersfield will be aiming to return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 2001 but they must get the better of a Peterborough side who have hit top gear since Darren Ferguson returned as manager.

Huddersfield have been a model of consistency this season which is emphasised by the fact they haven’t defeated since the back end of 2010, a run of 27 games. It’s a tremendous run of form which was only bettered by Southampton’s closing matches which was eventually good enough to pip the Yorkshire club to the second automatic promotion spot. Lee Clark has been able to rally his troops for another charge at the Championship door as they overcame stern opposition in the shape of Bournemouth in the semi-finals, on penalties. It was a typical play-off game which included many emotions for fans, players and management alike. What it did prove is that Huddersfield look to be more resolute this season than in the past, which they have been criticised for.

Peterborough were the top scorers in England this season amassing an amazing 106 goals in the league alone. Entertainment has been a constant which is more than can be said for their form as they have been up and down like a yo-yo at times. Having sacked Gary Johnson in early January, the club looked to a former boss in the shape of Darren Ferugson who had previously left under a cloud for pastures new. The prodigal son has turned things around and steered the Posh to the Play-Off final to return to the Championship at the first time of asking. They have had to do it the hard way however as the club have sold one of their three prized assests in the shape of Aaron McLean. Having got the better of MK Dons over two legs in their own semi, the Posh head into tomorrow’s match knowing that they have to do something that teams have failed to do 27 times – defeat Huddersfield.

As you would expect over the course of a long season, there is not much to split these two teams. Huddersfield managed to accumulate four more points whilst the two games the sides contested during the regular season resulted in a draw and a win for Huddersfield – both were extremely tight despite being very entertaining.

One thing that can normally be assured when these two sides meet is goals. In the last six games there have been 27 goals so it despite being a desperately hard match to call, it does bode well for plenty of chances and hopefully goals.

The final will take place at Old Trafford as Wembley is being used and prepared for tonights Champions League final. Being in the North-West could just swing it in favour of Huddersfield who should have the majority of the support behind them.

The bookies find it just as hard to split the two sides so rather than attempt that, I’m sticking with goals in this game.

Monday 30th May 2011

Swansea v Reading

My Selection: Swansea to beat Reading

Best odds available: 17/10 avaialable with William Hill

Bank Holiday Monday is the traditional day when two Championship sides clash with the ultimate prize being a place in England’s top flight, this year see’s Reading aiming for a return against a Swansea side who have yet to taste the Premier League.

Brendan Rodgers will be in a strange position on Monday as he will lead out his Swansea side knowing that it could very well have been the opposition he was walking out with. Rodgers was sacked as Reading manager despite not being given an appropriate amount of time. He has done exceptionally well since becoming Swans manager, surpassing all expectation and leading his players to within one game of the promised land. Not only have the Welsh club been effective and successful this season, they have achieved it by playing excellent, attacking football. Rodgers’ philosophy has never wavered and he has remained loyal to it. Central to that style of play has been Darren Pratley who illustrated his importance by scoring the clinching goal in the semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Pratley has been linked with a move away all season but it’s not affected his performances as he has notched 10 goals from midfield in the league alone.

There is always one side who go on a run of form at the tail end of the season to secure a play-off spot and this year it’s Reading’s turn. The Royals have lost just one from their last 18 league games, a tremendous run by anyone’s standards. Boss Brian McDermott has been an unsung hero having gone about his business very quietly with little fuss. He has proven he is capable of handling the big occasion as well as his side’s FA Cup exploits have shown with victories against Everton and Liverpool in recent seasons. Many will be cursing Reading as their comprehensive defeat of Cardiff in the semi-final deprived the public of a Welsh Derby at Wembley. It would have been unique but it was plain to see that Cardiff had run their race long before the second leg of the return leg – Reading were streets ahead.

No matter what happens at Wembley on Monday one thing looks certain – Shane Long will be playing in next season’s Premier League. The striker has attracted interest from numerous top flight clubs after a prolific season in the Championship. If Reading are not successful then it’s likely he’ll head for pastures new.

The size of the Wembley pitch may well be a factor on Monday as both sides play the game rather differently. Reading have been very successful at hitting on the break with the pace of Long upfront whilst Swansea like to keep the ball and probe away looking for openings. If Swansea to get into a rythm they will be hard to peg back as their technique is exceptional.

I expect a fantastic match with so many gifted players in form. I am siding with the Welsh side as they have impressed me throughout this season with their attitude and desire as well as their excellent performances.

Saturday 22^nd January

English Premier League

Arsenal v Wigan

Arsenal and Wigan met at the tail end of 2010 and they do so again tomorrow at the Emirates with the home side looking to strengthen their Championship winning charge.

Arsene Wenger fielded a much changed side when these sides met at the DW Stadium last month and paid the price as his side dropped two points from a winning position. It’s unlikely he’ll make the same mistake this time around as he looks to put pressure on Manchester United at the top of the table. Wenger will be heartened with the fact that he will be able to call on nearly all of his squad with Thomas Vermaelen the only absentee who would have started. This means that Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott will be in attack for the home side. It’s a daunting challenge for anyone, especially a Wigan side who are currently in the drop zone. The Gunners have been upset a couple of times at home this season, most notably by Newcastle and West Brom, so will be looking to cement their credentials as contenders for the Premier League.

Wigan have drawn too many games this season and it’s proving costly as they have surrendered too many games from a winning position. Last week’s home match with Fulham was a perfect example as they held a lead for most of the game before succumbing to a late leveller. Roberto Martinez knows that his side needs to turn some of these points into three if they wish to stay in the division come next season. With it being so tight at the bottom, it will be the smallest of margins which will decide who stays up and who goes down. It could be argued that Wigan are set up to perform better on the road than at home with their one upfront, with only a couple of wins on the road, however, it really is time for them to simply start performing.

Arsenal have won four of their last five at home in the league with Manchester City the only side to leave with a point. They are heading into this match off the back of a confident 3-1 away win in the FA Cup when they disposed of Leeds United so are in good heart. Wigan will have to make history if they wish to leave the Emirates with anything on Saturday as they have been turned over on all four previous meetings with an aggregate score of 9-1.

Arsenal will have far too much firepower for Wigan in my opinion and it’s a question of how many as opposed to if they will win. There are several bets which catch my eye and all favour a comfortable home victory.

My selections: Robin Van Persie to score anytime at a best priced 5/6 available with Stan James

Arsenal (-2) to beat Wigan at a best priced 13/8 available with Paddy Power

Over 1.5 first half goals at a best priced 5/4 available with William Hill

English Championship

Barnsley v Swansea

Second placed Swansea travel North on Saturday to take on a Barnsley side who are once again residing in mid table obscurity.

Mark Robins has a selection headache ahead of him tomorrow as he will have to do without his two centre halves who were both sent off last Saturday whilst he also has to look to replace their top scorer and best player Adam Hammill who has moved on to Wolves. Working with such a small squad as it is, then you really feel for the Barnsley manager who has done a terrific job in the main. A club who have always had to play with limited resources as it is, the Tykes are looking to better last year’s finish of 18^th and points total of 54. Currently two places better off, they are on course to do so, but will need to replace the goals and industry of Hammill. They were enjoying a good run in the last couple of months of last year, however, they have begun to struggle of late and have won just once in their last six games. Overall, their home form has been pretty strong with seven wins and three draws from their 13 games played thus far at Oakwell. The only teams to leave there with all three points have been Burnley, Leicester and Cardiff City.

Swansea are enjoying an excellent season under Brendan Rodgers. The Swans are currently sitting in second place and on course to sustain a challenge for automatic promotion. Only three points off of league leaders QPR, the Welsh club have overtaken arch rivals Cardiff who held second spot for long spells in the first half of the season. They head into tomorrow’s match knowing that they can draw level on points with Rangers who do not play until Sunday. The current league leaders would have two games in hand, but it would be pressure all the same. Last week’s trouncing of Crystal Palace was their fourth clean sheet in the league in a row, so it’s no real surprise to learn that they are in the top three for least goals conceded, with only Millwall and Nottingham Forest boasting better defensive records. The other end of that scale, however, is the lack of goals scored. With just 34 goals for in 27 games, Swansea have the worst offensive record of anyone in the top eight. Rodgers has looked to rectify that by bringing in Luke Moore from West Brom who has vast experience at this level and has led the line well as a lone striker.

With Jason Shackell and Stephen Foster both missing for the visit of Swansea, after being sent off last Saturday, Robins will have to shuffle his pack. With Hammill moving on to the Premier League, a change of system may also be in place as the wide player provided a much needed link between midfield and striker. Gary O’Connor is a shrewd acquisition at this level but will need support tomorrow. The man who could provide it is James O’Brien. The wide players moved from Motherwell last summer and has impressed in the Championship.

Leon Britton has moved back to Swansea after only leaving last July and is included in the squad for tomorrow’s game. His inclusion will be another positive for the support as he was a real fans favourite before his departure. His combative and intelligent style of play suits Swansea’s system so it’s no surprise to see Rodgers snap him up.

Swansea’s price looks a little skinny at face value but when you consider the players that the home side will be missing and the form Swansea are currently in, it’s still a price worth taking – away win.

My selection: Swansea to beat Barnsley

Best odds available: 11/10 available with William Hill

Saturday 16^th October

English Premier League

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

Top league domestic action returns with a bang at Craven Cottage as Fulham entertain Spurs in what is sure to be a frantic London derby.

After seven games in the Premier League this season, Fulham remain only one of two teams still to taste defeat, along with Manchester City. Mark Hughes has certainly built from the back and made his new side resolute and hard to beat, but also ensuring that they score goals going the other way as they have only failed to score in two of their seven matches. Their home form has been good for several years, it was taken started by Rod Hodgson before Hughes took over in the summer and it’s been taken forward by the present incumbent. Having only played three games thus far at home, they have amassed 5 points. It may not sound very impressive from face value, but when you consider they have played both Everton and Manchester United already, it suggests that the Cottage will remain a fortress once again this season. The aim for Hughes now is to turn draws into wins. With six stalemates from their opening seven matches laying good foundations, it’s now a case of improving on that if they wish to challenge for Europe again.

Spurs have been rather inconsistent compared to tomorrow’s hosts in terms of fluctuating results but they remain above Fulham simply because of more wins. Seven games have brought 3 wins, 2 defeats and 2 draws. Harry Redknapp would have probably expected that kind of pattern of results as his side embark on their first Champions League campaign of the season. It’s a hard thing for any club to do, manage domestic aspirations and challenge on the European stage, but Spurs are mere novices at this and it’s still early days but things look to be heading on the right track. Their away form is a pretty similar with three games boasting one of each outcome. Their most recent away fixture was another London derby against West Ham. Spurs dominated large spells of that game but were unable to convert one of many chances. This was, in part, down to the fact that they had several of their key players out injured, including Jermaine Defoe.

Neither side has had their troubles to seek in the injury department with both clubs missing key personnel already. Defoe was joined by Luca Modric and Michael Dawson on the treatment table with Modric the only one of the trio available for tomorrow. Fulham have had to endure the massive loss of Bobby Zamora who has broken his leg and will be out till the New Year. His absence was further compounded with the loss of Moussa Dembele who is also missing for the visit of their London neighbours.

These games have been notoriously tight of late with five of the last eight meetings at the Cottage ending in a draw, three of which have been goalless. It highlights how contested and competitive these games have become despite the difference in stature of the two clubs involved. There is little to suggest that tomorrow’s game will be any less competitive considering the start to the season for both clubs. I do believe, however, that the chance of goals is more likely this time around. Spurs have yet to keep a clean sheet on the road this term. From their five away matches (including European games) they have conceded eight goals and notched 7. Fulham have been slightly more conservative with three games boasting a total of seven goals.

Spurs very rarely draw a blank in back to back games on the road whilst Fulham are even less likely to go two successive games without giving the home fans a goal. I wouldn’t put anyone off backing the draw but I believe both teams to score is a sound bet.

My selection: Fulham and Tottenham both to score

Best odds available: 3/4 available with Blue Square

English Championship

Reading v Swansea

Three goals and one position in the table are all that separates Reading and Swansea so a close game is expected as the two clash at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Reading have started where they left off last season with excellent form seeing them riding high in the table. Manager Brian McDermott took over midway through the last campaign and with a few more games, would have had a good chance of making the play-offs. This season started slowly with a mere three points from their first three games, however results have certainly picked up and they find themselves in 7^th position, just outside the play-offs on goal difference. The main reason for their healthy points total thus far has been their home form. Since their opening day defeat, they have won three and drawn one. Their last three home games have been unblemished with them taking a maximum 9 points, scoring 7 and conceding none.

Tomorrow’s match takes on an added edge. As well as the battle for points to get into the play-offs, Brendan Rodgers, the man who made way for McDermott to take over at Reading, returns to his former employers for the first time with his new club. Swansea have also carried on where they left off last season with a similar pattern emerging from their results under former manager Paulo Sousa – good at home, not so good on the road. From their 16 points on the board, only three of them have come away from home. Their away form was a problem for them last season and ultimately meant they missed out on a play-off position come the end of the season. Rodgers will be hoping that their last outing on the road is a sign of things to come as they defeated another one of his former clubs Watford, 3-2.

Reading will be looking to Jimmy Kebe to deliver once again as the midfielder has been in outstanding form already this season. With four goals already to his name, he has taken on the mantle of playmaker and main man since the £7m departure of Sigurdsson at the end of August. The visitors will be hoping that their on loan winger, Scott Sinclair, carries on in the form he was in before the International break. The young Chelsea player has scored eight goals in his last seven matches in all competitions.

Reading are on the crest of a wave at home at the moment, three straight wins have restored confidence after a shaky start and they will be determined to keep their run going, especially against their former manager. I’m always keen to side with a home side with momentum behind them and as I’m still not convinced with Swansea’s away form, I fancy Reading to get one over on their old boss.

My selection: Reading to beat Swansea

Best odds available: 23/20 with several bookmakers including William Hill

Saturday 28^th November

English Premier League

Fulham v Bolton Wanderers

Fulham play their 3^rd match in 7 days when they come up against Gary Megson’s Bolton Wanderers who will be determined to halt their recent run of bad form having lost their last 3 matches in the league.

Roy Hodgson’s charges have had a hectic season to date having already played 22 games in all competitions thanks to their involvement in the Europa League. They have also had to contend with key personnel being injured with the likes of Danny Murphy, Andy Johnson and Diomansay Kamara missing large chunks of the season to date. All that considered, they are in decent enough shape in the league at the moment as they currently sit in 10^th position, 4 points off of 5^th place. They have gathered most of their points at Craven Cottage, amassing 4 wins from 6 matches. They have defeated the likes of Liverpool, Everton and most recently triumphed over Blackburn in midweek. Their only two defeats at the Cottage this term have been against Arsenal and Chelsea which is no disgrace at all. Hodgson has turned their home ground into something of a fortress and any visitor knows they’ll have to be at the top of their game to come away with anything.

Bolton, after a decent run of form at the end of September and beginning of October have started to slide down the table. Currently in 18^th position, they have conceded 11 in their last 3 matches, scoring just once and gaining zero points. Their latest match against Blackburn was arguably the poorest of their season thus far as they never looked capable of getting much from the game from the first few minutes. Rovers, who were searching for their first away win of the season, dominated large parts of the game and as soon as they opened the scoring they never looked in any real danger. One of Bolton’s problems is the main striker position. They have tried several players in the position but no-one has made it their own and this results in a lack of fluency going forward. Unfortunately for Megson and his side, the other main problem is that they give the opposition too many chances throughout the 90 minutes making them more likely to concede. It’s not often a trait you associate with Gary Megson’s side’s, they are normally hard to beat and stubborn but this season they have shipped 26 goals in 12 games, which equates to more than two goals a game.

Despite key injuries in the last 3^rd of the part for the Cottagers, they still have a lot of options available for Saturday and good ones at that. Erik Nevland and Clint Dempsey both got on the scoresheet on Wednesday night against Rovers so they have staked their claim ahead of Saturday’s match. Hodgson also has the likes of Damien Duff, Jonathan Greening and Zoltan Gera whilst Johnson should be fit enough for the bench on his comeback from injury. Duff and Dempsey especially will cause immense problems for most teams in the league so Bolton’s porous defence will be under pressure from the off. Their movement and ability to make telling contributions at vital stages of the game is crucial to Fulham’s style of play and with a predator like Nevland lurking, they are liable to score goals from the first minute to the last.

Bolton have actually won more games on the road this season than they have at home which is surprising considering the amount of teams which used to struggle at the Reebok. Their wins, however, have come against Birmingham and Portsmouth who, no disrespect, are not as potent at home as Fulham are.

Fulham have had the better of this fixture in recent years having won 3 of the last 4 meetings at the Cottage in the league. Bolton just give too many chances away for my liking and I think the home side’s attacking players will be too much for the visitors.

My selection: Fulham to beat Bolton Wanderers

Best price available: 10/11 available with several bookmakers including Coral

English Championship

Newcastle v Swansea

First versus fourth at St James’ Park on Saturday as Paulo Sousa and his Swansea side travel north to take on league leaders Newcastle who are still unbeaten at home this season.

Newcastle have dusted themselves down and got on with the job at hand after their relegation at the end of last season. They have managed to retain most of their squad with a couple of exceptions but look all the better for it. Chris Houghton has been appointed as manager until the end of the season and this has had a massive, positive effect on the club and its players. One of the most noticeable things about Newcastle this season is they don’t have that one superstar in their team this season that they have had in the last decade or so. It used to be Alan Shearer for so long and he passed the torch to the injury ravaged Michael Owen. Nowadays, they are much more of a team and unit.

Swansea City, after a pretty slow start under their new manager, have rejuvenated their season with a run of 11 games unbeaten in the league which has propelled them right up the table. Sousa has built from the back and made them stuffy, resilient and hard to score against. They currently have the 2^nd best defensive record (Newcastle have the best) conceding just 12 goals. Their defence on the road is the best, losing just 5 goals in 8 games. Scoring goals has proved problematic however as they are the lowest scorers in the division with Craig Beattie their top scorer on a measly 3 strikes.

Watching Newcastle on Monday night away to Preston was interesting due to the fact that it was almost inevitable that they were going to win the game no matter how much North End threw at them, you always felt United would nick a goal and take all 3 points. It of course did happen and proves yet again that the better teams in the division win games despite not playing all that well. They will create chances at home and have proven even harder to beat at St James’ with 6 wins and 2 draws from 8 games.

I can’t see the game being pretty or having a plethora of goals (cue a 3-3 draw) with such good defences on show. I can, however, see the home side creating a couple of really good opportunities and taking at least one of them such is the form they’re on at the moment. Swansea, I feel, will have to score to get something from the match, at least once, which I think is debatable given their poor scoring record. As a result I think Newcastle will take all 3 points and strengthen their position at the top of the league.

My selection: Newcastle to beat Swansea

Best price available: 5/6 available with Bet365

English Championship

Sheffield Wednesday v West Brom

Sheffield Wednesday, searching for their first win in 6, look to have it all to do against 2^nd placed West Bromwich Albion at Hillsborough.

I tipped against Wednesday last week when opting to go for Ipswich, and but for a masterclass in goalkeeping by Lee Grant, I would have been right. As it was, the keeper had a day out and saved his side, earning a good point in the process. Their home record is better than their form on the road so their fans will be expecting them to be more threatening and adventurous on Saturday. They have already defeated Coventry, Cardiff and Scunthorpe on their own patch this season but they’ll be up against one of, if not the best, side in the Championship when West Brom come calling.

Roberto Di Matteo has fitted in really well with WBA’s footballing philosophy since joining as Manager from MK Dons in July. His side play the best football in the division and have proved too much for so many teams already this season. They are currently the highest scorers in the division, averaging more than two goals a game. They have lost the one game in their last 7, a run which has included thumping wins against Watford and Bristol City and an excellent away victory over Leicester City.

Simon Cox has taken a while to get fully fit after an injury at the start of the season but the £2m signing from Swindon is beginning to find his feet leading the line for the Baggies. Cox has scored twice in his last 3 matches and will fancy of notching against Wednesday who have shipped 4 goals in their last two home games. Cox doesn’t just bring goals to the team, his overall play has made a big difference to West Brom who at times lacked a potent attacking threat up top.

West Brom have brushed aside better teams than Sheffield Wednesday already this season and I for one can’t see Brian Laws’ men getting anything from Saturday’s match. This one is easy enough for me anyway, away win.

My selection: West Brom to beat Sheffield Wednesday

Best odds available: 23/20 available with 888Sport

Good luck and happy punting

Saturday 19^th September

Preston North End v Coventry City         

PNE entertain Chris Coleman’s Coventry on Saturday looking to maintain their above average start to the season.

I’ve tipped Preston twice already this season and find myself bored of repeating the reasons as to why I’m tipping them. They’re direct, aggressive approach to the game is very affective, especially against lesser sides in the Championship. Rather than repeat myself, regular readers are able to look back at why I like Alan Irvine’s side and why his tactics will be successful in such a league.

I’ve yet to comment on the away side this season so let’s look a bit more closely at them. Coventry have started the season reasonably well with 11 points from their opening 7 matches. It may not sound or look impressive, but their points haul find themselves in 10^th position just a solitary point outside of the play-off’s. What should be noted is that Coventry have managed to accumulate 8 goals from their first 7 matches. What is even more interesting is the fact that Leon Best and Clinton Morrison have notched 7 of those 8 goals between them, with Martin Crainie getting the other.

Preston’s impressive home record (2 wins and 1 draw from 3) will be halted at some point but I can’t see it being on Saturday. Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Neil Mellor are very effective at this level and will pose numerous problems for any defence. Coventry have shipped 8 goals thus far and I can see that being added to come Saturday evening.

My selection: Preston to beat Coventry City

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

English Championship

Barnsley v Swansea

Both these sides find themselves at the bottom end of the table after poor starts which has even resulted in Barnsley appointing a new manager in Mark Robins.

Barnsley had a total of 1 point after 6 games under former manager Simon Davey. Their single point came away to Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of August. As they lost every other game, they sacked Davey and brought in Robins as his replacement. His appointment had an immediate effect on Tuesday night as the Oakwell side notched their maiden victory of the season with a 3-2 success at Derby.

Paulo Sousa’s Swansea are struggling to emulate Roberto Martinez’s Swansea. He may have the same philosophy and thoughts on the game but he has unable, as yet, to translate them on to the park. Sousa has had to contend with injuries and suspension to key players but will have the likes of Gary Monk, Ferrie Bodde and Angel back this week, whether it is enough to stop the slide is another matter. The Swans are suffering a massive hangover after such a good first season in the Championship. The loss of Martinez, as well as Jordi Gomez and Jason Scotland, to Wigan has been monumental.

I highlighted Swansea’s shortcomings last weekend when they face Preston and I feel they’ll fall short once again with a weak backline up against the likes of Andy Gray and Jon Macken. Both strikers are proven at this level and have simply been lacking confidence in recent weeks. Their strength and direct style of play is very similar to North End’s attackers who Swansea failed to deal with. As a result, I think Robins will continue his successful start by guiding his new club to their 2^nd successive 3 points haul.

My Selection: Barnsley to beat Swansea

Best odds available: 6/4 with several bookmakers including  Skybet

Scottish Premier League

Hibernian v St Johnstone

The home side will be looking to make up for a dismal performance last  time out against Hamilton by taking all 3 points at home to newly promoted St Johnstone.

John Hughes had a bright start to his reign as Hibs manager, taking 6 points from his first two matches before being narrowly beaten by Celtic. This makes last Sunday’s defeat at New Douglas park all the more surprising. They were very poor all over the park and never looked liked getting anything from the game.

St Johnstone have started the season in a positive manner with their only defeat coming against the green and white half of Glasgow on the 2^nd day of the season. They may, however, consider themselves to be unfortunate as they have only picked up 3 points. Without a win, their impressive performances against Motherwell, Hearts and St Mirren have all resulted in stalemates which may prove to be their downfall in the long run.

Hibs have talent and quality in abundance. The likes of Derek Riordan, Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller are excellent players at this level. This is highlighted even further by the fact Celtic have had two of them on their books and offered £2m for Stokes 3 years ago. The problem they have, however, is they lack real leadership since the departure of Rob Jones in the summer.

Derek McInnes has adopted an expansive style of football in his first season as SPL manager. If he chooses to go this way on Saturday I can see a home win. The ability of Miller and Riordan allied with Stokes’ pace and strikers instinct should see the home side prevail in an entertaining and attacking match.

My selection: Hibernian to beat St Johnstone

Best odds available: 4/5 with  Bet365

Saturday 14^th September

English Championship

Preston North End v Swansea

The home side have started where they left off last season whilst Saturday’s visitors are still coming to terms with the loss of former manager Roberto Martinez who left for Wigan during the summer.

Preston remain unbeaten after 5 games accumulating a total of 9 points in the process. They find themselves just inside the ridiculously early play-off picture in 6^th position, 4 points of current leaders Newcastle United. As mentioned in a previous article, North End had the most amount of home wins in the division last season and have started in a similar vein. From their 4 home games this term, 2 of which were in the League cup, they have won 3 and drawn 1.

Swansea were a somewhat surprise package when promoted to the Championship a year ago. They were in and around the promotion picture for much of last season only to lose out in the final few weeks of the season. They played an open and expansive style of football under Martinez with the likes of Ferrie Bodde, Jordi Gomez and Jason Scotland flourishing. Gomez and Scotland have since followed Martinez to JJB Stadium whilst Bodde is just coming back from a long term injury.

Preston should be able to welcome back influential defender Youl Mawene from injury whilst manager Alan Irvine will be hoping Sean St Ledger will return from international duty ready to take his place alongside Mawene. Swansea will be hoping to give debut’s to Craig Beattie and Abu Bakr whilst prodigal son Lee Trundle will be looking to start his first game of his 2^nd spell at the Swans after a deadline day move from Bristol City.

As ever with Preston, their strengths will lie upfront with a powerful duo of strikers in Neil Mellor and Jon Parkin. Swansea’s task will be made doubly difficulty with the absence of Gary Monk and Rangel who are both suspended for Saturday’s match. North End will be looking for their creative players such as Ross Wallace and Richard Chaplow to provide a bit of spark and take the game to the visitors. I really fancy Preston to have a good season this term and their home form will be key to that. Paulo Sousa, Swans manager, is still to prove himself adept at this level and I can see him and his side on the wrong end of a defeat on Saturday.

My selection: Preston North End to beat Swansea

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

English League 1

Charlton v Southampton

Four years ago this match was taking place in the Premier League, as it is, Charlton will be entertaining Southampton in the 3^rd tier of English football.

Charlton can boast a 100% record in League 1 so far with 6 wins from their initial half dozen games. They have adapted well to their new league and have been very impressive, especially going forward. They have brushed aside the likes of Walsall, Tranmere and most recently, Brentford. In these last 3 matches they have amassed a total of 8 goals and managed to keep a clean sheet in the same run of games. Phil Parkinson, manager of Charlton, has rejuvenated an ailing club by bringing in experienced faces to mentor and support their prodigious young talent. Deon Burton, Christian Dailly and Miguel Llera have been brought in over the summer. Add their experience to bright, exciting youngsters such as Jay Shelvey, Lloyd Sam and Nick Bailey and you have a more than decent chance of challenging for promotion.

Southampton were relegated along with Saturday’s hosts last season. Their start to this one, however, has been far different to that of Charlton’s. By going into administration they triggered an automatic 10 point deduction meaning they needed 10 points just to be on level par for the season. As yet, they have only managed 4 points, all coming from draws. They still retain several quality players in the shape of Kelvin Davis, Adam Lallana and Marius Saganowski. They have also signed Ricky Lambert from Bristol Rovers who is a prolific goal scorer at this level.   

I watched Charlton’s last match against Brentford and was very impressed with not only their style of play but their control of the football match. Their midfield was particularly good and their wide players, Sam and Bailey, were threats throughout the match – they’ll always create chances. Southampton have proven to be stubborn opponents already this term losing only two of their 6 matches. Both these defeats however have come on the road and they have looked more vulnerable on their travels.

Charlton just look to be on a roll and I can’t see their progress being halted this weekend. I can’t see Southampton edging closer to the level par mark by picking up a point or 3 on Saturday and fully expect Phil Parkinson and his troops to be chalking up another victory and making it a magnificent 7.

My selection: Charlton to beat Southampton.

Best odds available: 8/11 with Coral

Saturday 14^th March

Manchester United v Liverpool

It’s all or nothing for Liverpool tomorrow afternoon. Win and they still retain hopes of catching Manchester United at the top of the English Premiership. Lose and they will be locked in a battle with Chelsea for 2^nd place and Automatic qualification into the Champions League.

Both sides are coming into this match off the back of excellent victories in the European arena. United eased past Italian Champions, Inter Milan by scoring an early goal in either half and always looked like they could move through the gears if needed. Liverpool turned in the best performance of the week by destroying Spanish Champions, Real Madrid, 4-0 at Anfield. Madrid may not be as good as they once were but the performance of Liverpool should not be under-estimated, they played some of their best football they ever have done under the stewardship of Rafa Benitez.

It will be interesting to see how the away side set up for the lunchtime fixture. Should they attempt to match United like for like and play an open match, you can only see the Champions running over the top of them as they have the better quality of player for that kind of match. It is more likely that Benitez will adopt his European style formation with Torres as a lone striker, ably supported by Steven Gerrard and whoever plays in the wide positions for Liverpool, most likely Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt.

Sir Alex Ferguson will know that a win for his side would all but wrap up the title and he’ll be of the opinion that the sooner they can secure this League, the better it will be for their chances in the other competitions. He may choose to shuffle his pack around with the likes of Anderson, Darren Fletcher, Park Ji Sung and Carlos Tevez all pushing for a starting place. The usual suspects will fill the back first 5 positions on the team-sheet, but there may be one or two surprises in the home side’s line-up as Ferguson was not best pleased with how his players performed in the 2^nd half.

Man United will be hurting after losing to Liverpool at Anfield earlier on in the season. It was the first time that Ferguson suffered a reverse in the league at the hands of Rafa Benitez. Liverpool have not won at Old Trafford since 2004 and have lost on their last 4 visits to the Theatre of Dreams, including a 3-0 mauling last season. Fergie knows what beating Liverpool means to the United fans and the likes of Scholes, Rooney, Giggs and Ferdinand will be determined to avenge the 2-1 defeat in September.

The match can go two ways. Liverpool may play with a bit more freedom following their midweek victory over Madrid with a little pressure off them as no-one expects them to win the title anymore. Or it could go the way many expect it to with United powering on to their 3^rd successive EPL title victory by defeating their arch rivals and leaving no-one in doubt that they are the best team in the land by a wide margin.

Liverpool will have a chance if they repeat Tuesday night’s performance but United are in scintillating form at present and look an excellent wager.

My selection: Manchester United to beat Liverpool

Best price available: United are 10/11 with Williamhill

English Championship

Swansea v Crystal Palace

A huge match for the home side as they look to heap the pressure on the sides above them as they currently lie one position outside of the play-off positions.

Saturday’s visitors are Crystal Palace who themselves look liked play-off hopefuls over the Christmas period. Since their good run, they have tailed off and have only managed to win two league matches in 2009 in 10 attempts. A run which see’s them 10 points off of tomorrow hosts, albeit with one game in hand. Maybe even more alarmingly for manager Paul Warnock is the fact they’ve conceded 8 goals in their last 3 away matches including 4 in their last outing against Burnley in midweek – a side who play similar football to tomorrow’s opponents.

Swansea have not won as many games as they may have wished recently, drawing 3 of their last 4 Championship matches. 2 of their draws did come in difficult away matches against Derby and Nottingham Forest whilst they defeated a side who had taken points off of Reading, Wolves and Sheffield United in recent weeks in the shape of Plymouth. Roberto Martinez knows his side must grind out similar wins if they are to move up the table, starting tomorrow.

Swansea have suffered defeat only once on home soil and that was back in November against 2^nd place Birmingham. With 9 wins and 9 draws from their other 18 matches at the Liberty Stadium, visiting teams know they will have to go some to taking all 3 points home with them. Swansea can also boast the 3^rd highest total in home goals scored, behind Reading and Wolves.

Palace have not been great away from home, picking up just 5 victories from 18 matches thus far, losing a massive 10 of those. Their bid for a win here will not be helped by the loss of a couple of key defenders and with this being the case, Swansea’s inform striker, Jason Scotland, may prove to be very problematic.

Swansea know they require wins to get into the much coveted play off places and I can see them getting one tomorrow by brushing Crystal Palace aside. Also, Jason Scotland is in terrific form so have a little stake on him scoring at anytime.

My selection: Swansea to beat Crystal Palace

Jason Scotland to score anytime

Best price available: Swansea are 5/6 with Coral

Jason Scotland to score anytime is 5/4 with Bet365

Saturday 14^th February

English FA Cup

Swansea v Fulham

Championship side Swansea host Fulham of the Premier League in Saturday’s early kick off in one of the tie’s of the round.

The away side head into this game on the back of a run which has seen them lose only two matches out of their last fifteen. The impressive form has seen them record 6 wins with 2 of these coming in this competition, both away against lower league opposition.  Despite these victories away from home in the cup, they have yet to take maximum points on their travels in the league. From their last 3 matches in the league they have lost two and drew the other one, last week’s goalless draw with Wigan.

As I have no doubt mentioned before, Swansea have been a revelation this term. Roberto Martinez has put together a team full of craft, pace and ability and entwined it with graft and enthusiasm. Despite missing last season’s star man, Ferrie Bodde, for much of the season they have put together a run of even better form than Saturday’s visitors. Since their reverse at home to Birmingham in November, they have went on a run of 15 games unbeaten. Granted, 9 of those games were stalemates, but it should be noted that they have won 6 of their last 7 games, including their impressive 2-0 victory over Portsmouth in the last round. Incidentally, their last defeat was also their only home defeat of the season; winning 7 and drawing 8.

Swansea have done exceptionally well against the more cultured sides in the Championship this season, defeating the likes of Reading, Preston, Ipswich and Burnley in recent weeks, with relative ease as well it has to be said. The likes of Jason Scotland, Jordi Gomez and Nathan Dyer are far more effective when they are given space to play and Fulham will allow them a lot of the ball on Saturday as they will look to hit the hosts on the counter-attack.

Fulham have been given two tough games thus far in the FA Cup. They have left it late against both Sheffield Wednesday and Kettering Town, the winning goals coming in the last 5 minutes in both cases – they will find this match even tougher. Having only managed 6 points all season on the road, and scoring a paltry 3 goals in the process, I can see them coming unstuck at what is sure to be a rocking Liberty Stadium.

I think Saturday’s game will be an open game and can see both sides scoring, I just feel that the home side will have a little too much for their higher ranking opponents.

My selection: Swansea to beat Fulham

The best odds available for a Swansea win is  13/8 with Skybet

Also, if you are not as confident in the outright result, I would advise a couple of side bets for a little bit of added interest in what is sure to be an enthralling encounter.

Other selections: Jason Scotland to score anytime 2/1 with Paddypower

More than 2 goals in Swansea v Fulham 5/4 with Stanjames

Saturday 14^th February

English League One

Oldham v Northampton

High flying Oldham entertain perennial mid table finishers Northampton at Boundary Park on Saturday in a match they will be looking to gain all three points in a bid to keep their promotion challenge firmly on track.

Despite a couple of recent setbacks on their travels, Oldham have continued to be a force at home. They have picked up 8 wins and 6 draws from their 15 home games in league 1 already this season, including gaining maximum points from 2 of their last 3. A big part of their success is the quality of their strikers, especially Lee Hughes. The controversial hitman has bagged 15 already this term. Midfielders Liddell and Taylor also have 8 goals apiece, add that to the experience of Dean Windass, on loan from Hull City, then it’s not hard to understand why Oldham sit in 5^th place, 7 points off the 2^nd automatic promotion spot.

Northampton are something of an enigma. Despite proving incredibly difficult to beat on their own turf (only 3 defeats from 15), they have only managed to pick up 3 points on two occasions when playing away from Sixfields. Both these victories were against sides below them in the table and both are currently occupying positions within the relegation zone.

Despite having to contend with a suspension to their goalkeeper, the home side should have too much firepower at the other end of the pitch for Northampton to cope with and should take all 3 points. It’s a game they will have targeted as a must win beforehand and they should oblige.

My selection: Oldham to beat Northampton

The best odds available are 8/11 from Betfred Betfred

Saturday 14^th February

English FA Cup

West Ham v Middlesborough

An all Premier league clash between two sides enjoying contrasting fortunes. The home side are flying in the top half of the table under Gianfranco Zola whilst ‘Boro are on their worst run in 13 years. These are games I normally avoid due to their unpredictable nature but I just cannot see where the away side are going to pick up anything.

Survival is the name of the game for Saturday’s visitors to Upton Park on Saturday. Slap bang in the middle of the relegation zone and without a win in the EPL since the beginning of November, manager Gareth Southgate is faced with his biggest task yet since taking charge. In spite of their shocking league form, they have managed to make it through to this stage by defeating lower league opposition in the shape of Wolves and Barrow.

Zola has started to stamp his mark on this side after a relatively timid opening couple of months in charge. Their narrow defeat to Man United last Sunday was their first reverse since the middle of December, a run of games which has seen them win 6 and draw 2. The likes of Cole, Collison, Behrami and Mark Noble will be a handful for an away side who have failed to win at Upton park since 2000.

The cup may prove to be a welcome distraction for ‘Boro but their pitiful recent form leaves a lot to be desired. Zola will know that defeat would mean merely playing out the rest of the season and hoping for a top 10 finish whereas victory could be the catalyst for a prolonged run in a competition they came so close to winning in 2006.

Roared on by an now expectant home crowd, the pace and power of West Ham should be more than enough to brush aside Southgate’s charges.  

My selection: West Ham to beat Middlesborough

The best odds available for a West Ham win is 5/6 available with Boylesports