Monthly Archives: November 2010

Mancini ignoring boo boys

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Delusional Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes he is under no pressure at Eastlands despite his side producing another toothless display against Birmingham as they failed to close the gap on league leaders Chelsea (2/5 Premier League outright).

Saturday’s goalless draw with the Blues was the third home game on the bounce that City have failed to score in, and the home faithful let their dissatisfaction be known as a chorus of boos rang out at full time.

City fans and football supporters in general have been stunned by the negativity of Mancini’s tactics this season, with Saturday’s result following on from the deadly dull Manchester derby on Wednesday night.

While City had a good go at Birmingham many inside Eastlands were left stupefied when, with minutes to go, Mancini took off the team’s top scorer Carlos Tevez and replaced him with a defensive midfielder in Gareth Barry.

After the game Mancini was forced to defend his tactics before being asked whether he thought his job might be on the line should results not start to improve quickly.

“I am frustrated because I wanted to win this game. I don’t want to draw or lose a game,” Mancini snapped.

“What pressure? For what? You continue to say that I am under pressure. I am not under pressure.”

Saturday’s result leaves City six points off Chelsea and that gap could increase to nine points should the Blues beat Sunderland.

City’s price has now drifted to 16/1 to win the league and while you would be wise to avoid that market it would still be a brave man who goes against them achieving their aim for the season – which is a top four finish and a spot in the Champions League (City 2/5 top four finish).

Another man who has come under increasing pressure after Saturday is Liverpool’s Roy Hodgson. He watched his side put in a pitiful display against Stoke as they lost 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium.

After such a good display against Chelsea last Sunday hopes were high that the Reds had got their season back on track.

However, it was back to the bad old days for Liverpool as goals from Ricardo Fuller and Kenwyne Jones left the Reds eight points off the top four and in fact closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.

Hodgson’s bad night was compounded by Liverpool fans singing the name of Kenny Dalglish and it looks as though the former Fulham boss could be out on his backside should results not improve.

“I think we are trying to do the best job we can in the circumstances and I don’t know that that type of singing helps anyone,” said Hodgson.

“But I didn’t hear it and I am sure there are lots of fans who sympathise with us and what we are trying to do.”

Liverpool’s prospects for the rest of the season seem to be as tough to predict as the lottery numbers but while they are eight points off fourth place you wouldn’t back against them making a charge towards the upper echelons of the Premier League (Liverpool 10/11 top six finish).

While Hodgson refused to criticise his team after their poor performance Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had no such problems, claiming his side “were all over the place” in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

United came from two down with ten minutes to go to snatch a point but could have been dead and buried had Villa taken their chances, the home side hitting the post twice and the bar once in the second half.

Ferguson admitted after the game his side were lucky they weren’t’ further behind but was happy that they managed to rescue a point after such a disjointed display.

“We could have lost six goals in the second half. They hit the woodwork three times and Albrighton missed two great chances.

“We were all over the place.

“To be 2-0 down with 10 minutes to go you have to be pleased with that. With another five minutes we would have won the match, there was no doubt about that, but we waited too long to get there.”

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Gunners look to blow away Toffees

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Arsenal (6/5 favourites in the match betting) travel to Goodison Park to face an Everton side (11/5 to win, 12/5 the draw) who have started to turn their Premier League season around after another slow start to the campaign.

The Toffees are unbeaten in their last seven games in the top flight – a record that was kept alive in midweek as former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford bagged his first Premier League goal, four minutes into injury time against Bolton to salvage a point.

Everton though will be without midfielder Marouane Fellaini after he was given a straight red during the match against Bolton but there is good news for the Toffees in that Dutch defender John Heitinga is set for a return following his recovery from a knee injury.

Jack Rodwell could also make a return to the starting line-up as the talented youngster has overcome an ankle injury which has forced the player out of action since August.

The 19-year-old was expected to be on the sidelines until Christmas but Rodwell has recovered weeks ahead of schedule and could be troubling the Gunners defence on Sunday.

However, Arsenal will be confident as they go into this game having scored four or more goals in a match against Everton in eight of their 36 Premier League games.

The North London side picked up a valuable away win against Wolves in midweek to keep in touch in the title race as Manchester United and City played out a goalless draw.

Arsenal will be hoping that they can continue their strong away Premier League form having won their last three games on the road, scoring nine goals in the process, and at 6/5 for an away win the Gunners look more than capable of bagging all three points at Goodison given their current form.

In the other Sunday game, league leaders and defending champions Chelsea take on Sunderland in what should be a one sided game at Stamford Bridge.

Sunderland did play well on their last trip to the capital as they frustrated an attacking Tottenham Hotspur side at White Hart Lane, recording a 1-1 draw in North London on Tuesday night and they would be delighted if Asamoah Gyan can get on the score sheet at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea do have their injury problems as Frank Lampard will be sidelined for a further three weeks after he picked a muscle injury in training, while the Blues will also be without midfielder Michael Essien, who was sent off in their midweek win against Fulham.

Despite these absentees, Chelsea will be confident of picking up all three points after they put seven goals past Sunderland in their last meeting.

It is difficult to see Sunderland getting anything out of this one as they have won only one of their last 24 matches away from the Stadium of Light and Chelsea are expected to win comfortably (Chelsea 8/15 to be winning at half-time and full-time).

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Five more EPL selections…

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The early Premier League kick-off on Saturday sees Aston Villa welcome Manchester United to Villa Park and both sides could do with taking three points from this encounter (check out totesport Premier League match betting).

United fell further behind Chelsea in the title race with a midweek draw at Eastlands, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be desperate to bounce back with a win at Villa. United are still without Wayne Rooney, while Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are both listed as doubts but the Old Trafford side should still have enough talent on display to secure all three points, United are 5/6 in the 90 minutes betting and Ferguson’s side have a great record at Villa – the last time they lost there was on the opening day of the 1995/96 season.

Punters looking for a shock result may want to consider Blackpool away at West Ham.  The Hammers have a leaky defence and have conceded 11 goals in just six home fixtures to date in the Premier League.  Seasiders boss Ian Holloway chose to rotate his squad in the defeat at Villa on Wednesday and the likes of Charlie Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher should be back and firing on all cylinders in this crucial showdown.  Blackpool are priced at 13/5 in the 90 minutes betting and Holloway’s side could well be on course for their fourth victory on the road this season against strugglers West Ham.

Manchester City entertain Birmingham City in what most will probably consider a ‘home banker’. The Eastlands side were held to a goalless draw by city rivals Manchester United on Wednesday and boss Roberto Mancini will be well aware of the importance of picking up three points to keep their title challenge on track.  City are 4/11 in the 90 minutes betting, but the value could well be in the handicap market, with the hosts a much more attractive 10/11 to win with a -1 handicap.

Newcastle slipped up at St James’ Park on Wednesday as Blackburn secured a 2-1 victory but the north-east side have a chance to put that right when Fulham arrive on Saturday.  The Cottagers are still seeking their first win on their travels this season and could well struggle against a Newcastle side who currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.  Newcastle will be without the suspended Joey Barton but with Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan in fine-form Chris Hughton’s side could well be celebrating another three points at the final whistle on Saturday.  In the enhanced first goalscorer market Andy Carroll is priced at 9/2 and this could well be a decent bet considering he is pushing for a spot in the England squad and already has seven goals to his name this season, while Newcastle are 10/11 in the 90 minutes betting.

In the late kick-off Stoke welcome Liverpool to the Britannia Stadium and the Potters are an extremely difficult side to face on their own turf.  Tony Pulis’ men have been beaten just twice at home this season, with Manchester United and Chelsea the only teams to leave with three points, and Liverpool could well be in for another frustrating away day.  Stoke managed to end their losing streak with a win over Birmingham on Tuesday and should be good enough to secure at least a draw against the Anfield side.  Liverpool set their stall out to defend at Wigan on Wednesday, and Roy Hodgson’s side may well have to settle for another point at Stoke, with the draw priced at 12/5.

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Elite league betting…

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For punters wishing to cast the net a bit wider than the Premier League and the SPL this weekend here are a few picks from the Spanish La Liga and the Italian Serie A (check out totesport elite league match prices).

Real Sociedad are one of the form teams in La Liga having won their last three league fixtures after a tough start to the campaign. In contrast newly-promoted Hercules have struggled of late and have not won in their last five, including three defeats.  Sociedad are priced at a rather tasty 21/10 in the 90 minutes betting and they could well be worth some consideration.

La Liga leaders Real Madrid are in free-scoring mode and have found the net a staggering 27 times in their opening 10 fixtures, conceding just five.  Jose Mourinho’s men travel to Sporting Gijon and are priced at 1/4 to secure a sixth straight victory, considering Real’s goal scoring  record and the fact Gijon have already conceded 16 goals it might be worth backing Real to win with a -1 handicap, which is priced at 4/6.

Real Mallorca have lost just once at home this season and have managed to take a point of both Real Madrid and Barcelona on home soil.  Mallorca entertain a resurgent Deportivo La Coruna side on Sunday who have now moved away from the drop zone after two consecutive victories.  However, Mallorca’s home record is formidable and they rarely suffer defeat at the Son Moix, Mallorca are 8/11 in the 90 minutes betting and that looks to be the best bet ahead of this fixture.

The Milan derby takes place this weekend, with Inter Milan the ‘home’ team at the San Siro stadium.  AC Milan moved to the top of the Serie A table on Wednesday with a victory over Palmero, while the Nerazzurri are going through an indifferent patch and although unbeaten in their last five they have only won twice.  Internazionale boss Rafael Benitez will be desperate to take all three points and secure the bragging rights but the Rossoneri are a difficult side to beat and this could well end in a stalemate, with the draw available at 11/5.

Lecce are yet to win on their travels this season and they face a trip to the Stadio Friuli to face an improving Udinese side on Sunday. Udinese’s five game unbeaten run was ended by Catania last time out but on home soil they should have enough about them to take all three points.  Udinese are priced at 4/7 in the 90 minutes betting and considering Lecce’s away form this looks to be the best bet ahead of their meeting this weekend.

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Championship preview

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Queens Park Rangers’ march back to the Premier League has stuttered in recent weeks with five draws and just one victory in the last six matches.

Goals have been hard to come by with just one a game during that run and they face a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday having drawn 1-1 with Portsmouth in midweek.

Billy Davies’ men have been difficult to beat at the City Ground and are yet to lose a game and, with the Hoops unable to win at present, we predict a score draw could be on the cards, which could see Rangers knocked off the top of the table if Cardiff manage to win at Scunthorpe (1-1 draw 11/2).

And the Bluebirds are tipped to take all three points from their visit to Glanford Park to play a Scunthorpe side who have already suffered defeat five times at home this term with just one success.

The Iron have lost their last three home games and there seems no reason to believe that the horror sequence will end on Saturday.

The Welsh side are solid on their travels, with five victories under their belts already, and we predict that Cardiff will top the Championship table on Saturday night with a comfortable success by at least two goals (Cardiff 7/1 to win 2-0).

Derby are currently in the play-off zone but form will go out of the window this weekend as they travel to the Walkers Stadium to meet local rivals Leicester City.

Nigel Clough’s side have three away victories behind them and took all the points from a trip to Portman Road on Tuesday night – their third successive victory.

The Foxes are also in decent nick with seven points from their last three games and, with solid home form behind them, they should be able to hold on for a point in a high-scoring draw (2-2 draw 12/1).

Norwich City travel to Reading just two points better off than the Royals but without a win in three Championship games.

Their last victory came against Middlesbrough back on October 23 and they have drawn their last two fixtures, taking a point off Millwall on Tuesday night.

Reading also drew in midweek and have not reproduced the form that saw them put four goals past both Doncaster and Burnley prior to a loss to QPR.

It is hard to separate these two former Premier League sides and a draw seems the obvious result with Reading looking solid on their own patch (draw 12/5).

Finally, Ipswich will have hopes of slipping into a play-off spot after they play host to Barnsley, but Town are notoriously hard to predict at home.

Roy Keane’s men have won four but lost three at Portman Road and defeat to Derby followed two successive victories in East Anglia.

But they have won three of their last four games and should have too much ammunition for a Barnsley side who have recorded just one win away from Oakwell.

The Tykes did manage to down Preston at Deepdale on Tuesday but the chances of lighting striking twice appear to be slim this weekend with Ipswich tipped for a comfortable triumph (Ipswich 4/6 to beast Barnsley).

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SPL preview and predictions

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Dundee United take on Kilmarnock in a match that is too close to call, with both sides showing decent form of late.

The hosts lost last time out to St Mirren but won their previous two SPL encounters to sit sixth in the table with 17 points, while Killie are just one point and one place below them in the standings.

Strangely, Killie have done better on their travels this term, with three wins already, while United have either won or lost at home and have yet to share the points at Tannadice.

Kilmarnock have won three top-flight matches in a row but that may well end this weekend with a score draw predicted for this one (1-1 draw 11/1).

Hamilton have yet to win at home this season and face an Inverness side who have already tasted victory four times on the road.

The Accies have lost their last two and that will surely become three successive defeats on Saturday afternoon, with Terry Butcher’s men full of confidence after their midweek victory over hapless Aberdeen.

Caley have already taken a point from a trip to Ibrox and will not be daunted by the prospect of facing the basement club at New Douglas Park (Caley 6/4 to beat Hamilton).

Hibs had lost three SPL games in a row before Tuesday’s amazing 3-0 victory away at Rangers which gave them 11 points from 12 matches this season.

They will face a Motherwell side who are flying high behind the Old Firm and have specialised in winning on the road this term.

‘Well have already won four times away from Fir Park and that trend looks set to continue with Hibs tipped to come down to earth with a bump after their midweek heroics.

Hibs have only won once at Easter Road this campaign and we believe they will still have 11 points on Saturday night after a narrow Motherwell success (Motherwell 6/4 to beat Hibs).

Rangers still sit at the top of the table but there would not have been many who backed Hibs to turn them over at Ibrox, and a double with Celtic also losing would have been unthinkable.

They host an Aberdeen side in freefall and will surely be looking to set the record straight with an emphatic victory in Glasgow.

The Dons did take a 2-0 lead in the first encounter this season only to see the Gers score three to claim the spoils, but it is unlikely that Walter Smith’s men will be so welcoming this time around.

Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne has given the dreaded vote of confidence to under-fire Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee, but anything like a repeat of the 9-0 reverse to Celtic will surely force his hand into making a change (Rangers 14/1 to win 5-0).

Finally St Johnstone welcome Hearts to McDiarmid Park desperate to arrest the three-game losing sequence which culminated in a 4-0 hammering at Motherwell last time out.

They have already lost four games at home this term and will have their work cut out to prevent that becoming five this weekend.

Hearts have been superb away from home with four wins already and they appear to be a solid bet to take all three points from this one with the confidence gained by downing Celtic on Wednesday night (Hearts 6/4 to win).

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Five weekend selections…

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Christopher Samba could earn punters some Fantasy Football points this weekend when Blackburn look to frustrate goal-shy and injury-hit Spurs (0-0 Correct Score 10/1).

Fresh from victory at Newcastle, Rovers will head to the Lane full of confidence and with just one up front.

2) Andy Carroll will come up against Fulham on Saturday, looking to score in three consecutive matches. The Newcastle man (Evs to score at anytime) will be desperate to prove to Fabio Capello that he deserves an England call-up.

3) It is imperative that Manchester City defeat Birmingham at Eastlands on Saturday and Carlos Tevez is due a goal (Tevez 3/1 First Goalscorer). The Argentinian’s last league strike came on October 17, but it won’t be long until he is on the scoresheet again.

4) Manchester United have got an unbelievable record at Aston Villa (13/2 Utd to win 2-0), with Fergie’s men unbeaten in their last 14 league visits, winning nine of those. Edwin van der Sar kept a clean sheet against City in midweek and with Villa’s injury problems up front, another blank is on the cards for the Dutchman.

5) Hugo Rodallega (13/2 to score 2 or more) proved a real handful for the Liverpool defence on Wednesday and Wigan have shown signs of coming to life in their last two games. Roberto Martinez’s men, if they turn up, should pick up three crucial points against West Brom.

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10 best midweek football bets

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Tottenham can justify favouritism against travel-sick Sunderland at White Hart Lane in the Premier League on Tuesday. The north Londoners have only lost one at home, while Sunderland are awful on their travels (4/7 Tottenham 14/5 draw 5/1 Sunderland – match betting).

The Black Cats got hammered 5-1 at Newcastle on their most recent jaunt, have won just once at the Lane in the last 26 years and have won only one of their last 23 away games – plus there is no Darren Bent.

2) Stoke may be relieved to be back at the Britannia on Tuesday night but come against a bogey side in Birmingham City, who have yet to win away this season. However, they are on a seven-match unbeaten streak against the Potters and have not conceded a goal in that time. (Birmingham clean sheet 3/1 and Blues 7/10 +1 Handicap – match betting).

3) The knives have been out for Manchester City (17/10 to win) boss Roberto Mancini after suffering three successive defeats but are a different proposition at home, having beaten Chelsea earlier in the season and look good value to get the better of Manchester United, who have won only once away, in the derby.

4) Liverpool (8/11 in the match betting) have turned a corner with four successive wins in all competitions, including a 2-0 win over champions Chelsea with Fernando Torres (7/2 Enhanced First Goalscorer) back among the goals, and should take care of business against an inconsistent Wigan side, which has won just once at the DW Stadium so far this season.

5) The odds will not be great, granted, but a double on Celtic and Rangers (0.97/1) to both win is always a wise move. On Wednesday, the Old Firm go head to head against the Edinburgh clubs, with Rangers at home to Hibs and Celtic at Hearts. The Bhoys will be in ultra-confident mood following the ridiculous 9-0 drubbing of Aberdeen over the weekend while Rangers, top of the league, will have too much for Colin Calderwood’s side.

6) Turning to the Championship, Leeds (4/5 – match betting) entertain struggling Hull at Elland Road tonight and will surely continue their pursuit of the top six with a win over the Tigers, who have not won a league match in seven now. Expect that miserable run to continue despite boss Nigel Pearson’s best efforts to stop the rot this evening.

7) Without a victory in three league games, Burnley (10/11 – match betting) host Doncaster and should have too much for Rovers at Turf Moor. The Clarets have lost just once at home so far this season – albeit a 4-0 thumping against Reading – and, with Doncaster without key striker Billy Sharp, the visitors strike threat has been nullified significantly.

8) Nottingham Forest against Coventry at the City Ground is a midlands derby of sorts and, despite the Sky Blues going well in fifth, a victory for the home side is a decent bet here (4/5 – match betting). Forest are the Championship’s draw specialists, having been held eight times already this season, and must put an end to that run soon as they look to preserve a proud home league record – they have not lost at the City Ground in the league since September 2009.

9) Preston are desperate for a win when they take on fellow strugglers Barnsley on Tuesday and would be worth backing at 21/20 as they go in search of just their second three points in seven games.

10) Finally, Leicester, under the astute guidance of former England chief Sven Goran Eriksson, have been making great strides of late and will be fired up for a home clash against Sheffield United. The Foxes have chalked up successive victories over Preston and Barnsley in their last two games, without conceding a goal, and another narrow win (correct score – 1-0 to Leicester – 11/2) is predicted on Wednesday.

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Tevez can fire City to revenge

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Carlos Tevez can prove the decisive factor in helping Manchester City end Manchester United’s unbeaten run (City 8/5, Draw 9/4, Utd 17/10 – Match Betting), with the Argentinian making a timely return to action.

The former United favourite was sorely missed during City’s three-game losing streak, but his comeback at West Brom saw Roberto Mancini’s men return to winning ways.

It was the red half of Manchester that enjoyed the bragging rights last season, with two wins over their local rivals in the league and success also in the Carling Cup.

The determination to turn the tables on Fergie’s men is clear and no one will be more desperate for a victory than Tevez (6/5 to score at anytime) – who already has seven league goals to his name this season.

United, who were fortunate to claim a late winner against Wolves, have a string of injury absentees and have been battling against a virus in the camp in the last week.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already expressed his concern at a lack of numbers, with Nani doubtful and Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves sidelined.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s title credentials face a big test when they visit a resurgent Wolves outfit (5/1 to win the game), who are capable of inflicting another defeat on the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger’s men slipped to their third defeat of the season against Newcastle on Sunday and the Frenchman needs his key men to respond at Molineux.

League leaders Chelsea have just the game they need to get them back on track after defeat to Liverpool when they face west London rivals Fulham.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men are a different team at Stamford Bridge and they will prove too strong for a Fulham squad struggling for goals at present without the injury Bobby Zamora.

Fresh from their success over the champions, Liverpool will be handed another test to see if they really have turned the corner – with an away date at Wigan.

The Latics clash is the type of game the Reds have struggled with in the past, with Liverpool scoring just two goals in their last three visits to the DW Stadium.

With Fernando Torres (7/2 to score first goal) close to top form though, the Wigan defence don’t look strong enough to cope with the Reds’ attacking threat.

Newcastle will face former boss Sam Allardyce when Blackburn visit St James’ Park, and the Magpies look set for a third league win on the bounce.

Rovers may be hard to beat at home but their away form is poor and an in-form Toon will fancy their chances of cementing a top-six place.

There could well be more pressure heaped on Gerard Houllier when Blackpool visit Villa Park looking for their fourth away win of the season.

Villa have a striking injury crisis at present and it’s hard to see where their goals will come from, while the Tangerines are scoring plenty.

Despite another impressive win for Bolton at the weekend, history suggests they will be on the end of a defeat at Everton on Wednesday.

The Blues are unbeaten in their last six matches and look a decent bet to defeat Owen Coyle’s men, who have lost on their last four visits to Goodison Park.

West Ham look in real trouble at the bottom but they could pick up their second win of the season again struggling West Brom (West Ham 11/8, Draw 9/4, West Brom 2/1 – Match Betting).

After a fine start to the season, the Baggies have lost back-to-back games and confidence and discipline looks to be draining from the squad.

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Championship predictions

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Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers (7/4 Outright) enjoyed a good weekend after a 3-1 victory over Reading put them back on top of the table, before closest rivals Cardiff lost 1-0 to Welsh neighbours Swansea on Sunday.

However Neil Warnock’s side will have their unbeaten record severely put to the test on Tuesday when they travel to the south coast to tackle a resurgent Portsmouth side.

Pompey slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Derby on Saturday, but that was a first setback in eight Championship games, while Steve Cotterill’s men have won four games on the bounce at Fratton Park scoring 14 goals in the process.

Therefore if there is a strong possibility that the Hoops could be tasting defeat for the first time this season (6/4 – 90 minutes betting).

Derby moved up to fourth thanks to that win against Pompey and they face a tough trip to Portman Road to take on Roy Keane’s sixth-placed Ipswich.

The Tractor Boys won at Sheffield United on Saturday and go into the match with two successive wins under their belts, but with Nigel Clough’s Rams also in good form a draw looks a good bet for this one (23/10 Draw – 90 minutes betting).

Fifth-placed Coventry will aim to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat at home to Leeds on Saturday, but they will find the points hard to come by at Nottingham Forest.

Billy Davies’ side are unbeaten on home soil so far this term and should maintain that impressive form at the City Ground (10/11 – 90 minutes betting).

Norwich sit just outside the play-off places on goal difference following the point picked up against Carrow Road against Burnley on Saturday when they battled back from two-down.

The Canaries will need that battling spirit at Millwall on Tuesday as Kenny Jackett’s side generally have a decent record at the Den.

However, while Paul Lambert’s side have done well on the road this term, I fancy the Lions to nick this one by the odd goal (13/10 – 90 minutes betting).

Leeds were flying on the road again with their win at Coventry making it three successive away day victories. However their home form is inconsistent with heavy losses against the likes of Cardiff and lowly Preston.

Struggling Yorkshire rivals Hull City arrive at Elland Road without a win in seven, but capable of grabbing a share of the spoils in what would be Leeds’ first home draw of the campaign (13/5 Draw – 90 minutes betting).

Burnley’s home form has been the key to them sitting within two points of the play-off places so far this term.

And Brian Laws’ side should make it six wins at Turf Moor (11/10 Home win – 90 minutes betting) in a tight game against a Doncaster Rovers side that sits three places below the Clarets but level on 22 points.

At the wrong end of the table Preston will hope to pull away from the bottom three relegation places by seeing off a Barnsley side without an away win to their name this season at Deepdale.

However Darren Ferguson’s men have lost four on home soil so, with that in mind, expect a tight game with both sides settling for a point (5/2 Draw – 90 minutes betting).

Scunthorpe United are brilliant on the road this season with five away wins already in the bag – the latest came in the derby at struggling Hull City on Saturday.

However they have struggled in front of their own fans with just one win and four defeats at Glanford Park.

The Iron will feel confident of improving on those statistics when Middlesbrough arrive in town with the worst away record in the whole country – no wins, a draw and six defeats with only two goals scored so far.

However it is the first away match for Boro since Tony Mowbray took over from Gordon Strachan and the Teessiders will go into the game buoyed by their 2-1 win against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

Boro could build on that result by taking advantage of Scunthorpe’s home woes and grab a much-needed point from the tussle (9/4 Boro to earn a draw).

Bottom club Crystal Palace let a one-goal lead slip late on at Boro on Saturday and they will return to Selhurst Park to face Watford on Tuesday.

George Burley has been boosted by the return to fitness of Darren Ambrose and Neil Danns, but they will find it difficult to get anything from a Hornets side which has a great away record with four wins from seven on their travels (Watford 8/5 to make it five away wins).

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