Monthly Archives: December 2010

New Year’s Day Prem League Bets

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West Brom v Man Utd (12.45pm)

West Brom have been starting games poorly and conceded after three minutes against Blackburn last time out. They have only been ahead in three of their 19 Premier League matches this season and have relied on second half goals to pick up points.

Meanwhile, Manchester United remain unbeaten but have won only once away from Old Trafford in the Premier League this season, and that was courtesy of a very late winner at Stoke. United’s midfield has been shown up for not being able to control matches when they are ahead.

Bet: Man Utd HT/Draw FT in Double Result at 18/1

Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers (3pm)

Roy Hodgson has two games to save his job and he needs to win both of them. The atmosphere will be tense at Anfield and Liverpool need to make a good start to keep the crowd from getting restless. Expect a better performance than against Wolves but there probably won’t be many goals unless the Fernando Torres of two seasons ago suddenly turns up.

Bolton have not scored an away goal since November 13 and have lost three straight on the road, all by 1-0. They also lost narrowly to Liverpool at home in October to a late goal from Maxi Rodriguez.

Bet: Half Most Goals: Second Half Evens (This has come in four of the last six times they’ve met.)

Man City v Blackpool (3pm)

Man City are looking much closer to the finished article after back-to-back wins against Newcastle and Aston Villa recently – but facing Blackpool will not be as easy. The Seasiders are a canny, counter-attacking side and have Charlie Adam back from suspension.

Ian Holloway’s side are unbeaten in seven (with their ‘first team’), having won four and drawn three and look, on paper, capable of keeping the score down.

Bet: Under 2.5 goals 6/4

Stoke City v Everton (3pm)

Stoke have not beaten Everton since 1982 and have found recently that their physical approach has not been good enough to get a result against David Moyes’s well-prepared sides. The Potters have taken one point from their last three home games while strikers Kenwyne Jones and Ricardo Fuller have mustered three goals between them in the last two months.

Bet: Everton 9/5

Sunderland v Blackburn (3pm)

The Black Cats saw their impressive home record spoiled by Blackpool last time out in a game which they dominated but could not score in. Unless Danny Welbeck, Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent suffer another off day, they will be able to score against a Blackburn side who have conceded 14 in their last four away matches.

Bet: Darren Bent First Goalscorer 7/2

Bet: Sunderland to win -1 Handicap 9/4

Tottenham v Fulham (3pm)

Spurs are very short at 2/5 to win this one, but they are in good form and have talismanic playmaker Rafael van der Vaart back and pulling their strings. The Dutchman is as short as 18/5 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market – the same as striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Harry Redknapp will have to make changes as Spurs have been worked hard in their last two matches to win with ten men, so there could be some value in the First Goalscorer market.

Bet: Peter Crouch 9/2 Enhanced First Goalscorer

Bet: Jermaine Jenas 12/1 First Goalscorer

West Ham v Wolves (3pm)

It is another must-win game for West Ham and they cannot afford to throw away another lead at home as they did against Everton on Tuesday.

Wolves will be buoyant following their win at Liverpool and could take the points at Upton Park if they play with the same verve. However, a safer bet would be to take the visitors to score the last goal in the match, as they have done in six of their last eight matches.

Bet: Last Goal Wolves 7/5

Birmingham City v Arsenal (5.30pm)

Birmingham grabbed a point with a last-minute equaliser against Man Utd on Tuesday while Arsenal floundered at Wigan a day later and Arsene Wenger has been moaning about the inequity of the fixture list.

He will make a raft of changes for this one and recall his big guns for a match which they should win, but have recently had bitter experiences in. The last two meetings at St Andrews have been draws and this could turn out to be another.

Bet: Draw 13/5

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Time running out for Roy

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A demoralising 1-0 defeat by basement dwellers Wolves on Wednesday means Liverpool will go into a New Year on their lowest points tally since 1953/54, when Don Welsh’s side was relegated, and the task does not get any easier for under-fire manager Roy Hodgson (11/10 Liverpool – Top 6 Finish).

The Reds entertain Bolton on New Year’s Day at Anfield and defeat could spell the end for the 63-year-old (8/13 Liverpool, 13/5 draw, 9/2 Bolton – match betting).

Hodgson had to endure chants of “Dalglish” and “Hodgson for England” on Wednesday in the biggest show of public dismay by seasoned Kopites since he arrived on a miserable night for the red half of Merseyside (11/8 Wolves – To Stay Up).

It is also worth acknowledging that prior to the Wolves visit Liverpool had not played since December 15 when turning in another uninspiring performance in a drab goalless draw against Utrecht.

Scratch below the surface and the stats paint a grim picture.

The Reds have already lost to two of the promoted clubs this term – Newcastle away, Blackpool at home – and now find themselves just three points off the relegation zone and five points from the foot of the table.

Let us not forget the Carling Cup defeat by League Two outfit Northampton back in September – arguably the most embarrassing home performance since the shock 1959 defeat by Southern League side Worcester City in the FA Cup.

Hodgson has insisted he has not lost the dressing room but the body language of his star men suggests otherwise.

Spain international Fernando Torres, riddled by a spate of injury setbacks and subsequent loss of form, looks like he would rather be anywhere else in the world than embroiled in a potential relegation scrap (18/1 Torres – Premier League Top Scorer)

Steven Gerrard, so often the saviour for Liverpool and undoubted Kop hero, can also no longer be expected to turn in ‘Roy of the Rovers’ performances on a match-by-match basis.

Former Fulham boss Hodgson fired the first shot in the wake of the Wolves reverse by questioning where the “famous support” had gone in an ill-advised move which he has since apologised for making.

He will need all the help he can if he is to arrest a shocking run of form against Owen Coyle’s progressive European hopefuls and restore the standing which saw him mentioned in England circles before he left Craven Cottage.

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Hoops bid to clip Canaries’ wings

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The Championship continued its festive goal-fest this midweek with 39 goals in 11 fixtures as the action now enters 2011 with a full programme of 12 games to be played out on New Year’s Day.

All eyes will be on Carrow Road where fifth-placed Norwich face league leaders QPR.

Norwich v QPR (3pm)

The Canaries cemented their place in the play-off places with a 4-2 win against struggling Sheffield United on Tuesday and will fancy their chances of inflicting a third defeat of the campaign on the Hoops. However, Neil Warnock’s side bounced back from their recent two successive defeats with comprehensive wins over Christmas, including a victory at Coventry, and are looking to condemn Norwich to a fifth home defeat of the season, while possibly stretching their seven-point lead at the top of the Championship.

Match Bet: 1-1 Draw @ 11/2

Bristol City v Cardiff (3pm)

This Severn-side derby at Ashton Gate could have big implications at both ends of the Championship table. Bristol City are just four points off the relegation zone with no wins in their last three games, while they grabbed a fortunate 1-1 draw against lowly Crystal Palace on Tuesday. Cardiff’s automatic promotion hopes took a dent with a 4-1 mauling at Watford and they have struggled on the road of late. Keith Millen’s Robins have improved on home soil of late and they will look to avenge last season’s humiliating 6-0 thrashing in the corresponding fixture.

Match Bet: Bristol City To Win @ 19/10

Swansea v Reading (3pm)

The third-placed Swans moved level on 40 points with their South Wales rivals Cardiff after securing a seventh home win of the season against Barnsley on Tuesday. And they will look to jump into the automatic promotion places with a win against Brian McDermott’s sixth-placed Royals, who are unbeaten in eight league outings.

Match Bet: Draw HT/Swansea FT @ 7/2

Leeds v Middlesbrough (1pm)

The New Year action in the Championship starts at Elland Road with Simon Grayson’s in-form side looking for at least a point which will take them into the promotion places behind QPR. The Whites have not lost in 11 league games – six of those wins – since a 4-0 home drubbing against Cardiff on October 25 and they will be confident of making it 12 against struggling Boro after blowing a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Portsmouth. But Tony Mowbray’s side have shown signs of improvement lately and arrive in West Yorkshire on the back of a 3-1 win at bottom club Preston so will be no pushovers.

Match Bet: Leeds 2-1 @ 7/1

Coventry v Ipswich Town (3pm)

The Sky Blues are outside the play-off places on goal difference following the 2-0 home loss to league leaders QPR which made it three defeats on the bounce, so they will be looking to get back on track against struggling Ipswich. Roy Keane’s men have not played since ending a run of six straight defeats in style with a 3-0 win against Leicester at a snow-bound Portman Road on December 18 due to the bad weather so could be rusty at the Ricoh Arena.

Match Bet: Coventry To Win @ 21/20

Nottingham Forest v Barnsley (3pm)

Forest maintained their unbeaten home record throughout 2010 in style with a 5-2 thrashing of local rivals Derby at the City Ground on Wednesday and Billy Davies’ side should start the New Year with that record intact against a Barnsley side going into the game on the back of two successive defeats.

Match Bet: Forest To Win @ 8/13

Watford v Portsmouth (5.20pm)

Malky Mackay’s Hornets are buzzing at the moment as they have moved to within a point of the play-offs having followed up a 3-1 win at league leaders QPR earlier in December with a 4-1 mauling of second-placed Cardiff at a foggy Vicarage Road to make it five unbeaten. Pompey stormed back from 2-0 and 3-1 down at Leeds to earn a 3-3 draw on Tuesday which followed successive away wins at high-flying Swansea and Norwich so to bet against Steve Cotterill’s side would be a huge risk.

Match Bet: Draw @ 12/5

Burnley v Sheffield United (3pm)

These two sides go head-to-head at Turf Moor without permanent managers at the helm as Stuart Gray is in temporary control of the Clarets following Brian Laws’ departure on Wednesday, while John Carver could still be in command of the Blades after they lost Gary Speed to Wales unless Micky Adams’ imminent appointment goes through in time. Burnley have lost their last two at home, while the Blades have dropped to within two points of the relegation places after the 4-2 defeat at Norwich made it three away-day losses on the bounce.

Match Bet: Burnley To Win 1-0 @ 11/2

Millwall v Crystal Palace (1.30pm)

This south London derby gets underway early on Saturday after the Lions made it six games unbeaten after seeing off Leicester 2-0 on Tuesday, despite playing for over half an hour with 10 men when Alan Dunne was sent off. Second-bottom Palace were unlucky not to pick up three points at Bristol City, but with the worst away record in the Championship they will find it difficult in the Den.

Match Bet: Palace HT/Millwall FT @ 25/1

Preston v Derby (3pm)

Bottom club Preston get life without the sacked Darren Ferguson underway with a visit from a Derby side currently on a downward spiral. North End axed Ferguson after Tuesday’s 3-1 Deepdale defeat to fellow strugglers Middlesbrough left them five points adrift of safety, but they will look to make up some ground on the sides above them when Nigel Clough’s Rams arrive on the back of a 5-2 battering at rivals Nottingham Forest which made it five straight defeats.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Doncaster v Scunthorpe (3pm)

More derby action at the Keepmoat Stadium sees mid-table Doncaster up against a Scunthorpe side still in the relegation places, despite winning 2-0 at Burnley. Sean O’Driscoll’s men have not played since a 2-1 home win against Middlesbrough on December 17 due to the weather so they will be looking to reduce the four-point gap to the play-offs with a win. However, despite their struggles, the Iron have six wins on the road this season but strangely no draws from 11 games – could that trend be bucked on Saturday?

Match Bet: 2-2 Draw @ 12/1

Hull v Leicester (3pm)

This game sees Hull boss Nigel Pearson face his former employers following his move to the KC Stadium from the Foxes last summer. However, the season has not panned out how either side would have liked as they both sit in the bottom half of the table going into 2011. The Tigers’ form has improved of late as they are unbeaten in eight outings, while Sven Goran-Eriksson’s side have so far lost nine on the road and conceded 30 goals – more than any other side in the Championship.

Match Bet: Hull To Win 2-0 @ 9/1

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Anxious Ancelotti faces Trotters

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The Christmas programme continues on Wednesday when Chelsea entertain Bolton, Wigan play host to Arsenal and Liverpool take on rock-bottom Wolves in the Premier League.

Chelsea v Bolton (7:45pm)

Chelsea fans seeking a belated Christmas present could finally get some festive cheer on Wednesday when the stuttering champions entertain Bolton at Stamford Bridge.
Carlo Ancelotti’s double winners were five points clear at the top of the Premier League two months ago – but have failed to win in six and could be overtaken if the unthinkable happens against Wanderers in west London.
Noises about the future of the experienced Italian coach have done little to appease dismayed Blues followers but a first win on home soil since November 10 on Wednesday could set Chelsea up for a big push for the domestic crown.
Frank Lampard and Michael Essien are now back in tandem in the Blues engine room and Didier Drogba has shown signs of getting back to his unplayable best.
The Trotters had just 19 fully-fit senior professionals available for their Boxing Day win over West Brom and have now lost South Korea winger Lee Chung-yong to the Asia Cup. They have also not won at Stamford Bridge since 2003.
Chelsea could be nervous so the way to go could be to take the 16/5 about the draw-Chelsea half-time/full-time outcome.

Wigan v Arsenal (7:45pm)

Wigan are arguably the most difficult Premier League team to pin down in terms of a betting proposition and a Boxing Day win over fellow strugglers Wolves has set them up perfectly to stop Arsenal in their tracks.
Latics effectively killed the Gunners’ title hopes in April this year when they scored three goals in the last 10 minutes to seal a memorable 3-2 come-from-behind win at the DW Stadium and are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches on home soil.
You have to go back to September 19 to find the last time Wigan lost in front of their own supporters and Arsene Wenger will know his players cannot afford to relax after a Christmas cracker against Chelsea.
Both Teams To Score can be backed at 10/11 in what could be an open affair and the 7/1 about an Arsenal 2-1 Correct Score offers value.

Liverpool v Wolves (8pm)

Liverpool are just three points above third-from-bottom Wigan but dig a little deeper and that is perhaps a fair reflection on Roy Hodgson’s side on home soil.
The Merseysiders have not played since December 15 because of the bad weather so should be itching for the visit of basement club Wolves to finally kick-start their Christmas programme.
The Reds have chalked up five wins, two draws and just one defeat from eight games at Anfield, with 15 goals scored and just six conceded, and should have too much for the visitors on Wednesday.
Ominously for Mick McCarthy’s side, star striker Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard are both expected to start.
Wolves have yet to win on their travels, with seven defeats in eight games and 17 goals conceded, so the way to go could be to snap up the evens on Liverpool to Win To Nil or 5/6 to Keep A Clean Sheet.
Other ways forward are the 5/6 in the Liverpool-Liverpool half-time/full-time market and same price about 3-5 Goals.

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Race on for January sales

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The January transfer window is nearly upon us and the Premier League title chasers (outright winner) could well splash out next month in a bid to bolster their chances of success, so here is a run through of the rumours that have been doing the rounds in recent weeks regarding the current top four.

Manchester United

United are the current pace setters in the Premier League and heading into today’s (Tuesday) fixtures the Old Trafford side have a two point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City and Arsenal (Manchester United 5/6 – Premier League outright).

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson tends to do most of his business in the summer and the Old Trafford side are not expected to make any major moves in the New Year and it could be a very quiet window indeed for the United boss.

United striker Michael Owen has been linked with a January exit but Ferguson has rejected the speculation.

Ferguson has also been linked with a swoop for a new goalkeeper, with Edwin van der Sar set to call time on his career at the end of the campaign, but the United boss could be prepared to wait until the summer before signing a new custodian.

Arsenal

The Gunners victory over Chelsea put them right back in the mix for the title but boss Arsene Wenger has stated he will not make any major moves in January (Arsenal 18/5 – Premier League outright).

The Frenchman has tended to shy away from big name signings in recent seasons and although he has not ruled out strengthening his squad it seems certain Wenger will not spend a huge amount of money in January.

Striker Nicklas Bendtner has already dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Serie A side Lazio, while Wenger has been linked with numerous goalkeepers but like his United counterpart Ferguson he could wait until the end of the campaign (Arsenal travel to Wigan on Wednesday – match betting – Wigan 11/2, draw 3/1, Arsenal 8/15).

Manchester City

City look set to be the big spenders in January as far as the top four are concerned.  Strikers Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Jo have hardly featured for the Eastlands side this season and the trio look set to depart next month, with Adebayor linked with Juventus and Santa Cruz linked with Lazio and Fulham, while Jo has been linked with Hamburg (Manchester City 8/1 – Premier League outright).

If the duo do leave boss Roberto Mancini has been linked with a host of replacements, with Wolfsburg star Edin Dzeko and Newcastle hitman Andy Carroll believed to be his top targets.

Wolfsburg are desperate to retain Dzeko and Carroll has a long contract at St James’ Park but City are almost certain to add to their attack in January, having relied on the goal scoring exploits of Carlos Tevez alone for the majority of the first half of the campaign.

Chelsea

Boss Carlo Ancelotti looks to be under intense pressure at Stamford Bridge after seeing his side fall six points off the pace in the title race following their loss at Arsenal on Monday (Chelsea 19/5 – Premier League outright).

Chelsea did have a five-point lead at one point this season and they have not managed to win a league game since November 10 – with Ancelotti well aware his future now hangs in the balance.

It remains to be seen if the Italian will remain in charge at Stamford Bridge but if he does he has already admitted he has no plans to strengthen in the New Year and will rely on players returning from injury to boost his squad.

However, Ancelotti did admit he could sign a new defender if Alex does not recover by the end of January following a knee operation.  The former AC Milan boss also admitted he will try and sign an English player if he has to delve into the January market and Bolton?s Gary Cahill and Everton star Phil Jagielka are thought to be his top targets ahead of the January transfer window (Chelsea host Bolton on Wednesday – match betting – Chelsea 1/4, draw 9/2, Bolton 11/1).

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Chance for Hoops to close gap

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Scottish Premier League title-hopefuls Celtic have an excellent chance to close the gap on arch-rivals Rangers when they take on Motherwell at Parkhead on Wednesday (Celtic 1/3, draw 19/5, Motherwell 17/2 – match betting).

‘Gers have had their midweek game at St Johnstone postponed because of the snow, which means the Hoops have the opportunity to go top of the table before the small matter of the Old Firm derby on Sunday.

Celtic won’t yet have the services of former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg, who looks likely to sign in the New Year.

However, the Bhoys will go into this game looking to avoid dropping yet more points as they have drawn three of their last four games – at home against Dundee United, Inverness CT and Kilmarnock – in the SPL

Managerless Motherwell have struggled since the departure of Craig Brown to Aberdeen earlier in the month.

‘Well have lost their last two games which have been at Fir Park against Hearts and Rangers which are by no means easy fixtures.

Celtic will be favourites to make it three defeats on the trot for Motherwell and it’s doubtful that they will scupper their chance to go top of the table.

Hearts have played some excellent football in recent months with boss Jim Jeffries picking up the manager of the month award for November.

The Edinburgh club are undefeated in their last seven games in the SPL and will fancy their chances on Wednesday when they take on St Mirren (3/1 – match betting).

Hearts ran out 3-0 winners when these sides met earlier in the season at the Tynecastle Stadium and they will be confident of beating St Mirren who currently sit six points above the relegation zone.

The biggest game of the midweek fixtures is at the bottom of the table as Hamilton take on Aberdeen.

This match is crucial for both sides as the Dons sit just three points ahead of Hamilton who are rock bottom of the SPL (Hamilton 6/4, draw 23/10, Aberdeen 9/5 – match betting).

Even at this relatively early stage of the season if Aberdeen can pull of an away win at New Douglas Park, the Accies will be in serious trouble at six points adrift from safety with wins hard to come by.

Despite not being able to win in their last five outings, Hamilton have been hit badly by the weather in recent weeks and do have two games in hand over Aberdeen.

It’s going to be a real tight game in Hamilton but the home side could pull off the win against Brown’s men because it could be relegation for the Accies if they don’t.

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Watford can upset Bluebirds

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After an action-packed Boxing Day – with 25 goals in seven games – the Championship returns on Tuesday with some cracking games on the menu.

One of the key matches is at Vicarage Road, where Watford come up against promotion hopefuls Cardiff City…

Watford v Cardiff (3pm)

The Hornets have already ended QPR’s unbeaten run this season and Malky McKay’s men are capable of throwing a spanner in the works of Cardiff’s promotion push. Although the Bluebirds gained a much needed win over Coventry, they have lost their last two away games and Watford, whose Boxing Day game at Ipswich postponed, will prove a tough nut to crack.

Match Bet: Watford to win @ 13/8

Coventry v QPR (12:15pm)

The Sky Blues currently occupy a play-off spot, but performances suggest that is a false position and the leaders will prove too strong for the home side. Having bounced back from consecutive defeats, Neil Warnock’s men will grind down a stubborn Coventry line-up, who struggle for goals – with just two in their last four games.

Match Bet: Draw HT/QPR FT @ 9/2

Leeds v Portsmouth (3pm)

Leeds are on a 10-game unbeaten run and are the in-form side in the division, but face a potential banana skin on Tuesday. Simon Grayson’s men have been more impressive away from Elland Road and they come up against a Pompey team that have already won four times on their travels this season.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

Swansea v Barnsley (3pm)

This looks to have home win written all over it, with the Swans beaten just twice at home and eyeing a return to the top three. Brendan Rodgers’ men will be looking to bounce back from a hammering at QPR when they face a Barnsley team that have collected just eight points from a possible 27 on their travels.

Match Bet: Swansea to win 2-0 @ 11/2

Hull v Reading (3pm)

The Tigers are on an unbeaten run that stretches back to early November and are starting to find the net on regular occasions, with Jay Simpson bagging four in the last two games. Reading are also on a good run, though, with seven matches without defeat catapulting them up to seventh. Expect a tight affair.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Bristol City v Crystal Palace (3pm)

Both of these teams have struggled this season and both look doomed to battle against relegation, with just 13 wins in 44 matches between them. The Robins may have lost their last two, but they were tough away games at Hull and Reading, and they have won their last three at Ashton Gate without conceding a goal. Palace have only one once on their travels and the loss of loan striker James Vaughan is a huge blow.

Match Bet: Bristol City to win 2-0 @ 7/1

Burnley v Scunthorpe (3pm)

Burnley have won seven of their 11 home matches this term and should prove too strong for a Scunny side looking doomed to the drop. Although the Iron have won five times on their travels, the loss of Freddie Sears will hit them hard and the Clarets will prove too strong.

Match Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6

Preston v Middlesbrough (3pm)
It’s bottom versus fourth bottom at Deepdale, with both teams showing signs of waking from their slumber in recent weeks. Preston are unbeaten in their last three (one win and two draws) while Boro recently defeated Cardiff and were unlucky to lose by the odd goal at Doncaster and Coventry.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Millwall v Leicester (3pm)
Two of the most inconsistent teams in the league meet at the New Den and every result is possible when the Lions face the Foxes. Millwall have not lost in five games, while Leicester have moved away from the bottom three, although they have lost their last three away games.

Match Bet: Millwall HT/Draw FT @ 14/1

Norwich v Sheffield United (3pm)
Two former Premier League teams meet at Carrow Road, but while Norwich continue to prosper, Sheffield United appear to be on a slippery slope. With no permanent manager and just seven goals scored away from home, the Blades look to be in trouble and the stats point to a home success.

Match Bet: Norwich to win @ 10/11

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Hodgson to go a step further?

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Roy Hodgson had an outstanding campaign in charge of Fulham last season as he lead the London club to the final of the Europa League, however they fell at the last hurdle.

Now Hodgson’s Liverpool (13/2 to win the Europa League) are in the knockout stages of the same competition and are looking to go that step further and lift the trophy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on May 18.

The Reds finished top of Group K to qualify for the later stages and Hodgson has avoided the temptation of over-playing his key men in the competition.

Captain Steven Gerrard, who has now returned to action after suffering a hamstring injury over a month ago whilst playing for England, scored four goals in the group stages.

Star striker Fernando Torres has only featured twice in the Europa League and is bound to play a bigger role the further the Merseyside club go in the competition.

Considering their inconsistent form in the Premier League it’s difficult to know which Reds team will turn up for their next European clash – against Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic on February 24.

However, with Hodgson’s experience in the competition, Liverpool could repeat the feat of winning the second biggest prize in European football as they did in 2001.

Premier League big spenders Manchester City (4/1 to win the Europa League) are currently the favourites to lift the trophy in Dublin.

Roberto Mancini’s men sit in second place in the top flight and have transferred that form into the Europa League as they too finished top of their group.

The Blues look like they have managed to keep hold of their key player Carlos Tevez and like Torres for Liverpool, he should be more of a presence as City take on Greek side Aris Salonika.

City should progress to the latter stages of the competition if you consider the strength in depth of the star-studded squad at Eastlands.

A threat to their hopes of winning the Europa League could be if the Blues stay in the hunt for the Premier League title and Mancini is forced to rest players in the European games.

However it’s doubtful City fans would have too many problems with that scenario.

The British team with by far the hardest draw in the knockout stages are SPL title holders Rangers (5/4 to qualify for next round) as they face Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

They too will be looking to go a step further from 2008 when they lost in the Europa League final against Russian side Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester.

The Gers qualified for the knockout stages after they finished third in their tough Champions League group which included Manchester United and Valencia.

With Walter Smith#s team challenging at the top of the SPL table with Old Firm rivals Celtic, it might be too difficult for the Scottish side to battle on both fronts.

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Five Potential Festive Shocks

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The games come thick and fast over the festive period and there is another full programme across Tuesday and Wednesday, weather permitting of course, and with so many games in such a short space of time a few shocks tend to crop up so here are five potential shocks for your consideration.

Rumours emerged earlier in the month that West Ham boss Avram Grant had just three games to save his job.  Since those reports emerged the Hammers have drawn at Blackburn and beaten Fulham at Craven Cottage, their first win on the road in the Premier League this season, and the situation at Upton Park has started to look a little better.

West Ham host Everton on Tuesday in what could well be an intriguing contest.  Everton have been unable to hit the same heights they have achieved in previous seasons this campaign and the Goodison Park side seem to be lacking a clinical edge.  West Ham can stretch their unbeaten run to three games and possibly even haul themselves out of the drop zone with a win over Everton and at 2/1 they could well produce a shock at Upton Park (Match Betting – West Ham 2/1, draw 12/5, Everton 13/10).

Manchester United are now the clear favourites to take the league title at the end of the season and the Old Trafford side now enjoy a two point advantage, with two games in hand, at the top of the table after their 2-0 win over Sunderland on Boxing Day.

The most remarkable thing about United so far this season is the fact they have managed to remain dominant despite the fact key man Wayne Rooney is in arguably the worst form of his career to date.  Rooney has not managed to bag a Premier League goal since August, when he scored from the spot against West Ham, but the England international must surely end his barren run soon.

United travel to Birmingham on Tuesday and Rooney can be backed at 10/3 to score the first goal, everyone knows Rooney has the talent and eventually he will rediscover his scoring form – and it could well happen against a struggling Birmingham on Tuesday.

Sunderland are riding high in the Premier League table but on Tuesday they host an unpredictable Blackpool side who love to flow forward.  Sunderland are suffering from a mini defensive crisis with both John Mensah (ankle) and Michael Turner (knee) ruled out.  The Seasiders have managed to pick up some impressive results this season and a win at the Stadium of Light would be another big achievement but one they’re certainly capable of (Match Betting – Sunderland 8/13, draw 3/1, Blackpool 11/2).

The Championship can prove to be a very difficult competition for the punter but there is also great value in England’s second tier.  On Boxing Day Leicester City were heading for a home defeat against Leeds United but the plucky Foxes managed to fight back and secure a 2-2 draw, despite the fact the Yorkshire side had dominated the contest for over an hour.

Leicester have struggled on the road this season and they travel to Millwall on Tuesday but after that stunning comeback against Leeds the confidence should be high amongst Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men and at 7/4 they could well be worth backing to pick up their third win on the road of the campaign (Match Betting – Millwall 6/4, draw 12/5, Leicester 7/4).

Reading secured an impressive 4-1 victory over strugglers Bristol City on Boxing Day and the promotion chasing Royals travel to relegation contenders Hull City on Tuesday.  The Tigers main problem this season has been scoring goals and in 10 home games they have only managed to hit the back of the net eight times.

After Reading’s win over Bristol they are now seventh in the Championship table and well placed to fight for promotion.  Hull like to keep it tight but with Reading in free-scoring form it may be too much of a task for the KC Stadium side and the Royals look a good bet to continue their fine away record and pick up another three points on Tuesday (Match Betting – Hull 6/4, draw 23/10, Reading 9/5).

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Midweek Premier League previews

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With the festive fixture list underway we have a look at the games which will be coming up thick and fast over Tuesday and Wednesday as clubs look to still a march in the title race or the relegation battle.

TUESDAY

Man City v Aston Villa

City will look to continue the way they left off against Newcastle at St. James’ Park, where they picked up a richly deserved three points.
Carlos Tevez seems to be back in favour with the City fans, after his two goals and all-round work rate impressed them on Boxing Day, helping them move into second as their title odds were cut to 8/1.
City need to make Eastlands a fortress in the second half of the season to keep alive their title challenge, but Villa will be encouraged by Everton’s success there last time out.
Gerard Houllier still has plenty of critics in the stands at Villa Park, and their away record is simply not good enough – they have lost four of the last five on their travels.

Stoke v Fulham

Stoke have finally got the monkey off their backs, with Boxing Day’s 2-0 win at Blackburn being the first December game they have won since reaching the Premier League in 2008.
They have already beaten Fulham this season, albeit in the Carling Cup, and their recent record is good enough to suggest they can repeat the feat.
In their last seven games, the Potters have won four and drawn two, the home defeat to Blackpool earlier this month their only blip.
Fulham were desperately disappointing at home to West Ham on Boxing Day, especially against a team with a shocking away record and with a manager under severe pressure.

Sunderland v Blackpool

Blackpool’s recent inactivity may come back to haunt them as they have twice had games called off because of the bad weather.
However, in between their postponements they beat Stoke 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium, picking up their fourth away win in the Premier League.
Having already won at Anfield, Blackpool (15/8 to be relegated) will have few fears about going to the Stadium of Light, especially after Sunderland’s defeat to Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Sunderland, though, have not lost in nine home games so far this season and have only conceded five goals in those games.

Tottenham v Newcastle

Spurs have only been beaten once at White Hart Lane in the Premier League this season, though they do average one goal per game conceded.
Tottenham continued their push for a top four finish with victory over Villa on Boxing Day and are 8/5 to achieve their goal of returning to the Champions League.
Newcastle were well beaten at home by Manchester City on Boxing Day, and have not been at their best away from the North East – they have conceded 15 goals in their eight Premier League games away from home.
The Magpies were poor in their last away game, going down 3-1 at West Brom on December 5, and new boss Alan Pardew will want to stamp his own authority on the club with some transfer movement in January.

West Brom v Blackburn

Two teams who were poor on Boxing Day hope to make a swift return to form at the Hawthorns.
West Brom lost 2-0 at Bolton, while Blackburn went down by the same scoreline at home to Stoke City.
The Baggies’ home form has enabled them to reach mid-table, they have only been beaten twice at the Hawthorns in the Premier League, though last month’s 3-0 home defeat to Stoke showed their frailties.
Blackburn fans are hardly unanimous in their backing of Steve Kean, and his time in charge could hardly have started less impressively as they hardly had a shot on goal against Stoke on Boxing Day and could have lost by more than two goals.

West Ham v Everton

The pressure is still not completely off Avram Grant, even though he has technically achieved what the board asked him to which was to win one of three specified games.
The Hammers, on their day, should be capable of beating Everton and their 3-1 win at Fulham will have boosted their confidence.
Everton have been inconsistent and badly need goals. Having their game on Boxing Day postponed might work in their favour, though, as it has eased their festive schedule.
David Moyes’ team have only won twice on their travels this season, but have kept things tight – they have drawn five away games and only conceded nine goals in as many games away from Goodison Park.

Birmingham v Man Utd

Birmingham know they can drop into the bottom three if they lose here, with both Fulham and West Ham waiting to take advantage.
The Blues have only lost once at St Andrew’s all season, but need to start turning draws there into wins – they have only three so far.
United’s away record continues to mystify; they have only won at Stoke in the Premier League, and drawn all their other six away matches.
Their 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day kept them in pole position in the Premier League, but Sir Alex Ferguson will want them to kick on now and translate some of their home form (they have won nine and drawn one there) into away success.
Michael Owen did not make the squad for the Sunderland game, but with the festive programme set to test every team’s strength in depth it could signal a recall for the former England international.

WEDNESDAY

Chelsea v Bolton

Chelsea (2/1 Premier League outright) have been done few favours by the TV schedulers, having to play on Monday and then again two days later – especially as their first game is the tough visit to the Emirates Stadium.
They face a Bolton team high on confidence after a 2-0 win against West Brom on Boxing Day.
Owen Coyle’s men are in fifth place in the Premier League but in reality that position may be false – they have played more games than virtually all their rivals and have only won twice away from home.
Bolton only lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last season, and with Chelsea faltering recently they might fancy their chances of securing a point on this visit.

Wigan v Arsenal

Wigan picked up a very useful three points at Molineux on Boxing Day, and are not the easy-beats many predicted at the start of the season.
They may face a scrap against relegation until the end of the season, but they have enough flair players to suggest they can cause some upsets, including against the Gunners who they beat 3-2 at the same ground last season.
Wigan don’t score enough goals, they have only managed eight at home while conceding 17. That will encourage Arsenal, who are the second-top scorers on their travels this season.
If Arsenal can end their recent barren spell at home against Chelsea on Monday, they will go to Wigan on a high and be confident of staying on pace for a title shot.

Liverpool v Wolves

Liverpool have only lost once in the Premier League at Anfield this season, and conceded a miserly six goals there.
Wolves go to Merseyside having picked up just one point away from home this season and only scored five goals in their eight away games.
Mick McCarthy’s men will be at a low ebb after losing a ‘six pointer’ against Wigan on Boxing Day, while Liverpool will be well rested after their game was postponed.
With the Premier League being the tightest it has been for years, Liverpool know that every point is vital. They could go in either direction – the Reds are seven points behind fifth-placed Bolton, and six ahead of the relegation zone.

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