Monthly Archives: December 2010

Old frailties will cost Gunners

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Monday night saw Manchester United arguably strike a serious psychological blow to Arsenal’s title hope as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men reclaimed top spot. We examine how United’s 1-0 win, plus the other Premier League results, have affected the title race (outright and match prices on totesport.com).

The cry of ’same old Arsenal, always cheating’ rang around Old Trafford on several occasions on Monday night as the Gunners tried to get stuck in against their title rivals. Perhaps a more apt chant would have been ’same old Arsenal, always failing’ as Arsene Wenger’s side once again faltered when faced with some serious opposition.

The north London outfit started the match as huge underdogs to come away with three points and anyone who wondered why they were such a big price only had to look at their limp-wristed display to find the answer. Monday’s defeat has seen Arsenal go to 9/2 to win the Premier League and even that seems generous when you consider all their flaws.

Arsenal started the match as top dogs in the Premier League and with Wenger having told his team to use the match as an opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the league. However, after 90 minutes the only statement the Gunners had made was to show they still aren’t good enough to win the league.

Monday was supposed to be the night when Samir Nasri, Marouane Chamakh and Jack Wilshere announced themselves on the big stage. Instead the only positive Arsenal fans will take out of the game is that they may have finally found a goalkeeper good enough to wear the number one shirt in Wojciech Szczesny.

The 1-0 defeat means Arsenal have won just three out of their last 23 matches against either United or Chelsea in all competitions. Their record against the big two speaks for its self and surely now Wenger must realise that some of his youngsters aren’t good enough and he needs to spend to be considered serious title challengers again.

Whereas Arsenal fans had to endure 90 minutes of horror United supporters will be a very content bunch, especially with the re-emergence of a certain Wayne Rooney (25/1 top Premier League goalscorer).

The England striker looked as fit as ever and was showing signs of getting back to his menacing best. While his penalty miss could have been costly it turned out to be just a blot on fine night for the 24-year-old.

Overall it was a good night’s work for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, who showed that even when they aren’t at their best they still have enough to overcome one of their supposed title rivals.

United are 7/5 to reclaim the Premier League and with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City stuttering along who would bet against them. Watching the three others title rivals they all have problems right now and if United can get a positive result at Stamford Bridge on Sunday you can see them going on to walk away with the crown, again.

United will travel to west London full of vim and vigour as they prepare to face a struggling Blues side. Had Didier Drogba scored that last minute penalty against Tottenham on Sunday you could make a strong case for a resurgent Chelsea side. Instead United’s price of 23/10 to bet the Blues in the football betting looks too good to turn down based on what we saw on Monday.

While Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea face a tough December schedule their big-spending rivals City should be licking their lips at the opportunity to keep pace, or even overtake, the trio. City’s next four matches will see them face Everton, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Blackpool, all games they will feel confident of winning.

However, nothing is ever simple at City (11/2 Premier League outright) and with Carlos Tevez having thrown his toys out of the pram Roberto Mancini can be forgiven for being distracted by his band of spoilt brats.

So what have we learned about the title race this weekend? Based on the past three days it seems the title will only be heading in one direction come May and that is back to Old Trafford.

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Tevez could miss Old Lady date

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It’s never boring at Eastlands these days and it’s been another turbulent week for Manchester City ahead of their trip to Italy to take on Juventus (Juve 6/4, draw 23/10, 9/5 – match betting) in the Europa League.

Thursday’s clash at the Stadio Olimipco looks like it could be a welcome distraction from the troubles off the field concerning their captain and top goalscorer Carlos Tevez.

The Argentina striker handed in a written transfer to the club stating that he wants to leave City because he misses his family back in his homeland.

City have stated that they will not be selling the former Manchester United forward, who has also revealed that his relationship with some of the chief executives at the club have “broken down beyond repair”.

It’s extremely doubtful that City will play their disillusioned striker in a match that will have no real impact on the club’s season as they have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

Juve were one of the favourites to lift the Europa League trophy this season but have crashed out of the competition in the group stages as Lech Poznan have proved to be a surprise package in the tournament so far.

The Italian side have proven difficult to beat and have not lost a game in their last 16 outings in all competitions.

It should be an exciting game with both sides having nothing to lose.

However, with the distractions off the field and the Blues likely to field a weakened side as they challenge at the top of the Premier League, it should be a win for the Old Lady.

It’s a similar situation for Liverpool as they take on Dutch side Utrecht at Anfield on Wednesday, although their star striker has not asked for a move away from the club (Liverpool 2/5, draw 7/2, Utrecht 7/1 – match betting).

The Reds have been very inconsistent in recent weeks having looked comfortable in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield, they failed to show up in the 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

With the unpredictable performances in league it’s not surprising that it’s hard to predict how Liverpool will play against Utrecht.

The Merseyside club secured a goalless draw with a young side when these two sides met in Holland back in September.

Utrecht have been disappointing in Europe and in the Dutch league and the Reds should come out top in this one in front of their home fans despite the likelihood of fielding a weakened side ahead of Roy Hodgson’s game against former club Fulham this weekend.

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10 football lessons learned

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Should we really be surprised by what happens in football? Here are some more reminders from the weekend about why we turn up most weeks.

Carlos Tevez may not be missed

Manchester City may publicly toe the party line but one wonders privately if manager Roberto Mancini has decided want-away striker Carlos Tevez is no longer worth the hassle? (6/1 Man City – Premier League outright)

The combustible Argentinian has confirmed City fans worst fears by revealing he wants away from Eastlands because his relations with “certain executives” at Eastlands have “broken down beyond repair”.

City have countered this as “ludicrous and nonsensical” and insist they do want to sell the 26-year-old. However, the performance of David Silva against West Ham may now tempt Mancini to contemplate the previously unthinkable.

Tevez fought tooth and nail to leave neighbours United – and it is significant that Sir Alex Ferguson has not lost too much sleep over his defection across the city.

Never doubt Barcelona again

Whisper it quietly but this commentator dared to suggest Barcelona may not have the legs and squad depth to see off the threat of great rivals Real Madrid (Villarreal 8/5 – La Liga w/o Barcelona and Real Madrid)

The 5-0 destruction of Real Sociedad on Sunday at Camp Nou means Barca last tasted defeat – and a shock one at that – on September 11 against Hercules.

Since then they have scored 64 goals in all competitions – including a 5-0 defeat of Real – and have not lost a single game.

The result keeps Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side at the top of the Primera Division table after 15 rounds of matches.

Prepare for a Chelsea backlash

A 1-1 draw on Sunday means Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League but, significantly, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard are both yet to return to full match sharpness (2/1 Chelsea – Premier League outright).

The pair came on against Tottenham on Sunday and fit-again defender John Terry put in a performance to suggest punters who wrote the west Londoners off could be left with a custard pie in their face at the end of the season.

It never pays to dismiss a top team – as comeback kings Manchester United have proved down the years – and Chelsea have too much quality to be considered also-rans in a wide-open race for the Premier League title.

Yes, the draw extended Chelsea’s winless streak to five league games but the 2/1 about their title chances could look big come next May.

Borussia Dortmund refuse to go away

Die Schwarzgelben continue to raise eyebrows in Bundesliga and a 2-0 win at home to travel-sick Werder Bremen on Friday means they should not be dismissed as genuine title contenders (1/4 Dortmund – Bundesliga outright).

Dortmund last won the German title in 2002 but play an attractive brand of attacking football under Jurgen Klopp and have only lost once in the league this season.

Bayern Munich are certain to be a threat after the winter break once their well-documented injury problems have cleared, but livewire strikers Shinji Kagawa Lucas Barrios – both have scored eight goals each in all competitions – are a potent combination of pace and movement.

West Ham fans should be worried

When West Ham were relegated in 2003 they finished on 42 points – still a record in a 20-team league – and for once the tired old cliché that a team is too good to go down seemed to ring true (4/9 West Ham – Premier League relegation).

Fast forward and the Hammers look anything but a Premier League team.

A 4-0 Carling Cup win over Manchester United off the back of a 3-1 Premier League win over Wigan has proved a false dawn for the Boleyn faithful.

West Ham have won only 10 of their last 55 league games and may not get much Christmas cheer from upcoming festive games against Blackburn, Fulham and Everton.

Alan Pardew may have won the battle?

Coronation Street script writers sourcing inspiration ahead of the 50th anniversary celebrations could be forgiven for turning to the long-running soap that is Newcastle United (16/1 Newcastle – Top 6 Finish).

Alan Pardew may have won the first battle, namely a 3-1 win over Liverpool, but that does not mean he will win the war on Tyneside. True, it is not his fault Chris Hughton was sacked but in an age where contracts at the highest level are worth precious little, it does seem like wishful thinking to believe he will see out his five-and-a-half-year deal at a club where managers come and go as often as Tuesday follows Monday.

Pardew appears savvy enough to win over the fans but the dressing room is another matter and, like most good soaps, you never quite know what is around the corner.

David Moyes may have reached the end

Everton have historically been slow-burners but an uninspiring goalless draw at home to Wigan has set the alarm bells ringing (22/1 Everton – Premier League relegation).

The New Year usually brings an upturn in form from the blue half of Merseyside but on current form it might be wise for David Moyes to start preparing his players for a fight at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

You have to go back to the end of October for Everton’s last Premier League win and fans must be wondering if the highly-rated Scot has hit a wall at Goodison Park.

Harry has a point

Harry Redknapp was bullish in his assertion that Tottenham can consider themselves genuine title contenders – before and after the 1-1 draw with champions Chelsea on Sunday (33/1 Tottenham – Premier League outright).

And given that Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all face other in the next couple of weeks his declaration might not be the bluff it appears at face value.

Redknapp has assembled an exciting crop of young talent fused with experience and the no-fear approach makes them dangerous.

Tottenham have already accounted for some sizeable scalps this season so Redknapp may just have a point.

And finally…

Gerard Houllier is going to have to rely on all his know-how to turn around a perilous situation for Aston Villa.

A home win over West Brom has provided brief respite but reports of player-unrest have done little to stem the flow of fans’ fears the club is going backwards.

Roy Keane may find he is running out time to transform Ipswich’s fortunes following their disastrous 1-0 defeat Championship basement club Preston.

The former Manchester United favourite has never shirked a battle, but, worryingly, admitted his team are now in a relegation battle after their sixth straight league defeat.

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Hammers head relegation scrap

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Pressure continues to mount on Avram Grant, whose West Ham side are 4/9 favourites to be relegated as they sit nestled to the bottom of the Premier League table following Saturday’s defeat at home to Manchester City but who will end up slipping out of the top flight next May?

With just 12 points accumulated from 17 games – and with only four goals scored away from Upton Park this season – all signs point to the Championship for the Hammers at the minute and their next two fixtures are tricky away games to Blackburn and Fulham.

Rumours are rife that time is running out for Grant, who went to the East End this summer following Gianfranco Zola’s departure and newly-sacked ex-Newcastle boss Chris Hughton reported to be favourite to replace Grant if the axe does indeed fall.

New Toon boss Alan Pardew oversaw his first victory at St James’ Park at the weekend over Liverpool. However, with the dressing room angered by Hughton’s departure and widespread fan resentment of owner Mike Ashley, Pardew’s honeymoon may come to an abrupt end.

Pardew’s credentials in the top flight are not wholly desirable – he does not have too much Premier League managerial experience – and dark days could yet return to the newly-promoted Toon Army who are still 11/2 to be relegation.

Meanwhile, Wolves face an uphill struggle to stayout of the relegation zone, despite registering a much needed 1-0 victory over Birmingham at the weekend. Mick McCarthy’s side have already leaked 30 goals this season, the same number as West Ham, and look prime candidates for the drop unless they sort out their defensive frailties. (Wolves 3/4 to be relegated)

Wigan (7/10) and Fulham are both tied on 16 points above West Ham and Wolves and have talent. If Charles N’Zogbia continues his scintillating form, Roberto Martinez’s side will climb out of the relegation zone.

Wigan host Aston Villa next Saturday and then face a crunch game against relegation rivals Wolves the following weekend. Martinez would love to gain four points or more from those fixtures.

Fulham’s season (7/2 to go down) has started in stark contrast to life under former boss Roy Hodgson. Mark Hughes has had his work cut out since arriving at Craven Cottage and will be well aware of their precarious position above the drop zone.

Speaking after this weekend’s goalless draw with Sunderland, Hughes commented: “It only takes one win.”

However, with an away trip to Liverpool next weekend, this season’s draw masters will be targeting the Boxing Day fixture at home to West Ham as the win to turn their season around. Another draw in that fixture and Sparky Hughes may have to make some changes come January or risk being out of a job come May.

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Gunners aim to shoot down United

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Bet on the Premier LeagueMonday sees arguably the game of the Premier League season so far as Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on their old rivals Manchester United (United Evs, draw 12/5, Arsenal 11/4).

The Gunners have failed to win in their last five meetings against United but, ahead of this eagerly-anticipated showdown, the north London club are playing some of their best football for several years.

Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League and have a real chance of the title this season.

New signing Marouane Chamakh has bagged 10 goals for his new club in the campaign so far and has been the frontman the side have been missing since the departure of Thierry Henry while a player that has really blossomed in recent weeks is the Frenchman Samir Nasri.

The former Marseille midfielder has stepped up his game and has become one of the key players for the Gunners.

His brilliant brace against Fulham last weekend were two of the best individual goals you will see and he will be looking to take his excellent form to Old Trafford on Monday.

It’s a shame that Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas will not feature in this clash of the titans as he still has not recovered from a hamstring injury. It would have been a great contest between him and United veteran Paul Scholes, who at first was a doubt for United but could now start for the home side.

Sir Alex Ferguson should have Rio Ferdinand back from injury for the game as he has recovered from a tight hamstring and the United boss will be looking to the inconsistent Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney to get the goals for them.

After bagging an impressive five goals against Blackburn Rovers, Berbatov failed to show that prolific edge against Valencia in their final group game of the Champions League last week.

The Bulgarian striker has had plenty of opportunities to add to his goalscoring tally this season, but could not buy a goal against the Spanish side.

Rooney has only managed two goals so far this term and has been largely disappointing since he, like many of his team-mates, failed to live up to expectations for England at the World Cup in South Africa.

However, these kinds of games against big sides like Arsenal are the occasions where the former Everton player usually shines and it would not be a surprise if he got on the scoresheet on Monday (Rooney Evs to score anytime).

These are always close affairs but with the way Arsenal are playing at the moment they could pull of another victory away from home.

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Sunday’s Elite League preview

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Juventus host Lazio in Serie A’s crunch clash on Sunday and, fresh from their fine 3-1 win over champions Inter last weekend, the capital club are good value at 7/2 to secure an away triumph to underline their title credentials.

Mauro Zarate and Sergio Floccari were both on target in the win last weekend and have hit three and five league goals respectively this season to help fire Lazio up the league.

Juve are 4/5 to win (the draw 5/2) but were held 1-1 by Roma last week and will be desperate for a win to keep the pressure on leaders Milan at the top of the table.

However, the Old Lady have been shipping goals at home – they have conceded 11 goals in Turin this term, a league-high – and attack-minded Lazio will look to pile on the pressure as they go for their first win at Juve since 2002.

Totesport are offering EVENS on over 2.5 goals in the game which appears good value with both sides expected to go for the win on Sunday and Juventus are the most prolific side in the league, scoring 29 goals so far this season.

Elsewhere in Serie A, Milan (3/5) should be too good for Bologna (5/1) while Napoli, at 2/1, offer value for a win at Genoa as they look for back-to-back victories following the late 1-0 success over Palermo last time out.

In Spain this weekend, expect Real Madrid (1/4, the draw 5/1) to overcome Real Zaragoza (9/1) away from home while Barcelona should have little trouble seeing off Real Sociedad, who are a huge 28/1 to cause a massive shock as the big two keep up the pace at the top of La Liga.

Malaga head to Hercules with a draw looking the most likely outcome 23/10 while Getafe could cause a small upset by beating Villarreal at home (7/5) while Espanyol, who are currently fourth, are available at a tempting 13/5 to secure all three points at Athletic Bilbao.

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Sunday EPL Previews

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Bolton can continue their push for a European place when they welcome former manager Sam Allardyce and Blackburn in the Premier League at the Reebok on Sunday.

The odds against – 11/10 – about Wanderers in the match betting represents good value when you consider Rovers have not managed to keep a clean sheet on the road in eight away games this season – and, we should not forget, they shipped in an alarming seven against title-chasers Manchester United the last time they ventured away from Ewood.

The form of Johan Elmander has beefed up Wanderers attack – he has scored eight goals in all competitions this season – so the recommendation here is to snaffle up the 6/5 Anytime Goalscorer.

Rovers fans looking for crumbs of comfort can take heart from the fact that they are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against their north-west rivals, winning five of those matches, and Wanderers have failed to score in three of their last four matches against Blackburn.

Rovers also managed a Premier League double over Bolton last season but the home side have come a long away under Owen Coyle.

Local bragging rights will be at stake in the West Midlands when draw specialists Wolves and Birmingham clash at Molineux.

Five of the last 10 meetings between these two teams have ended in a stalemate and Blues – along with Fulham – have already collected nine draws in the Premier League this season since the first whistle was blown.

The draw can often be overlooked but the recommendation here is to take the 9/4 about this ending all square.

It is 10 Premier League games since Wolves last kept a clean sheet at Molineux so another way in could be to take the 7/10 about both teams to score – or the more adventurous punter may like the 2/1 about Blues to collect the away win.

Birmingham, remember, are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings with Wolves, winning four, including the last three in a row, but for slightly more value the draw looks appealing.

The final Premier League game on Sunday sees Tottenham play host to stuttering champions Chelsea and under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Spurs at the bigger price – 9/5 in the match betting – simply have to be the bet when you consider their London rivals have managed just two wins in eight games – and one in six in the Premier League.

Ancelotti has also revealed he has been given the dreaded vote of confidence by owner Roman Abramovich – a sure-fire sign all is usually not well.

Chelsea have been conceding too many – in the four games they have lost most recently they have also failed to score – and they face Manchester United at home and Arsenal away after this awkward-looking assignment in the capital.

Both teams to score can be backed at 4/6 given that it is 15 Premier League matches since Tottenham last kept a clean sheet in the league, but for odds against the recommendation here is to go with the home side to get the job done in 90 minutes.

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Premier League previews

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The big thaw means that there should be no trouble with the weekend Premier League fixtures so let’s look at all the betting options for the six matches on Saturday (check out Premier League outright and match prices).

Aston Villa v West Brom

These two west Midlands rivals have been heading in different directions in recent times with Villa losing their last three top-flight games and the Baggies scoring seven goals to win their last two. The form book will be thrown out of the window, as ever, for a local derby and, with Emile Heskey and Ashley Young both back in the ranks, the Villans should be able to arrest their current slide.

Value bet: Villa to win 2-0 (7/1)

Everton v Wigan

The Goodison Park alarm bells would have been ringing after their 4-1 home defeat to West Brom but they bounced back to take a point from Chelsea last time out. But it has still been a below-par season for David Moyes? men to date. Wigan have won just once on their travel this term but have Hugo Rodallega back after suspension. However, if the Toffees are to rescue their season, they must win games like this as Wigan have scored just five goals away from home all season.

Value bet: Everton to win to nil (6/5)

Fulham v Sunderland

Sunderland have won one, lost one and drawn one since beating Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and their games are notoriously hard to predict. They are not the same side away from home (apart from against the champions) but face a Fulham side who have won just twice this campaign, with nine draws to date. But the Cottagers did okay against Arsenal last time out and, with Asamoah Gyan rated as doubtful with a toe injury, they might sneak this one down by the Thames.

Value bet: 2-3 goals (10/11)

Stoke v Blackpool

The Seasiders have had two weeks without a game as their clash with Manchester United fell foul of the weather last weekend and they will be raring to go at the Britannia Stadium. Ian Holloway’s side have already won three times away from home this season and they could take something from this clash at the Britannia Stadium. Jermaine Pennant and Andy Wilkinson should return for the Potters but a draw is forecast for this one.

Value bet: 1-1 draw (6/1)

West Ham v Manchester City

The Hammers finally picked up three points against Wigan back in late November but they still find themselves bottom of the table and will struggle against a City side who are capable of beating anyone when they gel as a unit. Carlos Tevez is absent but City should still be too good for a West Ham side that seem destined for the drop.

Value bet: City to win (5/6)

Newcastle v Liverpool

The sacking of Chris Hughton sent shockwaves through the Premier League this week, as did the name of his successor. But the appointment of a new manager normally affects the players in a positive way for at least three or four games and the Magpies may be able to sneak this one against a Liverpool side who do not seem to be able to string too many results together. Alan Pardew may not have been the fans? choice on Tyneside but if they take all three points on Saturday, then all will be well with the world again.

Value bet: Newcastle to win (12/5)

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Rangers want Christmas number one

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Scotland continues to feel the brunt of the bad weather and once again the Scottish Premier League has paid the price with games at Celtic, Hamilton and Dundee United all postponed this weekend (Scottish Premier League – outright and match betting).

However, the league leaders Rangers can extend their two point lead at the top of the table as they travel to the chilly Highlands to take on Inverness CT.

The Old Firm side already have a game in hand over their arch rivals Celtic and could leave the Hoops trailing by five points come the end of the weekend.

Kenny Miller has been untouchable in Scotland’s top flight, scoring 18 goals in 14 games and is at 9/2 to bag two or more goals on Saturday.

However, Inverness have been a tough prospect at home and are the surprise package of the SPL so far this season.

They boast the second highest goalscorer in the league with the one and only Adam Rooney hitting the back of the net 11 times this term.

With the chance of pulling away from their foes before Christmas it’s hard to see Rangers letting this one slip and they should come out on top at the Caledonian Stadium.

Aberdeen could have a new man at the helm when they travel to the capital to face Hearts.

Craig Brown looks set to join the Dons having left his post at Motherwell on Thursday.

Things can only get better for the club under the former Scotland boss as they currently sit joint bottom on points with Hamilton.

Aberdeen have won two of their last 11 competitive games which have proven not be that competitive especially the 9-0 trouncing by Celtic at the start of November.

Hearts on the other hand had a great month as they beat city rivals Hibernian, Celtic, St Johnstone and Hamilton to have a perfect record for November.

The Edinburgh club should be comfortable at home even if the Dons have the Brown factor (Hearts 6/5 to be winning at half-time and full-time).

In the last of Saturday’s games, if the weather has not taken its toll, it’s the battle of the saints as St Mirren take on St Johnstone.

This is an important clash in the bottom half of the SPL table as only two points separate these sides as they sit just above the relegation zone.

St Mirren have struggled for goals in recent weeks as they have only managed to put the ball in the back of the net once in their last three outings.

St Johnstone came out on top in the last encounter between these two sides 2-1 but like their opponents have been on a poor run of form having only picked up one win in their last seven games.

This game is too close to call with neither side wanting to lose this one and neither team confident in front of goal (8/13 for there to be less than 2.5 goals in the game), this has got draw written all over it.

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PNE can pile pressure on Keane

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There’s another intriguing weekend of Championship football this weekend, with derby games, top-versus-bottom battles and a fixture which could decide the future of two managers….Preston v Ipswich (Saturday 3pm).

North End may be rooted to the bottom of the table, but they are showing signs of improvement whilst Ipswich continue to sink like a stone. Both managers are under immense pressure, but Darren Ferguson could hammer another nail in Roy Keane’s coffin. Preston almost snatched an unlikely win at Cardiff last week, while Ipswich go to Deepdale on a five-game league losing run.

Bet advice: Preston to win @ 7/5

QPR v Watford (Friday 7:45pm)
The league leaders look to maintain their unbeaten record and should be too strong for an out-of-sorts Watford, who have won just one of their last eight matches. The Hoops’ frontmen have not been firing of late, with just one open-play goal from a striker in the last four matches – so don’t expect too many goals.

Bet advice: Under 2.5 goals @ Evens

Swansea v Millwall (Friday 7:45pm)
Swansea will be aware that a win on Friday will move them into second, at least for 24 hours, but they face a stern test against a Millwall side showing signs of recovery. The Swans have struggled for goals at home in recent weeks and the Lions, who have taken seven points from their last three matches, can take something back to London.

Bet advice: Draw @ 13/5

Barnsley v Sheff Utd (Saturday 3pm)
This South Yorkshire derby will be a scrap between two teams who will feel they should be doing better than their league positions suggest. But it’s the Blades that are in the biggest trouble – currently just two points outside the relegation zone – and they face a Barnsley team that have an impressive record at home, with just two defeats in nine matches at Oakwell.

Bet advice: Barnsley to win @ 13/10

Burnley v Leeds (Saturday 3pm)
Two former top-flight clubs do battle at Turf Moor, bringing back memories of unforgettable meetings during the heady days of the 1970s. Both teams have high hopes of a Premier League return this season and this is hard to call with Burnley losing just once at home so far and Leeds losing just twice on their travels.

Bet advice: Both teams to score @ 8/13

Middlesbrough v Cardiff (Saturday 3pm)
Boro look like they are in for a season-long relegation battle and a trip to the Riverside could provide Cardiff with a welcome chance to get back to winning ways. The Welsh outfit have really struggled in recent weeks – winning just one of their last six matches – but the Bluebirds’ pace up front should prove too much for a young Boro backline to deal with.

Bet advice: Craig Bellamy to score anytime @ 7/4

Leicester v Doncaster (Saturday 3pm)
Sven has made Leicester entertaining to watch since his arrival in October, but they are leaking goals and giving opposition chances on the break. Doncaster, though, are a different side away from the Keepmoat and an improving Foxes squad should secure the points.

Bet advice: Leicester to win 3-1 @ 12/1

Bristol City v Derby (Saturday 3pm)
QPR aside, the Robins are arguably the team in form in the Championship, with just one defeat in their last three games. They appear to be catching promotion hopefuls Derby at the just the right time as well, with Nigel Clough’s men losing three of their last four matches.

Bet advice: Bristol City to win @ 11/8

Norwich v Portsmouth (Saturday 3pm)
The Canaries are the surprise package of the season to date and find themselves in the top four, after losing just five of their 20 games to date. But they will be tested by a Portsmouth team who now look to be finding their stride under Steve Cotterill and who are fresh from a 2-1 win at Swansea. With Grant Holt suspended, Pompey could well sneak the points.

Bet advice: Draw HT/Portsmouth FT @ 15/2

Reading v Coventry (Saturday 3pm)
Goals have been hard to come by for both sides in recent weeks, with neither side looking like they are promotion material or likely to be relegated either. This won’t be high on the football bets list for people seeking an accumulator – a draw looks most likely.

Bet advice: 1-1 Correct Score @ 11/2

Scunthorpe v Nottingham Forest (Saturday 3pm)
Scunthorpe’s shocking home form means this should surely be an away win, as Forest move towards the play-off zone. The Iron have won just one game at Glanford Park this season and they look to be on a slippery slope towards League One.

Bet advice: Forest to win @ 6/5

Crystal Palace v Hull (Saturday 5:20pm)
Both of these teams are moving in the right direction and look to have recovered are their early-season slump. Palace are a young team building for the future, while Hull have a more experienced team who have improved their away form and are currently on a four-game unbeaten run.

Bet advice: Draw @ 23/10

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