Monthly Archives: February 2011

‘Destroyed’ Arsenal to bounce back

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Arsene Wenger admitted in the aftermath of Arsenal’s dramatic, last-gasp Carling Cup final reverse against Birmingham on Sunday that some of his players were “destroyed” by the nature of the 2-1 defeat. However, the Gunners can still enjoy what would surely rank as their finest-ever season if they managed to win an amazing treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles (100/1).

It’s a big ask, of course, but will the Wembley defeat re-focus Arsenal as they chase that elusive first trophy since 2005, or will it end up destroying their campaign completely?

Plenty of teams, including Arsenal themselves, have, in the past, benefited from a triumphant League Cup victory that has propelled them onto even greater achievements in the rest of the season but the question Gunners fans – and Wenger himself – will be asking  in is can they now use the crushing late defeat as a catalyst and platform to ensure they do not experience more misery in a season that has promised so much for so long. Such is Arsenal’s recent record of choking in the latter stages of competitions that they are now odds on with Totesport at 8/11 to end the campaign without silverware.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though.

Next up for the north Londoners is an FA Cup fifth-round replay against League One Leyton Orient (Arsenal 15/8 to win FA Cup) after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road just over a week ago. Nothing other than a home win on Wednesday will do as the Gunners set about appeasing fans who must be questioning how such a talented bunch of players continue to fall flat on their faces when it matters most. In fact, a handsome victory will be demanded at the Emirates and, a 4-0 rout on offer at 7/1 looks well worth a bet.

The stunning come-from-behind win over Barcelona in the first leg of their European last-16 tie at the Emirates earlier this month has ensured they head to the Nou Camp with a 2-1 lead and, while many are predicting Barca to overcome that, Wenger will be doing all he can to make amends for last year’s 4-1 defeat there and book a place in the quarter-finals. If there is one spectacular way to get over their Wembley heartache then success over the Catalans would be it.

The Premier League title race resumes with a clash at home against Sunderland on Saturday. Wenger will be hoping Chelsea do his side a huge favour by taking something off Manchester United on Tuesday, while United then go to Liverpool on Sunday. The Gunners boss must believe they are two games that the leaders can drop points in and, if they do, it will probably be the Gunners who profit the most. Certainly if Wenger’s men can go on to lift the title at the end of the season (7/4, United 1/2f) then a defeat in late February in the Carling Cup final will seem like little more than an irritation.

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Terry eyes United’s scalp

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John Terry has issued a final top-four rallying call and described the visit to Stamford Bridge of Premier League leaders Manchester United on Tuesday as “must win” for Chelsea (11/10 Chelsea, draw 23/10, Manchester United 23/10 – match betting).

The Blues trail Sir Alex Ferguson’s side by 15 points in fifth place but victory would lift them into Champions League contention and skipper Terry accepts there can be no more slip-ups at this stage of the season.

A wretched end to 2010 has effectively killed the west Londoners’ hopes of retaining their Premier League trophy but Terry believes they can still end the season with a flourish – starting against United.

The fixture, originally scheduled for December but postponed because of heavy snow, means the Reds have two huge Premier League fixtures in less than a week – on Saturday they travel to Liverpool – and Terry says they are not untouchable.

“We are very confident at home and the way they (United) play might help us,” Terry said.

“I’m not sure how they are going to come at us but other teams that have come to the Bridge have sat back and we’ve found it hard to break them down.

“It is a must-win game for us and the fans are going to be up for it.”

United have just won four league matches on the road this season and have not triumphed at Stamford Bridge since a 3-0 triumph in 2002.

Next up after the visit to Chelsea is an awkward assignment against bitter rivals Liverpool and Portugal winger Nani has identified the two games as potentially decisive in the race for the title.

“We have some tough games coming up,” the Portugal winger told the official club website.

“It’s the most important period of the season and I think that if we can beat Chelsea and Liverpool then we’ll have a fantastic opportunity to win the league.”

United are likely to be without defensive pair Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand because of ankle and calf injuries respectively, while Anderson, Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia are weeks away from returning.

Ferguson is likely to play Wayne Rooney in the lone striker role in front of a five-man midfield if he decides United do not need to rush Tuesday’s game and the advice here would be to look away from the outrights.

It is difficult to make a case for a glut of goals in a game of such significance and the worry is that these two could cancel each other out.

A way in at 4/1 could be the draw-draw half-time/full-time outcome given that United will be happy to try and control this match from the middle and avoid defeat rather than risk going gung-ho and leave with no capital gains.

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Baggies out to end Stoke hoodoo

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It has been a painful weekend for West Bromwich Albion as they have had to sit back and watch Black Country rivals Wolves and West Ham both win to leave them in second-bottom spot in the Premier League table.

Wolves thrashed Blackpool 4-0 at Molineux, while Avram Grant’s Hammers pulled off a surprise 3-1 win against a resurgent Liverpool to boost their battle to beat the drop.

Roy Hodgson’s men will get their opportunity to jump back out of the bottom three at Stoke on Monday evening, but the omens are not good as the Baggies have not won in the Potteries since 1982, while they have lost all three Premier League matches against Tony Pulis’ side to date without scoring a goal (Stoke 10/11 To Win).

Albion should be boosted by the return of key men Marek Cech and Youssef Mulumbu from respective groin and hamstring problems for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

And Hodgson will hope they can inspire his team to a first win (3/1 Away Win) in five games as they could move up to 16th with three points, while a fourth draw (5/2 Draw) in their last five league outings would be enough to get them out of the relegation places.

Stoke will not have any sympathy for the Baggies’ plight and Pulis will be looking for his side to make it eight wins from nine in their last nine league meetings.

A win for the hosts will move them into the top ten, eight points clear of the relegation places and within touching distance of safety for another season.

Winger Matthew Etherington is rated doubtful for the game as he struggles to overcome a back injury, while Abdoulaye Faye is struggling with a hamstring strain.

Jon Walters is expected to keep his place in the side if he fails to recover in time while striker Mamady Sidibe will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon last week.

John Carew snubbed West Brom to join Stoke on loan from Aston Villa in January and the Norwegian hitman will no doubt look to show the Baggies what they missed out on by grabbing a goal (9/2 First Goalscorer).

Looking at the game, everything points to a fifth successive home win for Stoke in all competitions and an eighth straight away defeat for West Brom.

However, if Hodgson can get his men fired up from the word go, they may profit from the fact Stoke are consistently slow starters to games, which is reflected by the statistic that they have yet to score a goal in the opening 15 minutes of a game so far this term.

The Potters are much stronger in the second half of games and have scored six goals later than the 90-minute mark – more than any other team in the Premier League.

Therefore, it could be that West Brom start well but are pushed on the back-foot as the game progresses, which is worth considering when pondering the outcome.

Prediction: Stoke 2 West Brom 1 @ 7/1
Value Bet: Half Time/Full Time: WBA/Stoke @ 25/1

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Arsenal to gun down Blues dreams

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The Carling Cup has been much maligned by football supporters in its history, but things have changed in recent seasons and the clash between Arsenal and Birmingham City (4pm) is an intriguing battle of differing styles.

Both teams will look to end trophy droughts, with more pressure on the Gunners to deliver the goods at Wembley having gone six years without a major honour.

Birmingham though will look to upset the odds and Alex McLeish has plenty of experience in winning cup finals during his time in charge of Rangers.

The Gunners are 8/15 to win the first piece of silverware on offer this season, while Blues are 6/1. All the omens point to Arsene Wenger’s men enjoying a comfortable day out, but nothing is ever straight forward with the Gunners.

A quick look at the form guide shows Arsenal have lost one of the last 17 in all competitions, including a comfortable win over Chelsea and their dramatic turnaround against Barcelona. The Gunners are trying to do the quadruple this season and have already beaten Birmingham twice in the league on their quest for the Premier League.

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for Blues, who have shown some fighting spirit since a 5-0 drubbing at Manchester United. Alex McLeish’s men have lost just one of the last seven, a run of results which includes five wins.

They will have also been boosted by the news Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott are out as they go in search of their first bit of silverware since the 1963 League Cup. Birmingham are unlikely to roll over and let Arsenal cruise to victory so don’t expect a one-sided final.

Match Bet: Draw HT/ Arsenal FT @ 3/1

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Reds can pile woe on Hammers

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Kenny Dalglish’s rivival of Liverpool continues to rumble on at a good pace and they will fancy their chances of heaping more misery on West Ham on Sunday (1.30pm).

The Reds are unbeaten in their last eight in all competitions and have conceded three goals in that time. They have also received a boost with the news Steven Gerrard should be back from a groin injury, after he wasn’t risked in Thursday’s Europa League tie.

The three points for the Reds are likely to rest on which West Ham turns up. The one who played the first half against West Brom will be looking at another embarrassment, while the team that came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 could pose Liverpool a tough test.

Keeping clean sheets has been West Ham’s biggest problem and with Luis Suarez (9/2 first goalscorer) slowly getting into the grove of things, West Ham fans should be a bit nervous. Raul Meireles has been on fire of late, scoring five in his last six league matches.

Match Bet: Liverpool to win with -1 handicap @ 13/5

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has probably been looking forward to this game more than any other since taking over at Craven Cottage, as his current club face his former team Manchester City (3pm).

Since being sacked 14 months ago, Hughes has probably been counting down the days for an opportunity to prove City were wrong to get rid of him. In the reverse fixture in November, City annihilated Fulham 4-1 but that was a Cottagers team still getting to grips with Hughes’ tactics.

Since the turn of the year, life for Fulham fans has got better and they have eased their relegation fears. They will go to Eastlands in good heart but are unlikely to get much joy against a City side that blew Aris Salonika away in 12 minutes in the Europa League on Thursday.

City’s formidable trio of Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli showed signs of forming some kind of a partnership in midweek, albeit Balotelli not noticing the other ten men in blue at times on Thursday.

Dzeko scored two very good goals and the Bosnian should lead City to a win, albeit not as lavish as the reverse fixture in west London.

Match Bet: Dzeko to score anytime @ evens

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Villa can boost survival fight

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There is the rarity of all Saturday’s Premier League games kicking off at 3pm, with important fixtures at both ends of the table. Two sides looking over their shoulders meet at Villa Park, with Gerard Houllier’s men looking set for a crucial three points.

Aston Villa v Blackburn

Villa knocked Rovers out of the FA Cup last month and the home side look likely to repeat the dose when Steve Kean’s men return to the Midlands. The home side are just three points outside the bottom three but it’s their away form that has led to their slump.

Villa have lost just three times at home in 13 league games and have lost just one of their last eight games. Meanwhile, despite sitting in 11th, Rovers are just five points from the drop zone and their recent form will be a concern. One win in six indicates Blackburn are a team on the slide, and a lack of goals will also worry the Rovers faithful.

Match Bet: Darren Bent to score 2 or more @ 5/1

Wigan v Man Utd

A new surface at the DW Stadium looks set to play into United’s hands and Fergie’s men look set to extend their lead at the top. Wigan have relayed their patchy pitch in the last fortnight which means a better pitch for the leaders to perform on.

Latics will also be without key on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is in illegible, and although Rio Ferdinand is still sidelined, the visitors should prove too strong for an inconsistent Wigan who remain in the bottom three.

Match Bet: Draw HT / Man Utd FT @ 3/1

Wolves v Blackpool

A huge game for both sides in their battle for survival, but the pressure will firmly be on the shoulders of the home team. Wolves are currently bottom and have struggled against fellow relegation candidates this season – losing at home to the likes of Wigan and Aston Villa and being held by West Ham.

Blackpool will have received a massive boost from their midweek win over Spurs and will go in search of a sixth away win of the season. The absence of the suspended Charlie Adam will be a blow though, and that may swing things in favour of Mick McCarthy’s men.

Match Bet: Both teams to score @ 8/13

Everton v Sunderland

Forget the Cup win over Chelsea, this is the big test for Everton in front of their restless home fans….and it’s a game they can’t afford to lose. David Moyes’ men are just three points from the bottom three and have, amazingly, won just four of their 12 league games at Goodison. A lack of firepower is a continued problem and the Blues need Tim Cahill to deliver following his recent spell with Australia.

Sunderland are looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat, although the Black Cats are not playing as badly as the form guide suggests. Steve Bruce’s men have won two of their last three away games and could welcome back Fraizer Campbell.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

Newcastle v Bolton

Alan Pardew has quietly gone about his business since his controversial appointment and knows two more wins should see the Magpies safe. Their home form has been impressive of late, with the Toon taking seven points from their last three fixtures and a win will see them move above their opponents in the table.

Newcastle’s hopes of another win will probably be helped by Bolton’s continuing FA Cup run. Wanderers are into the quarter-finals and that, combined with several injury problems, may see them slip out of the battle for a place in Europe.

Match Bet: Kevin Nolan to score @ 2/1

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Blades face do-or-die clash

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There is a full fixture list in the Championship on Saturday and several big games affect both ends of the table. The pressure to avoid the drop will be on both teams at Bramall Lane, as two former Premier League clubs go head-to-head.

Sheffield United v Derby (3pm)

This is a huge game in the battle for survival and a game the Blades really must win. United have not won in their last 12 games and the arrival of Micky Adams has done little to revive their flagging fortunes.

Having thrown away a 2-0 lead at Scunthorpe in midweek, they are given a chance to redeem themselves against the Rams. Derby have not won in their last nine games and a lack of firepower has seen them slip into the relegation tussle.

Match Bet: Sheffield United to win @ 13/10

Swansea v Leeds (12.45pm)

Second play sixth at the Liberty Stadium and this is a tough game to call, with two sides who have surprised many pundits this season. The Swans have lost just one of their last seven league games, although their record against fellow promotion hopefuls is not great – with recent defeats to Cardiff and QPR.

Leeds have only lost three of their 16 away league games to date and look a better side away from Elland Road, although their usually backline have conceded five goals in their last two games.

Match Bet: Both teams to score @ 4/5

Hull v Cardiff (3pm)

The Tigers are arguably the form team in the division, with Nigel Pearson’s men unbeaten in their last nine league games. They have only conceded eight goals at home – second best record in the league – and will be able to play on-loan Cardiff defender Anthony Gerrard against his parent club.

Cardiff are unpredictable at the moment, capable of beating anyone but equally capable of losing games they should win. The Bluebirds have lost just twice away from home but have only won once outside the Welsh capital (at Swansea) since mid-November.

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

Middlesbrough v QPR (3pm)

Boro are still threatened by relegation despite picking up in recent weeks and will offer QPR a stern test at the back. Tony Mowbray’s men have scored 13 goals in their last six games, including six in their last two, but have also been leaking them at the other end.

The Rs are far from their best at the moment, but if they continue to pick up points on their travels and win their home games, should have enough to go up automatically.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Millwall v Nottingham Forest (3pm)

Lions fans are still dreaming of a place in the Premier League, with Kenny Jackett’s men eight points outside the play-off zone. Their recent inconsistent form though looks likely to cost them with just one win in their last five games.

Forest have also been Jekyll  and Hyde in recent weeks, with good results against Cardiff and QPR sitting alongside slip-ups against strugglers Scunthorpe and Preston.

Match Bet: Draw @ 11/5

Barnsley v Norwich (3pm)

The Tykes spoilt the party for Leeds in midweek and could do likewise against a Norwich team that has drawn its last two games. Barnsley have lost just three times at Oakwell, with their last home defeat coming back on Boxing Day.

The Canaries look to be hitting a blip and their home draw with Doncaster on Tuesday must have dented confidence. Although their away form has been good, the loss of injured defender Leon Barnett is a big blow.

Match Bet: Barnsley to win @ 19/10

Crystal Palace v Reading (3pm)

Both of these teams still have much to play for, with Palace just three points outside the drop zone and the Royals seven points from the play-offs.

Palace have gone eight games at home without conceding a goal and have not been beaten at Selhurst Park since October. Reading are unbeaten in three matches but the goals look to have dried up.

Match Bet: Palace to win 1-0 @ 15/2

Preston v Burnley (3pm)

North End are showing signs of recovery, but it may come too late in their battle for survival. Phil Brown’s men are still bottom despite draws against Watford, QPR and Nottingham Forest in their last three games.

Burnley are not out of the play-off picture and are on a three-game unbeaten run, but will find it hard to pick up a much-needed three points in this Lancashire derby.

Match Bet: 1-1 draw @ 11/2

Leicester v Coventry (3pm)

The Foxes’ defeat at Cardiff in midweek might prove costly, but they should get back to winning ways in this Midlands derby.

Sven’s men have only lost twice at home this season, while out-of-form Coventry have not won on their travels since November.

Match Bet: Leicester HT / Leicester FT @ 6/5

Bristol City v Scunthorpe (3pm)

The Robins look to have got themselves out of trouble at the bottom end of the table, but will face a resurgent Scunny team who have picked up seven points from their last three games.

The Iron’s away form is generally better than their home form and they will fancy their chances of picking up something from Ashton Gate.

Match Bet: Draw @ 12/5

Ipswich v Portsmouth (3pm)

Can only see this match going one way – a home win. Paul Jewell has turned around the Tractor Boys’ fortunes since taking charge at Portman Road and they should be too strong for a Pompey squad still struggling for numbers.

Match Bet: Ipswich to win @ 20/23

Doncaster v Watford (3pm)

Injury-ravaged Rovers shocked everyone with a 1-1 draw at Norwich in midweek and back on their home patch may now build on that. Although it is too late for the play-offs, Donny could take the points against a Watford team that has not won since January 15.

Match Bet: Doncaster to win @ 6/4

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Can Arsenal better Invincibles feat?

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Ask Arsenal supporters what their favourite moments of Arsene Wenger’s reign are and you might get a few different answers. Beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in 2006, winning the title at White Hart Lane or Sylvain Wiltord’s league-winning goal at Old Trafford might all come up.

However, the majority of fans will point to Arsenal’s unbeaten season as the crown glory of Wenger’s time in charge. The Frenchman is now on course to complete another history-making feat as he looks to steer the Gunners towards four trophies. We examine whether Arsenal can win all or any of the trophies they are going for over the next four months.

Carling Cup

Let’s start with the most pressing matter, which will be on most Arsenal fans’ minds and that is this Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Birmingham.

The Gunners are 1/4 to win the first piece of domestic silverware on offer this season and will fancy their chances of climbing the steps to the balcony of the new Wembley for the first time since it was re-built. In Birmingham they are facing a side who are struggling in the league, mainly due to a lack of goals, and who have already been beaten comfortably by Arsenal home and away this season in the league.

Wenger’s men are unbeaten in the last eight matches between the two teams but, as the old cliché goes, anything can happen in a cup game. The pressure is on Arsenal to win and end a six-year wait for silverware, while Blues are expected to lose so can maybe play with more freedom. Arsenal’s cause hasn’t been helped by injuries to Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas but even without the duo they should have enough star power to end their barren spell.

Premier League

Wednesday’s win over Stoke has put Arsenal just one point behind league leaders Manchester United, although they have played a game more.

However, some will say it is better to have the points on the board rather than have to games in hand and if so then the Gunners are in decent shape for a title-winning surge.

They have the better of the two run-ins when compared with Manchester United – away at Tottenham, home to United and Liverpool are the toughest of their remaining 11 games. Arsenal are 7/4 to win the Premier League and that looks a decent bet with United now being odds-on at 4/7.

Over recent years the Gunners have choked when it comes to the run-in and droped points when they shouldn’t, last season’s fall from grace coming in the form of a 3-2 defeat at Wigan after being 2-0 up. You feel that the there is another mistake in the current Arsenal team and for that reason it looks as though it will be another year at least before the Gunners can call themselves the kings of England again.

FA Cup

Based on what Arsenal have done in the FA Cup this year you’d have to say ‘no’ if asked whether you think the north London outfit can win this historic competition.

The Gunners are 18/5 for the FA Cup, but having taken a replay to beat Leeds and struggled past Huddersfield you get the sense it isn’t their biggest priority. Wenger’s selection for the game with Leyton Orient demonstrates that and a replay against their fellow Londoners is the last thing they need. While they should crush the League One outfit at the Emirates Stadium a trip to Old Trafford will await them.

United have had Arsenal’s number in recent meetings and the last time they played each other in the FA Cup Wenger’s men were embarrassed 4-0 by Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges.

While you could look at it as Arsenal owing United one, the season the Red Devils are having suggests that they will do just enough to get by and march on to the semi-finals at the Gunners’ expense.

Champions League

This is the one all Arsenal fans are aching to win, the one trophy that Wenger wants more than any other. The small problem is they need to go to the Nou Camp and maintain a slender one-goal advantage against the favourites Barcelona.

Arsenal are 14/1 to win the Champions League and that might not be such a crazy bet when you consider that if they do survive in the Nou Camp there aren’t too many sides left the Gunners will fear. If Arsenal can get rid of Barca that will open up the competition massively.

If you gave Wenger a choice between winning the Champions League and Premier League you’d think he would pick the first one. Most Arsenal fans will be dreading the second leg in Barcelona, but shouldn’t. They should see it as the best opportunity they are going to get at winning the Champions League because without the Spanish champions Arsenal will fear no one.

While the Gunners have a better chance of winning the Premier League or FA Cup this is the one they want and you shouldn’t look beyond them getting their wish.

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Brits out to break deadlock

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Liverpool, Manchester City and Rangers all drew against their respective opponents in their first legs of the Europa League knockout stages and now these British clubs will be determined to break the deadlock on Thursday night.

The Reds eased to a goalless draw against Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic last week and should have really taken a lead back to Anfield for the next clash (Liverpool 4/11, draw 7/2, Sparta 17/2).

Striker David Ngog had a couple of decent opportunities to score but could not find the back of the net on a freezing night in the Czech capital.

With slightly more moderate temperatures currently on Merseyside, Liverpool will fancy their chances of progressing on home soil.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has named captain Steven Gerrard in the squad but it’s unlikely the England midfielder will be risked for the Europa League game.

Defenders Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel are set for a return to the side to keep the Sparta attackers at bay.

Liverpool should progress to the latter stages of this tournament, and with Sparta looking pretty average on home soil, they may struggle on a European night at Anfield.

As for Manchester City, they too failed to hit the back of the net in their first leg game against Aris Salonika last week (City 2/9, draw 5/1, Aris 12/1).

The Blues fielded a strong side in the clash in Greece with Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and David Silva spearheading the attack.

Roberto Mancini is likely to go with a similar attack, with possibly Italian striker Mario Balotelli coming into the line-up.

Salonika were a stubborn proposition on home soil but against a star-studded City side at Eastlands, who are determined to win some silverware this season, the Greek club may struggle.

If City do go with a strong attacking formation then they should win this one by two or more goals.

Scotland’s last representatives in Europe, Rangers, have the most difficult task ahead of them.

After a 1-1 draw with Sporting Lisbon at Ibrox, the Gers now have to get a goal in Portugal if they don’t want to be knocked out on away goals (Sporting 8/13, draw 14/5, Rangers 9/2).

Walter Smith’s men put in a fine display in Glasgow in the first leg and looked like they would take a lead into the second leg but the SPL champions conceded an 88th-minute goal, leaving them with plenty to do on Thursday night.

With bigger concerns in the SPL, Rangers may struggle against Sporting and the Portuguese side should progress on home soil.

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Back to business after Euro glory

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London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham both secured memorable European victories last week – with the Gunners seeing off Barcelona at the Emirates and Spurs grabbing a 1-0 win over AC Milan at the San Siro – but  they turn their attentions back to the Premier League this week as Spurs travel to strugglers Blackpool on Tuesday and Arsenal host Stoke on Wednesday (Arsenal 2/1 to win the Premier League title). How will they shape up following their Champions League wins?

Blackpool Vs Tottenham Hotspur

After their fearless, and wholly unexpected, fine start to life in the Premier League in the autumn last year, the Seasiders have slipped down the  table in recent weeks with just one win since the turn of the year and Ian Holloway’s men are now in real danger of dropping out of the top flight (Blackpool 6/5 to be relegated).

Blackpool also travel to Wolves on Saturday in a crucial relegation showdown but Holloway will still have his players focused for the test of Spurs.  Despite Blackpool’s struggles in 2011 it is worth noting that they have pulled out some decent performances despite results not going their way.  The one win they did manage to pick up in January was the notable scalp of Liverpool in a 2-1 win at Bloomfield Road, while they also pushed champions elect Manchester United to the limit before slipping to a 3-2 defeat.

Spurs have a great away record and only Arsenal have recorded more victories on the road than Harry Redknapp’s side. Spurs are the heavy favourites to take all three points but the game could be much closer than many people expect and Blackpool will not roll over easily (match betting – Blackpool 16/5, draw 11/4, Spurs 4/5).

Spurs will be without the influential midfield duo of Rafael Van der Vaart and Gareth Bale for their trip to Bloomfield Road, while Blackpool have just Richard Kingson as their only option in goal and both sides have a few injury problems. Spurs are also without Vedran Corluka, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Younes Kaboul and Tom Huddlestone.  Blackpool will have to cope without Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks, who are both a few weeks away from returning to action, for Spurs’ visit.

Charlie Adam has been in fine form of late and, indeed, through the course of the season. After missing out on a deadline-day move to Spurs he will be desperate to impress Redknapp. The Spurs boss has hinted he may reignite his interest in Adam in the summer and the Scottish international can be backed at 10/3 to score at any time in the match.

Both teams have an attacking philosophy and are arguably two of the most attack minded sides in the Premier League, over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/15 and there will be plenty of chances for both sides over the course of the fixture.

Arsenal V Stoke City

Arsenal and Stoke have built up a fierce rivalry in recent years, with the contrasting styles of bosses Arsene Wenger and Tony Pulis seemingly at the route of the problem – as well as a few tasty encounters.

Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in particular is an unpopular figure at the Emirates Stadium after his challenge on Aaron Ramsey sidelined the midfielder with a broken leg for a significant amount of time and the Potters and boss Pulis are set for a fiery reception when they arrive at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Both sides have virtually fully-fit squads ahead of the meeting.  Arsenal are without Abou Diaby through suspension, while Johan Djourou remains a doubt with a back injury. Stoke’s only concern is winger Matthew Etherington, who has a back problem.

Arsenal have been beaten just three times at the Emirates in the Premier League this season and it will take a big effort from the Potters to get anything out of the game. Pulis’ Stoke side have managed just 10 points and 12 goals from their 13 away days to date and it would take a brave punter to back anything other than an Arsenal victory at the Emirates on Wednesday (match betting – Arsenal 3/10, draw 4/1, Stoke 10/1).

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