Monthly Archives: February 2011

Reds ready for Sparta test

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Liverpool can put their thoughts of climbing the Premier League behind them as they focus on back-to-back Europa League clashes with Sparta Prague, starting with a tough away leg on Thursday (Sparta 16/5, draw 23/10, Liverpool 10/11).

The Reds have made great strides under Kenny Dalglish since the departure of his predecessor Roy Hodgson. Apart from a blip last weekend in a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic, results have started to go in favour of the Merseyside club.

Liverpool have already had some tough away days in the Europa League this season, with difficult trips to Holland, Italy and Romania. They have only managed to score one goal away from home in the competition, which came in a 1-1 draw with Steaua Bucharest.

Liverpool managed to battle out goalless away draws against Napoli and FC Utrecht whilst blooding youngsters in Europe. Like Manchester City against Aris Salonika, Liverpool may now look to strengthen their team for the knockout stages.

The Reds are without their skipper Steven Gerrard and experienced defender Daniel Agger, as they have been sidelined with injury. New signing Andy Carroll has travelled with the squad to the Czech Republic but he is still not fit enough to make his Liverpool debut.

One talented youngster who could make his first appearance for the Anfield club at the tender age of just 16 years and 71 days is Raheem Sterling.

The Jamaica-born striker would become the youngest player ever to play for the Liverpool first team if he manages to get on to the pitch on Thursday night.

Sparta will be another difficult nut to crack – especially on their home turf. It looks like it’s going to be close contest in the Czech capital and a low goal-scoring draw looks to be on the cards.

Flying the flag for Scotland in Europe are Glasgow Rangers who face Sporting Lisbon at Ibrox on Thursday (Rangers 6/4, draw 23/10, Sporting Lisbon 9/5).

As they did when they reached the final of the Europa League in 2008, Gers will be looking to make themselves difficult to beat.

Rangers will head into their first game in Europe without their season’s top goalscorer Kenny Miller who moved to Bursaspor in the January transfer window.

Rangers have to get something out of this home leg if they want any chance of going through to the latter stages of this tournament.

In front of a packed house at Ibrox, Gers could just grab a goal to have a slender lead going into the tough second leg back in Portugal.

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Forest to fire promotion message

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Nottingham Forest have the first of two chances to use games in hand on their rivals to jump into the Championship’s automatic promotion places (10/11 Promotion) when they travel to struggling Scunthorpe United on Wednesday evening.

Billy Davies’ men have stormed up the table in recent weeks with a ten-game unbeaten run to leave them handily-placed in fourth position and just two points behind second-placed Cardiff – who blew their opportunity to cement their place in the top two by being held to a 1-1 draw against Burnley on Tuesday.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw at league leaders QPR, despite being down to ten men for most of the Loftus Road encounter, highlighted Forest as real contenders for not only promotion but possibly the title (9/2 Outright) as they could move to within a point of Neil Warnock’s Rs if they win their two games in hand.

Forest have to travel to struggling Middlesbrough on March 1 to catch up on their previously postponed fixtures, but they will look to leap-frog Norwich and Cardiff this evening with a maximum haul from their game at Glanford Park.

Davies will be without Radoslaw Majewski, who must serve a three-match suspension following his red card at QPR, while fellow midfielder Guy Moussi is out with a thigh injury.

However, Forest should have more than enough to see off the Iron, who are seven points adrift of safety in second-bottom spot in the table following a run of 12 defeats in their last 14 and have won only once at home all season.

Ian Baraclough’s side will be without striker Joe Garner under the terms of his loan from Forest, but Chris Dagnall should be back in contention. Defenders Rob Jones and David Mirfin are doubtful and Garry Thompson is still about four weeks away from a return.

Forest boast the best defensive record in the Championship on their travels, while Scunthorpe are poor at home and have failed to score in seven of their last ten league matches.

Everything points to a 3-0 win for Forest (12/1 Correct Score), but the fact they battled on to earn a point with ten men at QPR could impact on their energy levels and subsequently play a part on the outcome of the game.

Add to that Scunthorpe’s desperation for points to try and save themselves from the drop back into League One and it might be a closer affair than many would anticipate looking at the stats ahead of the game.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest To Score In Both Halves @ 7/4
Value Bet: Forest To Win 2-1 @ 7/1

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Big night for Bluebirds

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Eight Championship clubs do battle on Tuesday night with Burnley’s trip to second-placed Cardiff the undoubted highlight as the season prepares to reach boiling point.

Cardiff v Burnley

A win for the Bluebirds will see them close the gap on leaders Queens Park Rangers back to three points while a Clarets victory would keep the visitors in touch with the play-off places.

It’s hard to see past Cardiff in this one, given the fact only Nottingham Forest and fierce rivals Swansea have left Cardiff City Stadium with maximum returns this season.

Dave Jones’ side’s home form, coupled with Burnley’s paltry return of just three wins on the road, points to a City win, but Burnley have picked up seven draws away from home and have a decent defensive record.

Take Draw/Cardiff – Half-Time/Full-Time @ 7/2

Watford v Preston

Preston’s decision to replace Darren Ferguson with Phil Brown has made no impact and North End make the trip to Vicarage Road propping up the division.

Ten points adrift, the Deepdale side appear to be doomed while further up the table the Hornets need to make their games in hand count if they are going to make inroads towards the top six.

The sides have not met so far this season in the Championship – the reverse fixture takes place on the final day – but Watford took four points from the games last term.

Take Watford to win 2-0 @ 11/2

Doncaster v Ipswich

Unlike Preston, Ipswich have seen an upturn in fortunes since the appointment of a new boss in Paul Jewell and they head to the Keepmoat on the back of a four-match unbeaten run in the Championship.

The revival is likely to keep the Tractor Boys away from relegation trouble but there is simply too much ground to make up in terms of the top six.

Doncaster in 16th are a place and a point worse off than Town but have seen their colours lowered just four times on home soil and Jewell’s side might not have the firepower to see them off.

Take the draw @ 23/10

Sheffield United v Reading
United are deep in the relegation mire after managing just seven wins in 30 attempts and they come up against a Royals outfit looking to keep their slim play-off hopes alive.

So there is plenty at stake at Bramall Lane for both sides, with recently appointed Blades chief Micky Adams yet to taste victory in eight attempts.

The home side also have a poor record against sides in the top half this term – Reading are currently 12th – so Adams run could well continue for at least another game.

Take Reading to score in both halves @ 13/5

Suggested accumulator: Cardiff, Watford and Reading.

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Barca ready to thwart Gunners

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Wednesday’s Champions League action sees the tie of the round as Arsenal take on 19/10 outright favourites Barcelona at the Emirates in the first leg of their last-16 clash with the Gunners on a revenge mission following their quarter-final exit last year. Perhaps not necessarily the choice of the neutral but there is also Roma’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Italian capital and here is a look at the betting for both games.

Arsenal v Barcelona

The Gunners are considered by many to be the best footballing side in England but unfortunately for them, they face the best footballing side in the world on Wednesday and it is not hard to see why the Catalan giants are the 5/6 favourites in the match betting.

Anyone who has seen Barca play over the course of the season is sure to have been impressed and they have forged a five-point lead at the top of La Liga, despite the vast amounts of money spent at arch-rivals Real Madrid and the summer signing of Jose Mourinho as manager.

At times, Barca have not quite lived up to their billing but are more than capable of playing when the pressure is one, demonstrated by the 5-0 hammering of Real in El Clasico.

The 2009 champions come into this match on the back of a surprise 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon on Saturday, which ended a 16-match winning streak in Spain.

However, excuses can be made for the result ahead of a big Champions League match and with Lionel Messi (7/2 to score the first goal) in red-hot form for the Blaugrana – has scored 24 goals in 23 league games and another six in the Champions League – it looks a case of whether Arsenal can keep pace.

Arsenal, who have top scorer Samir Nasri available after a hamstring injury, are certainly capable of scoring against anyone so goals look a certainty with Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals priced at 4/7.

The Gunners defence though is not the strongest – recently surrendering a 4-0 lead against Newcastle – particularly with Thomas Vermaelen out, and it may be a case that they need to outscore a side that not includes the World Player of the Year, but David Villa, Andres Iniesta and rising star Pedro.

The Catalans have never lost to Arsenal as well drawing 2-2 at the Emirates last season before destroying Arsene Wenger’s men 4-1 at the Nou Camp, while they also came from behind to win 2-1 in the 2006 Champions League final.

The clubs also met in the group stages in 1999/2000 which saw a 1-1 draw played out in Spain before Barcelona won 4-2 in the reverse fixture – at Wembley.

Arsenal also contrived to finish second in their group, despite winning their first three games with an aggregate 14-2 – and, despite winning four of the last five domestically, they haven’t played any side of the quality of Barcelona.

Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk

Roma’s campaign started slowly as they suffered defeats to Bayern and Basle (at home) but won two and drew one of their last three games to make it through to the last-16, despite finishing with a negative goal difference.

They are 20/21 favourites to make home advantage count on Wednesday and although they won 4-0 the last time they played the Ukrainians at home in 2006/07, recent domestic form does not make pretty reading and a Shakhtar surprise looks good value at 3/1.

Much may depend on their sharpness having not played since December 28 because of the winter break in Ukraine but they have won 25 of 28 matches played this season, and won two out of their three away games in the group stages.

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Defences to win midweek battle

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Birmingham and Newcastle go head-to-head in the only midweek Premier League game and goals will be at a premium at St Andrew’s (8/13 under 2.5 goals) on Tuesday night.

Both teams have largely struggled in front of goal in recent weeks and it looks like defences will be on top when the Blues and Magpies collide (Birmingham 7/5, Draw 11/5, Newcastle 9/5 – Match Betting).

The home team will undoubtedly have their minds on other things, with the Carling Cup final against Arsenal just over a week away. Saturday’s win over Stoke was a massive result in the battle to avoid the drop and Alex McLeish is likely to call on his players not to lose the game.

Blues are now three points outside the drop zone but goals continue to be an issue for McLeish, with Birmingham scoring the fewest goals of any team in the Premier League to date – 25.

Nikola Zigic (6/1 to be first goal scorer) has scored their last three goals from open play and he will again be their main threat, although the big Serb turns hot and cold like a tap, while regular strike partner Cameron Jerome has not scored in the league since early November.

Having started against Stoke, Obafemi Martins (11/8 to score on Tuesday) is set to keep his place in the starting line-up ahead of Jerome for the visit of his former club.

Despite being without Scott Dann through injury, McLeish’s outfit remain a tough nut to crack and have won four of their last five matches in all competitions and have been unbeaten during that period.

Meanwhile, Newcastle (10/1 to be relegated) are up to tenth having lost just one of their last seven Premier League games and look on course to keep their place in the top flight this season.

Despite their lack of striking options since the departure of Andy Carroll to Liverpool and Shola Ameobi’s latest injury, the Magpies have managed to pick up crucial points in recent weeks to aid their survival hopes.

Aside from a freaky 4-4 draw with Arsenal though, the Toon have scored just two goals in four of their last five league matches and will struggle to break down a stubborn Blues defence.

On-loan Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland remains doubtful for Newcastle as he struggles to overcome a hamstring injury, but Shefki Kuqi could feature again after being signed as a free agent last week.

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In-form Milan to earn their Spurs

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The Champions League returns this week with two games on Tuesday night and Tottenham face another trip to the San Siro, this time to take on seven-time winners of the competition AC Milan (both 22/1 in the outright betting) in the first leg of their last-16 clash, while Valencia also host Schalke at the Mestalla.

AC Milan v Spurs

These two sides enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the group stages with Spurs defying all the doubters to win Group A which included defending champions Inter, losing just one game and ending the phase as the tournament’s joint-leading scorers with 18.

Milan, though, made it through as a runner-up to Real Madrid with the fewest number of points as a qualifier, just eight, while they were the joint-lowest scorers of those teams that made it after mustering just seven goals.

The Italian powerhouse have struggled against English opposition since last lifting the trophy in 2007, having been beaten at this stage by Arsenal in 2008 and Manchester United by an aggregate 7-2 last year, while they were also held to a draw by Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup group stages in 2008/09.

However, it is hard to see that run continuing this week and Milan look good value at 8/11 in the match betting to at least establish a first-leg lead with a win.

Milan have found their form since the turn of the year and are unbeaten in 2011, preparing for this clash with a 4-0 demolition of Parma at the San Siro last Saturday to maintain a three-point lead at the top of Serie A as the Rossoneri look for their first domestic league title since 2004.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (4/1 to score the first goal) has found a new lease of life at Milan, leading the goal-scoring charts with 18 for the season, and will head a quality attacking triumvirate alongside the Brazilian duo of Alexandre Pato and Robinho.

There are one or two injury worries for coach Massimiliano Allegri as Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini are ruled out, while January arrivals Antonio Cassano, Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson are cup-tied.

However, Spurs have greater problems over selection despite the return of Rafael van der Vaart and will struggle to contain the Rossoneri on Tuesday.

Gareth Bale’s impressive performances against Inter in the group stages catapulted him into the transfer limelight but he has been ruled out of the first leg as he has not recovered from a back problem.

Although the Wales ace scored a hat-trick on Spurs’ last trip to the San Siro, it should be worth noting that the visitors were played off the park in the first half, trailing 4-0 at the break, and ultimately lost the match, albeit 4-3.

Playmaker Luka Modric is also a major doubt following appendicitis, Peter Crouch is struggling with a back injury and Jermaine Jenas is suspended – while Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King and Younes Kabboul are long-term absentees.

Spurs go into the game on the back of a three-match Premier League winning streak but have been eking out results rather than dominating – and look set to struggle against an in-form Milan outfit.

Valencia v Schalke 04

Valencia do not boast a great record against German opposition but are the form side going into this encounter and look worthy 7/10 favourites in the match betting on Tuesday, with Schalke on offer at 18/5 and the draw at 13/5.

Los Che have failed to win any of their last six home games against German sides, drawing five and losing one, with Schalke holding the hosts to a goalless affair in 2007/08 in the Champions League group stages.

However, Unai Emery’s men have gone on a six match-winning streak since a 4-2 reverse against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey and have now climbed to third in the table.

Schalke’s form domestically has been erratic, although they have been creeping up the table after an awful start to the campaign.

Felix Magath’s men were able to put their Bundesliga troubles behind them in the group stages, topping Group B after winning four matches and losing just one.

Valencia’s recent form has been too good to ignore though, and after warming up with a 2-1 at Atletico Madrid, they are expected to edge a low-scoring affair (Under 2.5 goals at 8/13).

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Chelsea face tough Cottage test

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Current Premier League champions Chelsea head to Craven Cottage on Monday evening to face a Fulham (to beat Chelsea – 19/5) side who have experienced a good run of form of late.

Fulham, who have seven points from their last three league games, welcome the Blues to the Cottage where they haven’t lost in any competition since December 26.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have picked up six points from their previous three league games which gives Fulham the slight advantage with regards to recent form.

New boy David Luiz is set to make his full debut for the Stamford Bridge side, having signed for £21.3million and Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that he fits into a Chelsea backline who have struggled since the injury to Alex this season.

Jose Boswinga is a doubt with an injury, while Yuri Zhirkov is still sidelined with a calf injury so Ancelotti’s defensive options are currently bleak.

The Blues have conceded four goals in their last three games across all competitions and it has proven to be a big problem for the side who have faltered in their title defence.

The west London club are now 13 points behind Manchester United in the Premier League, albeit with a game in hand. Ancelotti admitted recently that the title is now beyond them and that Champions League football the priority for Chelsea this season.

Fulham will be licking their lips at the prospect of a derby game against a Chelsea side low on confidence.  The league game at Stamford Bridge finished in a 1-0 win to Chelsea back in November, an Essien strike separating the sides, but Fulham have made a fortress at the Cottage recently and will fancy their chances.

The Cottagers have kept a clean sheet in their previous three home games and Chelsea appear to be suffering from the old ‘too-many-chiefs-and-not-enough-Indians’ dilemma with their attacking options.

£50million man Fernando Torres has had a poor season by his standards, Didier Drogba is not the player he was and Nicolas Anelka has only recently started to regain his form.  But truth be told, regardless of the class of these three, getting them to gel as a three-pronged attack in what will be only their second game as a unit will be a big ask.

Problems in defence for Chelsea, and issues to sort out in attack, means that Fulham, although seven league places behind their London neighbours, are worth a bet and stand a great chance of claiming all three points (Fulham to win 1-0 – 9/1).

Fulham will want star midfielder Clint Dempsey to be on form, as Bobby Zamora will not play despite making a return for the reserves recently.  The American Dempsey (to score anytime against Chelsea – 5/2 fav) has scored nine league goals this season and is well worth a punt to ruin Chelsea’s season even further.

No player at the Stamford Bridge club is yet to reach ten league goals for the season.  Drogba and Florent Malouda have both scored nine league goals this season.

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Juve out to thwart Inter

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There are a number of big games again this weekend, as we get to crunch time in the domestic leagues around Europe. Here are the pick of the matches, starting with a cracker in Italy…..

Juventus v Inter Milan

Inter Milan seek a fourth successive Serie A win when they travel to a Juventus side still harbouring ambitions of winning the Scudetto (Inter 8/5 to beat Juve).

The defending champions are five points adrift of Milan and just two points behind second-placed Napoli with a game in hand.

Juventus, despite trailing the leaders by 11 points and sitting in eighth place, will be relishing the fixture.

“Inter versus Juve or Juve versus Inter have always been important games, always charged with tension,” said Inter president Massimo Moratti.

“The important thing is that everything goes smoothly. We know it’s an important game for us and for them.

“It’s always been the derby d’Italia and, regardless of the teams’ positions in the standings, it remains like that.”

It’s a game that is crucial to Inter’s Scudetto chances, feels their midfielder Wesley Sneijder. The Nerazzurri have two massive games on the horizon, as they go to Fiorentina on Wednesday.

“We are closing the gap with Milan,” said Sneijder. “If we win against Juventus and Fiorentina then I really think we can win the Scudetto.

“The game at Juve is crucial for us while we also cannot miss the opportunity to gain ground when we face Fiorentina.”

Juve halted a run of three games without a win by beating Cagliari 3-1 in Sardinia in the last round (Juventus 7/4 to beat Inter), but have won just one of their last three games at Turin’s Stadio Olimpico.

“We saw the real Juve against Cagliari,” said Juve defender Andrea Barzagli. “Now we are looking to find continuity in results. I expect an open game, with this game crucial for both sides.”

Inter will be without Argentina striker Diego Milito, who is sidelined for a month with a thigh injury, as well as suspended defender Cristian Chivu.

Juve have recovered midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who sustained a muscular injury against Cagliari.

Deportivo La Coruna v Villareal

Villarreal, third placed going into Sunday’s away trip, bid to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Levante last time out (Villareal 21/20 to beat Deportivo).

Juan Carlos Garrido’s men had looked unstoppable on their own patch prior to that defeat, and with Valencia breathing down their necks in the race for third spot, they can ill afford further slip-ups.

Giuseppe Rossi, however, is enjoying the best form of his career, topped off with an international goal for Italy in the week.

Deportivo are struggling, and Miguel Angel Lotina has been under further pressure this week after last weekend’s hammering at Getafe (Deportivo 12/5 to beat Villareal).

This game arrives a week too soon for Deportivo winger Andres Guardado, who is due back in training within the next seven days.

Villareal striker Marco Ruben is doubtful, while defender Angel is out for the entire campaign, but Nilmar returned to action last week and is likely to start.

The home team have been largely disappointing and are currently sitting in 17th, with only a point separating them from the bottom three.

However, the Yellow Submarines’ last two visits to the Riazor ended in losses for them and of their 12 visits they have won three and drawn two – the last victory coming on the final day of the season in May 2008.

Roda JC v Ajax

Ajax coach Frank de Boer has left his side in no doubt about his feelings following last weekend’s 2-0 win against De Graafschap (Ajax 17/10 to beat Roda).

Ajax picked up the points, but de Boer was far from satisfied and wants an improvement against Roda.

“I think this match may determine our course for the remainder of this season”, de Boer said. “The away game at Roda is a traditional tough one, but I feel like we are ready. We’ll have to do better than last week against De Graafschap, because if we don’t, we’ll lose for sure.”

This fixture is statistically likely to end in a draw – the teams have finished all-square in 15 of the 37 meetings, including last season?s 2-2 draw.

Mounir El Hamdaoui scored twice when Ajax beat Roda at home earlier in the season, and is set to feature again, though de Boer is not saying whether he will use him up front or as a left winger.

Gregory van der Wiel, who played in the 3-1 win of the Netherlands against Austria on Wednesday, is suspended.

Roda JC will miss Laurent Delorge, who is still out with a back injury. The midfielder who played four Eredivisie matches for Ajax in the 2007/2008 season, has been a key figure for Roda this season (Roda 16/5 to beat Ajax).

Lille v Toulouse

Lille will still be on top of the table when they tackle Toulouse on Sunday, but could have had their advantage cut to two points if PSG win on Saturday (Lille 4/9 to beat Toulouse).

Lille have only lost twice this season, and are five points ahead of PSG with a goal difference that is eight better. Toulouse are seventh in the table but on a reasonable run, having won four of their last eight games.

Goalkeeper Mickael Landreau, who signed a contract extension this week to keep him with the club until summer 2014, will make his 500th Ligue 1 appearance.

However, rather than focusing on his own achievement, Landreau, who signed from Paris St Germain in summer 2009, is concentrating on helping Lille to victory as they look to maintain a healthy lead.

Landreau said: “The most important thing is to get the win. To be on top of the table, after all these years, is something fantastic.

“My approach remains the same: I’ve always been meticulous in my preparation. I must say that, for my 500th, I’m very happy to play it at home rather than on the road.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with the LOSC fans and it has been at this club that I’ve found everything I was looking for: ambition, serenity and enjoyment.”

Toulouse manager Alain Casanova believes Lille have all the necessary qualities to become champions (Toulouse 11/2 to beat Lille).

He told www.tfc.info: “They produce a quality game and have great spirit, especially attacking-wise. They have principles that have been the same for quite some time.

“This is a team capable of being very aggressive and very reactive as soon as they have lost the ball.

“This team has everything to challenge for the title and advance with it today.”

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Resurgent Trotters look strong

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There is one game on Sunday and one game on Monday in the Premier League, with an all North-West affair and a west London derby to look forward to. Bolton entertain Everton on Sunday, while Chelsea travel to Fulham on Monday and here’s are take on the games…….

Bolton v Everton

Bolton seem to have picked up after their January lull, and it is no coincidence that the Wanderers form has improved at the same time Lee Chung-Yong returned from Asian Cup duty and Daniel Sturridge joined on loan from Chelsea.

Bolton were unlucky to come away from White Hart Lane with nothing to show for their efforts last time out and will be desperate to get back to winning ways by seeing off Everton on Sunday.  Indeed, Bolton nearly managed to take three points off the Merseyside outfit earlier in the season but were denied by a last gasp Jermaine Beckford equaliser and Owen Coyle?s men should be in confident mood ahead of Everton’s visit.

Everton managed to secure a 5-3 win over Blackpool in a thrilling encounter last weekend, but boss David Moyes has been dealt a massive blow ahead of the trip to Bolton as Louis Saha has been ruled out with a hamstring problem.  The former Manchester United striker had been in fantastic form and managed to score an impressive four goals against the Seasiders, but with the Frenchman ruled out for the trip to Bolton the Toffees could well struggle to hit the target.

Bolton have a decent record on home soil and have lost just twice at the Reebok over the course of the current campaign.  In contrast, Everton have only tasted victory on two occasions in their 13 away games so far and could struggle to get the better of Bolton, especially with the in-form Saha sidelined (Match Betting – Bolton 13/8, draw 23/10, Everton 13/8).

Fulham v Chelsea

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti conceded defeat in the battle for the Premier League title this week, but that does not mean the Blues will simply roll over from here on in. The Stamford Bridge side are still battling for a top four spot and will be keen to take all three points from their encounter with local rivals Fulham.

Ancelotti has confirmed that January signing David Luiz will start against Fulham after making his debut as a substitute in the loss against Liverpool last weekend, while Fernando Torres should also feature despite his subdued display in his debut.

Fulham are a decent side at Craven Cottage and after a difficult start to the season, they have managed to get back on track and look as if they will comfortably avoid the drop. However, Chelsea, and in particular Torres, will be desperate to impress after being beaten by Liverpool last time out and they should be too strong for Mark Hughes- Cottagers on Monday night (Match Betting – Fulham 19/5, draw 13/5, Chelsea 3/4).

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SPL weekend preview

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In the Scottish Premier League this weekend, Rangers are looking to close the gap on leaders Celtic, while Hamilton will hope to claw back some ground at the foot of the table. Here is a look ahead to the weekend’s SPL action.

Hamilton v Hearts

Hamilton now find themselves four points adrift at the foot of the table and although they have a game or two in hand on their nearest rivals, they still need a win or two to get themselves into contention of safety. That is something that has eluded them at New Douglas Park and it is hard to see them getting anything against Hearts, who until recently were genuine contenders to the Old Firm.

Having been beaten on their last two trips away from Tynecastle, both came in Glasgow, and the Jambos will be out to prove their lofty position of third is a true reflection of their ability.
Hearts look a good price at 4/5 to come away with the win but with goals and clean sheets a problem for the hosts, 21/10 on the handicap (-1) looks even better.

Hibernian v Kilmarnock

Hibs ended a five-match losing streak and a seven-match scoreless run with a 2-0 against St Mirren last time out but it is hard to see why that should make them 7/5 favourites in this fixture.

Admittedly their form at Rugby Park is a lot better than on their travels bu that is not saying a lot for a side that is 10th in the table, five points clear of the bottom but having played a game more.

Kilmarnock ended a five-match winless run with a 1-0 win at Motherwell but they have been picking up points (three of those matches were drawn) and boast a far better record on their travels, having only been beaten twice on the road.

They are also the second leading scorers away from home, behind only Rangers, and at 7/4 look good value to record the win.

Rangers v Motherwell

Rangers are strong 1/5 favourites for good reason as they are the champions, have lost three times all season (although two of those defeats were at Ibrox) and need the win to close the gap on arch rivals Celtic, who play on Monday.

I can’t see the Gers losing this one but injuries and suspensions, as well as the sale of Kenny Miller do make them vulnerable.

Motherwell’s form has been erratic of late and perhaps they are not a side that would be able to take full advantage, but they can at least give the hosts a game and there looks to be goals in this one – Over 2.5 on offer at 4/6.

St Jonstone v Aberdeen

St Johnstone have only been beaten once in the last six games in the league and that was against third-placed Hearts but they have a patchy record at McDiarmid Park, winning five and losing five.

The Saints have only managed eight goals in front of their home fans and a close encounter looks on the cards when Aberdeen come to town on Saturday, as the Dons have scored only nine on their travels.

Aberdeen have done better on the road this season and look good value at 15/8, although I would take the 13/10 on the home side in what will be a tight affair.

St Mirren v Inverness CT

In stark contrast to the cup competitions, St Mirren have struggled in the league, having not won for six matches in the SPL, and are very much involved in the relegation battle.

The Buddies do have a four-point cushion over Hamilton but have played a game more and the pressure is very much on.

Given that, I would take the 8/5 on offer for Inverness CT (both teams same price) even though they have not won for 10 in the league.

During the winless run, they have drawn with both Rangers and Celtic and boast a far superior away record with just two defeats on their travels, compared to seven at Caledonian Stadium.

Dundee United v Celtic

It may be flippant to suggest that the league leaders are guaranteed a win on Sunday but I am finding it hard to disagree with the 8/13 favourites tag on Celtic.

The Hoops are the form side in the division, and Neil Lennon has got them playing good football at the moment with plenty of goals in the side – they have scored 20 in the last six.

The Terrors are enjoying an unbeaten run of late but have drawn a lot and although they are capable of giving the Bhoys a game (they drew 1-1 at Celtic Park in November), the leaders’ current form should be enough to safeguard the win.

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