Monthly Archives: September 2011

Toon to extend unbeaten record

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Bet on the Premier LeagueNewcastle United travel to QPR for the Monday night fixture and expect them to extend their unbeaten record against the newly promoted Londoners (QPR 11/8, draw 23/10, Newcastle 21/10 – Match Betting).

Toon boss Alan Pardew will be delighted with his side’s start in the league despite not managing to land any big name signings before the transfer window closed.

They come into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory over Fulham at St James’ Park and have been good value for the points they have picked up so far.

Their most impressive performance this season came against North-East rivals Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne derby. They continued their fine record in the fixture despite going into the game as underdogs, winning 1-0 at The Stadium of Light.

Davide Santon is set to make his debut for the Toon at Loftus Road. The Italian full-back has played seven times for his country and was once regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the world. The 20-year-old now has the opportunity to express his talents in the Premier League in Newcastle colours. It could turn out to be a real scoop for Pardew who signed the player on a five-year contract.

Leon Best has got off to a flyer this season and the in-form striker should be backed to score the first goal at 6/1. The 24-year-old looked a real threat against Fulham and added two goals to his account on that afternoon. Best is blooming with the quality of service he has received so far and can be trusted to continue his rich vein of form.

The last time Newcastle won at Loftus Road was with a 3-2 victory and the same result is a good bet at 28/1 to occur again. Both sides are capable of scoring goals as neither have particularly strong defences. There has also never been a league game between these two sides that has finished goalless and it would come as a complete surprise if it were to happen this time around.

Neil Warnock is likely to hand a debut to Joey Barton against his old club as well as starts for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Luke Young. Rangers were busy in the transfer window, bringing in half a dozen new players, and it may just take a while for them to gel as a team.

Their start to the Premier League season has been hit and miss. They have had just one win although it was an impressive 1-0 success at Goodison Park against Everton. However, they were well beaten in their opening game against Bolton (0-4) and at Wigan they were very much second best in a 2-0 defeat.

The hosts have yet to prove themselves in the top flight this season and are still one of the teams tipped to be relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.

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Cottagers can add to Kean woes

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The two Premier League matches on Sunday don’t instantly stand out as ‘must-see’ games but, even at this early stage of the campaign, they could be crucial for the clubs involved. Norwich and West Brom are still seeking their first wins of the season, while Fulham and Blackburn have just one point between them…..who will prevail?

Norwich v West Brom (1.30pm)

Norwich have impressed many onlookers with their performances in the opening three games, but they could do with a win to further bolster confidence (Norwich 8/5, Draw 9/4, West Brom 15/8 – Match Betting).

The Canaries looked like securing three points in their first home match, but a late Stoke equaliser denied Paul Lambert’s men and the longer they go without a home win, the more anxious the Norwich fans will get.

This fixture is likely to have been targeted by Lambert as a game they should be looking to win, but they face a Baggies side who have performed better than results suggest.

The fixture list was unkind to Roy Hodgson’s men, who started with back-to-back games against Manchester United and Chelsea. They should have got something from those games, but a disappointing late home defeat to Stoke has left West Brom pointless and in the bottom three.

The return to fitness of Peter Odemwingie (6/1 First Goalscorer) will be a major plus for the visitors and the Nigerian looks likely to form a good partnership with Shane Long, who has already got two goals to his name this season.

This looks a tough one to call on paper and there may be a thought that this is a game that neither team will want to lose, rather than a game they need to win.

Suggested Bet – Draw @ 9/4

Fulham v Blackburn (4pm)

The pressure is mounting on Steve Kean and Craven Cottage is not normally a place you want to go if you are desperately seeking a victory (Fulham 8/11, Draw 5/2, Blackburn 9/2 – Match Betting).

Rovers have made their worst start since 1947-48, when they were relegated, and many pundits are predicting a season of struggle for Blackburn. Even lady luck seems to have deserted Kean’s men, who missed two penalties against Everton last time out and conceded a late spot-kick to lose a third game on the bounce.

The omens don’t look good either for Blackburn, who have been beaten on their last two trips to Craven Cottage, conceding a total of six goals.

Fulham though are hardly pulling up tress, with just one point from their opening three matches with the Cottagers hit hard by injuries. Simon Davies is a long-term absentee, while Bobby Zamora (11/8 to score at anytime) has also had a spell on the sidelines.

The deadline day capture of Brian Ruiz though looks an excellent addition to Martin Jol’s ranks and Fulham should be moving up the table soon. The home side look too strong for a Blackburn squad lacking in confidence and are likely to seal their opening success of the season.

Suggested Bet – Fulham to win @ 8/11

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Saturday’s Premier League bets

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A Saturday seven-time accumulator of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Draw (Stoke-Liverpool), Chelsea, Draw (Wolves-Spurs) and Manchester United pays a massive 151/1. There are many more realistic ways of making cash on the Premier League, however.

Arsenal v Swansea

The Gunners finally strengthened their ranks on transfer deadline day but will all the new boys face Swansea and will they take time to gel? These are the questions that face Arsene Wenger this weekend as Swansea arrive at the Emirates Stadium still in search of their first top-flight goal since 1984.

Arsenal must show a reaction after being mauled 8-2 at Old Trafford last time out and Wenger will hope that deadline day finally put a cut off marker down on the form that slumped dramatically after Birmingham’s victory in the Carling Cup final last February.

Keeping all eleven men on the field for the 90 minutes will be a step in the right direction for the ill-disciplined Gunners, but without Thomas Vermaelen again, they are still vulnerable at the back.

Swansea are 8/1 to ‘Score in Both Halves’, but Arsenal may still win a close one  – go for 3-2 to the Gunners at 25/1 in Correct Score betting.

Everton v Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta-less Everton face a dangerous Aston Villa side at Goodison Park – so Tim Cahill will take on even more responsibility for David Moyes’ side.

Cahill, 13/8 to score ‘Anytime’, has scored six goals in his last ten matches against Villa, the team he apparently enjoys facing most – but will he be as sharp as usual after a flight back from Australia?

Without Cahill, Everton may have to play a more direct brand of football and this could enable Villa to pinch the points if they are able to spring speedy counter-attacks with their pacy front and wide players.

Villa are 11/4 to win the match in ‘90 Minutes’ and 6/4 ‘To Score First Goal’.

Manchester City v Wigan Athletic

Roberto Martinez can boast the longest current unbeaten run of any manager in the Premier League while the Latics haven’t lost in seven top-flight matches.

But Manchester City have won six straight home matches and were in awesome form before the international break, particularly striker Edin Dzeko.

Wigan may catch City without their eyes completely on the ball as they make their Champions League bow against Napoli on Wednesday, but Roberto Mancini’s men should still win the match.

Dzeko to score first and City to win the match 2-0 is available at 14/1 in Scorecast betting.

Stoke City v Liverpool

Liverpool have scored in all but one of their last 13 away league games under Kenny Dalglish and will offer a much more attacking prospect to travelling fans who witnessed last season’s dismal 2-0 defeat at the Britannia under Roy Hodgson.

The Potters have failed to score in four of their six PL meetings with Liverpool, but can now boast new signing and former Anfield hero Peter Crouch.

Punters who believe former players are destined to haunt their old clubs will be on Crouchy at 7/1 First Goalscorer and 15/8 Anytime.

But Liverpool have scored the opener in all four of their competitive fixtures so far this season and could do so again at 8/11 in the To Score First Goal market.

Sunderland v Chelsea

There could hardly be a more difficult fixture for under-pressure Sunderland boss Steve Bruce after his side lost their last three home league games and seven of their last eight.

He will give ex-Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner a chance to become an instant Wearside hero, but with Petr Cech back for the Blues, the Dane may again draw a blank.

Chelsea have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games, so a high scoring match could yet still be on the cards.

A tough one to call so why not plump for Over 2.5 goals at 10/11.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur

Roger Johnson has made Wolves’ defence a much tougher unit to crack this season – but Spurs can field new signing Emmanuel Adebayor against him on Saturday.

It will be a key battle, as will the midfield scrap between ex-Spurs man Jamie O’Hara and Luka Modric. Spurs cannot afford to lose this one and Wolves are a hard team to beat these days, which could suggest a draw, backable at 12/5 in 90 Minutes betting.

Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United

This match could go the same way as last season’s entertaining and memorable 2-2 draw, which is on offer again at 16/1 in the Correct Score market.

Bolton are going to be well up for the derby clash and will attempt to put constant pressure on United’s error-prone keeper David de Gea.

His chances of keeping a clean sheet look slim, unless he seriously improves his concentration, but expect his team-mates to bail him out if he again drops a clanger.

Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney are quite simply on fire and, if both are selected, will wreak havoc on the Bolton defence.

Young, who grabbed the last goal of United’s 8-2 romp against Arsenal and forced the last goal in their 2-1 win at West Brom, is 6/1 to score the last here.

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Trio can land Friday prize

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There are three key games taking place across Europe on Friday evening, with punters sure to be keeping an eye on developments in England, Italy and Germany. We take a look at the best betting options for the triple-header…….

Preston can make it make it four successive League One wins on the bounce when they welcome Yeovil to Deepdale in leg one of Friday’s football treble.

North End have responded well from their shock home defeat to Colchester on the opening day of the new campaign – and first in the third tier of English football since relegation last season – by clocking up 10 points in four games.

By contrast, Yeovil have managed just one win in League One so far this season – at home to Oldham nearly a month ago – and are priced accordingly at 4/1 in the match betting for what would be a shock away win.

More encouraging for PNE manager Phil Brown, who revealed free agent El Hadji Diouf is training with the club this week, is the that fact his promotion-contenders have not conceded a league goal in 270 minutes.

His only worry is goalkeeper Iain Turner, who scored with a huge goal-kick in Preston’s last outing against Notts County on August 27, because of an elbow injury.

Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton was delighted with the way his side battled to a goalless draw against Tranmere at Prenton Park – the club first clean sheet of the new season – but it is difficult to make a case for the Glovers heading back North on Friday night.

Skiverton, who admitted “my players are going through the pain barrier for me at the moment” last week, has lost strikers Jon Obika and Andy Williams to injury and that can only blunt the Green and Whites as an attacking unit.

North End can be backed at 4/7 to beat Yeovil and are 2/1 to win promotion from League 1 this season, and it is difficult to envisage them flopping on Friday.

In Serie A, AC Milan drew twice in the league against Lazio (Milan 8/13, draw 12/5, Lazio 4/1 – Match Betting) last term – but only lost twice at home all season.

The defending champions are a short price to win on Friday at the San Siro in the opening game of the delayed Italian season, but they look too strong for the Rome outfit.

Finally, Augsburg have failed to win a match in Bundesliga in four attempts since promotion to the German top flight last season – and have not scored in 180 minutes – and on Friday entertain shot-shy Bayer Leverkusen.

The visitors have only netted twice in four games since the start of the new season and it may pay to side with a low goals projection at SGL Arena (Augsburg 3/1, draw 5/2, Bayer Leverkusen 8/11 – Match Betting).

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Scots to keep Euro hopes alive

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After a Saturday’s controversial draw with the Czech Republic, Scotland continue their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a crunch tie against Lithuania at Hampden Park on Tuesday, knowing only a victory will do if they’re to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer (Scotland 4/7 to win on Tuesday).

Craig Levein’s side looked as if they were on course for a crucial victory against the Czechs but a questionable penalty awarded by referee Kevin Blom following Jan Resek’s tumble in the box gave Michal Kadlec a chance to level the scores, handing Michal Bilek’s side a point.

To add further insult to injury, the Scots themselves were denied a spot-kick in the closing minutes leaving them bitterly frustrated. The Tartan Army will be hoping Darren Fletcher and his men can channel this anger in a positive manner and get the three points required against an improving Lithuanian side.

Fletcher will undoubtedly be one of the Scot’s key players, driving the team forwards and doing all he can to ensure the victory. The Manchester United man was much derided during the early stages of his career but is now seen as one of the nation’s premier midfielders and with both Charlie Adam and Scott Brown missing through injury and suspension respectively, Fletcher will be looking for a big performance.

Scotland will also be without star striker Kenny Miller who is banned following his yellow card at the weekend meaning Blackburn’s David Goodwillie (4/1 first goalscorer) is likely to be the man charged with leading the line for Levein’s side. The former Dundee United forward has only played once for his country but has the talent to fire them to victory on Tuesday night.

After a decent start to their qualifying campaign, which included an away victory against the Czechs, Lithuania’s (11/2 for the win) form has hit the skids in recent times and their last two fixtures have seen them pick up just a point from two games against minnows Lichtenstein.

Their most notable player is surely Hearts winger Arvydas Novikovas who has been one of the SPL’s brightest stars for the last few seasons. The left-footer has both pace and ability and could cause the Scottish rearguard some major problems.

Another name to lookout for is the skipper Tomas Danilevicuis (7/1 first goalscorer) who despite his age, still has an eye for goal and will be looking to make an impact in what could be one of his final matches for his country.

Following their encouraging performance on Saturday, the Scots will be expecting a comfortable win against the eastern Europeans and will be doing all they can to close the gap on the Czechs going into the final two games of qualifying.

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England seek home comforts

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There will be those who believe that England have already secured their place in next year’s European Championships but there is still work to be done when local rivals Wales travel to Wembley on Tuesday night (England v Wales – totesport).

Fabio Capello’s men had been locked on 13 points at the top of Group G going into Friday night’s matches with England able to open up a lead after cruising to a 3-0 win, while Montenegro suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat in Cardiff.

The Three Lions are now three points clear of Montenegro with two games to go but they will not be able to confirm their place at Euro 2012, regardless of whether they win or not on Tuesday.

There are one or two injury concerns for Capello but only amongst the squad players as Leighton Baines has picked up a problem and has been ruled out, following on from Sunday’s withdrawals of Darren Bent and Micah Richards.

No replacements have been called up so Capello could well stick with the side that triumphed in Sofia, although there will be a question mark in midfield.

England stalwart Frank Lampard was surprisingly left on the bench against Bulgaria but may be recalled given the fact that Gareth Barry and Scott Parker are both one yellow card away from being suspended for next month’s crunch clash against Montenegro.

England would need a point in that game if they were to match the feat in Cardiff and beat Wales (England 1/7, Draw 7/1, Wales 16/1 Match Betting) after goals from Lampard and Bent secured a 2-0 win (11/2 Repeat Scoreline).

There was plenty on show on Friday to suggest that England will create enough chances to claim the three points, albeit against a poor Bulgaria side, and Wayne Rooney may well prove hard to stop after ending his year-long drought in the national jersey with two goals (Rooney 11/2 to score two or more).

The attacking trio of Ashley Young (3/2 Anytime Scorer), Theo Walcott (3/2) and Stewart Downing (9/4) also carried plenty of threat for the Three Lions and it is sure to be tough going for Gary Speed’s men when they have not got the ball.

The Dragons have endured a difficult time under his leadership but the 2-1 win over Montenegro can only boost the squad’s confidence ahead of the derby clash, and they would love nothing more than springing a 16/1 surprise.

Craig Bellamy and David Vaughan are both missing through suspension but Gareth Bale (9/2 Anytime Scorer), who was sidelined for the earlier fixture in Cardiff, was sensational against Montenegro and will be a real thorn in England’s side.

Whether that is enough is open to question but England have endured some difficulties at Wembley, since an opening 4-0 over Bulgaria last September.

In four games since then, they have been held by Montenegro and Switzerland in the group, as well as Ghana in a friendly, while France took the spoils last November.

The home side should have the ammunition and the tools to pick up the three points but with England, anything is possible.

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Young Lions to roar against Israel

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After a superb start to their qualifying campaign, the England under-21s (2/7 to beat Israel) are back in action on Monday in a friendly against Euro 2013 hosts Israel and looking for another superb performance as they look to build form in their quest to qualify for the European Championships in 2013.

Stuart Pearce’s men (1/4 to open the scoring) opened their qualification with a convincing 6-0 victory against Azerbaijan on Thursday and look to have got over the disappointment of their poor showing at the European Championships in Denmark earlier this summer.

A number of that squad have subsequently moved up to the senior side but, as Thursday proved, there is no shortage of talent within the English game and the future certainly looks bright for Pearce’s young squad.

In the absence of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling from the squad, West Brom defender Craig Dawson netted twice on his debut for the young Lions and will be hoping for a similarly impressive performance in Monday’s match, as he looks to establish himself in the side.

Another man who will be looking to prove himself will be Jordan Henderson, who has bounced back from a difficult European Championships and now looks to have rediscovered his form. Henderson has been superb since his switch from Sunderland to Liverpool and, if handed a start, will be looking to take control of the match with the Israelis.

However, Israel (15/2 to win at Oakwell) shouldn’t be dismissed lightly and themselves have a number of talented youngsters who will be looking to make an impression.

Due to their automatic qualification as hosts, Guy Luzon’s side won’t have a competitive fixture until the first round of matches in the tournament next summer so will be using the match to gauge themselves against a team who will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to qualify for the event.

Central to their cause will be flamboyant winger Gai Assulin, who currently plays for Manchester City and will undoubtedly be their star man. Assulin was previously at Barcelona and was part of Pep Guardiola’s successful reserve team at the Nou Camp but opted to leave Spain after his contract expired and was quickly snapped up by the Citizens.

The 20-year-old is known for his quick feet and pace and, after failing to have any real effect on Roberto Mancini’s first team, may be looking at the game as a chance to prove himself and possibly gain a loan move. He has the ability to seriously trouble the England defence and Pearce’s men will have to keep an eye on him.

Despite the obvious threat that Assulin poses, and the changes that England will undoubtedly make, as the coaches look to preserve their players, the home side should run out with a comfortable victory in Barnsley and set themselves up for another successful qualifying campaign (England 25/1 to score seven or more goals).

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Addicks to clip Owls’ wings

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The international break has seen England’s top two divisions take a break this weekend, which gives the lower leagues a chance to take centre-stage and a mouth-watering League One clash awaits on Monday evening as Charlton look to maintain their unbeaten start against Sheffield Wednesday at the Valley.

Chris Powell’s new-look Addicks side, which boasts 18 new signings from the end of last term, has made a strong start to the campaign as they are yet to taste defeat in five outings.

And, three points against Gary Megson’s Owls will see them return to joint-top spot alongside MK Dons and Sheffield United, while victory by four clear goals (40/1 Charlton 4-0 Correct Score) will see them top of the pile by 10pm on Monday night.

Charlton have played only two league matches on home soil so far and have picked up four points from a possible six, although Powell will feel they should still be boasting a 100 per cent record after they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Scunthorpe last time out.

But a recent 2-1 Carling Cup win against Championship side Reading tells you that the Londoners could well be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Powell will have a strong side to pick from but will no doubt be hoping that his influential striker Bradley Wright-Phillips (11/8 Anytime Goalscorer) can overcome the knee problem which ruled him out of last week’s 2-1 win at Bury.

The former Manchester City forward has scored two goals in three games and provided three assists so far and he will provide a big threat to the Owls’ backline, which has conceded four goals in their two League One away games this season.

Megson’s side come into the game after a mixed start to the season in which they have won all three games at Hillsborough, but are pointless from two outings on the road.

Therefore it will be a tough ask for the South Yorkshire men to break their duck against Charlton on Monday (11/4 Away 90 Minutes).

However, their attack will be bolstered by pre-transfer deadline day signing Ryan Lowe from Bury.

The hitman scored seven goals in as many games for the Shakers, including one against the Addicks, so Megson will be hoping he can repeat that feat on his debut, while  fellow new signing Daniel Kasnik could also feature at some point.

Weighing up the recent form of the two sides going into the clash, everything points towards a home victory with a repeat of last season’s 1-0 win for the Addicks (6/1 Correct Score) a distinct possibility.

However, we feel there could be a few more goals in this game given the quality of the attacking players that will be on show in both line ups.

Prediction: Charlton Home 90 Minutes @ Evens
Value Bet:  Charlton 3-2 Correct Score @ 25/1

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Impressive England well on course

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England enjoyed a perfect night on Friday as a fine performance gave them a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria and, coupled with Wales’ unexpected victory over Montenegro, Fabio Capello’s side now look well on course to qualify for Euro 2012 as Group G winners (England 1/33).

The manner in which the Three Lions disposed of Bulgaria will have thrilled Capello and fans alike with a ruthless attacking display making a mockery of pre-match fears that it was going to be a tricky evening for the men in black.

Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney, Stewart Downing and Theo Walcott all enjoyed themselves against an albeit poor Bulgaria defence as England tore their opponents to shreds at times in Sofia.

Rooney and Young picked up where they had left off for Manchester United so far this season, while the pace of Downing and Walcott, often swapping wings to outfox Bulgaria further, caused problems all evening.

Capello had sprung somewhat of a surprise leaving international stalwart Frank Lampard on the bench and going instead with Scott Parker and Gareth Barry in the centre of midfield. It was a decision that paid off, however, as the duo pulled the strings and dictated the game.

Add to this the positive impact Adam Johnson and James Milner had when they came on, too, and suddenly England had a young, hungry side looking every bit like one capable of going on to win Euro 2012 – should they qualify of course.

It’s tempting to say that appears a foregone conclusion now, but there still remains two difficult games to come in the group – starting with Wales at Wembley on Tuesday.

England should have too much for Gary Speed’s side, especially now Craig Bellamy and David Vaughan are suspended after being booked in their impressive win over Montenegro (10/1 to win Group G), and another victory over their local rivals will leave Capello’s men on the brink of qualification.

Then comes the final match in Montenegro, which will be a tough game. Although that’s what many were predicting before the Bulgaria showdown.

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Five deadline-day movers to watch

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drenthePremier League clubs across the country once again left it late to finalise deals on deadline day. A number of notable players moved clubs on that dramatic final day, but who will fare best? Here are five that could prove to be inspired.

Mikel Arteta Everton – Arsenal £10million

In perhaps the most dramatic move of the day, Mikel Arteta’s move to the Emirates was off at 7pm on Wednesday evening. However, lured by the opportunity to play Champions League football, the Spaniard resurrected the deal and it went through with minutes to spare.

He will add badly-needed creativity to a Gunners side still reeling from the double departure of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, as well as the 8-2 mauling by Manchester United.

Arsenal’s style should suit the 29-year-old, who appears determined to make the most of the move – so much so that he took a reported £20,000 a-week pay-cut to force the transfer through. It could well be an inspired signing by Arsene Wenger (Arsenal 28/1 Premier League outright).

Royston Drenthe Real Madrid to Everton – season-long loan

While much of the talk around Goodison Park was about outgoings, there were some new arrivals for the Toffees, the most notable being Dutch winger Royston Drenthe.

The former Feyenoord winger was player of the tournament at the 2007 European Under-21 Championships, with his displays earning him a big money move to Real Madrid.

However, his time at the Bernabéu soon turned sour and a loss of confidence and form saw him shipped off to Hercules on-loan for the 2010-11 season.

Now, Drenthe finds himself at yet another club trying to replicate his blistering form of a few years ago. David Moyes has a track record of getting the best out of under-performing players and if he can help Drenthe get back to his best, Everton could have quite a player on their hands (Everton 20/1 top four finish).

Bryan Ruiz Twente to Fulham – £10.6million

Despite costing in excess of £10million, Fulham’s latest striking capture appeared to slip under the radar on deadline day. He won’t stay quiet for long, though, as the Cottagers have acquired a powerful striker with a keen eye for goal.

He hit 24 goals for the Eredivisie outfit in the 2009/10 season, helping them to their first-ever Dutch title. A total of 36 goals in 61 games, as well as nine goals for his country Costa Rica, means we could be hearing a lot more of Bryan Ruiz this season.

Craig Bellamy Man City to Liverpool – free

In one of the more eye-opening moves on deadline day, Man City outcast Craig Bellamy rejoined Liverpool four years after departing Anfield for West Ham.

Kenny Dalglish has spent in excess of £100million since returning to the club last January with the likes of Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson all joining the Scot’s Anfield revolution.

However, Bellamy – on a free transfer – could be his shrewdest move yet. The Welshman will add pace, experience and guile to the Liverpool attack. He also perhaps has a point to prove after being left out in the cold at Manchester City and unfinished business at Anfield (Liverpool 5/1 top two finish).

Bellamy has never been far away from the headlines during his eventful career and Liverpool will be hoping he will be making them for all the right reasons this season.

Peter Crouch Tottenham to Stoke – £10million

Stoke City have earned an unfair reputation for being overly-aggressive and direct since earning promotion to the Premier League in 2008. However, boss Tony Pulis deserves huge credit for establishing the Potters as a Premier League force without spending huge money.

After reaching the FA Cup final last season the supporters are eagerly hoping that the club can push on, and the signing of Peter Crouch could help them do that (Stoke 33/1 to win the FA Cup).

The 30-year-old is an established top-flight striker, having had spells with Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Southampton and Liverpool. He also has an impressive record at international level, netting 22 goals in 42 England games.

Expect him to profit from the excellent delivery from wingers Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant this season.

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