Monthly Archives: December 2011

Barca set to start with a bang

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After their superb El Clasico victory over Real Madrid on Saturday, Barcelona has flown to Japan to take part in the Club World Cup and face an opening semi-final against a talented Al-Sadd side (Barcelona 1/33 in the match betting).

Pep Guardiola’s side were truly impressive at the Bernabeu and bounced back from an early setback to beat their great rivals 3-1 and, after a string of good performances in Europe, look like they could once again claim the league and Champions League double (Barcelona 13/8 Champions League outright).

However, their attention now turns to the Club World Cup which they qualified courtesy of winning last season’s Champions League and will understandably be doing all they can to win their second world title in three seasons.

Following Saturday’s triumph, Guardiola is likely to rest a number of his key players for the semi-final but this hardly means he is weakening his team and will still be able to call upon the likes of Thiago, David Villa and Javier Mascherano.

However, the one to watch could be winger Pedro Rodriguez who has lost his place this season and will be desperate to recapture his position in the starting line-up. The talented winger was the star of the 2009 edition of the tournament, netting twice which helped him to become the first player to score in six different competitions in a season.

His form continued onto the international stage as he was one of the stars for Spain when they won the World Cup in South Africa. However, first-team opportunities have been limited this campaign so, with him likely to start, he’ll be desperate to put in a good performance to remind Guardiola of his capabilities and maybe earn a place in the team for the final and beyond.

Al-Sadd (25/1 to win in 90 mins) qualified for the tournament by virtue of wining the Asian Champions League and will be looking to cause an upset after an impressive victory against Tunisian side Esperance. The Qatari side have a number of players who may be familiar to football fans as they boast the likes of Mamadou Niang and Ivory Coast International Abdul Kader Keïta.

However, their big name is arguably former Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj, who has a superb left foot. During his time at Pompey he was courted by a number of the top sides in Europe but chose to move to Qatar where he has flourished and is truly one of the stars of their league.

Despite the Qatari side’s talented players though, the Catalan giants should run out comfortable winners regardless of a likely weakened line-up as they boast plenty of strength in depth – and they should go on to beat Santos in the final (Barca 11/2 to win 4-0).

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Spurs set to rock Rovers

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Tottenham Hotspur could have a thankless night ahead of them when travel across the Irish Sea to take on Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League on Thursday (Shamrock 6/1, draw 7/2, Spurs 4/9 in the match betting).

Spurs could pick up all three points at the Tallaght Stadium and still find themselves out of the second tier competition as they currently sit in third place in Group A.

The north London outfit will require all three points, PAOK to beat Rubin Kazan and a five-goal swing, if they want to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

It looks like a tall order for Spurs, who are challenging near the top of the Premier League table and will have a return to the Champions League on their minds this season.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is likely to play a weakened side for the trip to Ireland but with the strength in depth at White Hart Lane, the likes of Jermain Defoe (4/1 first goalscorer), Roman Pavlyuchenko and Giovanni Dos Santos set to feature against Rovers.

The Irish outfit almost caused an upset when these two sides last met in north London as they took a one goal lead before crashing to a 3-1 defeat.

Striker Gary Twigg was the dangerman for Rovers in the first leg and Spurs will have to keep an eye on the front-man.

It’s unlikely Tottenham will reach the knockout stages of the Europa League this time around but they should have enough strength in depth to win this one comfortably.

Birmingham’s European campaign also hangs in the balance as they prepare for their clash with NK Maribor (Birmingham 8/15, draw 3/1, NK Maribor 5/1 in the match betting).

The Blues can consider themselves unlucky not to have picked up any points from their last outing in the competition, after they were on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline against Braga in Portugal.

Only a deflected goal from Hugo Viana was the difference between the two sides, in a game which saw Nikola Zigic miss from the penalty spot.

Birmingham will be confident going into Thursday’s game as they have already beaten Maribor 2-1 in Slovenia earlier in the season.

Dalibor Volas got on the scoresheet in the last meeting between these two sides and is priced at 10/1 to get the first goal at St Andrews.

City need a win if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 32 and in front of their home fans, manager Chris Hughton and his side should be celebrating three points on Thursday.

The other British interest in the Europa League will see Celtic make the tough trip to Italy to take on Udinese (Udinese 8/13, draw 11/4, Celtic 9/2 in the match betting).

This Serie A outfit could have their star striker Antonio Di Natale (7/2 first goalscorer) available for selection and he can be a thorn in any teams’ side.

Udinese have enjoyed an impressive season so far as they sit in second place in the Serie A table, level on points with leaders Juventus.

Celtic will be without the likes of Joe Ledley, Glenn Loovens, Adam Matthew and Kris Commons for the trip to the continent which makes a tough test even harder.

Udinese should win this one against the Old Firm side, who might just be out of their depth in the fiery atmosphere at the Stadio Friuli.

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Павел Дацюк скрестит клюшки с Евгением Малкиным! Илья Ковальчук попытается усмирить «пантер». Александр Овечкин в поисках себя…

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Хоккей. НХЛ

Питсбург Пингвинс – Детройт Ред Уингс. Эти коллективы в большинстве случаев «видятся» только один раз за сезон, PIT Dupuis forward 11 240x300 Павел Дацюк скрестит клюшки с Евгением Малкиным! Илья Ковальчук попытается усмирить «пантер». Александр Овечкин в поисках себя…но в недавних баталиях за Кубок Стэнли эти команды два раза подряд встречались в финале…

В этом матче, возможно, не сможет принять участие Сидни Кросби, который до сих пор испытывает симптомы сотрясения мозга. Руководство «пингвинов» не хочет рисковать своим лидером, тем более, что решающие игры еще впереди.

«Детройт», который, по мнению Павла Дацюка был одной из самых «летающих» команд в лиге, лишится этого статуса, так как со следующего сезона дивизионы будут рассортированы по-другому, что позволит команде меньше находиться в пути. «Красные крылья» 2.05 набрали хороший ход, и даже два недавних поражения не могут испортить настроение команде.

Потеря Кросби для «Питсбурга» 1.80 не новость, при наличии Евгения Малкина всегда можно знать, что найдется человек, который «подхватит падающее знамя». Матч должен получиться результативным, так как обе команды лучше атакуют, чем защищаются.

Флорида Пантерс – Нью-Джерси Девилс. Хотите верьте, хотите нет, но в этой встрече победит «Флорида», так как «дьяволы» 2.36 будут проводить второй матч за 24 часа, а это, поверьте мне, очень сомнительное по степени удовольствия мероприятие. В прошедшем матче с «Тампой» хоккеисты из пригорода Нью-Йорка выглядели очень собрано, а две разящие контратаки, в которых отличились Ковальчук и Хенрика, предрешили исход матча.

В составе «пантер» 1.62 во всей красе проявляет себя российский защитник Дмитрий Куликов, который набирает баллы за результативность не хуже Александра Овечкина. А в данный момент у него очков больше, чем у Ильи Ковальчука.

Вашингтон Кэпиталс – Филадельфия Флайерс. После отставки Брюса Бодро «Вашингтон» 1.77 заиграл немного веселее, главное, чтобы это поступательное движение не заглохло в районе января месяца, когда эффект новизны от Дэйла Хантера пройдет. Руководству клуба наверняка было особенно приятно при назначении  Дэйла, так как он является легендой клуба. Но вот даст ли он результат – сейчас вам никто не скажет.

Александр Овечкин в последних матчах стал напоминать себя самого «прежних времен», а вот «кризис» Александра Семена похоже может завершиться обменом, так как  воспитанник тольяттинской школы хоккея не может играть так плохо, как сейчас – значит надо что-то менять…

В этой встрече «Филадельфия» 2.10 смотрится 100% фаворитом.

Related posts:

  1. Павел Дацюк ведет «Детройт» к восьмой победе подряд! Милош Ржига вернется на лед в Сокольники! Хоккей. НХЛ Колорадо Эвеланш – Детройт Ред Уингс. Еще лет…
  2. Ржига против Вуйтека! Битва «Салавата Юлаева» с «Металлургом». Ковальчук рвется к «плей-офф»! Хоккей. НХЛ. Бостон Брюинс – Нью-Джерси Девилс. Всего пару месяцев…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


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Crunch time in Europa League

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Stoke City are to be joined by Manchester City and Manchester United in the Uefa Europa League round of 32, but 19 other teams will compete for the remaining nine places on Wednesday and Thursday.

City and United are two of eight teams transferring from the Uefa Champions League – also included are FC Porto, Trabzonspor, Ajax, Valencia, Olympiacos and FC Viktoria Plzen – and join 15 teams already assured of a place in the next round.

Tottenham, Fulham and Birmingham City and Celtic await their fate in what promises to be a compelling week of European action.

The road to progress from Group A for Tottenham is not so straight-forward given the fact that PAOK are already qualified and Shamrock Rovers cannot make it through.

To qualify the north Londoners must win in Dublin, hope Rubin Kazan lose away to PAOK and make up a goal difference deficit which currently stands at five. If the two teams finish exactly level on goal difference and goals scored, Tottenham will qualify due to their higher coefficient.

Shamrock Rovers 6/1 draw 7/2 Tottenham 4/9 – match prices

In Group K, Twente have won the section and Odense are out, while Fulham are a point ahead of Wisla Krakow and have a superior head-to-head.

To finish second, Wisla must win against the Eredivisie side and hope that Martin Jol’s men lose to their Danish visitors.

Fulham 1/5 draw 5/1 Odense 14/1 – match prices

Group H is extraordinarily tight, although Braga are through as they have a superior head-to-head over Birmingham.

However, Chris Hughton’s Championship side can overtake Brugge with a victory against eliminated Maribor should the Belgian side lose because Blues have the superior head-to-head record.

Brugge won at Braga on match-day two so a draw in the return fixture would take them through as group winners.

Birmingham City 8/15 draw 3/1 Maribor 5/1 – match prices

In Group I, Atletico Madrid have qualified and a draw with already-eliminated Rennes would clinch first place.

Udinese are three points ahead of Celtic, who would go through on the head-to-head record with a victory in Italy. If the Serie A side draw they will finish second but will finish top with a win if Atletico lose.

Udinese 8/13 draw 11/4 Celtic 9/2 – match prices

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Saints set to sink struggling Dons

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St Johnstone suffered a set-back to their hopes of qualifying for Europe last weekend but they have a chance to put things right on Tuesday night when they host Aberdeen at McDiarmid Park (St Johnstone 11/10, draw 12/5, Aberdeen 12/5 – match prices).

Saints were not at the races on Saturday, as third place Motherwell showed why they are the side chasing down Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish Premier League this season.

Manager Steve Lomas blamed his side’s lack of focus for the heavy home defeat last weekend but has highlighted the Tuesday night game against Aberdeen as a great opportunity to get their domestic campaign back on track.

Saints are now seven points off Motherwell in the table but will be able to narrow the gap if they can get a win over a struggling Aberdeen outfit.

Francisco Sandaza (9/2 first goalscorer) has been a dangerman for the Perth side, scoring six goals in the SPL so far this season.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, has notched up eight goals in all competitions and the visitors will have to be wary of the former Brighton striker on Tuesday night.

As for the Dons the alarm bells will be ringing among their fans as they continue to search for that elusive win.

Aberdeen are level on points with bottom of the table Dunfermline, after failing to secure a victory in their last six games.

Pressure is starting to mount on former Scotland manager Craig Brown, who could be forgiven for wondering why he left high-flying Motherwell in a controversial move last season.

The club’s problems have really started from the back as they have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 outings in all competitions.

They will need to start tightening things up in defence if they want to start climbing the table north of the border and avoid a battle at the bottom with the likes of Dunfermline, Hibernian and Inverness CT.

Aberdeen do have threats of their own upfront, with New Zealander Rory Fallon (8/1 first goalscorer) and Englishman Scott Vernon both having the ability to unlock defences and they may well fancy their chances against a side who shipped in three goals on the weekend.

Both teams will be desperate to pick up the three points for different reasons as they compete at different ends of the SPL table.

Despite being outclassed in their last outing Lomas should get his side fully focused on this game on Tuesday and it’s hard to see the home team not beating the lacklustre Dons, who may need to look in the January transfer market if they are to get themselves out of trouble this season.

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Barca, Bayern & Juve sitting pretty

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As they approach the winter break, Barcelona, Bayern Munich (1/3 German Bundesliga 2011/2012 Outright) and Udinese (10/1 Serie A 2011/2012 Outright) made significant moves in their domestic title chases at the weekend while Juventus have a chance to return to the Serie A summit tonight against injury-hit Roma.

Barcelona’s 3-1 victory at the Bernabeu on Saturday night brought them back on to level points with their title rivals Real Madrid, although Jose Mourinho’s side have a match in hand.

However, the psychological damage that Barca’s win inflicted on Madrid minds will be measured in the wees to come – making it possibly fortunate for Real that La Liga shuts down for three weeks after this weekend’s round of fixtures.

In Germany, Bundesliga favourites Bayern won 2-1 away at Stuttgart while title holders Borussia Dortmund failed to beat struggling Kaiserslautern – all but ensuring that Jupp Heynckes’ side will be the winter champions.

Bayern hold a three-point lead and 10-goal advantage over Dortmund going into the last round of fixtures this weekend with Bayern at home to Cologne on Friday night.

Schalke are only three points behind Bayern ahead of their clash with Werder Bremen on Saturday after hitting a rich vein of form which has seen them take 16 points from the last seven Bundesliga matches.

Juventus (6/4 – Serie A Outright 2011/2012) face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico tonight as Antonio Conte attempts to capitalise on a weekend slip-up from AC Milan, who drew 2-2 with Bologna.

Napoli also lost ground when they only managed a 1-1 draw away to lowly Novara while Inter, down in 10th place, already appear to be out of the title race.

Juventus (23/20 – Match Prices, Roma 5/2, draw 11/5) will be without injured ex-Roma striker Mirko Vucinic but Conte has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal with red hot striker Alessandro Matri (9/2 – First Goalscorer) and Italian international Simone Pepe expected to start.

This match could be the last-ever Serie A clash between two ageing gods of Italian football with Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero hoping to make an impact off the bench while Roma icon Francesco Totti is fit again after ankle trouble.

But under-fire Roma coach Luis Enrique is struggling for numbers at the back and may even press midfielder Daniele De Rossi into action as an emergency centre-back with Simon Kjaer and Marco Cassetti having joined the long list of injured Giallorossi defenders.

Nicolas Burdisso, David Pizarro and Fabio Borini are also injured while defender Juan, midfielder Fernando Gago and striker Bojan Krkic are suspended after picking up red cards in Roma’s 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina last week.

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City set for latest challenge

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Manchester City face their next big test in the Premier League campaign this season when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Monday evening to take on Chelsea.

These two sides had different fortunes last week in the Champions League, despite both teams picking up big wins against established European clubs. It was Andre Villas-Boas’ side who made it through to the last 16 of the competition, with Roberto Mancini having to settle for a place in the Europa League.

City are two points clear at the top of the Premier League but do have a game in hand over rivals Manchester United in second place. They would be delighted to come away from London with a point to extend the gap back to three points following a tricky round of fixtures on their part. The draw is priced up at 12/5 and looks the most likely outcome.

Chelsea have found a bit of form recently with wins over Valencia and Newcastle but, with respect to both of those sides, they don’t possess the quality and threat that City will bring on Monday evening.  They will though be buoyed by their recent success and it could finally ignite their season.

Monday’s game is another chance for Villas-Boas to prove that Chelsea are still in the hunt for the Premier League title and that they are capable of matching City on the field, despite not being able to compete with the Manchester club in the transfer market anymore.

Didier Drogba showed his importance to the Blues on Tuesday evening when he scored twice against the Spanish opposition to help his side into the last 16 of the Champions League. The 33-year old reminded Chelsea fans that he still has a big part to play in the future of the club despite the exit looming for his former strike partner Nicolas Anelka. Take the Ivorian to score the first goal in the game at 9/2.

Mancini’s men have already travelled to Old Trafford, Anfield and White Hart Lane in the league this season, so this is one of the few remaining difficult away visits that they will have to deal with. If they keep their unbeaten record intact it would be a big point as they look to win their first Premier League title.

The visitors have scored 24 goals on the road this season in just five Premier League fixtures. Mancini has neglected the more cautious approach he adopted last year and is quite happy for his stars to play attacking and expansive football home and away. If he continues to use these tactics at Stamford Bridge it should be make for an exciting and open game. The 14/1 on a 2-2 draw looks a really tasty proposition.

Although City can’t win the Premier League title with a win at Stamford Bridge, a defeat for Chelsea could end their slim hopes of winning the league this season. The Blues will be 13 points behind the leaders following defeat on Monday evening.

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Juve could end Enrique reign

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Another weekend of Serie A football comes to an end on Monday when Juventus travel to the Olimpico to face this season’s surprise strugglers, AS Roma, in what may be coach Luis Enrique’s last game (AS Roma 11/4, draw 11/5, Juventus 11/10).

The team from the capital invested heavily in the summer but have failed to live up to expectations and currently languish in the bottom half of the table. They know victory on Monday could see them jump to sixth and only eight points short of the European spots.

However, after the 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina last Sunday the fans appear to have lost patience with the team and especially the coach. The red cards that Juan, Fernando Gago and Bojan Krkic picked up in that game means they will be seriously weakened for the clash, especially as they’re already missing Simon Kjaer, Marco Cassetti, Nicolas Burdisso, David Pizarro and Fabio Borini.

However, they still have a number of stars to call on and focal to their success could be the performance of captain and talisman Francesco Totti (15/8 to score a anytime). Like many of his teammates, the 35-year-old has struggled to adapt to Enrique’s system but undoubtedly still has the class to unlock any defence. The former Italy star will be looking to be looking to prove his leadership qualities following the Fiorentina debacle so look out for a big performance from the skipper.

In total contrast to the Giallorossi’s problems, Juventus have been flying this season and know victory will see them reclaim top spot from Udinese, as well as maintain their unbeaten run.

Il Bianconeri nearly came unstuck in the week when they were taken to extra time by Bologna in the Coppa Italia but made it though thanks to a late goal from Claudio Marchisio (11/4 to score at anytime).

Much of their fine form has been down to midfielder Marchisio, who seems to have come of age this season and is developing into a fine playmaker at both club and international level. Like Totti for Roma much of the positive aspects of the Antonio Conte’s side’s play goes through Marchisio so look for him to once again impress of Turin club.

Marchisio’s form could be the deciding factor in the game and Juve should come out comfortable victors, especially with all the problems Roma are experiencing. (Juventus 16/1 to win 3-0).

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O’Neill factor to pay dividends

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Sunday’s Premier League double-header throws up two intriguing match-ups, kicking off with a basement battle at 1.30pm before two European-chasing teams go head to head at 4pm.

Sunderland v Blackburn

Much was expected of Sunderland this season following a massive summer of transfer activity but the Black Cats have failed to fire with Steve Bruce paying the penalty to become the first Premier League managerial casualty of the season.

The Wearside faithful will no doubt be delighted to have seen Martin O’Neill – a boyhood fan of the club – installed in the hotseat, charged with the task of pulling the Black Cats out of the relegation zone.

The ‘new manager syndrome’ may well have the desired affect on Sunday with players perhaps playing for their futures under the new boss, although O’Neill will undoubtedly be aware of finding regular goals from his squad.

Love him (and there is seeming few that do) or loathe him but it looks as though Steve Kean is set to stay at Rovers, but he needs to start picking up points to deliver a ‘top ten’ target that he thinks is infinitely possible.

A 4-2 win over Swansea last weekend did little to appease the Rovers fans calling for his head at the final whistle, but a few more wins might just get them to rethink their attitude and start getting behind the team.

Yakubu is very much a man in form for Blackburn and his four-goal salvo last week took his tally to 10, more games than he has played, while he has bagged seven in his last five.

The Nigerian is on offer at a tempting 7/1 First/Last Goalscorer and 15/8 Anytime, and considering Rovers have scored in every away game, he is not a bad shout to get on the scoresheet again.

Sunderland won this fixture 3-0 last season but the fact that Darren Bent, Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan scored the goals tells its own story as Bruce was unable to keep any at the club.

The Black Cats have not made the Stadium of Light the fortress that they would have wanted with just one win there so far, but they do have an impressive record against Rovers, particularly at home.

With both sides having won just one of their last nine games it does make it difficult to call, but injuries to Ruben Rochina and Martin Olsson as well as Steven Nzonzi’s absence through suspension may just swing things the home side’s way (Sunderland 5/6, Draw 13/5, Rovers 7/2 Match Betting).

Stoke v Spurs

These two sides have enjoyed contrasting fortunes this season with Stoke progressing in the Europa League, a tournament Spurs seem destined to be knocked out of – although they are very much in the title race.

Spurs are Evens in the match betting to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 12 matches, winning 10 of the last 11, as they look to close the seven-point gap on Manchester City at the top of the table.

Scott Parker, Emmanuel Adebayor and Brad Friedel seem to have had the desired affect with the club winning their last six games and last three on the road, with Gareth Bale (7/1 First/Last Goalscorer, 15/8 Anytime) in particularly fine form.

Rafael van der Vaart has also been instrumental in the Lilywhites recent surge, although injury doubts over Bale, Jermain Defoe and Sandro could upset the applecart on Sunday.

Stoke have had one or two difficulties this term, particularly playing in Europe, but go into the game on the back of successive league wins – and have not had to worry about Europe this week.

Goals have been a problem but 14/5 on the home win or 12/5 on the draw look decent value considering they have beaten Liverpool and held both Chelsea and Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium – while they also knocked Spurs out of the Carling Cup.

The Potters have not exactly been full of goals this term but do provide an obvious aerial threat – something which Spurs have struggled with this season – and Robert Huth looks a good shout at 16/1 First/Last Goalscorer to add to his game winner at Everton last week.

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Canaries can clip Magpies wings

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The Premier League teams will be tested to the maximum over the festive period, with a packed fixture list. Injuries and suspensions are starting to kick in and could have a major impact this weekend – with the rarity of all seven matches kicking off at 3pm.

Norwich v Newcastle

Newcastle’s blistering start has come to an end during a recent tough spell, which has seen the Magpies pick up just one point from their last three games – against Manchester city, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Alan Pardew has lost first-choice centre-back partnership Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor to injury and that may see them slip to a third defeat in four games, when they travel to Carrow Road.

Norwich have surprised many this term and have lost just two of their seven home fixtures to date. The Canaries have also scored the joint-most headed goals in the top division (seven), with Steve Morison and Grant Holt likely to cause a makeshift Newcastle backline problems.

Suggested Bet: Norwich to win @ 6/4

Arsenal v Everton

The Gunners go into this game as strong favourites and it seems highly unlikely they will slip up against an Everton team desperately struggling for goals. The Merseysiders have not won at Arsenal since 1996 and that run looks set to continue.

Mikel Arteta will be particularly keen to show Everton what they are missing and Robin van Persie will be fresh having sat out the midweek Champions League trip to Greece.

Suggested Bet: Van Persie to score 2 or more @ 11/4

Man Utd v Wolves

Sir Alex Ferguson has endured arguably his worst week as United boss for ten years, with the shock midweek Champions League exit and the news that captain Nemanja Vidic will miss the rest of the season.

The champions normally respond though from key setbacks and Wolves will be fearing a backlash. A lack of striking options will mean Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney should start up front and they will be desperate to quash talk of an Old Trafford crisis.

Suggested Bet: Welbeck to score at anytime @ 8/11

Liverpool v QPR

Kenny Dalglish’s men are unbeaten at home this season, but draws against Swansea and Norwich have frustrated fans and management alike. An unfortunate defeat at Fulham on Monday makes this a must-win game for the Reds as they look to keep pace in the race for the top four.

QPR are capable of causing any team problems on their day, recording victories over Chelsea and at Stoke this season. Their away form has been more miss than hit though and the stats suggest they will struggle to clinch a second ever win at Anfield – their first coming in 1991.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Liverpool FT @ 7/2

Bolton v Aston Villa

Bolton’s home form is one of the biggest puzzles of the Premier League to date – their record at the Reebok is normally impressive, but they have lost six of their seven home games this term. The only win was a crushing 5-0 success over Stoke but Villa could provide Owen Coyle’s men with their second scalp.

Villa have struggled with form and injuries in recent weeks and head to the North West having failed to win on the road this season. Pressure is already growing on Alex McLeish, who was an unpopular appointment among many Villa fans.

Suggested Bet: Bolton win @ 6/4

Swansea v Fulham

These two teams are almost a mirror image, hard to break down but struggling for goals. The Swans and Cottagers have scored just 30 goals between them this term so expect a low scoring affair.

Martin Jol’s men gained a much needed win over Liverpool which will boost their confidence, but Swansea have the pace to cause a sluggish Fulham backline some problems.

Suggested Bet: Under 2.5 Goals @ 4/6

West Brom v Wigan

The Baggies have not pulled up any trees so far this season and their home form – two wins from seven matches – will be a concern for Roy Hodgson. They look strong enough though not to be dragged into a relegation battle…..unlike their opponents on Saturday.

Many believe Wigan are already doomed, but they have picked up four points from their last three games and did take four points off West Brom last season – which included a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns.

Suggested Bet: Draw @ 13/5

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