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Five fantasy league picks…

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Manchester United may not have started the season in particularly great fashion but will be thankful to be back on home territory, remain unbeaten and welcome a side they have dominated in the past when they entertain Wigan in the Premier League on Saturday (1/5 Man United 5/1 draw 11/1 Wigan – match betting).

United beat Latics 5-0 both home and away last term and have scored 35 goals in total in the 11 games played, all wins for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, while conceding only four.

Therefore it may well pay to load your Fantasy League team with United players and Nemanja Vidic certainly looks a valuable inclusion.

Wigan are the worst scorers in the top flight, having only just crept in to double figures for the season, while the Red Devils have only conceded five at home, winning five and drawing one at Old Trafford this term.

With the obvious potential of clean sheet and defensive points for the Serbia star, Vidic (5/1 to score anytime) is easily the most potent of the United backline, scoring three goals to date but two of those have come in the last four games.

Only games involving Tottenham have enjoyed more goals than those of Blackpool over the last six games and Charlie Adam (8/1 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer betting) can again pull the strings against struggling Wolves, who have picked up just one point on their travels this season.

After a good run of form in the league, winning three including a 2-0 victory over Chelsea and drawing one, Liverpool were brought crashing back to earth by Stoke last weekend.

However, Fernando Torres (11/4 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market) and his team-mates are unlikely to find themselves up against such physically robust tactics and the Spanish World Cup winner can rediscover his goal-scoring touch against basement side West Ham, who have mustered just four goals in six winless away games this term and have not won at Anfield since 1963.

West Brom appear to have hit a downward spiral after early-season promise, and have picked up just one point in the last four games, coming against bottom side West Ham.

Stoke City (12/5 to win, 11/5 the draw – match betting) have bounced back from their own slump and fully deserved a 2-0 win over Liverpool last weekend to make it two on the bounce and with Ryan Shawcross back in the side, the Potters have added potence in set-piece situations in a game that doesn’t reek of goals.

Asamoah Gyan (11/2 Enhanced First Goalscorer) has hit a rich vein of form for Sunderland and can make the difference again when the Black Cats take on Everton on Monday night.

The Ghana international has bagged four goals in his last three games, including in a surprise 3-0 win at Chelsa, and Steve Bruce’s men can continue their unbeaten home form against poor travellers Everton, who have won just once and scored five away from Goodison.

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Big opportunity looms for Carroll

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Fabio Capello seems destined to name a very young England side for the game against France at Wembley, with the likes of Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson and Keiran Gibbs all starting (see Totesport match betting).

The Italian manager has nailed his intentions to the wall already by confirming the three young players will all be amongst his starting XI at Wembley on Wednesday night – and they are 11/10 to be part of a winning England team.

Capello has previously looked to bring through the next generation of England stars during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. That was heralded by many as a new era for England, but this optimism soon waned as the likes of Jamie Carragher came back from international retirement and then it emerged the boss had attempted to persuade 35-year-old Paul Scholes to come back into the England frame.

Many England fans will be delighted to hear the likes of Carroll, Henderson and Gibbs will all the given an opportunity to impress – and many will hope they can make the same kind of impact Adam Johnson has made during the early games of his international career. He has scored two goals for England already and is 11/4 to add to this on Wednesday.

England will be fielding a young side, but fans are going to have to remember this is a rather pointless friendly against an under-par France side (who are 13/5 to win, with 9/4 for the draw) – and what percentage of the new faces in his squad will be involved when England play their next Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales in March? It is a definite the more traditional faces will be back for then.

That is especially true among the striking options, as come March 2011 Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe are not going to be replaced by the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Jay Bothroyd yet again.

Newcastle striker Carroll seems the best bet for a long-term striking option to come from this friendly experiment. It is 18 years ago that a young striker from Gosforth made his England debut against France at Wembley. On that day, Alan Shearer started an illustrious international career with a debut goal that saw him become a hero for all lads growing up around Newcastle.

Gateshead-born Carroll has followed in the footsteps of his hero by graduating into the famous Newcastle number nine shirt and will now be looking to copy Shearer’s introduction into the England side, and the 21-year-old is 5/1 to open the scoring for Capello’s side on Wednesday night.

Despite his high-profile off-the-field problems Carroll has impressed many with his powerful performances in the Premier League, and at a time when England are not too blessed with striking options – something exemplified by the fact Capello has turned to the likes of 32-year-old Kevin Davies and Championship forward Bothroyd (who is 15/8 to score anytime against France) in recent months – this really could be a big chance for the lad.

A great performance would catapult him up the ranks of England forwards for the coming years, and as the first England striker to have a ponytail in history then he could spark a new craze among the kids around Newcastle. Better that than the Fabricio Coloccini permed-mullett though.

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Dream on for FA Cup minnows

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Football Conference North minnows Vauxhall Motors can make their name in this year’s FA Cup competition by completing a shock success against League One Hartlepool United (7/2 Home Win 90 Minutes) on Tuesday.

The Motormen survived a barrage of pressure at Victoria Park to earn a goalless draw in their first round encounter and will now look to use home advantage to see off Mick Wadsworth’s men at Rivacre Park.

Pools arrive on the back of an impressive 3-1 home win against League One leaders Brighton on Saturday but Vauxhall Motors could sneak through after extra time (5/2 the draw 90 Minutes).

Staying with Brighton they face a tricky test at Conference South outfit Woking in their replay following a goalless draw at the Withdean Stadium on November 6.

Both sides had their chances in the first game, but Seagulls boss Gus Poyet will demand the right response to their defeat at Hartlepool and they should come through the tie with a win (Brighton 8/13 90 Minutes).

In another replay which sees a non-league side aim to dispose of a bigger boy from the Football League you get the feeling Conference South strugglers Dartford missed their opportunity to claim the scalp of League Two high-fliers Port Vale when John McCombe’s late effort cancelled out Darts skipper Elliott Bradbrook’s opener.

Darts boss Tommy Burman admitted it was the best his side had played all season against Vale, who will use their home advantage to progress to round two with ease (7/1 Port Vale 3-0 Correct Score).

The Galpharm Stadium sees fifth-placed League One outfit Huddersfield look to bounce back from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Oldham by seeing off Conference Premier side Cambridge United after being held to a 0-0 draw in the initial tie.

Lee Clark’s Terriers were guilty of spurning several chances in that game and it is hard to believe they will let the U’s off the hook for a second time on Tuesday evening (Huddesfield 2/7 to win in 90 Minutes).

Conference Premier side Fleetwood Town were denied a place in the second round for the second time in their history when Walsall’s veteran goalkeeper Jimmy Walker produced a magnificent performance to keep the 10-man Saddlers in the initial tie after Ryan McGivern was sent off.

Fleetwood’s Steve McNulty also missed a penalty in that game which ended 1-1.

And, while the feeling is that Fleetwood missed their opportunity, there is a good chance they could pose a real threat in the replay at the Banks’ Stadium (3/1 Fleetwood to win 90 Minutes), while there should be goals in the encounter (3/4 Yes Both Teams To Score).

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Ten points from the weekend

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Bet on the Premier LeagueIt has been a busy weekend of football. Here is what we have learned in the last two days.

1) Chelsea are by no means assured of the Premier League title after losing at home for the first time this season to Sunderland. Many thought they would be out of sight by Christmas, with those below failing to mount a serious challenge, but there are still at least four title contenders in mid-November (Chelsea 8/11 to win Premier League).

2) Arsenal are one of them and proved that, despite having a young side, they are capable of sustaining a challenge with their fourth away win of the campaign at Everton. Of the chasing pack, they look the most likely to upset the Chelsea bandwagon as they still have Robin van Persie to come back into the side.

3) Roberto Mancini still has not grasped the fact that attacking teams win Premier League titles and bore draws and defensive football just drive away the fans and lose highly-paid managers their jobs (Man City 2/5 to finish in top four).

4) Liverpool have turned the corner only to find a brick wall in front of them. The mini-revival is over and the bottom three is not too far away again after a 2-0 defeat at Stoke. The club may now be stable off the pitch but look anything but on the playing surface.

5) There is only so long you can say that a team’s position in the table is false and they will turn things around if they keep going. Wolves fans must be sick of hearing those words after yet another defeat – this time at home to Bolton – saw them remain second bottom, off rock bottom only on goal difference (Wolves 8/11 to be relegated).

6) Ian Holloway might fancy putting out his second XI once again after the so-called Blackpool first team failed to hit the back of the net against West Ham after the ‘reserves’ hit two against Aston Villa in midweek in their narrow 3-2 defeat. It remains to be seen whether the club will be fined and the boss will carry out his threat to quit.

7) Gareth Bale has a head as good as his left foot after he got the ball rolling with a superb header in Tottenham’s 4-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

8 ) Fabio Capello is prepared to give wayward players a chance as Andy Carroll was called into the England squad for Wednesday’s friendly with France. He has the talent to make it at international level and Capello believes the young Geordie will toe the line (Carroll 20/1 to be Premier League top scorer).

9) West Ham could be in for a long season after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with relegation-tipped Blackpool and, if the inspirational Scott Parker ever gets injured, Hammers fans might want to check out where the likes of Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Hull are when they plan next season’s away trips.

10) Playing outside the top flight and outside England is no barrier to an England call up as Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd was named in the England squad to face France. The much-travelled forward has scored 15 goals already this term as Cardiff replaced QPR at the top of the Championship on Saturday. He could form an unlikely partnership with Carroll against the 1998 World Cup winners at Wembley (England 11/10 to beat France).

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Crouch can strike early blow

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Fabio Capello and Raymond Domenech both endured miserable 2010 World Cup campaigns, with England and France respectively, but the similarity ends there because only the Italian is still in his job (Capello 1/20 to guide England to Euro 2012).

That the unpopular Domenech was actually still in charge of Les Bleus in South Africa baffled many onlookers given the fact France – the 1998 world champions – were forced to qualify via the play-offs – who could forget the Thierry Henry handball against the plucky Irish in Paris?

However, the former Lyon chief announced before the World Cup that he would be stepping down – he surely would have been sacked anyway post-tournament – which made him a lame-horse boss unable to work closely with his players.

Laurent Blanc was the choice to replace Domenech and it is the decorated former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester United defender who will lead France into battle against Capello’s England at Wembley on Wednesday night.

Blanc’s status – he won 97 caps for his country over an 11-year spell – meant he was always going to be given time to work his magic and France top their Euro 2012 qualifying group having taken nine points from their four games so far.

England are also ticking over nicely in second place in Group G, three points behind surprise leaders Montenegro who have played a game more than the Three Lions.

The forthcoming midweek friendly in London pits international managers against each other who are at very different stages in their respective career because Blanc is 44, while Capello, 64, will retire when his deal expires in 2012.

The England squad was hit by three withdrawals at the weekend in the shape of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Gabriel Agbonlahor – Gary Cahill, Stephen Warnock and Carlton Cole have all now been called up – to add to high-profile absentees including Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Frank Lampard.

Up front that means Peter Crouch with 41 international caps is the elder statesman and almost certain to start as he bids to add to his tally of 21 England goals.

With England the home side they will be looking to start on the front foot and 6/1 for Spurs man Crouch to get the better of a defence that could include Arsenal duo Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna.

Should Crouch need any further incentive then the chance to strike an early psychological blow ahead of the north London derby against the Gunners at the Emirates would not go unnoticed by his club boss Harry Redknapp.

The beanpole striker could be partnered with Newcastle sensation Andy Carroll – fitness permitting for the youngster – and Crouch would surely thrive alongside another big forward.

As depleted as England’s option are in attack, France’s striking options don’t look a whole lot better as, 31-cap Karim Benzeman aside, Blanc’s other three hitmen – Kevin Gameiro, Guillaume Hoarau and Loic Remy – ‘boast’ just nine caps and one goal between them. For the record Remy – 3/1 to score anytime – has the goal.

Like Crouch, Benzema is sure to start at Wembley and while he is just into double figures in international goals, carrying the burden of his country at the age of 22 is a big ask for a player yet to convince since joining Real Madrid.

In the absence of Franck Ribery, much will rest on the shoulders of Chelsea star Florent Malouda who jointly leads the Premier League goalscoring charts (Malouda 18/1 to get his nose in front by the end of the season).

Malouda is likely to relish the chance to run at a defence lacking club-mates Cole and Terry and 25/1 for the 30-year-old to score two or more goals looks tempting despite the fact he only has five strikes to his name in 61 games.

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England evens after odd Capello call-ups

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England head coach Fabio Capello has left fans scratching their heads after calling up Chris Smalling and Jay Bothroyd and leaving Gary Cahill out of the squad for this Wednesday’s friendly against France (England evens to win).

Capello brought in four new faces but also discarded in-form Bolton striker Kevin Davies – seemingly consigned to the international scrapheap as a 32-year-old ‘one-cap wonder’.

The decision to omit Davies may be understandable, given that the Wembley clash is a chance to assess his options for the future and build towards the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and the Ukraine.

But anybody watching the form of Cahill recently, and Capello was at Molineux to see another accomplished performance from the ex-Aston Villa defender on Saturday, will know that he is worthy of his place.

Smalling, although playing well himself when given his chance by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, has not started a single Premier League game this season – rendering his selection at best puzzling.

Micah Richards has also been brought out of the international wilderness in the week that he went public and moaned about his lack of opportunities under Capello.

But the Manchester City man was dropped by his club manager Roberto Mancini after playing in back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Lech Poznan, losing his place to Jerome Boateng.

Is the England coach now offering spots in the squad to players who, because of the competition for places at their clubs, cannot get regular football and simply need a game ?

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been called into the squad as cover for Andy Carroll and Gabriel Agbonlahor who suffered injuries playing for their clubs on Saturday.

Cole has seven caps and no goals as yet for his country, but has shown glimpses in the past of being able to finally banish the prospect of Emile Heskey ever pulling on a jersey with the Three Lions on its chest again.

However, he is playing poorly and has so far managed one goal in sixteen appearances for the Hammers this season – statistics that would make even Heskey wince.

Cardiff striker Bothroyd becomes the first player in the Bluebirds’ 111-year history to be called up by England – and the latest from outside the Premier League – after going on a remarkable scoring run.

After bagging in his last seven matches, Bothroyd now has 15 goals to his name and surely must rank as the most in-form frontman of the pack (Peter Crouch not having scored so far in the Premier League), assuming that Carroll is not fit enough to play, but will he start ?

Only Capello knows, but with his muddied thinking, you tend to think not.

Bothroyd is 13/2 in First Goalscorer betting, Carroll 5/1, Agbonlahor 13/2 and Crouch 6/1.

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Mancini ignoring boo boys

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Delusional Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes he is under no pressure at Eastlands despite his side producing another toothless display against Birmingham as they failed to close the gap on league leaders Chelsea (2/5 Premier League outright).

Saturday’s goalless draw with the Blues was the third home game on the bounce that City have failed to score in, and the home faithful let their dissatisfaction be known as a chorus of boos rang out at full time.

City fans and football supporters in general have been stunned by the negativity of Mancini’s tactics this season, with Saturday’s result following on from the deadly dull Manchester derby on Wednesday night.

While City had a good go at Birmingham many inside Eastlands were left stupefied when, with minutes to go, Mancini took off the team’s top scorer Carlos Tevez and replaced him with a defensive midfielder in Gareth Barry.

After the game Mancini was forced to defend his tactics before being asked whether he thought his job might be on the line should results not start to improve quickly.

“I am frustrated because I wanted to win this game. I don’t want to draw or lose a game,” Mancini snapped.

“What pressure? For what? You continue to say that I am under pressure. I am not under pressure.”

Saturday’s result leaves City six points off Chelsea and that gap could increase to nine points should the Blues beat Sunderland.

City’s price has now drifted to 16/1 to win the league and while you would be wise to avoid that market it would still be a brave man who goes against them achieving their aim for the season – which is a top four finish and a spot in the Champions League (City 2/5 top four finish).

Another man who has come under increasing pressure after Saturday is Liverpool’s Roy Hodgson. He watched his side put in a pitiful display against Stoke as they lost 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium.

After such a good display against Chelsea last Sunday hopes were high that the Reds had got their season back on track.

However, it was back to the bad old days for Liverpool as goals from Ricardo Fuller and Kenwyne Jones left the Reds eight points off the top four and in fact closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.

Hodgson’s bad night was compounded by Liverpool fans singing the name of Kenny Dalglish and it looks as though the former Fulham boss could be out on his backside should results not improve.

“I think we are trying to do the best job we can in the circumstances and I don’t know that that type of singing helps anyone,” said Hodgson.

“But I didn’t hear it and I am sure there are lots of fans who sympathise with us and what we are trying to do.”

Liverpool’s prospects for the rest of the season seem to be as tough to predict as the lottery numbers but while they are eight points off fourth place you wouldn’t back against them making a charge towards the upper echelons of the Premier League (Liverpool 10/11 top six finish).

While Hodgson refused to criticise his team after their poor performance Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had no such problems, claiming his side “were all over the place” in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

United came from two down with ten minutes to go to snatch a point but could have been dead and buried had Villa taken their chances, the home side hitting the post twice and the bar once in the second half.

Ferguson admitted after the game his side were lucky they weren’t’ further behind but was happy that they managed to rescue a point after such a disjointed display.

“We could have lost six goals in the second half. They hit the woodwork three times and Albrighton missed two great chances.

“We were all over the place.

“To be 2-0 down with 10 minutes to go you have to be pleased with that. With another five minutes we would have won the match, there was no doubt about that, but we waited too long to get there.”

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Gunners look to blow away Toffees

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Arsenal (6/5 favourites in the match betting) travel to Goodison Park to face an Everton side (11/5 to win, 12/5 the draw) who have started to turn their Premier League season around after another slow start to the campaign.

The Toffees are unbeaten in their last seven games in the top flight – a record that was kept alive in midweek as former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford bagged his first Premier League goal, four minutes into injury time against Bolton to salvage a point.

Everton though will be without midfielder Marouane Fellaini after he was given a straight red during the match against Bolton but there is good news for the Toffees in that Dutch defender John Heitinga is set for a return following his recovery from a knee injury.

Jack Rodwell could also make a return to the starting line-up as the talented youngster has overcome an ankle injury which has forced the player out of action since August.

The 19-year-old was expected to be on the sidelines until Christmas but Rodwell has recovered weeks ahead of schedule and could be troubling the Gunners defence on Sunday.

However, Arsenal will be confident as they go into this game having scored four or more goals in a match against Everton in eight of their 36 Premier League games.

The North London side picked up a valuable away win against Wolves in midweek to keep in touch in the title race as Manchester United and City played out a goalless draw.

Arsenal will be hoping that they can continue their strong away Premier League form having won their last three games on the road, scoring nine goals in the process, and at 6/5 for an away win the Gunners look more than capable of bagging all three points at Goodison given their current form.

In the other Sunday game, league leaders and defending champions Chelsea take on Sunderland in what should be a one sided game at Stamford Bridge.

Sunderland did play well on their last trip to the capital as they frustrated an attacking Tottenham Hotspur side at White Hart Lane, recording a 1-1 draw in North London on Tuesday night and they would be delighted if Asamoah Gyan can get on the score sheet at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea do have their injury problems as Frank Lampard will be sidelined for a further three weeks after he picked a muscle injury in training, while the Blues will also be without midfielder Michael Essien, who was sent off in their midweek win against Fulham.

Despite these absentees, Chelsea will be confident of picking up all three points after they put seven goals past Sunderland in their last meeting.

It is difficult to see Sunderland getting anything out of this one as they have won only one of their last 24 matches away from the Stadium of Light and Chelsea are expected to win comfortably (Chelsea 8/15 to be winning at half-time and full-time).

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Five more EPL selections…

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The early Premier League kick-off on Saturday sees Aston Villa welcome Manchester United to Villa Park and both sides could do with taking three points from this encounter (check out totesport Premier League match betting).

United fell further behind Chelsea in the title race with a midweek draw at Eastlands, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be desperate to bounce back with a win at Villa. United are still without Wayne Rooney, while Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are both listed as doubts but the Old Trafford side should still have enough talent on display to secure all three points, United are 5/6 in the 90 minutes betting and Ferguson’s side have a great record at Villa – the last time they lost there was on the opening day of the 1995/96 season.

Punters looking for a shock result may want to consider Blackpool away at West Ham.  The Hammers have a leaky defence and have conceded 11 goals in just six home fixtures to date in the Premier League.  Seasiders boss Ian Holloway chose to rotate his squad in the defeat at Villa on Wednesday and the likes of Charlie Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher should be back and firing on all cylinders in this crucial showdown.  Blackpool are priced at 13/5 in the 90 minutes betting and Holloway’s side could well be on course for their fourth victory on the road this season against strugglers West Ham.

Manchester City entertain Birmingham City in what most will probably consider a ‘home banker’. The Eastlands side were held to a goalless draw by city rivals Manchester United on Wednesday and boss Roberto Mancini will be well aware of the importance of picking up three points to keep their title challenge on track.  City are 4/11 in the 90 minutes betting, but the value could well be in the handicap market, with the hosts a much more attractive 10/11 to win with a -1 handicap.

Newcastle slipped up at St James’ Park on Wednesday as Blackburn secured a 2-1 victory but the north-east side have a chance to put that right when Fulham arrive on Saturday.  The Cottagers are still seeking their first win on their travels this season and could well struggle against a Newcastle side who currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.  Newcastle will be without the suspended Joey Barton but with Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan in fine-form Chris Hughton’s side could well be celebrating another three points at the final whistle on Saturday.  In the enhanced first goalscorer market Andy Carroll is priced at 9/2 and this could well be a decent bet considering he is pushing for a spot in the England squad and already has seven goals to his name this season, while Newcastle are 10/11 in the 90 minutes betting.

In the late kick-off Stoke welcome Liverpool to the Britannia Stadium and the Potters are an extremely difficult side to face on their own turf.  Tony Pulis’ men have been beaten just twice at home this season, with Manchester United and Chelsea the only teams to leave with three points, and Liverpool could well be in for another frustrating away day.  Stoke managed to end their losing streak with a win over Birmingham on Tuesday and should be good enough to secure at least a draw against the Anfield side.  Liverpool set their stall out to defend at Wigan on Wednesday, and Roy Hodgson’s side may well have to settle for another point at Stoke, with the draw priced at 12/5.

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Elite league betting…

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For punters wishing to cast the net a bit wider than the Premier League and the SPL this weekend here are a few picks from the Spanish La Liga and the Italian Serie A (check out totesport elite league match prices).

Real Sociedad are one of the form teams in La Liga having won their last three league fixtures after a tough start to the campaign. In contrast newly-promoted Hercules have struggled of late and have not won in their last five, including three defeats.  Sociedad are priced at a rather tasty 21/10 in the 90 minutes betting and they could well be worth some consideration.

La Liga leaders Real Madrid are in free-scoring mode and have found the net a staggering 27 times in their opening 10 fixtures, conceding just five.  Jose Mourinho’s men travel to Sporting Gijon and are priced at 1/4 to secure a sixth straight victory, considering Real’s goal scoring  record and the fact Gijon have already conceded 16 goals it might be worth backing Real to win with a -1 handicap, which is priced at 4/6.

Real Mallorca have lost just once at home this season and have managed to take a point of both Real Madrid and Barcelona on home soil.  Mallorca entertain a resurgent Deportivo La Coruna side on Sunday who have now moved away from the drop zone after two consecutive victories.  However, Mallorca’s home record is formidable and they rarely suffer defeat at the Son Moix, Mallorca are 8/11 in the 90 minutes betting and that looks to be the best bet ahead of this fixture.

The Milan derby takes place this weekend, with Inter Milan the ‘home’ team at the San Siro stadium.  AC Milan moved to the top of the Serie A table on Wednesday with a victory over Palmero, while the Nerazzurri are going through an indifferent patch and although unbeaten in their last five they have only won twice.  Internazionale boss Rafael Benitez will be desperate to take all three points and secure the bragging rights but the Rossoneri are a difficult side to beat and this could well end in a stalemate, with the draw available at 11/5.

Lecce are yet to win on their travels this season and they face a trip to the Stadio Friuli to face an improving Udinese side on Sunday. Udinese’s five game unbeaten run was ended by Catania last time out but on home soil they should have enough about them to take all three points.  Udinese are priced at 4/7 in the 90 minutes betting and considering Lecce’s away form this looks to be the best bet ahead of their meeting this weekend.

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