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Motherwell get helping hands

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Motherwell remain the closest challengers to the Old Firm after receiving a generous slice of luck in the SPL on Saturday (Motherwell 10/3 -  betting without Celtic & Rangers).

Well benefitted from two own goals as they beat Dundee United 2-1 to consolidate third place in the table.

Scott Severin and Sean Dillon scored at the wrong end, either side of a penalty from David Goodwillie.

Rudi Skacel scored a hat-trick as Hearts beat St Mirren 3-0 to register their first home league win of the season (Hearts 5/2 – betting without Celtic & Rangers).

The Czech Republic international scored twice before half time, including the opener inside the first two minutes.

Skacel claimed the match ball with the last kick of the game as Saints were left still searching for their first points on the road this season.

Colin Calderwood’s stint at Hibernian got off to a poor start as his side lost 4-2 at Aberdeen.

Calderwood had targeted the match as an opportunity to start climbing the table, against a side that had only one draw to show for their previous six games.

But Chris Maguire put the hosts in front on 18 minutes, and Scott Vernon added a second after 33 minutes via a wicked deflection off Hibs defender Sol Bamba.

And it was game over five minutes after the interval when Vernon converted Maguire’s shot-cum-cross, with Paul Hartley adding a fourth from the penalty spot.

His side did rally after the hour mark, with Colin Nish pulling a goal back and Bamba heading a second in the last minute, but it could not stop Aberdeen notching just their second home league win of the campaign.

Inverness are still unbeaten away from home in the SPL after making it three defeats on the spin for Kilmarnock as they secured a 2-1 victory at Rugby Park.

The visitors went in front three minutes before the break when Adam Rooney netted from the spot, and Johnny Haynes made it 2-0 on 66 minutes before Kilmarnock sub Rui Miguel scored his first goal for the club to give them hope.

A late Danny Grainger free-kick gave St Johnstone a 2-1 victory over Hamilton at New Douglas Park.

Sam Parkin put the visitors ahead after 19 minutes, but former Saints player Simon Mensing levelled from the spot in the 67th minute after a handball from defender Michael Duberry.

There were just four minutes left when Grainger netted with a 25-yard free-kick to seal the points.

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Evra warns of big mistake

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Patrice Evra has admitted that he understands the recent criticism aimed at Manchester United (5/1 Premier League Outright) but insists that writing off the club’s title credentials is a huge mistake.

It has been an amazing week at Old Trafford with star striker Wayne Rooney (12/1 to finish as the Premier League’s Top Scorer) firstly insisting that he would not be signing a new contract with the club and wanted out, before performing a dramatic U-turn to put pen to paper on a new five-year deal.

Rooney had originally stated that with the burgeoning debt at Manchester United the club could no longer compete at the top level, and could not match his own personal ambitions.

Evra was obviously worried of the impact of Rooney’s stance at the time and said: “If one player in the team does not trust the others, he should not play in the team.”

Since Rooney’s change of heart, though, Evra is keen to get matters sorted on the pitch and insists the current squad is very capable of challenging for honours this season.

Evra told the Sunday Mirror: “I myself would not play for this club if I knew we were not strong enough to win the league. That is why we all play for Manchester United.

“At this moment, I think everyone just needs to focus on their own job again and we will see at the end of the season. I agree with the criticism that United have not had the winning mentality this season.

“We draw, we win and then we draw again and, of course, people will talk about this not being the same United because we are already behind Chelsea in the league.

“I know this is not normal for us, but after what has happened this week we need to make sure we win against Stoke and then everything will look better.

“I only stay in Manchester to win trophies and my message is that if people think that United are finished they are making a big mistake. I say this because it is the truth and I believe it.”

Manchester United (8/11 in the match betting) take their unbeaten record to Stoke (4/1 to win, 5/2 the draw) on Sunday but they are still looking for their first win away from home this season.

Rooney was stretchered off the training field with United last week with an ankle problem and has been ruled out for three weeks, while Jonny Evans, Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs are also unavailable for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Striker Ricardo Fuller aggravated a shoulder injury at Bolton last week but could still make the bench for Stoke, although midfielder Dean Whitehead will sit out through suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

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Walcott relishing underdog tag

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Theo Walcott believes that Arsenal (2/1 to win at Eastlands) will relish the fact they are the underdogs when they visit big-spending Manchester City (11/8 in the match betting, 9/4 the draw) on Sunday as they look to go above Roberto Mancini’s men in the table.

Walcott is obviously wary of the threat posed by a City side (11/2 to win the Premier League title) given their start to the campaign so far, but insists the pressure is off the Gunners (15/2), who will go above City with a win as they will have a better goal difference.

“Man City are probably one of the favourites for the league going into Sunday’s game and maybe favourites against us,” Walcott said.

“That’s good for us. We’ll go there with no fear and express ourselves and try to get that result we need.

“City are very strong. They beat Chelsea at their place. They have so much money and have fantastic players and I think they are starting to gel now.

“They are growing every single game but, hopefully, we can stutter their season.”

Walcott (7/2 to score at anytime on Sunday) is back in contention for a starting berth against City for the first time since August after missing the last six weeks with an ankle problem while on England duty.

The 21-year-old came on as a substitute during Arsenal’s Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek is hopeful that he has fully recovered from his ankle injury but is expecting some physical treatment from City when the sides go head-to-head.

“There have been a lot of breakages this season, more than normal,” Walcott said. “I’m a player who gets kicked all the time. I just have to get back up from it and move on.

“With training, hopefully I can get back to the physical side of things with my ankle.

“I’ve been whacked on it once but I think I need a couple more to be sure it’s okay.

“Wayne Bridge will be left-back at City. I’m sure I’ll take a few whacks and bruises but I’ll be fine.”

Captain Cesc Fabregas is back to full fitness and is set to return to Premier League action, while defender Bacary Sagna has also recovered from injury.

However, Laurent Koscielny is struggling with a back problem and Jack Wilshere is suspended.

City could welcome back striker Mario Balotelli to the squad following his knee injury although former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure is a doubt with a hamstring complaint.

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O’Neill targets swift return

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Bet on the SPLFormer Celtic (4/5 to win the SPL outright) boss Martin O’Neill has insisted that he wants to return to management as quickly as possible after he walked out of the Aston Villa job.

The Northern Irish manager left the club just five days before the start of the Premier League season after what was believed to be a disagreement between himself and Villa owner Randy Lerner over the sale of star midfielder James Milner.

O’Neill is now looking to get back into a managerial hot seat and has been linked with a number of clubs including the vacant position at Championship side Middlesbrough as well as the Liverpool job as Roy Hodgson has had a poor start to his reign at Anfield.

Speaking about the future, the former Leicester City manager said: “I’ve been enjoying myself and getting rather lazy these last two months.

“But I obviously miss the game and I’m sure I’ll get back into it at some stage if I can.

“I’d rather that happened sooner rather than later.”

O’Neill could take the job at the Riverside as Middlesbrough look to turn their season around after a poor start to the campaign.

Boro were tipped to win the Championship this term but under the leadership of Gordon Strachan the side failed to live up to expectations and currently sit in 21st place in the league.

O’Neill would be an ideal replacement for Strachan as the club looks to climb up the Championship table.

The 53-year-old has also revealed that he had been interviewed for the England job before Steve McClaren was given the role after Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He said: “Obviously Steve had been there as assistant to Sven at the time, but I’m not sure of the way the voting system went.

“A number of candidates were interviewed – Big Sam Allardyce brought every piece of machinery and all the stats with him, unfortunately I didn’t.

“I just brought myself, and we all know what happened.”

O’Neill could be a candidate for the England (8/1 to win Euro 2012 outright) job in 2012 after the current boss Fabio Capello stated that he would retire from management after the tournament.

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Big Sam out to increase pressure on Liverpool

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Bet on the Premier LeagueSam Allardyce reckons there is no better time for his Blackburn Rovers (5/1 to win) side to travel to Anfield to face Liverpool as the hosts are in the midst of an on-the-field crisis.

Liverpool (4/6 to win, 12/5 draw) have had a disappointing season under Roy Hodgson and their plight has been much-documented. They sit in the Premier League relegation spots with only six points from their opening eight games.

In previous seasons many football fans would not give Blackburn much of a hope at Anfield, but this season things are different.

Liverpool have lost four games already in the league and have been defeated at Anfield by Premier League new-boys Blackpool and, even more embarrassingly, by League Two side Northampton Town in the Carling Cup.

Allardyce goes into the game without captain Chris Samba after his sending off in the draw with Sunderland last time out. Ryan Nelsen is set to come in and replace him, while strikers Benjani (8/1 to be first goal scorer) and Jason Roberts are back in contention.

The experienced manager admits it is a “good time” to be facing Liverpool, but he expects a tough challenge from Hodgson’s side as they look to put in a good performance in their first home game under their new owners.

“They’ve had a difficult time results wise of late, they had a good result in Europe but from our point of view we have a better chance than normal to get a result at Anfield on Sunday,” said Allardyce.

“We have still got to play at our best and I think this time it gives us a better chance of getting a result. You can be at your best many times at Anfield and it still wouldn’t be good enough to get you anything.

“I think at this moment in time it might be good enough to get us something.”

Hodgson is expected to recall captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to the first team after they sat out the Europa League draw with Napoli on Thursday (Liverpool 11/1 to win Europa League).

Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger are also available for Hodgson as the manager looks to stop a rot that has seen Liverpool endure their worst start to a top-flight campaign for more than 50 years.

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Celtic ready for Old Firm clash

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Bet on the SPLCeltic (4/5 to win the SPL) boss Neil Lennon believes his team are in ‘prime condition’ to take on their city rivals Rangers on Sunday.

The Glasgow giants meet at Parkhead in the biggest game of the SPL season so far as both sides have won all of their first eight matches of the campaign.

Rangers are the current leaders in the league thanks to having a better goal difference than the Hoops as both sides have set up what looks to be another two-horse-race for the SPL title.

However, Lennon has insisted that his side has what it takes to beat Gers in the first Old Firm clash of the season.

He said: “They are playing some good stuff and they were excellent in the 2-1 win against Dundee United  last week.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from them in terms of a team performance and an attacking performance.

“So the tails are up, there is a wee bit of excitement about this game and the players are looking forward to it,” he added.

The Old Firm games always deliver exciting football but the fixtures between the two Scottish giants could take on added importance with both sides winning all their league games so far.

Rangers (10/11 to win the SPL) boss Walter Smith is taking part in his last season in management and the 62-year-old has admitted that he won’t miss the Old Firm games.

He said: “I must admit it’s a kind of nervy day.

“I think the way both teams have started the season, both seem to be playing confidently and will be looking forward to Sunday’s game.

“Both teams have every right to be confident. Maybe because of the fact we’ve both won eight games, this year’s four Old Firm games will take on an added importance,” he added.

Rangers will be looking to continue their battling form which has seen them come from behind in their last three SPL fixtures.

Gers also managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Valencia in midweek in the Champions League which keeps the Glasgow side in the hunt for a final 16 spot in the tournament.

Smith’s side will be looking to spoil their rivals’ winning record on Sunday as they hope to continue their good run of results domestically and in Europe.

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Young reveals Villa deal delay

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England midfielder Ashley Young appears to be keeping his options open after shelving new contract talks at Aston Villa until the summer (Villa 12/1 – Top Four Finish).

The pacey forward has less than two years left on his deal having arrived at Villa Park from Watford for big money back in 2007.

Signed by former boss Martin O’Neill, Young has gone on to establish himself as a key first-team player for the Villans while he has also won 10 caps for the Three Lions.

The 25-year-old insists he is happy at Villa but says he is determined to concentrate on matters on the pitch rather than get distracted by contract talks.

Young told The Sun: “I’ve told the people at Villa that I won’t be signing a new contract at the moment.

“I know they want to get it done now but my current deal still has a year to run after this season and I feel there is plenty of time to talk next summer.

“I want to stress that I have no problem with Aston Villa. I love the fans and I’m very much enjoying my football.

“I want to concentrate on what’s happening on the field and don’t want to get distracted.

“It’s a big season for me and I’m hopeful there are good times ahead under the new manager.”

Villa (9/5 – 90 minutes betting) take on Sunderland (11/8) at the Stadium of Light as they look to better their current position of eighth in the Premier League after eight games of the season.

Last weekend the Villans held leaders Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Villa Park but it is away from home where Gerard Houllier’s men have struggled, with three defeats on the road already.

Villa are boosted by the return of striker Emile Heskey (back) and midfielder Marc Albrighton (illness) while centre-half Richard Dunne is also available despite being forced off with a gashed ankle last time out (Heskey 8/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

Houllier is still without forward Gabriel Agbonlahor and full-back Luke Young because of groin and hamstring problems respectively.

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Rooney performs United U-turn

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney (12/1 Premier League top goalscorer) has signed a new five-year contract to put to an end a week of intense speculation surrounding his future.

The news will come as a huge relief to the United faithful who had resigned themselves to losing the England international after a statement on Wednesday said he would not be signing his new deal.

With his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2012, speculation he could leave Old Trafford was rampant in the media as they began to link the forward with the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

While no club came forward with an actual offer there would have been no shortage of takers had the 24-year-old stuck to his word and left United.

A statement on Wednesday had indicated Rooney’s time at the club was up, with Ferguson revealing he had been told the striker wanted to leave at a press conference that night.

The United boss spent Thursday afternoon in a meeting with United chief executive David Gill in a bid to rectify the situation.

While no official statement was released by the club on Thursday night Gill did tell United fans to be patient.

Those who did keep the faith will have been rewarded by Friday’s news that Rooney has agreed a new five year contract which will keep him at the club until 2015.

“It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United.  I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay,” Ferguson told United’s official website.

“Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand.  I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.”

Ferguson’s comments come after a difficult week for the United (4/1 Premier League outright) manager, whose own future was questioned as part of the saga.

Reports had indicated that Rooney and Ferguson had fallen out over the striker’s phantom ankle injury, with the player having denied he ever had such a problem.

However, things appear to have been patched up with Rooney claiming Ferguson had played a big part in helping him to commit his future to United.

“I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. I’ve spoken to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this where I belong,” said Rooney.

“I am signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history – which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.”

Rooney went on to apologise to the United supporters for what had happened over the last week.

Some members of the Old Trafford faithful had shown their unhappiness at Rooney’s apparent decision to leave by protesting outside his home on Thursday night.

However, they will hope all the drama is behind Rooney and United now as they look to get their title challenge back on track.

There was no word as to whether Rooney would feature in United’s Premier League game at Stoke (4/1 – 90 minutes betting) having missed Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Bursaspor with an ankle injury.

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Pompey staring into the abyss

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Bet on the ChampionshipPortsmouth’s game against Hull City on Saturday will go ahead despite the South Coast side being on the brink of liquidation (Hull 13/10, draw 23/10, Portsmouth 21/10 – Match Betting).

On Friday evening, Pompey released a statement saying that they faced going out of business unless they could strike a deal with major creditor and former owner Alexandre Gaydamak. This was described by the football club as “impossible” due to an upfront cash payment that was being demanded by Gaydamak. This was described by Portsmouth as a “ransom payment” as it would secure Pompey’s exit from administration.

The news will come as a bitter blow to Portsmouth fans at a time when things were looking up for the club. Results on the pitch have improved after a poor start to the campaign whilst the club admits that “extensive efforts” had been made to try and resolve the situation behind the scenes.

Explaining the position, Portsmouth say these efforts have “now been undermined by the self-interested actions of one individual. Mr Gaydamak has provided confirmation several times that terms were agreed. However, he has continually changed his position in an attempt to exploit the goodwill of the other parties to the transaction.

“By now doing this he has shown complete disregard for the supporters, the club and the City of Portsmouth, who had granted him freedom of the city in 2008.

“His earlier comments when the club went into administration about doing everything possible to save the club’s future do not appear to reflect his current actions.”

Despite the grim news, things took another dramatic twist when Portsmouth’s administrator, Andrew Andronikou, admitted he was still hopeful that the club could exit administration and that talks over the weekend could reach a “satisfactory conclusion”.

He expressed his disappointment that Portsmouth had released a statement so quickly and stressed that “within the next 24 hours we can get the parties around the table and we can renegotiate to everyone’s satisfaction.”

He went on to admit: “We are as close to coming out of administration as going into
liquidation. It is a fine balance and I want to say as little as possible at the moment.”

If Portsmouth does cease to exist, it will have significant ramifications for British football, particularly this season’s Championship. However, there have been so many twists and turns in this saga, it is difficult to predict what will happen next.

Uncertainty reigns this evening but the game at the KC Stadium could well be the last in Pompey’s illustrious history.

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Anelka reveals Chelsea aim

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Bet on the Premier LeagueChelsea striker Nicolas Anelka – 33/1 to finish as the top scorer in the Premier League this season – wants to sign a deal to effectively end his career at Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year-old, who won the Golden Boot for the 2008/09 season, has enjoyed a nomadic existence during his 13-year career to date, with spells at clubs including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City and Bolton.

Anelka has been at Chelsea since January 2008 and scored his 50th club goal in midweek as the Blues secured a 2-0 win at Spartak Moscow – and now he is hoping to bag many more providing the club wants to keep him.

Out of contract at the end of next season, the former France international still has a lot to offer and he hopes it is in the blue of Chelsea.

“When I first signed here I knew I had arrived at a big club and I wanted to stay as long as possible,” Anelka revealed.

“I don’t know what will happen in the future. After this season I have one more year on my current deal and I will see what will happen because you never know.

“But I am very happy here and I would be glad to sign for more years.

“I am just very satisfied to achieve two landmarks with Chelsea in goals scored and how long I have spent here, it has just been special to score goals for Chelsea.”

Anelka has helped himself to just two goals in the Premier League so far this term – four fewer than club-mates Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda – so he will be hoping to add to his tally when Chelsea (1/7 to win the game) entertain Wolves (14/1) on Saturday afternoon.

Carlo Ancelotti is boosted by the return of Drogba after illness but he still has injury problems to contend with for the clash.

Striker Daniel Sturridge is struggling with an ankle problem and could join Frank Lampard (groin), Alex (thigh), Yossi Benayoun (Achilles) and Ramires (ankle) on the sidelines.

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