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Toffees to sneak final place

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The FA Cup has once against thrown up a number of surprises this season but we are now at the semi-finals of the competition, with the first game at Wembley expected to be a cracker between Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton on Saturday (Liverpool 8/5, draw 9/4, Everton 9/5 Match Betting).

The two sides have both had fairly inconsistent seasons but know that going into a derby match, the form book goes out of the window and anything can happen when you’re playing not only for a place in the final, but also for local pride.

The Reds (5/2 FA Cup outright) have struggled in the league this year, with perhaps their best result coming in the 3-0 victory over the Toffees at in March. However, their ability to produce a performance out of nothing has suited them in the cup competitions and after winning the Carling Cup, are now targeting a famous double.

Boss Kenny Dalglish has come under criticism for his selection policy throughout this season but one thing is for sure, when captain Steven Gerrard (11/8 to score at anytime) plays, the Reds often succeed.

The influential skipper has once again missed a large part of the campaign through injury but has impressed when he has played, including scoring a hat-trick in the aforementioned win in the recent derby. Gerrard looks as if he is finally starting to gel with striker Luis Suarez and expect the England international to have a major impact on the outcome of this game.

Everton (7/2 FA Cup outright) have once again confounded the critics and despite a few shaky moments, manager David Moyes has once again proved that you don’t need heavy investment to build a solid Premier League team.

The Toffees currently sit seventh in the table, one place above their neighbours and will be confident of winning at Wembley after beating Sunderland 4-0 on Monday, a victory that extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to five matches.

Their fine form has undoubtedly had a lot to do with the emergence of January signing Nikica Jelavic (11/8 to score at anytime) who has regularly impressed since his move from the SPL. The Croatian has netted four times in as many games and now looks to be justifying the hype that followed him after his transfer from Rangers.

In recent matches, Liverpool have looked shaky in defence, conceding a number of sloppy goals, and after being rested for the victory over the Black Cats, the in-form 26-year-old will certainly be raring to go and will fancy himself to get on the scoresheet.

Both sides will be desperate to win the game but having rested a number of key stars on Monday, Everton might just be fresher going into the match and could just sneak a single goal victory in an extremely tight encounter (Everton 7/1 to win 1-0).

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Lambert to make the difference

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There is contrasting, but crucial, action in both the Championship and League Two on Friday as sides battle for Premier League places and, at the other end scale, fight for their Football League status.

Southampton v Reading

Concentrating on the Championship first and the top two go head-to-head at St Mary’s, kick off at 7.45pm, with Southampton and Reading both locked on 82 points with just four games to go – although the Saints are 8/11 favourites to go on and claim the title with Reading priced at 11/10.

The winner of the division is sure to come from these two with all four teams below them failing to win last time out to allow the pair to pull six points clear of the chasing pack with just 12 left to play for.

Southamtpon have enjoyed an extra day’s preparation for this crunch fixture as they bounced back from a 2-2 draw with rivals Portsmouth on Saturday with a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Meanwhile, Reading, who have snuck up on the rails to challenge for the title, followed up a 2-0 success over Leeds on Friday with a narrow 1-0 victory at Brighton on Tuesday.

Nothing will be decided by this result although the winner will be one huge step further towards automatic promotion, while the loser will be dragged closer to the chasing pack – depending on how they fare over the weekend.

The Saints have made St Mary’s a stronghold this season, losing just twice while recording 15 wins and four draws, amassing 44 goals and conceding just 15, to easily boast the best home record in the division.

With that in mind it is no surprise to see them installed as favourites in the match betting, albeit at odds against of 5/4 with Reading available at 11/5 and the draw at 23/10.

It would be folly to disregard the Royals’ chances in this fixture as they are in the middle of a fantastic run – the 3-1 defeat at Peterborough aside – and have lost just one of their last 15 matches.

Thirteen of those recent matches have been victories as well and they are charging towards the finishing line and can boast recent successes over promotion-hopefuls West Ham and Blackpool.

Brian McDermott’s men have already notched up 12 wins on the road – the joint-best record alongside West Ham – so will not be overawed by a trip to St Mary’s, particularly given their current hot streak.

There will be certainly those who see the value in another away-day success but the difference in this match could well be Saints’ hitman Rickie Lambert.

Goals have not seemingly been a problem for Southampton this season and Lambert has scored plenty – his 26 goals leads the scoring charts by some margin – with West Ham’s Ricardo Vaz Te a distant second with 17.

The 30-year-old was ‘the difference’ in Monday’s win over Palace, bagging both, and he has got to be considered in the goalscoring markets. The Saints number seven is a tempting 9/2 chance to score the first or last goal and 7/1 to score two or more, while a hat-trick is on offer at 25/1.

It looks like it could well be a tight one with so much at stake but Lambert could just be the difference-maker for Nigel Adkins’ men as they look to secure back-to-back promotions.

There is an equally massive match at the other end of the league as Barnet and Hereford do battle at Underhill with their Football League lives at stake.

League Two - Barnet v Hereford

Barnet also have the advantage of a three-point cushion in 22nd place in the table over basement-dwellers Hereford, with just three games to follow.

As one might expect from a side near the foot of any table is that neither side has made home advantage count particularly with the Bees suffering 11 defeats in front of their own fans, along with five wins and five draws.

Lawrie Sanchez’s men have been installed as 11/10 favourites in the match betting, but there will be some who see value in opposing the home side.

The Bulls and the draw are both on offer at 12/5 and it is worth noting that Hereford have ‘only’ lost nine games on the road, picking up four wins and eight draws along the way.

Recent form leaves little to go on with Barnet losing their last four and have not won in seven, while Richard O’Kelly’s men have not won in six matches with just one draw in that time.

Both matches could have a big impact on promotion and relegation at either end of the Football League as ‘business time’ looms.

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Malaga to sink Yellow Submarine

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Thursday evening’s Primera Division action sees three games which involve teams scrapping for points to pull away from relegation trouble, while the pick of the matches has high-flying Malaga looking to boost their Champions League hopes at struggling Villarreal.

Manuel Pellegrini’s Costa del Sol outfit sit in third spot in the table after jumping above Valencia courtesy of the weekend’s 3-0 mauling of Racing Santander and travel to El Madrigal looking to secure another three points which will ensure Villarreal remain just outside the relegation places in 17th place.

Malaga have hit a decent run of form at the right time with six wins in their last nine games, while they have been boosted by the news Julio Baptista could return from a long-term foot injury before the end of the season.

Influential midfielder Jeremy Toulalan and goalkeeper Willy Caballero will both miss the run-in, but Spain international Joaquin Sanchez could figure against Villarreal on Thursday after a two-game injury absence.

Playmaker Santi Cazorla is also aiming to help Malaga defeat the club he left last summer in a 20million euros deal, but expects a tough encounter against his former team-mates.

“It will be a very difficult game, not only because they have a great team but because they are in a delicate situation and need the points,” he said.

Villarreal, who finished in fourth spot last season, have endured a disappointing campaign and are in a poor run of form with just one win in their last nine, so will have their work cut out.

Despite that, Yellow Submarine coach Miguel Angel Lotina feels Malaga ‘are a nice opponent for us’.

Malaga won 2-1 in the game between the clubs earlier this season, but Villarreal have not been beaten on home soil by Los Boquerones in the previous two Primera Division campaigns.

But with the run of form the two sides are on we expect the visitors to just have the edge on Thursday.

Prediction: Malaga Away 90 Minutes @ 7/4
Value Bet: Draw/Malaga HT/FT @ 9/2

Racing Santander go into Thursday’s home clash against Real Mallorca well aware that time is running out on their bid for survival as they currently sit in second-bottom spot and are seven points adrift of safety.

However Alvaro Cervera’s side are stuck in a poor run of form with four defeats and a draw in their last five games which has edged them closer to the drop.

Mallorca had eased their own relegation fears with two successive wins, before two straight defeats and a draw in the last three has left them looking over their shoulders once again.

Therefore it is a crunch fixture which could see Racing pull themselves back into contention for safety or Mallorca will virtually guarantee survival, while a draw will probably help the visitors out of the two sides.

Racing won last season’s home clash 2-0, but Mallorca edged the game earlier this season 2-1 so expect a close encounter.

It is a must-win match for Racing, but it does not seem that they have enough about them to get one and we expect Mallorca to secure a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 9/4
Value Bet: 1-1 Correct Score @ 11/2

Thursday’s third clash sees struggling Real Zaragoza, who occupy 18th place in the Primera Division travel to face a Sevilla side with ambitions of securing a top-six finish.

Zaragoza head to Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on the back of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona on Saturday, but they had won the three games before that to move to within four points of fourth-bottom Villarreal.

Therefore Minolo Jimenez’s side should be in good spirits for the game against a Sevilla side which saw its hopes of a European place suffer a set-back in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao which also followed a run of three straight victories.

Sevilla coach Michel was disappointed with the weekend’s defeat and called on his players to respond quickly as they currently sit four points off sixth-placed Osasuna ahead of the game.

Sevilla have enjoyed the better of the head-to-heads with four wins in the last five meetings and that should continue on Thursday.

Prediction: Sevilla Home Win 90 Minutes @ 1/2
Value Bet: Sevilla 3-1 Correct Score @ 10/1

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City praying for United slip

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Wednesday night may well bring another twist in the Premier League title race as both Manchester United and Manchester City (14/1 – Premier League Outright) are in action as we enter the business end of the campaign.

The Red Devils are firmly in the driving seat at the top of the table with eight points separating themselves from local rivals City, and the defending champions travel to the DW Stadium to take on a Wigan Athletic side who are fighting for survival (Wigan 9/1, draw 4/1, United 1/3 – Match Betting).

Wigan were extremely unlucky not to get something out of their last outing against Chelsea, as they were denied any points by a late goal from Juan Mata at Stamford Bridge.

Having looked down and out a few months ago, Latics have got themselves back in with a chance of survival as only goal difference is keeping them in the bottom three.

Wigan have proved they are capable of running the big teams close but manager Roberto Martinez might have to look at other games for points, as United are just doing enough to get the wins they need at the moment and they should bag the three points.

The title race is out of City’s hands and all they can do now is keep the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson and his men and hope they have an uncharacteristic slip-up.

West Brom are the next obstacle for the Citizens and the West Midlands outfit will be looking to make life difficult for City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (City 1/4, draw 5/1, WBA 12/1 – Match Betting).

The Baggies got back to winning ways last week with a 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns. Striker Peter Odemwingie will be looking to cause the Blues defence problems but with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez likely to feature in the absence of the suspended Mario Balotelli, City should have too much firepower and a win looks highly likely.

In the race for a top-four finish and the battle to avoid relegation, rock-bottom Wolverhampton host Arsenal at Molineux in what will be another tough game for Wolves boss Terry Connor (Wolves 7/1, draw 18/5, Arsenal 2/5 – Match Betting).

The inexperienced boss has really been thrown in at the deep end since the sacking of Mick McCarthy and he will now have to try and get something from a clash with the Gunners, who will still be on a high after their 1-0 win over City.

Arsenal are looking to consolidate their spot in third place in the Premier League table and there will be no risk of them taking their foot off the gas at this stage of the season.

Wolves are really up against it and having survived relegation last term, it looks like they could be playing second-tier football next season, with the Gunners set to claim all three points at Molineux.

Queens Park Rangers are lingering just above the relegation zone on goal difference and they too have a crucial game on Wednesday when they host Swansea City at Loftus Road (QPR 11/10, draw 12/5, Swansea 5/2 – Match Betting).

The Hoops never stood a chance at Old Trafford in their last outing once midfielder Shaun Derry was sent off in controversial circumstances.

The Welsh outfit will be looking to play their normal passing game but with Rangers desperate to secure the win to avoid dropping into the bottom three, QPR might just battle to a narrow victory over the all-but-safe Swans.

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Milan to get back on track

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After losing their place at the top of the Serie A table following their surprise home defeat to Fiorentina on Saturday, AC Milan (6/5 Serie A outright) have the perfect chance to get back on track when they travel to Verona to face Chievo on Tuesday evening.

The Rossoneri have led the league for most of the season, but injuries and suspensions appear to be taking their toll and Domenico Di Carlo’s men will fancy their chances of causing an upset at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi (Chievo 5/1, draw 13/5, AC Milan 8/13 – 90 minutes).

Chievo have once again upset the odds this year and are currently on a run of four games without defeat. Despite their limited resources, Di Carlo’s men have impressed this term and are still in with an outside chance of qualifying for Europe.

Much of their success is based on a strong work ethic built around the midfield diamond of Luciano, Michael Bradley, Luca Rigoni and Frenchman Cyril Thereau.

However, they do have a few star players and for over a decade, striker Sergio Pellissier has been their talisman. The captain has once again led his charges in superb fashion this season but has only returned a disappointing tally of six goals this season. He has scored in his last two matches though and will be looking to continue his run of form on Tuesday (Chievo 8/1 to win 1-0 – correct score).

Milan look like they’re starting to struggle and they haven’t won in any of their last four games in all competitions. This has seen boss Massimiliano Allegri’s position come under severe scrutiny but his cause has not been helped by injuries and suspensions to a number of key players.

Going into the match, the San Siro side will be without the likes of Mark Van Bommel, Thiago Silva and Alexandre Pato due to injuries while Alberto Aquilani, Daniele Bonera and skipper Massimo Ambrosini are also ruled out through suspension.

However, they can still call on the likes of Robinho and the temperamental Zlatan Ibrahimovic to aid their cause, but it is likely to be one of their more unsung heroes who could make the difference.

Chievo are renowned for their battling performances and Milan will have to match them in this area of the game if they’re to have any chance of winning and in Antonio Nocerino they have possibly the country’s best. The 27-year-old signed from Palermo in the summer and has taken over Gennaro Gattuso’s role in the side as their ball winner. His display could be vital to the outcome of the match.

Both sides will be confident going into the game, however, Milan, despite their injuries and suspensions should just have enough quality to beat the Gialloblu but it will certainly be a tight game (Milan 5/1 to in 1-0 – correct score).

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Pulsating climax in La Liga

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After an intriguing weekend in La Liga there is still much to play for in a busy midweek schedule, with three key games to get stuck into – including Barcelona’s bid to close the gap at the top of the table to just a solitary point.

Concentrating on the chase for European places first, Osasuna entertain Espanyol in a match that will have a huge bearing on the top six finishers – and potentially even Champions League qualification.

Osasuna have been something of a surprise package this season and currently lie in sixth place in the table, with a recent 2-0 win over Levante keeping them very much in the top-four mix.

Los Rojillos have built their success around their home form, having lost just three times this season at the Reyno de Navarra, and they are the 6/5 favourites in the match betting, with Espanyol priced at 11/5 and the draw at 9/4.

Although it was no disgrace to lose to Real Madrid, the 5-1 scoreline looks particularly unfavourable given the league leaders’ recent form and Osasuna will go into the game on the back of a 6-0 hammering at Rayo Vallecano – their first win in four games.

Taking on Osasuna appears to be the way to go although Espanyol have struggled to pick up wins on their travels – with just three this season.

However, they have lost just one of their last six and could capitalise on Osasuna’s recent troubles to pick up at least a point to boost their own chances of European qualification.

Real Sociedad appear to have turned a corner with four points from their last two games – ending a three-match losing streak – which has given them some breathing room as they are now nine points above the relegation zone.

The Erreala have a decent record at the Anoeta, particularly given their lowly position of 15th place in the league, with just four defeats suffered in front of their own fans.

Sociedad are the favourites in the match betting at 6/5, with the draw on offer at 11/5 and Betis at 15/8, which is perhaps not surprising given their home record.

However, Betis have won five times on the road this season and, although they have also lost 10 times with no draws, only three clubs have won more on the road and look the value in the betting to beat a side two places lower in the table.

The last match of the evening sees Barcelona looking to narrow the gap at the top of the standings to just a point, with Real Madrid not in action until Wednesday.

There is certainly plenty of incentive for the Catalans to take this match seriously which is reflected in the match betting as they are 1/14 to record a 15th win out of 16 games at the Nou Camp this season, with no defeats and one draw.

It is hard to see Getafe doing the double over Barca, following a 1-0 win at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in November, although the more fanciful punter can get 28/1 on the away win, and perhaps more realistically 10/1 on the draw.

However, that surprise success earlier this season for Getafe will merely provide further ammunition for Barca to ensure the three points on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola’s men also have scored 90 goals this season, 60 of which have came at home, whilst they have only conceded a mere eight.

Barca’s disadvantage to Real has come about because of their away form but on home soil they have proved nigh on impossible to stop and they should pile the pressure on their arch-rivals with another win on Tuesday.

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Rovers to worsen Reds woe

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Since the start of the year Liverpool have endured one of their poorest runs in their Premier League history and Blackburn Rovers will be looking to compound their misery when they host the Merseysiders at Ewood Park on Tuesday night (Blackburn 5/2, draw 12/5, Liverpool 11/10 – 90 minutes).

The pressure is slowly but surely starting to mount on manager Kenny Dalglish at Anfield and were it not for his iconic status on Merseyside, the Scot may well have found himself looking for new employers following a torrid spell.

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Aston Villa on Saturday highlighted what has been a season that most supporters of the club will want to forget.

Yes, the Reds have added a League Cup to the cabinet this season but in the bread and butter that is the Premier League, Dalglish’s men have been well off the pace.

The Scot will be looking to get a response from his players when they make the relatively short trip to Lancashire to take on Rovers.

Questions have continued to be raised over striker Andy Carroll’s (11/2 first goalscorer) future with Liverpool, having struggled to consistently find the back of the net since making his £35m move from Newcastle United in January last year.

The England forward started on the bench against Villa but could be given a starting role to combat the physical Rovers back four.

Luis Suarez (9/2 first goalscorer) is a man that Blackburn will be fully aware of and the Uruguayan has the potential to cause the home side all sorts of problems on Tuesday night.

As for Rovers they go into this on the back of a lacklustre performance against West Brom, with the Baggies running out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Hawthorns.

Having looked like they had turned a corner under manager Steve Kean at the start of March with wins over Sunderland, Wolves and a draw with Villa; Blackburn have struggled in recent outings.

The Lancashire outfit rely heavily on strikers Yakubu (11/2 first goalscorer) and David Hoilett for their goals and if the pair are having an off-day, Kean’s side struggle to hit the back of the net.

Both strikers struggled against West Brom who dominated much of the game on Saturday and Liverpool could do much worse than to have a look at the tapes of that game and watch how their former manager Roy Hodgson neutralised Rovers.

Liverpool will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night as they hope to end their four game losing streak in the top flight.

Blackburn have raised their game to take on the bigger teams in the Premier League and likewise Liverpool have struggled to secure three points against the so called lesser sides.

This game does not look like it will have too many goals in it considering the form and Dalglish might just have to settle for a point against a resilient Rovers outfit (Correct Score – 1-1 6/1).

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Championship race hots up

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After a superb weekend of football, the Championship action continues on Easter Monday with a number of matches that could have a huge bearing on the outcome of the season at both ends of the table, with promotion-chasers West Ham (10/1 Championship outright) and Birmingham meeting at Upton Park, while at the other end Bristol City host Coventry.

In perhaps the biggest game of the day, West Ham face Blues with both sides knowing that a victory will go a long way to sealing their position in the play-off places (West Ham 6/5, draw 12/5, Birmingham 11/5).

Despite a lightning quick start to the season, the Hammers have struggled of late, especially at home, where they haven’t won since beating Millwall at the beginning of February.

If they are to break their duck on Monday they will need their big players to stand up and be counted and Sam Allardyce will be looking for a big performance from skipper Kevin Nolan. The experienced midfielder scored the opener in Friday’s win at Barnsley and he will once again be hoping to inspire his side to victory.

Birmingham are currently on a run of four games without defeat and, after an inconsistent beginning to the campaign, Chris Hughton’s men appear to be finding their form at just the right time.

The Blues have a number of standout players but striker Nikola Zigic (15/8 to score at anytime) is often the man who digs them out of trouble.

The Serbian had a difficult first season in England but has found his feet this year and looks like one of the division’s best strikers. It’s also worth noting that the Hammers have struggled to deal with his height in previous matches and he will certainly be looking to once again torment the West Ham rearguard.

With West Ham’s current home troubles, they could be nervous ahead of the match and Birmingham’s good form suggests that they could just sneak it, but it’s sure to be tight.

Perhaps the other major game of the day is the clash between 21st place Bristol City and Coventry who sit a single spot below them (Bristol City 5/4, draw 9/4, Coventry 9/4).

The Robins will be confident going into the game as they’re unbeaten in three, including Saturday’s victory at Nottingham Forest.

Key to their chances of victory will be journeyman striker Jon Stead (3/2 to score at anytime) who finally appears to have found a home at Ashton Gate after years of moving around. The 29-year-old may not always get on the scoresheet but his work for the side is invaluable so look out for him to provide assists to the likes of Chris Wood and Brett Pitman.

The Sky Blues have struggled on and off the pitch this season and manager Andy Thorn has certainly had his hands tied due to the financial constraints of the club.

However, they appear to have found some form recently and are unbeaten in their last seven matches and know victory on Monday will go a long way to them avoiding relegation.

Their one to watch looks as if it could be veteran forward Clive Platt who, like the aforementioned Stead, may not get the headlines but often performs. The 34-year-old hasn’t scored since the start of February and will be desperate to break his duck in Bristol.

Both teams will be confident going into the game but home advantage could be crucial and Derek McInnes side should just nick it.

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Monday’s Premier League picks

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The end-of-season run-in is gathering pace and the bumper Easter programme continues with five Premier League games on Monday, with all of them offering value for the punter.

Everton v Sunderland

You could perhaps forgive the Everton players (10/11 in the match betting) if their minds drifted beyond this encounter and towards next week’s huge FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool at Wembley. Boss David Moyes will be keen to rotate his small squad as much as possible ahead of that game and, after making three changes for the match at Norwich on Saturday, expect even more for the visit of Sunderland (12/5).

Since taking charge in December Martin O’Neill has revitalised the Black Cats, who have lost just twice in eight games. They have a poor record at Goodison Park though, without a win there since 1996. So with that and Everton’s Wembley dreams in mind, back this one to be a draw.

Prediction: 1-1 @ 6/1

Newcastle v Bolton

Newcastle (8/13) are flying at the moment, putting real pressure on the sides above them in the race for a top four place. They have won their last four games and, in Papiss Cisse, have a striker in deadly form. The Senegalese hitman has scored seven in his last four and is a good tip to open the scoring again here (3/1).

Bolton (7/2) meanwhile were brought back down to earth with a bump when Fulham thrashed them 3-0 at the Reebok on Saturday. That ended a run of three successive wins and it is difficult to see them bouncing back at St James’ Park on Monday.

Prediction: 3-0 to Newcastle @ 11/1

Tottenham v Norwich

Tottenham (2/7) boss Harry Redknapp insists his players are relaxed about their hopes of a top four place but it cannot be denied that things are beginning to get tight at the top, with just two points separating Spurs in third and Newcastle in sixth. They appear to have recovered from a mid-season wobble that saw them lose three on the bounce, making it five games unbeaten with a goalless draw at Sunderland on Saturday.

The Lilywhites are tackling a Norwich side (15/2) who all but secured safety against Everton on Saturday, with the point earned in the 2-2 draw taking them to 40 points. With top-flight status assured they may play with more freedom, which could spell danger for Tottenham, whatever Redknapp says about the state of mind of his own squad. However, Spurs seem to have too many match winners for this game not to go their way, although it should be close.

Prediction: 2-1 to Spurs @ 7/1

Aston Villa v Stoke

Villa (11/10) have had more than their fair share of problems this season but given their recent form, more drama lies in wait for Alex McLeish’s men between now and the end of the season. They may have claimed a hard-earned point at Anfield on Saturday but their run of just one win in ten means they sit just six points clear of danger. One would normally expect a team in  Stoke’s (2/1) position – comfortably in mid-table on 41 points – to relax going into the final few games. However, any team managed by Tony Pulis is unlikely to let that happen and Villa are up against it if they are to claim a valuable win here – another score draw.

Prediction: 1-1 @ 11/2

Fulham v Chelsea

If Roberto Di Matteo doesn’t want the permanent Chelsea job, he isn’t doing a very good job. The Blues (11/10) have lost just one of his ten games in charge to remain in contention for the Champions League, FA Cup and a top four spot. Stamford Bridge chief executive Ron Gourlay has insisted that a top four place is their priority, meaning a victory in the west London derby is vital at Craven Cottage if they are to achieve their primary ambition. That is easier said than done though with Fulham (5/2) a much stronger outfit on home turf than on the road. They have won eight games at home this season – more than any other side outside the top six – and look capable of causing a shock here, especially with the in-form Clint Dempsey (15/2 first goalscorer) in their ranks.

Prediction: 2-1 Fulham @ 12/1

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Who can stop Barcelona?

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No club has ever retained the Champions League since the group format was introduced back in 1992, but Catalan giants Barcelona – the current 5/6 outright favourites – will become the first to do so this season.

Barca were the last side to win the tournament in its old guise of the European Cup, with their 1992 win over Sampdoria at Wembley coming thanks to a Ronald Koeman free-kick in extra time at London’s Wembley Stadium.

However, far from heralding the start of years of glory in Europe for the Blaugrana, they then had to wait for 14 painful years before ruling the continent again – with arch-rivals Real Madrid securing three Champions League crowns while Barca were forced to bide their time.

The last six years have been more successful for the Catalans, though, with glory coming in 2006, 2009 and 2011 – and who would bet against them making it to the top again in 2012 in Munich?

Pep Guardiola’s side do, admittedly, look set to relinquish their La Liga title to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid to end their three-year domestic domination – the capital club hold a six-point advantage with eight games to play, but all that will do is spur Barca on in Europe.

Chelsea (9/1 – Champions League Outright) stand in Barca’s way in the semi-finals of the Champions League with the Blues’ run standing in stark contrast to their problems in the Premier League where a top-four finish is looking to be a tall order.

And while this Chelsea squad looks to be past its sell-by date and an overhaul badly needed, the Stamford Bridge outfit will be hoping to make one last stand in Europe after losing the 2008 final on penalties to Manchester United.

Chelsea will be no pushovers, but if Lionel Messi – the best player on the planet – is firing on all cylinders the Argentine has enough to make sure Barcelona prevail over two legs to set up a final against either Bayern Munich (9/2 – Champions League Outright) or Real Madrid (5/2 – Champions League Outright).

Either opponent throws up a unique challenge to Barca as they will either be playing the Bavarians on their own Allianz Arena patch, or facing the side which is set to steal their Spanish crown.

Both scenarios have the makings of a classic Champions League final, but Barca are good enough going forward to turn the tables to their own advantage by either making Bayern the underdogs in their own ground, or having the last word on the season by seeing off Real to gloss over their imminent La Liga glory.

The Champions League final takes place on Saturday 19th May with a 7:45pm kick off.

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