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Messi to break Milan hearts

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After a stalemate at the San Siro, Barcelona – and their star playmaker, Lionel Messi – will be out book their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a win over AC Milan (Barcelona 2/7, draw 9/2, AC Milan 10/1 – 90 minutes).

The second-leg at the Nou Camp will give the Catalan giants the chance to make up for what was a below-par performance in Italy last month.

Much has been made about the state of the pitch at the San Siro in the first encounter between these two sides, with Barca unhappy with what they believe were tactics to stop them playing their passing game.

On the pristine surface at the Nou Camp, which is akin to greens we will see at Augusta for the Masters this week, Barcelona (6/5 Champions League outright) will have no problems playing their own free-flowing football that will make Milan work hard for a sniff of the ball.

The likes of Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta were kept off the scoresheet during the first leg, as Milan produced a dogged performance to stop the La Liga outfit getting that crucial away goal.

With the fact that goals could count as double for Milan (22/1 Champions League outright) when they make the trip to Spain, will be a worrying factor for Barca mastermind Pep Guardiola.

And there were chances for AC strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho in the first-leg, so the home side will have to be extra vigilant in defence if they don’t want to get stung by their Serie A opposition this week.

The last time Milan played away from home in the Champions League they were played off the park by Arsenal at the Emirates.

In that 3-0 defeat to the Gunners, Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri saw his side go from an accomplished European outfit to a rabble, who allowed Arsenal to dominate proceeding in north London and the Premier League side were unlucky not to go through.

Milan will have learned lessons from that but it?s hard to look past Barcelona reaching the semi-finals, especially on a decent pitch at the Nou Camp.

In Tuesday’s other quarter-final encounter, Bayern Munich have the task of seeing off the job against Marseille at the Allianz Arena (Bayern 2/7, draw 9/2, Milan 10/1 – 90 minutes).

The Bundesliga giants made light work of beating  their Ligue 1 opponents in the first leg in the south of France and are deservedly firm favourites to go through to the next round, to most likely face Real Madrid.

With Mario Gomez, Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, who is coming back into form, Bayern (9/2 Champions League outright) should have no problem in seeing out their 2-0 advantage from the first-leg.

Marseille manager Didier Deschamps would surely be out of a job were it not for his side’s Champions League journey, considering their miserable form in recent weeks.

Bayern supporters should have no fears of not only going through to the final four of the competition on Tuesday but also winning the game on the night in Bavaria.

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Messi to break Milan hearts

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After a stalemate at the San Siro, Barcelona – and their star playmaker, Lionel Messi – will be out book their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a win over AC Milan (Barcelona 2/7, draw 9/2, AC Milan 10/1 – 90 minutes).

The second-leg at the Nou Camp will give the Catalan giants the chance to make up for what was a below-par performance in Italy last month.

Much has been made about the state of the pitch at the San Siro in the first encounter between these two sides, with Barca unhappy with what they believe were tactics to stop them playing their passing game.

On the pristine surface at the Nou Camp, which is akin to greens we will see at Augusta for the Masters this week, Barcelona (6/5 Champions League outright) will have no problems playing their own free-flowing football that will make Milan work hard for a sniff of the ball.

The likes of Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta were kept off the scoresheet during the first leg, as Milan produced a dogged performance to stop the La Liga outfit getting that crucial away goal.

With the fact that goals could count as double for Milan (22/1 Champions League outright) when they make the trip to Spain, will be a worrying factor for Barca mastermind Pep Guardiola.

And there were chances for AC strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho in the first-leg, so the home side will have to be extra vigilant in defence if they don’t want to get stung by their Serie A opposition this week.

The last time Milan played away from home in the Champions League they were played off the park by Arsenal at the Emirates.

In that 3-0 defeat to the Gunners, Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri saw his side go from an accomplished European outfit to a rabble, who allowed Arsenal to dominate proceeding in north London and the Premier League side were unlucky not to go through.

Milan will have learned lessons from that but it?s hard to look past Barcelona reaching the semi-finals, especially on a decent pitch at the Nou Camp.

In Tuesday’s other quarter-final encounter, Bayern Munich have the task of seeing off the job against Marseille at the Allianz Arena (Bayern 2/7, draw 9/2, Milan 10/1 – 90 minutes).

The Bundesliga giants made light work of beating  their Ligue 1 opponents in the first leg in the south of France and are deservedly firm favourites to go through to the next round, to most likely face Real Madrid.

With Mario Gomez, Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, who is coming back into form, Bayern (9/2 Champions League outright) should have no problem in seeing out their 2-0 advantage from the first-leg.

Marseille manager Didier Deschamps would surely be out of a job were it not for his side’s Champions League journey, considering their miserable form in recent weeks.

Bayern supporters should have no fears of not only going through to the final four of the competition on Tuesday but also winning the game on the night in Bavaria.

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Terriers to get teeth into O’s

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Huddersfield Town travel to Leyton Orient looking to use their game in hand to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive and Brentford’s play-off aspirations could be bolstered by a victory over Oldham at Griffin Park in Tuesday’s League One games (totesport – League One).

Terriers chief Simon Grayson was left disappointed after the side slipped to the first defeat of his tenure on Saturday as play-off chasing Carlisle ran out 2-1 winners at Brunton Park.

As a result it is imperative that the west Yorkshiremen take advantage of their game in hand on the sides above them to seal a win at the Matchroom Stadium which would take them to within five points of Sheffield United in the second automatic promotion place (Huddersfield 7/4 Promotion).

Grayson has no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip to London as Calum Woods missed Saturday’s game at Carlisle with a slight groin niggle, while Gary Naysmith, Oscar Gobern and Damien Johnson are also still sidelined.

And, despite Orient enjoying a better head-to-head record on their own patch, Town have won three and drawn one of their last four games in the Capital so will travel in confident mood.

Russell Slade’s O’s need points for different reasons as they bid to extend the five-point gap between themselves and the bottom four relegation places following a run of just two wins in their last 10 games.

Defender Scott Cuthbert will miss out on Tuesday night after he injured his hamstring during their defeat against League One leaders Charlton on Saturday, but loan left back Ryan Dickson should return in his place after serving a suspension over the weekend.

Leon McSweeney missed Saturday’s game with a calf injury, whereas winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce was also out with an ankle injury and it is unlikely either will return to face the Terriers.

The O’s scored twice in the final five minutes as they stormed back from two-down to secure a point in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season and will look to get something from the game.

But with Huddersfield knowing that time is running out if they are going to reach the Championship without going through the lottery of the play-offs, we fancy them to nick the points in this one.

Prediction: Away Win 90 Minutes @ 11/10
Value Bet: Huddersfield To Win 2-1 Correct Score @ 8/1

Staying in London and Brentford can keep alive their slim play-off hopes with a fourth successive win against an Oldham side that is close to guaranteeing its League One status.

Uwe Rosler’s Bees looked set for mid-table obscurity after three successive defeats in early March.

But they have turned the form book on its head in the second half of the month with vital wins against Rochdale, Preston and MK Dons to move to within eight points of the top-six.

Their hopes of reaching the play-offs are not great even if they win all of their remaining games, but Rosler will no doubt want the players to keep their run going in order to try and hit the ground running next season.

Paul Dickov’s Oldham will arrive at Griffin Park on the back of an inconsistent month in which they started with a shock 3-2 win at Sheffield United, before losing four on the bounce.

The Latics recovered with wins against Hartlepool and Bournemouth, before slipping to successive 1-0 defeats at the hands of Leyton Orient and Notts County.

Boosted by the return of skipper Dean Furman from a lengthy lay-off at Notts County on Saturday, Dickov will be looking for a response from his players against the Bees as his side can move 10 points clear of the drop zone with a win.

Brentford ran out 2-0 winners at Boundary Park in September, but the omens are with Oldham down in London.

The Latics won this fixture 3-1 last season and picked up draws in their three previous trips to Griffin Park in the league, while Brentford’s last win on home soil came in an FA Cup replay back in December 2005.

Despite the visitors’ decent record at Brentford, we feel the Bees will be too strong and should notch up a fourth straight win.

Prediction: Home Win 90 Minutes @ 5/6
Value Bet: Draw/Brentford HT/FT @ 10/3

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United ready for Rovers return

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Monday night will see Manchester United return to the ground where they secured the Premier League crown last year, as they take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park looking to extend their lead at the top of the table this season (Blackburn 15/2, draw 7/2, United 2/5).

With rivals Manchester City dropping points in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, United have the chance to go five points clear if they can overcome a resurgent Rovers side.

The mind games between United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson and City’s Roberto Mancini have been rife over the past few weeks, with the Italian tactician predicting their rivals will only draw their game on Monday night.

United are in fine form, though, and will be fully expected to get three points against Blackburn, as they have notched up nine wins in their last 10 games.

The defending Premier League champions did come unstuck against Rovers at Old Trafford, when these two teams met earlier in the season in what was one of the shock results of the season.

United could welcome back Rio Ferdinand, as the veteran defender has recovered from a back injury and will be able to add his vast experience to the back-four.

Ferguson has challenged Wayne Rooney (5/2 First Goalscorer) to continue his fine form by scoring a goal in every game for the rest of the campaign.

The former Everton star scored a crucial penalty to help United secure their 19th league title last year and will be looking to get his name on the scoresheet again at Ewood Park, to help the club make a big step towards taking number 20.

By no means will the league’s frontrunners have it all their own way, as Rovers manager Steve Kean has got his side battling hard in games as they fight for their lives near the bottom of the table.

With just goal difference separating Blackburn from a place in the relegation zone, every game in crucial for the men from Ewood Park they will not writing this game off as unwinnable.

Results over the weekend have not helped their cause and their defeat to local rivals Bolton in their last outing will not have done their confidence any good.

However, Blackburn do have some quality players dotted around their squad and none more so than their striker Yakubu (8/1 First Goalscorer) and the young an exciting talent David Hoilett.

This duo are likely to cause the likes of Ferdinand problems at the back so don’t be surprised to see either name on the scoresheet on Monday night.

Both teams have so much to play for at either end of the table, so these games can go either way at this the business end of the Premier League season.

However, on their current form, Mancini’s prediction of a draw looks unlikely and United should extend their lead at the top of the table with another win, with games running out for City.

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Back Blues to continue play-off charge

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Birmingham’s 54th game of a already jam-packed season sees them travel to Lancashire on Tuesday to take on Eddie Howe’s Burnley, who are hoping to end a disappointing season on a high.

Following last season’s relegation, this campaign has seen a period of rapid change at Birmingham, with a raft of players taking their Premier League wages elsewhere and even their manager, Alex McLeish, jumping ship to their near neighbours Aston Villa.

With last season’s Carling Cup success meaning Europa League football this season, new manager Chris Hughton has had to juggle a busy domestic and European schedule as well as rebuilding a squad dismantled following relegation.

It is to his credit then that the Blues are well in contention for a play-off place. Last weekend’s 3-1 win at Doncaster lifted them fourth, with race for a top six spot becoming increasingly frantic.

Burnley, meanwhile, will be disappointed not to have been competing at the top end of the Championship this year. They were in the Premier League only two years ago but have failed to re-adapt to the rigours of the second tier since relegation.

Manager Brian Laws was sacked in December 2010 after a poor start to that campaign and highly-rated boss Eddie Howe was brought in from Bournemouth to guide the Clarets up the table. An eventual 8th place finish raised hopes of a sustained promotion push this campaign.

However, they find themselves well out of the play-off picture down in 16th place – well clear of relegation trouble but 10 points off the top six.

They will go into this game full of confidence after a 5-1 hammering of relegation-threatened Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday – their first win in eight games – as Howe aims for a strong finish to a below par year.

Their form at Turf Moor is a concern and a principal reason for their lowly league position. Only four sides have won less games on their home ground the Burnley this season. They have, however, only conceded 22 goals on home turf, with only two sides in the bottom half conceding less.

Those stats therefore would point to a narrow Birmingham victory but it pays to note that the Midlanders have built their promotion challenge on solid home form rather than away results; with 11 wins, eight draws and just one defeat at St Andrew’s this season. On the road they have already lost nine games – more than any other side in the top ten.

With poor home form meeting poor away form, making an accurate forecast is tricky, but with the season reaching its conclusion, City’s push for the play-offs could prove decisive.

Their spot in the play-off places is only secured by goal difference, with Blackpool, Brighton and Middlesbrough all joining the Blues on 63 points. Therefore the chance to move three points clear is one City will be loathed to turn down.

Therefore our tip is a narrow 1-0 to the Blues priced at 6/1, with the draw/Birmingham HT/FT forecast also worth considering at 9/2.

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Back Celtic to bounce back

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Last week’s Old Firm defeat to Rangers may have delayed the SPL party for Celtic, but they still go into Sunday’s game with St Johnstone holding a healthy 15-point advantage over their city rivals, meaning it is only a matter of time before they will be crowned champions.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon had been forced to angrily defend his players earlier this week following their loss at Rangers and a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in the League Cup final drew stinging criticism from the media.

The defeat at Hampden brought to an end a unbeaten domestic run that stretched back 26 games, something to consider when deciding your bets on this fixture.

Lennon’s ire has also been directed towards referee Calum Murray, who sent him to the stands at Ibrox last weekend as well as dismissing Celtic duo Cha Du-ri and Victor Wanyama.

After being asked to explain his comments by the SFA, Lennon promptly skipped his pre-match press conference on Friday, wary of talking himself into more trouble.

That represents far from ideal preparation for the visit of the Saints and perhaps an outward sign that the pressure is starting to affect the previously unruffled Hoops boss.

Meanwhile, Steve Lomas’ men are enjoying a fine season and are well on course to secure European football after their win at Inverness in midweek lifted them three points clear of Dundee United in fourth place.

They go into the game having won four of their last five games – including the last three – and have yet to lose since February 11.

They are also the only Scottish team to have beaten Neil Lennon’s men at Celtic Park this season, a 1-0 win in Glasgow on August 21 thanks to a goal from defender Dave Mackay.

Their enticing odds of 15/2 therefore suddenly become a viable option. A repeat of last August’s 1-0 win also brings home tidy odds of 14/1.

To do so though would be dismissing the strength of Celtic’s recent domestic run. A poor start to the season saw them fall 12 points behind Rangers at one stage, but their resurgence in form has stretched through to the spring and they now stand on the brink of a 43rd SPL Championship.

They may just be four places apart in the table, but the gulf between the Old Firm is vast and for that reason I think Lennon’s men will raise their game on Sunday.

The odds of 1/3 for a home win will not really payout, so value could be found in the correct score market.

Celtic have conceded just six goals at home this season while St Johnstone have just let in 10 on the road, so goals look set to be a premium. My prediction therefore is for the narrowest of Celtic wins, with a 1-0 home victory priced at a more favourable 6/1.

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Toon value to upset Liverpool

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There are two Premier League matches on Sunday, with the focus very much on the race for European places with Newcastle entertaining Liverpool and Tottenham hosting Swansea.

The Magpies of course surprised everyone with their successful start to the season but continue to impress and still remain in contention for an unlikely Champions League berth.

Alan Pardew’s men are five points behind fourth-placed Spurs and level with Chelsea going into the weekend’s fixtures, while a victory on Sunday will take the Toon 11 points clear of Liverpool.

That would surely secure a Europa League spot at the very least if it were to happen, although the match betting suggests Liverpool will take the points as they are priced at 7/5, with Newcastle at 15/8 and the draw at 12/5.

However, Newcastle look good value to pick up the win as they have bounced back from a blip in form to record back-to-back wins, looking impressive last week in a 3-1 win at the Hawthorns.

The Magpies have only lost twice at home all season – to Chelsea and West Brom – while they have won five and drawn two of their seven games at St James’ Park this year.

Papiss Cisse has made a hugely impressive start to his career on the North East with five goals in just six appearances – only Wayne Rooney has scored more in the Premier League in that time – and he must be considered in the goal scoring markets, priced at 11/2 First/Last Goalscorer and 3/2 Anytime.

The Senegalese forward has forged a useful partnership with Demba Ba on Tyneside and looks better value to reward backers given that his compatriot (5/1 First/Last, 11/8 Anytime) has scored just once on his return from African Cup of Nations duty and none in his last six games.

Liverpool did beat Newcastle 3-1 in the reverse fixture at Anfield and have won six of the last seven meetings but look a shade short in the betting considering their recent run of form.

Kenny Dalglish’s men have lost five of their last six league matches, winning only two of 11 this year, have lost their last three on the road and have recently been beaten by strugglers QPR and Wigan.

Pardew enjoyed a 3-1 win in this fixture last season in his match at the helm and he can celebrate again come Sunday, which would all but secure that top six berth.

Spurs’ title challenge has petered out of late while they are also in danger of missing out on the Champions League but remain strong favourites at 2/5 to get back to winning ways in the league, with Swansea on offer at 15/2 and the draw at 7/2 in the match betting.

Harry Redknapp’s men have not won in the Premier League since trouncing Newcastle in February but of course have kept their FA Cup run going, impressing in a 3-1 win over Bolton on Tuesday.

It has not all been doom and gloom though in the top-flight of late and with a bit more luck could have picked up better results, but Aaron Lennon’s expected return is a welcome boost as it will restore a bit more balance to what is arguably the best footballing side in the division.

Swansea though have enjoyed their debut in the Premier League and have now won their last three matches on the road, despite only securing their first away-day success in January.

The Swans have also recently beaten Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium so will not be over-awed going to White Hart Lane, although Everton eased to a 2-0 win in South Wales last week.

The price about the Swans will look tempting to some with all the pressure on the hosts to come up with the goods, but that could still work in Spurs’ favour and there is no doubt they have the talent to beat any side on their day – and they need to to keep pace with arch rivals Arsenal.

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Hart still beating strong for City

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Manchester City (1/4 in Match Betting) have suffered a lot lately but Roberto Mancini’s side can crank up the noise levels while their neighbours wait to play on Monday – with a win at home to Sunderland (12/1, Draw 5/1) on Saturday.

City’s draw at Stoke City last weekend has been painted as two points dropped by most of the media, but not many teams have won at the Britannia Stadium – and Manchester United didn’t either when they went there earlier this season.

It could be seen as a point gained and one recovered from a losing position after Peter Crouch closed all entries for the goal of the season competition with a stupendous strike.

City keeper Joe Hart must be getting sick of playing another cameo role in this year’s goal of the season, but he appears to be one of the City players who remain in good form as we head into the last eight weeks of the season.

Vincent Kompany’s return from injury is a key moment in the title race and he can marshal the City back four to a clean sheet against the Black Cats – who will be on a big downer after exiting the FA Cup at home to Everton in midweek.

Sergio Aguero’s injury is a blow, but more so if he misses out against Arsenal next week because City have the firepower to bag a couple against Sunderland (11/2 2-0 Man City in Correct Score) with Carlos Tevez (11/10) a potential anytime goalscorer.

In the other Saturday Premier League matches, Everton (4/5) are a team to keep on your side at the moment and should be too strong for streaky West Brom (7/2, Draw 13/5) at Goodison Park.

Roy Hodgson’s side have picked up one point from their last three matches, and should have been beaten by Wigan in the match where they got a draw.

They appear to fare better against the physical teams, particularly away from home – having won at Stoke, Blackburn and Wolves since December – but are liable to lose to the craftier sides.

Everton have demonstrated they fall into this bracket and should pick up three points – and another clean sheet.

The Toffees have tightened up defensively, conceding only two goals in their last six home matches and now boasting the fourth best goals against record in the Premier League.

However, with Leighton Baines (16/1 First Goalscorer) standing proudly as their top goalscorer, they are still far from prolific.

Nikica Jelavic (5/4 Anytime) is showing signs of taking on the scoring mantle and may be worth a bet to be the Last Goalscorer – rather than the first – in case he does not start (9/2).

Chelsea (5/6) got back to winning ways against Benfica in midweek and normally they would have too much for Aston Villa (7/2, Draw 13/5).

But Saturday’s match could easily lack the intensity of a Champions League clash for them and, with changes due, it may be that a draw is the most likely result.

Villa would probably settle for a draw and, judging by the Blues’ inability to find the net at home to Spurs last week, 0-0 (15/2 in Correct Score) might be the order of the day again.

Queens Park Rangers (7/2) could make it tough for Arsenal (5/6), but the Gunners’ form continues to impress and they should overcome the Hoops with a glut of goals in the second half (Evens – 2nd Half in Half Most Goals).

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Crunch time in Championship

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There are three vital matches at the top of the Championship on Saturday as the race for promotion hots up. Southampton are looking good for automatic promotion and we will begin our preview by looking at their clash with Blackpool (Southampton 1/4 Championship Outright).

Blackpool v Southampton

Southampton are six points clear at the top of the table and are favourites to take the title and with it return to the promised land.

And their recent form suggests there is no reason to doubt that they will do so, with 26 points taken from the last 10 games and no defeats.

That is title-winning form in anyone’s book and it only seems a matter of time before Nigel Adkins will be plotting his tactics to try keep the Saints in the top flight next season.

But he will not want his side to falter right at the death and will be wary of the Tangerines, who are just outside the play-off zone and desperate for the points to ensure they take part in the post-season.

It has not been a good month so far for Ian Holloway’s side, who have taken just five points from seven games in March.

Defeat at Reading last time out saw them slip out of the top six and they will be looking to get something from this game regardless of the standard of opposition.

The north-west outfit will be without striker Roman Bednar, while Southampton top scorer Rickie Lambert is expected to be fit after recovering from a minor pelvic injury against Doncaster.

Southampton have drawn plenty of games on their travels this term, while Blackpool have only lost three at home and so a draw might be worth looking at here.

Odds: Blackpool 7/4, Southampton 6/4, draw 12/5.

West Ham v Reading

The Hammers take on Reading in a match that could go a long way to determining which club join Southampton in going up automatically.

Sam Allardyce’s men are just one point behind second-place Reading and so there is still everything to play for.

The Londoners have not lost in their past 10 games but have drawn seven of those matches to slip out of the top two.

The Hammers’ faithful have begun to criticise Allardyce’s style of play as there is a tradition of attractive football at Upton Park – not something that is readily associated with Big Sam.

West Ham have not won on their own patch since February 4, with five consecutive draws and it appears the fans have had enough.

Pressure is mounting and the last side that Allardyce would want to see given the circumstances is the Royals, who have taken 16 points from seven games in March and are peaking at just the right time.

Brain McDermott’s men have already won 10 times on the road this season and there is every reason to suggest they will make it 11 on Saturday.

West Ham had to play a re-arranged fixture at Peterborough on Tuesday and Reading will be the fresher of the two clubs heading into the showdown.

Odds: West Ham 5/4, Reading 11/5, draw 23/10.

Brighton v Middlesbrough

There is another clash between two sides in close proximity as the fourth-place Gulls entertain a Boro side in fifth.

Results have been mixed for the south-coast club in March with nine points from six games and they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest last weekend.

They have already won 11 times at home this season but will be facing one of the best sides away from home in the division.

The Teessiders have already picked up three points on nine occasions, which is just as well, as they have not won enough game at home to challenge for automatic promotion.

Gus Poyet’s side have lost just once in their last 10 games but do draw a lot of games and so Tony Mowbray will not be without hope after travelling all the way from the north east to Brighton.

Craig Mackail-Smith is fit for Brighton after a virus and will compete with Sam Vokes for a starting spot, while Will Buckley and Adam El-Abd are also both available.

Boro skipper Matthew Bates will be absent because of a serious knee injury suffered at Ipswich and Stephen McManus could feature after being recalled from his loan spell at Bristol City.

Odds: Brighton 6/5, Boro 11/5, draw 12/5.

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Blue night ahead for Rovers

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Friday’s Championship action sees a huge game between Doncaster Rovers and Birmingham City which will have an impact on the battle for play-off places and the fight against relegation.

Dean Saunders still appears confident that Rovers can escape the drop to League One, despite the fact that they are stuck in a poor run of results of three draws and three defeats which has ultimately seen them fall to the foot of the table.

The Welsh coach has targeted three successive wins from the game against the Blues at the Keepmoat Stadium, a trip to Leicester and the Easter Monday visit of Burnley to claw back the four-point deficit to the final position of safety.

Looking to the Birmingham game and Rovers will have to end a nine-game sequence without a win in front of their own fans if they are to pick up three points, while they have only managed 15 goals on home soil so far this season – the worst record in the Championship.

Shelton Martis and Pascal Chimbonda could be set to miss out for Rovers which will not help their need to come out on top in this one.

Chris Hughton’s Birmingham have also hit a sticky patch at just the wrong time as they look to seal a place in the end-of-season play-off places in order to keep alive their bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Just two wins in the last eight outings have left the Blues in sixth position, but only on goal difference ahead of Blackpool and Cardiff, while Hull and Leeds are also within striking distance should there be a slip-up in south Yorkshire.

Hughton will be boosted by having David Murphy back from suspension and he will return on the left side of defence, while Peter Ramage is set to stay on the right in the absence of Jonathan Spector and Stephen Carr.

Nikola Zigic is pressing for a recall, possibly at the expense of Erik Huseklepp, in the forward line as he bids to add to his goals tally, while there is a chance that both Pablo Ibanez and Keith Fahey could shake off injury problems in time to be available.

The two sides have only faced each other eight times competitively with the previous meeting at the Keepmoat Stadium seeing Birmingham come out on top 2-0 during the 2008/09 season thanks to first-half goals from Cameron Jerome and Hameur Bouazza.

Marlon King’s brace helped the Blues come from a goal down to seal a 2-1 win in the corresponding fixture at St Andrew’s in December and they will be looking to secure a similar result on Friday evening.

It is being billed as a must-win encounter for both sides and, despite Doncaster being unfortunate not to pick up more points than they have of late, Birmingham should have too much in attack in their quest for play-off points.

Prediction: Away Win 90 Minutes @ Evens

Value Bet: Birmingham To Win 2-0 Correct Score @ 8/1

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