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Defensive frailties to be exposed

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The busy period of Premier League fixtures is about to come to an end with two matches rounding off the festive programme on Wednesday, before taking a break with the FA Cup taking precedence next weekend (totesport – football).

Newcastle v Manchester United 8pm

There have been one or two surprising results over the New Year with the battery of fixtures a possible factor but these two clubs can have no complaints having relatively long periods between fixtures – Newcastle played on Friday night while United were in action on Saturday lunchtime.

Of course that is not too say that the two do not have problems with the Magpies poor run of form continuing after a 3-1 defeat at Anfield, while an injury-hit United side were surprisingly beaten by strugglers Blackburn at Old Trafford.

United’s defeat did not prove too costly as it happens as neighbours City suffered a shock 1-0 reverse at Sunderland and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping his players can bounce back.

Wayne Rooney was a surprise absentee from a threadbare squad at the weekend – reportedly due to disciplinary reasons – but he is set to return to the lineup on Wednesday and will be a key player for the champions.

United have been installed as the 8/11 favourites in the match betting, which is perhaps unsurprising given the fact they are level on points at the top of the table and are yet to taste defeat on their Premier League travels this season.

However, there could be some value to be had in opposing the Red Devils with Newcastle available at 9/2 and the draw at 12/5, depending on the squad that Ferguson takes to St James’ Park.

Blackburn were restricted to a handful of chances at Old Trafford but still scored three goals, with a makeshift defence struggling to cope while question marks re-appeared over David de Gea’s goalkeeping credentials.

Rio Ferdinand is close to making a comeback but whether he is fit for Wednesday remains to be seen, although the Magpies have hit a poor run of form since securing a point in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in November, winning just one (against Bolton) of the following six games.

The defence has started to leak goals as well, having conceded at least three goals in four off those games, which is a worrying sign with United coming to town.

There certainly looks as though there will be goals in the fixture (Over 2.5 goals – 5/6) and Demba Ba has to be considered in the goalscoring markets (7/1 First/Last, 15/8 Anytime) as he has already bagged 14 this season – including the equaliser at Old Trafford, albeit from a dubious penalty.

Everton v Bolton 8pm

This match appears to be in complete contrast to the other match taking place on Wednesday, in the sense that goals could be very much at a premium when Bolton travel to Everton.

The Toffees have put together a four-match unbeaten run since a 1-0 reverse at Arsenal but have scored only one goal in those games, while they are the second-worst scorers at home, behind West Brom, in the Premier League.

However, David Moyes’ men set themselves up to be hard to beat and they are strong 1/2 favourites to heap further misery on Bolton Wanderers, who are on offer at 13/2 while the draw can be backed at 3/1.

It is not hard to see why Everton are fancied to win but there will be some who think the betting is too short, particularly as Bolton have won three times on the road, despite lying bottom of the table.

The last time Everton scored twice was when these two met at the Reebok in November but they were given a helping hand by the fact David Wheater was sent off in the 20th-minute – and they still only managed to score twice.

Both managers may well be relieved the transfer window has opened, providing they have funds to bring in some new blood but neither squad has a standout scorer and there looks like they might struggle on Wednesday (Under 2.5 Goals 5/6).

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Bristol City to tame Lions

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Derek McInnes has worked wonders since taking over at Ashton Gate and he will be looking for all three points on offer when his Bristol City side take on Millwall in the Championship on Tuesday (Bristol City 5/4, draw 12/5, Millwall 21/10 – match prices).

The Robins will still be on a high after they beat high flying Southampton last week at St Mary’s, to end the Championship leaders’ 25-match unbeaten run at home.

After the first weeks of the season it looked like Bristol City could be playing in the third tier of English football at the end of the 2012, however the club start this year with plenty of optimism in terms of performances on the field.

There are concerns with financial issues at Ashton Gate but they may be eased with the likely sale of Nicky Maynard in the current transfer window, as the striker’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

For now the 25-year-old is still a Bristol City player and once again he will be a major threat to the Millwall defence, as he hopes to add to his seven goals in the Championship this term and could be a good bet for first goalscorer at 11/2.

Bristol will be without their skipper Liam Fontaine, so Louis Carey is set to continue in the heart of the Robins defence, while Stephan Pearson is to play his last game for the club before his current loan deal comes to an end and he returns to Derby County.

The victory over Southampton was the perfect response to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Coventry City, and McInnes men will be confident as they get set to host a Lions side who have struggled to continue the momentum from last season.

Having earned promotion from League One, the London outfit adapted quickly to life back in the second tier of English football last term.

However, it has been an inconsistent start to the season and manager Kenny Jackett and his men find themselves battling at the bottom end of the Championship table, just two points above their opponents on Tuesday.

Millwall go into this game on the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace in the south London derby on Saturday.

The men from the New Den are struggling for goals this season but that was not the case at this points last year.

Jackett’s side ran out 3-0 victors on their last visit to Ashton Gate but that was last season when the ferocious Lions were battling for every point, as they enjoyed their first campaign back in the Championship.

Under McInnes, Bristol City are a different beast and they should just edge this one at home, as they look to pull further away from the relegation zone (Bristol 5/2 to win at half-time and full-time).

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City to suffer New Year blues

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After a busy Bank Holiday in the Premier League, there is no let up in the action as six teams do battle in matches on Tuesday that affect both ends of the table (totesport – Premier League).

Manchester City v Liverpool 8pm

As normal folk get back to the humdrum of regular life after the festive period, City fans may be more donwhearted than most after seeing their club’s star wane a little following a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland – in a game which they should not have lost.

Roberto Mancini’s men remain 8/11 favourites to land their first Premier League title despite suffering their second Premier League defeat of the season but they will be hugely disappointed after failing to capitalise on three of their rivals all failing to win over the weekend.

Both those recent defeats have come away from home and the Blues will be back on home territory for what is a massive clash against Liverpool, and they boast a 100 percent record at the Etihad Stadium having banged in 28 goals and conceding just four in nine games there.

That record and their early season form is reflected in the match betting as they are installed as 4/5 favourites, with the draw available at 13/5 and Liverpool at 7/2.

City though have a poor record against the Reds and a 3-0 victory in this fixture last year is their only success in 13 games, while the goals have suddenly dried up for the previously free-scoring league leaders – failing to score in their last two against West Brom and Sunderland.

Liverpool go into the fixture on the back of a confidence-boosting 3-1 win over Newcastle at Anfield on Friday in which talisman Steven Gerrard enjoyed a cameo that was enough to win the man of the match award.

The England midfielder marked only his second appearance since his return with the third goal and has to be worth a look in the goalscoring markets (10/1 First/Last Goalscorer, 11/4 Anytime), particularly having struck winners three times against City.

Luis Suarez is also available again after missing the win over Newcastle due to suspension and, with a good defensive record this season, it would be no surprise to see Liverpool – who held City to a 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier this season – become the first team to take something away from Eastlands.

Tottenham v West Brom 7.45pm

Spurs go into this match looking to make amends for a disappointing showing on Saturday at Swansea in a 1-1 draw, which failed to take advantage of the top two both losing over the weekend.

Harry Redknapp’s men are back on home territory where they have lost only once this season (5-1 to City) and are unsurprisingly 2/5 favourites to secure their seventh win at White Hart Lane, with the draw at 7/2 and West Brom at 15/2.

Scott Parker will be big miss though after he suffered a knee injury against the Swans to join Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King and Aaron Lennon on the sidelines, although the Baggies have injury problems of their own with Chris Brunt and Jonas Olsson set to miss the clash.

West Brom have been better on the road this season, picking up four wins away from the Hawthorns, but goals have been a problem and Spurs should have enough firepower to land the spoils.

Wigan v Sunderland 7.45pm

Wigan have picked up some impressive results of late, holding Chelsea and Liverpool to draws as well as coming from behind to take a share of the spoils against Stoke, despite being reduced to 10 men at the Britannia Stadium.

However, they still remain in the bottom three and take on a resurgent Sunderland side who appear to have turned a corner under the stewardship of Martin O’Neill, and have now pulled six points clear of the drop zone.

Recent form appears to have made this one tough to call with Latics on offer at 7/4, the draw at 9/4 and the Black Cats marginal favourites at 13/8.

Sunday’s shock win over City should instil the belief in Sunderland though that they can rise up the table and are fancied to take the points against a team which has just one home victory to its name.

O’Neill has shown the magic touch since his arrival, picking up three wins and a draw from five matches in charge – and he can improve that record against Wigan on Tuesday.

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Nolan to lead Hammers home

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After another topsy turvy weekend in the Championship, the teams are back in action on Monday and Sam Allardyce’s West Ham side will be looking to put their shaky recent performances behind them as they face a struggling Coventry (West Ham 4/9, draw 10/3, Coventry 6/1).

After an inconsistent start to the season, the Hammers looked as if they could dominate the division but have lost three of their last five games and, with a number of key players out injured, are starting to struggle.

This includes Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Derby but boss Allardyce has been handed a major boost with Jack Collison, George McCartney, Julien Faubert and captain Kevin Nolan all returning from suspension.

Of this quartet the midfield combination of Nolan and Collison could be vital if the East London side are going to get back on track. Nolan is the true talisman of the team and has a habit of scoring important goals (Nolan 11/8 to score at anytime).

Collison on the other hand is arguably West Ham’s most creative influence and is sorely missed when absent. Many of the club’s supporters believe they could have stayed in the Premier League last season if he hadn’t got injured early in the campaign.

The pair are more than likely to go straight back into the side and look out for them to make a major impact at Upton Park.

Coventry have been the league’s strugglers this season and are certainly a club in trouble both on and off the pitch. They have spent most of the season propping up the table but have had a resurgence of late, winning their last two games against Brighton and Bristol City, and will be hoping to continue their fine run when they face their inconsistent opponents.

Their key man is certainly striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, who has been a rare shining light in their poor season. The 22-year-old was tipped for greatness when he moved to Everton as a teenager but never made his mark at Goodison and often found himself farmed out on loan.

However, he now appears to have found his feet and has scored a number of vital goals this season. His form has attracted the interest of a number of the division’s top sides and he has been tipped for a possible move in the recently-opened transfer window. Despite the speculation, he will be looking to make an impact in the match and look out for him to get on the scoresheet (Jutkiewicz 9/4 to score at anytime).

Despite Jutkiewicz’s fine form, its hard to look past the Hammers, especially at home. With their star names returning they will have added impetus going forward and will be looking to get their season back on track with a comfortable victory (West Ham 5/1 to win 2-0).

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Chelsea keen to bounce back

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The traditional New Year fixtures throw up several intriguing contests in the Premier League on Monday with Chelsea, in particular, desperate to bounce back from their 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa. Here we preview the games.

Wolves v Chelsea (3pm)

Chelsea’s inconsistent season took another unexpected twist on Saturday when they threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 at home to Villa.

The Blues’ title bid appears in tatters following the defeat that leaves them 11 points off leaders Manchester City and well adrift in fifth place.

A second successive defeat would be unthinkable for boss Andre Villas-Boas and they should bounce back at Molineux although they will not get an easy ride in the Black Country.

Wolves have claimed battling back-to-back draws at Arsenal and Bolton to boost their survival hopes and will fancy their chances of another draw in this one. However, Chelsea know another slip-up will not be tolerated so expect a narrow away win. Go for 0-1 at 6/1.

Prediction – 0-1.

Aston Villa v Swansea (3pm)

Villa (5/6) enjoyed their best day under Alex McLeish on Saturday when they came from behind to stun Chelsea and they can build on that win when they host Swansea (4/1).

The Welsh side have been impressive at home this season but have struggled on their travels and have yet to win away from the Liberty Stadium in the top flight.

Top scorer Danny Graham was rested for the 1-1 draw with Spurs on Saturday – with Luke Moore handed a surprise start – but he should be back in the side with a point to prove at Villa Park so is well worth backing to score anytime at 9/4.

Villa will be buoyant following the Stamford Bridge success and, with Darren Bent  fit again, they look to have too much firepower for the Swans.

Prediction – 2-1.

Blackburn v Stoke (3pm)

Rovers’ win at Manchester United on Saturday was probably the result of the Premier League season so far and, coming on the back of the 1-1 draw at Liverpool, it has eased the pressure considerably on Steve Kean.

The way his young side have fought in the last two games suggests the players are still firmly behind the Scot and they can enjoy another win in this one against Tony Pulis’ side (Blackburn 6/4, Stoke 15/8, draw 9/4 in the match betting).

The Potters have had a good first half to the season and are eighth in the table and through to the knock-out stage of the Europa League but have been poor on their travels in the league, losing five out of nine games and it looks like being another disappointing afternoon on Monday.

Prediction – 1-0.

QPR v Norwich (3pm)

A battle between two of the promoted sides at Loftus Road looks like a difficult one to call.

Rangers lost only narrowly at Arsenal on Saturday but their home form is poor as they have won just once in front of their own fans and sit just a place above the relegation zone.

Neil Warnock knows he needs a goalscorer to boost his ranks and is expected to splash the cash this month in order to ensure safety in the Premier League.

Norwich have exceeded expectations so far back in the top flight and sit 10th at the halfway stage. They have adapted well to life in the Premier League and will have no fear going to the capital to take on the R’s.

This one looks like it has a draw written all over it – take 0-0 in the correct score market at 15/2.

Fulham v Arsenal (5.30pm)

Arsenal go to Craven Cottage for the late game currently in the driving seat in the battle for fourth after the 1-0 win over QPR on Saturday.

The Gunners have been boosted by the imminent return to the club of legend Thierry Henry and the feel-good factor is set to continue as they can secure another three points against their London rivals.

Robin van Persie is always worth backing to score anytime (4/5) while Arsenal HT/FT is also tempting at 2/1.

Fulham were only a few minutes away from a win at Norwich last time out but face a much tougher test on Monday and look like struggling to get anything out of Arsene Wenger’s side.

Prediction – 0-2.

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A quiet before a storm

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There is no let-up in the Premier League over the next few days with the games coming thick and fast and there are two matches coming up on New Year’s Day, as West Brom host Everton before Sunderland entertain Manchester City.

West Bromwich Albion v Everton 1230pm

The action gets underway at The Hawthorns on Sunday in what has the feel of a ‘quiet before the storm’ scenario given the respective goalscoring records of the two sides in action.

West Brom have picked up seven points in their last three games with wins at Blackburn and Newcastle consolidated by holding Man City to a goalless draw last time out.

That run has pushed Roy Hodgson’s men up to ninth in the table but they have enjoyed greater success on their travels, picking up twice as many points.

Goals have been a distinct problem at the Hawthorns as West Brom are the worst home scorers in the division, having managed just seven in nine games in front of their own fans.

Everton have also had their own problems finding the back of the net with just nine scored on their travels, making this game look far from a goal-fest, although the Toffees will take confidence from the fact they have only let in five goals in the last seven games.

The Baggies are the slight 13/8 favourites in the match betting with David Moyes men priced at 7/4 but a draw could be the way to go in this one – and that is on offer at 9/4 – while backing No Goalscorer at 15/2 certainly looks good value.

Sunderland v Manchester City 3pm

Martin O’Neill has made an instant impact since taking over the Black Cats’ hotseat losing just one of his opening four games, winning two and unfortunate to pick up just one point last time out against Everton.

Sunderland have pulled four points clear from the relegation zone going into the weekend’s fixtures but are far from safe and look set to face a barrage from the free-scoring Citizens, still smarting from being held to a goalless draw at the Hawthorns which allowed neighbours United to join them at the summit.

Roberto Mancini’s men have banged in 25 goals on their travels and will be looking for more, particularly with the home side having fitness concerns over defenders Kieran Richardson, Phil Bardsley and Titus Bramble.

By contrast, Mancini has virtually a fully fit squad to choose from with Micah Richards and Aleksandar Kolarov available once more, so the City boss can juggle his star-studded squad to bounce back from the West Brom disappointment.

Edin Dzeko is back to full fitness and looks a good shout at 4/1 to add to his 10 goals with the first on Sunday, with the club’s leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero the 10/3 favourite to open the scoring.

With games coming up against Liverpool and Manchester United it is hard to see anything other than an away win, 8/15 in the match betting, while 10/11 on City/City in the Half-time/Full-time market offers a greater return.

Those perhaps still drunk from the previous night’s celebrations can get 6/1 on a Sunderland win – which would only be a fifth in 2011 – and 3/1 on the draw.

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Wolves to end 2011 on a high

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While most of us have lost track of the days over the Christmas period, New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday this year, and as such there is a bumper day of Premier League action to look forward to. We look at the three best bets that could have you cracking open the champagne a bit before midnight.

Chelsea v Aston Villa 3pm

The Blues will be glad to see the back of 2011 after 12 months full of disappointments and realisations that their squad of superstars are starting to look a bit over the hill. Andre Villas-Boas is trying to change all that but so far has found it tough going. Boxing Day’s 1-1 draw with Fulham effectively ended their title challenge, according to the Portuguese coach, in a move which looks like a bit of reverse psychology. Villas-Boas will hope his team responds to the challenge against Aston Villa, a game that might prove tougher than they expect.

Villa fans have also had to endure a torrid 2011 and will no doubt head to Stamford Bridge full of trepidation about what is to come. No doubt Alex McLeish will set his team up to be tough to beat, as he did at Stoke on Boxing Day when they managed to keep the Potters at bay. As such a win for Villa seems highly unlikely but a draw might not be beyond the realms of possibility. The draw is priced at 4/1, a good looking bet when you consider Chelsea’s last three games have ended 1-1.

This game is likely to be a low scoring affair and with Chelsea struggling to find the back of the net it could be another long afternoon for the Blues faithful.

Bolton v Wolves 3pm

2012 is likely to bring heartache for one, if not both, of these clubs as they battle against the drop. We might be in December but the result of this clash at the Reebok Stadium could go a long way to deciding who splits their year between the Premier League and the Championship.

Bolton fans will have been bitterly disappointed with their display against Newcastle after the win against Blackburn. The news that Gary Cahill is off to Chelsea is only likely to darken the mood at the Reebok Stadium heading into the new year. The Trotters have won once and lost eight of their nine games at home this season and there is already an air of inevitability regarding relegation at the Reebok Stadium it seems.

Wolves will be seen as very beatable by Owen Coyle but are likely to prove a tough nut to crack given their great rearguard display in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday. Five points from the last five matches might not be anything to shout about but at least it shows a bit of progress. Wolves are 23/10 to win at Bolton, a decent price in a game which is likely to be a tight affair.

Wolves might never have won at the Reebok Stadium but even with history on their side it just looks like being one of those seasons for Coyle and co.

Norwich v Fulham 3pm

Mid-table mediocrity beckons for these two teams in 2012, something the Canaries will be delighted about given that this time two years ago they had just moved into the top two in League One. Norwich have managed to continue that winning feeling that has surrounded Carrow Road in the last two years and have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season.

Paul Lambert’s men might have been outclassed by Tottenham on Tuesday but will have expected that given the quality they have. It’s games like this one against Fulham they will have targeted to take three points from.  They have already won four games at home this season and with Fulham perennial strugglers on the road the omens look good for Norwich.

Fulham impressed against Chelsea on Boxing Day but will admit that if it hadn’t been for keeper David Stockdale things could have been different. All does not seem well at Craven Cottage, with reports of manager Martin Jol falling out with players continuing to surface. Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora didn’t even feature at Stamford Bridge and until Jol can make the squad his own the Cottagers are likely to be a mixed bag.

A Norwich win is 13/8, with the draw on offer at 9/4 and Fulham at 7/4. We fancy Norwich to rack up yet another win and keep the good times rolling into the new year.

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Tricky NYE test for Hammers

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Saturday sees the final round of Championship matches of 2011 and the sides jostling for position at the top of the table will all be desperate to end the year on a high. We’ll take a look at four key games and try to pick a winner or two (West Ham 6/4 – Championship Outright).

Derby County v West Ham United

The doom and gloom of last season’s relegation now looks to be a thing of the past as the Hammers are sitting pretty in second place in the Championship table with an excellent chance of returning to the top flight at the first attempt.

A win at Pride Park will mean they will probably begin 2012 in the second automatic promotion spot behind Southampton and with it all to play for over the second half of the campaign.

But Sam Allardyce’s men have not been at their best over the past five games with two wins, one draw and two defeats and so Derby can use that as motivation.

They have been good on their travels, however, with seven wins away from Upton Park already and will look to turn over a Derby side who are stuck right in the middle of the chasing pack in 14th spot with 31 points.

The league is so congested that just six points separate sixth from 16th and so any of the sides, Derby included, could make a run for the play-offs next year.

Nigel Clough’s side have also taken seven points from a possible 15 but have won their last two at home and the hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds last time out proves that they can mix it with the top teams on their day.

Allardyce is a canny manager and will probably see this as tough encounter and it would be no surprise to see the sides share the points on Saturday.

Odds: Derby 11/4, West Ham Evens, draw 12/5

Middlesbrough v Peterborough

Whatever happens against Posh, Boro will be in the top three at the turn of the year and that is an amazing feat considering how many points they have thrown away at home, with late goals haunting them all season.

Tony Mowbray’s charges have won only five games at the Riverside, with six draws, and it is their away form that has kept them flying high with seven wins on the road this term.

But they face Darren Ferguson’s charges on Teesside in this one and will want to make it three straight victories on their own patch after beating both Brighton and Hull 1-0.

The Boro have won their last four and the confidence and crowds appear to be returning to the former top-flight side and they should be able to take care of a Peterborough side who have already lost six times away from home this term.

The sides drew 1-1 at London Road back in November and, after losing a couple of close ones, last season’s League One play-off winners have taken seven out of nine points and will be looking to make it three successive wins on Saturday.

Fergie’s men do score goals away from home but Boro have conceded just nine at home in the first half of the campaign and so it looks set to be a tight encounter, with a narrow home victory the verdict.

Odds: Middlesbrough 4/6, Peterborough 4/1, draw 11/4

Nottingham Forest v Cardiff City

Cardiff have suffered more than their fair share of play-off heartache in recent seasons but continue to challenge at the right end of the table as they head into the weekend’s clash at the City Ground.

The Bluebirds’ long-suffering fans look set for another roller-coaster ride up to and into the play-offs and they will want to take something from their final encounter of the year to set them up for next year’s promotion push.

Recent form has been mixed and they have failed to win any of the past three matches, but 1-0 victories over Birmingham and Forest just a few weeks ago have kept them in the top four.

Malky Mackay’s men are the draw specialists away from home with seven already but they will have three points on their mind when they face a Forest outfit devoid of confidence and staring up at the majority of the Championship sides.

The East Midlanders have not won in six attempts and have taken just one point from a possible 18 since beating Ipswich 3-2 on November 19 and are currently 22nd out of the 24 teams in the standings.

Steve Cotterill’s men have lost their last three home games and have never really recovered from the 4-0 thumping they received at the hands of Leeds United.

Cardiff may have only won three times away from home but they are tipped to add to that tally this weekend.

Odds: Forest 7/4, Cardiff 8/5, draw 11/5

Burnley v Hull

Hull are one of the form teams in the division with four successive wins before coming unstuck late on at Middlesbrough last time out.

They have garnered 39 points from their first 23 games and sit comfortably in the play-off zone as 2012 approaches.

It has been case of all or nothing for Nick Barmby’s side this season with 12 wins, eight defeats and only three draws to date – all away from home.

So the likelihood is that they will head over the Pennines in search of all three points to keep up their momentum and they will face a Burnley side who have not enjoyed the best of times at Turf Moor this season.

The home fans have witnessed just four wins, with five defeats, and it is the six wins on their travels that has kept Eddie Howe’s men in the top half of the table.

Scoring goals at home has not been a problem for the Clarets with 21 strikes already but they have let in 15 and that is something Barmby will have taken note of ahead of the match.

Hull do not score many away from their own patch and so this one has all the makings of a draw.

Odds: Burnley 11/8, Hull 9/4, draw 23/10

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Saints to clip Robins’ wings

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Southampton take on Bristol City on Friday knowing that any result other than a defeat will see them start the New Year top of the Championship table. But Saints will be looking for all three points against a side struggling at the wrong end of the table and  will they get them? (Southampton 4/9, Bristol City 7/1, draw 3/1 Match Prices).

Southampton have not sampled life in the Premier League for more than six years and there have been plenty of low points since relegation at the end of the 2004-2005 campaign after 27 years of top-flight football.

But things are now very much on the up and Nigel Adkins appears to have assembled a squad capable of returning to the promised land (Southampton 6/4 Championship Outright).

Whether they could stay there is another matter and a debate for another day, as Saints welcome the west country side to St Mary’s Stadium to try and add another three points to their impressive tally of 47.

The odds on a Southampton win reflect their dominance at home this season with just two points dropped to date and there seems no reason to suggest that their unbeaten record on the south coast will go on Friday evening.

If they avoid defeat it will mean that Saints have gone an entire calendar year unbeaten at home and that is a statistic that deserves to see the club return to the top tier of English football.

But City fans can take some heart from the fact that Adkins’ charges have not been in the best of form of late with just one win from their past four games, with Doncaster beating them at the Keepmoat Stadium and Blackpool spoiling their perfect home record with a 2-2 draw on December 10.

But it is still an ominous home record and, with Bristol hovering just above the relegation zone, Derek McInnes‘ side will have it all to do.

One positive for City is the fact that they have taken more points on the road this term than at Ashton Gate with three wins and three draws away from home already.

However, they have not won in five games with just two points out of a possible 15 from a 2-2 draw with Watford and a goalless draw at home to Nottingham Forest.

Indeed the last time the City fans celebrated a win was against Friday’s opponents, following a 2-0 victory over Southampton in Bristol on November 26.

That seems like a long time ago in football terms but at least the City players know that they can beat the table-toppers if they play to their potential.

A few Robins’ stars have been bullish about their chances of turning Southampton over with defender Lewin Nyatanga confident that they can do the double over the 1976 FA Cup winners.

But he and his fellow members of the rearguard will have to stop a rampant Saints side who have already scored 30 goals at home this term.

City have only scored 21 goals all season and 12 have come away from home and with uncertainty surrounding the future of top-scorer Nicky Maynard, it is unclear where the goals will come from on Friday night.

McInnes has defended the former Crewe Alexander man, who looks set to leave in the January transfer window, but it is open to question whether his head will be right for a game of this magnitude, given the fact that his own supporters have started to turn against him.

But City need him to play and to be on top of his game to have any chance of getting anything out of this one.

In terms of team news for Saints, Richard Chaplow looks set to miss the clash after picking up a knee injury in training while Steve De Ridder may keep his place in the Southampton side.

The heart says that the Robins might spring a surprise and take all three points but the head is definitively going to overrule and suggest that this will be a comfortable home win by at least two clear goals.

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Friday night football picks

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There are a host of football games on Friday night and further down the ladder there are half a dozen games across League One and League Two – so here’s a guide to those games taking place (totesport – Friday’s picks).

Npower League One
Huddersfield v Carlisle

Huddersfield suffered two losses in a row, to Charlton and Bournemouth, earlier in December as their 43-game unbeaten league record came to an end. It was always going to be difficult for Lee Clark’s men to bounce back but a morale-boosting 4-4 draw away to Sheffield Wednesday and a win over Chesterfield means they are getting back to their best. Carlisle themselves are sitting only three places behind and are unbeaten in three games, but expect Huddersfield to be too strong.

Prediction: Huddersfield to win @ 4/6

Tranmere v Bury

Tranmere saw their Boxing Day game with Rochdale postponed due to structural damage at Prenton Park, but hopefully they will be able to play on Friday. On the pitch, it has been eight games without a win and they welcome a Bury side that are great on their travels – winning six and drawing one on the road this season. It could mean more misery for Les Parry’s team.

Prediction: Bury to win @ 9/4

Npower League Two
Cheltenham v Rotherham

Cheltenham are riding high in the league and it has been only one defeat in their last six games, and three wins and a draw in their last four home matches. With only two home defeats and a mere six goals conceded on their home patch Cheltenham are consistent, which cannot be said of Rotherham of late.

Prediction: Cheltenham to win @ evens

Crawley Town v Barnet

Crawley sit at the top of League Two and face the perennial strugglers from North London. Even though Steve Evan’s men lost at home to Gillingham you should not expect Barnet to pull off a big shock as Crawley look for momentum to boost their push to League One.

Prediction: Crawley to win @ 4/11

Dag & Red v Gillingham

It is now five home defeats in a row for poor Dagenham and Redbridge, which has left them sitting level on points with the bottom two of Northampton and Plymouth. Confidence is low and they welcome a Gills team who thrashed Bristol Rovers and won away at league leaders Crawley in their last two games. All the signs point to a miserable end of 2011 for John Still’s team.

Prediction: Gillingham to win @ 21/20

Hereford v Accrington Stanley

It is eight games without a win for Hereford and only two points taken in that stage, and they really need to stop losing leads and start picking up points at Edgar Street. They welcome an Accrington side who have only won twice on the road all season – and those two wins have come in December. Stanley have drawn seven of their 11 matches away from home and this could be magical number 12.

Prediction: Draw @ 12/5

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