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Dalglish puts faith in Carroll

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Bet on the Premier LeagueLiverpool manager Kenny Dalglish looks set to turn to struggling striker Andy Carroll for goals for the Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Friday (Liverpool 4/7 draw 3/1 Newcastle United 11/2 – match prices).

The 22-year-old has the perfect opportunity to kick-start his career at the Merseyside club and who better to do it against than his former employers.

Carroll (4/1 first goalscorer) has struggled to find the back of the net since his £35m move from St James’ Park almost 11 months ago, with only two goals in the top flight this season.

The England international has been giving the backing of Dalglish, after he saw yet more opportunities go wide of the mark or saved during the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day.

With the Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez set to miss Friday’s clash with the Magpies due to a suspension for his gesture to the crowd during another Liverpool draw against Fulham, Carroll is set to take a leading role against his former club at Anfield.

Reds skipper Steve Gerrard also featured against Rovers on Monday and is likely to play some part against the Magpies, as Dalglish looks to ease the key midfielder back into regular football.

As for Newcastle, after a stuttering couple of weeks they got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Premier League strugglers Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Boxing Day.

Once again it was that man Demba Ba (8/1 first goalscorer) who got himself on the score-sheet, as the Senegalese striker continues his superb season for Newcastle following his move from West Ham in the summer.

The 26-year-old could be the signing of the season, having joined the Magpies on a free deal, he has put away most of the chances presented to him and Liverpool will have to be wary of the goal-machine.

Another man who impressed during the victory over the Trotters was the Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa (10/3 – Anytime Scorer), who found himself on the score-sheet with a wonderful finish.

The 24-year-old made a slow start to life at St James’ Park having suffered a broken tibia and fibula in one of his first games for the club, after being on the wrong end of a tackle from Manchester City’s Nigel De Jong.

However, manager Alan Pardew will be delighted to see the player coming back to full fitness and he will be another the threat the Reds will have to be alert to.

Liverpool and Newcastle sit in sixth and seventh place in the Premier League table respectively and there certainly is not too much between these two teams.

The Reds have tended to raise their game for the bigger fixtures in the top flight this season and struggled against the supposed lesser teams.

This is certainly a big game for both clubs as they hope to contend for European football next season.

Liverpool are likely to raise their game but this contest pits together two attacking football sides so expect goals but a stalemate at the final whistle.

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Saints top the class at half-term

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The Championship reached its halfway point on Boxing Day with Southampton leading the race after starting where they left off in League One last term, pre-season favourites West Ham occupy the second automatic spot, while Middlesbrough are the surprise package so far. Looking ahead to the next 23 fixtures it will be a difficult task to determine which clubs will stay the distance. However, we will endeavour to look at who could be on their way to the promise land of the Premier League by next May.

Southampton have done fantastically well, particularly at St Mary’s where they have collected 34 points from a possible 36 to date and that is where their automatic promotion (6/4 Championship Outright) aspirations will lie.

There was a hint that Nigel Adkins’ men could be on the slide in recent weeks as their 100 per cent home record went following a 2-2 draw with Blackpool, while they lost 1-0 away to struggling Doncaster.

But they got back on track on Boxing Day with a home victory against Crystal Palace and lead the table by three points from West Ham and Middlesbrough.

The Saints’ away form needs some improvement, but as long as they keep performing on home soil and with the prospect of January investment on the cards, they should have enough to make it back-to-back promotions.

Sam Allardyce’s West Ham were the pre-season promotion favourites and have just about lived up to that billing in the first half of the season (6/4 Outright Winners).

Ironically it is the Londoners’ away form – seven wins and just two defeats from 12 games – which has played a big part in their haul of 44 points.

The Hammers’ have been rocked by a recent injury crisis as Matt Taylor, Sam Baldock, Winston Reid, Abdoulaye Faye, David Bentley and Guy Demel are all currently sidelined with various problems.

However, if they can turn Upton Park into a fortress in the New Year, Big Sam’s squad is oozing with Premier League players and are still a good bet to lift the title.

Tony Mowbray has had a massive impact at the Riverside Stadium, having turned last season’s relegation candidates Middlesbrough into potential promotion material (8/1 Outright).

The Teesside-born tactician has even worked on a restricted budget, having slashed the wage bill last summer, but is still managing to work wonders with a squad that is short on numbers.

Boro are currently the form team of the Championship having won their last four successive games and not only sit level on points with second-placed West Ham, but are eight points clear of Blackpool – who sit outside the final play-off spot.

Boro are hard to beat, but have only just started to grind out home wins after drawing too many matches at the Riverside earlier in the campaign. That could be a crucial trait to have acquired as the season progresses, but January could potentially upset the apple-cart.

Skipper Matthew Bates could be sold to avoid him leaving on a Bosman free transfer next summer, while the influential Rhys Williams is bound to attract some of the Premier League vultures.

If Mowbray can keep the duo on board and possibly add to his attacking options where Boro are still short on numbers, then many will be backing him to get the club back into the big time.

Elsewhere, Cardiff (14/1 Outright) have remained a consistent side in the Championship despite the summer upheaval with Malky Mackay replacing Dave Jones and look good for at least a play-off place, while Hull have not been too badly affected by Nigel Pearson’s departure back to Leicester as Nicky Barmby has been pulling results and performances out of the bag.

Reading have shaken off the hangover from last season’s play-off final heart-break to surge up the table and into the play-off places in recent weeks, so are also worthy of consideration.

Blackpool and Leeds remain on the fringes but are lacking consistency at the moment, while Leicester under new boss Pearson have the resources to bring in new faces next month and are only five points off a play-off spot.

Dark horses to make a surge are Ipswich Town (6/1 Outright). Paul Jewell was potentially 45 minutes away from the sack, with his side trailing Barnsley 2-0 at Oakwell earlier this month.

However, the Tractor boys’, who boast an impressive squad packed with experience, stormed back after half time to win 5-3 and have since defeated Derby and drawn at Leicester.

Ipswich are currently 19th and nine points off the top-six but with 23 more games to play, they could soon to motor up the table between now and the season-finale on April 28.

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5 things we learned over Xmas

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The traditional Christmas fixtures are in full swing, here we look at some key moments.

1. Tottenham can muscle in on title race

With Arsenal and Chelsea both dropping points over Christmas, the onus was on Spurs (14/1 – Premier League outright) in Tuesday’s late game to prove they have what it takes to rival the two Manchester clubs in the title race in the second half of the season.

And Harry Redknapp’s men did not disappoint. After being held to a goalless draw in the first half at Norwich, Spurs eventually overcame the Canaries in the second half to record a valuable 2-0 win. The three points kept them seven points behind both United and City with a game in hand and they look well placed to mount a serious title bid in 2012.

Gareth Bale scored both goals to see off Norwich and he appears to be hitting top form at just the right time while Luka Modric, Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor are all impressing.

Tougher tests than Carrow Road await for the north Londoners but they look strong throughout their squad and can muscle in on the Manchester-dominated top two places over the coming months.

2. United in no mood to give up title easily

The way Manchester City (4/5 PL outright) started the season, many pundits were predicting the Eastlands outfit could have the Premier League title wrapped up by Easter. The 6-1 demolition of United (5/4) at Old Trafford in the autumn only served to add further belief to that train of thought as Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Mario Balotelli and co were running riot.

However, the heavy home defeat to their city rivals has acted as a massive wake-up call for United and they have moved level on 45 points at the top with City following an impressive run of form.

Yes, they went out of the Champions League at the group stage but a run of eight wins from their last nine league games proves they have well and truly got the City shocker out of their system.

Consecutive 5-0 wins over Fulham and Wigan have only highlighted that further and United appear back to their menacing best.

3. Relegation race is as tight as ever

With just 10 points separating the bottom half of the table, this season’s relegation scrap could be just as tight as last year.

Blackburn (4/9 to be relegated) picked up an impressive point at Liverpool but stayed bottom – just a point behind struggling Bolton (8/13) and two off Wigan (4/6). At Anfield, Rovers proved they have the fighting spirit in them to stay up but will need plenty more if they are to eventually beat the drop.

Bolton, on the other hand, are in a bad way at the moment and the Boxing Day reverse at home to Newcastle cranked the pressure up further on boss Owen Coyle. With Gary Cahill set to leave next month, they need a fresh injection of talent and Coyle must get the Trotters motivated again if they are move up the table.

As for the rest, anyone from Norwich (4/1) down could easily get dragged into the scrap in what is sure to be a compelling second half of the season in the bottom half.

4. Liverpool need a goalscorer

Liverpool’s Boxing Day draw at home to bottom-club Blackburn highlighted various things but the most obvious is that they are craving an out-and-out goalscorer.

The Reds have top-four aspirations this season (5/2 – top 4 finish) and remain in the hunt at the halfway stage but their lack of firepower is currently costing them. Again against Rovers, like in several other games in which they have dropped points this season, Kenny Dalglish’s side carved out enough chances to have won comfortably but somehow ended up with just the one goal and another 1-1 draw.

Luis Suarez is more of a playmaker than clinical centre-forward while Andy Carroll still looks nothing like the player he was last season for Newcastle with just three goals all season. Craig Bellamy will get goals but is unlikely to be given a regular run in the side while Dirk Kuyt, last season’s top scorer, has yet to find the back of the net in the league this season.

With Suarez facing an eight-game ban, Dalglish is looking at his options in the transfer window and don’t be surprised to see him add a striker to his ranks to help improve the chances to goals conversion rate that is currently badly letting his side down.

5. There are no easy games in the top flight

Aside from United’s big victory over Wigan, the Christmas fixtures proved once again that you cannot take anything for granted in the Premier League.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal (evens – top 4 finish) all had what looked fairly straightforward home games but all managed to slip up as they were held 1-1 by Blackburn, Fulham and Wolves respectively.

It was the same old failing for Liverpool at home as they wasted plenty of chances against Rovers in their draw while Chelsea and Arsenal were both pegged back in their games after going in front early on. Despite pressure in both games late on from the home sides, both Fulham and Wolves held on to prove to the so-called big clubs that you have to work hard for every win in the top flight.

Leaders City, too, were expected to see off West Brom at the Hawthorns but were also held 0-0 to highlight the quality and strength in depth throughout what remains a very competitive league.

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Hibs out to sting Caley Thistle

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While much of the nation’s attention will understandably be on the Old Firm on Wednesday, there’s also a relegation battle between Hibernian and Inverness in Scotland which could be just as significant come the end of the season, and both teams will be going all out to claim what could be three vital points (Hibs 13/10, draw 9/4, Inverness 21/10).

After strong campaigns last term, both clubs have struggled this time around and now find themselves 10th and 11th respectively in the table with only lowly Dunfermline below them.

Hibs have been hugely disappointing as many believed they could possibly go on to trouble Celtic and Rangers this year due to the strong mix of youth and experience in their squad.

However, they have struggled for consistency, especially in defence where barely a week goes by without them conceding a calamitous goal and they are currently on a run of seven games without a victory.

One look at their squad and you start to believe that is only a matter of time before they start to climb the table and their forward line of Garry O’Connor (11/8 to score at anytime) and Leigh Griffiths (also 11/8 to score at anytime) should be good enough to trouble even the meanest defences in the SPL.

Both players possess superb strength and have been in good form this season with O’Connor netting seven while Griffiths has scored four. These two could make the difference on Wednesday so look out for them to be on the score sheet.

Inverness are perhaps one of the lesser known sides in the league but have held their own since being promoted back to the top league in 2010. They go into the game at Easter Road in good form as well, having won two of their last four games and Terry Butcher’s side look as if they may be on their way up the league.

Their star man is captain and striker Richie Foran (7/4 to score anytime) who has often carried them through difficult times and his ability to hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play could prove priceless against Hibs.

One of the players he’ll be looking to bring into the game will be winger Andrew Shinnie who has a habit of scoring vital goals at important times and is understood to have been looked at by a number of English Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window.

However, despite Shinnie and Foran’s excellence, Hibs should just sneak this one and home advantage could make all the difference. The partnership between O’Connor and Griffiths is truly a class one at this level and they should see their side through, but it’ll be close (Hibernian 6/1 to win 1-0).

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Old Firm glory in Celtic’s sights

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At the start of November Rangers held a 15-point lead in the SPL but that lead has been reduced to just a single point ahead of Wednesday’s Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.

Celtic have won their last eight consecutive SPL games and head into the fixture in fine form. In contrast, Rangers have won just three of their last six league games but boss Ally McCoist doesn’t think recent form will have any bearing on Wednesday’s crucial showdown.

“The truth of the matter is I would rather be a point ahead than a point behind,” said McCoist. “Of that there is no doubt.

“Celtic are on a good run of form at the moment in terms of victories, but it counts for absolutely nothing.”

Despite McCoist’s confidence Celtic look good value at evens to seal the win, Rangers are 14/5 and the draw can be backed at 23/10.

The Gers will be without defender Dorin Goian through suspension. The Romanian picked up two bookings in the loss at St Mirren last time out and will miss out. However, midfielder Lee McCulloch will be available despite his dismissal in the defeat at St Mirren Park.  Rangers have decided to appeal the decision and, as the hearing will not take place until January 5, McCulloch is free to feature in the Old Firm on Wednesday.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been handed a double boost with the news that left-back Emilio Izaguirre has now fully recovered from a broken ankle and fellow defender Kelvin Wilson is now fit following an Achilles problem.

 Although the Old Firm will undoubtedly take centre stage there are plenty of other SPL ties on Wednesday night to consider.

Hibs are in the midst of an abysmal run and only goal difference separates the Easter Road outfit from rock-bottom Dunfermline. Hibs host Inverness on Wednesday but may struggle despite their home advantage against Caley Thistle, who saw off Aberdeen last time out. Neither side is in great form at the moment and this particular fixture could well end in a draw, which pays out at 9/4.

Hearts travel to Aberdeen in search of just their second SPL win on the road this season. The Edinburgh side have won their last two fixtures and will be seeking another maximum haul to keep the pressure on third and fourth placed Motherwell and St Johnstone.  A Hearts win is priced at 13/8, while the draw can be backed at 9/4.

Motherwell are riding high in the table but their home form has been erratic, with results on the road attributing to their lofty SPL standing at present.  However, Dunfermline, who have lost five of their last six, shouldn’t trouble the Fir Park Stadium side and a Motherwell win at 1/2 looks to be the best bet in this SPL fixture.

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Swans can bounce back at home

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Six Premier League teams enjoyed a rare Boxing Day off, but they will return to action on Tuesday with three fixtures to look forward to. North London top-four hopefuls Arsenal and Tottenham are among those looking to close the gap at the top, while all-three promoted teams will be seeking a crucial three points in the battle to avoid the drop.

Swansea v QPR (5pm)

Both teams lost last week and will be keen to collect a late Christmas present, with the duo hovering dangerously above the drop zone. Swansea’s home record could be crucial though, as Brandon Rodgers men look to increase the gap between themselves and the R’s.

Both of these sides were playing Championship football last season and QPR had the better of things, claiming a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium before sealing a 4-0 success at Loftus Road. But the Swans have the better form at present and have lost just one of their eight home games to date.

QPR have been better on the road than at home, but Swansea’s impressive defensive record – just two goals conceded at home - could see them edge this affair.

Suggested Bet: Swansea to win @ Evens 

Arsenal v Wolves (3pm)

The Gunners showed some steel when bouncing back from defeat to Manchester City to beat Aston Villa last time out, although it was far from a vintage display. But six wins, one draw and just one defeat at the Emirates tells it’s own story and it looks like more woe on their travels for Wolves.

Mick McCarthy’s men have won just once on their travels this term and recent displays on the road have been poor. Wolves have conceded two goals or more in their last six away games, with just six goals scored in eight fixtures away from Molineux, and it could be more of the same on Tuesday.

Suggested Bet: Total Goals (3-5 Goals) @ 8/13

Norwich v Tottenham (7.30pm)

Both these teams picked up draws in their last fixtures and both are in fine fettle going into this clash at Carrow Road. The Canaries find themselves in the top half, but the attacking threat that Spurs offer could be too much for Paul Lambert’s men.

Norwich has scored plenty at home (16) but they have also conceded regularly (12) and Harry Redknapp’s men have the speed to cause a paceless Canaries backline major problems, especially with Kyle Naughton out through suspension.

Tottenham, who have only lost one of their last 14 league matches, could have Rafael van der Vaart back, after suffering a knock against Chelsea, while Jermaine Defoe will have a late fitness test.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Tottenham FT - 10/3

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Boxing Day Countdown!

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The annual Boxing Day extravaganza of football is upon us, with only a couple of alterations due to the planned London Tube strike. There are seven Premier League games on up and down the country, with some matches a lot easier to call than others.

1 – The bankers

Liverpool v Blackburn
Man Utd v Wigan
West Brom v Man City

The way the two Manchester teams are performing it’s hard to see either Wigan or West Brom pulling off a shock, while the way Blackburn are playing it would take a huge step up to take anything away from Anfield.

Manchester United blew Fulham away in midweek and, despite Wigan recording huge morale-boosting draws with Chelsea and Liverpool in the last week, Old Trafford remains a tough place to go (United 1/6, draw 6/1, Wigan 20/1).

City are also firing on all cylinders and look capable of blowing any side away, so it could be a long old Boxing Day for the West Brom defenders (West Brom 13/2, draw 10/3, City 4/9).

At Anfield, Liverpool may not be on top form but with morale at rock-bottom at Blackburn and the boss under intense scrutiny this is a chance for Dalglish’s team to re-ignite their form in front of goal (Liverpool 1/4, drive 5/1, Blackburn 11/1).

2 – The possible upsets

Chelsea v Fulham
Stoke v Aston Villa

Chelsea are also a team stuttering through the season and look like they need a resounding win to ignite some new-confidence in them. That opportunity could come on Boxing Day as Fulham showed in midweek defending is not their best trait.

Man Utd ripped them apart with ease and the Cottagers could again struggle against the pace of the likes of Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge. The statistics don’t make good reading for travelling fans, as Fulham have beaten Chelsea only once in the last 30 league and cup meetings, but Chelsea do have a tendency to misfire (Chelsea 3/10, draw 4/1, Fulham 11/1).

Stoke currently occupy their best Christmas position for 37 years and face a Villa side who have taken only eight points from the last 30. The combination of Stoke’s set-piece power – which will be boosted by the return of Peter Crouch – and Villa’s struggles at the back point towards a home win and some Christmas cheer in the Potteries, but it will all depend on which Villa turns up (Stoke 10/11, draw 12/5, Villa 16/5).

3 – Too close to call

Bolton v Newcastle
Sunderland v Everton

It’s a case of a team looking up and a team on their way down at the Reebok Stadium and Bolton will be hoping their midweek win over Blackburn gives them a springboard over the festive period.

Newcastle are without a win in six games and travel to Bolton with a poor record in this fixture – indeed Bolton have won seven of the last eight home encounters with Newcastle. The visitors are a side in decline and desperately need to turn around their slipping fortunes (Bolton 6/4, draw 9/4, Newcastle 15/8).

Finally, at the Stadium of Light the dark clouds are turning brighter as Martin O’Neill has won two of his first three games in charge. There is a new-found confidence among the Black Cats but the head-to-head record against Everton makes dire reading – with the Toffees unbeaten in their last 13 league meetings with Sunderland.

Saying that, times are hard around Everton so this Boxing Day could be the time for the Black Cats to break the hoodoo (Sunderland 6/4, draw 9/4, Everton 15/8).

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Leeds set to march on

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Boxing Day is one of the most eagerly anticipated days on the football calendar and it is no exception this year in the Championship. All 24 clubs are in action on a bumper day of football.

Derby v Leeds (13:00)

Simon Grayson’s Leeds travel to Pride Park as they look to continue their excellent away form and should be backed at 11/8 to pick up all three points against Nigel Clough’s side.

Leeds have picked up maximum points in three of their last four away matches and seem to enjoy playing away from Elland Road.

The Yorkshire club did slip up recently at home to Reading but are still just inside the play-off positions and are a good bet to stay there come end of the season.

Derby, on the other hand, are not safe from relegation this season, despite being seven points above the drop zone at this stage. They could so easily be dragged into the fight for survival if they lose two or three games on the spin during the Christmas period.

The Rams have only won one of their last eight fixtures so hardly go into this game in any rich vein of form.

The visitors should have too much class for the home side so take Leeds to beat Derby 2-0 at odds of 10/1.

Barnsley v Blackpool (15:00)

Keith Hill has done a terrific job at Oakwell this season since taking over the reins at Barnsley over the summer from Mark Robins.

The former Rochdale boss was handed one of the smallest budgets in the league when he took over, yet has kept the Yorkshire club clear from the relegation placings.

The 13/8 on the home side looks very good value as Blackpool make the short trip across the Pennines. Craig Davies has proved to be one of the bargain signings of the season in the Championship and is a good bet at 6/1 to score the opening goal in the game.

The former Chesterfield striker has made the leap from League Two with relative ease and has provided regular goals recently, included the one he scored at Elland Road when Hill’s men upset Leeds in their derby clash recently.

Reading v Brighton (15:00)

Brighton made an excellent start to life in the Championship following their promotion from League One last season, but have since struggled for results in the league.

Reading, on the other hand, are just starting to put a decent run together after wins over Leeds and West Ham. The Royals can be relied on to continue that run with another three points at 8/11.

The home side are just two points outside the play-offs and a good run over Christmas could secure a place in the top six by the end of 2011.

Both of these sides have not been troubling the opposition keepers too much in recent matches so it is likely to be tight affair with very few goals.

Take a chance on Reading to come on top with a 1-0 scoreline at 6/1.

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No festive surprises in the SPL

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The Scottish Premier League continues on Saturday with a full Christmas Eve fixture list to savour but we are not anticipating too many surprises as the Old Firm look set to continue their winning ways, while there is a tasty treat in store as troubled Hearts host Motherwell.

ST MIRREN V RANGERS (12.45pm)

We’ll start our SPL treble with the earliest clash of the day as Ally McCoist takes his table-topping Gers to St Mirren Park aiming to collect another win to at least maintain their four-point lead over Old Firm rivals Celtic.

Rangers face the Buddies on the back of four wins from their last six away-day games and will fancy their chances of making it five from seven in Paisley on Saturday.

McCoist is boosted by the return of winger Sone Aluko for the game after serving a two-match ban for diving, while defender Dorin Goian is fit following illness.

St Mirren chief Danny Lennon will be hoping his side can emulate their result at Ibrox in October when they held Rangers to a 1-1 draw, although their chances are not helped by the loss of captain Jim Goodwin, who will miss the next three games through suspension.

Hugh Murray could make his long-awaited return after recovering from knee surgery, while Steven Thomson and Lee Mair are fit again.

Their recent home form – two wins and three defeats in the last six – suggests they face an uphill battle to get anything from this game.

Therefore the only way to go is for Rangers to come out on top a lot more comfortably than their last visit to St Mirren Park when they ran out slender 1-0 winners in March.

Prediction: Rangers Away 90 Minutes @ 2/5
Value Bet: Jelavic 1st Goal Rangers 3-1 Scorecast @ 28/1

CELTIC V KILMARNOCK (1.30pm)

Neil Lennon’s in-form Celtic face a trickier test when Kenny Shiels bring his Killie outfit to Parkhead on Saturday afternoon.

The Hoops are in a rich vein of form at the moment having won five and drawn one of their six SPL matches on home soil since being held to a 3-3 draw at Kilmarnock in mid-October.

And, as they look to extend that run this weekend, Lennon is boosted by left-back Emilio Izaguirre’s return from a broken ankle, while Kelvin Wilson and Joe Ledley are also in contention.

However, Glenn Loovens, Kris Commons, Adam Matthews and Daniel Majstorovic are out.

Killie arrive having won two and drawn two of their last four SPL games to sit just outside the top-four places with a game in hand.

Midfielder Dean Shiels will undergo a late fitness test on his injured ankle, James Fowler returns from suspension, but striker William Gros and defender Ryan O’Leary remain on the sidelines.

Killie ground out a 1-1 draw in their last trip to Glasgow last December, but they will have their work cut out to emulate that achievement on Saturday.

Prediction: Celtic Home 90 Minutes @ 1/4
Value Bet: Draw/Celtic HT/FT @ 10/3

HEARTS V MOTHERWELL (1.00pm)

Our third Christmas cracker from the SPL sees troubled Hearts go up against Stuart McCall’s high-flying Motherwell, who are looking destined to finish third in the SPL behind the Old Firm this season.

The cash-strapped Jambos go into the Tynecastle showdown with a myriad of problems to contend with as boss Paulo Sergio is without midfielder Ryan Stevenson, who is set to sit out over his ongoing frustrations with events at the club.

Winger Andrew Driver also told Sergio he no longer wanted to be considered for selection last week, but could make a U-turn and play in the match.

David Templeton could miss out following illness, while defenders Danny Grainger, Darren Barr and long-term absentees Kevin Kyle, Gary Glen and Suso Santana remain out.

Due to the off-the-field problems it is no surprise that Hearts’ home form has been patchy of late with three wins and three defeats in their last six outings.

Motherwell come into the game on a real high with a return of five wins and one defeat from the last six on the road, with 12 goals scored in the process.

However, their hopes of success on Saturday have been hit by the loss of influential skipper Steve Jennings, who has received a retrospective two-match ban from the Scottish Football Association following a clash with St Mirren’s Jim Goodwin last weekend.

Long-term injury victim Steven Saunders (Achilles) is the only other player on the sidelines.

The last meeting at Tynecastle produced a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Motherwell have won two and drawn two of their previous four games in Edinburgh.

It is an interesting clash as we feel it could be another stalemate, although don’t be shocked if Motherwell take advantage of Hearts’ problems and just come out on top.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 9/4
Value Bet: 2-2 Draw Correct Score @ 14/1

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Three to watch in 2012

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With a big footballing year ahead, we look at three of the names that could have a big say in the domestic and international game in 2012. As the Premier League, Champions League and Euro 2012 issues get resolved, this trio could play a big role.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Arsenal youngster is slowly starting to make an impact at the Emirates following his summer move from Southampton. With the Gunners still fighting on three fronts, Oxlade-Chamberlain could find himself coming to the fore, especially if Arsenal (6/5 Top Four Finish) suffer key injuries.

The inconsistent form of Theo Walcott is another factor which could lead to more game-time for the winger, who has scored twice in five appearances this season. The 18-year-old certainly looks the part and may even be an outside bet to make the England squad for Euro 2012 (England 11/8 Group D Winners), should Arsenal enjoy a some trophy success.

Arsene Wenger has already alluded to the fact that Oxlade-Chamberlain has impressed him and although normally wary to over-play his teenage stars, the Frenchman could be tempted to use his blistering pace and freshness in key games towards the end of the season.

Mario Balotelli

Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore Mario Balotelli. Opinion is divided as to whether he is a liability or a genius, with Roberto Mancini holding the answer.

The City boss is probably the only current manager able to get the best out of the striker, having worked with him before at Inter Milan. With Carlos Tevez set to leave in January and City (8/13 Premier League Outright) unlikely to splash the cash again in the New Year, Balotelli could have a big say in the destination of the Premier League title.

On the plus side, his goals and performances in recent months have been outstanding. He shone in the 6-1 win at rivals United and his cheeky finish against Norwich summed up his ability. The negatives are there to see as well though, with his daft sending off at Liverpool almost costing his team.

The 21-year-old is a likely inclusion in the Italy squad (14/1 Tournament Winner) for the European Championship and he will be flying should he have already collected a Premier League winners medal.

Connor Wickham

The young striker could yet hold the key to Sunderland’s top flight survival, with Martin O’Neill selecting him for his first two games as manager before injury struck. The capture from Ipswich was used sparingly during the reign of Steve Bruce and that now looks an unwise move.

Bruce attempted to ease Wickham into Premier League life, but with a lack of attacking options, the striker should have been starting sooner for the Black Cats (13/2 to be relegated). The 18-year-old has already impressed for England Under-21’s and in brief glimpses, has suggested that he can repay the £8million that Sunderland paid for him.

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