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Palace to build on Carling Cup

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Crystal Palace pulled off an amazing victory over Manchester United to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night but return to the bread and butter of the Championship on Friday as Derby County come calling. Their recent form has been dismal so will the mid-week glory act as a catalyst for a league revival? (Palace Evens, Derby 9/4, draw 9/4 Match Prices).

The Red Devils made eight changes for the clash with the Eagles but Sir Alex Ferguson could not be accused of putting out a weak team as it still contained eight full internationals.

The simple fact is that Palace wanted it more and deservedly came away with the extra-time win at Old Trafford.

How boss Dougie Freedman would have loved his charges to put in the same kind of performance in the Championship over the past few weeks, as he has watched his men struggle and fail to win in five attempts (Palace 16/1 To Be Promoted).

The south Londoners’ last league victory was a 1-0 success away at Ipswich and they have since played out goalless draws with Reading, Portsmouth and Millwall, while suffering defeats to Leicester and Cardiff.

Scoring goals has clearly been the problem, especially at home, as the Palace faithful have witnessed the opposition net rippling on just eight occasions on their own patch, while they have scored 10 goals on their travels en route to 26 points and 12th place in the table.

Freedman has made his side hard to beat and the five goals they have conceded at home is second only to Birmingham in that category in the division.

But you have to score to win and that is something that needs to be addressed, otherwise a few 0-0 scorelines will start changing to 1-0 losses as the season progresses with the inevitable slide down the table.

Darren Ambrose and Glenn Murray scored the goals that dumped United out of the competition and the challenge now is for the pair to replicate that from in the league, to help out their team-mates at the back who have done such a stellar job this term.

The victory came at a cost however, as Dean Moxey (knee) and winger Sean Scannell (thigh) will both miss Friday’s encounter, while Wilfried Zaha was limping at the end of a gruelling 120 minutes and is rated as doubtful with just a 48-hour turnaround.

Derby had high hopes of either automatic promotion or a play-off place at least this term but the early-season optimism when they won four straight games to kick off their campaign has long since evaporated.

The Rams have lost six out of seven Championship games and five in a row and will travel to London desperate to halt their plunge down the standings.

They have conceded three goals in three of their past five games and it is obvious that they have serous problems with their defence.

Nigel Clough’s side has conceded 17 goals on the road this term and scored just nine and the statistics for both outfits suggest that a single goal might win this one.

John Brayford remains a fitness doubt for the visitors after sitting out Tuesday’s defeat to Brighton, having recently returned from a five-week lay-off.

Clough may opt for an unchanged side after admitting that he was pleased with the performance against the Seagulls despite the defeat.

With pressure mounting on the boss and the drop zone now just four points away, the former Liverpool striker would take a dismal display in the capital as long as he came away with there points.

Both sides are desperate for a win but Palace are tipped to sneak it by the odd goal to begin their climb up the table.

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Fulham and Stoke looking to progress

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The Europa League takes precedence this week as there is no Champions League action, with Fulham and Stoke both poised to secure spots in the knock-out stages.

The Cottagers face a tricky trip to Group K leaders FC Twente as they seek to extend their run in Europe although the Dutch outfit have already booked their spot in the next round and this could work to Fulham’s advantage.

FC Twente remain unbeaten in Europe but they may choose to rest some of their top men in order to focus on their trip to FC Utrecht at the weekend, with Twente already seven points behind Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar.

It will take a big effort from Martin Jol’s side but considering what is at stake and the fact Twente are already through the Cottagers could well emerge victorious on Thursday.  The west London club have plenty of experience in the Europa League, having reached the final in 2010, and at 10/3 they look good value to grab the win in Holland, Twente are the 5/6 favourites to come out on top and the draw can be backed at 5/2.

If Fulham win in Holland they will secure a spot in the last 32 but a draw could also be good enough if the other sides in Group K, Odense BK and Wisla Krakow, draw on Thursday night.

When the groups were drawn it was noted that Stoke City had been handed a particularly hard task for their European campaign. However, the Potters are currently top of the Group E table and will qualify for the last 32 if they manage to take at least a point when they face Dynamo Kiev at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday night.

Besiktas and Maccabi Tel-Aviv make up the rest of Group E and if the Israeli outfit emerge victorious in Tel Aviv, Stoke will qualify regardless of their own result. However, Potters boss Tony Pulis will be taking nothing for granted and will be gunning for the victory.

The Potters secured a draw in Kiev when the two sides met in September and would have taken all the points had it not been for a last-gasp equaliser from the Ukrainian side. Stoke are a formidable outfit on home soil, despite their Premier League struggles of late, and at 13/10 are a great price to seal the win.

Pulis has rotated his squad for Europe and seems set to continue with that policy for Kiev’s visit – Asmir Begovic is set to start in goal, while Ryan Shotton, Kenwyne Jones and Robert Huth could all be involved. The draw, which would be enough for Stoke to progress, is priced at 9/4 and a win for Dynamo Kiev is priced at 21/10.

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Fergie to keep faith in youngsters

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Wednesday will be a big day for a number of young hopefuls at Old Trafford, as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to field a raw side for their Carling Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace (United 2/9, draw 5/1, Palace 12/1 in the match betting).

United have managed to get to this stage of the competition with a blend of youth and experience, which has seen them get past the likes of old rivals Leeds United and avoid a potential banana skin against Aldershot Town.

Paul Pogba and Ezekiel Fryers played in both Carling Cup games this term, having impressed in the academy at Old Trafford.

The youngsters have been guided through the tricky games by veterans Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov (7/2 first goalscorer), who have also performed well in the competition as they hope to impress Ferguson enough to secure more regular Premier League action.

Another promising name coming through the ranks with the Red Devils is 18-year-old midfielder Ravel Morrison, who was named on the bench for United’s Champions League encounter with Benfica last week.

The playmaker looks to have a bright future ahead of him, after helping United to the FA Youth Cup last term and now the player has a chance to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.

Having avoided an upset against the Shots, it will be Palace’s turn to try and overturn a side who have looked a little uneasy in recent outings.

A draw against Benfica and then a point earned in controversial circumstances with Newcastle United at the weekend added up to a frustrating week for the Premier League champions.

However Palace have not been in the best form of their own, having failed to score in their last three outings.

The Championship side though have proven to be a tough side to break down under manager Dougie Freedman and have done better than expected in the second tier of English football this term.

But with just one win in their last five games, they will have to make some serious improvements, especially in the attacking end of the field, if they want to cause United any problems.

Palace have not won at Old Trafford since 1989 but against what is set to be a relatively inexperienced United side, they should have one of their best chances to cause an upset.

Darren Ambrose (14/1 first goalscorer) is set to return to the starting XI which will be a big boost for the London outfit, in what must look like a mammoth test.

Palace have nothing to lose and will be determined to take their chances if some of the United youngsters freeze on what will be a big night for them.

However, with one or two veterans in the side such as Giggs (5/2 to score anytime), they should be able to guide these promising players through to the Carling Cup semi-finals without too much trouble.

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Europa League takes centre stage

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The absence of the Uefa Champions League means the Uefa Europa League will enjoy top billing this week and match day five will see a host of teams bidding to join the six already through to the round of 32.

Sporting Lisbon, RSC Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven, Legia Warszawa, FC Twente and Athletic Bilbao are already through to the next phase of the competition – but 24 games split over November 30 and December 1 means there is still much to be decided.

Tottenham entertain Group A leaders PAOK FC at White Hart Lane level on seven points with Rubin Kazan and off the back of an impressive run in the Premier League which has seen them go 10 games unbeaten.

The north Londoners secured a draw in Greece in the reverse fixture and will be desperate to get back on track after a 1-0 reverse against Russian outfit Rubin last time out.

Stoke City emerged from a run of just two wins from seven games in all competitions with victory against rock-bottom Blackburn in the Premier League on Saturday and have never lost at home in Europe.

The Potters on Thursday entertain FC Dynamo Kyiv, who have yet to win in 10 visits to England, and have scored just twice on English soil.

Fulham travel to the Netherlands, also on Thursday, for a match which sees former Twente player and Cottagers manager Martin Jol return to Enschede in Group K. Co Adriaanse’s men are the group stage’s 12-goal top scorers, but have never beaten an English team in 12 attempts.

Birmingham have lost just once in 13 games in all competitions and have only lost once in Europe so far this season – against Sporting Braga.

Blues are one of three teams on seven points in Group H and on Wednesday travel to Portugal hoping to inflict a third straight defeat in all competitions on Os Arcebispos.

Celtic face an acid test of their Group I credentials on Wednesday when they entertain leaders Atletico Madrid.

The Scottish side’s only defeat in the Europa League so far this season came against the La Liga outfit and they could go top of the section with a win.

The rejuvenated Hoops made it five straight wins following the 5-0 thrashing of St Mirren in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Celtic Park on Saturday, but Los Colchoneros have emerged from a dreadful October to lose just twice in six games in all competitions.

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Foxes can extend unbeaten run

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There are nine Championship games taking place on Tuesday, which will have a big impact on both ends of the table. Here’s our treble selection, which is headed by resurgent Leicester as they seek to step up their promotion bid (Championship – totesport).

Leicester v Blackpool

Nigel Pearson already appears to be weaving his magic at the King Power Stadium, with the Foxes unbeaten in their first two games of his second stint in charge. Leicester started his second reign as manager with a crushing win over Crystal Palace and followed that up with a useful draw at Portsmouth at the weekend.

Despite a disappointing start to the campaign, the Foxes are still just one point outside the play-offs and with more spending power in January, will almost certainly mount a promotion challenge.

A win on Tuesday will see Leiceser leapfrog their opponents in the table, but Blackpool will pose a threat to the home side. Ian Holloway’s men have scored ten goals in their last four matches, but have also been conceding plenty and will struggle to cope with the Foxes’ firepower.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT / Leicester FT – 7/2

Derby v Brighton

Two teams who have struggled in recent weeks, go head-to-head at Pride Park and don’t be surprised if honours are even.

Four places and two points separate the Rams and the Seagulls, who look likely to fall short of a place in the top six.

After a fine start, Derby have lost their last four league games and have slipped into the bottom half of the table. Nigel Clough will be worried with their form in front of goal, especially at home, where they have drawn a blank in their last two matches.

Brighton did collect a win over struggling Coventry at the weekend, but they haven’t won away from home since early September – a 1-0 success at Bristol City. Goals have been a concern for Gus Poyet, with no Brighton striker scoring in the last two months.

Suggested Bet: Draw @ 12/5

Watford v Bristol City

The in-form side in the division are in action at Vicarage Road and surely it’s just a matter of time before Bristol City are out of the bottom three. It could happen in midweek, if they can defeat Watford and maintain their recent impressive run.

Derek McIness has inspired the Robins to five wins and a draw in their last five games, including an outstanding win over league leaders Southampton on Saturday. Nicky Maynard has scored three goals in the last two games and McIness will struggle to keep hold of his star striker.

Watford themselves have picked up in recent times, with the Hornets losing just once in their last five matches. They are often a tough nut to crack at home, but this season they have lost four of their nine matches at Vicarage Road.

Suggested Bet: Maynard to score at anytime @ 3/2

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Carling Cup reaches last eight

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Tuesday sees the return of the Carling Cup, with three quarter-finals set to take place. For those fans of teams in blue it could be a good night as Chelsea, Manchester City and Cardiff all look poised to march on into the last four.

Arsenal v Manchester City 8pm

This match at the Emirates Stadium brings together two of the in-form teams in the country, with the Gunners looking to dent City’s hopes of total dominance. Both teams endured tough matches at the weekend, Arsenal putting a lot in to come from a goal down to draw with Fulham, while City hung on grimly to claim a point at Liverpool.

Both teams are likely to radically alter there respective line-ups, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expected to rest top scorer Robin van Persie, along with Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen and Alex Song. City boss Roberto Mancini will also make alterations, the difference being the players the Italian can bring in look far superior to the ones at Wenger’s disposal.

With City scoring goals from all over and Arsenal’s defence very leaky Tuesday’s match promises goals, with over 2.5 goals available at 4/6. The tie should be wrapped up by full-time so City at 11/8 looks to be the bet for this one.

Chelsea v Liverpool

These two clubs have made no secret of their lack of interest in the Carling Cup this season, Andre Villas-Boas missing Monday’s press conference before the game, while Kenny Dalglish said weeks ago he would be sending out a youthful looking line-up.

Dalglish has bemoaned the timing of the match, coming 48 hours after their barn-storming encounter against Manchester City. Much like Arsenal, Liverpool are likely to struggle if they get their second string involved given their lack of strength in depth. With Chelsea having had an extra day to recover and with a bigger squad at their disposal you’d expect Villas-Boas’ men to go through.

However, it is unlikely to be easy for the Blues and if you fancy them to reach to the semi-finals 4/11 to qualify, rather than to win in 90 minutes, might be your best bet. Elsewhere, with a tight game in prospect the draw HT/FT at 5/1 might be worth looking at.

Cardiff v Blackburn 7:45pm

Everything looks set for a cup upset at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night, with the home side having won six of their last eight matches. Malky Mackay has done a great job in lifting the Bluebirds after more play-off heartache in May, their recent run propelling them up to third in the Championship.

In contrast to Cardiff’s fantastic run, Blackburn have continued to toil at the bottom of the Premier League, going down meekly at Stoke on Saturday. The weekend’s results leave Blackburn rooted to the foot of the league and Steve Kean will see this quarter-final tie as nothing more than a distraction in their fight against the drop.

Blackburn will do well to reach the semi-finals, given their current form, with Cardiff 6/4 to win the tie inside 90 minutes.

The Bluebirds recent good form has been helped by Peter Whittingham’s run of scoring in four out of the last five games.

The former Aston Villa winger is 9/4 to score again against Rovers.

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Malaga to conquer Villarreal

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Another superb weekend of La Liga football is rounded of on Monday night when this season’s surprise strugglers, Villareal, travel to La Rosaleda to face big-spending Malaga (Malaga 4/6, draw 11/4, Villareal 4/1).

Both sides went into the season with high hopes but have regularly disappointed and will be looking at this match as a chance to find some inspiration for the rest of the season.

After being taken over by rich backers earlier in the year, Malaga have seen themselves transformed from relegation candidates to Champions League hopefuls but despite heavy investment have struggled to impose themselves on the division this season.

However, they’re currently on a good run of form having not lost in their last three and coach Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping for a big performance on Monday.

Key to this will undoubtedly be playmaker Santi Cazorla (13/8 to score anytime) who faces his old club for the time since his move in the summer.

The Spanish international was courted by a number of Europe’s top sides before moving to Andalucia and has been ‘Los Boquerrones’ stand out payer so far this campaign and has often carried the team on his own.

He’ll be expected to be the man to ignite the talented Malaga attack so keep an eye on him as he often has a say on the outcome of his side’s matches.

Cazorla’s partner in crime is often Venezuelan striker Solomon Rondon (11/8 to score anytime), who is likely to be the man charged with leading the line.

Rondon appears to have significantly improved this season but has been rather goal-shy this term and has only netted once in the league.

Villareal have a notoriously leaky defence, though, and Rondon will be looking to take advantage of any slip-ups. The ‘Yellow Submarine’ have had a torrid time of it this year and have only won one of their 12 games this season. This has been mainly down to the absence of star strikers Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar and their lack of goals is slowly becoming a major worry.

Their injury list currently contains a number of their stars but boss Juan Carlos Garrido can welcome back Argentine defender Gonzalo Rodriguez for the match and he will be looking to him to make a major difference to his struggling backline.

Rodriguez has all the attributes needed to be a top quality central defender and on his day can be world class. Garrido will be hoping he can bounce straight back into form in Andalucia.

Another player to look out for is former West Brom midfielder Borja Valero (10/3 to score at anytime). In the absence of the likes of Rossi and Cani, much of  the Castellon side’s creativity now comes through him and, with all the injuries, he is now one of the side’s senior players.

Valero is the type of player who can make something out of nothing and will be hoping to put his stamp on the game.

However, with all Villareal’s problems, its hard not to look past a Malaga win and with the players at their disposal should come out comfortable victors.

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Addicks can put down Terriers

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It’s first versus third in League One on Monday night as Huddersfield prepare for what could be the biggest threat to their record-breaking unbeaten run in the form of Charlton Athletic.

The Addicks have been flying under Chris Powell this season and look on course for a return to the Championship. However, Huddersfield will be keen to pull them back into the play-off mix with a win in south-east London. Can the Terriers continue their remarkable run or have they finally bitten off more than they can chew?

These two clubs have been the success stories of League One this season, Huddersfield for their remarkable run of form and Charlton for the way they have taken the division by storm after a summer of drastic upheaval. Powell brought in 16 new players during the off-season, with 12 going the opposite way as he looked to make his mark on the Addicks. Having missed out on the play-offs last season the former Charlton defender looks as though he has finally turned around this sinking ship and is bringing it back from the depths.

Charlton are four points clear at the top of the table after 18 games, with 13 wins in that time. Their only defeat so far has come at the hands of Stevenage, who added the Addicks to their growing list of victims at Broadhall Way. At home, Charlton have been formidable, winning five and drawing three of their matches in front of their own supporters. The vastness of the Valley could have proven to be an issue for Powell, with some lower league clubs having struggled infront of big crowds in the past. However, the Valley has become a fortress, which in no small part is down to the goals of Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Reading must be kicking themselves after turning down the former Southampton and Manchester City goal-getter, Wright-Phillips having scored 14 in 17 appearances so far. Charlton are far from a one man team though, with Johnnie Jackson, Danny Hollands and Rhoys Wiggins all playing their parts in Charlton’s revival. However, the Addicks will have to do without Jackson on Monday due a hamstring injury, with new loan signing Hogan Ephraim poised to take his place.

Huddersfield look set to give a couple of new loan stars their first starts in the capital, with Jon Parkin and Alex Bruce part of Lee Clark’s squad for the trip south. Parkin could partner the Terriers top goalscorer, Jordan Rhodes, who has hit the back of the net 15 times already. The 21-year-old’s form has seen him called up to the Scotland squad, while Newcastle are ready to make a January bid for the young forward. Clark has already said Rhodes is going nowhere and will do well to keep him if Huddersfield are to finally escape League One.

The 2-1 victory over Notts County last week means Huddersfield have not lost in 43 regular league matches. However, the unbeaten run seems to been a millstone around the players necks and Clark might believe the sooner it is over the sooner they can focus on their number one goal, promotion.

Recent trips to the capital have been rewarding for Huddersfield, winning four of the last five. However, that run of results, along with their 43-game streak, could come to an end on Monday. Charlton are 11/8 for the win and that seems a great price, even given the quality of the opposition. If you fancy Huddersfield to cause an upset they are priced at 19/10, with the draw 23/10.

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Gers ready to respond

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ally mccoistRangers travel to Rugby Park on Sunday to take on Kilmarnock with just a four-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League following Celtic’s victory on Saturday.

Kilmarnock v Rangers

Kilmarnock are charged with the task that no side has done in the SPL this season and that is to beat Rangers in a league fixture.

Although Killie have had a respectable start to their campaign, they would need their very best performance if they are to get anything out of the game.

It is hard to look further than the 1/2 available on the visitors as they look to stretch their lead at the top of the table to seven points once again.

The Gers have had an impeccable record on the road this season, winning all seven of the league fixtures. They have conceded just one goal and have scored on average more than two goals a game.

In contrast, Killie have won just two of their seven home games, in which they have failed to take advantage of playing in front of their home crowd at Rugby Road.

Their last game on home soil left their loyal supporters walking away in embarrassment as bottom-placed Inverness knocked six past them in a 6-3 defeat.

With respect to Caley Thistle, the Gers have a much stronger attacking threat than Terry Butcher’s side and are more than capable of at least repeating that feat.

Kenny Shiels is likely to have their last home game in mind and may choose to take a more cautious approach against their visitors this time around.

Ally McCoist’s men may have to be patient with regards to their first goal in the game so take Rangers to be drawing at half-time but winning at full-time at 10/3.

Once they do get the first goal though, there could be another bagful available at Rugby Park.

Nikica Jelavic looked in good form when scoring two past Dundee United earlier in the month. The Croatian striker is 10/3 to score the first goal on Sunday.

However, a safer bet would be to take him to score at anytime at generous odds of 5/6.

Jelavic is Rangers’ biggest attacking threat and if he stays on the pitch for 90 minutes you’d fancy him to find the back of the net at some stage with a defence at rocky as Kilmarnock’s.

McCoist has also been boosted with the news this week that Sone Aluko has signed a contract at the club.

Rangers agreed a compensation deal with Aberdeen for the player who left the Dons in the summer but could not sign for another SPL club without a fee.

The home side’s leading talisman is Paul Hefferman but he will have to pass a late fitness test if he is to make the starting line up against the Gers. They do have the goalkeeper Cammy Bell back in contention for selection though.

In terms of a correct score bet, Rangers 3-0 looks the most likely outcome at 8/1.

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Reds to make City life hard

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There are two Premier League games on Sunday but all eyes are sure to be in what looks like a mouth-watering clash at Anfield as Liverpool host leaders Manchester City, kick off at 4pm.

City have been more than impressive on the domestic front this season and are unsurprisingly installed as the favourites in the match betting, although punters can get 13/8 about the side that has won 6-1 at Manchester United and 5-1 at Tottenham.

The Blues have won 11 and drawn one of their opening 12 games to establish a five-point cushion at the top of the Premier League but history is against them in the big match on Sunday.

Liverpool have only lost once at Anfield in 22 games and 30 years against City and that came in 2003, while they coasted to a 3-0 win in this fixture last year.

City have strengthened since then but it was still a squad capable of finishing third in the table last time around, while the Reds have also spent big to improve the options available to boss Kenny Dalglish.

Although Liverpool boast an unbeaten home record in the league this term, they have drawn four of the six games, whilst finding the back of the net has also been a problem with just eight goals scored in front of their own fans.

The defence has been miserly though so the star-studded forward ranks of the leaders may not find it as easy – despite amassing 42 goals in the 12 games so far, and scoring at least three goals in their last six top-flight games.

Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have both hit double figures this term and need to be considered in the goalscoring markets, although Mario Balotelli (5/1 First/Last Goalscorer, 11/8 Anytime) could be the one to side with after scoring nine in his last 10 games.

It may pay to wait for team news on that front while Liverpool have plenty of options of their own so who starts up front is open to question – with the exception of Luis Suarez, although he has scored just four goals in the Premier League this term.

City’s is by far and away the best attack and their defence has not been too shabby either, but with the Reds’ defence in good form as well, this could turn out to be a tight one (Under 2.5 Goals 10/11, Over 2.5 Goals 4/5).

What may work in Liverpool’s favour though, not withstanding the recent record in the fixture, is the fact that City’s Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after the 2-1 defeat at Napoli in midweek and they may struggle to put those troubles behind them.

The Reds have also gone nine matches unbeaten, won 2-1 at Chelsea last week, have not lost in eight (W6 D2) against the Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea, while they have had a full week to prepare.

Swansea have made a promising start to their first season in the Premier League, not least because of their home form, and they have been installed as 5/4 favourites to pick up another three points against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans have been beaten just once – by Manchester United – on home soil, winning three and drawing two, and have only let in two goals, the best home defensive record in the division.

Villa are yet to win away this season – their worst start since 2003 – and are available at 12/5 to make it a first on Sunday, with the draw on offer at 9/4.

There was no disgrace in losing at Tottenham last Monday but the manner of the defeat would have been a little worrying as they offered little threat, mustering just three shots in the 90 minutes.

In fairness to boss Alex McLeish, the Villans have been tough to beat on the road in the sense that they have drawn four of their six games and with a tough run of fixtures in December coming up, one should expect a response from the West Midlands  giants.

It is difficult to see this one being full of goals given the scoring record of the two sides so a draw could be the best way to go at 9/4.

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