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Blues lead Championship treble

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The Championship returns after the international break and teams will continue to jostle for position  in an extremely tight league. Just 12 points seperate the last team in the play-off spots and the side third from bottom, with the unpredictable division offering the punter some big-price winners. Here’s our Saturday home treble selection…

Birmingham v Peterborough (3pm)

Blues have done remarkably well to find themselves in mid-table at this stage, bearing in mind their hectic fixture schedule and the loss of several key players. Chris Hughton continues to work wonders with limited resources and Birmingham sit just four points outside the play-offs, with three games in hand on most of their rivals.

An international break will have helped Blues and they look a decent bet to maintain their unbeaten home record, with four wins and two draws in their six league games at St Andrew’s.

The Posh have scored plenty of goals so far this term, but they are also conceding plenty – 29 goals makes them the leakiest defence in the Championship.

Suggested Bet: Birmingham to win @ 4/5

Middlesbrough v Blackpool (3pm)

Boro have shown they have to be considered as real promotion candidates this season and their fine start is down to a solid run of home displays. Tony Mowbray’s men are yet to lose at the Riverside in the league and have conceded just 10 goals in eight home matches.

Boro have responded well to a 3-0 drubbing at leaders Southampton at the end of last month and a win on Saturday will make it three victories on the bounce, and could see them move into the top two.

Blackpool are dangerous opponents but their away form will be a concern to Ian Holloway. Apart from their freak 5-0 success at Leeds, their only other away win came in the opening game at Hull.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Boro FT @ 7/2

Reading v Cardiff (3pm)

Many will be surprised to see the Royals in the bottom half of the table at this stage of the campaign, but they do look like a team on the up. Having lost out in the play-off final last term, Brian McDermott’s men have suffered an early-season hangover, as well as losing some key players.

Reading have picked up in recent weeks and have lost just one of their last 10 games, and that was a narrow defeat at Nottingham Forest. The Royals have shored up at the back, conceding just once in their last three games, and in striker Adam Le Fondre have found a real bargain.

Cardiff themselves are on a good run – five games unbeaten – and are up into the top four in the table. But the Bluebirds have won just two away from home and could be facing Reading at the wrong time.

Suggested Bet: Le Fondre to score at anytime @ 3/2

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Gunners starting to fire

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There are a whole host of intriguing matches to feast on as the Premier League resumes following the international break with key matches at both ends of the table in a jam-packed Saturday.

Norwich v Arsenal 12:45

The opening fixture of the weekend promises to be an entertaining affair with Norwich defying pre-season expectations to lie in ninth place, just two places below Arsenal, who have now started to click after a torrid start.

The Gunners go into the match on the back of a four-match winning streak and the threat of goals is apparent with Over 2.5 a 4/6 favourite in the Total Goals market, particularly with Norwich yet to keep a clean sheet.

Robin van Persie is simply irresistible at the moment with eight goals in those four games and is worth a stab at 4/1 in the first goalscorer betting, while he is priced at 11/10 to score at any time.

However, it might not be all one-way traffic though as Norwich have shown their penchant for attacking football but it is hard to see beyond an Arsenal win.

Man City v Newcastle 15:00

The Premier League’s two unbeaten teams go head-to-head at the Etihad as top entertains third but the betting suggests Newcastle’s run will come to an end with City 1/3 favourites to make it six out of six at home.

The match pits the best attack against the best defence but there are many who will argue that this is the Magpies first serious test of the season, despite having already played both Arsenal and Spurs.

There will be those who see value in the 10/1 about an away win and 4/1 on the draw but Newcastle have a poor away record in this fixture, and a reality check is about to dished out.

Wigan v Blackburn 15:00

A massive match looms at the foot of the table as well with the bottom two going head-to-head and although a win for either side would not take them out of the bottom three, it would keep them in touch with the sides above them.

Wigan are unbeaten in the last four against Rovers, including a thrilling 4-3 win ion this fixture last season, and are 6/4 favourites to take the three points.

However, they have lost their last eight games and can hardly be full of confidence going into the match and, despite having just one win to their name, Rovers are more than capable of getting something from this one.

The draw is priced up at 6/4 but a Rovers win is available at 19/10 and there are those who side with Steve Kean, like him or loathe him, and believe that Blackburn have deserved more than what they have got so far this season.

Elsewhere, and Everton and Wolves go head to head at Goodison but it is hard to see the Toffees as 8/13 favourites with just one win at home this season, and Mick McCarthy’s men may be able to take a point home with them at 11/4.

Stoke have not had Europe to worry about this week and can bounce back from the Bolton horror-show and justify 5/6 favouritism against inconsistent QPR , while Fulham can pick up a point at the Stadium of Light at 23/10 with Sunderland firing blanks in five of the last six matches between the two.

West Brom have struggled of late and will struggle to justify Evens favouritism against a Bolton side who have the incentive of climbing out of the relegation zone and above Saturday’s opponents with a win at 14/5 (the draw 5/2), while Manchester United are expected to be the first visiting team to win at the Liberty Stadium at 8/15 – although do not expect many goals in the day’s final game.

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Swedes to check England progress

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The international year comes to an end on Tuesday night when England welcome Sweden to Wembley for what will be the last game before the build-up to Euro 2012 really begins. Having beaten Spain on Saturday, England’s players will be confident but would do well not to underestimate the Swedes (9/2, England 4/6, draw 13/5).

For many England supporters Saturday night might have been a bittersweet one. While the result and some aspects of the performance will give those who follow the Three Lions hope, there will be others who point to the flaws in their performance. Spain controlled the game from minute one and to see an England side dominated so much at Wembley might have come as a shock to those supporters still living on former glories.

The result papers over the cracks somewhat but Fabio Capello will hope beating the reigning world and European champions will give his England side the confidence boost they need to kick on. The only worry might be England becoming over confident thanks to the win and looking beyond a dangerous Sweden team.

Erik Hamren’s men qualified for Euro 2012 as the best runners-up from the group stage, finishing behind the Netherlands. The Swedes were the only team to take points off the Dutch, beating them 3-2 as they ended up with 24 points from a possible 30 in qualification.

Hamren has a decent squad at his disposal as well, lead by the mercurial Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The AC Milan striker blows hot and cold but when on form can be unplayable and is 15/8 to score at anytime. He should be supported by the likes of Sebastian Larsson, Kim Kallstrom, Johan Elmander and Ola Toivonen. While it isn’t the strongest Sweden squad ever assembled they should have enough to test England.

Capello has admitted he will make eight changes to his starting XI from the one that beat Spain, with Daniel Sturridge (9/2 first goalscorer), Bobby Zamora (9/2), Jack Rodwell, Danny Welbeck (4/1), Kyle Walker and Scott Carson all in the frame. Capello proved on Saturday that you can mix and match when it comes to your team selection but throwing so many youngsters into the fray could prove to be a mistake.

England fans will certainly expect a more open game on Tuesday, Capello admitting he had to play defensively against Spain given their quality. A more open game could suit both sides, with Sweden having failed to score on Saturday for the first time in 11 matches as they lost to Denmark 2-0.

The Swedes will hope they can raise their game for the clash with England, a fixture they have traditionally done well in having not tasted defeat since 1968. The last time the two nations met was in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup, Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole with the goals for England in the 2-2 draw.

The draw at 13/5 might be the result to go for if history is to repeat itself, with eight of the last 12 matches between the two countries having ended all square. England will be expected to win but Sweden have proven they have the Three Lions’ number over the years and could do so once again.

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Ronaldo to lead Portugal to Euro finals

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The second legs of the Euro 2012 play-offs take place on Tuesday as the final four sides book their places at the finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer. Portugal host Bosnia in one of most finely-poised ties but the home side should be backed to make it through

After a disappointing goalless encounter between these two sides on Friday evening, Portugal have home advantage going into the second leg and will be able to see off a resolute Bosnian side at the Estadio Nacional in which they can be backed at 4/9.

In the first leg, Portugal looked like the home side as they pushed players forward in an adventurous nature against the hosts, who looked content with taking a 0-0 scoreline from the game into the return leg in Lisbon.

Portugal would be one of the top seeds if they qualified for next summer’s finals and can rely on one of the world’s best player in Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese skipper went close to breaking the deadlock a couple of times in the opening leg, with Bosnian keeper Asmir Begovic  denying the Real Madrid forward from giving his side a lead going into the return fixture.

Ronaldo has been in scintillating form this season for his club side, scoring 17 goals in as many games for the Spanish giants.

Bosnia are likely to defend deep in Lisbon and it could be a free-kick that breaks the deadlock between the two sides. Therefore Ronaldo is a good bet to score the first goal in the game at 5/2. Don’t forget he also takes penalties for his country and plays in an advanced position when on national duty.

Although Ronaldo is the star in the Portugal side, they also have the likes of Nani, Raul Meireles and Helder Postiga, who have all been in good form for their respective clubs.

Portugal are a tough side to beat on home soil and they did beat the same opponents 1-0 in Lisbon in the second leg of their 2010 World Cup qualification play-off last year.

World champions Spain were beaten 4-0 in Lisbon last year by Paulo Bento’s side and have won six out of their last seven fixtures at home.

Bosnia are likely to adopt similar tactics to that in the first leg therefore the timing of the opening goal will be crucial. If Portugal can score an early goal in the game they will be able to open their opponents up and a scoreline of 3-0 to the home side looks a solid bet at 9/1.

However, if the score remains the same at half-time, Portugal will have to be more patient but they should get the opportunity to add misery on Bosnia once again.

The visitors have been hit with injuries to three of their first-choice defenders with Boris Pandza and Sasa Papac both out of the game through suspension.

Coach Safet Susic will be relying on some of his fringe players to step into the side for the trip, but it is very unlikely that they will be able to match the talent in the Portugal side so they are set to face elimination once again.

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Ireland to seal Euro 2012 spot

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Republic of Ireland grabbed a 4-0 win in Estonia on Friday night to all but guarantee their spot in the Euro 2012 tournament proper, ahead of Tuesday’s second-leg in Dublin (totesport – Euro 2012 coupon).

However, despite the fact the Irish enjoy such a commanding lead boss Giovanni Trapattoni will not be taking Estonia lightly and will be keen for his side to secure a win on Tuesday night.  Estonia will need to attack from the off, leaving them vulnerable at the back and with Ireland’s superior strength going forward they could blow their opponents away for a second time.  In the half-time/full-time market a Republic of Ireland/Republic of Ireland result is priced at 5/6, which represents better value than the 2/5 on offer for an Ireland victory.

Montenegro slumped to a 2-0 loss in Czech Republic in the first-leg and it looks as if the Czechs will be able to secure a place at Euro 2012.  Montenegro offered very little going forward in the first-leg and could struggle again, despite enjoying home advantage.  Czech Republic are priced at 7/4 to win the match, while Montenegro are 8/5.  Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky produced a fine display in the first-leg but his performance was not rewarded with a goal, the winger is priced at 10/1 to get his name on the score sheet and score first on Tuesday.

The most intriguing tie on Tuesday is Bosnia’s visit to Portugal as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.  Bosnia will progress if they can secure a score draw in Portugal on Tuesday, which would be a massive achievement.  A draw is priced at 10/3, while 1-1 is available at 6/1. Portugal should prove too strong for Bosnia but the visitors should not be dismissed lightly as they have quality amongst their ranks, including Manchester City striker Eden Dzeko. Bosnia are 13/2 to secure the win, while Portugal are 4/9 but the game could well be closer than the odds suggest and in the half-time/full-time market a draw/Portugal result is priced at 10/3.

Croatia host Turkey in a tie that already looks out of the visitors’ reach, thanks to Croatia’s 3-0 win in Turkey in the first-leg.  Turkey will be desperate to avenge that defeat and will look to throw everything at Croatia, which will leave them vulnerable on the counter-attack.  Croatia are 8/11 to secure the win, the draw is available at 13/5 but a small wager on Turkey at 4/1 could be a bet worth placing as they will be desperate to salvage some pride after their first-leg hammering.

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Young lions looking dangerous

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England under-21s will be looking to keep up their 100% record in qualification for the European Championships when they travel to Belgium on Monday (Belgium U21 3/1, draw 5/2, England U21 8/11).

Stuart Pearce’s side have made a perfection start in Group 8, taking the maximum 12 points available from their first four games.

Belgium U21 v England U21 (19:45)

England look a class above any side in Group 8 and should be taken to make it five wins from five against Belgium at 8/11.

Pearce will be delighted with the way his young lions have performed so far in scoring 16 goals in those four games, conceding just one goal along the way. They have proven to be a real force at this level.

One of the stars of the year for the under-21s has been West Brom defender Craig Dawson. The 21-year-old signed for the Premier League side in the summer after making the switch from his home town club Rochdale, where he helped them secure their first promotion in 36 years into League One.

Dawson has stepped into the England set-up with relative ease and looks more than comfortable in Pearce’s back four. Despite playing at centre back, he has scored four goals in five games for his national side and looks a real threat in the air from set pieces.

Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another who has proven how comfortable he is at playing international football. The former Southampton youngster was subject to a lot of attention from a number of Premier League clubs before he made the move to the Emirates.

The 18-year-old was outstanding against Iceland when he went away with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick and could be a prominent member of the full national side in the future.

This England side really do have plenty of options on the attacking front. This was evident against Iceland when Gary Gardner came off the bench to score two goals in the game. Usually, the Aston Villa midfielder is forced to settle for a place on the bench, such is the quality Pearce has at his disposal.

Belgium have failed to qualify for the European Under-21 Championships in their last two attempts and they have a difficult task to make it this time around after picking up just five points from their opening four games.

Although they have only lost once so far in this campaign, they have drawn games from which they should have been taking maximum points.

When England travel to Antwerp, it will be the home side’s biggest test to date and it will be difficult for them to contain the young English side.

There looks to be real value in the 13/8 on offer for England to be leading at half-time and full-time at Olympisch.

For those searching for even more value, look no further than England to win the game 3-0 at odds of 12/1.

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Rojita to reign in Spain again

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Bet on SpainFollowing Spain’s shock defeat to England on Saturday, the nation’s under-21s get their chance to impress on Monday when they face their Swiss counterparts in Cordoba (Spain 1/4 for the win).

Much like the senior side, ‘La Rojita’ have been pretty much all conquering in the last few years and were impressive winners of the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark last summer.

Their form has continued and they currently sit top of their qualifying group for Euro 2013 in Israel, having recorded an impressive 6-0 victory over Estonia on Thursday.

Head coach Luis Milla has had to bring in a number of new faces since the triumph in the summer, with the likes of Juan Mata and Javi Martinez now considered permanent members of the senior side. This hasn’t halted their progress though.

Like the full side, the under-21 team is built around a core of players from Barcelona and at the heartbeat of this is creative midfielder Thiago Alcantara. Having starred in the aforementioned success in Denmark, Thiago has been superb this season and is now a regular in the Barca line-up, with coach Pep Guardiola often tinkering with his formation just to fit the mercurial youngster in. He will undoubtedly be pivotal in Andalucía and his performance could be the difference between victory and a draw for the Spanish (19/5 for the draw).

Another Spaniard to look out for is Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain who for a long time has been tipped to become one of Europe’s top players. Having resisted the advances of a number of the continent’s big clubs, he finally appears to be fulfilling his potential. Now a regular at club and international level, Muniain’s pace and trickery can unlock any defence so expect him to get on the scoresheet at some point on Monday night.

Despite all this, Switzerland (15/2 to win) themselves are not a side to be discounted and will be looking to cause an upset at the El Arcangel. Much like Spain, Switzerland are currently experiencing somewhat of a ‘Golden Generation’ but have elected to put them straight into the senior side rather than blooding them in the juniors.

They are currently in good form after beating Georgia 5-0 on Thursday. Look out for striker Steven Zuber who bagged a hat-trick in that win. Zuber is a tricky individual and could cause the Spanish rearguard some major problems. With the confidence he gained from the Georgia demolition, he will fancy his chances of making an impact.

However, despite Switzerland’s fine form, Spain on paper look far stronger. Any team with the likes of Thiago and Muniain will fancy their chances against anyone so expect a comfortable victory for the European champions (Spain 10/1 for a 4-0 win).

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Odds stacked against Three Lions

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There will be no better yardstick for England to assess where they stand in world football than when they take on the mighty Spain at Wembley on Saturday evening, with the kick-off at 5.15.

Vicente Del Bosque’s men comfortably top the world rankings as both world and European champions and are the 5/2 favourites for more glory in Poland and Ukraine next summer, which is no surprise having romped through their qualifying group with a 100% record.

Of course, the groups are not necessarily the hardest for the seeds to make it through as winners but England still managed to look unconvincing at times in Group G, despite ultimately finishing six points clear.

Fabio Capello’s men could not beat runners-up Montenegro home or away, while Switzerland also took a point from their Wembley venture after letting a two-goal lead slip.

Wales were perhaps unlucky to get nothing from their trip to England and Capello has intimated in the past that his players feel the pressure more so at home, which does not augur well for the visit of the best side in the world.

There will undoubtedly be plenty who will see the fact that Spain are priced up in the match betting at 5/6 as a good thing, with England a huge 10/3 to make home ‘advantage’ count and the draw is on offer at 5/2.

There will not be too many who would argue with the odds, given the fact that the Spanish side put out Wembley is going to be based largely around the galaxy of stars at Barcelona, regarded as the best side in the world now, and arguably ever in the history of the game.

Real Madrid are not too shabby either while David Silva, who is currently tearing up the Premier League with Manchester City, is merely a fringe player for his national side, finding it hard to break through into the starting team on a regular basis.

By contrast, England will be without a number of their more experienced players as Wayne Rooney has been left out, while the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard have been ruled out through form and fitness respectively – and captain John Terry will only be on the bench.

Now that may work in Capello’s favour as the players on show will be looking to prove their worth ahead of the Euro 2012 finals next year and will be keen to make an impression, while they will not be weighed down by previous failures – such as the disastrous World Cup campaign last summer.

England have enjoyed some degree of success with new players breaking into the side but experience counts for a lot, particularly against such a strong side as Spain, and it would be a brave man to be confident in supporting the home side, even at the price.

There have been suggestions from the Spanish players that they will not be expecting an easy ride in London, but Del Bosque’s men should ultimately prove too strong.

However, the Three Lions may at least be able to keep it close on Saturday with none of Spain’s last three victories on the bounce being by more than two goals (Under 2.5 goals 8/11, Over 2.5 goals Evens).

David Villa and Fernando Llorente scored the goals in a 2-0 win in February 2009, but both successes prior to that were by a solitary strike, including Spain’s last visit to England in 2007 – although that game was played at Old Trafford.

Villa is the current 5/1 favourite in the FIrst/Last Goalscorer betting, while he is 11/8 in the Anytime Scorer market, alongside Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, but it may pay to take a chance at bigger prices with Silva, who bagged twice in the recent win over Scotland including the first goal, available at 8/1 to open the scoring.

Darren Bent, who has scored four in his last five internationals, is expected to lead what will be a very inexperienced attack and is priced at 8/1, alongside Daniel Sturridge, to get England up and running with the first goal and 3/1 to break his Wembley duck and score at all during the 90 minutes.

However, recent history suggests England will find it hard and Spain are available at 2/1 to win to nil, while punters can get 9/2 on a 1-0 scoreline for Del Bosque’s men and 13/2 on 2-0.

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Ireland set for Tallinn test

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Ireland will be hoping that luck is on their side this time as they begin their quest to qualify for their first major international tournament since the 2002 World Cup when they take on Estonia in their Euro 2012 play-off first leg in Tallinn on Friday.

Two years ago, the men in green were cruelly robbed in Paris when Thierry’s Henry handball was not spotted – and William Gallas was allowed to score the extra-time winner to send France to South Africa at the Republic’s expense.

The boot is on the other foot in this particular match-up with Ireland favourites to progress and the pressure, unlike against Les Bleus, will be on Giovanni Trapattoni’s men over the next few days.

Ireland did taste victory when they were involved in a play-off to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, beating Iran 2-1 on aggregate – although they lost the away leg, which came second, 1-0.

This time the Republic start on their travels with a trip to Tallinn on Friday night before the return leg in Dublin next Tuesday, and the Irish are 11/8 favourites to win tomorrow night’s encounter.

Estonia can be backed at 13/8 in the match betting to hold an advantage going into the second leg, while punters can get 11/5 about the draw.

Estonia surprised many to make it this far after being drawn in a group that contained Italy, Serbia and Slovenia – who all qualified for last year’s World Cup – but qualified as a runner-up when Slovenia beat Serbia in the last game.

The Blueshirts will be hoping that expectations have not got out of hand when they host the Irish on Friday night and that they can play with the freedom of a team which has nothing to lose.

If they can do that then they will cause problems, given the Republic’s struggle in their final Group B game, but both sides enjoyed better away performances to make the play-offs.

Estonia won 3-1 in Serbia and 1-0 in Slovenia, while Trapattoni’s side was unbeaten on the road, losing just one game in the entire group stage, 2-3 to group winners Russia at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

When the pressure was on, however, in the final group game against Armenia, Ireland struggled to cope with Armenia’s fluent passing game – and only made it through after a shocking decision by the referee to send off the visiting keeper Roman Berezovski and a comedy own goal to retain second spot – just winning 2-1.

Trapattoni has a number of injury worries to contend with as Shane Long and Leon Best have been ruled out, while Kevin Doyle is suspended after his red card against Armenia.

Good news for the men in green is the fact that talismanic skipper Robbie Keane is available again and warmed up for this clash with a goal in LA Galaxy’s 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake at the weekend.

The 31-year-old has been a fantastic servant for his country, leading their scoring charts with 51 goals in 112 appearances, and is the 5/1 favourite in the First/Last Goalscorer betting.

With so much at stake, it is difficult to see it being a free-flowing open game of football with plenty of goals, but the Republic’s experience may just tell in the end and Draw/Rep Ireland is on offer at 9/2 in the Half-time/Full-time market, while a 1-0 win for the away side is priced at 5/1.

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Pearce’s men seek unbeaten run

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England Under-21’s are in UEFA Euro 2013 Group 8 qualifying action on Thursday night (England 2/13, draw 5/1, Iceland 11/1 – Match Betting), as they look to continue their 100% record against Iceland at Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Stuart Pearce’s side recorded a 3-0 win in Reykjavik a month ago thanks to a hat-trick from Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is set to be named in the starting XI again, as he looks to prove he is worthy of the £12 million Arsene Wenger spent on him.

The England Under-21 boss sees a similar situation with Oxlade-Chamberlain (9/2 First Goalscorer) that was experienced by his Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott, and believes the 18-year-old can get “better and better” and will improve from every 90 minutes he can get under his belt.

Pearce has been forced to make a number of changes to his squad due to injury and that means six of the 24 faces in the squad are part of the Under-21 set-up for the first time.

Ryan Bennett from Peterborough, Newcastle United forward Sammy Ameobi and Manchester United’s Will Keane were called up on Monday, but Bennett reported with an injury and was sent home while Fulham full-back Matthew Briggs also missed out through injury.

The boss’ plans were further disrupted by the fact Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan and Everton’s Ross Barkley left the camp to join up with Noel Blake’s England Under-19 squad for their game with Denmark, also on Thursday night.

Both those two will be unavailable to face Iceland but will be ready for the trip to face Belgium on Monday night, where Pearce will be looking for another impressive display to boost their progression towards Israel 2013.

Nathan Delfouneso (7/2 First Goalscorer) has enjoyed a mixed time against Iceland so far in 2011, as he scored in Preston against them back in March before being taken off in Reykjavik last month with a hamstring injury.

The Aston Villa man is by far the most experienced forward available to Pearce, so will lead the line with Ameobi, Keane and Marvin Sordell of Watford all fighting to join him.

There is a lack of real Premier League experience throughout the squad and the likes of Jordan Henderson, Josh McEachran and Martin Kelly will have to shoulder a lot of the responsibility.

As for Iceland, they have won one game so far in Euro 2013 qualifying and that was thanks to two goals from Lillestrom striker Björn Sigurdarson, to see of Belgium in September. They are the only two goals they have scored in three games and Iceland should not pose too much threat to England.

Despite the limited experience, there remains a lot of exciting young potential throughout the team and they should have enough to beat Iceland with ease, to set them up for the trip to face Belgium in their final game of 2011.

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