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Bank Holiday Lessons Learnt

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It has been an extended weekend of sport with many highs and lows and we will take a look at the stand-out performances and see what can be learnt from the Bank Holiday weekend.

1. It is going to be a Manchester one-two this season

Manchester United always looked like being the team to beat this season and their early-season form has done little to suggest otherwise (United 11/10 – Premier League Outright).

But Sunday’s 8-2 demolition of Arsenal fired a shot across the bows of the rest of the Premier League as they looked in scintillating form when dismantling Arsene Wenger’s under-strength side.

Wayne Rooney had the weight of the world on his shoulders in the first half of last season and did not contribute much, but he has started like a house on fire and, with the summer signings already playing their part, the Red Devils are the side to beat.

Their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City have also made a perfect start to the campaign and their 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham at White Hart Lane was, possibly, even more impressive given the location of the encounter.

It was always going to take a few years for a team of expensive signings to gel and, with Edin Dzeko finally showing his true colours with four goals, they look the likeliest challengers to Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges.

Chelsea will be there or thereabouts but, even at this fledgling part of the season, it is shaping up to be a two-horse race for top-flight honours.

2. Arsenal are in deep trouble

The general consensus is that Arsenal Wenger has ‘bought himself some time’ with the success he has had at Arsenal over the past 15 years.

But it also has to be remembered that the Gunners have not won a trophy for six years, something Ferguson said he would “never let happen” at Old Trafford (Arsenal 7/4 – Top-Four Finish).

A reluctance to spend is now coming back to haunt the Frenchman and he appears to be scrabbling around for players with just a few days to go before the transfer window shuts.

That is not usually how the north Londoners do their business and there is definitely a sense of panic at the Emirates.

He is an intelligent man with an excellent football brain and it will take all his skills as a manager to turn the season around, otherwise the Arsenal board might have to act to prevent the current campaign snowballing into a disastrous season.

3. Twenty20 cricket is here to stay

It may have its critics and the summer’s Test series with India showed that the five-day game still has a massive place in the sport, but the excitement of the Friends Life t20 finals day proved that the shortest version of the game will not go away.

Persistent showers threatened to ruin the Edgbaston showpiece but, with Duckworth-Lewis calculations changing targets all the time, both semi-finals finished in a tie and required the ’super over’ to sort out the finalists.

Leicestershire went on to win and it was a fitting way for Paul Nixon to bow out of the game after 22 years as a professional.

4. Heather Watson is the real deal

Britain has been crying out for a female tennis player to match the exploits of Andy Murray in the men’s game and, in Heather Watson, we may finally have one.

It is true that she lost to Maria Sharapova in the first round of the US Open, but the way the Guernsey-born star challenged the world number four and played her off court for the first set proved that she has the mettle to compete with the top players (Sharapova 5/1 – Tournament Outright).

The encouraging thing from a British point of view was her post-match interview, in which she said that she always felt she could win the match, and the manner in which she fought back in the second set after it looked as if the Russian would run away with it showed her class.

Laura Robson is still in the tournament and, if they both progress as they should, there is no reason why there will not be a couple of Brits in the world’s top 20 in the next few years.

5. Much work to do for London

With the London Olympics less than 12 months away the British athletes will be plotting their training regimes and competitions to make sure they peak for the greatest show on earth.

Two gold medal hopes, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis, failed to win gold at the World Athletics Championships, and they will have to bounce back and make sure they perform to their ability in London.

There have already been noises made that British athletes might not do as well as had been hoped on their own patch next summer, despite the advantage that performing at home brings.

There is no doubt that the Games will be spectacular but, if the GB team fail to deliver, then it could become a bit of a damp squib – an expensive one at that.

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Deadline Day Looms!

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That time of the year has come again when football fans up and down the country will gather in front of the television to see whether their teams can pull off a last-minute transfer coup.

Last year it was Tottenham with Rafael van der Vaart, so could Harry Redknapp work his magic again or will Arsene Wenger pull a rabbit out of the hat this time? No doubt the hours leading up to 11pm on Wednesday will have a big effect on the season.

Arsenal

If there is one club desperately in need of reinforcements it is the Gunners.

Sunday’s 8-2 defeat was just another example of the lack of strength in depth at the Emirates Stadium right now and for the first time since the transfer window was implemented we should see a number of last-minute deals go through for the Gunners.

It looks like left-back Andre Santos and centre-half Per Mertesacker will be brought in to try and shore up Arsenal’s leaky defence but will that be enough?

For years Arsenal have been undermined by a lack of defensive strength and rather than opt for the type of old-fashioned, English centre-half, Wenger is continuing to look towards mainland Europe.

Arsenal have drifted to 50/1 to win the Premier League and that looks a lost cause, even if they can draft in all the players they need.

The team’s main aim will be to secure a top-four spot and that is still within their reach, even if they only manage to add a few new faces.

The Gunners are 7/4 to be in the Champions League next season.

Tottenham

Much like their north London rivals Spurs are in need of a number of new faces to avoid their season being a failure before it has really got going.

Redknapp’s men have had two tough fixtures to start the campaign but even so it is obvious Tottenham are in need of a new striker and centre-half.

At present the only deadline-day arrival looks as though it will be Scott Parker from West Ham, with Bolton’s Gary Cahill still a long shot at the moment.

Tottenham’s hopes of finishing in the top four look slim at best right now but with a couple more van der Vaart-type captures they could mount at serious challenge.

Spurs are 4/1 to finish in the top four.

Blackburn

If Tottenham are keen to find a new striker then Blackburn are absolutely desperate.

Having missed out on Vedad Ibisevic, Rovers have reportedly turned their attention to Mounir El Hamdaoui.

Neither are household names and you have to fear for Steve Kean’s team after they narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Their odds of 11/10 for the drop are looking more and more appealing, although if they can unearth a goalscorer from somewhere they will certainly have the edge over the likes of Norwich, Swansea and Wigan in the relegation fight.

Rovers could also do with more cover at the back and a creative midfielder so Kean should be a busy man on Wednesday.

The Rest

A good striker is seemingly hard to come by with Stoke, Newcastle, Sunderland and Wigan all actively searching for a goalscorer.

Expect the Potters to be the busiest of that quartet given Tony Pulis‘ past transfer deadline day dealings, the Stoke boss having said he wants five new faces at the Britannia before Wednesday.

Fulham are another club hoping for reinforcements in order to maintain their European and domestic campaign. The Cottagers’ league form suffered badly during their run to the Europa League final in 2010 and Martin Jol will be keen to avoid a repeat.

Chelsea also look as though they haven’t quite finished splashing the cash, although it is more likely they’ll be trying to move on a few members of their current squad as Yossi Benayoun, Salomon Kalou and Alex look set to go.

Andre Villas-Boas will no doubt be keen to tinker with his new squad further in order to aid the Blues’ title challenge.

Having done most of their business already it is likely to be a quiet deadline day at Old Trafford, Anfield and Eastlands, although Manchester City could spring a surprise by bringing in Owen Hargreaves on a free if reports are to be believed.

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Tuesday’s Carling Cup Preview

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There are three games in the secnd round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday evening as Paolo Di Canio’s Swindon host Southampton in the pick of the ties. Elsewhere League Two side Aldershot host Carlisle, while Bristol Rovers travel to League One club Leyton Orient.

Aldershot v Carlisle

Carlisle travel to the Recreation Ground in excellent form and must be backed at 7/5 to progress to the next round. Greg Abbott’s men are unbeaten since their opening-game defeat at home to Notts County and come into this game on the back of a good win away again Leyton Orient.

Abbott will resist the temptation to rest players in this fixture as he will hope to keep confidence high in the camp and the reward of a home fixture in the next round against fellow League One side Rochdale is on offer for the winner here.

Apart from their shock win at Upton Park against West Ham in the last round, the Shots have had an inauspicious start to the season. They have lost both of their home games in the league so far and would need to really step up their came if they are to overcome the Cumbrians.

Prediction: Carlise to beat Aldershot at 7/5.

Leyton Orient v Bristol Rovers

It’s been a miserable start to the season for Leyton Orient so far as they have failed to pick up a point from their opening five league games.

However, they can expect better luck in the cup as they host League Two flyers Bristol Rovers. Russell Slade will see the importance of a good cup run as critical to his club’s finances and the reward for winning this game is a trip to Ewood Park to face Premier League side Blackburn.

The O’s’ form will turn around at some point – this is a side who narrowly missed out on the play-offs in League One last season and often poor form in the league does not transpire into the cup.

The players will feel the pressure off their shoulders as there are no points on offer this time around.

Rovers, however, are not in the best form themselves. They were involved in a disappointing goalless draw at home to Hereford on Saturday and goals have been to come by for Paul Buckle’s men – they have scored just one in their three games.

It will be a tough place for the League Two side to go to and the smart money says they will just be narrowly denied in a close contest at the Matchroom Stadium.

Prediction: Leyton Orient to beat Bristol Rover at 11/10.

Swindon v Southampton

Paolo Di Canio will relish hosting Championship Southampton at the County Ground.

The former West Ham star will see a good cup run as a way of making a name for himself in the managerial game and will have his players fired up for the visit of Saints.

On the other hand, Nigel Atkins will be expected to rest a few of his star players going into this Carling Cup fixture as the push for promotion into the Premier League is his priority this season.

This should allow a full-strength Swindon side to hold the Saints to a draw after 90 minutes.

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Manchester duo enjoy PL reign

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Following another rip-roaring weekend in the Premier League, it’s the two Manchester clubs that sit at the top of the table with three wins out of three apiece. City’s 5-1 demolition of Spurs was overshadowed by United’s amazing 8-2 rout of Arsenal but can Roberto Mancini’s men have the last laugh and end up Premier League champions come May?

Mancini’s City (2/1 Premier League outright) seem to have totally transformed themselves over the summer and, following several high-profile arrivals, now appear a free-flowing attacking side after being criticised last term for being too conservative. They were simply irresistible in Sunday’s 5-1 away victory at White Hart Lane and will be hard to stop this season.

Key to this has been the signing of Argentinian Sergio Aguero, whose movement and intelligence on the field seem to have given them a whole new dimension.

However, their real star so far has been Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko (7/2 top scorer) who, after a disappointing period following his transfer in January, is now the league’s top scorer after hitting four on Sunday.

With it looking more and more likely that striker Carlos Tevez will be staying at the club, City now look a major threat – both at home and abroad.

However, their local rivals United (11/10 outright) will undoubtedly have something say about that after their sensational 8-2 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Although the Gunners had a number of their stars missing for the Old Trafford clash, United still produced an amazing display.

Wayne Rooney was the star-man, netting a hat-trick, and he will be looking to finally win the Premier League Golden Boot award after coming close on a number of occasions (3/1 Premier League top scorer).

Liverpool (16/1 Premier League outright) were another side to impress at the weekend and Kenny Dalglish’s second honeymoon at the club is continuing. His troops keep improving and the 3-1 win over Bolton has raised expectations further at Anfield.

In Luis Suarez they have one of the stars of the season so far and, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing supplying the ammunition, they may even now be considered an outside bet for the title.

And so to Arsenal. The Gunners have been many neutral fans’ favourite side over the last few seasons but at the minute they are floundering.

Injuries and suspensions were part of their downfall on Sunday but the recent departures of star duo Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have left them bereft of world class players and boss Arsene Wenger is under pressure to spend big money on replacements.

He may not have the time, though, with the transfer window closing on Wednesday and Arsenal already face a real fight to get themselves back into the top four.

So, despite it still only being the end of August, the weekend just gone may turn out to be one of the most pivotal in the season.

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Pep plots hard miles

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Pep Guardiola has warned his all-conquering Barcelona players that Monday’s visit of Villarreal is when the season starts for real (2/9 Barcelona, 5/1 draw, Villareal 12/1 – match prices).

The Catalans notched up a 12th win under Guardiola’s tenure on Friday when they lifted the Uefa Super Cup thanks to a 2-0 win over FC Porto in Monaco – one month after seeing off bitter rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

The smart money suggests the 4/7 outright favourites will again be the team to beat but Guardiola said his players should take nothing for granted.

He said: “We’ve won two titles and we are very happy with that, now the league will show us if we continue to be as competitive as we have been in recent years.

“This team have to show again what we have shown over the last few seasons. We have made a good start and now we have to get down to the day-to-day work.”

He added: “There’s always room for improvement. I have to be on alert – that’s an obligation of the manager. It takes a long time to build a team and just a moment for it to fall apart.”

The Camp Nou boss faces a selection headache in defence because of injuries and suspensions biting hard.

Gerard Pique, Dani Alves and Adriano are all out while captain Carles Puyol remains a doubt, but new signings Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez could be in line for their Primera Division debuts.

Barca last lost an opening day fixture at home in December 1939 against local rivals Espanyol at Les Corts and completed a La Liga double over the Yellow Submarines last season.

Santi Cazorla and Joan Capdevila have both left the club but coach Juan Carlos Garrido has managed to keep hold of star strikers Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar, who between them netted 50 goals in all competitions last term.

Regarding Monday’s clash, Garrido told the official club website: “Barca have won everything and have won with almost insulting ease against great opponents, but we have high hopes and will try to win.”

Jose Mourinho’s 11/8 second favourites Real Madrid beat Zaragoza 6-0 on Sunday to kick-start the capital club’s chase for a first Primera Division title since 2008.

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London set for double trouble

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There is plenty of action in the Premier League on Sunday in particular with the two tasty looking ties involving Manchester and North London as the north west giants look to maintain their 100 percent start to the season.

Man United v Arsenal (4pm)

This tie has often in the past been a meeting of the top two but the Gunners are currently enduring a six-year barren spell on the trophy front, while they have been firing blanks in picking up just one point from their first two games.

United boasted a tremendous record at Old Trafford last term on their way to winning a record 19th title and have opened up with two wins this season, including a 3-0 home thumping of Spurs on Monday night.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have been installed as the 8/15 favourites in the match betting, which is not surprising given their recent record against the Gunners – unbeaten at home in seven.

Arsenal are not the force they once were and are still trying to come to terms with the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri this summer, but are on offer at 11/2 to depart Old Trafford with maximum points.

That is a price that will tempt some on the back of a confidence-boosting, come-from-behind win at Udinese in midweek to secure Champions League football.

Arsenal will be hoping that defender Thomas Vermaelen passes a fitness test on Sunday given the way Wayne Rooney has started the season, two in two and 4/1 to open the scoring, but Jack Wilshere, Alex Song, Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong are all out.

United could welcome back Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher but the youngsters have been deputising nicely and United have started the season in ominous form.

Tottenham v Man City (1.30pm)

Spurs have been a bogey side for City over recent seasons, winning 19 Premier League matches only bettered by Arsenal’s 20, and taking maximum points from 11 of the last 14 encounters.

The Lilywhites only lost one game at White Hart Lane last term, the second best home record in the league, but everyone is wary that money talks – and City have been doing a lot of talking.

The Citizens look a very real threat for honours this term and at 6/4 in the match betting, many will feel that price is too big to turn down, having opened up the season with two wins, scoring seven goals in the process.

Sergio Aguero (5/1 to score first) blasted on to the Premier League scene in emphatic style but such are the resources at Roberto Mancini’s disposal, the Argentina ace is not guaranteed to start – but who is now for the Blues?

Spurs have not been helped by the transfer saga surrounding Luka Modric and although he is expected to play some part on Sunday, there are still questions to be answered about his mindset.

Redknapp’s men are available at 2/1 to record a home win but Spurs won only three of their last 12 games last season, drew a league high of nine at home and do not keep clean sheets – not great stats going up against the money-men.

Newcastle v Fulham (1pm)

The Magpies are 11/10 favourites in the match betting despite having seen their squad weakened further by the departure of Joey Barton to QPR, but they should be buoyed by last weekend’s derby win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Alan Pardew’s men now have four points from two games and are yet to concede a goal, while Fulham (11/4 to win, Draw 23/10) have had to make the long trip to and from Ukraine in the Europa League.

The Cottagers suffered at Molineux last weekend, having done something similar, so it is difficult to see Martin Jol’s men getting anything from St James’s – especially as John Arne Riise and Simon Davies are on the casualty list.

West Brom v Stoke (3pm)

The fixture list has not been kind to the Baggies but impressive performances against Man United and Chelsea – albeit in 2-1 defeats – see them installed as the 11/10 favourites in the match betting to see off Stoke (11/4 to win, 23/10 the draw).

There has been cause for optimism for Roy Hodgson despite a start that has yet to yield a point but stat gurus will be fully aware that Stoke are very much a bogey side.

The Potters have lost only one (1-0 at the Hawthorns in 2003) of the last 27 league clashes between the two sides, winning seven of the last nine.

This season though could be the turn of the Baggies as Stoke are having to contend with the extra fixtures and travelling etc that participating in the Europa League brings.

Shane Long (11/2 to be the first goalscorer) has made an impressive start to life in the West Midlands with two goals in two games, although Matthew Etherington is back from suspension to boost the Potters attacking options.

Peter Odemwingie is pushing for a return to the starting line-up for Hodgson, who has no injury worries ahead of the clash, while Pulis could recall defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth.

Enough has been seen to suggest West Brom should beat a side who needed a goal four minutes into injury time to salvage a point against Norwich but the stats do not lie!

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Sunday Championship preview

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Two games take place on Sunday in the Championship, starting with Sam Allardyce’s West Ham making the trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest. The other game sees Watford host Birmingham, who qualified for the next stage of the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Nottingham Forest v West Ham (13:15)

Two of England’s well established managers clash horns at the City Ground on Sunday as Steve McClaren hosts Sam Allardyce’s West Ham.

West Ham should be taken at 8/5 to get the better of Forest, who have been unconvincing so far in their league campaign.

The Hammers were unfortunate not to hold onto three points at home to Leeds last Sunday – a last minute equaliser from the Yorkshire side shared the spoils at Upton Park. The hosts were on top for large amounts of the game and deserved to pick up three points for their efforts.

Allardyce’s men were clinical on their last trip away from home – dispatching Watford 4-0 in a very impressive display.

You will struggle to find a forward line better than Carlton Cole and John Carew in the Championship. Both players with bags of Premier League experience and proven goalscorers in the top flight.

Cole is a 6/1 shot to score the first goal in the game and looks the obvious choice to open the scoring and add to the two goals he has already scored this season.

The East London club have been boosted by the signing of Sam Baldock ahead of the game. The 22-year old has been very impressive for MK Dons in the past few seasons and will be a key figure in the Hammers fight for promotion back into the Premier League.

West Ham are a 10/1 shot to win the game 2-1 and is the likely correct score as both sides are capable of finding the back of the net.

Watford v Birmingham City (15:00)

Watford have had a miserable start to the Championship campaign so far and it is likely to get worse as Birmingham are 21/10 to get their season up and running with a win at Vicarage Road.

Birmingham are a better side than their league position of 18th suggests, but they have had a tough start to the life in the second tier.

Chris Hughton has a decent squad at his disposal with the right blend of youth and experience. Adam Rooney and Nathan Redmond will both have the opportunity to shine for the Blues this season. The latter, who is 10/1 to score the first goal, scored in Europe on Thursday in their 3-0 victory over Portuguese side Nacional.

Watford’s team got ripped apart in the summer, adding to boss Malky Mackay’s exit to Cardiff, with Will Buckley departing to Brighton and Danny Graham moving to newly-promoted Swansea City.

The side from North London will be one of the favourites to be relegated from the Championship this season and are going to struggle in what is a very competitive league.

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Villa will be hungry like Wolves

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There are six matches in the Premier League on Saturday with Wolves travelling to local rivals Aston Villa aiming to maintain their 100 per cent start the pick of the bunch as we assess that clash and the other top-flight encounters which may take your fancy.

Aston Villa v Wolves (12.05pm)

Alex McLeish’s men are unbeaten with four points from their opening two games, but they have been overshadowed by their Midlands rivals as Mick McCarthy’s side boast a 100 per cent record going into the Villa Park showdown.
Villa strike duo Gabby Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey have been declared fit after suffering minor injuries against Blackburn, while youngsters Chris Herd and Eric Lichaj are vying to replace QPR-bound Luke Young at right-back as the hosts aim to stretch their decent run to one defeat in 11 league games.
Ironically, the last side to win at Villa Park was Wolves in March as they ended a 31-year wait for that feat.
If they repeat that success (Wolves 3/1 Away 90 Minutes) on Saturday lunch-time it will be the first time they have ever won three successive Premier League matches.
McCarthy is set to name an unchanged side from the one that defeated Fulham at Molineux last Sunday.
However, it is Villa who are looking in good shape to avenge last season’s defeat and will bring Wolves’ good start to a halt.

Prediction: Villa Home 90 Minutes @ evens
Value Bet: Gabby Agbonlahor 1st goal Match Goalscorer @ 11/2

Wigan v QPR (12.30pm)

An interesting clash at the DW Stadium as Wigan are unbeaten from their opening two matches having drawn with Premier League new boys Norwich and Swansea.
They will be hoping to secure a first win against the third promoted outfit this weekend when Neil Warnock’s Londoners arrive.
Roberto Martinez’s men will be without Antolin Alcaraz, Steven Gohouri and possibly Victor Moses as they look to stretch their unbeaten run on home soil which dates back to February.
However, the R’s will be boosted by their 1-0 win at Everton last weekend not to mention the arrival of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton on a four-year deal, although he might not be eligible to play.
They are also unbeaten in their previous games at Wigan, while they boasted the best away record in the Championship last term.
A close game beckons and that is why we can?t separate them so a draw is the likeliest outcome.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Wigan/Draw HT/FT @ 14/1

Blackburn v Everton (3pm)

An early season basement battle at Ewood Park will see the under-fire Steve Kean’s Rovers go head-to-head with David Moyes’ Toffees.
Rovers have lost their opening two games, while Everton have only played one – but lost at Goodison Park to new boys QPR last Saturday.
Something will have to give this weekend and Kean will hope captain Chris Samba can make his first appearance of the season after overcoming a groin injury, while here could be a debut for new midfield signing Simon Vukcevic.
Everton usually do well at Blackburn, although they lost the first match in seven on the opening day of last season (9/4 Home 90 Minutes).
And, with money sparse for new signings Moyes will be hoping Tim Cahill (13/8 Anytime Goalscorer) can end his 11-match run without a league goal.
Winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is available after completing a three-match ban, while fit-again pair Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini are set for their first league starts of the season.
Another tight game, but we fancy Everton to get their season up and running while heaping more misery on Kean.

Prediction: Everton Away 90 Minutes @ 13/10
Value Bet: Everton 2-1 Correct score @ 8/1

Chelsea v Norwich (3pm)

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas got his first taste of victory last weekend with a narrow win against West Brom at Stamford Bridge, while ten-man Norwich snatched a draw from the jaws of victory at Carrow Road when Stoke – who held Chelsea on the opening weekend – scored an injury time equaliser.
Chelsea have won seven of their last eight league games on home soil and Villas-Boas will look for that to be eight out of nine on Saturday evening.
New signing Juan Mata is likely to be on the bench, but David Luiz is set to miss out due to his ongoing thigh problem, while Hilario will again deputise for injured number one goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Unbeaten Norwich failed to win on the road in their previous Premier League campaign in 2004/05 and will be looking for a first away-day success in the top flight at the 32nd attempt.
Boss Paul Lambert has Leon Barnett back from suspension following his red card against Stoke.
But recent signing Daniel Ayala is out for eight weeks with a knee injury, while Wes Hoolahan is doubtful with a hamstring problem.
Chelsea have won their last three games against Norwich at Stamford Bridge 4-0 (17/2 Correct Score) and that tells you everything you need to know when considering a punt on Saturday’s showdown.

Prediction: Chelsea Home 90 Minutes @ 1/5
Value Bet: Juan Mata Last Goalscorer @ 5/1

Swansea v Sunderland (3pm)

These two sides meet at the Liberty Stadium boasting just one point from their opening two games of the season so a first win will be the top priority for Swans boss Brendan Rodgers and his Black Cats counterpart Steve Bruce.
Swansea have the omens on their side have they won the previous three games in South Wales – albeit they last met in the 1982-83 season.
However, they will have to try and get a fourth win without Garry Monk, who remains sidelined by a foot injury, and knee injury victim Ferrie Boddie.
Bruce’s Wearsiders have endured a difficult week after following up a creditable opening day draw at Liverpool with a North-East derby defeat against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light and a Carling up reverse at Brighton.
Sunderlan, who are set to hand John O’Shea his debut, have lost 11 of their last 16 games in the Premier League and will have to work hard to ensure that tally is not added to on Saturday.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Swansea/Draw HT/FT @ 14/1

Liverpool v Bolton (5.30pm)

King Kenny Dalglish’s Reds got their season up and running with an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal last Saturday after being held by Sunderland a week earlier, while Bolton followed up their opening day 4-0 romp at QPR with a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
However, the Merseysiders appear to have an Indian sign over the Trotters having won their last nine games against them, keeping six clean sheets in the process.
And, Dalglish will be looking for that to be 10 on Saturday, although he might have to do without Glen Johnson, who faces a fitness test on a hamstring problem.
Luis Suarez is certain to start after being on the bench at Arsenal, while Andy Carroll will look to score his first league goal of the season after notching at Exeter in the Carling Cup in the week.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle will hope he can end his side’s 55-year wait for maximum points at Anfield, although he will be without left-back Marcos Alonso after he broke a bone in his foot in the League Cup win against Macclesfield.
Gretar Steinsson, Sam Ricketts and Tyrone Mears are also sidelined for the encounter which is likely to see Liverpool continue their good run against the Wanderers.

Prediction: Liverpool Home 90 Minutes @ 2/5
Value Bet: Andy Carroll 1st Goal Liverpool 2-0 Scorecast @ 14/1

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In-form Boro can go top

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The top three teams in the Championship are all in action on Saturday, but will that trio maintain their solid start to the season? The unpredictable division offers punters the chance to find big price winners and and search out another few upsets this weekend.

Middlesbrough v Coventry

It’s third versus second bottom at the Riverside on Saturday and the home side will be confident of continuing their unbeaten start to the season.

Boro, who won this fixture 2-1 last season, look a different side this term despite losing players during the transfer window.

Although Marvin Emnes has got most of the headlines following his early-season goal flurry, Tony Mowbray’s defence has to take a lot of credit – conceding just four goals in six league and cup games.

Coventry, on the other hand, have picked up just one points from their opening four league games.

Boro/Boro HT/FT @ 11/8.

Derby v Burnley

The Rams have turned their fortunes around from last season’s struggles and have won their last three games without conceding a goal.

Nigel Clough’s men face another stern test though this Saturday, against a Burnley team that did the double over the Rams last season.

The Clarets have been hampered by early-season injuries, but they are a better side than their league position suggests and are capable of turning the form table upside down.

Draw @ 11/5.

Leicester v Southampton

League leaders Saints face their stiffest test yet this weekend, when they make the journey to the midlands to face big-spenders Leicester.

Nigel Adkins’ side look to have enough quality in their squad to mount a promotion challenge this term and their strike force, of Rickie Lambert, David Connolly and Adam Lallana, are a real handful.

But, although they have struggled at home so far this season, Leicester will prove a tough nut to crack. They showed signs of improvement at Nottingham Forest last week and they must get back to winning ways soon.

Leicester to win @ 6/5.

Brighton v Peterborough

These two teams met in League One last season and not many would have expected them to be in the top stage at this early stage.

Brighton won both meetings last term and will again be fancied by many to collect the three points here.

Gus Poyet’s men look to have that little bit of extra quality and Craig Mackail-Smith will be desperate to score against his former club.

Mackail-Smith to score at anytime @ 6/5.

Crystal Palace v Blackpool

The Eagles go into this game on the back of four straight wins and are always a difficult team to beat at Selhurst Park. Dougie Freedman has tightened things up at the back and Palace don’t look to be missing last season’s star man, Neil Danns, in the middle of the park.

You can guarantee goals with Blackpool, though, and Ian Holloway’s men are likely to put a dent in Palace’s goal against column.

Draw @ 12/5.

Ipswich v Leeds

There has been early season pressure on both of these two teams, but both struggling to make an impact in the opening four matches. Ipswich, in particular, have been leaking goals and losing matches ? with a 7-1 defeat at Peterborough fresh in the memory.

Leeds were much better at West Ham last week, but will have to contend with some new additions at Portman Road ? with Jimmy Bullard and Daryl Murphy joining Town in midweek.

Ipswich/Draw HT/FT @ 14/1.

Hull v Reading

There is a battle of two recent Premier League teams at the KC Stadium and this is another game where early-season pressure could have an impact.

The Tigers home form is shocking, with defeats in their three fixtures at the KC this season.

Reading have not fared much better and a midweek Carling Cup defeat at the hands of League One Charlton, will not have helped confidence in the Royals camp.

1-1 draw @ 6/1.

Portsmouth v Cardiff

Cardiff won home and away against Pompey last season, but this fixture will be a much tougher test for the man from Wales.

Steve Cotterill has made the south-coast outfit difficult to beat, but they now need to find goals from somewhere – with just one in their last four games.

The Bluesbirds have plenty of goals in them, but they have also been shipping plenty.

Benjani has rejoined Pompey this week and he could play a key role in their progress.

Pompey to win @ 11/8.

Doncaster v Bristol City

Both of these teams are likely to be battling it out at the bottom end of the table and, even at this stage of the season, three points here could be crucial.

Both teams have leaked goals and although they have four points more than Rovers, City were dumped out of the Carling Cup by lower league opposition, Swindon, in midweek. Home advantage could be the key.

Doncaster to win @ 5/4.

Millwall v Barnsley

The Lions have made a solid start to the season and are unbeaten at the New Den so far this term. Millwall won this fixture 2-0 last term and look likely to seal another three points.

Despite a shock win at Reading last week, it would be a major surprise it the Tykes could secure back-to-back away wins.

Millwall to win 2-0 @ 13/2.

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British clubs eye Europa progress

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Six British clubs feature in Thursday night’s second leg Europa League play-off clashes and all, except for Hearts, have a great chance of making the group stages of the competition.

Dnipro (0) vs Fulham (3)

The Cottagers look set to make it through to the group stages after a convincing performance at Craven Cottage last week, where they overcame Ukrainian side Dnipro 3-0.

The west London club will struggle not to repeat a victory tomorrow night, although Martin Jol’s side may take their foot of the gas slightly. However, new boss Jol will be keen that his side get back to winning ways after a disappointing 2-0 away defeat to Wolves at the weekend.

A 2-1 Fulham victory can be backed at 10/1, with last week’s double-goal hero Clint Dempsey 15/8 to score at anytime in the fixture.

Tottenham (5) vs Hearts (0)

One could be forgiven for declaring this game a dead-rubber due to the huge five-goal advantage that Spurs take into this second leg.

However, with so much transfer speculation around White Hart Lane at the moment, many of the players set to be in action for the north London club will have a point to prove to manager Harry Redknapp.

Peter Crouch, who may be surplus to requirements if Emmanuel Adebayor’s loan deal is secured, is 4/1 to score first while fellow striker Roman Pavlyuchenko – who has been linked with a switch to Sunderland – is also 4/1 to grab the first goal of the evening.

A Hearts comeback is out of the question, especially away from home, but the Scottish outfit can be backed at an appealing 21/5 to score first.

Birmingham (0) vs Nacional (0)

In perhaps the most intriguing tie of the night, Blues face a tricky task at home against Portuguese side Nacional as the Championship outfit aim for the Europa League group stages.

Birmingham were unlucky not to grab an away goal last week, after Steven Caldwell and Chris Wood both rattled the woodwork on three separate occasions between them.

Wood, who is on-loan from West Brom, is yet to score this season but can be backed at a tempting 6/1 to score first tomorrow evening, while Caldwell is 40/1 to achieve the same feat.

Nacional, however, will be scenting a chance to progress into the group stages and know how vital an away goal could be at St Andrew’s.

The Portuguese outfit are 5/1 to grab a 1-1 draw and break Birmingham hearts courtesy of the away goal rule -  a result that would put an end to the club’s first foray into Europe for 49 years.

Rangers (1) vs NK Maribor (2)

Rangers appear to face the toughest task of all the British clubs on Thursday – barring Hearts of course – as they seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Slovenian champions NK Maribor.

The Scottish champions will hope that their away goal proves vital, but the fact that they threw away a 1-0 lead in Slovenia could prey heavily on their minds in the return game.

Ally McCoist’s men are 5/1 to claim a 1-0 victory at Ibrox, which would be enough to see them through to the group stages.

Nikicka Jelavic and Steven Naismith, who have both bagged three goals already this season for the Glasgow side, are 7/2 and 9/2 respectively to score first.

FC Sion (0) vs Celtic (0)

Celtic will hope to get their season back on track when they travel to Switzerland to try and complete a victory over FC Sion.

Last week’s contest saw a stalemate in which Neil Lennon’s men looked unimpressive in front of goal.  And, after a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to St Johnstone on Sunday, Lennon will be desperate to get a victory.

The Hoops are 7/4 to claim a victory and Kris Commons can be backed at 13/2 to score first.

Lennon will be pleased that his men did not concede an away goal during the first leg, but that could be scant consolation if they fail to progress to the group stages of the competition.

It could well be a nervy affair at Parkhead but the Bhoys are bound to go for goals early on in a bid to secure a group-stage place. However, Sion will be a threat on the break so Celtic to be leading at half-time and losing at full-time can be backed at an attractive 25/1.

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