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Wales can claim Serbia scalp

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Two out-of-form nations meet for the first time in their history on Tuesday as Wales travel to face Serbia, and Chris Coleman’s men are more than capable of upsetting odds of 7/1 and coming away with a valuable win.

Serbia’s last win on home turf came in unconvincing fashion against the Faroe Islands in September of last year, and earlier in 2011 they had to come from behind to beat Northern Ireland.

An impressive home draw with Italy followed but they drew a blank against the Republic of Ireland in August, and head into their game against Wales having failed to find the back of the net against Scotland in another goalless draw.

Wales’ last game on the road came just under 12 months ago when they took all three points with a composed 1-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia.

At 7/1 to repeat the feat in Eastern Europe, Wales represent great value for money, with Serbia priced as the 4/9 favourites to reinvigorate their own qualifying campaign with victory.

The draw, priced at 10/3, also offers decent value.

Elsewhere, England will be aiming to build on an accomplished 5-0 victory away to Moldova when they welcome Ukraine to Wembley Stadium.

Roy Hodgson’s men are the 2/5 favourites to earn the win and add further momentum to their World Cup qualifying campaign, while Ukraine, who held Czech Republic to a 0-0 draw when the two sides met for a friendly last month, aren’t fancied at 7/1.

The draw is available at 4/1, but the best value here appears to be in the correct score market.

England have shown in recent home internationals that they are capable of scoring goals, but also often leak the odd one or two. With that in mind, 7/1 on a 2-1 England win and 8/1 on a 3-1 England win are both interesting selections, as is the more optimistic 4-1 home triumph, priced at a mouthwatering 14/1.

Another of the home nations in action tomorrow is Scotland, who will be looking to put a disappointing home draw behind them when they welcome Macedonia to Hampden Park.

There was frustration following the Serbia stalemate that young striker Jordan Rhodes wasn’t given more minutes on the field, and those supporters may see more of the Blackburn hitman on Tuesday as Scotland seek to breathe life into their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Rhodes is priced at 4/1 to score his side’s first goal.

The Scots triumphed when these two sides met ahead of the 2010 World Cup, and a second 2-0 victory in as many meetings would be a welcome boost to manager Craig Levein and his hopes of leading the team to a first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup.

Levein’s men are priced 4/6 to win the match, with Macedonia available at 7/2 and the draw 12/5.

Expect Scotland to find the back of the net in this one, but the team still lacks the confidence to rack up goals, which makes the selection of a 1-0 home win at 5/1 a very appealing prospect indeed.

Finally, there could be a shock on the cards when Belgium play host to Croatia.

Vincent Kompany and his team-mates are the 10/11 favourites to win this match and build momentum following their recent 2-0 triumph over Wales, while Croatia are priced at 3/1 to make it two wins in a week following a narrow success against Macedonia.

Belgium are in better form than their opponents, but there is enough strength in the Croatian side to take this game to their opponents, so don’t be surprised to see Igor Stimac’s men upset the odds.

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League One takes centre stage

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With the Premier League and Championship taking a break during the international period, League One takes centre stage on the domestic front this weekend.

There is a double-header in the third tier on Sunday afternoon, with Coventry City entertaining Stevenage (home 13/10, draw 9/4, away 21/10) and troubled Portsmouth travelling to Crawley Town (home 4/5, draw 5/2, away 7/2).

Momentum plays a key role in modern football and the clubs on show have experienced contrasting fortunes in recent years.

Portsmouth and Coventry, two sides relegated from the Championship last term, have struggled to adapt to life in League One.

In Pompey’s case, that is completely understandable. Michael Appleton saw all of his senior players leave Fratton Park in the summer as the financially-stricken club moved towards liquidation.

The Portsmouth boss fielded a near-youth team in the Capital One Cup first round, with nine players under the age of 21. He brought in 10 new players on short-term contracts and four on loan ahead of their League One opener on August 18, and has continued to add to his squad in the time since.

As you would expect the new-look outfit has struggled to gel and Pompey have amassed just two points from four games.

They travel to Crawley (14/1 – League One outright) this weekend, a club which has achieved back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons. The Reds have had no issues adapting to life in League One – winning three of their opening four matches.

Loanee Nicky Ajose and the experienced Gary Alexander (First Goalscorer and Crawley 2-0 – 25/1 – Scorecast) have led the line superbly and will pose a significant threat to Portsmouth’s backline.

A second relegation in as many years is a real possibility for Pompey and they will not be afforded any favours at Broadfield Stadium (Crawley/Crawley – half-time/full-time – 13/8).

Managerless Coventry, who have financial problems of their own, have yet to win in their first season in the third tier in 48 years.

The Sky Blues established themselves as a top-flight club throughout the latter part of the last century but stood still following their relegation to the Championship in 2001. In their case, they could not find any kind of momentum.

Coventry (Correct Score 1-0 – 7/1), under caretaker bosses Richard Shaw and Lee Carsley, will be desperate to open their account at home to unbeaten Stevenage.

Like Crawley, Boro went straight from the Conference to League One in two seasons. They reached the play-offs in their first season in the third tier and are a good bet to repeat the feat this term.

They are unbeaten in the league going into tomorrow’s clash but will face their most difficult challenge to date at the Ricoh Arena.

Coventry’s desperation for points gives them the edge and should see them get their campaign underway (Draw/Coventry – half-time/full-time 4/1).

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Scots to see off Serbs

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Scotland get their World Cup qualification campaign underway a day later then the rest of the home nations as they play host to Serbia at Hampden Park.

Manager Craig Levein is under immense pressure to guide the Scots to Brazil in 2014 and getting off to a good start is a must. Against an under-strength Serbia three points look entirely possible and home advantage could make the difference for an improving Scotland.

Scotland v Serbia 3pm

Group A is likely to be one of the most competitive groups on the road to Brazil, with Belgium, Croatia, Scotland, Serbia and Wales all having realistic dreams of making it to South America. Scotland are 18/1 to win the group, while Serbia are second-favourites at 9/4 to finish in top spot.

The price for the Serbs is surprisingly short considering they finished behind Estonia when missing out on qualification for Euro 2012 as they crawled over the line. Sinica Mihajlovic’s men have won just one of the last ten matches and were far from impressive during their goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland in their last friendly outing.

The Serbs bring a predominantly inexperienced squad to Scotland this weekend, with captain Branislav Ivanovic the most experienced of the group with 52 caps to his name. Defensively, Mihajlovic’s team look strong, with Ivanovic, Neven Subotic, Aleksandar Kolarov and Manchester City new boy Matija Nastasic providing a formidable barrier for the Scots to get over.

Up front, however, the Serbs do not look a massive threat and given the Scots historically goal-shy nature under 2.5 goals at 4/7 could be a safe bet. The Serbs are likely to try and frustrate Scotland, and it will be up to Levein’s boys to take the game to the Eastern Europeans.

In the build-up to the game, Levein has stated that he feels Scotland are in a much better position to qualify for a major tournament than they have been for several years. The former Dundee United boss will now have to back up his words, starting on Saturday.

Whereas Scotland have historically lacked creativity, they now look to have a squad capable of creating the chances the likes of Jordan Rhodes, Steven Naismith and Ross McCormack should thrive on. Robert Snodgrass, James Morrisson and Charlie Adam will look to unlock the Serbia defence, while the pace of Matt Philips and James Forrest will give this weekend’s opposition plenty to think about.

Levein does appear to have plenty of options within his squad now and while, like Serbia, a lot of his players lack international experience, they look to have the talent to make the step up.

Scotland are 8/5 to win, with the draw 9/4 and the Serbs 15/8. The odds suggest it will be a close on to call but with the Hampden roar behind them, the Scots should come through this one with three points to show for their efforts.

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Friday Night World Cup Action

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The race for Brazil 2014 kicks-off on Friday night with the first qualifying games for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. These opening games are going to be indicators for whether fans can expect an enjoyable or ultimately disappointing qualification campaign.

Moldova v England

England’s Group H campaign begins at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau as Roy Hodgson prepares his side for their first competitive game since the European Championships. Despite exiting on penalties to Italy, England have yet to be defeated in open play in Hodgson’s seven matches to date and don’t expect that to change on Friday night (Moldova 12/1 draw 4/1 England 3/10 Match Betting).

Adam Johnson, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll are all missing through injury but John Terry could play having taken full part in training earlier this week. It is likely that Jermain Defoe will lead the England line and this could be his best chance to shine and prove to Hodgson he is worthy of a regular starting berth.

As for Moldova, they finished second bottom of their Euro 2012 qualifying group and have failed to score in their last five matches, with the opponents of Albania, El Salvador, Venezuela, Belarus and Georgia not exactly in the same league as England. These teams were drawn together for 1998 World Cup qualifying and England won 3-0 in Chisinau and 4-0 at Wembley. Similar results are 7/1 and 11/1 respectively and look possible outcomes.

Wales v Belgium

Chris Coleman’s Wales start their World Cup qualification campaign against one of the blossoming teams in Europe. Belgium have their own golden generation and the squad boasts 10 players from the Premier League, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Moussa Dembele, Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen the standout performers.

All together this means it is a daunting task for Coleman’s side – not helped by the fact they have lost both his matches in charge so far (Wales 7/2 draw 13/5 Belgium 5/6 Match Betting).

Key players such as Neil Taylor, Craig Bellamy, Joe Ledley, Andrew Crofts, Jack Collison, David Vaughan and Wayne Hennessey are all injured, which means Coleman needs to unite a depleted squad.

Home hopes will rest on Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen, but they will need to support lone striker Steve Morison as there will not be many expecting him getting much change from Kompany and Vermaelen. Expect a 2-0 win for Belgium, priced at 7/1, to be on the cards.

Russia v Northern Ireland

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland have lost six of their last seven matches and still need to address their age-old problem of scoring goals. Kyle Lafferty and Dean Sheils are likely to lead the line, while the centre-back pairing of Jonny Evans and Aaron Hughes are set to return to shore up a leaky back-line.

It promises to be a long night in Moscow for the Irish, with Russia starting their new era under former England boss Fabio Capello. The likes of Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Alan Dzagoev – who shone at Euro 2012 – will pose big problems for the Northern Ireland defence as Russia look to continue a formidable home record that has seen them concede only twice in their last seven home games. Russia are 2/9 to win in the match betting and you can’t look much further than that, with the draw 11/2 and a Northern Ireland shock win priced at 12/1.

Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland

Ireland will want to bounce back from a miserable Euro 2012 in their opening World Cup 2014 qualifier against a Kazakhstan outfit who are ranked 145th in the FIFA World rankings (Kazakhstan 9/2 draw 5/2 Ireland 8/11 Match Betting) .

It is a period of transition for Giovanni Trapattoni as the experienced duo of Shay Given and Damien Duff have retired, while they will do without Richard Dunne. With the likes of Germany, Sweden and Austria alongside Ireland in Group C they really need to get a result against the minnows of Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands.

Trapattoni has indicated that Simon Cox is likely to start the game ahead of James McClean, with the Sunderland man troubled with a cold. Glenn Whelan, Aiden McGeady, James McCarthy and Cox will make up the midfield, while Jon Walters is expected to partner Robbie Keane up front. Ireland need to go for goals on Friday and 28/1 for a 4-0 win to the Irish looks a tempting prospect.

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Home nations hit road to Brazil

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The upcoming international action gives us the chance to assess who out of the home nations can qualify for the World Cup in 2014 as countries prepare for their first group games with the planned final destination being Brazil in two years’ time.

England

Having made it to the last four World Cups, it would be a major surprise if the Three Lions failed to negotiate the group stage for Brazil 2014 over the next 18 months or so (2/5f to win Group H). England’s recent pre-tournament qualifying record is actually very, very good – it’s just when the real action itself gets underway that they let everyone down. Expectations were rightly lowered for Euro 2012 and Roy Hodgson’s side eventually went out on penalties – again – to Italy in the summer as they found their usual level and exited at the quarter-final stage.  A group containing Moldova, Ukraine (9/2 to win Group H), Montenegro, Poland and San Marino looks tricky at worst but fairly straightforward at best and expect Hodgson to guide his side through to Brazil without too many problems. It’s just following that the hard work will start.

Verdict - Qualify as Group H winners.

Wales

Wales (28/1 to win Group A) have only ever made it to one World Cup – in 1958 – and are outsiders once again to make it through another tough qualifying group. Chris Coleman’s side face Belgium (who appear to have a ‘golden generation’ of top stars coming through), a talented Croatia, while they also must take on traditionally-tough opponents Macedonia and Serbia home and away and UK rivals Scotland in two games. Under former boss Gary Speed, Wales were on the up but, after his tragic passing earlier this year, the country’s football team have suffered, perhaps predictably so, as a whole new coaching team and methods have had to be implemented. There is talent available to Coleman but Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and an ageing Craig Bellamy will, sadly, probably not be able to carry them through to Brazil on their own.

Verdict - Fourth in Group A.

Scotland

Scotland’s latest bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998 begins with a winnable home match against Serbia on Saturday and they will hope to get off to a good start to give them a chance of making Brazil 2014 (18/1 to win Group A). The Scots have made good starts before, however, and then have faded badly when the crucial games came around but they will look at Group A and believe qualification can be theirs. Belgium (7/4f to win Group A) will more than likely top the standings but Craig Levein’s side can push Croatia hard for second spot and may just even sneak in as runners-up if they maintain their good home form and mix it up by being difficult to beat away from Hampden. It won’t be easy, of course, and Wales and Macedonia will be difficult opponents too but there is a feeling Scotland can finally progress, especially if Jordan Rhodes can transfer his prolific club form onto the international stage.

Verdict - Qualify as runners-up in Group B.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland have not made the World Cup finals since their famous 1986 showing in Mexico and they do not appear to have enough strength in depth to make it out of Group F (40/1 to win Group). Michael O’Neill’s side will have been delighted with the draw as, aside from traditional heavyweights Russia and Portugal, Azerbaijan, Israel and Luxembourg could all be viewed as beatable opponents, especially in front of a packed, passionate Windsor Park crowd. They have probably the toughest of starts in Russia on Friday, though, and, while Northern Ireland might just pick up a win or two along the way, qualification again looks a bridge too far for the European minnows.

Verdict - Fourth in Group F.

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Too early to turn on Rodgers

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After a shambolic transfer deadline day for Liverpool and then a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Arsenal over the weekend, many people are predicting it will be a tough season for the Reds. But are the naysayers right to be so pessimistic? And what can we now really expect from them under new boss Brendan Rodgers this season?

If the doom-mongers and significant critics are to be believed – not very much is the simple answer. However, scratch below the surface and things are not as bad at Anfield as some would have you believe (Liverpool 10/3 – Top 4 Finish).

First of all, the season is only three games old and pundits and fans alike would do well to remember that 12 months ago Arsenal had just suffered a thoroughly embarrassing and humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United and were in the bottom three with just a solitary point to their name.

Strangely, Liverpool went to the Emirates and won 2-0 at the end of last August during that period as well so, bearing in mind how the respective clubs’ seasons’ eventually turned out, it is worth informing those tipping Liverpool to finish in the bottom half and the Gunners to go on a title charge, that nothing is ever won or sorted out in September (Liverpool EVS – Top 6 Finish).

There is, to quote an oft-used phrase, a long, long way to go yet.

Not that Rodgers’ Reds aren’t deserving of some criticism for their performances so far. The way they folded so badly against West Brom on the opening day was pitiful (especially as they had been the better side for 55 minutes) while basic, costly, individual errors from the normally-reliable Martin Skrtel, Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina have been rightly slammed too.

Also, the club’s failure, for whatever reason, to sign a replacement for Andy Carroll last week was bad business in anyone’s books. Rodgers now has very few attacking options and will need to keep his fingers crossed on a large block of wood that no more key men follow midfielder Lucas into the treatment room over the next few months.

But, despite all this, there are positives. It was always going to take the Northern Irishman plenty of time to get his methods to work at Anfield and to judge him and his new-look side so early on in the season is ridiculous.

They were well beaten in the end by the Baggies and the Gunners but that is not taking into account the first hour or so of both games when Liverpool could argue, without too much complaint, that they had been the better side and had definitely created the better chances without converting them. Of course that, in itself, is becoming a major problem and needs addressing if things are to improve.

Then there was the 2-2 draw against champions Man City that Liverpool largely dominated but again failed to get a reward from. A win looked a certainty until Skrtel’s inexplicable back-pass presented Carlos Tevez with a gift of a goal in front of The Kop. So, the Reds have just a point so far and face difficult games next at Sunderland away and then there’s a home clash with arch-rivals Manchester United to follow.

Hardly the sort of games any side wants as they aim to kick-start their season. However, if they cut out the errors, take the chances they are creating and get key men like Reina, Gerrard and Skrtel back performing to their best, don’t bet against Rodgers’ side having seven points in the bag come September 23. The critics might not be so vocal then.

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What did we learn this weekend?

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This time of the year is always a good one for sports lovers with a wide variety of action to choose from. Along with all of the regular action we also have the luxury of the Paralympics to enjoy as well. We look at what the punters can take from Saturday and Sunday’s smorgasbord of sport.

1.Liverpool have big problems

If this wasn’t clear already then Sunday’s game with Arsenal certainly highlighted how much work Brendan Rodgers has to do before Liverpool can even think about challenging for the top four again. Up against one of their supposed rivals for Champions League qualification, the Reds looked toothless up front and open at the back as the Gunners controlled proceedings. Rodgers admitted afterwards that it was a mistake to let Andy Carroll leave but he will no doubt be feeling let down by the club’s failure to bring in a replacement.

At this point in time only a lunatic would back Liverpool to finish in the top four at 10/3 and, if they carry on as they are doing, then they won’t even make the top 10. On the other hand, Arsenal look a fairly sure bet to finish in the top four at 8/13 having finally ended their so-called crisis with victory at Anfield.

2.  Robson has a bright future

What a summer it has been for 18-year-old Laura Robson. The British star followed up her Olympic silver medal in the mixed doubles with a fantastic run at the US Open. Robson eliminated former Grand Slam champions Li Na and Kim Clijsters to reach the fourth round of the US Open. While the power of Sam Stosur proved too much in the end there are certainly a lot of positives for the former junior Wimbledon champion to take away with her.

Robson still has a lot to work on, in particular her serve, but it could be that Great Britain finally has a female who can compete at the Grand Slam events.

3.  Wigan are the comeback kings of Super League

If Manchester United fans were impressed with their comeback at Southampton on Sunday, then they should have been at Craven Park to witness a remarkable turnaround by the Wigan Warriors. Trailing 26-0 at one point, Shaun Wane’s men managed to record a 42-36 win, in the process securing top spot in Super League.

The Warriors are 6/5 to come through the play-offs and win the Grand Final this year, a task which looks easily achievable after Sunday’s turnaround. Warrington and Leeds, who are 5/4 and 10/1 respectively, might have something to say about that but, after this weekend, you can’t look past Wigan.

4. London Welsh set for struggle

The new boys in the Aviva Premiership often don’t survive their first year in the top flight of rugby union, just look at Leeds Carnegie and their regular yo-yoing between divisions. London Welsh were given a baptism of fire on their Premiership debut at the weekend after being paired with Leicester Tigers.

While the Exiles team was largely unknown, especially after Gavin Henson broke a cheekbone in a friendly, the Tigers team had plenty of internationals, with the likes of Manu Tuilagi, Toby Flood and Ben Youngs in their starting XV.

The 13-38 victory for Tigers probably tells you what you already knew in that Leicester could be worth backing to be regular season winners at 2/1, while the Welsh have their work cut out to avoid relegation.

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Goalless Gunners face Anfield test

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Following Saturday’s Premier League action, there are three games to look forward to on Sunday with Arsenal’s visit to Liverpool the highlight at 1.30pm.

Liverpool v Arsenal (1.30pm)
Liverpool (11/10) have come in for criticism for letting Andy Carroll go without, in the end, bringing in a replacement but face an Arsenal (5/2, draw 12/5) side who similarly failed to splash the cash on deadline day.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers made it clear on Thursday and Friday that he wanted at least one more addition to his frontline but, for whatever reason, he failed to land Clint Dempsey from Fulham and now must approach the next three months will very little cover for Fabio Borini and Luis Suarez.

Scoring goals was their biggest problem last season and could well haunt them again this time around as, taking into account their Europa League games against Hearts as well as the two league games so far, missing chances have again been a feature of their early matches.

However, the Reds were impressive last weekend against champions Manchester City and, but for a shocking back-pass from Martin Skrtel, would have got a deserved 2-1 win, so there is optimism they can get three points against the Gunners.

Finding the back of the net has also been a worry for Arsene Wenger as Arsenal have begun slowly with two unimpressive goalless draws against Sunderland and Stoke.

The Frenchman will hope Oliver Giroud, Lukas Podolski and apparent Liverpool target Theo Walcott begin to fire soon, preferably on Sunday, as they look to get a win under their belts.

Despite a lack of goals from both sides, then, this one should be entertaining with Liverpool tipped to win by the odd goal. Go for 2-1 in the correct score market at 9/1.

Newcastle v Aston Villa (4pm)
Newcastle (8/13) host Aston Villa (5/1) after their Europa League success on Thursday and will hope to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at Chelsea last time out.

The Magpies began with a 2-1 win over Spurs and many believe they can again battle for a top-six spot after last year’s surprise bid for a top-four place. They host a poor Villa side and this looks nailed on a home win.

Villa have began the campaign dreadfully and last week’s 3-1 reverse against Everton was as bad a performance the home faithful witnessed under old boss Alex McLeish.

The deadline-day signing of Christian Benteke is designed to provide Darren Bent with a decent strike partner but it remains to be seen if a side who many are now tipping for relegation, can be revitalised by Paul Lambert.

Two games in remains very early to judge a side but the signs are not good for Villa and we cannot see anything other than an away defeat on Sunday to leave them point-less after three games.

Southampton v Manchester United (4pm)
United go to top-flight new-boys Saints (5/1) hoping to find a bit more rhythm as Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-chasers have been rusty so far.

A deserved defeat at Everton was followed up by a sloppy 3-2 home victory over Fulham and they will need to be wary of a Southampton side bound to be pumped up for what will undoubtedly be one of the occasions of the season at St Mary’s for the home fans.

Robin van Persie did get off the mark well last week and appears to have hit the ground running in his new surroundings so the Dutchman is worth backing in the first goalscorer market at 4/1.

Expect a tight opening 45 minutes in this one as Nigel Adkins sets his side up with two banks of four but United are eventually tipped to break them down with a narrow away win on the cards (Draw/United – HT/FT – 10/3).

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Blackpool can tame flat Foxes

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Blackpool manager Ian HollowayBlackpool are the only Championship side with a 100 per cent record but they face a big test at Leicester City, who are currently 8/1 to win the title outright, on Saturday.

The Foxes are considered one of the favourites to win promotion this season under Nigel Pearson but Leicester haven’t got off to the kind of start they would have hoped for, with just three points on the board after three games.

Blackpool could have been forgiven for starting the season slowly after defeat in the play-off final at the end of the last campaign but Ian Holloway’s men seem set to mount a sustained promotion challenge and demonstrated this with a 6-0 hammering of Ipswich last weekend.

In contrast, Leicester are in the midst of a mini-slump and even a home tie against Burton in the Capital One Cup in midweek didn’t offer any respite as the Foxes slumped to a 4-2 defeat.  Therefore, the freescoring Seasiders look good value at 23/10 to secure all three points in the 5.20pm kick off on Saturday, while the hosts are 11/10 and the draw 5/2.

Another side who have legitimate promotion aspirations this season are Nottingham Forest, who completed the signing of Henri Lansbury from Arsenal earlier this week. Lansbury is recovering from injury and will not feature as Forest hosts Charlton on Saturday but Sean O’Driscoll’s men should still be able to continue their unbeaten start to the season and maintain their 100% home record.

Forest are evens to take all three points, the draw is 12/5 and a win for the Addicks is priced at 11/4.

Gianfranco Zola’s arrival at Watford in the summer was met by some scepticism but the Italian has enjoyed a fine start to life as a Championship manager with six points from the Hornets’ three games to date.  Zola’s side travel to Derby County on Saturday, with the Rams still seeking their first win of the season.

Derby have only lost one fixture so far, at Bolton, but as Watford’s raft of summer signings continue to gel they will only get better and are great value at 2/1 to take all three points at Pride Park. Derby are 13/10 to seal the win and the draw is 12/5.

South Yorkshire outfit Barnsley are in the middle of an injury crisis and boss Keith Hill is without 10 first-team players for the visit of high fliers Bristol City on Saturday. Hill has even gone as far as checking what cars his players are driving, sitting positions and distances travelled to try and find the root cause of his injury nightmare and when it gets to that stage you know you’re in trouble.

It could be a case of damage limitation for the Tykes until they have a few more bodies back from the treatment room, including Egyptian forward Mido, and the visiting Robins could capitalise on Barnsley’s plight. City boss Derek McInnes brought in a number of attacking additions during the summer and has plenty of options available to him and the Robins will be confident of taking all three points back to Ashton Gate when they visit Oakwell on Saturday.

A win for Bristol City is 13/8, Barnsley are also 13/8 to pick up three points and the draw is 23/10.

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Perfect Prem starts under threat

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We are already into the third week of the Premier League season and, following the closure of the transfer window, there’s six games to preview on Saturday with the focus on if both Swansea and Everton can continue their impressive early form.

Swansea v Sunderland (3pm)

While judging a side with a new manager after just two games is often a fruitless exercise, as so many make a good start before falling away badly, it is fair to say Swansea (11/10 – match odds) and Michael Laudrup could not have envisaged kicking off the new campaign in a more positive manner.

Two wins and eight goals without conceding anything at the other end is a dream start in anyone’s books and the stylish way they have begun bodes well for the Welsh side and the Danish manager’s Premier League prospects.

Beating QPR and West Ham in such a convincing fashion means Sunderland (5/2) will enter the Liberty Stadium wary of defeat but Martin O’Neill’s men can, as the match odds of 12/5 suggest, get a point out of this.

New signings Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson have added quality to the Black Cats’ squad and they should be able to build on the midweek Capital One Cup victory over Morecambe by at least coming back across the border with a draw to halt the Swans’ early-season charge.

West Brom v Everton (3pm)

Everton were mightily impressive despatching Aston Villa last weekend and will hope for a similar outcome back in the West Midlands this weekend (11/8 to win).

Boss David Moyes has sculpted a hard-working, but quietly very talented, side with key men Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman pulling the strings in midfield.

The Baggies (21/10) have also made a good start under new boss Steve Clarke, however, and expect them to make this a much tighter game for the Toffees than they had a week ago. Despite that, another away win, this time by the odd goal, looks on the cards to ensure the Blues’ fine start continues with 2-1 to Moyes’ side appealing at 17/2.

Spurs v Norwich (3pm)

Another home game for Andre Villas-Boas against supposed inferior opposition means it’s another game the new boss should win (4/11) but all is not well at the Lane early on and there are already fans scratching their heads over tactics and subsequent poor results.

Jermain Defoe has signed a new contract and is a good bet to score anytime at 11/10 but anyone expecting a convincing home win here is mistaken. Norwich will look to be defensive and compact under Chris Hughton (8/1 to win, draw 4/1) and can dig in and frustrate Tottenham, much like the way West Brom did last weekend.

Another tight game is predicted then with Spurs tipped to edge it. Go for 1-0 at 6/1 in the correct score market.

Man City v QPR (5.30)

City have hardly looked like champions so far but should finally click into gear in a repeat of the game that sealed their unforgettable title triumph in May.

They made that clash hard work, winning 3-2, and were scared similarly by Southampton on the opening weekend before grabbing a  lucky point at Liverpool last Sunday.

QPR, who have former City chief Mark Hughes in charge – a man always keen to make a statement at the Etihad – will be bolstered by some eye-catching recent signings but they look like still coming up short with a comfortable home win set to be the outcome.

West Ham v Fulham (12.45)

Andy Carroll is set for his Hammers debut in this one and will be keen to prove a point after being pushed out by Liverpool, apparently against his will. The England striker adds a new dimension to what has been a misfiring side so far and expect goals at Upton Park with Carroll well worth backing in the goalscorer markets.

Fulham (15/8), aside from their midweek Capital One Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, have been good so far and nearly followed up their opening-day 5-0 win over Norwich with a point at Old Trafford. So they will be difficult opponents for ‘Big Sam’s’ side (6/4) and a draw (23/10) is likely. Take 1-1 at 11/2.

Wigan v Stoke (3pm)

Probably the least attractive game of Saturday sees the Potters go to Wigan with Tony Pulis’ side still looking for their first win following two draws so far.

Wigan, who overcame Southampton last weekend, are on offer at 6/5 to win and will find it tougher on Saturday. A difficult one to predict, with the draw tempting at 9/4, but a narrow away win for Stoke looks a good bet at 5/2.

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