Category Archives: news-t

Gunners can add to Toon fears

Posted on by
Reply

There’s another busy day of Premier League action on Saturday, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all looking for big results in the title race, while the Gunners could also put more pressure on Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Newcastle v Arsenal (Sat 3pm)

The Gunners have already won 4-0 on Tyneside this season, with a crushing Carling Cup victory, and Arsene Wenger’s men can torment the Magpies again on Saturday. Newcastle, just six points outside the drop zone, may have won at the Emirates earlier in the season, but the now-departed Andy Carroll scored that day and, with a lack of striking options, Arsenal’s normally shaky backline could have a trouble-free afternoon.

Match Bet – Arsenal to score in both halves @ 7/4.

Wolves v Man Utd (Sat 5:30pm)

Mick McCarthy’s men have beaten Manchester City and Chelsea at Molineux and will pose a real threat to United’s unbeaten league run. There has been only one goal in it when the two teams have gone head-to-head at Molineux in the Premier League, with Utd 1-0 winners last season and Wolves victorious by the same margin in 2004. Individual mistakes have cost the home side recently, but a solid display can see them earn a point, against a United team who have been less than impressive on the road.

Match Bet – Draw @ 10/3.

Man City v West Brom (Sat 3pm)

City have slipped off the pace in recent weeks and desperately need a big win to show their rivals and fans that they can still claim the title. A stuttering Baggies outfit may prove the type of opponents that City will relish, as they look to collect their eighth home win of the season. Carlos Tevez has already bagged five goals since the turn of the year – West Brom defenders beware!

Match Bet – Tevez to score 2 or more @ 11/4.

Tottenham v Bolton (Sat 3pm)

Spurs have struggled for goals in recent weeks and they strike force will be put to the test against a stubborn Bolton defence. Tottenham have won five of the last six meetings between the sides at White Hart Lane and now they need a win to keep in touch with the top four.

Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11.

Everton v Blackpool (Sat 3pm)

The Tagerines appear to be on a slippery slope with four consecutive defeats and Ian Holloway admits they need to stop the rot soon. They may well do that at Goodison Park this weekend, as they look to take advantage of Everton’s poor home form. David Moyes’ men have won just three of their 11 home games this term and the pressure from the home fans will make it a tense affair.

Match Bet -  Blackpool to win @ 6/1.

Stoke v Sunderland (Sat 12:45pm)

Both of these teams have aspirations of a top-six finish this season, with Sunderland looking to more likely to challenge for Europe. They will find it tough at though at fortress Britannia, with Tony Pulis describing Saturday’s match as a game his side “need to win”. The Black Cats lack of strike power is a concern against a strong Stoke backline as the Potters look to make it four games unbeaten at home.

Match Bet – Stoke to win 2-0 @ 8/1.

Aston Villa v Fulham (Sat 3pm)

Villa appear to have turned the corner since the arrival of Darren Bent, although that theory will be put to the test against an in-form Fulham outfit. Mark Hughes’ men have lost just one of their last seven games and are slowly pulling clear of trouble. On paper these two teams look evenly matched, although Villa’s attacking threat may just give them the edge.

Match Bet – Darren Bent to score first @ 7/2.

Wigan v Blackburn (Sat 3pm)

A Lancashire derby at the DW Stadium is another tough one to call, with both sides suffering from erratic form. Blackburn on paper look the paper side, but Wigan have the attacking flair that can break down any team in the league. Hugo Rodallega is the key man for Latics, a good performance from him and the points will go Wigan’s way.

Match Bet – Wigan to win @ 7/5.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Five Championship Selections

Posted on by
Reply

As everyone knows, the Championship always throws up plenty of thrills and spills and this weekend will be no different as sides jockey for position up and down the table.

Just ten points separate the teams currently occupying the crucial top-six places and the ball gets rolling at the Madejski Stadium with current leaders Queens Park Rangers making the trip to Reading.

READING v QPR (Friday)
Rangers have a five-point gap over Norwich in second spot although their humongous goal difference could well be worth another point on the day of reckoning in the second tier of English football.
Neil Warnock’s side have conceded fewer goals on their travels than at home this season but the Royals have lost just twice on their own patch so far and will be a tough nut to crack for the west Londoners.
Reading’s last home league defeat was back in October and they are bidding to avenge November’s 3-1 defeat at Loftus Road.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score @ 8/11

BURNLEY v NORWICH
Any QPR slip-up will allow Norwich to reel them in and while Burnley’s unbeaten run on home soil has now ground to something of a halt, the Clarets need something from the game to stay in the play-off place hunt.
The Canaries are one of only three sides to beat QPR this season, but that was at Carrow Road and they will need to be on their mettle to take all three points at Turf Moor.
Prediction: Draw @ 23/10

NOTTINGHAM FOREST v WATFORD
Forest are coming on strong after five straight wins in the Championship and if they win their games in hand would storm into the automatic promotion places.
The division’s form team entertain a Watford side who, like Norwich, have also beaten QPR – this time at Loftus Road – so a trip up the M1 is unlikely to faze the Hornets who have not won in three matches.
Prediction: Forest Half-time/Full-time @ 2/1

LEEDS v COVENTRY
Leeds occupy the final play-off place going into the weekend and one thing is guaranteed at Elland Road – goals, with 14 games producing 53 so far this term.
The Sky Blues’ form has been patchy at best over recent weeks while Leeds have drawn their last two league games 2-2 but this is a game Simon Grayson will know his men need to win.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 @ 7/1

SWANSEA v CARDIFF (Sunday)
Cardiff briefly topped the table earlier in the season but after 28 games they find themselves in fifth spot and trailing arch-rivals Swansea, who are third, by two points.
The Swans were 1-0 winners at Cardiff City Stadium earlier in the season and are unbeaten in the last five on home soil against the Bluebirds.
Prediction: Swansea @ 6/5

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Best five bets this weekend

Posted on by
Reply

The weekend is rapidly approaching with a full Premier League progrmme, plus plenty more sporting action to get stuck into. Betting opportunities are wide and varied and we will have a look at some of the best bets that could help boost the bank balance.

- Fulham to beat Aston Villa

These two sides have spent the majority of the season in the wrong half of the table but there are signs of improvement in both camps. Villa’s capture of Darren Bent has clearly given the Midlanders a shot in the arm, while Andy Johnson;s return for the Cottagers increases their goal threat. The duo are separated by just one point and both could yet be pulled into the relegation dog fight but, with sides below them struggling for consistency,  they should both escape the drop this term. Fulham have looked better than results suggest and they are now starting to reap the rewards, with 10 points from a possible 15, and are tipped to take this one by the odd goal at Villa Park.

Odds: Fulham 11/4 to win

- Liverpool to beat Chelsea

Three of the Premier League’s January signings scored on their debut, with Robbie Keane (West Ham), Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Daniel Sturridge (Bolton) all on target on Wednesday night. But it is the fixture on Sunday that immediately catches the eye as Fernando Torres is set to make his Blues debut against the side he left just six days earlier. The Spain international has not enjoyed his best season but had started to show glimpses of his undoubted talent prior to jumping ship at Anfield. But the Reds have won three in a row and beat Chelsea earlier in the campaign and, with the confidence gained from reaching the giddy heights of seventh in the table they are tipped to take all three points in west London.

Odds: Liverpool 9/2 to beat Chelsea

- Newcastle to draw with Arsenal

The Magpies’ faithful are still reeling from the departure of local hero Andy Carroll and the fact that nobody was brought in to replace him. With Shola Ameobi now out injured, Alan Pardew’s striking options are limited to say the least. The Geordies have already banked 30 points this term but will need to find goals from somewhere to reach the ‘magic’ 40 which normally keeps a club in the top flight. With that in mind, it would be no surprise if Pardew sets out to get just a point right from the start against the bigger clubs and Arsenal certainly fall into that category. It could be a case of ‘all hands to the pump’ for the home side but they are tipped to hang on for a draw.

Odds: Draw 5/2

- Blackpool to beat Everton

The Seasiders have been the surprise team of the season to date with 28 points from their first 24 games but have found it tough going since the turn of the year and have taken just one point from their last five games. But Everton have not fared much better with five from 15 and they are still below Ian Holloway’s side in the standings. Games involving Blackpool rarely fail to excite and they continue to entertain despite slipping down the table. This one has all the hallmarks of a cracking match-up with the away side a great price to hang on for the win in a high-scoring encounter at Goodison Park.

Odds: Blackpool 6/1 to win

- England to beat Australia 7th ODI

It has been a woeful display by England in the one-dayers and they deserve to be 5-1 behind in the series but this final encounter between the two old enemies gives Andrew Strauss?s men a chance to end what had been a highly-successful tour up until he start of the 50-over contests on a high. They are not as bad as the scoreline suggests and will surely lift themselves for one final push, with Australia now also suffering with injuries, as players on both sides continue to drop like flies.

Odds: England 5/6 to beat Australia.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Top Ten January deals

Posted on by
Reply

It was the busiest January transfer window since its inception, with a mixture of big-money deals, loan switches and free transfer moves. Here’s who we think are the top ten signings during the month…….

1 Fernando Torres (Chelsea – £50m)

He may have cost Chelsea £50m, but the Premier League champions are guaranteed goals from one of the world’s top strikers. Torres (20/1 Top Premier League 2010-11 Goalscorer) is still only 26 and his goalscoring record of 65 goals in 102 appearances for Liverpool highlights just what Roman Abramovich is buying.

2  Luis Suarez (Liverpool – £23m)

Liverpool (14/1 Top Four Finish) may have sold Torres and brought in Andy Carroll as his replacement, but Suarez looks set to be the man to deliver goals for the Reds. Ok, the Dutch league is not as strong as the Premier League, but 81 goals in 110 starts for Ajax proves he is deadly in and around the area.

3 Daniel Sturridge (Bolton – Loan)

Bolton have pulled off a coup with the loan capture of Chelsea youngster, who needs regular action under his belt. The former Manchester City man is still only 21 and with a run in the team, Sturridge could fire Bolton (20/23 to beat Wolves) into the European frame this season.

4 Darren Bent (Aston Villa – £24m)

It may have caused a war-of-words between Villa and Sunderland, but already Bent’s arrival at Villa Park seems to have galvanised Gerard Houllier’s men. A goal on his debut gave Villa (12/1 to be relegated) victory over Man City and they have won all three games since his arrival from Wearside.

5 Mark van Bommel (AC Milan – Free Transfer)

The Dutch midfielder was release from his contract at Bayern Munich and has joined Milan on a six-month deal. Van Bommel is another experienced name to add to the Milan (7/10 to win 2010-11 Serie A title) ranks and he will go in search for a fourth league title in a different country.

6 El Hadji Diouf (Rangers – Loan)

It’s fair to say the Senegalese international is not the most popular player with opposing fans, but the 30-year-old has the ability to be a big success in Scotland. Diouf had been a regular under Sam Allardyce but has been allowed to leave under new Blackburn boss Steve Kean, with Rangers (23/20 to win 2010-11 SPL title) likely to hand him a more attacking role.

7 Jamie O’Hara (Wolves – Loan)

The Spurs midfielder has moved to Molineux until the end of the season and could provie the guile that Wanderers (6/5 to stay up) need to avoid the drop. O’Hara has not played this term due to injury so will be fresh and has the experience of a relegation scrap under his belt after a spell with Portsmouth last season.

8 Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff – Loan)

The Welsh youngster returns to his former club in an attempt to bolster his match sharpness and he could get the Bluebirds’ promotion push (Cardiff 7/5 to be promoted) back on track. Ramsey is expected to be a Premier League star of the future and he will add much needed midfield options for Dave Jones.

9 Curtis Davies (Birmingham – Undisclosed)

The former West Brom man makes another Midlands switch, with a controversial move between big rivals Villa and Birmingham (2/7 to stay up). Davies showed his quality whilst on loan at Leicester this season and Blues need defensive reinforcements with Scott Dann out for the rest of the campaign.

10 Kris Commons (Celtic – £300,000)

The Scotland international has already shown he could be a snip, making an inspired debut in Celtic’s 4-1 crushing of Aberdeen in the CIS Cup semi-final. Commons scored in that game and his goal threat, as well as quality from set pieces, could be a key factor for the Bhoys (9/4 to win Scottish FA Cup).

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Tuesday’s EPL best bets

Posted on by
Reply

There are a full set of fixtures in the Premier League in midweek, with four matches taking place on Tuesday evening, and here is a look at the pick of the betting (Premier League outright and match betting).

Arsenal v Everton

Everton have a good record against the title chasing sides away from home this season having drawn at Chelsea and beaten Manchester City at Eastlands. However, Arsenal are already five points behind leaders Manchester United in the standings and know they cannot afford to slip up against the Toffees.

Arsenal won 2-1 at Goodison Park back in November and will be buoyed by the fact that Everton have a particularly poor record when playing the north London side away from home. Arsenal are also the form team coming into this fixture, having won their last five games in all competitions.

Robin van Persie has spearheaded this run having scored six goals in his last four appearances. He has also scored four goals in six games against Everton so get on him to score 2 or more at 4/1.

Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland provided one of the shocks of the season by beating Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in November and they can push the Blues close at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.

The defeat started Chelsea’s poor run of form but they have won their last two Premier League games to break this hoodoo. They have only won one of their last six on the road but this was a 4-0 mauling of Bolton, which suggests their troubles are now behind them.

Chelsea will be aiming to get back in the title race but Sunderland have top-six aspirations and will be hoping to consolidate their position of sixth in the standings. The Black Cats have only lost one of their 12 league games at The Stadium of Light this season and they are more than capable of picking up a draw (11/4) in this one.

Man Utd v Aston Villa

Aston Villa may be in resurgent form – and they may have won at Old Trafford last season – but don’t expect history to repeat itself this time around.

United have been almost unstoppable this season and are yet to succumb to defeat in the league. They will be searching for a ninth straight Premier League win at home and with Dimitar Berbatov having scored five goals in his last two league games, the Bulgarian poses a huge threat to Villa’s backline (Berbatov 9/2 – 2 or More goals).

Villa’s resurgence has corresponded with the arrival of Darren Bent and Jean Makoun, and they will be searching for their fourth successive victory in all competitions. Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored in three of his last four league matches against United and so 12/1 in the enhanced goalscorer market is definitely worth a nibble.

Villa and United drew 2-2 at Villa Park earlier in the season, with United needing two late goals to secure a point.

United have also won their last two games, against Blackpool and Southampton, despite trailing at half-time and with Villa’s new prowess in front of goal, this could happen a third time. Back Villa/United in the HT/FT market at 28/1.

West Brom v Wigan

This is a vital relegation battle at The Hawthorns as Wigan will aim to draw level on points with the Baggies at the bottom of the table.

West Brom are just three points off the bottom three after a run of six defeats in seven league games but they have won five of their 12 home games in the top flight this season and this could prove to be the difference.

The Baggies’ problems have been in defence – they have the joint-worst record in the league and have only kept one clean sheet all season – but Wigan have only scored eight times in 11 away games in the Premier League.

The signing of Carlos Vela on loan until the end of the season could be crucial for the Baggies’ chances of survival and he will be desperate to impress on his West Brom debut. He could act as a good foil for Peter Odemwingie so back him at 9/2 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Can Carroll fire Liverpool?

Posted on by
Reply

Liverpool have enjoyed a productive January transfer window as the Anfield side attempt to salvage their season and there have been plenty of changes in the red half of Merseyside (Match Betting – Stoke 3/5, draw 11/4, Stoke 5/1).

Key man Fernando Torres may well be on his way to Chelsea before the window slams shut at 11pm today, Monday, but the Reds have secured a ready-made replacement in the shape of Andy Carroll from Newcastle.

The Magpies rejected two offers from Liverpool before “reluctantly” agreeing to a transfer after Carroll handed in a transfer request at St James’ Park and Newcastle then accepted a £35million offer from the Reds.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has already snapped up Uruguay international Luis Suarez in January and the club legend will be hoping his new-look strike-force can help push the Reds up the Premier League table and possibly even challenge the likes of Chelsea and Spurs for the fourth spot (Liverpool 20/1 to secure a top four finish).

On paper Torres certainly has a better pedigree than Carroll, having played at the top level of football in both Spain and England for a number of years and with a fantastic goalscoring record, while Liverpool fans may question the player’s price-tag after just half a season in the Premier League, albeit a highly impressive one.

However, it is worth noting that the current campaign has been a fairly disappointing one for Torres in comparison to his previous exploits and after the striker handed in a transfer request it seemed inevitable he would leave before the window closed.

Torres’ switch to Stamford Bridge has not yet been finalised but following Carroll’s arrival on Merseyside it seems almost certain he will be a Chelsea player before 11pm today.

Liverpool currently trail fourth placed Chelsea by nine points in the Premier League table but the arrival of Carroll and Suarez could prove vital in their hunt for Champions League football next season.

The Reds remain massive outsiders to secure a spot in Europe’s top competition but if they can go on an unbeaten run things can change quickly – as has already been perfectly demonstrated by Chelsea this season after they relinquished a five-point lead at the top of the table, their own title hunt is now in tatters according to most pundits.

Carroll has not played since December 28 with a thigh injury but should return to action soon and if he can pick up where he left off he could well be the crucial man for Liverpool in their hunt for European football, while Suarez also has a prolific strike record and if he can adapt to life in England quickly he could prove another shrewd bit of business.

Torres may have struggled at Liverpool this season but there is no denying his talent and many pundits had suggested he is no longer happy at Anfield long before he announced his desire to move on.

The fact Torres has been unsettled could well account for his lacklustre displays and a move to Chelsea could see the Spanish star return to form, having shown glimpses in recent weeks, while the chance to link up with the likes of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge will have been hard to resist.

With Anelka, Torres and Drogba leading the line the Chelsea squad will receive a much needed boost following their unprecedented slump and they could yet challenge for the title at the end of the campaign, although it will take a massive effort with Manchester United currently 10 points clear of Carlo Ancelotti’s men (Chelsea 7/1 to win the Premier League).

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Championship selections

Posted on by
Reply

There is a full Championship programme on Tuesday evening with all the top sides in action. Can Premier League-hopefuls QPR extend their lead or will the chasing pack close on the top spot (Championship outright and match  betting)?

Queens Park Rangers v Portsmouth

Neil Warnock has revitalised the former Premier League club and they look destined to return to the top flight for the first time since 1996. But they have stumbled in recent times with just one win and six points from their past five games. Goals have been hard to come but they are still top of the standings by five points and take on Pompey outfit fighting for survival at the wrong end of the table. The south coast club have lost four of their last five and will surely return from Loftus Road empty handed on Tuesday evening.

Odds: QPR to win 8/13

Value bet: QPR to win 2-0 11/2

Norwich v Millwall

The Canaries sit in second place in the table having taken eight points from a possible 15 in recent times with a tricky clash against the Lions on the horizon. The south Londoners have taken 10 points from a possible 15 and are in decent nick at present, as they battle it out for a place in the play-offs. Norwich are looking to close the gap on leaders QPR but a draw is tipped for this one, with both clubs unlikely to give too much away at Carrow Road.

Odds: Draw 12/5

Value bet: 1-1 11/2

Cardiff v Reading

Cardiff are just one point behind Norwich with a game in hand and so every match is vital as they look to avoid having to go through the lottery of the play-offs. The Bluebirds’ form has been mixed of late and they have lost two of their past five encounters while winning two and drawing the other match. The Royals’ form has been similar but they also have the FA Cup to contend with having advanced to round five with victory over Stevenage at the weekend. This is a difficult match to call but, with home advantage, the Welshmen are tipped to shade a tight encounter at  Cardiff City Stadium.

Odds: Cardiff 21/20 to win

Value bet: Cardiff to win 2-1 7/1

Bristol City v Swansea

The Swans will need to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat to League One Leyton Orient but the loss may be a blessing in disguise with promotion to the Premier League the real goal this season. And they have shown decent form of late in the Championship with three wins,a draw and just one defeat from their previous five encounters. City are just five points above the drop zone and have one just one from five, with a disappointing 4-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough just a couple of weeks ago. The west country outfit do have home advantage but Swansea should have enough ammunition to take the spoils here.

Odds: Swansea 6/5 to win

Value bet: Swansea to win 1-0 13/2

Coventry City v Nottingham Forest

Fifth-place Forest have been boosted by the loan signing of Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky and were already full of confidence having taken 13 points from a possible 15. Coventry have not won in eight games and, despite home advantage, will struggle to contain a Forest side who believe they can regain their Premier League status this term. Coventry are safely in mid-table at present and Billy Davies’ men have much more to play for in this fixture – and that could be crucial.

Odds: Forest 11/8 to win

Value bet: Forest to be winning at half and full time 3/1

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Last minute movers’n’shakers

Posted on by
Reply

With the January transfer window coming to a close on Monday at 11pm, and so many players with their futures unclear, which clubs will look to make some last minute moves?

The end of the window has been an exciting time in terms of transfers in the past, with some big deals such as Andrey Arshavin moving to Arsenal from Zenit St Petersburg with just minutes to go.

This year there are a number of players who look set to make last minute moves either on permanent or loan deals.

The biggest name floating about is that of Spanish World Cup winner Fernando Torres.

Chelsea (7/1 to win the Premier League) have already had a £35m deal turned down by Liverpool for their star striker, which prompted the 26-year-old to hand in a transfer request.

The Reds turned down the request, however the latest news is that the Merseyside club would be willing to sell the player to the Blues but for no less that £50m.

If Roman Abramovich has the money in the coffers, Torres could make the sensational move to Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Former Chelsea winger and England international Shaun Wright-Phillips is another player who could be on the move before the window closes.

His current club Manchester City (12/1 to win the Premier League) have apparently turned down a transfer request from the player but are willing to send him out on loan till the end of the season.

Newcastle United and Fulham have been linked with the midfielder but it looks like Bolton are the front-runners to gain the player’s services for the rest of season, with Owen Coyle keen on signing the 29-year-old.

Former Magpies striker Obafemi Martins could be set for a return to the Premier League if he can complete his move to Birmingham City in time. The 26-year-old is on the verge of a deal that would see him move from Rubin Kazan to St Andrews.

One of the most exciting prospects from League One could be lapped up by one of the Premier League giants Manchester United or Arsenal.

Southampton’s Alex Chamberlain, who has been described as the next Theo Walcott, is the exciting 17-year-old who has been linked with a transfer up to the Premier League.

With Arsenal’s record of developing and playing youngster such as Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, they will be favourites to snap up the midfielder who has scored six goals for Southampton (17/10 to win League One) this season.

The final day should be full of movement with team’s desperate to freshen up their squads before the window closes.

Watch this space.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

FA Cup fifth round ties

Posted on by
Reply

Crawley Town have been handed the dream draw in the FA Cup fifth round as they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Blue Square Bet Premier side beat Torquay on Saturday to make it through to the last 16 for the first time. Another fourth round giant-killing side, Leyton Orient, will be at home to Arsenal, while Notts County would face Aston Villa at home if they get past Manchester City in their replay.

Here’s how the fifth round is shaping up:

West Ham v Burnley

The Hammers have shown their cup pedigree with a run through to the Carling Cup semi-finals, where they were beaten by Birmingham last week (West Ham 25/1 outright).

Boss Avram Grant will probably be thinking, privately, that the last thing he wants is another extended cup run when his real priority is a) keeping his job and b) keeping the Hammers in the Premier League.

However, the Hammers have good strength in depth and will probably look to use their fringe players against the Claret, while hoping that the Upton Park faithful will spur them onto the last eight. West Ham beat Burnley 5-3 in the Premier League at Upton Park last season.

Burnley boss Eddie Howe is likely to regard the fifth round draw with mixed feelings. On the one hand, with West Ham’s struggles this season, it is a chance for a cup upset. On the other, Burnley don’t want to be side-tracked from their main target which is reaching the play-offs (Burnley 80/1 outright).

The Turf Moor side are just five points behind sixth-placed Leeds, with a game in hand. They are unbeaten in their last two away games, drawing 0-0 at Scunthorpe then beating Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park.

Notts County/Manchester City v Aston Villa

Notts County will obviously feel that their one big chance of causing an upset came and went at Meadow Lane on Sunday (County 600/1 outright).

The League One outfit were just 10 minutes away from recording an historic cup upset when Edin Dzeko scored an equaliser, and now the trip to Eastlands will be very tricky for County.

It will be a chance for Lee Hughes, who has played at the highest level, to show that he can still outwit Premier League defences. But City should have the quality to come through and face Villa.

It will be an interesting match-up between a City team who have at long last laid down a title challenge versus a side who are still at the wrong end of the table.

City have already beaten Villa at home in the Premier League, Mario Balotelli scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 win, so Villa will know the size of the task that awaits them (Man City 6/1 outright).

But after a torrid first half of the season, Villa have begun to spark into life and they beat City in the return fixture at Villa Park, when Marcus Bent scored on his debut earlier this month. The fact that this tie will be at Eastlands should give Roberto Mancini’s men the edge (Villa 18/1 outright).

Stoke City v Brighton

Stoke did not field their strongest side away to Wolves on Sunday but were still the better side and deserved their 1-0 win (Stoke 20/1 outright).

They reached the fifth round last season, beating Manchester City and Arsenal, but were then handed the dubious honour of travelling to Chelsea and got knocked out.

Manager Tony Pulis has made it clear that he does not regard the FA Cup as a priority this season – he wants his side to reach 40 points as quickly as possible to secure a fourth consecutive Premier League season.

However, Stoke have already reached the 30-point mark and are big outsiders in the relegation market. They have not excelled at home this season, losing to the likes of Fulham and Blackpool, but they should draw a reasonable crowd to this tie and the home crowd are capable of lifting them.

Brighton produced a cup upset by winning 1-0 at Watford on Saturday courtesy of Ashley Barnes’ 17th minute goal (Brighton 150/1 outright).

Brighton fans well remember how an extended cup run can ruin a league season – they reached the FA Cup final in 1983 but were relegated from the top flight. And Gus Poyet would much rather his side stay top of League One until the end of the season than earn a sixth round place.

The Seagulls are likely to give it a good go, but will not be devastated if they lose at the Britannia Stadium.

Birmingham City v Sheffield Wednesday

The Blues are in the Carling Cup final courtesy of their aggregate semi-final win over West Ham last week. And certainly they are more of a cup side this season than a Premier League success, unlike last term when they were terrifically hard to beat at St Andrews (Birmingham 16/1 outright).

This season, they have only been beaten by Everton and Arsenal at home in the league, but have drawn six of their 11 home games.

The Blues managed an excellent FA Cup run last season, only going out to eventual finalists Portsmouth in the sixth round.

It’s hard to see Wednesday making the League One playoffs this season – they are in 12th place with plenty of decent sides above them. However, their FA Cup progress has kept the fans, who had expected an immediate promotion back to the Championship, fairly happy (Wednesday 150/1 outright).

Wednesday have been big scorers in the FA Cup this season, winning 5-2 at Southport in the first round then putting three goals past Northampton and Bristol City to reach the fourth round. They had to come from behind against Hereford on Saturday but did so in style with Clinton Morrison getting two goals as they won 4-1.

The Owls have been hit and miss for the last few weeks – they thrashed Bristol Rovers 6-2 in mid-December then were humbled 5-1 at Exeter next time out.

Wednesday have goals in their side, especially from Neil Mellor, who has scored 13. But they are likely to find this tie a step too far.

Leyton Orient v Arsenal

Leyton Orient rode their luck to beat Swansea 2-1 on Saturday. The Welsh side dominated the game but Orient keeper Jamie Jones performed heroics and the game looked to be heading for a replay (Leyton Orient 1000/1 outright).

Two minutes from time, Swansea captain Alan Tate sliced into his own net to give the League One outfit a place in the fifth round.

Orient have only lost one of their last nine league games, while their FA Cup exploits have been impressive as they put out Norwich in the fourth round and had won 8-2 after extra time in their third round replay against Droylsden.

Scott McGleish and Alex Revell are their goal merchants, with 13 apiece in all competitions, and they will fancy a crack at the Gunners.

Arsenal were lucky to get past Huddersfield at the first attempt on Sunday, needing a late winner from Cesc Fabregas. But in the circumstances they will be happy to have gone through, having played with 10 men for more than half the game (Arsenal 7/2 outright).

The Gunners are the only team who can win all four major trophies this season, as they are in the last 16 of the Champions League as well as the Carling Cup final. They should be good enough to breeze past their London rivals.

Everton/Chelsea v Reading

Chelsea will be glad to have brought Everton back to Stamford Bridge for a replay after the teams drew 1-1 at Goodison Park on Saturday (Chelsea 5/1 outright).

Salomon Kalou scored after coming off the bench as Chelsea kept on course to become the first team to win three successive FA Cup titles since Blackburn in the 1880s.

With their Premier League defence now looking highly unlikely, the Blues will very much be targeting an FA Cup triumph in May and should see off Everton in the replay (Everton 20/1 outright).

Reading won 2-1 at Stevenage in the fourth round on Saturday, but only thanks to Shane Long’s winner two minutes from time (Reading 100/1 outright).

The victory is not to be taken lightly, given what happened to Newcastle at Stevenage in the previous round, but Reading are one of a number of clubs who would much prefer league success to a lengthy FA Cup run this season.

The Royals are only four points off the play-offs, with a game in hand over sixth-placed Leeds.

They have plenty of quality players, such as Long, skipper Ivar Ingimarsson, Jobie McAnuff and keeper Adam Federici. But it’s likely Federici will be picking the ball out of the net at least a couple of times as Reading go out at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United v Crawley Town

United are not a team likely to slip on any FA Cup banana skins, though their defeat to Leeds in last season’s competition shows it is just about possible (United 5/2 outright).

Leeds were on their way to promotion from League One, however, whereas Crawley are hoping just to break into the Football League.

United have so many quality players they can bring in that even if Sir Alex Ferguson decides to make wholesale changes from his regular Premier League team they will be formidable. They showed in beating Southampton 2-1 at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday that they are good enough and fit enough to run lesser teams ragged in the final third of the game.

It might be a cliché to say it, but this will be Crawley’s FA Cup final. They were united, after beating Torquay on Saturday, in saying they wanted to be drawn against a big club away from home (Crawley 1000/1 outright).

The gate receipts will boost Crawley’s promotion bid, so they cannot really lose. They stand second in the league, two points behind leaders AFC Wimbledon but with four games in hand.

They will be in dreamland just to run out onto the Old Trafford Pitch, but in reality they are surely heading for a heavy defeat.

Fulham v Bolton/Wigan

This is the only tie guaranteed to be an all-Premier League affair, though it may not get the pulses of the neutral racing.
Fulham played superbly to knock out Spurs on Sunday, so they will go into the fifth round tie full of confidence (Fulham 22/1 outright).

The Cottagers are on a run of just one defeat in the last five Premier League games, though they know they have to improve their home record which has seen them draw five of their nine fixtures at Craven Cottage.

Mark Hughes’ side are still too close to the relegation zone for comfort, but know all about how a cup run can lift the club after last season’s Europa League adventure.

Bolton have performed wonders this season under Owen Coyle, though their away form has suffered recently and they currently find themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League (Bolton 33/1 outright).

It’s five away defeats in a row for the Trotters at the moment, so they will not relish another away date.

Wigan, if they get through the replay, know how tough Fulham are at home as they lost 2-0 at Craven Cottage in October (Wigan 50/1 outright).

The Latics have only won once in the league in 11 matches and staying up is not just the main priority for the club, it’s the only thing that matters.

Fulham will start as heavy favourites for this tie, whoever they face.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Top five European games on Sunday

Posted on by
Reply

Bet on footballThe FA Cup has taken centre-stage in England this weekend but the battle for supremacy goes on across the European leagues.

Here are the top five games on Sunday.

Inter Milan v Palermo (2pm)

Inter will be hoping their rivals and Serie A leaders AC Milan slip up on Saturday evening when they travel to face Catania as they bid to make up more ground on them in the race for the Scudetto (Inter 11/4 Serie A Outright).

Leonardo’s side have won four league games on the bounce to move to fourth in Serie A and are nine points behind AC with a game in hand.

New striker Giampaolo Pazzini could start if he overcomes an ankle injury, while Inter will be without Sunderland-bound Sulley Muntari. Cristian Chivu, Dejan Stankovic and Ivan Cordoba will all serve one-match bans while Julio Cesar, Milito and Wesley Sneijder are all injured.

Palermo will be no pushovers having moved up to seventh in the table with a 1-0 win against Brescia, but Inter should have too much at the San Siro.

Prediction: Inter To Win 2-1 @ 7/1

Osasuna v Real Madrid (6pm)

Jose Mourinho’s men could be seven points behind Spanish Primera Liga leaders Barcelona by the time this game gets underway should the Catalan giants see off Hercules on Saturday evening.

Madrid have struggled of late after drawing at lowly Almeria and scraping past Mallorca 1-0 on home soil last weekend. Therefore a win at struggling Osasuna could be imperative on Sunday evening.

Karim Benzema (9/2 2 Or More Goals) will look to make it as difficult as possible for new signing Emmanuel Adebayor to secure a regular starting place after he joined from Manchester City this week.

Osasuna are just a point clear of the bottom three at the time of typing and could do with some points for survival purposes.

However, with the heat well and truly on Real Madrid, surely they must win this one.

Prediction: Real To Win 2-0 @ 5/1

Espanyol v Villarreal (8pm)

These two sides have enjoyed successful La Liga seasons in their own right as they head into this match at the Cornella well placed in fifth and third position respectively.

Espanyol have been hit by the sale of full-back Didac Vila to AC Milan, while central defender Victor Ruiz joined Napoli earlier this week.

How this will impact on the home team remains to be seen given that they have won all but one of their home games so far this term.

Villarreal (21/20 La Liga W/O Barcelona & Real Madrid) have won their last two fixtures and will be brimming with confidence going into this one.

Prediction: Draw @ 12/5

Monaco v Marseille (8pm)

Defending champions Marseille (12/5 French Ligue 1 Outright) travel to the Stade Louis II boosted by their first win in six to see off Bordeaux last time out. This put them in fifth position and six points behind current leaders Lille.

On paper, it looks a banker away-win given that Monaco are struggling in second-bottom position with just three wins from their 20 Ligue 1 games this season.

However, the hosts will hope Mahamadou Diarra’s arrival from Real Madrid and the loan signing of Gregory Lacombe from Montpellier will start to pay off immediately.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw @ 5/1

Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (4.30pm)

The action in Germany’s Bundesliga on Sunday centres around the battle to avoid relegation as bottom club Borussia Monchengladbach travel to mid-table Frankfurt aiming to stay in touch with the teams immediately above them.

The game takes on extra significance as Michael Fink could make his Borussia debut against his former club after arriving at the Bundesliga strugglers from Turkish side Besiktas.

And he will be desperately hoping to get his career with the basement boys off to a flying start on his old stamping ground.

Borussia’s problems have been at home this season, where they have yet to register a win, while they have picked up maximum points three times on the road.

Frankfurt have lost four at home so it would not be a surprise if an away win popped up in this fixture.

Prediction: Draw/B Monchengladbach @ 15/2

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.