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Town looking to upset Gunners

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Bet on the FA CupHuddersfield Town are the next West Yorkshire club set for an FA Cup clash with Arsenal as the League One side head to the Emirates on Sunday (Arsenal 1/7, draw 13/2, Huddersfield 18/1).

Local rivals Leeds United were seconds away from pulling off a famous victory in north London in the third round of the competition but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

However, the Gunners were clinical in the replay at Elland Road and showed the reason why they are challenging at the top of the Premier League as they ran out 3-1 winners.

Huddersfield are currently third in League One and will be looking to cause an upset at the Emirates.

Like most sides who travel to face the Gunners, they will have to ride their luck but if they can keep out Arsenal for the first half they may be able to frustrate them.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been in a rich vein of form and look like they are enjoying the cup competitions this season.

The Gunners have already booked a date at Wembley as they beat Ipswich Town to secure a place in the Carling Cup final in midweek.

Arsenal should come out on top in this one as their strength in depth is likely to be too strong for Town.

In an all Premier League affair, Tottenham Hotspur make the short trip across the capital to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage (Fulham 2/1, draw 12/5, Spurs 13/10).

Mark Hughes’s side have managed to create a four point gap between themselves and the teams in the relegation zone as the Cottagers have picked up recent wins against Stoke City and West Brom.

However, Spurs are 10 places higher than Fulham in the Premier League and will be confident of progressing through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The north London club have beaten Fulham in their last three meetings and they should come out on top once again in this meeting.

In Sunday’s other all Premier League clash, Wolves host Stoke City in a West Midlands derby.

Wolves have welcomed the distraction of the FA Cup as they have struggled to pick up points in the Premier League.

Mick McCarthy’s side are level on points with bottom club West Ham United as they have only picked up one win in their last four outings in the top flight.

Stoke are enjoying arguably their best season in the Premier League as they look comfortable in 10th place.

Tony Pulis and his Potters players should be able to take advantage of the fact that Wolves will have their priorities set on avoiding relegation from the top flight this season.

Finally, Premier League big spenders Manchester City travel to take on Notts County at Meadow Lane (County 13/2, draw 18/5 City 2/5).

County have made headlines in recent years with talk of takeovers and big money signings, much like their opponents on Sunday.

However, the Magpies have not seen much of an improvement on the pitch as they sit four points above the relegation zone in League One.

With City’s star studded squad, which is blessed with riches, they should comfortably beat County.

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Top five bets for the weekend

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With the weekend fast approaching you might be thinking about what your plans are to occupy those days off before the dreaded return to work on Monday morning. As usual, sport will more than likely form a big part of the weekend and we have picked out what we feel are the top five bets to hopefully increase your beer funds over the next two days.

1) Murray to break Grand Slam duck

Every year seems to have been Andy Murray’s year for as long as he has been on the tennis scene for him to win his first grand slam title. Normally most people roll their eyes and claim he won’t get the better of Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer. Up until now that has been the case in the majors but with those two already out of the Australian Open, maybe this is finally Murray’s time.

The Scot goes head-to-head at Melbourne Park with Novak Djokovic looking to go one step further than he did 12 months ago when he lost to Federer in the final. The Serb has been on fire recently and is rightly the favourite to claim his second Grand Slam title. However, Murray has had a fairly ease ride to Sunday’s final and should be fresh for the challenge that the world number three will pose.

At 11/10 in a two-horse race Murray is worth a punt, not only to line your pockets but for patriotic support as well.

2) West Ham to get lost in the Forest

Everyone loves an FA Cup upset and in the last round we were treated to a few as Newcastle and Sunderland fell victim to giant killers Stevenage and Notts County. Now it could be West Ham’s turn to get egg on their face when they play Championship side Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday.

Billy Davies’ side have been flying in the league of late, winning seven of their last eight matches. Last season it was their away form which cost them a chance at automatic promotion. However, they look to have got that monkey off their back and Upton Park could be in for another dark day in what has already been a dreary season.

With West Ham having played extra-time in the Carling Cup 5/2 for Forest to win seems too good to ignore.

3) Molinari brothers present double trouble

At the start of the week, the name seemingly on everyone’s lips was Molinari when it came to discussing the inaugural Volvo Golf Championship. The course was brand new and it was anyone’s guess who would come out on top in Bahrain.

However, after two days of the tournament those smart enough to tip up either Francesco or Edoardo Molinari look as though they could be proved right. Edoardo enjoyed a remarkable second round, carding 65 to leave him joint top of the leaderboard. His brother Francesco is just a shot back on ten-under-par and both look to have taken to the course well.

Edoardo and Francesco are both 8/1 to win the Volvo Championship outright and it’s worth having a look at one or both of the Italians.

4) Everton to derail Chelsea comeback

The talk on Tuesday in the world of football was centred around how Chelsea were over their slump following a 4-0 win at Bolton. However, those who watched that game will know had it not been for a couple of gifts from the Trotters, it could have been another difficult night for the Blues.

They now face another difficult away game at Goodison Park against an Everton side who have caused Chelsea problems in recent years. The Toffees have lost just one of the last six to the west London outfit and expect Carlo Ancelotti to be thrown under the spotlight again if the Blues fall at Goodison Park.

Everton have been up for the big games this season and it doesn’t get much bigger in the cup than facing the holders at home. Everton are 5/2 at home to beat Chelsea and expect them to lift the gloom on their league season by mounting another cup run.

5) England to continue ODI comeback

Just when you thought England would blow what has been nearly the perfect winter in the ODI series with Australia they pull their fingers out and keep the best-of-seven-contest alive. The 21-run win in Adelaide showed England’s fighting spirit in not giving up and expect that to continue in Brisbane on Sunday.

We already know the Gabba has a fantastic batting track and it will be a case of who has the more penetrative bowlers as to who comes out on top. All winter England have had the bowlers capable of taking wickets at crucial times and if they can get past Shane Watson expect them to take the series to 3-2.

England and Australia are both 9/10 on to win the match so if you are looking for more value maybe look at the top England batsman odds. Jonathan Trott has been exceptional with the bat in the last two games and made 135 not out in the Test match at the Gabba in November. The Warwickshire batsmen is 7/2 to topscorer for England again.

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Eagles can soar past Canaries

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dougie freedmanDespite much of the focus being on the FA Cup this weekend, there are some crucial games taking place in the Championship with fixtures affecting both the top and bottom of the table. Crystal Palace could be the big winners, as they look to move out of the bottom three…

Crystal Palace v Norwich (Sat 3pm)

The Eagles may be struggling to maintain their Championship status, but they have shown signs of improvement under Dougie Freedman and the return of James Vaughan will be crucial. The Everton striker has return to Selhurst Park on loan, and having scored five goals in his previous stint this season, could prove the difference between survival and relegation.

Although their away record is poor, Palace have not lost at home since October – a run of six games – and they will be desperate to derail Norwich’s promotion hopes. The Canaries have surprised many this season, with late goals crucial for them in recent games. But Palace beat them 2-1 at Carrow Road earlier in the season and could be a good bet to do the double.

Match Bet: Palace to win @ 9/5

Hull City v QPR (Sat 3pm)

QPR still look the strongest team in the league, helped by a couple of useful additions during the transfer window ? Wayne Routledge and Danny Shittu. The R’s will be further tested though by a Hull City side, who has lost just one of their last 12 league games.

The Tigers have the second best defensive home record in Championship – conceding just six goals all season – and the goal-scoring threat of Matty Fryatt makes them serious play-off contenders. QPR have lost just twice away from Loftus Road and this looks like being a stalemate, which would be a decent result for both teams.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Millwall v Barnsley (Fri 7:45pm)

With just three places and two points separating the two teams, this clash at the New Den is a tough one to call. The Tykes have responded really well to losing their star man Adam Hammill to wolves ? picking up four points from a possible six since the winger’s departure, and their 2-0 win at Doncaster in midweek was impressive.
Millwall have lost just three of their 13 home games to date and have won their last four home league games, conceding just one goal in that run.

Match Bet: Steve Morison to score at anytime@ Evens

Scunthorpe v Preston (Sat 3pm)

These two teams are staring League One in the face, but both will remain hopeful of pulling off the great escape – three points here for either team could be crucial. Scunthorpe have the added pressure of being at home, where they  have gained just one win all season.

Preston meanwhile, will be buoyed by two back-to-back draws since Phil Brown took charge, thanks to two late goals. North End could go one better at Glanford Park this weekend.

Match Bet: Preston to win @ 7/4.

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Five FA Cup Predictions

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Bet on the FA CupThe FA Cup returns this weekend with 11 ties to get your teeth into on Saturday. And with it being the oldest cup competition in the world, shocks are guaranteed. But where will they come?

Everton v Chelsea

Chelsea have bounced back into some sort of form with wins over Bolton, Blackburn and Ipswich but could their first blip in five games come at Goodison Park?

The Merseyside Blues secured a 1-1 draw in the Premier League down at Stamford Bridge in December and while the Londoners have been no great shakes on the road, Everton have managed just three home wins in the league so it will be a big ask.

A more sensible approach might be to back the draw in this one which would take it to a replay at the Bridge.

Draw – 23/10

Bolton v Wigan

These two have enjoyed contrasting seasons so far and the derby meeting in the FA Cup could be the Latics’ chance to distract themselves from the fight against relegation.

Bolton have not won in the league since Boxing Day and although the two sides fought out a 1-1 draw on January 5, it is not out of the question for Roberto Martinez’s side to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Wigan to win – 4/1

Birmingham v Coventry

Blues are through to the Carling Cup final after a tremendous come-from-behind win over West Ham on Wednesday night but this could work against them in this Midlands derby.

The Hammers win is sure to have taken a lot out of the players and Coventry, who looked decent when losing at QPR in the Championship last weekend, boast arguably a better keeper than Robert Green in Keiren Westwood.

Coventry to win – 22/5

Aston Villa v Blackburn

Rovers have risen to eighth place in the Premier League under Steve Kean but they encounter a Villa side which seems to have turned the corner and now have Darren Bent on board.

The Lancastrians have not been any great shakes on the road this term but Bent is cup-tied and this could give them the edge.

Blackburn to win – 16/5

Southampton v Manchester United

Manchester United are looking to extend their record of 11 FA Cups to 12 and this trip to the South Coast should be nothing more than a formality.

All eyes will be on Saints youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who has been strongly linked with a couple of Premier League clubs including the Red Devils.

United Half-Time/Full-Time – 10/11

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Deadline day on the horizon

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The transfer window closes in five days and clubs up and down the Premier League must move fast to get their business done. There will be moves happening right up until the final seconds of the window so let’s assess which late deals could be on the cards, and how they will help teams over the remainder of the season.

Chelsea (7/1 to win Premier League title) have been linked with a £52m double bid for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero and defender Diego Godin, though the club have been quick to dismiss reports. The other big transfer gossip surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s side is they had a £17m bid for Benfica defender David Luiz turned down, but the Blues are confident of pushing through a deal.

If Chelsea hold out any hope of catching Manchester United, a club who have already stated they do not intend to bring anyone in, a new defender would be crucial to their hopes as their back four have looked more susceptible than in many years. A new top striker like Aguero would also make a massive difference as Anelka and Drogba are not getting any younger and have gone off the boil in recent months.

Arsene Wenger has been linked with a number of targets during the window, but what has to be his top priority is a central defender as Arsenal (13/5 to win title) are wafer-thin for centre-backs. It would be a massive surprise if Wenger moved for Jonathan Woodgate, as reports suggest, but it seems the boss might not be willing to splash the cash despite Lille midfielder Eden Hazard and Southampton’s teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being heavily linked with the Emirates. Many Gunners fans will be disappointed to hear Wenger ruling out bringing in new faces, leaving the Carling Cup as possibly Arsenal’s best chance of ending their wait for silverware this summer.

One transfer link that has refused to go away all January is Liverpool (28/1 to finish in top four) moving for Luis Suarez. There is no doubting the addition of the Uruguayan striker would improve Liverpool drastically, but with both clubs struggling to agree on a price it would not be a shock if no deal were done before the window closes. The same can be said of Liverpool’s interest in Charlie Adam as Kenny Dalglish seeks to improve a struggling Reds side for the second half of the season. New players are needed to inspire Liverpool so Dalglish could be busy right up to the closing moments of the deadline.

Sunderland have money to burn following the sale of Darren Bent, which despite the inflated price could be the smartest deal of the window as Aston Villa needed a goalscorer and that is exactly what Bent (20/1 to be top Premier League goal scorer) is, and so there are likely to be incomings in addition to the capture of Ricardo Fuller. Freddie Piquionne has been linked with a £3.5 million move, but he is not a patch on the goal-scoring talent of Bent, while Sulley Muntari seems to be on his way from Inter Milan. Sunderland have had a great season to sit in sixth, but unless they get a truly quality replacement for Bent they are likely to drop down the table.

Villa have done the second-biggest deal of the window with the capture of Bent, with Manchester City’s £27 million signing of Edin Dzeko looking likely to ensure they are United’s biggest threats for the title (City 12/1 to win Premier League), and Gerard Houllier could still be a busy man. He has been linked with Spurs’ forgotten midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who would offer a good attacking threat through the middle, and he would replace the under-performing Stephen Ireland – who seems likely to head out on loan, possibly to Newcastle. There is no doubting Ireland’s ability and if he got his head back in line then his talent would be a great addition to compliment Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton in Alan Pardew’s side.

The Robbie Keane saga continues to rumble on and there is no conclusion about where he is going to end up. A move to Birmingham failed to materialise, the likes of Wolves, Newcastle and Sunderland have all been linked, and now West Ham (4/7 to be relegated) are the latest suitors for the Spurs star. With seemingly half the Premier League interested in him it might be a case of just picking a name out of the hat, but it continues to look nailed on he will be wearing a new shirt by the end of the month.

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United show fight for title success

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Sir Alex Ferguson feels the way his Manchester United players stormed back from two-down to win 3-2 at Blackpool on Tuesday evening could be the defining moment in this season’s Premier League title race. However, with 15 games still remaining, can any club overhaul the Red Devils at the top of the table?

Looking ahead to an eagerly-awaited run-un, I’ll examine United’s main rivals in the battle to be England’s top dog come the end of the season.

Manchester United

It could be argued that the Premier League is United’s (8/13 Outright) to lose following that thrilling win at Bloomfield Road. Fergie’s Red Devils moved five points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table and maintained their unbeaten run from 23 games as they attempt to emulate the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04.

Dimitar Berbatov’s two goals at Blackpool saw him reach 20 for the season (4/6 Premiership Top Goalscorer), while last season’s lynchpin Wayne Rooney has not even got going so far this term.

Ferguson feels the England striker is due to come good at some point and if that does happen then it would be difficult to imagine anyone denying United their championship.

The return of the Champions League in February could take its toll on the United squad in the latter stages of the domestic campaign should they progress (United 13/2 Champions League Outright).

However, the same can be said of their title rivals and United have the strength in depth to cope.

Arsenal

Gunners chief Arsene Wenger has stressed that he wants his players to try and win every tournament they are involved in with the quadruple still on the cards.

No silverware has gone to the north Londoners since 2005’s FA Cup win, but that could be put right next month when they will contest the Carling Cup final at Wembley (Arsenal 1/4 Outright).

They face Huddersfield in the FA Cup this Sunday and also have the Champions League knockout stage to look forward to next month.

Arsenal’s young squad has suffered mentally under the pressure towards the end of recent seasons and that has resulted in their downfall.

However, success in the Carling Cup on February 27 could get the monkey off their back in terms of winning some silverware which could help them for the final two months of the league season.

The main problem for the Gunners is consistency – which they appear to have found of late with three 3-0 wins in their last four league games – as they will no doubt look back at costly home defeats to West Brom and Newcastle earlier in the season should they fall short again (Arsenal 13/5 Outright).

Manchester City

Roberto Mancini’s main remit for the season was to secure Champions League qualification for City (1/7 Top 4 Finish) and end the club’s long wait for some silverware.

However, as the campaign has progressed into 2011, many feel the men from Eastlands are still very much embroiled in a fight for the title (12/1 Outright) as they sit six points behind United, but having played one game more.

Inconsistency and a leaky defence is City’s main problem ‘ a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa and conceding three goals at home to Wolves recently highlights this perfectly.

However, City have always led from the front and the recent arrival of Bosnian hitman Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg could be they key to them keeping the pressure on.

If Dzeko hits the ground running then he could add a few more points on the board, while the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday February 12 could make or break their bid.

City’s other problem is their desperation to win a trophy could see them push too hard in the FA Cup and Europa League which might distract them from the bread and butter of the Premier League.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s shocking run of form in recent weeks looks to have put a spanner in their title ambitions (7/1 Premier League Outright) as they sit 10 points behind United and are in fourth spot.

However, following their spell of just one win in nine league games, Carlo Ancelotti’s men got back into the goals with a 7-0 thrashing of Championship side Ipswich in the FA Cup third round.

They have not looked back since with a 2-0 win against Blackburn at Stamford Bridge followed up by Monday’s 4-0 thumping of Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Many observers are claiming the age of Chelsea’s key men is catching up with them this season.

However, to counter that you could say the reigning champions have the experience of what is required to win games when the nerves start to kick in during the run-in.

John Terry rightly pointed out that they still have Manchester United to play twice and, should they win both of those matches, the gap could be down to four points.

But, with the Champions League described by Frank Lampard described as the ‘Holy Grail’ for the west Londoners, it would be no surprise if they focused their attentions on success in Europe (Chelsea 9/2 Champions League Outright) this season and just ensure themselves a top-four spot in the Premier League.

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Hearts to confirm title credentials

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One or two surprises at the weekend saw Celtic open up a five-point gap at the top of the SPL table, while Hearts showed they were genuine title contenders and wouldn’t you know it – they have been thrown together by the fixture compiler this week. Here is a look at all five matches taking place on Wednesday…

Celtic v Hearts

The Hoops now enjoy a little cushion at the top of the table but have been less than convincing on occasions at Celtic Park this season, having lost the Old Firm clash before enduring successive draws against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Dundee United and Kilmarnock before Christmas.

Celtic were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw at Hamilton two weeks ago but have followed up with successive wins against Hibs away and Aberdeen at home to lie five points clear, albeit having played games more than the other title challengers.

Perhaps surprisingly there are more than one but Hearts proved at the weekend that they are still in the reckoning – at least at this stage – after beating Rangers 1-0 at Tynecastle last Saturday – and they lie in third place, seven points behind Wednesday’s opponents but having played a game less – meaning there is plenty at stake for both sides.

Hearts are unbeaten in the top-flight since October 31, when they lost 3-0 at home to Kilmarnock, and go into the match on an 11-match unbeaten away run.

Any game at Celtic is never going to be easy but 5/1 about an away win does offer some encouragement, although taking the 3/1 on the draw is the advice, given that Georgios Samaras and Daniel Majstorovic are ruled out for the hosts, while striker Kevin Kyle and Calum Elliot are struggling to make it for Hearts.

Hibernian v Rangers

It is another trip to Edinburgh for the champions as they look to bounce back from a surprise defeat to Hearts last weekend, but don’t expect lightning to strike twice in this one.

Rangers are of course now without the services of Kenny Miller, the club’s top scorer with 21 goals, following his move to Bursaspor but they should still have too much firepower for Hibs.

Defender Kirk Broadfoot remains on the sidelines for the Gers but he is the only concern and Hibs, who are second-bottom in the table, have not scored in five games and taken just one point from the last 18 available, will not be able to hold out.

An away win at 4/9 looks appealing given the difference between the two sides but backing Walter Smith’s men (-1) on the handicap at 21/20 is the way to go.

Inverness CT v Aberdeen

Inverness lie nine points clear of Aberdeen in the table but have played two games more and are in the middle of a dismal run of form, having picked up just two points from the last 18 available.

By contrast the Dons have started to pick up some points under Craig Brown and actually lie fifth in the form table, with 10 points accrued from the last six games.

There was no disgrace in losing 1-0 at Celtic on Saturday – a massive improvement following a 9-0 loss earlier in the season – and look good value at 2/1 to upset the home side (11/8).

St Johnstone v Motherwell

This looks a tough one to call with St Johnstone, having played a game less, looking to close the five-point gap on Motherwell, who ended an eight-game SPL winless streak with a 2-0 win over Hibs last time out.

The Saints have a fully-fit squad to choose from with Jamie Adams recovering from illness but the Steelmen may have regained confidence following the recent win – which was the first since they beat St Johnstone 4-0 at Fir Park in November.

It certainly has the prospect of being a tight battle and at 23/10, the prediction is an honourable draw.

St Mirren v Dundee United

St Mirren do not have the best of home records this season, with just two wins under their belt, but take on a Dundee United who are struggling to win on the road.

Both sides have a raft of injuries to contend with and the advice is to go with yet another Terrors draw on the road – they already have six from 10 games – at 9/4.

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Dalglish eyeing Anfield comforts

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There is just one Premier League match on Wednesday evening as Fulham travel to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side who are still looking to turn the corner this season.

Roy Hodgson’s appointment as manager promised much for the Reds fans but he was unable to make it work during his brief tenure and paid the price with his job.

Returning hero Kenny Dalglish’s reign hardly began in spectacular fashion either as a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United and a loss to Blackpool next time out had the home faithful thinking ‘here we go again’ (Man Utd 4/1 favourites to win FA Cup).

But a Merseyside derby draw with Everton and 3-0 away win at Wolves have given the fans hope that Dalglish might just be able to work his magic once again and at least gain some respectability from the season.

Wednesday’s clash with Mark Hughes’ men will be far from straight forward, however, as the Cottagers are currently on a decent run and have taken 10 points from a possible 15, and they will fancy their chances of leaving the north west with something to show for their efforts (Fulham 5/1 to win, Liverpool 4/7).

Despite the revival, Fulham are far from safe with the bottom seven separated by just five points, although victory over Liverpool would move the west Londoners above their illustrious opponents.

Dalglish will, as ever, rely heavily on the striking talents of Fernando Torres, who seems to be ploughing a lone furrow up front at the moment until the possible arrival of Ajax’s Uruguay international striker Luis Suarez.

The Spaniard looks to be getting back to somewhere near his best but needs help up front although Raul Meireles has started to blossom into a real force in midfield and he has scored two goals in the past two games.

There is no doubt that Dalglish has revived the confidence and spirit at Anfield but that will only affect results for so long and it is improved performances and points that the legendary Scot is after, with his side still eight points adrift of sixth-place Sunderland and a possible return to the Europa League next term (Liverpool 13/2 to win Europa League).

Fulham made the final of that competition last season under Hodgson but have no chance of playing European football next season.

The transition from Hodgson to Hughes took some time to bear fruit but, despite the current upturn, the Cottagers are still just four points from the drop zone.

Clint Dempsey bagged a brace at the weekend and much will depend on whether he can gel with Andy Johnson in attack, with the latter still to find his scoring boots after such a long time out through injury over the past 18 months.

Pundits always believed that Hughes had the talent at his disposal to move the club away from danger and the return of key personnel has definitely had an influence on performances and results.

The outcome of the match will depend largely on which Liverpool side turns up but, with Dalglish looking for his first win back at his spiritual home and the crowd behind them, the hosts are tipped to win this one by a couple of goals – but they will have to work hard for it.

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Top 5 Midweek Tips

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There is plenty of sporting action to get your teeth into this week and here are the five best bets for those punters looking for a good value bet….

1 Villa to beat Wigan @ 11/8

Aston Villa are still well and truly in the Premier League relegation scrap, but their massive win over Manchester City may well kick-start their season. Darren Bent scored his first goal for the club on his debut at the weekend and his firepower should keep Villa moving in the right direction.

Wigan are possibly the most unpredictable team in the division, but a lack of goals could cost them against Gerard Houllier’s men and may ultimately cost them their place in the top flight.

2 Doncaster to win derby v Barnsley @ 20/21

These two South Yorkshire rivals meet at the Keepmoat on Tuesday and home advantage is likely to prove a crucial factor. Rovers have lost just twice at home this season and will be desperate to put back-to-back league losses behind them as quickly as possible.

Barnsley have lost their main attacking threat, Adam Hammill, and with just two wins on their travels may find themselves falling closer to the relegation zone.

3 New Zealand to defeat Pakistan @ 8/11

Having lost the Test series, the Black Caps are determined to turn the tide in the one-day series and already have a 1-0 lead going into Tuesday’s second ODI in Queenstown. The home side demolished the tourists by nine wickets in Wellington, bowling Pakistan out for just 124 in only 37.3 overs.

Tim Southee took five wickets in that match while Jessie Ryder smashed a half century, and New Zealand’s top order will have a key role to play in the second match.

4 Crewe to beat Bradford @ 10/11

Crewe have started to recapture their form in recent weeks and are now establishing a League Two promotion bid, following just two defeats in their last eight games. At home their form is particularly impressive, winning their last three at the Alexandra Stadium.

Bradford’s form has been patchy all season with just three wins on the road to date. Peter Taylor’s men are seventh from bottom and have lost their last three games.

5 Aberdeen to win at Inverness @ 2/1

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Celtic was Aberdeen’s first in six matches since Craig Brown took charge – that run also includes two away wins at Hibs and Hamilton. That run of results has seen them move seven points clear of bottom sport in the SPL.

Inverness may be four places and nine points above the Dons, but their form has been better on the road than at the Caledonian Stadium. In fact, Terry Butcher’s men have won just two of their 11 home games.

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Too much to ask for Town…

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Ipswich head to the Emirates on Tuesday holding a narrow 1-0 lead over Arsenal in the Carling Cup semi following the first leg, but very few people are giving them a chance of making it to Wembley (Ipswich to win in 90 minutes – 20/1).

The Tractor Boys were well worth their win at Portman Road a fortnight ago as Tamas Priskin’s late goal (3/1 to score anytime in second leg) set up the tie perfectly for the return in north London this week but, despite their lead, it remains a tough ask for the Championship strugglers to make it to Wembley.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger rested some of his top stars in the first leg but still included the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Denilson and skipper Cesc Fabregas, while youngsters Keiran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere also started.

The Frenchman is expected to name a similar side in the second game as he looks for the same sort of performance from his side that they put on against Leeds in the FA Cup third-round replay last week.

That display, which secured a comfortable 3-1 win, was a marked improvement from the one  at Portman Road but confirms that if the Gunners approach the match in the right frame of mind there can surely be only one winner.

Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wigan in the league came courtesy of a Robin van Persie hat-trick but the Dutchman could well be rested against Paul Jewell’s side on Tuesday with the goalscoring responsibility likely to again rest with Niklas Bendtner, or even Carlos Vela who came on late in the first leg.

Jewell claims he has already picked his side for the game and is expected to play Priskin up front on his own as he plots what would be a famous triumph (Ipswich 40/1 to win on penalties).

The new Ipswich boss is, however, without Lee Martin who is cup-tied but midfielder Colin Healy is set to play despite a minor groin strain.

Town are aiming for their first appearance in a major final since the famous FA Cup Final win of 1978 – which came against Arsenal – but it’s going to take a mammoth effort from them to restrict the Gunners, who have hit nine goals in their last three games and managed 42 from just 16 matches at home in all competitions so far this term – an average of 2.6 per game.

Two on Tuesday would be enough but a more handsome win – take 4-0 to the Gunners at 8/1 for example – is likely to be a more astute correct score bet.

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