Category Archives: news-t

Kenny can revive the Reds

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Liverpool head to the seaside this week (Blackpool 14/5, Draw 13/5, Liverpool 10/11 – Match Betting) looking for inspiration from a footballing great, with Kenny Dalglish already showing signs that he can wake them from their slumber – Blackpool, though, will provide a stern test for Dalglish and co.

Who would thought that almost two-thirds into the season, Blackpool would have been level on points with Liverpool – with one tipped to battle against the drop and the other fancied to push for a top four place.

But whilst the Tangerines have surprised many with their free-flowing football and attacking threat, the Reds (2-0 win – 7/1 Correct Score) have endured a woeful run away from Anfield – ultimately costing Roy Hodgson his job.

One away this season and just two wins on their travels – at Burnley and Bolton – in the whole of 2010.

There were some encouraging signs in Dalglish’s returning clash with Manchester United, but the visitors will have to produce the goods without their skipper as Steven Gerrard faces three games on the sidelines after his sending off at Old Trafford.

But Liverpool’s record is not as bad as you may think without their captain – wins over West Ham and Aston Villa and a decent showing at Spurs during his previous spell on the sidelines in November and December show that.

Joe Cole (5/2 to score at anytime) could be asked to step up to the plate in Gerrard’s absence at Bloomfield Road and the former Chelsea man certainly owes the Reds a big display after struggling to make an impact since his summer move.

A lack of goals will be a concern for Dalglish, but the open style of Blackpool could play into the hands of the visitors and, in particular, an out-of-sorts Fernando Torres.

The Tangerines (13/5 to be relegated) may have been on the end of an FA Cup shock at the weekend, but expect a whole host of changes for Wednesday’s Premier League fixture.

Ian Holloway’s men have only played seven games at home, mainly due to the harsh winter, and their form on home soil is not impressive. Only two wins have been secured at Bloomfield Road – with one of those coming against nine-man West Brom.

Just imagine the joy Blackpool would get from doing the double over Liverpool, following a 2-1 win at Anfield, but that result will also mean the Reds are even more determined to turn the tables.

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How Harry can earn his Spurs

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Tottenham have taken most of the tabloid headlines so far in the January transfer window with their move for David Beckham. But Harry Redknapp is never one to rest on his laurels and will bring in new faces during the month, but which ones could make a real different and help Spurs (28/1) take that next step and win the Premier League title?

The revolving door at White Hart Lane will be busy as it looks likely that Robbie Keane, David Bentley and possibly Niko Kranjcar could be on their way out, but the bigger question bothering Spurs fan must be: who will come in? And can they help them win the big prize? The signing of Beckham would undoubtedly increase shirt sales but might make little difference on the pitch, so who could really help make Spurs genuine title contenders?

Gary Cahill

One signing who could make a huge difference to help Spurs is Gary Cahill. The Bolton defender has been a revelation in recent seasons and it is no surprise to see his name linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal (10/3 to win Premier League title).

Cahill, 25, has been very impressive during his time at the Reebok Stadium and he looks a defender who could be a star at club and international level for years to come.

Harry has prided himself on having quality English talent among his Spurs squad and arguably he would have the best English centre-back pairing around if he had Cahill alongside Michael Dawson.

At this point in time there are a lot of defenders at White Hart Lane, but with constant question marks over Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate when it comes to fitness, William Gallas when it comes to age and temperament and the questionable quality of Younes Kaboul, then getting Cahill’s signature would benefit Spurs not just this season, but for years to come.

Andy Carroll

Up front Spurs’ strikers have not sparked as you would expect. Jermain Defoe can score goals but does little else, while Peter Crouch is good in the air but struggles to really score consistently. So Harry should sign someone who can do both and there is no better in the Premier League at the moment than Andy Carroll (8/1 to be top Premier League goalscorer).

While there may be questions about the Newcastle striker’s off-the-pitch antics, there is no doubting the new England man’s qualities when it comes to football. He has terrorised the best of defences in the Premier League so far this season and can offer more to Spurs than Crouch, Keane or Roman Pavlyuchenko.

A big-man, little-man combination of Carroll and Defoe – with Rafael van der Vaart in the hole behind and Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon like lightning on the wings and getting balls in the box – would make Spurs (11/8 for a top-four finish) a potent attacking force, giving Harry the best attack in the entire Premier League.

Leighton Baines

This may sound daft, but there is some good logic behind it. Benoit Assou-Ekotto is an able enough full-back, but if anything happens to him Harry will have to bring Bale back into defence. This would be hugely detrimental to Spurs’ attacking potential, so the best thing the gaffer could do would be to sign a quality left-back.

There are not many of these around at the moment and Baines at Everton certainly catches the eye, and he is also handy with a dead ball.

Harry has been linked with his Toffees colleague Phil Neville, but if he seriously wants a quality left-back then he should look no further than Baines. He could be the first choice at White Hart Lane, allowing Assou-Ekotto to provide cover.

Add these three top-notch English Premier League stars into the squad already assembled at Spurs (13/2 to win FA Cup) and they would have the quality and strength to win silverware this season.

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Hammers target cup cheer

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West Ham United and Birmingham City meet at Upton Park to kick off the first-leg ties of the Carling Cup semi-finals this week, with the opportunity to set up a trip to Wembley offering a welcome distraction for the relegation-threatened Hammers.

Avram Grant’s future at the Irons helm remains in major doubt, although a 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Barnsley eased the pressure on the Israeli for the time being.

An optimistic note can also be struck by his side’s progress to the last four of the Carling Cup, with a 4-0 Boleyn Ground demolition of Manchester United in the last round the major highlight. Grant’s men have also seen off Stoke City and Sunderland on their way to the semis.

However, West Ham are the outsiders to reach Wembley (evens for the tie) in a tie given extra spice by the former owner of the Blues, Davids Gold and Sullivan, having taken charge of the claret and blues.

City head to the capital as slight outsiders to win on the night (Birmingham 23/10 – match betting), but they are expected to edge out their London rivals to reach a first final since their heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to Liverpool in 2001.

Much of their strength is derived from a resolute back four in which both Roger Johnson and Scott Dann have been mooted as possible England calls, but goals remain hard to come by for Alex McLeish’s side and the Scot may be tempted to draft in striker Matt Derbyshire, who netted twice in a 4-1 weekend FA Cup win over Millwall.

Wednesday evening sees Championship strugglers Ipswich Town play host to Arsenal in a tie which is seen by most tipsters as a one-horse race.

The hosts, who axed manager Roy Keane last week and drafted in Paul Jewell as a replacement, were thumped 7-0 at Chelsea in the FA Cup third round at the weekend, while their league form has seen them win just once in nine games to plunge down the Championship table.

They have also scored a mere one goal in their last five games and Town’s dreadful recent form is reflected heavily in the match odds, which see the Gunners as overwhelming favourites for victory in East Anglia (Ipswich 15/2 – match betting).

Arsene Wenger’s men have their eyes on bigger prizes this season but having gone five years without a trophy, the chance of booking a Wembley final should be very tempting.

Town fans will be doom-laden when confronted by the fact that the Gunners have sailed through to the semis by despatching Wigan Athletic, Newcastle United and north London rivals Spurs, who scored the only goals that Arsenal have conceded in the competition this season.

Ten goals scored in three ties also show that the Arsenal attack is having few problems in firing in the Carling Cup, even though Wenger continues to use the competition as something of an avenue for experimentation.

With a place in the final seemingly certain, Wenger may be tempted to field a full-strength team in the home second leg, but whatever side takes the field at Portman Road it should still be more than enough to see off a downbeat Town outfit.

The only note of caution for Arsenal comes with the knowledge that new Tractor Boys boss Jewell masterminded Wigan’s shock semi-final success over the Gunners in 2005-06.

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Trio are FA Cup contenders

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History and the prices suggest it will be difficult for any club outside the usual suspects to win the FA Cup this season, but the third round showed there are still some shock results.

Following victory over Liverpool, Manchester United can be backed as the 4/1 favourites and it is not rocket science to make a case for the 11-times winners and seven-times runners-up.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side last won the trophy in 2004, but a kind draw away to League One promotion-hopefuls Southampton in round four means they should not have too many problems reaching the business end.

The each-way value might come by way of either Tottenham or Everton – and possibly Bolton.

Tottenham fans cling to the romance of years ending in the number one, so could this be the year the north Londoners get their hands on the trophy?

First, it would be folly to dismiss the threat of fourth-round opponents Fulham, but there is enough attacking intent to suggest Tottenham could come away with capital gains on the banks of the Thames.

Harry Redknapp, winner of the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, has created a shackles-off approach to winning football matches and Tottenham may view the competition as an ideal opportunity to get their hands on a major piece of silverware.

Tottenham have the third-best FA Cup record, winning the famour old trophy eight times, so Redknapp will be aware of its importance to seasoned White Hart Lane followers.

He also has enough match-winners at his disposal to know the Premier League top-four hopefuls can shock any of the big-guns on their day (Tottenham 13/2 – FA Cup Outright).

Everton have the small task of sending holders Chelsea packing but, like Tottenham, can turn it on against the Premier League heavyweights (14/1 Everton – FA Cup Outright).

They have already taken a point off Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea this season and beat Manchester City in their own backyard, so should not be questioned when it comes to upsetting the odds.

They have had a poor season domestically but the new year usually brings an upturn in fortunes in the blue half of Merseyside and stuttering Chelsea will not be rubbing their hands at the prospect of this awkward assignment.

Bolton, granted, are a price shout at 20/1 but the each-way value means they only – yes only – have to reach the final.

Wanderers have won new admirers under manager Owen Coyle and could be dangerous, if they first get past north-west rivals Wigan at the Reebok.

With the prospect of as many as five all top-flight ties, there will be some high-profile fallers but Bolton could just spring a surprise by slipping under the radar.

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Minnows embarrass Pardew & Co

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Bet on the FA CupNewcastle United manager Alan Pardew was just one of a number of bosses who were forced to apologise for their team’s performance on a day of shocks in the FA Cup third round.

We picks out the best rants and raves from this Saturday’s topsy-turvy action.

The magic of the Cup has been in short supply in recent years but it was back with a vengeance as the Premier League lost four clubs to lower league opposition, while another three face tricky replays before they can start thinking about the fourth round.

Easily the biggest shock of the day came at Broadhall Way where League Two side Stevenage (1500/1 FA Cup outright) took revenge on Newcastle after a 13-year wait.

In 1998 then non-league Stevenage took Newcastle to a replay before narrowly losing at St James’ Park.

However, there was no need for a replay this time around after Boro produced the performance of the day with a 3-1 win over the Toon.

Newcastle never got to grips with the youngest team in the Football League and after the match, Pardew was forced to eat humble pie, blaming the Christmas fixture list for their lacklustre performance.

“I can only say we are sorry for the result and for the performance because it was the performance level which was the problem tonight,” said Pardew.

“We were running on empty. It’s been such a tough sequence of games. The team was a shadow of the team which played at Wigan and West Ham. Our energy level just couldn’t match theirs. In both boxes we got dominated. The team looked tired.”

Pardew wasn’t the only boss looking for an excuse to explain his team’s defeat, with North-East rivals Sunderland (7/2 top six finish) forced to explain themselves after a 2-1 defeat to Notts County at home.

The Stadium of Light has been a fortress for the Black Cats this season, with just one team having previously won there before the League One Magpies came calling.

Notts showed the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal how to do it and after the full time whistle, Bruce lashed out at his side, slamming them for their under-par performance.

“Certainly by looking at what we have just witnessed today with six or seven missing, we simply aren’t good enough,” said Bruce.

“With six or seven (out), we simply couldn’t handle it, so that’s the disappointing thing for me.”

Middlesbrough completed a miserable day for the North-East as they were also embarrassed by League Two Burton Albion, the Brewers coming from a goal down to snatch the tie 2-1 in the last minute.

Joining the North-East sides on the FA Cup scrapheap will be West Brom after they slumped to a sixth straight defeat as they lost 1-0 at Reading (9/2 to be promoted).

The Baggies looked more at home against Championship opposition than they have done against the Premier League sides in recent weeks and they could be heading back there if results don’t improve soon.

Blackpool were also dumped out unceremoniously by League One Southampton, although with the Seasiders fielding a team made up of youth players, it might have been a shock had the Saints not gone through.

The trio of top flight clubs who hung on to their FA Cup status by their finger nails were Arsenal (6/1 FA Cup outright), Wolves (80/1) and Stoke (50/1) after their respective draws with Leeds, Doncaster and Cardiff.

Quote of the day came from QPR manager Neil Warnock after he launched an astonishing attack on the man everyone loves to hate, El Hadji Diouf.

The Senegalese international hasn’t made many friends in football and didn’t do himself any favours during Blackburn’s 1-0 win over QPR, apparently calling Jamie Mackie a ‘disgrace’ after he suffered a serious injury.

X-rays later revealed Mackie had broken bones in his leg and Warnock chose not to mince his words when talking about Diouf.

“I think for many years he’s been the ‘gutter’ type of boy. I was going to call him a sewer rat, but that might insult the sewer rats. I think he’s the lowest of the low,” said Warnock.

“I can’t see him being at Blackburn much longer because I can’t see Steve Kean putting up with someone like that in the dressing room when he’s creating a new image.

“I think he’ll be the first to go. Good riddance. I hope he goes abroad. I won’t miss watching him. Sign him? I wouldn’t want to talk to him.”

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Who’s next for the boot?

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Bet on the Premier LeagueRoy Hodgson has become the first Premier League managerial scalp of 2011, but you can bet there will be more before the end of the season.

It’s incredible to think that, in a league where Sir Alex Ferguson is into his 25th year of managing Manchester United and Arsene Wenger has been at Arsenal for 15 years, the life expectancy of a manager is so very short (Manchester United 4/6 to win the Premier League, Arsenal 10/3).

Hodgson came to Anfield as a hero, having led Fulham to the Europa League final in May. Yet in six short months he became a villain to the Liverpool supporters, who were chanting the name of Kenny Dalglish as long ago as November’s 2-0 defeat at Stoke.

Aside from Wenger and Ferguson, David Moyes is the only top flight boss to have been in the job for more than five years.

Tony Pulis at Stoke City will reach the five-year landmark before the end of this season as there is virtually no chance that the Potters will dispense of a manager who has taken them from the lower reaches of the Championship to being an established Premier League side (Stoke 20/1 for top six finish).

But who else in the Premier League can regard their position as safe these days, and who could be handed their P45 before the end of the season?

Harry Redknapp might be ruing his failure to land David Beckham on loan, but he has little else to feel bad about (Tottenham 28/1 to win the Premier League).

An excellent campaign in the Champions League and superb form in the Premier League make him just about the most secure manager there is. He has only been in charge for two years, but has made Spurs a real contender for the title as well as bringing exciting football back to White Hart Lane.

Gareth Bale has turned into one of the Premier League’s most outstanding players, while Redknapp’s signing of Rafael van der Vaart has proven to be inspired.

Moyes is closing in on nine years at Goodison Park, and while he is not under any real threat at the moment, he will be hoping to turn around the Toffees’ season (Everton 5/2 for top six finish).

Everton fans expect their team to be challenging for Europe, but they currently lie in the bottom half of the table and 10 points adrift of fifth-placed Chelsea. For many Blues fans, the only important stat is that they are currently above Liverpool in the table, although only by one place. However, the Reds have a game in hand over them and could become rejuvenated under Kenny Dalglish.

We can assume that, whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Alan Pardew is safe at Newcastle having been handed a long contract (Newcastle 11/1 for top six finish).

The same can be said for Steve Bruce at Sunderland, whose side have been a revelation this season and who are now bidding for a European place. The Black Cats are sixth in the Premier League table, just two points behind Chelsea, and if they can improve their away form – they have only won twice on the road – they have a chance of bringing European football to the Stadium of Light next term (Sunderland 7/2 for top six finish).

Owen Coyle at Bolton is secure in his job, with the Trotters seventh in the table and playing an attractive brand of football that has brought the good times back to the Reebok Stadium (Bolton 11/2 for top six finish).

Blackpool fans expected to be fighting a relegation scrap all season long, but Ian Holloway has made them the talk of the top flight (Blackpool 2/7 to stay up).

Holloway has taken a team struggling at the wrong end of the Championship and transformed them into a mid-table Premier League side who not only win matches but do so whilst playing entertaining football. There is more chance of The Blackpool Tower collapsing than Holloway being given the boot this season.

But let’s look at those managers who are in trouble.

Chelsea would not have to fall much further before Roman Abramovich decides to pull the plug on Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure. The Blues won the title last season, scoring goals for fun, but the last couple of months have been disastrous at Stamford Bridge.

They currently sit nine points behind leaders Manchester United, having played a game more, and Ancelotti has already all but conceded defeat in the title race. Chelsea’s home form has been good – only United have won more games at home – but away from home they are very fragile and have been beaten five times.

If Chelsea make an early exit from Europe, or suffer many more defeats to lowly teams, then expect Ancelotti to be handed his cards (Chelsea 9/1 to win the Premier League).

Having come so close to European honours last season, Fulham fans cannot be happy with the way the first half of the season has gone. Mohammed Al Fayed has backed Mark Hughes publicly, but he went into the festive programme with rumours that he had to win one of his next three games.

Fulham then beat Stoke 2-0 away from home, their first win on their travels this season, but they will need more days like that for Hughes to keep his job (Fulham 7/2 to be relegated).

Birmingham’s Alex McLeish is another man who is dining out on a reputation earned last season, when the Blues were rock-solid at home. This term they have only won three of their 10 games at St Andrews, and just once away. So far they have just about kept clear of the bottom three, but if they fall any further then McLeish’s odds of being sacked will shorten (Birmingham 3/1 to be relegated).

West Brom are no strangers to the Premier League’s drop zone, so their expectations are not high. Roberto di Matteo has put together a good squad, and the board are unlikely to make a change while the side are just about keeping their heads above water (West Brom 13/5 to be relegated).

Mick McCarthy’s side are capable of the odd shock result – take the win at Liverpool, their first away from home, as a classic example. But they have lost eight times on the road and rely too much on a home record which has seen them win five of 11 Premier League games. McCarthy is popular with Wolves supporters, but his popularity in the boardroom may be tested unless Wolves can get some breathing space between themselves and the bottom three (Wolves 8/11 to be relegated).

Gerard Houllier cannot be sleeping easily at night. Martin O’Neill may not have produced a side that was hugely entertaining, but at least they were always fighting for a place in Europe. Houllier’s side are fighting for their place in the Premier League, and the clock is ticking. Don’t expect Villa to have too much more patience with Houllier – a couple more bad results and he is surely a goner (Villa 4/1 to be relegated).

Wigan’s Roberto Martinez is a likeable guy whose side is hard working. How much more time that buys him is the key question (Wigan 3/4 to be relegated).

The Latics leak far too many goals – they have conceded 20 at home, which is four more than any other team. However, they are likely to give Martinez some cash to spend in January rather than sack him now. He must then turn their fortunes around quickly with a new-look squad or face the consequences.

Avram Grant, having battled manfully at Portsmouth at the end of last season, knows what a relegation dogfight is like and he’s been in one all season with West Ham. Every time they look like they can haul themselves clear of the bottom three, a morale-sapping defeat is just around the corner (West Ham 8/13 to be relegated).

The question now at Upton Park is will the board allow Grant to keep Scott Parker and bring in new players during the transfer window, or will a new manager be appointed and handed the cash? The odds are that Grant is only one or two defeats away from losing his job.

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Giant killers learn FA Cup fate

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The FA Cup third round may still be underway but it has already delivered the thrills and spills that epitomise the oldest club competition in the world.

There have been some notable giant-killings but in the fourth round draw, Southampton will be the happiest with what was pulled out of the hat on Sunday afternoon.

Nigel Adkins’s Saints beat Premier League surprise package Blackpool 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium through goals from Lee Barnard and Guilherme Do Prado on Saturday. While Ian Holloway did not exactly put out his strongest line-up, the old adage is that you can only beat what is put in front of you. That is exactly what Southampton did and they have been rewarded for their shock win by drawing Manchester United (4/1 to win the FA Cup) in the fourth round.

United overcame Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday afternoon thanks to a controversial first-minute penalty won by Dimitar Berbatov. That, coupled with a sending off for Steven Gerrard, compounded a disappointing afternoon for new Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, but United fans will fancy their chances in the next round when they travel to the South Coast.

Arguably the biggest shock of the FA Cup third round was League Two Stevenage stunning Premier League Newcastle 3-1 in a game which avenged their controversial defeat to the Magpies 13 years ago. Goals from Michael Bostwick and Peter Winn followed a Mike Williamson own goal and were enough to send the Broadhall Way crowd into delirium.

Graham Westley and the Stevenage fans will have had dreams of drawing one of the big-boys such as United, Chelsea or Arsenal in round four – but unfortunately it did not quite live up to expectations as they were paired with Reading. It will still guarantee another big crowd at Broadhall Way and added money into the club’s coffers though.

Notts County pulled off a major shock as they humbled Premier League side Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Paul Ince’s side travelled to the North-East knowing not many people gave them much chance against a side sitting sixth in the Premier League, but they ripped up the form book and pulled off a shock 2-1 win.

Goals from Craig Westcarr and Lee Hughes put them into the draw and they will face either Leicester City or Manchester City (11/2 to win FA Cup) in the next round.

It really was a dire FA Cup weekend for the North-East teams as, along with Newcastle and Sunderland going out to lower league opposition, Tony Mowbray’s Middlesbrough lost to League Two Burton Albion. Paul Peschisolido’s side’s reward is a trip to managerless Burnley in round four.

Elsewhere in the fourth round draw, there are four all-Premier League ties, with Bolton facing Wigan, Fulham taking on Spurs and Aston Villa drawn against Blackburn Rovers. Meanwhile, Chelsea (5/1 to win tournament outright), who thrashed Ipswich 7-0 on Sunday, will travel to face Everton at Goodison Park.

FA Cup fourth round draw in full:

Torquay v Crawley Town or Derby
Watford v Brighton
Bolton v Wigan
Arsenal or Leeds v Huddersfield
Fulham v Tottenham
Everton v Chelsea
Southampton v Manchester United
Swansea v Leyton Orient
Burnley v Burton
Birmingham v Coventry
Doncaster Rovers or Wolves v Stoke or Cardiff
Notts County v Leicester or Man City
Stevenage v Reading
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
West Ham v Nottingham Forest
Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe or Hereford

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Surprises in store in Europe

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It certainly is a tale of two teams in La Liga with Barcelona and Real Madrid head and shoulders above the rest and after a 5-0 win in the first ‘Clasico’ of the season, the Catalans look worthy 8/15 favourites to successfully defend their Primera Liga title.

The gap at the top though is only two points so it is up to Real to keep up the pressure in their pursuit of their fierce rivals, although they face a tough test this weekend when they take on Villarreal, who may have aspirations of sneaking second place.

On the face of it, Jose Mourinho has enjoyed a successful start to the season having garnered 44 points from 17 games, while also leading the club through the Copa del Rey and Champions League group stages.

The capital club have a perfect home record and have suffered just one defeat all season – but they are always going to be compared to their arch rivals and at the moment are playing second fiddle, while that one defeat was a hammering at the Nou Camp.

Real have meted out some punishment in eight home wins out of eight but the Yellow Submarines have only been beaten three times this season, look a massive price at 17/2 to pull off a shock win.

Villarreal are currently third in the league and have a five-point cushion over fourth-placed Valencia, who themselves are three clear of the chasing pack, so there is less pressure on the visitors at the Bernabeu on Sunday and they may be able to take advantage.

Real’s home record does look imposing, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo in fine scoring form this season, but Villarreal are worth backing with a goal start at 11/4.

Getafe probably did not want the winter break to come as they went into it as a form side in the division, on a five-match unbeaten streak including four wins on the bounce.

The Madrid minnows did lose on their return to action but there is no disgrace in coming off second best against their more illustrious neighbours, going down 3-2 at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Defeat at the hands of Real Betis in the Copa del Rey in midweek can work in their favour as they can now focus on an improving league campaign, which sees the club occupy seventh place in the table just one point off European qualification.

The recent good run also saw some notable scalps in Sevilla away and Villarreal and the Dark Blues can take the three points on Sunday against a struggling Osasuna side.

Jose Antonio Camacho’s men have struggled for goals this season, lie in 16th place just four points above the drop zone and Getafe can take advantage at 17/10 for the win.

Over recent seasons, Inter Milan have ruled the roost in Italy but Rafa Benitez has failed to fill the shoes of Jose Mourinho and the club lie in seventh, a massive 13 points behind arch rivals AC Milan.

The Nerazzurri have struggled on the road in particular and Catania, who have lost just once at the Stadio Angelo Massimino, can spring a surprise at 13/5 to make home advantage count on Sunday.

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Sunday’s FA Cup previews

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Wayne Rooney will face a fitness test on an ankle knock ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie between Manchester United and bitter rivals Liverpool (see FA Cup betting on totesport.com).

Rooney missed the midweek victory over Stoke and is one of two concerns for Sir Alex Ferguson (United 8/13 – match betting).

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been suffering from flu, so United may opt to give new signing Anders Lindegaard at least a place on the bench.

Lindegaard has just arrived at Old Trafford after transferring from Danish side Aalesund on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Paul Scholes, with a groin strain, and John O’Shea, with a calf injury, are both ruled out of the encounter.

Liverpool – who on Saturday dismissed manager Roy Hodgson – are set to recall Dirk Kuyt and are likely to axe either Joe Cole or Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool 9/2 – match betting), while Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Daniel Agger could also be dropped.

United go into the game 11 places ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League, having already seen off the Reds in the league at home when they won 3-2 in September.

Liverpool have won only one of their last seven visits to Old Trafford, losing all the rest.

Tottenham v Charlton

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp must ponder whether to give new signing Bongani Khumalo his debut against Charlton (Spurs 1/5 – match betting).

Khumalo starred at the World Cup and has been brought in to bolster Tottenham’s defence. With the pressure off somewhat away from the Premier League, this might be the perfect opportunity for Redknapp to see what Khumalo has to offer at this level.

Spurs will rest several first-team regulars, including Gareth Bale who picked up a minor back injury in midweek against Everton.

Among the players likely to start the game for Tottenham are Vedran Corluka, Sebastien Bassong, Niko Kranjcar, Sandro and Wilson Palacios.

Jermain Defoe is set to return after completing a three-game suspension, but Younes Kaboul is banned for the tie.

Charlton’s Paul Benson begins his three match suspension in a game where Keith Peacock starts his caretaker reign (Charlton 11/1 – match betting).

Young defender Matt Fry is available after he extended his loan from West Ham for another month.

Peacock has the job of lifting the players after Phil Parkinson was axed following the 4-2 defeat to Swindon.

Chelsea v Ipswich

Chelsea’s Didier Drogba may be forced to miss the third-round tie after picking up a knock in training (Chelsea 1/5 – match betting).

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will give late fitness tests to the Ivorian international, as well as Ashely Cole and Michael Essien.

Cole and Essien were injured in the shock defeat at Wolves in midweek, and have been unable to train since.

Ipswich go into the game on the back of a poor run of form which saw the end of Roy Keane’s time in charge at Portman Road (Ipswich 11/1 – match betting).

Caretaker boss Ian McParland is without three key men at Stamford Bridge. Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has been recalled from his loan spell, striker Rory Fallon is cup-tied and Grant Leadbitter is suspended.

Ipswich go into the tie 34 places lower than Chelsea on the league ladder, having not won in their last nine meetings with the Blues.

The most recent meeting between the sides was in the fourth round in January 2009 at Stamford Bridge, with Michael Ballack scoring twice in a 3-1 win for Chelsea. Ipswich have lost all three FA Cup meetings with Chelsea.

Leicester City v Manchester City

Leicester have been working hard to register Kyle Naughton in time to face Manchester City at the Walkers Stadium (Leicester 5/1 – match betting).

The Spurs player has been locked in talks with manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who hopes to have him available.

Leicester have had a double blow with news that Roman Bednar and Curtis Davies have returned to West Brom and Aston Villa respectively following loan deals.

Manchester City have not registered Edin Dzeko in time to face the Foxes, the Wolfsburg striker being restricted to watching this tie from the stands (Manchester City 4/6 – match betting).

Pablo Zabaleta is available after the FA overturned a three-match ban for the red card he was given at Arsenal on Wednesday.

Mancini’s men go into the tie 30 places higher than Leicester in league standings, and with the weight of history against them.

It is the 10th time the two clubs have been paired together in the FA Cup, and Manchester City have won seven of the ties. They have not been beaten in this competition since 1968, when Leicester won a fourth round replay 4-3.

Leicester have not lost in seven league and cup games at the Walkers Stadium, but they have a poor FA Cup record in recent times and last year was the first time in four seasons they got past the third round.

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Five potential FA Cup shocks

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Every football fan loves the excitement of the FA Cup third round and there is always a shock result somwhere. Several Premier League teams face possible banana skins and here are five potential surprise results………

Millwall v Birmingham

Kenny Jackett has got Millwall riding high in the Championship table and they are proving many doubters wrong this season. They are unbeaten in their last eight games and he seems to have found the perfect combination, as the Lions are scoring goals and not conceding.

Things are not looking so rosey for Alex McLeish, with Birmingham’s win over Blackpool in midweek their first victory on the road this season, lifting them out of the Premier League relegation places. They have only kept two clean sheets in 19 games in all competitions and that could be their downfall when they enter the Lions’ Den on Saturday.

Prediction: Millwall will add to Blues woes @ 11/8 for the win

Arsenal v Leeds

On paper this may not seem a likely shock, but this is a Leeds side that defied all the odds to knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup last season. Add into the equation the fact Arsene Wenger has already admitted he will rest a number of players for the clash, and Leeds’ chances do not seem quite as slim.

Arsenal have already lost three of their nine home league games this season, but the statistics show they come into the game in much better form. They are unbeaten in four, while Leeds have drawn three and lost one in the same period. It could all depend what side Wenger puts out and especially how his reserve defence copes with a dangerous Leeds attack.

Prediction: Leeds can get a draw @ 9/2

Blackburn v QPR

Blackburn are a difficult club to predict in recent times, whether it is the surprise sacking of Sam Allardyce, their swings from good wins to big defeats or their chase of Ronaldinho! QPR have had a much more basic season, just notching win after win, both at home or on the road. Neil Warnock has blended grit and determination with skill and flair and the Hoops look more than capable of giving any Premier League side a real game.

Prediction: QPR’s flair @ 5/2 to overcome Blackburn’s steely determination

Leicester v Man City

Sven Goran Eriksson is unbeaten at the Walkers Stadium during his time as Leicester manager and will be looking to get one over on the club that harshly sacked him after he led them to the top of the Premier League. The Swede also has another ex-City man in Darius Vassell leading his attack and the Foxes are becoming an increasingly effective force in the Championship.

It remains to be seen exactly what side Roberto Mancini will put out at the Walkers Stadium, but most football fans would expect even a City reserve team to be too good for Leicester. This season City have impressed and shocked in equal measure, so it is hard to predict exactly what they will do in the FA Cup.

If Sven can motivate his side and get the frustrating City, then their millionaire visitors could implode and the former England man could get an unlikely result.

Prediction: Leicester to hold City to a draw @ 14/5

Stevenage v Newcastle

This clash brings back great memories of the 1998 competition, where the home side – then non-league and still being called Stevenage Borough – held Kenny Dalglish’s Premier League Newcastle to a 1-1 draw at Broadhall Way, thanks to a goal from Giuliano Grazioli.

Stevenage are sitting mid-table in League Two under Graham Westley, but that controversial replay defeat to Newcastle still sits hard in the throats of Stevenage fans. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will not want the same bad memories of this clash that predecessor Dalglish had, and his side come into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 5-0 win over West Ham.

Prediction: For nostalgia’s sake, another draw @ 3/1

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