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Terriers to continue fine form

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Successive promotions from the third tier to the top used to be something of a rarity but in recent seasons Norwich and Southampton have shown back-to-back promotions are possible, but few would have backed Huddersfield Town to continue the trend.

Admittedly it may be too early to suggest the Terriers can upset the odds and secure a place in the Premier League. However, Simon Grayson’s men have shown they are more than capable of holding their own in the Championship and can continue their winning run against Watford this weekend.

Town picked up an impressive win over previously unbeaten Blackpool last time out, while Watford ended a run of four successive defeats in all competitions by picking up a draw at home to Bristol City.

Huddersfield enjoy home advantage and Grayson is expected to field the same side that saw off the Seasiders, with Watford set for a tough afternoon in Yorkshire. The Terriers are priced at a very attractive evens to take all three points, Watford are 11/4 to pick up a third league victory of the campaign and the draw is 12/5.

If you think Huddersfield can maintain their form over the course of the campaign they’re 11/2 to secure promotion, although it remains to be seen whether or not they’re genuine contenders or still riding on the euphoria of last season’s promotion.

Unlike the Terriers, fellow newly-promoted outfit Sheffield Wednesday have found themselves in the midst of a sticky patch after a fine start to the season.  The Owls have lost four consecutive league games and face a tricky trip to Wolves, who remain unbeaten at Molineux, on Saturday.

Wanderers may have slumped to a heavy defeat at Chelsea in the Capital One Cup in midweek but their league form has picked up after a slow start and Wolves should be able to make it four consecutive league victories by seeing off Wednesday on Saturday.

Wolves are 10/11 to secure the victory and take all three points, the draw is 5/2 and Wednesday are 3/1 to end their losing run and pick up their first league win on the road.

Cardiff have a formidable record at the Cardiff City Stadium with three wins from three games, scoring six goals and conceding just twice along the way.  The Welsh side sit in seventh place in the Championship table and will be keen to push their way into the top six but they face arguably their biggest test yet on Saturday when Blackpool visit.

The showdown, a repeat of the 2010 play-off final, promises to be a close affair with little to choose between the two Championship heavyweights but home advantage could be a key factor.

Cardiff are 13/10 to grab the win and maintain their fine form on home soil, Blackpool are 15/8 to bounce back from defeat against Huddersfield and seal the win and the draw is 5/2.

If you agree with all of our selections a treble of Huddersfield, Cardiff and Wolves pays out at accumulated odds of 8.78, and we think three home wins could be on the cards in these particular Championship ties.

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Brazil continue quest for Gold

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The Men’s Olympic Football tournament semi-finals take place on Tuesday and, aside from Brazil, there are some surprise countries in the last four with South Korea, Mexico and Japan all still in the hunt for the Gold medal.

Brazil are understandably the favourites for Gold (2/5) in what has often been a surprising Olympic Football tournament so far but they may not have it all their own way against a talented South Korea (9/1 to win Gold) side at Old Trafford.

In the other semi-final, Japan meet Mexico at Wembley with seemingly little to choose between the sides.

Brazil v South Korea

Brazil were tipped to win gold before the tournament got underway and remain firmly in the driving seat to achieve that feat ahead of the semi-final against South Korea.

They have impressed so far in the competition, although some games have been closer than many would have anticipated.

Brazil kicked off with a closely-fought 3-2 victory over Egypt before a more comfortable 3-1 success over Belarus and followed that up with a final 3-0 group win against New Zealand.

The talent in the Samba squad is undeniable with Chelsea new boy Oscar, Manchester United target Lucas Moura and established stars Neymar, Hulk and Alexandre Pato all contributing so far.

Goals have clearly not been a problem but they survived a big scare when just about overcoming nine-man Honduras 3-2 in the quarter-final and may be vulnerable at the back.

Not too many people are giving the Koreans a chance in this clash (Brazil 4/11, S Korea 13/2, draw 3/1 – 90 mins match prices) but they have shown plenty so far to suggest they can at least worry Brazil at Old Trafford.

Their victory over Team GB on penalties ended Stuart Pearce’s side’s involvement but, on the balance of play, they were the better team over the 120 minutes in Cardiff and possess plenty of talent in their squad.

Chu-Young Park and Bo-Kyung Kim are among several players to have caught the eye so far and they look a fit, organised and close-knit side who can handle the big occasion. A group win over Switzerland, sandwiched between draws against Mexico and Gabon, sealed their place in the knockout phase and they can approach the Brazil clash with nothing to lose as they are expected to be knocked out.

With that in mind, a draw at 3/1 after 90 minutes to take this game to extra time might not be a bad bet but expect Brazil to progress overall.

Japan v Mexico

Wembley hosts the other semi and totesport cannot separate Japan and Mexico in the 90 minute match market with both sides on offer at 6/4 to win while the draw after normal time is 11/5.

Mexico may be the more established football nation but at this largely Under-23 level, Japan have shown they are a country to be feared in the future with plenty of rising stars in their ranks.

Their shock 1-0 win over much-fancied Spain set the tone for the competition and they followed that up with a similar success over Morocco before holding an impressive Honduras to a goalless draw.

Despite being relatively unknown to much of the footballing world, Japan clearly have some top players with Maya Yoshida and Yuki Otsu among those to catch the eye. Their stunning 3-0, last-eight, win over Egypt means Mexico should be wary of what awaits them on Tuesday.

However, the Mexicans have been among the best performers in the competition so far and disposed of Senegal 4-2 in the quarter-final to lay down a marker for this last-four clash.

Spurs forward Giovani dos Santos has been one of their star men, scoring both goals in the 2-0 group win over Gabon and then the third against Senegal and he will again have to play well if they are to see off Japan.

They have other key men Japan will need to watch with the likes of Jorge Enriquez and Javier Aquino threats but, as the match odds suggest, this is tough one to call.

It could also go to extra time, and even penalties, with Japan tipped to just have the edge.

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Italy to continue Ireland blues

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Like all the other groups at Euro 2012, there is still plenty to play for in Group C and Italy will be desperate to claim all three points to ensure their qualification for the knockout stages when they face the already-eliminated Republic of Ireland on Monday (Italy 2/7, draw 9/2, Ireland 11/1).

So far, all four games in the pool have been absolute crackers but, after both Croatia and Spain beat the Boys in Green, the Azzurri will be expecting a comfortable win.

After a disappointing build-up to the tournament, Cesare Prandelli’s men have quietly impressed in Poland and Ukraine with two solid defensive displays, but will be looking to showcase their attacking prowess when they step out in Poznan.

Italy have often built their success on firm foundations but under Prandelli they have displayed much more offensive tendencies and contain a number of flair players within their ranks.

The most notable of these is perhaps Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale (7/2 first goalscorer) who looks set to start at the Municipal Stadium due to the lingering doubts over the fitness of the enigmatic Mario Balotelli.

Di Natale has been the top Italian striker in Serie A for the last few seasons and despite being relatively small, has the pace and trickery to trouble any defence.

The 34-year-old scored in the 1-1 draw with Spain and with this likely to be his last major championships, he will be desperate to make an impact.

The Irish have had a torrid time at Euro 2012 and, after being easily outclassed by both Croatia and Spain, know that it is now impossible for them to qualify for the quarter-finals.

However, despite their lack of talent, they’re certainly not short of determination and will not be overawed against their illustrious rivals, especially after they won 2-0 in the two sides’ last meeting.

For a number of Giovanni Trapattoni’s players this may well be their international swansong, as the young side that almost beat Spain at their last major tournament appearance in 2002 is starting to look weary and tired.

As usual, their chances of success will probably revolve around the performance of captain and talisman Robbie Keane (10/1 first goalscorer) who has so far remained coy on his plans for the future.

Although he may be past his best, Keane still has the talent to muster something out of nothing and will be desperate to prove he can cut it on the big stage.

However, despite Ireland’s best efforts, Italy should be more than strong enough to overcome them and, although it may be tight early on, fatigue could play a part in the latter stages, which may open the floodgates (Italy 7/1 to win 3-0).

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Ukraine looking to continue dream

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Ukraine take on France in their second Group D game on Friday looking for the win that will guarantee them a place in the last eight of Euro 2012. They stunned the Swedes in their opener so can the co-host do it again in Donetsk? (Ukraine 3/1, France 21/20, draw 23/10 Match Prices).

Group D always looked like it would be a tight affair and, true to form, England kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against France. Of the four teams, Ukraine seemed the weakest on paper but it is the east Europeans who hold all the aces going into the second round of matches.

Coach Oleg Blokhin had all but written off his side’s chances before a ball had even been kicked as he felt they had problems in defence and even more up front, but veteran striker Andriy Shevchenko rolled back the years to net a brace and give them a real chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals (Ukraine 8/13 To Qualify).

The 35-year-old former AC Milan hit-man was injured in the build-up to the tournament and it was thought that he might miss out, but the manager’s decision to hand him a starting berth paid dividends with two well-taken headers. He will lead the line again on Friday against Les Bleus and the whole nation will look to him to provide the goals that could prove crucial.

Despite the euphoria of the victory over Sweden, Blokhin has urged his men to keep their feet on the ground and make sure that Monday’s result does not go to waste. Neither Ukraine nor Sweden look like tournament winners but just getting out of the group will be considered a success for the hosts, who are in a transition phase and should be a force to be reckoned with at the next World Cup.

Andriy Voronin looks set to keep his place alongside Shevchenko and highly-rated youngster Andriy Yarmolenko, who provided the cross for the first goal, will need to find a way past the French to feed the front two. Ukraine will find the France side a tougher proposition that the Swedes, especially after Les Bleus’ opening draw with England.

Roy Hodgson’s men sat back and absorbed the French pressure and had the defensive skills to get away with it. It is open to debate whether Ukraine could last out using the same tactics and this should be a more open game with plenty of chnaces.

England managed to keep Real Madrid’s superb striker Karim Benzema in check for most of the match and it was down to a man who does not score too many goals, Samir Nasri, to gain his side a point. But Benzema is surely too good not to score at some stage of the tournament and the French fans will be hoping it is on Friday.

France played well at times against England but, in truth, it was a dull game with both sides lacking imagination in the searing heat. Therefore it is difficult to read too much into the French display as they were tipped by many to go far in this summer’s showpiece event.

Going forward, Laurent Blanc’s men will always be dangerous with players of the calibre of Frank Ribery, Yohan Cabaye and Nasri. But there are question marks over their defence and the Ukraine coaches will urge the midfield to try and get at the opposition early and force them into mistakes.

Defeat for France would not see them eliminated from the competition but would make it extremely difficult for them to qualify and, on paper, they should be strong enough to win this one. They are now unbeaten in 22 matches but it is three points and not just one they crave from the second group encounter.

Blanc and his men were criticised in their home press for not beating England but the coach has hit back at the critics and said that it was the England tactics that thwarted their attacking ambition. He was clearly not happy with the negativity surrounding their display and will want his charges to prove a point or two next time out.

Ukraine have already pulled off one shock and, with the whole nation behind them, they will be eyeing another three points on Friday but it may be that the Sweden victory was their ‘final’ and this may be a reality check for Blokhin and the home fans.

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Malaga aim to continue Euro bid

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Monday’s La Liga action sees Malaga look to cement their place in the Champions League qualification places courtesy of a win against Europa League hopefuls Osasuna.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men are currently in fourth position, two points clear of Levante in fifth.

Malaga travel to Reyno de Navarra in Pamplona on Monday evening looking to ensure they will take the fight with Los Che for the third spot, which avoids the need of a play-off to qualify for the Champions League group stage, to their massive upcoming showdown at La Rosaleda.

Malaga star Santi Cazorla claims they have “five finals” remaining, starting with the match at Osasuna this week.

Los Boquerones have been in stuttering form of late with just two wins in their last five games including a 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad last time out following on from a 2-1 defeat at Villarreal the week before.

However, they could be boosted by the return of influential duo both Joaquin Sanchez and Julio Baptista for the run-in which Cazorla feels could swing things back in their favour.

“Joaquin was in great form when he was injured and we are a much stronger side with Julio in it. They are two key players,” he said.

Osasuna are also in some inconsistent form ahead of the action with Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men losing three of their last four games, which included shipping five and six goals against Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano respectively.

However, they will know a win against Malaga could move them up the table and to within just two points of their opponents with European football very much in their sights.

Osasuna have also enjoyed the best of the recent head-to-heads with two wins a three draws in their past five meetings, including a 3-0 win in last season?s encounter on home soil.

Both sides would be boosted by picking up three points but Cazorla?s admission that Malaga would just be happy to avoid defeat on their travels – at Osasuna, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona – and pick up maximum points in their remaining home games against Valencia and struggling Sporting Gijon.

Therefore, it appears that both sides will cancel each other out and share the spoils.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 12/5
Value Bet: 1-1 Correct Score @ 11/2.

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Back Blues to continue play-off charge

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Birmingham’s 54th game of a already jam-packed season sees them travel to Lancashire on Tuesday to take on Eddie Howe’s Burnley, who are hoping to end a disappointing season on a high.

Following last season’s relegation, this campaign has seen a period of rapid change at Birmingham, with a raft of players taking their Premier League wages elsewhere and even their manager, Alex McLeish, jumping ship to their near neighbours Aston Villa.

With last season’s Carling Cup success meaning Europa League football this season, new manager Chris Hughton has had to juggle a busy domestic and European schedule as well as rebuilding a squad dismantled following relegation.

It is to his credit then that the Blues are well in contention for a play-off place. Last weekend’s 3-1 win at Doncaster lifted them fourth, with race for a top six spot becoming increasingly frantic.

Burnley, meanwhile, will be disappointed not to have been competing at the top end of the Championship this year. They were in the Premier League only two years ago but have failed to re-adapt to the rigours of the second tier since relegation.

Manager Brian Laws was sacked in December 2010 after a poor start to that campaign and highly-rated boss Eddie Howe was brought in from Bournemouth to guide the Clarets up the table. An eventual 8th place finish raised hopes of a sustained promotion push this campaign.

However, they find themselves well out of the play-off picture down in 16th place – well clear of relegation trouble but 10 points off the top six.

They will go into this game full of confidence after a 5-1 hammering of relegation-threatened Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday – their first win in eight games – as Howe aims for a strong finish to a below par year.

Their form at Turf Moor is a concern and a principal reason for their lowly league position. Only four sides have won less games on their home ground the Burnley this season. They have, however, only conceded 22 goals on home turf, with only two sides in the bottom half conceding less.

Those stats therefore would point to a narrow Birmingham victory but it pays to note that the Midlanders have built their promotion challenge on solid home form rather than away results; with 11 wins, eight draws and just one defeat at St Andrew’s this season. On the road they have already lost nine games – more than any other side in the top ten.

With poor home form meeting poor away form, making an accurate forecast is tricky, but with the season reaching its conclusion, City’s push for the play-offs could prove decisive.

Their spot in the play-off places is only secured by goal difference, with Blackpool, Brighton and Middlesbrough all joining the Blues on 63 points. Therefore the chance to move three points clear is one City will be loathed to turn down.

Therefore our tip is a narrow 1-0 to the Blues priced at 6/1, with the draw/Birmingham HT/FT forecast also worth considering at 9/2.

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Espanyol to continue Euro push

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Monday evening sees two big games in Spain and Italy respectively as Espanyol continue their bid for European football next season with a home clash against struggling Racing Santander, while in Italy’s Serie A Champions League-chasing Roma are up against Genoa.

In Spain’s Primera Division, Mauricio Pochettino’s Espanyol have slipped down to mid-table after a run of recent poor results. However, they finally returned to winning ways in comprehensive fashion last week with a resounding 5-1 mauling of Rayo Vallecano at the Cornella-El Prat, as new signings Kalu Uche and Philippe Coutinho grabbed a hat-trick and brace of goals respectively.

Espanyol remain in tenth position but the table is so congested that they are just two points of sixth spot which would secure Europa League football for next season, while fourth-placed Malaga are only four points better off at the time of writing. Therefore the visit of 19th-placed Racing Santander appears to be the ideal fixture for Espanyol to secure a second successive win which could take them fifth if results go in their favour.

Racing have only won once away from home all season and have gone five games without a win as they sit in second-bottom spot and are three points off the final position of safety. However, they have won on their previous two visits to the Cornella and will hope to make it three times lucky on Monday. But, looking at the fixture on current form, it is difficult to predict anything other than a comfortable win for Espanyol.

Prediction: Home Win 90 Minutes @ 4/6
Value Bet: Draw/Espanyol HT/FT @ 10/3

Moving across Europe to Italy’s Serie A and Roma play host to Genoa aiming to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Roma, who currently sit in sixth position and are five points behind fourth-placed Napoli, ended a run of two successive defeats with a 1-0 success against Palermo last weekend thanks to a goal from Fabio Borini. As a result Luis Enrique will be looking for his men to secure another three points on Monday when a mid-table Genoa side arrive at the Stadio Olimpico looking like they have little left to play for this season as they sit eight points clear of the relegation places.

The team news is mixed for the hosts as captain Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi will both miss out, but goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and defender Marco Cassetti are set to return to the starting line-up after serving their respective suspensions.

Genoa, who secured a creditable 0-0 home draw with title-chasing Juventus last weekend, are currently bogged down in a winless run with two draws and three defeats in their previous five outings so Pasquale Marino will be hopeful of some kind of result in Rome. He will be boosted by the news Alberto Gilardino suffered no ill-effects from his comeback against Juve and will be back in the team on Monday.

Genoa won the fixture on home soil earlier in the season, but Roma have won the previous two matches in front of their own fans and we see that trend continuing on Monday night.

Prediction: Home Win 90 Minutes @ 1/2
Value Bet: Roma 2-0 Genoa Correct Score @ 11/2

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Spurs to continue winning streak

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After another interesting week of European action the Premier League returns on Saturday, with eight matches in total. While Manchester United v Newcastle might be the standout game, we look at three which might offer a bit more value for money, headed by in-form Tottenham.

West Brom v Tottenham (3pm)

After taking a beating at the hands of the two Manchester clubs in their opening two matches, Tottenham have been on a storming run of form which has seen them climb up to third in the table. Monday’s win over Aston Villa was as complete a performance as Harry Redknapp could have wished for on his return to the dugout. The likes of Luka Modric, Scott Parker and Gareth Bale have all be in excellent form and they look set to carry that into Saturday’s clash at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies might have won last week against Bolton, but they looked so tame before that against Arsenal and Liverpool that you can’t help but fear for them.

You know what you are going to get with Roy Hodgson’s team, a well drilled unit that will be tough to break down. However, going forward they have looked decidedly toothless without Peter Odemwingie, who looks unlikely to face Spurs.

If recent performances are anything to go by Tottenham will probably have this game wrapped up at half time, therefore the bet to go for could be Spurs HT/FT @ 15/8.

Bolton v Everton (3pm)

With six points separating 17th-placed Bolton and Aston Villa in eighth, both these clubs know a win at the Reebok Stadium could shoot them up the league and give them a bit of breathing space.

Bolton’s problems have been well documented this season, the Trotters starting the campaign with a run of results against Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea that have seriously dented their confidence.

While their last home game resulted in a 5-0 win over Stoke, Everton will be a much tougher nut to crack. Last week’s defeat to West Brom might have knocked some of the stuffing out of Owen Coyle’s men and the Toffees come into this game off the back of a win over Wolves.

Much like Bolton, Everton have had a nasty run of fixtures, which saw them play Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all before November arrived. However, against teams in and around them David Moyes’ men have done the business, winning four out six against those sides in mid-table. With that in mind Everton to win @ 13/10 looks a good price.

Norwich v Queens Park Rangers (3pm)

These two teams have made very respectable starts to life back in the Premier League after promotion last season, Rangers picking up 15 points and the Canaries just two less. In their two meetings in the Championship last season it was Norwich who got the better of things, beating QPR 1-0 at home and picking up a point at Loftus Road.

At home this season, Norwich probably haven’t picked up as many points as they would have liked, winning just two of their six matches on their own patch so far. In contrast, Neil Warnock will be very pleased with R’s away form, aside from a 6-0 defeat to Fulham. The Hoops have won three out of six on the road, including last week’s impressive victory against Stoke.

On paper these two look fairly well matched. QPR might have a few more star names but Norwich have proven how much a club can achieve if they share a mindset and stay as a collective unit. With that in mind, it is time to sit on the fence and plump for the draw @ 23/10.

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Fulham continue Europa Crusade

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The long road towards the Europa League proper continues this week and on Thursday there are seven teams from Britain and Ireland involved in the second qualifying round.
The majority can only dream of the reaching the tournament proper, but here is our guide to the home nations’ best chances in the second qualifying round.

Crusaders v Fulham

The Cottagers secured their clash with Crusaders (9/1 to win the game) of Northern Ireland thanks to a 3-0 aggregate win over NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands.

If you look at the side put out by Martin Jol in the legs against Runavik you get an idea of how seriously Fulham (2/11 to win) are taking this Europa League qualifying. They put out a full-strength side in the first leg, with only a few young faces on the bench, and are likely to do the same against Crusaders – at least in the first match between the two sides in Northern Ireland on Thursday.

Crusaders finished second in the Irish league last season and Northern Irish international defender Colin Coates will be a massive loss for them, as he could have contended with the likes of England striker Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson.

Chris Morris is also missing for the part-timers as they look to cause a shock in their first game against top-flight English opposition since 1976.

Fulham should not be overly worried about facing Crusaders in Belfast as, even if things go awry on Thursday, they have won six straight Europa League games at Craven Cottage so would fancy themselves to finish the Irish side off next week (The Draw 5/1).

Crusaders are going to be rusty as this is their first game in the Europa League qualifying but are likely to be up for it against Fulham.

However, nothing other than a win for Jol’s men seems on the cards here.
Slask Wroclaw v Dundee United

Dundee United (14/5 to win) travel to Poland to face Slask Wroclaw, who finished runners-up in the Polish First Division last season. The Tangerines face a tough task in the first leg against a strong Slask Wroclaw (4/5 to win, 12/5 draw) outfit.

Manager Peter Houston has a depleted squad to take with him to Poland as giant centre-half Garry Kenneth is the latest name ruled out through injury. Danny Swanson and Scott Robertson are also unavailable, with the boss admitting the Tangerines are “down to the bare bones”.

Celtic keeper and former Dundee United goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska has warned his former employers to keep their eye on Slask Wroclaw’s dangerman Sebastian Mila.

He is the Polish side’s star player but Zaluska reckons they are not a one-man team and pose a number of threats to the Tangerines. Dundee United are taking just under 500 supporters to Poland and they could need all that support if they are to dream of making it to the play-off stage like they did last season.

Shakhter Karagandy v St Patrick’s Athletic

FC Shakhtyor Karaganda of Kazakhstan came through past Koper of Slovenia in the first qualifying round to face Ireland’s St Patricks Athletic – who overcame IBV. Both teams’ domestic league campaigns are underway and they are riding high in their respective competitions.

St Patrick’s are second in the Airtricity Premier League and have impressed in attack so far this season, while Shakhter Karagandy are a tough side and currently sit third in their Premier Division, with Kazakhstan native Sergei Khizhnichenko firing 11 goals already.

The Irish side are heading into the unknown but should have the ability to score over in Kazakhstan, which would put them in a great position heading into the second leg in Ireland.

And The Rest:

Llanelli face a massive challenge against the Georgian side of Dinamo Tbilisi, especially considering they are without Craig Moses, Martyn Giles, Chris Holloway, Chris Venables and Rhys Griffiths through suspension. (Llanelli 9/2 to win, Tblisi 1/2, draw 11/4).

The New Saints could have a secret weapon up their sleeves against the Danish team FC Midtjylland in the shape of their artificial pitch. Cliftonville, who they overcame in the first round, struggled to cope but Midtjylland, who finished fourth in the Danish Superliga, will pose a much tougher threat (New Saints 18/5, Midtjylland 8/13, draw 5/2).

Glentoran are going to be without some key players for their clash with Vorskla Poltava. They overcame FC Renova of Macedonia in the first round to book the game with the Ukranians but the loss of Colin Nixon, Jonny Taylor, Sean Ward, Richard Clarke and Elliot Morris will hamper their chances of victory (Glentoran 18/5, Poltava 8/13, draw 5/2).

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Liverpool continue push for Europe

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Bet on the Premier LeagueThere is just one Premier League fixture on Monday night as Fulham host Liverpool, with the visitors in line to move into fifth spot as long as they don’t lose.

Liverpool trail Spurs by just one point but the Reds have a superior goal difference and a point at Craven Cottage would see them move into fifth, the only spot that comes with a Europa League place as a result of Birmingham’s Carling Cup win and Stoke’s upcoming FA Cup final appearance.

European football seemed beyond Liverpool just a few weeks ago but Spurs’ poor form has seen the Merseyside outfit close the gap and they will be desperate to bring European football to Anfield next season, even if it is not in the Champions League.

However, Fulham, who are 19/10 to secure the win, are a strong side on home soil and have enjoyed a return to form of late. The Cottagers have lost just three games at Craven Cottage this season and Liverpool will face a battle to take all three points on Monday night.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is hopeful that Clint Dempsey, who has been struggling with a hamstring strain, will be fit to face the Reds. The American midfielder, who is 6/1 to score the first goal, is the Cottagers’ top scorer this season and Hughes will be eager for Dempsey to shrug off his injury complaint and take a place in the starting line up.

Brede Hangeland missed Fulham’s 3-0 win at Sunderland last time out through illness but is available to face Liverpool. Reds striker Andy Carroll is now fit following a knee problem and Hangeland’s aerial presence could be crucial in keeping the £35million January buy at bay during the showdown. Carroll is 13/8 to score at any time, while Fulham are 12/5 to keep a clean sheet.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has reported no new injury concerns but the visitors will again be without Steven Gerrard, who has a groin problem, and Daniel Agger, who has a knee injury.

Both teams head into the fixture on Monday in decent form and Fulham, who are safe from the drop, will be keen to break into the top eight as they seek to finish the season strongly.

Liverpool have lost just once in their last six league fixtures, while Fulham have won their last two in a row and have been beaten just twice in their last eleven games.

It should be a tight affair but Liverpool’s need for points and the possibility of a place in Europe should inspire them to another victory under Dalglish, with Liverpool 7/5 to take all three points.

Champions League football may elude Liverpool this season but the signs look encouraging for next year with Messrs Carroll and Luis Suarez leading the attack. Dalglish is expected to become the club’s permanent manager following his successful temporary stint, and a spot in next season’s Europa League would be just reward for the Reds’ efforts since the Scottish manager took control.

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