Manchester City

Blackpool are looking to do the same thing but at the other end of the table, when they travel to Fulham. The Seasiders are floundering after a great start and are in desperate need of three points. We preview both of Sunday’s important Premier League matches.

Fulham v Blackpool (1:30pm)

For Blackpool fans a quick look at the current form table will make grim reading for the men from the seaside. Only Blackburn have been in a worse run of form than Ian Holloway’s men and supporters might be starting to get that sinking feeling.

Last time out Blackpool threw away three points at Blackburn, relinquishing a two goal lead as they slipped closer to the drop zone. Depending on Saturday’s results, Blackpool could start this game inside the bottom three, although with the Premier League as it is they won’t be too far off safety. Holloway believes three more wins will be enough to secure his team another season in the top flight. However, the trip to Craven Cottage is unlikely to hold much joy for the Seasiders.

Fulham have lost just three times at home all season and have made the Cottage into a fortress recently. Blackpool have pulled off a number of shock wins on the road this season, but Fulham have been in decent form recently and look good to beat the drop.

Bobby Zamora has hit the ground running on his return and nearly inspired a comeback against Everton last time out. Mark Hughes will look at this game as a great chance to move further away from the relegation places and secure a comfy mid table finish.

Match Bets – Under 2.5 goals @ 13/10 and Fulham to win @ 4/7

Manchester City v Sunderland (4pm)

In the build-up to this game, Roberto Mancini has been talking about how he will still be City boss next season, even if they fail to make it into the top four this year. Not many would agree with him, especially City’s owners after shelling out £150million on new players.

City need to achieve something this year, whether that be a Champions League finish or the FA Cup they must show they are a team on the up if they want to become one of Europe’s elite. Sunday represents a perfect opportunity to at least maintain the four point gap between themselves and Tottenham when they take on a struggling Sunderland team.

The Black Cats haven’t won a game since they beat Aston Villa at the start of January and looked toothless in their last showing against Liverpool. Much like Blackpool, Steve Bruce’s men are slipping after a good start to the season and are by no means safe. Sunderland are five points above the relegation zone and only need a couple more wins to make sure of safety. However, based on recent performances you can’t see where the wins are going to come from.

Darren Bent’s departure has had a huge impact on the Sunderland team and a trip to City is the last thing they need. This is must win game as far as City are concerned but will have to up their performances from what they have been showing recently. Sunderland dug deep to get a draw at Arsenal on their last adventure outside the north-east and will have to do the same again, if they have any hope of taking anything from Eastlands.

Match Bet – Man City to win with a -1 handicap @ 6/5

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The Championship

Cardiff v Leicester (7.45pm)

Dave Jones’ men have slipped to fourth in the table after defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday and there is every chance they will find themselves in sixth on Tuesday night. Despite an impressive array of strikers, goals seem to be the problem for Cardiff at present with just four goals in their last four games. They have also won just one of their last three home games and that was a late success over struggling Scunthorpe.

In contrast, the Foxes continue to go from strength to strength and have won their last five league games. Sven’s men have not lost on the road since mid-December and could do the double over Cardiff this season.

Match Bet: Leicester to win @ 9/5

Nottingham Forest v Preston (7.45pm)

It’s second against bottom at the City Ground and ordinarily you would have this down as a certain home win…..but don’t be so sure! Forest have been impressive of late, with just one defeat in their last 12 games, but their recent slip-up came against another struggling team – Scunthorpe.

Preston are improving, highlighted by draws with QPR and Watford, and having strengthened defensively are likely to prove a tough nut to crack.

Match Bet: Draw HT/Forest FT @ 3/1

Scunthorpe v Sheffield United (7.45pm)

This is a huge game at the bottom end of the table and a defeat will send the losers further towards League One. For that reason alone, there’s every chance this could be a draw.

Scunny are another side that have improved of late, with four points in their last two games. But a lack of firepower, coupled by the Blades’ need to stop the rot, could see a share of the spoils.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

QPR v Ipswich (8pm)

The table toppers have stuttered slightly in the last fortnight, with draws against Forest and Preston, but are still firm favourites to go up. Neil Warnock’s men have lost just once at home this season, but they will face a tough test on Tuesday against arguably the in-form team in the division.

Ipswich have lost just one of their seven league games since Paul Jewell took charge and will welcome back Jimmy Bullard after he sat out the 1-1 draw with Hull on Saturday.

Match Bet: Draw @ 12/5

Leeds v Barnsley (7.45pm)

Leeds remain on an unbeaten run, which has now stretched to six league games, and Barnsley are highly unlikely to end that on Tuesday.

It’s a surprise that Simon Grayson’s men have lost four times at fortress Elland Road this season, but they should take the spoils in this Yorkshire derby against a Barnsley team who have won just three times away from Oakwell.

Match Bet: Leeds to win 2-1 @ 7-1

Derby v Hull (7.45pm)

Nigel Clough is under immense pressure at Pride Park and a fourth-straight home defeat may single the end of his tenure. The Rams are seven points outside the relegation zone, while their opponents are seven points off the play-offs.

The Tigers are on an eight-game unbeaten run and are looking for a double over Derby after defeating them 2-0 at the KC Stadium back in September.

Match Bet: Matt Fryatt to score at anytime for Hull @ 11/8

Norwich v Doncaster (7.45pm)

The Canaries secured a crucial point at Leeds on Saturday, highlighting their steel for a promotion battle. Paul Lambert’s have not lost at home in the league since December 11 and they are up against the most out-of-form side in the Championship.

Rovers have lost their last four games, failing to score in any of those matches and conceding 12 goals and couldn’t ask for a tougher midweek trip.

Match Bet: Norwich to win with -1 handicap @ 6/5

Reading v Millwall (8pm)

Both of these teams have play-off aspirations, but stuttering form over the last couple of months is likely to see both miss out on the top six.

These two are pretty evenly matched on paper, but home advantage should just give Reading the edge.

Match Bet: Reading to win @ Evens

Coventry v Swansea (7.45pm)

An away win looks the most likely result at the Ricoh Arena, with Coventry’s season fizzling out and the Swans firmly in the battle for a top-two spot.

The Sky Blues may have had the weekend off, but Swansea will be buoyed by their 3-0 drubbing off Doncaster.

Match Bet: Total Goals 2-3 @ 10/11

Portsmouth v Crystal Palace (7.45pm)

Pompey are unbeaten in their last three games and look to be safe from the drop, but their opponents are still battling for survival.

Palace are now five points above the drop zone, after a crucial win over Sheffield United, and a point at Fratton Park could be another step towards safety.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

Watford v Bristol City (7.45pm)

Both of these teams still have something to play for, but both look like finishing in mid-table due to inconsistent form.

Home advantage is likely to see Watford edge the game, although the Robins are capable of snatching something on their best form.

Match Bet: A goal in both halves @ 4/7

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Newcastle v Arsenal (Sat 3pm)

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

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

Wolves v Man Utd (Sat 5:30pm)

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

Match Bet – Draw @ 10/3.

Man City v West Brom (Sat 3pm)

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

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

Tottenham v Bolton (Sat 3pm)

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

Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11.

Everton v Blackpool (Sat 3pm)

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

Match Bet -  Blackpool to win @ 6/1.

Stoke v Sunderland (Sat 12:45pm)

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

Match Bet – Stoke to win 2-0 @ 8/1.

Aston Villa v Fulham (Sat 3pm)

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

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

Wigan v Blackburn (Sat 3pm)

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

Match Bet – Wigan to win @ 7/5.

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Giovanni Trapattoni

The Irish found themselves 3-0 behind after just 50 minutes but threatened to take a point with a second-half comeback.

Goals from Robbie Keane and Shane Long reduced the deficit and put the visitors on the back front in the close stages at the Aviva Stadium.

But Dick Advocaat’s men held on for the points and the result now leaves Republic third in Group B (Ireland 10/3 Group Winner), with six points from three games.

Despite slipping behind Russia and Slovakia (18/5 to win Group B) in the standings, Trapattoni remains upbeat about his side?s chances of making to Poland and Ukraine.

The Italian stated: “At the moment we have three teams the same and we start again the qualification. It is important now we think about our quality and our possibilities.

“Russia lost against Slovakia, now Slovakia have lost against Armenia. The qualification is not easy and there’s a long way to go. I’m sure we have the same chance.”

Ireland now face what looks like an important trip to Slovakia on Tuesday, where a positive result would leave them in a strong position in the group.

Trapattoni added: “Slovakia are a good team with good players. But we can win on Tuesday. We just need to understand immediately what happened (against Russia) and why one or two situations occurred.”

Meanwhile, the coach has indicated that he will stick with the Kevin Doyle/Robbie Keane striker pairing, despite withdrawing Wolves’ striker in the second half.

Trapattoni says he had Tuesday’s match in the back of his mind when making the change and feels Doyle and Keane “complement each other” and claims Republic “cannot do without one of them”.

Russia (20/1 Outright Winners) face a trip Macedonia on Tuesday and Advocaat believes his side need another three points to keep them in the hunt for top spot in Group B.

The former Rangers boss said: “We’re back in the group but we still have to do well on Tuesday because if we don’t do that it’s still not good.”

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Rangers

The former Fulham and Aston Villa man was forced to leave the field towards the end of the Gers 3-2 win at Aberdeen on Sunday.

Walter Smith revealed afterwards that Davis had picked up a “slight hamstring” problem and that the medical team will asses him before the visit of the Turkish side to Ibrox.

The Gers boss admitted: “With that type of injury, you would say he must be very doubtful for Wednesday’s game.”

Davis’ absence would be a big blow to the SPL champions, who also have other injury concerns ahead of the Group C clash (Rangers 10/3 To Qualify).

Right-back Steven Whittaker had to be replaced by Kirk Broadfoot at Pittodrie after suffering a bang to the head.

The Glasgow giants will go into the game full of confidence though, having made a 100 per cent start to the domestic campaign and drawing 0-0 at Manchester United (1/2 To Win Group C) in their opening group game in the Champions League.

Sunday’s win over Aberdeen put Rangers back on top of the league table because they have scored more goals than rivals Celtic.

One of the main reasons for that advantage over the Hoops is Kenny Miller (Evs to score at anytime v Bursaspor), who has scored in every league game so far this season.

The ex-Wolves and Derby frontman, who has yet to pen a new deal at Ibrox, believes he is in the form of his career.

Miller said: “To get off to a flyer and score 10 goals in the first six league games and, not just that, to score in every game, is obviously pleasing.

“For me, it is about putting myself in the right position and hopefully taking the chances.”

Miller has rejected one contract offer from the Gers but remains in talks over a new deal, with the striker saying “things will iron themselves out in good time.”

Meanwhile, manager Smith insists that there is “a willingness from all the parties” to agree terms and is hopeful the 30-year-old will remain at Ibrox.

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Both clubs were in the race for a Champions League place last season but both lost out to Tottenham Hotspur, who secured the coveted fourth spot by beating City 1-0 at Eastlands in the penultimate game of the campaign (City 1/2, Spurs 3/1 – Premier League Top Four Finish).

However, City have a cheque book which matches the size of their ambition and big things are expected of Roberto Mancini’s outfit for the 2010/2011 competition.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, the Aston Villa manager was pessimistic about his side competing for fourth this season (Villa 7/1 – Premiership Top Four Finish).

He said: “Just when you think your team is getting there, getting close to fourth spot, City appear on the horizon with all this money. It seems to be getting further away.

“Well done Spurs for getting into the Champions League – but up until their second last game, they could have finished anywhere from fourth to seventh.

“Top four remains a possibility but to win the title, you need to have the squad. City will have 28 or 29 top-class players available.”

O’Neill was speaking in response to the transfer saga surrounding England international James Milner, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Eastlands outfit.

The Villa boss admitted earlier in the week that Milner had expressed his desire to leave Villa Park and he admits it would be a significant blow to his side’s top four aspirations should he leave.

“If we do end up losing a player like Milner, it won’t make it easier.”

“You have to replace him, replace his ability and experience, and do it instantly yet do it with someone of probably less value. That is tough.”

Unsurprisingly, City have spent more than any other Premier League club during the close season, signing a vast array of international talent.

Serbia international defender Aleksandar Kolarov became the latest signing on Friday after moving from Lazio in a deal reported to be in the region of £19million.

Kolarov became City’s fourth signing of the summer after they completed moves for Jerome Boateng (£10.5m), David Silva (£29m) and Yaya Toure (£24m).

This spending clout has forced Spurs manager Harry Redknapp to concede that City will win the title one day, provided owner Sheikh Mansour remains interested in bankrolling their endeavours (City 4/1 to win Premiership).

He said: “I genuinely think that eventually they will win the championship.

“If they continue and the owner stays involved, and he seems very keen, then I can see them in the next few years putting together a team that will win the Premier League.”

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Blackpool

Following last season’s play-off success, the Tangerines boss has spent all summer trying to add new faces to his squad.

But without a massive transfer kitty and with one eye on the future, Blackpool have found it hard to sign new players as they prepare for their first Premier League campaign.

So far, the Premier League new-boys have not be able to make any signings, with just five weeks to go until the start of the new campaign.

Holloway admits that Blackpool did not plan to go up last season and that is another reason why they have struggled to make an impact in the summer transfer window.

The former QPR boss told the Blackpool Gazette: “I have to try to get myself six to nine extra players because I’ve only got 16 at the moment and we need a squad of 25.

“We might not get to 25 and I hope we don’t have any injuries or suspensions before January because that could kill us.”

Holloway has conceded that Blackpool only have one scout, which has made it difficult for the Tangerines to check out players in Europe and further afield.

The manager has already indicated that he will look to bring in younger players and try and build for the future, with big-money signings out of the question.

Holloway added: “We’ve never watched a player who is worth a million quid. So how on earth can we now try and get a player – in fact nine of them – to keep us in the Premier League?

“That’s the reality of it. Until you get to the top flight you haven’t got the money to put these structures in place. So it’s a vicious circle.”

Blackpool kick-off the new season with a home clash against Lancashire rivals Wigan (9/1 to win 2-0 at Bloomfield Road) on Saturday August 14, before an away trip to Arsenal on August 21.

Holloway is keen to keep the team spirit at the same level as last season and that means looking to bring in a certain type of player.

The manager concluded: “What I want to do is get the characters right because I don’t want to lose what we’ve got here, I think it’s really special.

“They’ll have to come for the right reason, which isn’t their wage packet – it’ll be wanting to play in the Premiership for Blackpool.”

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The Kop icon picked up a knee injury in the unconvincing 2-1 international friendly win over Japan on Sunday but stressed it was not serious.

Gerrard – who has scored 16 goals in 80 appearances for the Three Lions – sparked fears about his fitness last week when he twice withdrew from training because a calf injury.

However, the 30-year-old insisted he would be ready for his country’s opener against America in Rustenburg (4/9 England 3/1 draw 6/1 USA – match betting).

“It’s OK, it’ll be all right,” he said. “It won’t be a problem.”

England coach Fabio Capello is sweating on no more injury headaches before he announces his 23-man cut on June 1.

Gareth Barry remains his biggest concern but it would appear the Italian is prepared to relax his own rules to allow the Manchester City midfielder to make the squad.

The former Aston Villa man is struggling to recover from strained ankle ligaments and reports suggest he is almost certainly ruled out of that Group C encounter against the States.

“We will decide on Gareth Barry after we have had the final check to see how long it will be before he can train with us,” said Capello.

Capello will also make personal checks on Chelsea defender John Terry, who fell awkwardly in the second half against Japan and pulled up in pain, while star striker Wayne Rooney suffered from a spate of minor injuries towards the end of the domestic season.

The writing does appear to be on the wall for Tom Huddlestone of Tottenham and Darren Bent of Sunderland.

Both were given a last chance to impress in Austria on Sunday but failed to sparkle and could now miss out.

Stephen Warnock of Aston Villa has also failed to dislodge Leighton Baines of Everton as the preferred back-up to Ashley Cole at left-back.

Joe Cole’s likely inclusion could also mean World Cup heartache for the Manchester City duo Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Michael Dawson and Scott Parker have not been given a chance by Capello and are also now in grave danger of missing out.

“I know the 22 players who are in mind,” said Capello.

“They are the same 22 that I decided last week. Nothing has changed.”

England wrap up their group campaign against Algeria in Cape Town on June 18 and Slovenia on June 23 in Port Elizabeth.

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Spain

But the Arsenal star says he is in no rush to leave the Gunners for Barcelona.

The midfielder was in the youth ranks at Barcelona before transferring to Arsenal at the age of 16 and he has often been linked with a move back to the Primera Division leaders.

Reports suggest he could be the subject of an offer this summer as Barcelona prepare for their presidential elections at the end of the season.

Fabregas readily admits that he does want to play for Barca at some point in his career, but is adamant he is not pushing for a move away from Arsenal.

However, the 23-year-old is keen to ensure any uncertainty regarding his club future is put to bed before Spain start their World Cup challenge in South Africa. They are 4/1 favourites to lift the trophy.

“I want to make a decision about my future before the World Cup,” said Fabregas, who expects to recover from a cracked fibula in time to be fit for the tournament.

“It’s impossible to perform at a tournament such as the World Cup if you’re not fully focused on the sporting aspects of the game. It does not benefit anyone.

“If I ever leave Arsenal it will be to play for Barcelona. I would like to go, whether they want me or not is another matter.

“I am 23 years old and I have a long career in front of me. I’ve never hidden the fact that playing for Barcelona is a dream that I would like to fulfil.

“I’m very happy at Arsenal. I’m in no hurry to leave the club.

“Barcelona are still playing for the Liga title and I’m still an Arsenal player. It would be a lack of respect to discuss a transfer now.

“No candidates for the Barcelona presidency have approached me, so I don’t feel used.”

Fabregas has been part of the Spanish set up since playing in the Under-17 side at the 2003 World U-17 Championships in Finland, and he was given a national call-up in 2006.

He played in the 2006 World Cup and at Euro 2008 where he helped Spain to lift the trophy. Fabregas was named in the Team of the Tournament, a 23-player squad selected by the UEFA Technical team.

He now has 47 caps for Spain, and has scored five goals, most recently in the friendly 1-1 draw against Austria in Vienna last November.

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There were fears the key defender had broken his metatarsal while training with Chelsea ahead of the Pompey clash but it appears the knock is not anywhere near as bad as was first feared and he was sent for a scan merely as a precaution.

Terry issued a statement saying he hopes to play at Wembley this weekend.

“I took a slight knock in training but with such an important match on Saturday the right course of action was to put a protective boot on my right foot and have a CT scan,” he said.

“The scan has shown there is no break and I am hoping to train tomorrow if not Friday and of course play in the FA Cup final on Saturday.”

That is great news for both Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and England chief Fabio Capello, who will have been concerned earlier on Wednesday that the former skipper could have been a major doubt for the World Cup (England 6/1 to win the World Cup).

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