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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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Five Potential Festive Shocks

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The games come thick and fast over the festive period and there is another full programme across Tuesday and Wednesday, weather permitting of course, and with so many games in such a short space of time a few shocks tend to crop up so here are five potential shocks for your consideration.

Rumours emerged earlier in the month that West Ham boss Avram Grant had just three games to save his job.  Since those reports emerged the Hammers have drawn at Blackburn and beaten Fulham at Craven Cottage, their first win on the road in the Premier League this season, and the situation at Upton Park has started to look a little better.

West Ham host Everton on Tuesday in what could well be an intriguing contest.  Everton have been unable to hit the same heights they have achieved in previous seasons this campaign and the Goodison Park side seem to be lacking a clinical edge.  West Ham can stretch their unbeaten run to three games and possibly even haul themselves out of the drop zone with a win over Everton and at 2/1 they could well produce a shock at Upton Park (Match Betting – West Ham 2/1, draw 12/5, Everton 13/10).

Manchester United are now the clear favourites to take the league title at the end of the season and the Old Trafford side now enjoy a two point advantage, with two games in hand, at the top of the table after their 2-0 win over Sunderland on Boxing Day.

The most remarkable thing about United so far this season is the fact they have managed to remain dominant despite the fact key man Wayne Rooney is in arguably the worst form of his career to date.  Rooney has not managed to bag a Premier League goal since August, when he scored from the spot against West Ham, but the England international must surely end his barren run soon.

United travel to Birmingham on Tuesday and Rooney can be backed at 10/3 to score the first goal, everyone knows Rooney has the talent and eventually he will rediscover his scoring form – and it could well happen against a struggling Birmingham on Tuesday.

Sunderland are riding high in the Premier League table but on Tuesday they host an unpredictable Blackpool side who love to flow forward.  Sunderland are suffering from a mini defensive crisis with both John Mensah (ankle) and Michael Turner (knee) ruled out.  The Seasiders have managed to pick up some impressive results this season and a win at the Stadium of Light would be another big achievement but one they’re certainly capable of (Match Betting – Sunderland 8/13, draw 3/1, Blackpool 11/2).

The Championship can prove to be a very difficult competition for the punter but there is also great value in England’s second tier.  On Boxing Day Leicester City were heading for a home defeat against Leeds United but the plucky Foxes managed to fight back and secure a 2-2 draw, despite the fact the Yorkshire side had dominated the contest for over an hour.

Leicester have struggled on the road this season and they travel to Millwall on Tuesday but after that stunning comeback against Leeds the confidence should be high amongst Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men and at 7/4 they could well be worth backing to pick up their third win on the road of the campaign (Match Betting – Millwall 6/4, draw 12/5, Leicester 7/4).

Reading secured an impressive 4-1 victory over strugglers Bristol City on Boxing Day and the promotion chasing Royals travel to relegation contenders Hull City on Tuesday.  The Tigers main problem this season has been scoring goals and in 10 home games they have only managed to hit the back of the net eight times.

After Reading’s win over Bristol they are now seventh in the Championship table and well placed to fight for promotion.  Hull like to keep it tight but with Reading in free-scoring form it may be too much of a task for the KC Stadium side and the Royals look a good bet to continue their fine away record and pick up another three points on Tuesday (Match Betting – Hull 6/4, draw 23/10, Reading 9/5).

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Five young footballers to watch in 2011

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Connor Wickham – Ipswich

Only 17 years old, Wickham signed his first professional contract earlier this year and has quickly started fulfilling the potential in the Championship (11/10f QPR Outright)  many scouts and pundits had seen in him.

His height of 6ft 3in make him a powerful force in the air and is as strong as an ox, despite his young age, making him very hard to knock off the ball.

Manchester United have taken a special interest in Wickham, though they might get no dispensation from Old Trafford legend Roy Keane when making any enquiry about him.

Wickham became the youngest player to make a senior appearance for the club when he came on as a substitute against Doncaster Rovers in April at 16 years and 11 days, breaking Jason Dozzell’s record.

Wickham has made an impact at international level, scoring the winning goal for England in the UEFA European U17 Championship final.

He has already played 43 times for Ipswich, scoring four goals, and is valued at £10million by Keane, who has already rejected an £8m bid from Tottenham.

Jack Wilshere – Arsenal

Wilshere is a product of the Arsenal Academy who has quickly risen from playing youth football to being a valuable member of Arsene Wenger’s first team squad (9/2 to win 2010-11 Premier League title).

He was a star of Arsenal’s 2009 FA Youth Cup success, scoring in both the semi-final and final, but by the time those games came around he had already made his first team bow and impressed.

He was Arsenal’s youngest ever debutant at 16 years 256 days, beating Cesc Fabregas’ record, and six days later scored his first goal for the Gunners in the 6-0 Carling Cup win over Sheffield United.

Even before he had signed his first professional contract he had played in the Champions League, making his debut against Dynamo Kiev.

This season has been in many ways his breakthrough campaign, as he made his first start against Liverpool in August and has continued to see regular action. He was Arsenal’s Player of the Month for September and scored in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Adept at dribbling and with a powerful shot, 18-year-old Wilshere has made his England debut this season, coming on as a substitute against Hungary in August.

Danny Welbeck – Sunderland

Welbeck has ended the year well, endearing himself to the Sunderland fans with impressive performances including a goal to earn the 1-0 win over Bolton.

The 20-year-old is on loan at the Stadium of Light from Manchester United, his home-town team, who he joined as a junior in 2005.

He made his competitive bow for United in September 2008 in the 3-1 Carling Cup win over Middlesbrough, and his Premier League debut came two months later, as a substitute against Stoke City. He marked the occasion with a memorable 30-yard curling shot into the top corner as United won 5-0.

Welbeck can be used as a wideman or a striker, and has great pace allied to strength and ability with both feet.

He signed a new four-year contract with United last December, assuring him that he was very much part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans for the future despite the Red Devils’ boss then sending him out on loan to Preston.

Welbeck scored two in eight games for North End before returning early from his loan spell due to injury, and after he recovered Steve Bruce was quick to snap him up on a season-long loan.

He starred with a goal in the 3-0 away win at Chelsea, and bagged both Sunderland (9/2 Top Six Finish) goals in a 2-2 draw at home to Everton next time out.

He has made something of an international impact since making his debut for England Under-21 in February 2009, and bagged a brace in England’s 3-0 win over Lithuania in September.

Andy Carroll – Newcastle

Carroll is still only 21, but its well over four years since the Newcastle United faithful first took him to their hearts when he became the Magpies’ youngest player to appear in Europe, during a UEFA Cup tie against Palermo in November 2006.

Even at that age he had formidable presence, able to hold off defenders using his strength and pace, and experience has only added to his abilities.

He made his Premier League bow in February 2007, and after a six-month loan spell with Preston, he returned to St James’ Park determined to claim a regular starting spot.

Indeed, the club’s decision to offer him a new four-year contract was testament to the fact that they rated him highly, and after Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship he took his chance with both hands.

He set up a superb partnership with Peter Lovenkrands which accounted for more than half the club’s goals in 2010, and finished as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions.

Carroll scored his first career hat-trick against Aston Villa in the Premier League in August, and captained Newcastle for the first time the next month against Manchester City (Carroll 9/1 to be Premier League top scorer).

His performances for Newcastle earned him a call-up for the England friendly against France in November, and England boss Fabio Capello has talked of wanting Carroll up front as Wayne Rooney’s partner in the future.

Marc Albrighton – Aston Villa

Not given a chance during Martin O’Neill’s time in charge at Villa Park, Albrighton has grabbed his opportunity with both hands since Gerrard Houllier took over.

He has excellent pace and dribbling ability, together with the vision to be able to pick out players who have given themselves a yard of space in the box.

An outstanding prospect for England, he is never afraid to take the responsibility of shooting if a chance presents itself.

Albrighton made his competitive debut in the UEFA Cup tie at CSKA Moscow in February 2009, but it has been this season when his star has risen – he made his first Premier League start against West Ham on August 14, setting up two goals.

He scored his first Villa (11/2 Top Six Finish) goal against Spurs in October, and was rewarded with a new contract offer for the next four years.

Albrighton has bounced back well after being out of the side following an appendix operation, and has now scored three goals in 16 games.

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Five potential shocks…

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Birmingham take on a Tottenham side flying high after three successive Premier League victories, including the sensational come-from-behind win away at Arsenal (Birmingham 21/20 – match betting).

But Blues have already beaten Chelsea and held Liverpool to a goalless draw at St Andrew’s and they could pull off a shock victory against Harry Redknapp’s men on Saturday.

Alex McLeish’s side rarely lose at home and they will be buoyed by their Carling Cup derby victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

Spurs wins tend to come in clusters and, although they are capable of beating anyone on their day, this could be where the current run comes to an end.

Bolton are unbeaten in five top-flight games, with three wins and two draws, and Owen Coyle’s men are tipped to take all three points from their clash with Manchester City at Eastlands (Bolton 11/2 – match betting).

City have yet to find the consistency that wins titles and they appear vulnerable at times and Bolton currently have the wind in their sales with 15 goals in their last five Premier League matches.

This one could be tight but momentum is key in any sport and a narrow win for the visitors could be on the cards.

Before the start of the season, tipping Blackpool to beat Manchester United would have seemed a ridiculous thing to do but the Seasiders have been the surprise team of the campaign to date while the Red Devils just cannot win away from home (Blackpool 7/1 – match betting).

Ian Holloway’s men have won two and drawn one of the past three home games while United have already recorded six away draws.

The wintry conditions look set to continue this weekend and it might just be the perfect time for the Premier League minnows to pull off one of the biggest results in their recent history.

Ipswich began the season well but have plummeted down the table in recent weeks with four successive Championship defeats.

But Wednesday night’s Carling Cup victory over West Brom will have given the club a boost and they are tipped to finally take three league points with a narrow victory over high-flying Swansea (Ipswich 6/4 – match betting).

The Swans have hit a rocky patch with just one win in four but they are still just three points off an automatic promotion place and well-placed to challenge for a spot in the big time.

However Roy Keane’s men should take this one and begin their ascent towards the right end of the standings.

Charlton are favourites to travel to Rochdale and return with the spoils but Dale have only lost twice at Spotland this term and could cause an upset against the League One second-place team.

The hosts have drawn their last three league games but are tipped to go one better and shock a Charlton side looking to get back in the Premier League after three years away from the limelight (Rochdale 17/10 – match betting).

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Five possible weekend shocks…

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It has been an unpredictable Premier League season to date and this weekend could throw up some more shocks with Spurs having every chance of taking the spoils from the north London derby (Tottenham 4/1 to beat Arsenal).

Arsenal have been impressive of late and have moved to within two points of Chelsea at the top of the table but they have already lost twice at the Emirates Stadium, and Spurs showed last time out that they are capable of taking sides apart when on form.

Form will count for little on Saturday lunchtime but with the man of the moment, Gareth Bale, in the ranks, then anything is possible for Harry’s men.

Birmingham are currently in the relegation zone but have lost just once at home all season while Chelsea have already lost twice on their travels.

This fixture would normally be put down as an away banker but the Blues of Stamford Bridge have hit a sticky patch with two defeats in their last three top-flight games.

With John Terry out of the running they are not the same side and Birmingham’s work ethic has never been in question. A draw would be a superb result for Alex McLeish’s men but do not rule out all three points staying in the West Midlands this weekend (Birmingham 9/2 to beat Chelsea).

It appeared as though Liverpool had turned the corner but the resurgence has come to a shuddering halt after defeat to Stoke last time out and now Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for four weeks.

They face a West Ham side who have won only once this season and have picked up just three points away from home to date.

While it is unlikely that Avram Grant’s men will pick up all three points from the trip to Anfield, a draw would be a shock result given the season the Hammers have had and we predict honours will be even on Merseyside (3/1 the draw).

Fulham are one of the teams at the wrong end of a tight Premier League table but are a much tougher nut to crack at Craven Cottage with just one defeat this term.

They host a Manchester City side who have won just one of their past five top-flight games and are seemingly at war with each other in the dressing room.

With the talent on show for both sides City should expect to win this one but Fulham boss Mark Hughes will want to get one over on the club that sacked him and will have his players pumped up for Sunday’s encounter by the Thames.

The Eastlands outfit are there for the taking and Fulham have it in them to shock their cash-rich Premier League rivals (Fulham 19/10 to beat City).

It is difficult to tip against the Old Firm in Scotland but Kilmarnock must have a great chance of upsetting Rangers at Rugby Park (Killie 7/1 to beat Rangers).

The Gers’ 3-0 home reverse to Hibs sent shockwaves through Scottish football while they were also held recently by Inverness at Ibrox.

Killie have enjoyed an up-and-down season to date but have taken seven points from a possible nine in their last three games and may cause a further shock for Walter Smith’s side this weekend.

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Five fantasy league picks…

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Manchester United may not have started the season in particularly great fashion but will be thankful to be back on home territory, remain unbeaten and welcome a side they have dominated in the past when they entertain Wigan in the Premier League on Saturday (1/5 Man United 5/1 draw 11/1 Wigan – match betting).

United beat Latics 5-0 both home and away last term and have scored 35 goals in total in the 11 games played, all wins for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, while conceding only four.

Therefore it may well pay to load your Fantasy League team with United players and Nemanja Vidic certainly looks a valuable inclusion.

Wigan are the worst scorers in the top flight, having only just crept in to double figures for the season, while the Red Devils have only conceded five at home, winning five and drawing one at Old Trafford this term.

With the obvious potential of clean sheet and defensive points for the Serbia star, Vidic (5/1 to score anytime) is easily the most potent of the United backline, scoring three goals to date but two of those have come in the last four games.

Only games involving Tottenham have enjoyed more goals than those of Blackpool over the last six games and Charlie Adam (8/1 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer betting) can again pull the strings against struggling Wolves, who have picked up just one point on their travels this season.

After a good run of form in the league, winning three including a 2-0 victory over Chelsea and drawing one, Liverpool were brought crashing back to earth by Stoke last weekend.

However, Fernando Torres (11/4 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market) and his team-mates are unlikely to find themselves up against such physically robust tactics and the Spanish World Cup winner can rediscover his goal-scoring touch against basement side West Ham, who have mustered just four goals in six winless away games this term and have not won at Anfield since 1963.

West Brom appear to have hit a downward spiral after early-season promise, and have picked up just one point in the last four games, coming against bottom side West Ham.

Stoke City (12/5 to win, 11/5 the draw – match betting) have bounced back from their own slump and fully deserved a 2-0 win over Liverpool last weekend to make it two on the bounce and with Ryan Shawcross back in the side, the Potters have added potence in set-piece situations in a game that doesn’t reek of goals.

Asamoah Gyan (11/2 Enhanced First Goalscorer) has hit a rich vein of form for Sunderland and can make the difference again when the Black Cats take on Everton on Monday night.

The Ghana international has bagged four goals in his last three games, including in a surprise 3-0 win at Chelsa, and Steve Bruce’s men can continue their unbeaten home form against poor travellers Everton, who have won just once and scored five away from Goodison.

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Five more EPL selections…

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The early Premier League kick-off on Saturday sees Aston Villa welcome Manchester United to Villa Park and both sides could do with taking three points from this encounter (check out totesport Premier League match betting).

United fell further behind Chelsea in the title race with a midweek draw at Eastlands, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be desperate to bounce back with a win at Villa. United are still without Wayne Rooney, while Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are both listed as doubts but the Old Trafford side should still have enough talent on display to secure all three points, United are 5/6 in the 90 minutes betting and Ferguson’s side have a great record at Villa – the last time they lost there was on the opening day of the 1995/96 season.

Punters looking for a shock result may want to consider Blackpool away at West Ham.  The Hammers have a leaky defence and have conceded 11 goals in just six home fixtures to date in the Premier League.  Seasiders boss Ian Holloway chose to rotate his squad in the defeat at Villa on Wednesday and the likes of Charlie Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher should be back and firing on all cylinders in this crucial showdown.  Blackpool are priced at 13/5 in the 90 minutes betting and Holloway’s side could well be on course for their fourth victory on the road this season against strugglers West Ham.

Manchester City entertain Birmingham City in what most will probably consider a ‘home banker’. The Eastlands side were held to a goalless draw by city rivals Manchester United on Wednesday and boss Roberto Mancini will be well aware of the importance of picking up three points to keep their title challenge on track.  City are 4/11 in the 90 minutes betting, but the value could well be in the handicap market, with the hosts a much more attractive 10/11 to win with a -1 handicap.

Newcastle slipped up at St James’ Park on Wednesday as Blackburn secured a 2-1 victory but the north-east side have a chance to put that right when Fulham arrive on Saturday.  The Cottagers are still seeking their first win on their travels this season and could well struggle against a Newcastle side who currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.  Newcastle will be without the suspended Joey Barton but with Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan in fine-form Chris Hughton’s side could well be celebrating another three points at the final whistle on Saturday.  In the enhanced first goalscorer market Andy Carroll is priced at 9/2 and this could well be a decent bet considering he is pushing for a spot in the England squad and already has seven goals to his name this season, while Newcastle are 10/11 in the 90 minutes betting.

In the late kick-off Stoke welcome Liverpool to the Britannia Stadium and the Potters are an extremely difficult side to face on their own turf.  Tony Pulis’ men have been beaten just twice at home this season, with Manchester United and Chelsea the only teams to leave with three points, and Liverpool could well be in for another frustrating away day.  Stoke managed to end their losing streak with a win over Birmingham on Tuesday and should be good enough to secure at least a draw against the Anfield side.  Liverpool set their stall out to defend at Wigan on Wednesday, and Roy Hodgson’s side may well have to settle for another point at Stoke, with the draw priced at 12/5.

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Five weekend selections…

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Christopher Samba could earn punters some Fantasy Football points this weekend when Blackburn look to frustrate goal-shy and injury-hit Spurs (0-0 Correct Score 10/1).

Fresh from victory at Newcastle, Rovers will head to the Lane full of confidence and with just one up front.

2) Andy Carroll will come up against Fulham on Saturday, looking to score in three consecutive matches. The Newcastle man (Evs to score at anytime) will be desperate to prove to Fabio Capello that he deserves an England call-up.

3) It is imperative that Manchester City defeat Birmingham at Eastlands on Saturday and Carlos Tevez is due a goal (Tevez 3/1 First Goalscorer). The Argentinian’s last league strike came on October 17, but it won’t be long until he is on the scoresheet again.

4) Manchester United have got an unbelievable record at Aston Villa (13/2 Utd to win 2-0), with Fergie’s men unbeaten in their last 14 league visits, winning nine of those. Edwin van der Sar kept a clean sheet against City in midweek and with Villa’s injury problems up front, another blank is on the cards for the Dutchman.

5) Hugo Rodallega (13/2 to score 2 or more) proved a real handful for the Liverpool defence on Wednesday and Wigan have shown signs of coming to life in their last two games. Roberto Martinez’s men, if they turn up, should pick up three crucial points against West Brom.

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Five fantasy team selections

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Although it is an obvious choice in-form Tottenham starlet Gareth Bale should be in everyone’s fantasy team at the moment after his two demolition jobs on Champions League holders Internazionale FC (check out Premier League 2010/11 markets and match prices).

The 21-year-old has always looked a class act but propelled himself to the forefront of world football by making a very good Inter defence look like statues over the two legs.

Bale should feature in a Spurs side looking for their first Premier League victory since beating Fulham on October 16 and, with the youngster on fire, they look a good bet to take the points from a Bolton side who have only won once at home this season (Spurs 13/10 – 90 minutes betting v Bolton).

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Nicolas Anelka is in the form of his career and who are we to argue, as the Frenchman bagged his fifth Champions League goal in four matches on Wednesday night.

Labelled ‘le sulk’ at various clubs, the former Arsenal star appears settled at Stamford Bridge and is combining well with Didier Drogba up front for the Blues.

The 31-year-old spent time on-loan at Liverpool and will be looking to add to his three Premier League goals this term when he faces his old side at Anfield.

Ancelotti says Anelka is happy at the club and that can only mean good things as he is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the top-flight when his mood is right (Anelka 25/1 – Premier League goal-scorer).

Cesc Fabregas had the night off as Arsenal lost 2-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday but he should be fine for the visit of Newcastle on Sunday.

The Gunners skipper has only bagged on Premier League goal this season but scored 15 last term and it is high time the talented midfielder got back on the scoresheet.

Newcastle are in the habit of winning one then losing one and so, following last weeks 5-1 hammering of Sunderland, they will need to be wary of what the Londoners are capable of at home.

Fabregas was rested for the European tie as a precaution with a sore hamstring so expect him to be raring to go at the Emirates this weekend (Arsenal 2/7 – 90 minutes betting v Newcastle).

Darren Bent has a phenomenal scoring record for Sunderland, with 33 in 51 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions, and six from 10 Premier League outings this term.

Boss Steve Bruce will demand an immediate response from his men following the 5-1 drubbing at Newcastle and Bent will be the man they look to to score the goals against a Stoke side who have lost their last three top-flight games.

This game may not whet the appetite as much others over the weekend but Bent’s goal-scoring prowess could be the difference in a low-scoring encounter at the Stadium of Light (Sunderland Evens – 90 minutes betting v Stoke).

Finally, Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster will probably not be the busiest man on Saturday as bottom-of-the-table West Ham travel to St Andrew’s (Birmingham 10/11 – 90 minutes betting v West Ham).

With no away wins and just two goals on their travels, the Hammers appear little threat away from Upton Park and Birmingham have only conceded three Premier League goals at home this season.

Foster has kept four clean sheets in the Premier League so far this campaign and surely will never get a better chance of making it five than against a side shorn of confidence and tipped for relegation.

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Any one of five for Fergie

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Sir Alex Ferguson believes that five teams will battle it out for the Premier League title this season (United 9/2 Premier League Outright) and expects it to be a roller coaster ride right until May next year.

Manchester United maintained their challenge near the top of the table with a 2-1 victory at Stoke on Saturday and they are one of three teams currently on 17 points – five behind high-flying Chelsea at the summit.

Tottenham occupy fifth spot with 15 points and, while not mentioning the teams by name, it appears that the United boss believes the current top five will be involved in the title race when the business end of the season approaches.

The Wayne Rooney saga has now been cleared up and Ferguson is looking forward to stringing a run of decent results together after coming through a difficult patch, which has seen then club held to four draws away from home already this term, with just one win on their travels.

The boss feels that, despite Chelsea’s superb start to the campaign, there is plenty of time for one of the chasing pack to make a move and throw a spanner in the works as the season progresses, with United having already visited some of the toughest grounds in the top flight.

“I wouldn’t be betting against it being a five-horse race,” he told US radio station Sirius XM. “I think there is a lot of twists and turns in the race.

“The result at Stoke has had a galvanising effect on the club but we have to motor on now.”

Fergie added: “At the moment Chelsea have done very little wrong but if you look at our programme, we have had a much harder programme than the rest.

“We’ve been to Everton, Sunderland, Stoke, Bolton – all these difficult places where nobody enjoys going, but we’ve got them out of the road now.”

United take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night with Ferguson expected to field a virtual second-string side against Mick McCarthy’s men (Man Utd 2/7, Draw 4/1, Wolves 11/1 – Match Betting).

Michael Owen should get a run-out while Javier Hernandez will probably be rested, with Spurs set to visit Old Trafford on Saturday in a mouth-watering clash of two attack-minded teams.

With Liverpool out of the title reckoning, the north Londoners are part of Fergie’s ‘big five’ contenders and victory over Harry Redknapp’s talented outfit would further boost the confidence of a club still coming to terms with the negative publicity surrounding Rooney’s contract negotiations and put down a marker for the rest of the season.

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