Tag Archives: League

Champions League picks

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Warm-up wins for CSKA Moscow against the likes of Videoton, Kryla Soveotov and Politehnica Timisoara is hardly ideal preparation for the visit of nine-time European champions Real Madrid – and Chelsea must be vulnerable going to Napoli in the Champions League in Tuesday’s picks.

Forget any notion of Spanish sunshine, Real can expect temperatures to drop as low as -5C in Moscow for their round of 16 first-leg clash against the Army Men (CSKA Moscow 7/1 draw 10/3 Real Madrid 4/9 – 90 minutes).

However, the freezing weather is likely to be the only obstacle standing in the way of Spain’s capital club recording a fourth straight away win on the road in Europe so far this season.

Jose Mourinho’s men have also not even conceded a goal away from the Santiago Bernabeu and the Portuguese coach, a two-time winner of Europe’s elite club competition, has too many established professionals at his disposal to worry about the cold.

The La Liga table-toppers ’scored in both halves’ away to Lyon and Ajax in the Champions League already this season, so the 6/5 about the same outcome at the Stadion Luzhniki could appeal.

CSKA will draw inspiration from a record against Spanish opponents which shows no defeats in a total of five games, home and away, but Real Madrid are a class above and a lack of genuine match sharpness means this is a massive ask for the Russians.

Leonid Slutsky will also be missing Russia’s number one goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev, meaning Sergey Chepchugov will make only his seventh appearance for the club.

If under-pressure Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is hoping for a kind fixture at the Stadio San Paolo away from the spotlight, he is sadly mistaken.

Napoli ended Manchester City’s hopes in the Champions League group stage and will be desperate to claim another Premier League scalp when the west Londoners arrive in Naples for the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

Since returning to continental competition after 13 years in 2008, the Serie A high-flyers have gone 11 matches unbeaten and, priced generously at 13/10 (draw 9/4, Chelsea 9/4 – 90 minutes), stand their best chance of adding to the turmoil at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have slipped out of the top four in the Premier League and were held to a 1-1 draw by Championship side Birmingham in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, while Villas-Boas has been forced to deny claims his job is on the line and Daniel Sturridge has rubbished reports of a dressing-room revolt.

Forget the behind-the-scenes nonsense, the truth is Chelsea are not playing well enough – they have won just one of their last six games in all competitions – a 1-0 win away at QPR in the FA Cup – and the best they can hope for in Italy is to avoid defeat.

This is the stage Napoli’s principal striker Edinson Cavani relishes and he scored twice against Roberto Mancini’s men.

At 11/8, and against a vulnerable Chelsea defence potentially missing John Terry, the Uruguay powerhouse simply cannot be ignored to ‘score anytime‘.

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Crunch time in Europa League

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Stoke City are to be joined by Manchester City and Manchester United in the Uefa Europa League round of 32, but 19 other teams will compete for the remaining nine places on Wednesday and Thursday.

City and United are two of eight teams transferring from the Uefa Champions League – also included are FC Porto, Trabzonspor, Ajax, Valencia, Olympiacos and FC Viktoria Plzen – and join 15 teams already assured of a place in the next round.

Tottenham, Fulham and Birmingham City and Celtic await their fate in what promises to be a compelling week of European action.

The road to progress from Group A for Tottenham is not so straight-forward given the fact that PAOK are already qualified and Shamrock Rovers cannot make it through.

To qualify the north Londoners must win in Dublin, hope Rubin Kazan lose away to PAOK and make up a goal difference deficit which currently stands at five. If the two teams finish exactly level on goal difference and goals scored, Tottenham will qualify due to their higher coefficient.

Shamrock Rovers 6/1 draw 7/2 Tottenham 4/9 – match prices

In Group K, Twente have won the section and Odense are out, while Fulham are a point ahead of Wisla Krakow and have a superior head-to-head.

To finish second, Wisla must win against the Eredivisie side and hope that Martin Jol’s men lose to their Danish visitors.

Fulham 1/5 draw 5/1 Odense 14/1 – match prices

Group H is extraordinarily tight, although Braga are through as they have a superior head-to-head over Birmingham.

However, Chris Hughton’s Championship side can overtake Brugge with a victory against eliminated Maribor should the Belgian side lose because Blues have the superior head-to-head record.

Brugge won at Braga on match-day two so a draw in the return fixture would take them through as group winners.

Birmingham City 8/15 draw 3/1 Maribor 5/1 – match prices

In Group I, Atletico Madrid have qualified and a draw with already-eliminated Rennes would clinch first place.

Udinese are three points ahead of Celtic, who would go through on the head-to-head record with a victory in Italy. If the Serie A side draw they will finish second but will finish top with a win if Atletico lose.

Udinese 8/13 draw 11/4 Celtic 9/2 – match prices

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Rivals to forfeit Europa League?

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Both Manchester clubs have now slipped into the Europa League (City 5/1f Outright Winners) after their failure to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. The pair now head the market, but just how seriously will they take the competition?

They say that money talks in football and, generally, that is the case, as the ‘haves’ more often than not occupy the top places in the league and the ‘have-nots’ struggle to compete.

But try telling that to Basel, who defied the odds to dump Manchester United out of Europe’s elite club competition and resigned them to life in the Europa League in the New Year.

United are the first club that has previously reached the final to be knocked out in the group stage and it just the third time in 17 attempts that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has failed to reach the knockout stage.

The fall-out has already begun with Patrice Evra labelling the exit as “embarrassing” and “a catastrophe” and it remains to be seen just what sort of side Fergie actually fields when United begin their Europa League campaign.

There are still some big clubs in the second-tier tournament, with Valencia, Porto and Ajax also making an early Champions League exit, while Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and Udinese look set to be in the draw for the next stage.

Ferguson will doubtless make all the right noises and pledge to put out a strong side in each match but, with Manchester City ( 4/7 Premier League Outright) currently topping the Premier League and challenging United’s domestic dominance, the fiery Scot will surely have one eye on Premier League matters when he next hands in a European team sheet.

But it could be that the Europa League is United’s best chance of silverware this term, as they have hardly pulled up any trees in the English top-flight and have been hanging onto City’s coattails all season with several 1-0 victories.

Their lack of a creative midfielder has haunted them right from the start of the season and they finally got found out in Switzerland, and the boss may well be forced to dip into the transfer market in January to try and address the problem or run the risk of the season tailing away over the next few months.

City will have also harboured ambitions of winning the Champions League this time with the money that has been spent on assembling their talented squad, but it has it be remembered that it was their first foray into the competition and they are still gelling as a unit.

It is true that they look world beaters in the Premier League but that might just add fuel to the argument that the English game is not as strong as we are all led to believe.

City finally won a trophy when lifting the FA Cup last season and any silverware will be welcomed at Eastlands, and it just might be that boss Roberto Mancini uses the Europa League as a stepping stone for nest season’s assault on the Champions League.

Both City and United have the squad to cope with European football throughout the season, but it would surprise nobody to see a few fringe players appear as the tournament progresses.

Manchester was rocked on Wednesday with the twin failures, but the scene is now set for the Premier League rivals to meet in Bucharest for the final on May 9. Whether they actually want to is open to debate.

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Europa League takes centre stage

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The absence of the Uefa Champions League means the Uefa Europa League will enjoy top billing this week and match day five will see a host of teams bidding to join the six already through to the round of 32.

Sporting Lisbon, RSC Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven, Legia Warszawa, FC Twente and Athletic Bilbao are already through to the next phase of the competition – but 24 games split over November 30 and December 1 means there is still much to be decided.

Tottenham entertain Group A leaders PAOK FC at White Hart Lane level on seven points with Rubin Kazan and off the back of an impressive run in the Premier League which has seen them go 10 games unbeaten.

The north Londoners secured a draw in Greece in the reverse fixture and will be desperate to get back on track after a 1-0 reverse against Russian outfit Rubin last time out.

Stoke City emerged from a run of just two wins from seven games in all competitions with victory against rock-bottom Blackburn in the Premier League on Saturday and have never lost at home in Europe.

The Potters on Thursday entertain FC Dynamo Kyiv, who have yet to win in 10 visits to England, and have scored just twice on English soil.

Fulham travel to the Netherlands, also on Thursday, for a match which sees former Twente player and Cottagers manager Martin Jol return to Enschede in Group K. Co Adriaanse’s men are the group stage’s 12-goal top scorers, but have never beaten an English team in 12 attempts.

Birmingham have lost just once in 13 games in all competitions and have only lost once in Europe so far this season – against Sporting Braga.

Blues are one of three teams on seven points in Group H and on Wednesday travel to Portugal hoping to inflict a third straight defeat in all competitions on Os Arcebispos.

Celtic face an acid test of their Group I credentials on Wednesday when they entertain leaders Atletico Madrid.

The Scottish side’s only defeat in the Europa League so far this season came against the La Liga outfit and they could go top of the section with a win.

The rejuvenated Hoops made it five straight wins following the 5-0 thrashing of St Mirren in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Celtic Park on Saturday, but Los Colchoneros have emerged from a dreadful October to lose just twice in six games in all competitions.

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League One and Two Picks

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There is a full schedule in League One and League Two this weekend which means there are a lot of options available for those who look further down the league ladder. Here is our guide to five games on Saturday which gives great options for any accumulator.

League One: Huddersfield v Walsall

This game looks a banker on paper, as Walsall have struggled on the road in League One this season while Huddersfield remain on this incredible record-breaking unbeaten run of 41 league games.

Lee Clark rejected Leicester’s advances this week to continue his project at the Galpharm, while in Jordan Rhodes Huddersfield have the most in-form and potent striker in the Football League.

While the Terriers ride high in the league, Walsall are on the brink of dropping into the relegation places and with only one win in their last 13 games in total, and no away win since August, they look like lambs walking to the slaughter on Saturday.

Prediction: A win for Huddersfield @ 4/11

League One: Oldham v Bury

Oldham have been in the goals in recent games but still boosted their attacking options with the loan signings of Luca Scapuzzi and Andreas Mancini from Manchester City this week.

Their last two games have been on the road and both have resulted in 3-3 draws, with Preston and Carlisle respectively, so they will be hoping to be leaner in defence against Bury at Boundary Park.

Paul Dickov’s side have not been as proficient in front of their home fans but that could change with the signing of the two City stars.

The former AC Milan youth man Scapuzzi has impressed in the Carling Cup while Mancini is the son of the City boss and both will be out to prove a point in League One.

Bury have conceded a lot of goals this season so Oldham should fancy their chances of finding the back of the net at Boundary Park.

Prediction: Oldham win @ evens

League One: Leyton Orient v Hartlepool

Leyton Orient may be unbeaten in their last seven matches but they have struggled at Brisbane Road and they face a Hartlepool side that excel on the road.

Mick Wadsworth’s side have won four of their last six matches on the road – compared to their poor home form at Victoria Park of only two wins in the same period – and they could be boosted by the return of experienced midfielder Nolberto Solano.

Both these teams seem to prefer playing away from home, which suggests a possible shock could be on the cards, but in reality a draw looks a distinct possibility.

Prediction: A draw @ 5/2

League Two: Plymouth v Morecambe

Things are looking a bit shinier for Plymouth off the pitch but things need to improve on it this weekend as they risk being marooned at the bottom of League Two.

While they want a win the league’s best travellers arrive at Home Park, with Morecambe having won five of their eight away games this season and drawing the other three.

Their morale will be riding high and last time on their travels they plundered four at ninth-placed Port Vale, which could be worrying reading for Pilgrims fans dreaming of getting only their second home win on Saturday.

Prediction: Away win for Morecambe @4/5

League Two: Bradford v Cheltenham

Cheltenham are unbeaten in their last five away games, with four wins and one draw, and travel to a Bradford side who are struggling near the wrong end of the table.

Bradford tend to score as many as they concede at Valley Parade and are struggling to really get any consistency – in the last six games they have won two, drawn two and lost two.

Their home form is the only thing really saving Bradford from being in a worse position this season but they will need to step up a level when Cheltenham roll into town.

Prediction: A punt at a draw at @12/5

These results combine to form a tasty five-way accumulator

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Champions League match-day 4

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The Champions League group stages have now reached match-day four and both Manchester clubs are in action on Wednesday as they seek to secure a spot in the knock-out stages of Europe’s elite club competition (Champions League match-day four).

Manchester United are currently second in the Group C table, after one win and two draws from their opening three fixtures.  The Reds host Romanian minnows Otelul Galati on Wednesday night and are heavy favourites to secure the victory at 1/10, the visitors are a massive 25/1 to record a shock win at Old Trafford and the draw is 9/1.

United should have no problems in seeing off their Romanian opponents and in the half-time/full-time market a Manchester United/Manchester United result pays out at 1/4. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to name a strong side as although Otelul shouldn’t represent a massive test United need to secure the victory to bolster their chances of reaching the latter stages and Javier Hernandez can be backed at 5/2 to open the scoring.

Manchester City desperately need to secure three points in their trip to Villarreal. The Premier League leaders have impressed domestically but have struggled in Europe and have won one, drawn one and lost one so far, leaving them third in the Group A table.

A loss for Villarreal would be catastrophic as they are yet to register a single point in Europe after three games.  It promises to be a hard-fought game at El Madrigal on Wednesday but City should have the quality to secure the win against Villarreal, who are also struggling for form in La Liga, and City are 8/13 to come away as winners, while the hosts are 5/1 and the draw is 11/4.

Boss Roberto Mancini is expected to include Manchester derby hero Mario Balotelli in his Champions League squad for the first time this season. The temperamental Italian has missed the first three games of the campaign due to a suspension that has been hanging over him since last season but Balotelli has plenty of Champions League experience, having been a member of the Inter Milan squad that secured the title in 2010.  Balotelli is priced at evens to score at any time and considering his form of late it could be worth backing the 21-year-old to hit the target in Spain on Wednesday.

The pick of Wednesday night’s ties is arguably Real Madrid’s trip to Lyon, in what could well be an entertaining contest. The Spanish giants have picked up maximum points in their three fixtures to date, while Lyon are level on points with Ajax in the Group D table. A win for Real would see them  qualify for the next round and the La Liga league-leaders should be able to get the better of the French outfit, with a Madrid victory priced at 8/13.

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Sunday Premier League Preview

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While much of the attention this week has been on a certain local tussle at Old Trafford, thanks to Thursday’s Europa League encounters there are also four other Premier League games to entertain us on Sunday, featuring teams from the top, middle and bottom of the table.

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenal will be looking to arrest an alarming trend of European hangovers when they clash with Stoke at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday lunchtime. The Gunners have lost all four of their games that have immediately followed Champions League matches this season.

Stoke were in European action of their own, beating Maccabi Tel-Aviv 3-0 at the Britannia Stadium, and know a win in north London could take them into the top six. Arsenal’s worries this season have mainly been restricted to matches on the road and after winning their last five home games in all competitions, they should sneak this one.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Stoke @ 7/1

Fulham v Everton

Fulham boss Martin Jol was left frustrated on Thursday after a controversial red card for Moussa Dembele hampered their attempts to beat Wisla Krakow, David Biton’s second-half goal eventually condemning the Cottagers to a 1-0 defeat.

They do, however, have fond memories of their last home league match – a 6-0 romp against QPR. Everton will be desperate to arrest of run of three straight defeats but have a poor record by the Thames – they have won just one of their last 10 league matches away at Fulham.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Everton @ 11/2

Blackburn v Tottenham

The natives are restless at Ewood Park. A run of just one win in eight league games has left the Lancashire club bottom of the pile and a supporter protest is planned for the third home game in succession.

The contrast couldn’t be more stark between Rovers and Sunday’s opponents Spurs. Only a late Newcastle equaliser prevented Harry Redknapp’s men from winning a fifth league game on the bounce last weekend and they once again find themselves within touching distance of the top four with a game hand.

Prediction: Blackburn 1-3 Tottenham @ 14/1

QPR v Chelsea

The lack of a home victory is spoiling what has otherwise been a solid return to the Premier League for QPR. But how the fans would dearly love to break that particular duck against their west London rivals Chelsea.

However, they will be taking on a Blues side in fine form having won six of their last seven league games, scoring 23 goals in the process. The Stamford Bridge outfit have also lost just one of their last 14 league and cup games against QPR and that statistic won’t be changing on Sunday.

Prediction: QPR 0-3 Chelsea @ 8/1

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Saturday’s Premier League bets

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A Saturday seven-time accumulator of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Draw (Stoke-Liverpool), Chelsea, Draw (Wolves-Spurs) and Manchester United pays a massive 151/1. There are many more realistic ways of making cash on the Premier League, however.

Arsenal v Swansea

The Gunners finally strengthened their ranks on transfer deadline day but will all the new boys face Swansea and will they take time to gel? These are the questions that face Arsene Wenger this weekend as Swansea arrive at the Emirates Stadium still in search of their first top-flight goal since 1984.

Arsenal must show a reaction after being mauled 8-2 at Old Trafford last time out and Wenger will hope that deadline day finally put a cut off marker down on the form that slumped dramatically after Birmingham’s victory in the Carling Cup final last February.

Keeping all eleven men on the field for the 90 minutes will be a step in the right direction for the ill-disciplined Gunners, but without Thomas Vermaelen again, they are still vulnerable at the back.

Swansea are 8/1 to ‘Score in Both Halves’, but Arsenal may still win a close one  – go for 3-2 to the Gunners at 25/1 in Correct Score betting.

Everton v Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta-less Everton face a dangerous Aston Villa side at Goodison Park – so Tim Cahill will take on even more responsibility for David Moyes’ side.

Cahill, 13/8 to score ‘Anytime’, has scored six goals in his last ten matches against Villa, the team he apparently enjoys facing most – but will he be as sharp as usual after a flight back from Australia?

Without Cahill, Everton may have to play a more direct brand of football and this could enable Villa to pinch the points if they are able to spring speedy counter-attacks with their pacy front and wide players.

Villa are 11/4 to win the match in ‘90 Minutes’ and 6/4 ‘To Score First Goal’.

Manchester City v Wigan Athletic

Roberto Martinez can boast the longest current unbeaten run of any manager in the Premier League while the Latics haven’t lost in seven top-flight matches.

But Manchester City have won six straight home matches and were in awesome form before the international break, particularly striker Edin Dzeko.

Wigan may catch City without their eyes completely on the ball as they make their Champions League bow against Napoli on Wednesday, but Roberto Mancini’s men should still win the match.

Dzeko to score first and City to win the match 2-0 is available at 14/1 in Scorecast betting.

Stoke City v Liverpool

Liverpool have scored in all but one of their last 13 away league games under Kenny Dalglish and will offer a much more attacking prospect to travelling fans who witnessed last season’s dismal 2-0 defeat at the Britannia under Roy Hodgson.

The Potters have failed to score in four of their six PL meetings with Liverpool, but can now boast new signing and former Anfield hero Peter Crouch.

Punters who believe former players are destined to haunt their old clubs will be on Crouchy at 7/1 First Goalscorer and 15/8 Anytime.

But Liverpool have scored the opener in all four of their competitive fixtures so far this season and could do so again at 8/11 in the To Score First Goal market.

Sunderland v Chelsea

There could hardly be a more difficult fixture for under-pressure Sunderland boss Steve Bruce after his side lost their last three home league games and seven of their last eight.

He will give ex-Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner a chance to become an instant Wearside hero, but with Petr Cech back for the Blues, the Dane may again draw a blank.

Chelsea have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games, so a high scoring match could yet still be on the cards.

A tough one to call so why not plump for Over 2.5 goals at 10/11.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur

Roger Johnson has made Wolves’ defence a much tougher unit to crack this season – but Spurs can field new signing Emmanuel Adebayor against him on Saturday.

It will be a key battle, as will the midfield scrap between ex-Spurs man Jamie O’Hara and Luka Modric. Spurs cannot afford to lose this one and Wolves are a hard team to beat these days, which could suggest a draw, backable at 12/5 in 90 Minutes betting.

Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United

This match could go the same way as last season’s entertaining and memorable 2-2 draw, which is on offer again at 16/1 in the Correct Score market.

Bolton are going to be well up for the derby clash and will attempt to put constant pressure on United’s error-prone keeper David de Gea.

His chances of keeping a clean sheet look slim, unless he seriously improves his concentration, but expect his team-mates to bail him out if he again drops a clanger.

Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney are quite simply on fire and, if both are selected, will wreak havoc on the Bolton defence.

Young, who grabbed the last goal of United’s 8-2 romp against Arsenal and forced the last goal in their 2-1 win at West Brom, is 6/1 to score the last here.

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Premier League preview – Sunday

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There are three Premier League matches on Sunday with two sides that won their opening game, Bolton and Manchester City, set to face each other. New boys Norwich are also in action so we will take a look at how things might turn out on Sunday evening.

Bolton v Manchester City

Bolton are now firmly established as a top-flight club and they dealt ruthlessly with the threat of Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers last weekend. While the 4-0 scoreline may have flattered them slightly, it was still an excellent way to get their campaign up and running.

But Sunday’s clash will be a real test of their mettle as they welcome a City side to the Reebok who have real title ambitions after another summer of big-money signings.

Record signing Sergio Aguero bagged a brace on his City debut against Swansea and could well be handed a starting berth against the Trotters. The Argentina international hit-man looks a real talent and the Bolton rearguard will have to keep a close eye on him throughout the 90 minutes.

But such is the talent on show at the Eastlands club these days that goals could come from anywhere and there are even rumours that Carlos Tevez might make an appearance.

Bolton’s Ricardo Gardner will undergo a fitness test on his groin problem, while new signing Tuncay will be available if his work permit is sorted out in time.

Both sides scored four goals last time out and, while home advantage will certainly help Bolton, an away win seems the likely result here.

Odds: Bolton 7/2, City 5/6, draw 13/5

Norwich City v Stoke City

Norwich made the best start of the three promoted teams, gaining a creditable 1-1 draw away at Wigan Athletic, and Sunday’s clash at Carrow Road will be the first top-flight game there for six years.

There is sure to be a carnival atmosphere and that will help them against a well-organised and tough Potters outfit, who came away from Stamford Bridge with a point after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in their season-opener.

Stoke may feel the effects of Thursday’s trip to Switzerland when they played FC Thun in the Europa League but their 1-0 victory will have given them a confidence boost heading into the weekend’s fixture.

Norwich centre-back Zak Whitbread was forced off against Wigan because of a knee problem and his participation against Tony Pulis’ men is in doubt but Daniel Ayala, who joined from Liverpool on Tuesday, is waiting to fill his boots.

Stoke trio Jonathan Woodgate, Jermaine Pennant and Asmir Begovic were rested for the Swiss trip but should all start in East Anglia.

The Canaries’ stay in the Premier League lasted just one season last time and they will need to win the majority of their home games if they want to reverse that trend this time, and a home clash with Stoke will certainly have been pencilled in as one they can take three points from.

Odds: Norwich 6/4, Stoke 15/8, draw 23/10

Wolves v Fulham

Wolves were another side to take maximum points from their opening salvo with an excellent 2-1 win at Blackburn, while the Cottagers held Aston Villa to a goalless draw by the Thames.

The Molineux outfit waited until the final game of last season to secure their top-flight status but have started this term in a positive fashion as they look to consolidate their place in England’s top division.

Fulham are under new management and look to be an organised unit under Martin Jol although, like Stoke, they might suffer from their midweek European outing.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy may name the same side that won at Blackburn, with defender Richard Stearman fit again after hurting his back against Rovers.

Fulham could recall Dickson Etuhu, John Arne Riise, Philippe Senderos and Andrew Johnson, who were rested and dropped to the bench for the clash with Dnipro.

Both sides will be looking for a top-10 finish this year and a draw looks a sensible bet for this one.

Odds: Wolves 11/8, Fulham 11/5, draw 9/4

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League Two 2011/12 Preview

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The Football League season gets underway this weekend and down in League Two there are a few teams with big dreams who are looking to start their climb up the league ladder. Here is our guide to the title contenders and relegation candidates in the bottom tier of the Football League.

A lot of eyes are going to be on Crawley Town (3/1 Title Outright) this season after Steve Evans used the club’s financial muscle to steam-roll through the Blue Square Premier last season. He established a strong side consisting of the best and brightest stars of non-league and has continued to add to his squad this summer.

Evans is a love him or hate him character, but he has experience of League Two and in Matt Tubbs has someone who will guarantee goals. It is no shock Crawley are the favourites to win the League Two title, but they will not have it as easy as they did last season.

Bristol Rovers (10/1 Title Outright) have also been using their financial powers during the summer following relegation and Paul Buckle, who performed heroics as Torquay boss, has brought in no fewer than 15 players. The majority of these are highly experienced at this level, and higher, so they look likely to push Crawley all the way for that title.

Shrewsbury Town (12/1 Title Outright) have lost in the play-offs in three of the last four seasons and the wily old Graham Turner will be desperate to avoid going through that again. They were strong throughout the last campaign and Turner has moved to add the 6ft 5in Marvin Morgan to his attack, who showed at Aldershot he can score goals at this level.

There is a great spirit around Shrewsbury and they should be well fancied to go up automatically come May.

The appointment of Paulo Di Canio as Swindwon Town (9/1 Title Outright) manager has brought some glamour to League Two and fans will be desperate for some success after last season’s struggles at the County Ground.

However, there remain question marks over his ability as a manager and how he will adapt to this level, and some of his overseas signings will need to adapt quickly.

The likes of Oxford, Port Vale and Northampton will all be sniffing around the play-offs, while Gillingham also have the capability of surprising a few people.

After the fairytale story of AFC Wimbledon (12/1 Relegation Outright) it could be a real struggle for them in their first season in the Football League, especially after losing Danny Kedwell to Gillingham. There is not much money around the club but in Terry Brown they have an experienced head and ensuring League Two survival will be enough for their fans.

It could be a long old season for two former Premier League managers in the shape of Peter Reid at Plymouth (9/1 Relegation Outright) and Lawrie Sanchez at Barnet. Consecutive relegations and financial nightmares have left the Pilgrims floundering and it could be seen as a success that they are even able to take their place in League Two.

Reid has struggled to attract players as wages are rarely paid on time and he will need to use all his contacts to get some bargains for the south-west club.

Barnet (11/4 to go down) seem to have been clinging on to their League Two life for many seasons and they spent most of last term in the relegation zone. Former Northern Ireland and Fulham boss Sanchez worked as a consultant to save them and has now taken over the job full-time. A small budget and fan-base limits Barnet and this could be the season they drop out of the Football League.

The likes of Macclesfield (11/4 Relegation Outright) and Cheltenham (10/3) are also be in for a real battle for their Football League lives between now and May.

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