1. Tottenham can muscle in on title race

With Arsenal and Chelsea both dropping points over Christmas, the onus was on Spurs (14/1 – Premier League outright) in Tuesday’s late game to prove they have what it takes to rival the two Manchester clubs in the title race in the second half of the season.

And Harry Redknapp’s men did not disappoint. After being held to a goalless draw in the first half at Norwich, Spurs eventually overcame the Canaries in the second half to record a valuable 2-0 win. The three points kept them seven points behind both United and City with a game in hand and they look well placed to mount a serious title bid in 2012.

Gareth Bale scored both goals to see off Norwich and he appears to be hitting top form at just the right time while Luka Modric, Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor are all impressing.

Tougher tests than Carrow Road await for the north Londoners but they look strong throughout their squad and can muscle in on the Manchester-dominated top two places over the coming months.

2. United in no mood to give up title easily

The way Manchester City (4/5 PL outright) started the season, many pundits were predicting the Eastlands outfit could have the Premier League title wrapped up by Easter. The 6-1 demolition of United (5/4) at Old Trafford in the autumn only served to add further belief to that train of thought as Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Mario Balotelli and co were running riot.

However, the heavy home defeat to their city rivals has acted as a massive wake-up call for United and they have moved level on 45 points at the top with City following an impressive run of form.

Yes, they went out of the Champions League at the group stage but a run of eight wins from their last nine league games proves they have well and truly got the City shocker out of their system.

Consecutive 5-0 wins over Fulham and Wigan have only highlighted that further and United appear back to their menacing best.

3. Relegation race is as tight as ever

With just 10 points separating the bottom half of the table, this season’s relegation scrap could be just as tight as last year.

Blackburn (4/9 to be relegated) picked up an impressive point at Liverpool but stayed bottom – just a point behind struggling Bolton (8/13) and two off Wigan (4/6). At Anfield, Rovers proved they have the fighting spirit in them to stay up but will need plenty more if they are to eventually beat the drop.

Bolton, on the other hand, are in a bad way at the moment and the Boxing Day reverse at home to Newcastle cranked the pressure up further on boss Owen Coyle. With Gary Cahill set to leave next month, they need a fresh injection of talent and Coyle must get the Trotters motivated again if they are move up the table.

As for the rest, anyone from Norwich (4/1) down could easily get dragged into the scrap in what is sure to be a compelling second half of the season in the bottom half.

4. Liverpool need a goalscorer

Liverpool’s Boxing Day draw at home to bottom-club Blackburn highlighted various things but the most obvious is that they are craving an out-and-out goalscorer.

The Reds have top-four aspirations this season (5/2 – top 4 finish) and remain in the hunt at the halfway stage but their lack of firepower is currently costing them. Again against Rovers, like in several other games in which they have dropped points this season, Kenny Dalglish’s side carved out enough chances to have won comfortably but somehow ended up with just the one goal and another 1-1 draw.

Luis Suarez is more of a playmaker than clinical centre-forward while Andy Carroll still looks nothing like the player he was last season for Newcastle with just three goals all season. Craig Bellamy will get goals but is unlikely to be given a regular run in the side while Dirk Kuyt, last season’s top scorer, has yet to find the back of the net in the league this season.

With Suarez facing an eight-game ban, Dalglish is looking at his options in the transfer window and don’t be surprised to see him add a striker to his ranks to help improve the chances to goals conversion rate that is currently badly letting his side down.

5. There are no easy games in the top flight

Aside from United’s big victory over Wigan, the Christmas fixtures proved once again that you cannot take anything for granted in the Premier League.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal (evens – top 4 finish) all had what looked fairly straightforward home games but all managed to slip up as they were held 1-1 by Blackburn, Fulham and Wolves respectively.

It was the same old failing for Liverpool at home as they wasted plenty of chances against Rovers in their draw while Chelsea and Arsenal were both pegged back in their games after going in front early on. Despite pressure in both games late on from the home sides, both Fulham and Wolves held on to prove to the so-called big clubs that you have to work hard for every win in the top flight.

Leaders City, too, were expected to see off West Brom at the Hawthorns but were also held 0-0 to highlight the quality and strength in depth throughout what remains a very competitive league.

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The Gunners are yet to win a game in the top flight this season, or even score a goal, after a disappointing goalless draw against Newcastle United last weekend was followed up by a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday.

When you are down on your luck it looks like things are going against you and Liverpool’s opener had nothing to do with the Reds as Arsenal defender Ignasi Miquel slammed the ball at team-mate Aaron Ramsey to then see it find its way in the goal.

That followed the sending off of Emmanuel Frimpong, who showed his inexperience at this level and exposed the lack of strength in depth in the Gunners squad. Now the pressure is building on Wenger, who has also had to deal with the loss of his skipper Cesc Fabregas, who completed his protracted move to Barcelona earlier in the week.

With Samir Nasri set to leave the Emirates before the end of the month, the Gunners boss will have to splash the cash to appease the club’s fans if he still wants to be in charge at the Emirates next season.

Another man who finds himself under pressure is Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney, who saw his side suffer their third straight defeat ahead of the World Cup next month.

The Irish went down 22-26 to the French on Saturday to leave Kidney’s side with their confidence  on the floor ahead of the major tournament, following another defeat to Les Bleus last weekend and a loss to Scotland in Edinburgh.

Things won’t get much easier for Kidney, as his side get set to host Six Nations champions England next weekend and questions have now been raised over Ireland’s preparations ahead of the World Cup.

Only a win will do against the English after this weekend’s latest defeat has placed unwanted pressure on Kidney and the Ireland (20/1 World Cup outright) squad.

In the 13-man form of the game, Wigan Warriors once again showed they are the side to beat in the Super League this season as they hope to defend their title. The Lancashire outfit thrashed the Bradford Bulls on Friday night with a superb second-half performance at the DW Stadium.

Sam Tomkins bagged himself another brace as the Warriors ran in 12 tries to put themselves in a strong position at the top of the table.

Wigan (1/4 Challenge Cup outright) are perfectly placed to do the double this season, as they continue to look strong in the Super League and have booked their place in the final of the Challenge Cup, where they will face Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.

Looking at the way they took apart the Bulls, it’s hard to see any side stopping the Warriors securing a famous double this term.

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United found themselves 2-0 down, despite dominating much of the possession and the early chances against the Blues.

However, not for the first time, the Red Devils showed why they have been so successful for so long by having that never-say-die attitude to score three goals and take yet more silverware back with them to Old Trafford.

United (7/4 Premier League 2011/2012 outright) have shown that once again they will be the side to beat in the Premier League this season and it will be down to the likes of City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal to do their best to stop them making it league title number 20.

In golf Adam Scott (22/1 USPGA Championship Outright) dominated in Ohio to win the WGC Bridgestone Invitational ahead of the final major of the season.

The Australian kept cool and calm down the back nine, as he finished on 17-under-par to win the last event before the USPGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club this week.

From a British perspective, it was pleasing to see the likes of Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy do so well on the Firestone Country Club course.

World number one Donald finished second at the event and has continued the fine form that took him to the top of the rankings earlier this year.

Westwood and McIlroy also enjoyed decent rounds and all three players should go into this week’s major full of confidence.

It was the same old story with the Leeds Rhinos, as they booked their place in the Challenge Cup final after a narrow 10-8 victory over Castleford Tigers on Sunday.

The go-to-guys for Leeds (11/4 Challenge Cup outright) once again came to the fore as they came up against a spirited Tigers side who almost clinched a surprise victory at the Keepmoat Stadium.

If Rangi Chase had slotted that drop goal in the dying moments it would be Castleford who would be looking forward to a date at Wembley with Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup final.

However, it was the likes of Rob Burrow and Jamie Peacock who were able to set up field position in time added on, as Danny McGuire was taken down with a high tackle, before Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield slotted the pressure penalty goal to seal the win.

Even though this has been somewhat of a transitional season for the Rhinos, this weekend showed they still have what it takes to win big games under pressure.

In a weekend with all the old names taking the limelight, it was refreshing to see a new name burst on to the international scene in rugby union as Manu Tuilagi’s debut against Wales gave England (12/1 World Cup 2011 outright) fans plenty to cheer about.

The Leicester Tigers centre showed why he is seen as such an exciting prospect following an impressive season in the Aviva Premiership.

Judging by his performance in England’s 23-19 victory at Twickenham on Saturday, Tuilagi has one foot on that plane to New Zealand, as head-coach Martin Johnson hopes to lead his country to a second World Cup title.

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It’s not all lost for West Ham….yet

The team who is bottom at Christmas usually ends the season there and, while the Hammers (4/9f to be relegated) are adrift at the moment, their 1-1 draw against Blackburn shows the fighting spirit is there under embattled boss Avram Grant.

Scotty Parker remains the Hammers’ key man and his influence on the game on Saturday grew as it went on, as they deservedly managed to get a point off Rovers – no mean feat despite the mood in the home dressing room following Big Sam’s sudden departure.

If the Hammers can replicate their second-half form in the coming weeks, then safety could yet be within their grasp (West Ham to win at Fulham on Boxing Day – 5/2).

Craig Gordon is a fine goalkeeper

Despite an injury-disrupted start to life at Sunderland, the Scot proved – in one moment of genius – that the £9million man can yet become the world-class stopper many thought he was destined to be, when he joined in 2007 from Hearts.

His wonder-save has since been played down by Gordon, who insisted he has made better in the past. That’s a big claim such was the quality of the reaction stop from close-range to deny Bolton’s Zat Knight, but the goalie – with obviously sky-high standards – said afterwards it’s only “in his top five”.

Maybe he hadn’t seen it on TV at that point because, trust us Craig, it’s a belter!

Leeds are on a roll

A 2-0 win over leaders QPR (11/10 – Championship Outright) leaves the once-mighty Leeds United second in the Championship (12/1 to win it) and finely placed to mount a serious title charge in the second half of the season.

Simon Grayson’s side continue to look the part and the 30,000 who braved the sub-zero West Yorkshire temperatures (or maybe just got out of the Christmas shopping) on Saturday were well rewarded.

Max Gradel’s double means Leeds are now nine games unbeaten and means there is finally a real belief that they can finally get back into the big time.

Exeter have the best groundstaff there is!

Only one game survived in League One and Exeter (20/1 to be promoted) will have been well pleased they managed to get their clash at home to Sheffield Wednesday on, after a 5-1 mauling of the Owls.

The south west was one of the worst-hit areas in terms of snow over the weekend, but a mammoth effort from the Grecians (and plenty of eager local volunteers too, it has to be said) ensured they were able to beat the weather.

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Carlos Tevez may not be missed

Manchester City may publicly toe the party line but one wonders privately if manager Roberto Mancini has decided want-away striker Carlos Tevez is no longer worth the hassle? (6/1 Man City – Premier League outright)

The combustible Argentinian has confirmed City fans worst fears by revealing he wants away from Eastlands because his relations with “certain executives” at Eastlands have “broken down beyond repair”.

City have countered this as “ludicrous and nonsensical” and insist they do want to sell the 26-year-old. However, the performance of David Silva against West Ham may now tempt Mancini to contemplate the previously unthinkable.

Tevez fought tooth and nail to leave neighbours United – and it is significant that Sir Alex Ferguson has not lost too much sleep over his defection across the city.

Never doubt Barcelona again

Whisper it quietly but this commentator dared to suggest Barcelona may not have the legs and squad depth to see off the threat of great rivals Real Madrid (Villarreal 8/5 – La Liga w/o Barcelona and Real Madrid)

The 5-0 destruction of Real Sociedad on Sunday at Camp Nou means Barca last tasted defeat – and a shock one at that – on September 11 against Hercules.

Since then they have scored 64 goals in all competitions – including a 5-0 defeat of Real – and have not lost a single game.

The result keeps Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side at the top of the Primera Division table after 15 rounds of matches.

Prepare for a Chelsea backlash

A 1-1 draw on Sunday means Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League but, significantly, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard are both yet to return to full match sharpness (2/1 Chelsea – Premier League outright).

The pair came on against Tottenham on Sunday and fit-again defender John Terry put in a performance to suggest punters who wrote the west Londoners off could be left with a custard pie in their face at the end of the season.

It never pays to dismiss a top team – as comeback kings Manchester United have proved down the years – and Chelsea have too much quality to be considered also-rans in a wide-open race for the Premier League title.

Yes, the draw extended Chelsea’s winless streak to five league games but the 2/1 about their title chances could look big come next May.

Borussia Dortmund refuse to go away

Die Schwarzgelben continue to raise eyebrows in Bundesliga and a 2-0 win at home to travel-sick Werder Bremen on Friday means they should not be dismissed as genuine title contenders (1/4 Dortmund – Bundesliga outright).

Dortmund last won the German title in 2002 but play an attractive brand of attacking football under Jurgen Klopp and have only lost once in the league this season.

Bayern Munich are certain to be a threat after the winter break once their well-documented injury problems have cleared, but livewire strikers Shinji Kagawa Lucas Barrios – both have scored eight goals each in all competitions – are a potent combination of pace and movement.

West Ham fans should be worried

When West Ham were relegated in 2003 they finished on 42 points – still a record in a 20-team league – and for once the tired old cliché that a team is too good to go down seemed to ring true (4/9 West Ham – Premier League relegation).

Fast forward and the Hammers look anything but a Premier League team.

A 4-0 Carling Cup win over Manchester United off the back of a 3-1 Premier League win over Wigan has proved a false dawn for the Boleyn faithful.

West Ham have won only 10 of their last 55 league games and may not get much Christmas cheer from upcoming festive games against Blackburn, Fulham and Everton.

Alan Pardew may have won the battle?

Coronation Street script writers sourcing inspiration ahead of the 50th anniversary celebrations could be forgiven for turning to the long-running soap that is Newcastle United (16/1 Newcastle – Top 6 Finish).

Alan Pardew may have won the first battle, namely a 3-1 win over Liverpool, but that does not mean he will win the war on Tyneside. True, it is not his fault Chris Hughton was sacked but in an age where contracts at the highest level are worth precious little, it does seem like wishful thinking to believe he will see out his five-and-a-half-year deal at a club where managers come and go as often as Tuesday follows Monday.

Pardew appears savvy enough to win over the fans but the dressing room is another matter and, like most good soaps, you never quite know what is around the corner.

David Moyes may have reached the end

Everton have historically been slow-burners but an uninspiring goalless draw at home to Wigan has set the alarm bells ringing (22/1 Everton – Premier League relegation).

The New Year usually brings an upturn in form from the blue half of Merseyside but on current form it might be wise for David Moyes to start preparing his players for a fight at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

You have to go back to the end of October for Everton’s last Premier League win and fans must be wondering if the highly-rated Scot has hit a wall at Goodison Park.

Harry has a point

Harry Redknapp was bullish in his assertion that Tottenham can consider themselves genuine title contenders – before and after the 1-1 draw with champions Chelsea on Sunday (33/1 Tottenham – Premier League outright).

And given that Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all face other in the next couple of weeks his declaration might not be the bluff it appears at face value.

Redknapp has assembled an exciting crop of young talent fused with experience and the no-fear approach makes them dangerous.

Tottenham have already accounted for some sizeable scalps this season so Redknapp may just have a point.

And finally…

Gerard Houllier is going to have to rely on all his know-how to turn around a perilous situation for Aston Villa.

A home win over West Brom has provided brief respite but reports of player-unrest have done little to stem the flow of fans’ fears the club is going backwards.

Roy Keane may find he is running out time to transform Ipswich’s fortunes following their disastrous 1-0 defeat Championship basement club Preston.

The former Manchester United favourite has never shirked a battle, but, worryingly, admitted his team are now in a relegation battle after their sixth straight league defeat.

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2) Arsenal also still have keeper problems as Lukasz Fabianski played up to his nickname – Flappyhandski – as Newcastle stunned the Gunners at the Emirates on Sunday.

3) Andy Carroll is proving any doubters wrong and that he may well have deserved a place in the England team. The 21-year-old will be hoping he is still firing when the next squad is announced by Fabio Capello.

4) Liverpool’s Fernando Torres (8/1 to finish as the Premier League’s Top Scorer) is proving the old adage true that ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ following his two-goal demolition job on champions Chelsea.

5) Spurs are struggling to balance their domestic and European commitments, and badly need Jermain Defoe back from his ankle problem as the club has mustered just 13 goals in 11 Premier League games, despite smashing seven in two past Euro champions Inter Milan.

6) Teams do not always get what they deserve – just ask Mick McCarthy. Wolves played well enough to win at a misfiring Manchester United but a 93rd-minute goal keeps Wolves in the bottom two and United (3/1 to win the Premier League) in the title hunt – always play to the whistle!

7) His heart may not be in it but Carlos Tevez is capable of showing that money can indeed buy you a title after Man City ended their three-match losing streak at West Brom.

Alternatively tune in to watch Real Madrid, no shrinking violets when it comes to splashing the cash, and they are tearing up in La Liga, remain unbeaten in all competitions and are banging in goals for fun. Maybe Jose Mourinho really is the Special One.

9) Blackpool (11/10 to stay up) have been a breathe of fresh air in the Premier League this season and look as though they will continue to be so after another good performance – plus Ian Holloway is always good for a post-match quote.

10) West Ham (Evens to be relegated) are in bad enough trouble as it is without throwing away a 2-0 goal lead, apparently through complacency, and it’s the fourth time this season they have surrendered a winning position. The Hammers are going to continue to struggle unless they improve their resilience.

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2)      Feuding Manchester City are far from the finished article and don’t look title contenders (City 2/5 Top Four Finish).

3)      Manchester United are not the same team without Wayne Rooney (Rooney 16/1 Premier League Top Scorer), but is Nani the new Ronaldo?

4)      Liverpool need Fernando Torres fit and on form to qualify for Europe….as there’s nobody else!

5)      Tottenham are not good enough to mount a title challenge and will never get a refereeing decision at Old Trafford!

6)      Aston Villa are going to take a while to get to grips with what Monsieur Houllier requires!  Not sure the fans will remain patient though (Villa 14/1 Top Four Finish).

7)      Start counting your money if you’ve backed West Ham to be relegated – not even Scott Parker or Rob Green can save the Hammers from the drop (Hammers 10/11 to be relegated).

8)      Blackburn can actually play some football and Benjani could keep them in the top flight this season.

9)      Fabio Capello hopefully has a short memory, as Joey Barton looks good enough for a call-up to the England squad (1/6 to win Euro 2012 Qualifying Group G).

10)   Everton are the in-form team in the league but don’t count your chickens on a European place – a lack of goals could cost them.

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