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Blades look to clip Bluebirds

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It could not be much tighter in the race for promotion and the battle for survival in the Championship and Tuesday night throws up a full list of fixtures with some intriguing games (totesport – Championship outright and match markets).

Sheffield United would not have dreamed that they would be rock bottom of the table after 40 games this season given that they were tipped to push for a return back to the Premier League.

However, they find themselves seven points off safety and will be desperate for all three points when they face Cardiff City at Bramall Lane on Tuesday (Sheffield Utd, 12/5, draw 23/10, Cardiff 21/20 – match prices).

The South Yorkshire club were unlucky not to get a point against Middlesbrough last weekend when they lost 2-1 with Marvin Emnes scoring with a late goal to deny the home side a point.

It’s difficult to see the Blades getting out of this one but if they are to pull off a miracle escape they will have to start with a win against Cardiff.

The Bluebirds have started to find their form again after suffering a blip with a run of four games without a win.

However, victories over Derby and Doncaster have got City firing at the right time and they are looking strong, with just a point between themselves and the automatic places.

It’s hard to see the Blades picking up the three points but with the Red and Whites battling for their lives they might just bag a point against an impressive Cardiff side.

In a game that throws up a similar scenario Scunthorpe United take on Reading at Glanford Park (Scunthorpe 16/5, draw 11/4, Reading 8/11 – match prices).

The Iron are five points off safety thanks to one of the shock results of the weekend as they beat top-of-the-table QPR 4-1 on Saturday.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Scunthorpe fans in recent weeks, as they were thrashed 6-0 by Norwich City in their previous outing.

Reading have been the big movers in recent weeks and currently sit in fifth place in the table thanks to six straight wins on the bounce.

The Royals came through a thrilling encounter against Nottingham Forest in the pick of the weekend’s games with a 4-3 victory at the City Ground.

Once again it’s hard to see Scunthorpe winning against Reading on Tuesday and this time the visitors look too good at the moment not to pick up all three points and strengthen their play-off position.

Forest will be looking to get their season back on track when they take on Burnley at the City Ground on Tuesday (Forest 20/21, draw 23/10, Burnley 11/4 – match prices).

Billy Davies and his men have had a torrid time in recent weeks and have failed to win in their last nine Championship games.

Big defeats to play-off rivals Reading, Leeds United and Swansea have left their dreams of returning to the Premier League this season in the balance.

As for Burnley they too have gone off the boil at just the wrong time, as they are currently on a run of three straight defeats.

The 4-0 hammering by Leicester City won’t do the Burnley squad confidence any good but they must win this if they want any hope of being in the play-offs.

Forest have been slightly unlucky in recent weeks and their fortunes should turn and around with three points against the Clarets.

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Canaries look to cull the Swans

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It is another massive weekend in the Championship with 12 games all taking place on Saturday. Champions-elect QPR (1/33 Outright) look virtually home and dry, so the battle is on to see which two teams will join them in the Premier League via automatic promotion and the play-offs, while the battle to stay in the Championship continues at the other end of the table.

Here are five games which we feel will have a big impact on issues at both ends of the Championship on Saturday.

SWANSEA V NORWICH (5.20pm)

Arguably the biggest game in the Championship has been picked for TV coverage and will kick off in the early evening at the Liberty Stadium. This could well be the game that Norwich make a significant stride towards securing that second automatic spot (Norwich 5/6 Promotion) if they win in South Wales.

Paul Lambert’s side currently sit four points clear of the Swans following last weekend’s stunning 6-0 win against Scunthorpe and they are unbeaten in over two months.
Red-hot striker Grant Holt will look to celebrate his new three-year deal with a goal for the Canaries (6/1 First Goalscorer) following his treble against the Iron.

Brendan Rodgers’ side, whose promotion hopes have been dented by three successive away defeats to struggling Preston, Derby and Scunthorpe are usually a lot stronger on home soil and will no doubt pose a big threat to Norwich.
It should be a closely-fought encounter and it is therefore hard to pick a winner.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: S Sinclair 1st Goal 1-1 Draw Scorecast  @ 22/1

DONCASTER V CARDIFF (3pm)

This encounter at the Keepmoat Stadium will have implications at both ends of the table with Cardiff (8/5 Promotion) sat in third spot and looking for maximum points to keep pressure on second-placed Norwich.

However, Rovers are not completely safe from relegation so they will look for three points to virtually secure Championship football for next season.

Cardiff drew 3-3 at Millwall in their last away game, although they will go into this clash on the back of last week’s thumping 4-1 home win against Derby.

Michael Chopra is still ruled out due to injury, but the Bluebirds have more than enough firepower to see them through this one.

Doncaster are without their influential striker Billy Sharp so will again be lacking up front as they have only managed one goal in their last four outings.

Sean O’Driscoll will point to Cardiff’s recent 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Crystal Palace to give his side hope, but the Welshmen will have just too much.

Prediction: Cardiff Away Win 90 Minutes @ 6/5
Value Bet: Cardiff to Win 2-0 Correct Score @ 8/1

MILLWALL V LEEDS (3pm)

A big game in south London between two sides with slightly differing targets at this moment in time. Kenny Jackett’s Lions are six points off a play-off place, while Leeds sit in fifth spot and are six points off the automatic promotion places (Leeds 7/2 Promotion).

Victory for Millwall would push them closer to those top-six places with just six matches remaining, while Simon Grayson’s men could be left to focus on staying in those places if they lose and results elsewhere go against them.

Millwall (14/1 promotion)  have won three of their last four, including a 2-0 success against league leaders QPR at the intimidating Den, so they will fancy their chances of another positive result against Leeds, who they also have a good record against on home soil.

Leeds smashed Nottingham Forest 4-1 at Elland Road last week, but lost 2-0 at struggling Sheffield United in their last away game.

The Whites will have to improve dramatically on that display, but are good enough to get at least a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Millwall/Draw HT/FT @14/1

NOTTINGHAM FOREST V READING (3PM)

This match-up at the City Ground sees a Forest side which is in free-fall against a Royals outfit which is one of the in-form Championship sides. As a result Brian McDermott’s men have usurped Billy Davies’ injury-hit Forest in the final play-off spot in the past week.

Therefore, Forest must try and use their usually reliable home form to claw their way back into contention of a top-six finish, but it will not be easy given that they have now not won in eight league outings and have Chris Cohen suspended after his red card at Leeds.

In the meantime Reading (7/2 Promotion) moved three points clear of Forest after the midweek win against Preston made it five successive victories and stretched the unbeaten run to nine.
Forest have only lost once at home all season and for that reason you’dfancy them not to be beaten, although it will be a close contest.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: 2-2 Draw Correct Score @ 12/1

SHEFFIELD UNITED V MIDDLESBROUGH (3pm)

The game of the day at the wrong end of the Championship sees third-bottom Sheffield United facing fellow strugglers Boro at Bramall Lane in a game they simply cannot afford to lose. In fact anything less than three points could be fatal for the Blades, who are currently seven points adrift of safety.

The omens are good for the South Yorkshire outfit given that they have a history of coming out on top in this fixture, while they have beaten Nottingham Forest and Leeds in their previous home games.

Tony Mowbray’s Boro are unbeaten in four league games with two wins and two draws to see them sit 10 points clear of the third-bottom Blades. They will be boosted by the return of captain Matthew Bates from a two-month hamstring injury lay-off and know a win would virtually guarantee their safety.

An interesting clash in store but United’s pure desperation for three points will see them edge this encounter.

Prediction: Sheffield United Home win 90 Minutes @ 13/10
Value Bet: R Cresswell 1st goal Sheff United win 1-0 Scorecast @ 28/1

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Reds look to wreck Fergie’s title tilt

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Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish will be aiming to put one over his old foe Sir Alex Ferguson and put another dent in Manchester United’s Premier League title bid when the sides met at Anfield on Sunday, before Wolves will be aiming to bolster their survival hopes by hurting Tottenham’s Champions League qualification aspirations at Molineux.

The game of the day gets underway on Merseyside at 1.30pm as Liverpool play host to United with Ferguson’s side aiming to win their 19th league title (8/13 Outright) this season which would see them pull one clear of Liverpool. And, while Dalglish’s men still harbour slim hopes of securing a top-four finish (10/1), they will no doubt take great delight in trying to halt their big rivals?’ championship mission.

Chelsea’s 2-1 win against United on Tuesday opened up the title race and Ferguson will be looking for his side to slam the door shut as quickly as possible, starting at Anfield.

However, the Scot is not helped by the continued injury absence of Rio Ferdinand, while his other first-choice central defender, Nemanja Vidic, is banned after seeing red at Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, young rookie Chris Smalling will be partnered by Wes Brown at the back which could hand Liverpool a great opportunity to strike a blow to the Red Devils.

It will be also a special day for Ryan Giggs as he will be making a club record 607th league appearance and he is 3/1 to score at anytime in the game.

Dalglish has been hit by the loss of Martin Kelly due to a torn hamstring, but Raul Meireles should shake off a knee injury and £35million January signing Andy Carroll could be handed his debut at some point after his recovery from a long-term thigh problem.

Liverpool have won their last two home games against United, while Dalglish’s last home match in charge of Liverpool against Fergie’s United ended in a 4-0 win back in September 1990.

However, Ferguson has the edge over Dalglish in league meetings to date, while his side have won five of their last seven league games and will be aiming to make it six on Sunday.

Prediction: Liverpool To Win @ 7/4
Value Bet: Correct Score Liverpool 2-1 Man United @ 9/1.

WOLVES V TOTTENHAM

The later 4pm game on Sunday sees a near top-versus bottom scenario taking place at Molineux as Wolves will look to continue their good home record against the Premier League’s big boys when Tottenham arrive in town.

Mick McCarthy’s men have defeated Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United on home soil so Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will not want to his side added to that list of scalps.

However the Londoners, who are looking to keep their bid for a second successive top-four finish alive (Spurs 6/5), will be again without Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart, although they hope to have them back for the Champions League tie against AC Milan in midweek.

Wolves’ hopes of securing three points which could take them out of the relegation zone (4/7 To Stay Up) will not be helped by the loss of loan star Jamie O’Hara, who is ineligible to face his parent club.

Steven Mouyokolo and Ronald Zubar are ruled out with injury while Dave Edwards and Dave Jones are doubts, but Stephen Hunt is fit again.

Victory for Wolves would see them record three consecutive top-flight home wins for the first time in over 30 years, but they have their work cut out against a Spurs side that has won six games on the road so far this term – the second best record in the Premier League behind Arsenal’s seven.

Wolves chances of coming out on top could be helped by Tottenham having one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against AC Milan at White Hart Lane which they start with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Prediction: 90 Minutes Draw @ 23/10
Value Bet: Scorecast Kevin Doyle 1st Goal Wolves 1-1 Spurs @ 33/1.

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Resurgent Trotters look strong

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There is one game on Sunday and one game on Monday in the Premier League, with an all North-West affair and a west London derby to look forward to. Bolton entertain Everton on Sunday, while Chelsea travel to Fulham on Monday and here’s are take on the games…….

Bolton v Everton

Bolton seem to have picked up after their January lull, and it is no coincidence that the Wanderers form has improved at the same time Lee Chung-Yong returned from Asian Cup duty and Daniel Sturridge joined on loan from Chelsea.

Bolton were unlucky to come away from White Hart Lane with nothing to show for their efforts last time out and will be desperate to get back to winning ways by seeing off Everton on Sunday.  Indeed, Bolton nearly managed to take three points off the Merseyside outfit earlier in the season but were denied by a last gasp Jermaine Beckford equaliser and Owen Coyle?s men should be in confident mood ahead of Everton’s visit.

Everton managed to secure a 5-3 win over Blackpool in a thrilling encounter last weekend, but boss David Moyes has been dealt a massive blow ahead of the trip to Bolton as Louis Saha has been ruled out with a hamstring problem.  The former Manchester United striker had been in fantastic form and managed to score an impressive four goals against the Seasiders, but with the Frenchman ruled out for the trip to Bolton the Toffees could well struggle to hit the target.

Bolton have a decent record on home soil and have lost just twice at the Reebok over the course of the current campaign.  In contrast, Everton have only tasted victory on two occasions in their 13 away games so far and could struggle to get the better of Bolton, especially with the in-form Saha sidelined (Match Betting – Bolton 13/8, draw 23/10, Everton 13/8).

Fulham v Chelsea

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti conceded defeat in the battle for the Premier League title this week, but that does not mean the Blues will simply roll over from here on in. The Stamford Bridge side are still battling for a top four spot and will be keen to take all three points from their encounter with local rivals Fulham.

Ancelotti has confirmed that January signing David Luiz will start against Fulham after making his debut as a substitute in the loss against Liverpool last weekend, while Fernando Torres should also feature despite his subdued display in his debut.

Fulham are a decent side at Craven Cottage and after a difficult start to the season, they have managed to get back on track and look as if they will comfortably avoid the drop. However, Chelsea, and in particular Torres, will be desperate to impress after being beaten by Liverpool last time out and they should be too strong for Mark Hughes- Cottagers on Monday night (Match Betting – Fulham 19/5, draw 13/5, Chelsea 3/4).

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Hoops look for capital gains

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There are six games in the SPL on Saturday with both Old Firm clubs in action. Leaders Celtic head to Edinburgh to face Hibs, here’s our take on that and the other key fixtures at both ends of the table……

Hibernian v Celtic

Celtic were held to a surprising 1-1 draw at Hamilton last time out, but it is only a couple of weeks since they beat Rangers, so confidence in the squad should still be high. They are top of the table by five points, but have played three games more than their Glasgow rivals. Hibs have won only twice at home all season, scoring just nine goals and surely the Bhoys will have far too much ammunition.

Odds: Celtic 4/9 to win
Value bet: Celtic Evens to keep a clean sheet

Aberdeen v St Mirren

The Dons have rescued their season to a certain extent with seven points out of a possible nine, including two away wins and they should have too much for a St Mirren side, who are just one point below them in the table. The Buddies are struggling at the moment and have won just once in five top-flight games, with three defeats and a draw, and this has the makings of a tight affair at Pittodrie. Goals may be at a premium but the home side are tipped to sneak this one.

Odds: Aberdeen 4/5 to win
Value bet: Aberdeen 7/4 to win to nil

Dundee United v Hearts

United finally managed to take all three points last time out against Motherwell after four successive draws and they are comfortably in mid-table at present, but face the in-form team north of the Border. Hearts have won eight of their last nine SPL games, with one draw, but they lost last time out in the Scottish Cup. However, that was surely just a blip and the Jambos should take this one comfortably by at least two goals.

Odds: Hearts 6/4 to win
Value bet: Hearts to score in both halves 11/4

Kilmarnock v St Johnstone

Killie are on an excellent run at present and have won four out of their last five top-flight games with a draw against Celtic, preventing their chances of a perfect five. Rugby Park has not exactly been a fortress this term, however, with four wins and five defeats, and it is their away form that has seen them reach fourth place in the table. St Johnstone are also on a decent run with three wins, a draw and a defeat in their past five matches and this one has draw written all over it.

Odds: Draw 5/2
Value bet: Correct Score 1-1 11/2

Motherwell v Inverness CT

This one sees fifth take on sixth in the table and it should be a competitive affair at Fir Park. ‘Well have lost four of their last five league contests with just one draw for their troubles, but they have faced the top three and so not too much should be read into their results. Caley have also suffered of late and have taken just two points from a possible 15, but they too have faced the top sides. Inverness are better away from home and are tipped to take this one by the odd goal.

Odds: ICT 23/10 to win
Value bet: Inverness 8/1 to win 1-0

Rangers v Hamilton

The Ibrox club will be annoyed to have slipped five points behind Celtic and will want to make sure they do not fall further behind, despite having three games in hand. A home clash with the bottom side would seem the perfect way to bounce back following the Old Firm defeat and it would be a brave man to back against Walter Smith’s men, when they play Accies at home. The visitors have scored just six away goals all season and it would be a major surprise to see them add to that tally on Saturday.

Odds: Rangers 1/7 to win
Value bet: Two or more goals at half time 6/5.

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Gunners look to change mindset

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Earlier this week Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas said that he felt his team get “too scared” when they take on the other top teams in the Premier League. Well once again the Gunners will lock horns with London rivals Chelsea in a massive game at the top of the table (Arsenal 6/4, draw 23/10, Chelsea 9/5).

You can see where Fabregas is coming from just by looking at their results this season.

A 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United which followed a 2-0 beating by Chelsea earlier in the season says it all.

Granted these were away ties, but judging by some of the excellent performances that the Gunners have produced this season, there was great expectation that they could get something out of those games.

It has been Arsenal’s inability to get consistent results against the top team which has meant they have been out of the running for the Premier League title in past seasons.

But this campaign, with so many of the top teams dropping points against side’s that many would expect them to beat, the Gunners are right in the middle of the chase for the championship.

In the past Arsenal relied on a bit of steal in the middle of the park that helped them in the big games.

The likes of Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit, who were clearly unafraid to make tough tackles, were the foundations of victories in the past.

Jack Wilshere, for all his outstanding talent on the ball, must try and fill that role for the side despite not having all that much experience in these big games.

However of all the times to face Chelsea this is probably the best.

The Blues have not picked up a victory in their last five Premier League outings and have seemed low on confidence since the departure of Ray Wilkins from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are currently in fourth spot in the top flight after making an outstanding start to the campaign, winning their first six games.

Fans of the Blues will be pleased to hear that Frank Lampard is back in the starting line-up and he will be a major boost for his side (Lampard 15/2 to be first goalscorer).

The England midfielder has been out with a hernia and groin muscle injuries and they will need his influence in and around the box if they are to get anything out of their visit across the capital.

This game will really boil down, as it does in many games, to confidence.

If Arsenal can use the confidence that they show in games against lesser sides they should come out on top in front of their home fans.

However if Chelsea can regain their confidence with the boost of a Lampard return they could make Carlo Ancelotti’s position at Stamford Bridge a lot safer going into the New Year.

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Big guns look too strong

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Tuesday’s Carling Cup fixtures….

Tuesday sees the first two Carling Cup quarter-finals and both the big guns look too strong to falter, with both Arsenal and Manchester United having Wembley in their sights.

Arsenal host Wigan and after a much-needed confidence-boosting victory at Aston villa, a strong Gunners side is likely to take to the pitch at the Emirates.

In previous years, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has opted to hand his younger players and fringe squad members the chance to impress in the Carling Cup, but this year the Frenchman is taking the competition seriously.

The last time Arsenal added to their trophy cabinet was in 2005, when they secured the FA Cup and Wenger has admitted he is desperate to land a title this season, Carling Cup included.

The Gunners are the 13/8 favourites to secure the first major honour of the season, as they seek to end their trophy drought.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will undoubtedly name a reasonably strong side for the trip to the Emirates but, after slumping to a 3-1 defeat away at West Ham on Saturday, the Latics top priority will be to improve their league form.

The visitors are also without strike star Hugo Rodallega, who is suspended, and without the Colombian marksman it seems hard to imagine them toppling Arsenal on home soil.

Arsenal are priced at 2/7 to win the match outright, but considering the fact Wenger looks set to name his strongest starting XI possible it could well be worth backing the Gunners in the half-time/full-time market, with an Arsenal/Arsenal result paying out at 8/11.

Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw his side move to the top of the Premier League table after this weekend’s fixtures. Chelsea stumbled at Newcastle, managing a 1-1 draw, while United hammered Blackburn and secured a 7-1 victory over the Rovers.

Ferguson’s priorities remains the Premier League and the Champions League and as such the United boss has allowed his fringe players the chance to shine in the Carling Cup.

Gabriel Obertan, Federico Macheda, Tiago Bebe and young goalkeeper Ben Amos all featured in the win over Wolves in the last round and Ferguson should keep the faith with his youngsters and squad players for the trip to Upton Park.

Hammers boss Avram Grant, like Wigan counterpart Martinez, will have Premier League survival as his top target for the season but the pressure has been eased somewhat on the Israeli boss, after the victory over Latics on Saturday.

Hammers talisman Scott Parker returned from injury at the weekend and could be involved on Tuesday night, with goalkeeper Rob Green also impressing in the win over Wigan.

United could well be in for a battle at Upton Park but Ferguson will probably name a reasonably strong bench, so United should have options if things aren’t going quite to plan.

Despite the fact Ferguson will rotate his squad for the trip to East London, United should still be too strong for West Ham and Ferguson’s men are 3/4 to win the tie outright.

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez starred for United in the last round with a late substitute appearance against Wolves and if the youngster plays against the Hammers, he could well be a good candidate to back to find the net, with the United striker evens to score at any time, or 4/1 to be the last goalscorer on the night.

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Cardiff look to England inspiration

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Championship leaders Cardiff City will look to the England debutant Jay Bothroyd to inspire them as they come up against poor travellers Nottingham Forest (10/3 to win) on Saturday.

Forest sit in mid-table and have once on their travels this term but are unbeaten in their last three matches and will have former Cardiff players Robert Earnshaw and Chris Gunter among their ranks when they return to the Welsh capital.

Billy Davies’ side have tended to concede more goals than they score on the road this season, and with Cardiff boasting firepower such as Bothroyd, Craig Bellamy and Michael Chopra, the visitors are likely to create a host of chances and are 4/5 to take all three points and retain their spot at the top of the table.

QPR will hope to put some real pressure on the leaders, and take top-spot if the Bluebirds slip-up, when they face Championship bottom club Preston (11/2 to win, draw 16/5 match betting) at Loftus Road.

Darren Ferguson has bolstered Preston’s ranks of Manchester United players with the loan signing of Ritchie De Laet this week but they are without a win in four and you would expect QPR, who are unbeaten at home and 4/9 to get the win, to have too much strength for them on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers will hope his Swansea side can keep in touch with the top two as they face play-off chasing Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium. The Swans have looked strong in recent weeks and are 13/8 to land the spoils on their travels, but Doncaster sit only one spot outside the play-off places and are unbeaten in their last three.

The winner of the Norwich and Leeds United clash will gain some advantage on their rivals in the chase for a play-off position, while fourth-placed Derby are favourites at 4/6 to take all three points at home to a struggling Scunthorpe side who have lost their last four games in a row.

Middlesbrough suffered a setback with their loss to Swansea last time out, but will hope the Tony Mowbray revolution can see them climb further clear of the bottom three against a Millwall side who they can draw level with if they were to take the three points.

Boro have already lost three games at the Riverside, and Millwall are without a win in six so are lacking confidence, so the fans are likely to get anxious if the home side do not look to put away their London visitors. The home side are 10/11 to win compared to Millwall at 11/4 in the match betting.

Sheffield United (Evens for the win) and Crystal Palace are both sitting lower in the table than their fans probably expected before the season started. Their respective managers will pray for another good result as their teams have improved in recent weeks and are looking to climb the table.

Crystal Palace climbed off bottom spot with last week’s win and the return of Darren Ambrose, who has scored 4 in 6, is vital to their aspirations for the season.

Finally, Bristol City face a tough task to climb out of the bottom three as they take on in-form Leicester City that have looked rejuvenated under Sven-Goran Eriksson. The Foxes are on a four-game unbeaten streak, with three clean sheets in the last four, and are 11/8 to win at Ashton Gate.

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Gunners look to blow away Toffees

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Arsenal (6/5 favourites in the match betting) travel to Goodison Park to face an Everton side (11/5 to win, 12/5 the draw) who have started to turn their Premier League season around after another slow start to the campaign.

The Toffees are unbeaten in their last seven games in the top flight – a record that was kept alive in midweek as former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford bagged his first Premier League goal, four minutes into injury time against Bolton to salvage a point.

Everton though will be without midfielder Marouane Fellaini after he was given a straight red during the match against Bolton but there is good news for the Toffees in that Dutch defender John Heitinga is set for a return following his recovery from a knee injury.

Jack Rodwell could also make a return to the starting line-up as the talented youngster has overcome an ankle injury which has forced the player out of action since August.

The 19-year-old was expected to be on the sidelines until Christmas but Rodwell has recovered weeks ahead of schedule and could be troubling the Gunners defence on Sunday.

However, Arsenal will be confident as they go into this game having scored four or more goals in a match against Everton in eight of their 36 Premier League games.

The North London side picked up a valuable away win against Wolves in midweek to keep in touch in the title race as Manchester United and City played out a goalless draw.

Arsenal will be hoping that they can continue their strong away Premier League form having won their last three games on the road, scoring nine goals in the process, and at 6/5 for an away win the Gunners look more than capable of bagging all three points at Goodison given their current form.

In the other Sunday game, league leaders and defending champions Chelsea take on Sunderland in what should be a one sided game at Stamford Bridge.

Sunderland did play well on their last trip to the capital as they frustrated an attacking Tottenham Hotspur side at White Hart Lane, recording a 1-1 draw in North London on Tuesday night and they would be delighted if Asamoah Gyan can get on the score sheet at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea do have their injury problems as Frank Lampard will be sidelined for a further three weeks after he picked a muscle injury in training, while the Blues will also be without midfielder Michael Essien, who was sent off in their midweek win against Fulham.

Despite these absentees, Chelsea will be confident of picking up all three points after they put seven goals past Sunderland in their last meeting.

It is difficult to see Sunderland getting anything out of this one as they have won only one of their last 24 matches away from the Stadium of Light and Chelsea are expected to win comfortably (Chelsea 8/15 to be winning at half-time and full-time).

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Hammers look to land Demel

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West Ham (40/1 – Premier League top six) have tabled a bid for Hamburg defender Guy Demel – as well as seeking to beat Stoke to the signature of Portsmouth’s highly-rated Marc Wilson.

But the Hammers’ chances of landing Juventus’ David Trezeguet look to be over.

West Ham boss Avram Grant, looking to give himself more strength in his problematic right-back spot before the transfer window closes, has reportedly bid just under £2million for Ivory Coast international Demel.

Demel’s agent, Saif Rubie, says the Hammers have firmed their bid for the former Arsenal defender, currently playing for Hamburg.

“West Ham have made an offer on Friday of 2million euros for Guy,” Rubie told skysports.com.

“However, whether it will be enough for Hamburg to do business with just three days of the transfer window left remains to be seen.

“Guy is very happy at Hamburg and committed to doing the very best he can for the club.”

The Upton Park outfit (40/1 – FA Cup outright) are also in the market for Portsmouth captain Wilson, who can play at the back or in midfield.

Wilson looks set to leave Fratton Park before the transfer deadline, and three clubs are now battling for his signature.

West Brom have bid more than £2.5million for the player, after having a lower bid rejected.

Stoke City are believed to have valued the player at just over £3million, which would be made up of a combination of cash plus players, with out-of-favour striker Dave Kitson and midfielder Liam Lawrence the makeweights.

However, West Ham have now entered the race though they have yet to make a formal offer for the player. Pompey’s administrators may look more kindly on a Hammers cash bid rather than the player exchanges offered by Stoke.

Meanwhile, West Ham look to have failed with a bid to sign former France international Trezeguet.

The Juventus ace, 32, looks set to leave the Italian club and has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs including Birmingham and Liverpool, but he now looks set to join Spanish side Hercules.

A Hammers insider told Soccernet: “West Ham tried, but they were told he’s going to Spain.”

Asked about the situation on Friday, boss Avram Grant said: “I cannot answer about Trezeguet or others. There are a few areas that we don’t have players at all so this is our first priority, but in any position if there are players that can be good for us because we have a long season.”

West Ham are still looking to add another striker to the side despite the arrival of Victor Obinna on loan from Inter.

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