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Graham Hunter’s La Liga preview: A 4/1 shot that could make the Barcelona v Celta Vigo game more interesting this weekend

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Granada v Real Madrid, Saturday 3pm

Joaquin Caparrós is generally a manager who’ll keep a team in a league position above expectations, who isn’t shy about using youth team products and whose work methods are demanding enough that, often, the coaches who come after him at a given club can benefit greatly from a properly-run and motivated environment.

However, if he’s the guy you are looking for to regularly giant-kill Madrid or Barcelona then probably better look elsewhere.

Even at Sevilla and Athletic in eras when, arguably, they might have taken more scalps Madrid would regularly put four or give past his sides and only lose once in a blue moon.

It is sad to say but the impression has grown, over the seasons, that he lacks belief in his own (or his squad’s) capacity to knock over the big guys. Like he’s a little lost in admiration.

Not an impression diminished yesterday when he admitted: “The problem is that Madrid arrive at the top of their form and they are impressive. They’ve so many ways to beat you – via all-out attack, counter-attack, strategic tactics, set plays or individual brilliance. All I ask is that we don’t let them walk all over us.”

  • Madrid have 11 different scorers this season. Ronaldo’s scored more on his own than most decent teams have this term and the tale of the tape reads: Madrid – Scored 33, Granada – Scored 6.

El Blackoutico! Money-Back if there's a goal inside 15 minutes of Real Madrid v Barcelona

You do the arithmetic. Rested players like Ronaldo, Kroos, Modric Iker, Pepe and Sergio Ramos all return and there’s little to suggest they won’t return from Andalucia with three points and, likely, three more goals. With Liverpool on the horizon you can bet Ancelotti will use all three subs and Chicharito’s goals-to-minutes ratio is very good.

Granada 12/1, Real Madrid 2/9, Draw 5/1 – Bet Now: Desktop | Mobile

Atlético Madrid v Córdoba – Saturday 5pm

Los de Córdoba got a point last week, the equaliser handled into the Real Sociedad net by Newcastle flop Xisco. The goal came with three minutes left and it marked new coach Miroslav Djukic’s debut in charge after succeeding the dreadfully treated Albert Ferrer.

You could cook up an idea that this was a breakthrough moment, if you really, really tried. But the moment will be broken this weekend.

Not only are Córdoba away to the Spanish champions, they catch Atleti in that ‘bear with sore paw’ mood. The Spanish league awards were announced about 12 hours before the Ballon D’Or long lists and los Colchoneros were not only badly ignored, they were treated humiliatingly. Thibaut Courtois, Diego Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Koke, Gabi, Diego Costa – were all completely ignored in the domestic awards and only Courtois, Costa and Diego Simeone are on the FIFA long-lists.

Bet your bottom dollar the ‘we’ll show all of them’ mentality has been stoked up to ramming speed over the last couple of days.

  • Atleti are being branded ‘violent’ and the fact that 90% + of their goals come from set plays is being mocked and diminished as an achievement. That, too, will fuel their anger.

Djukic likes his team to defend as a block, he’s an intense coach in the very same style as Simeone. But Atleti are beginning to find their tempo, Antoine Griezmann has the monkey off his back via a goal last week, both Godin and Miranda remain good set-piece bets to score and the champions should put Cordoba firmly in place.

Atletico Madrid 1/5, Cordoba 12/1, Draw 11/2 – Bet Now: Desktop | Mobile

Fred and Neymar

Barcelona v Celta Vigo – Saturday 7pm

The last time Celta won away to Barcelona it was two months before the attack on Pearl Harbour, the US hadn’t entered World War II and the Camp Nou was 16 years away from hosting its first match.

Not all that encouraging if you are thinking of putting all your piggy bank savings on the Galicians to inflict only Barca’s second league defeat of the season.

But then there’s the ‘Football, bloody hell!’ factor (© Alex Ferguson)

Banana skins should be yellow-ish, not sky blue like the Celta jerseys – yet perhaps that’s precisely what Celta represent if there are any ‘we’re feeling sorry for ourselves’ feelings left over on the good ship Barcelona after the Clasico mauling.

For starters, this is the club Luis Enrique coached to 9th place last season before answering the calll ‘home’. How traditional it would be for Eduardo ‘Toto’ Berizzo to inspire his squad with: ‘HE thinks he’s too good for you all… YOUR work got him to the Camp Nou and a big fat salary. ‘And he didn’t take any of you with him!! ‘Well, we’ll show that git!!’

It’s the stuff of a thousand team talks. But occasionally it works.

For those who look for ‘signs’ before a shock Barcelona’s apocalyptic horseman in that scenario would be Nolito (4/1 anytime). Raised and trained at the Camp Nou, always promising but almost never given a chance, the striker has been one of those glorious late bloomers.

After joining Benfica he found his goal boots. Now at Celta it was under Luis Enrique that he kicked on again.

  • Nolito got 14 in 35 last season, he has five in nine this term and Spain’s assistant manager Toni Grande recently admitted that he and Vicente del Bosque are tempted to pick him for the national team when it faces World Champions Germany in Vigo in a couple of weeks’ time.

“We won’t change our style which is to pressure high up the pitch, to try to ‘own’ possession and to attack,” Berizzo promises. “Try to defend at the Camp Nou and the game can feel like it’s eternal.”

No Iniesta for Barcelona, injured, but perhaps the up-side is Luis Suárez’ Camp Nou competitive debut. His stats currently read: two goals, two goal assists in his three matches for his new club. What odds on him hitting the net just to spice up his already extraordinary story?

Meanwhile, Neymar (above) has 11 goals in 11 starts this season – no reason he shouldn’t continue that run. But a risky, nerve-testing match for Barcelona should they be at anything less than their best against Toto’s team.

Barcelona 1/8, Celta Vigo 20/1, Draw 7/1 – Bet Now: Desktop | Mobile

Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla – Sunday 11am

Speaking of the Ballon D’Or … surely the least excusable omission from the managerial long list, particularly as Jose Mourinho is there after a fallow year, is Sevilla boss Unai Emery.

Not only did he coach his side to the Europa League title last season, often playing thrillingly and eliminating 10 opponents to do so, if you take the Spanish league from February until this weekend then Emery’s Sevilla have won the highest points total (54) and currently sit equal top of the league – jointly with Barcelona.

What’s intriguing is that one of Sevilla’s few set backs, as they surged up the league last Spring, as they fell just short of making it into the Champions League was at Athletic.

The Basques were cooking by gas then and rather trampled on a tired Sevilla 3-1 with goals from Susaeta, Iker Muniain and the Manchester United-bound Ander Herrera.

Here’s the rub.

  • Athletic have had a miserable term and their 1-0 win at Almeria last week was their first three-pointer since August. They’ve only scored six while in midweek Sevilla put out a second XI in the Copa and thrashed Sabadell 6-1 away.

Now Athletic are coached by Ernesto Valverde whose job should be well safe. But it’s an election year in Bilbao and president Urrutia was down watching training on Thursday. He needs to present a winning ticket to the voters in the summer. Unai Emery is a Basque. And successful. IF his Sevilla were to win at the new San Mames then the pressure Valverde is under will increase and the thoughts that Emery could be tempted to come back to the Basque country would too.

Bacca, Aduriz, Gameiro and Iturraspe shape up as worthwhile ‘anytime’ scorers.

Athletic Bilbao 11/8, Sevilla 2/1, Draw 23/10 – Bet Now: Desktop | Mobile

Villarreal v Valencia – Sunday 4pm

Two sides who are huge fun to watch. For Villarreal, given that Castellón won’t come out to play (stuck in the 4th division) this is their local derby match. It’s also a meeting where there are goals – 40 in the last 12 times the Yellow Submarine have played Los Che.

Away wins are also rare, only two ever when Valencia travel the hour journey north, the last one seven years ago.
Valencia are buzzing. Takeover complete, Peter Lim finally in charge and Álvaro Negredo fully fit again. They scored all three goals from set plays last week, four of their last six came this way, and Pablo Piatti, their tiny Argentinian wide-boy, is on the form of his life. He’s created all four of them.

Perhaps given that Villarreal still are without their tremendous, powerful centre half, Mateo Musacchio, and Victor Ruiz won’t play becuase of the €300,000 clause which Valencia put in his contract when selling him to their neighbours, the set-play is something to have a tickle at.

  • Otamendi, Paco Alcàcer, Dani Parejo and Mustafi all have headed goals for Los Che this season.

Between them the two sides have 23 different scorers this season so one could fancy both teams to score and Valencia to take home no worse than a point.

Villareal 11/10, Valencia 12/5, Draw 12/5 – Bet Now: Desktop | Mobile

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Juve primed for more title glory

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The 2012/13 Serie A season looks set to be a battle between three giants of the Italian game - Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan. Here is our closer look at their preparations and chances of success in the upcoming campaign.

In this age of austerity and looming Financial Fair Play regulations, Italian clubs have spent the summer shedding their squads of expensive players in order to bring their finances into line.

Add to that the spectre of match-fixing casting an unfortunate shadow over the game yet again, there is a feeling the new campaign represents a fresh start for a number of clubs as they bid to put recent troubles behind them.

Defending champions Juventus are understandably 11/8 favourites to retain their trophy after going unbeaten throughout the whole of last season.

Juve’s 2011/12 title completed the renaissance of a side that had hit rock bottom just six years ago when relegated to Serie B following the ‘Calciopoli’ scandal.

A return of Champions League football is the main reason for Juve fans to get excited this season and crystallises their return to the top of the European game.

Transfers have been reasonably modest so far, with Kwadwo Asamoah, Mauricio Isla and Sebastian Giovinco expected to fill out the squad rather than be first-choice. Brazilian defender Lucio and former Manchester United star Paul Pogba are exciting talents, however, and should see more action.

The crowning glory to Juve’s summer shopping, though, will be a striker. The club are desperate for a big name to spearhead their European challenge with Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez, Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko the names regularly mentioned.

Add one or more of those to the squad and they will be difficult to dislodge at the top of the division.

Behind Juve, 18-times champions AC Milan are 2/1 second favourites for the title, but they, perhaps more than any other club, represent Italy’s efforts to comply with Financial Fair Play.

Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have been flogged to PSG, despite being key first-team players, while further departures have not been ruled out, with Robinho among those consistently linked with the move away.

Incomings, in contrast, have been sparse, with Kevin Constant a loan signing from Genoa and Bakaye Traore a free transfer. Riccardo Montolivo is, though, also a shrewd signing on a free from Fiorentina.

Boss Massimiliano Allegri will have to show all of his man-management skills to build a side shorn of his biggest stars but in contrast to Juve’s summer shopping, they look unlikely to challenge.

Milan’s city rivals Inter will dearly hope they have a better campaign than last, where they went through three managers, with Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri and finally Andrea Stramaccioni occupying the manager’s chair at the San Siro.

Stramaccioni managed to steady the ship during a troubled campaign, where they eventually finished sixth – significantly better that what was expected midway through the season.

Like Milan, the Nerazzurri are also clearing out their experienced players, with Lucio, Ivan Cordoba Goran Pandev and Diego Forlan all departing. Dejan Stankovic and Julio Cesar are expected to follow, while Douglas Maicon, Wesley Sneijder and Giampaolo Pazzini have also all been linked with a move away.

However, while Milan have limited themselves in the transfer market to date, Inter appear to have been shrewd in their dealings, with highly-rated goalkeeper Samir Handanovic joining from Udinese and Matias Silvestre arriving from Palermo. Rodrigo Palacio should also add goals to a side that struggled to find the net last season.

Roma (14/1) and Napoli (20/1) should be considered rank outsiders for next seasons’ title, though the latter could be a handy each-way beat to snatch the runners-up spot.

It is Juve, then, who look the team to beat next year again. The Old Lady appear determined to rediscover past glories after a traumatic few seasons and exert their dominance both at home and in Europe.

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Hodgson faces more questions

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Roy Hodgson’s reign as England (10/1 – Euro 2012 outright) manager got off to a solid start on Saturday evening with a 1-0 win over Norway in Oslo, but as usual with the Three Lions, there are more questions than answers heading into Euro 2012.

For the opening half hour of the match, England dominated their Scandinavian opponents, stringing a number of impressive moves together. They were justifiably rewarded when Ashley Young scored the only goal of the game after just nine minutes.

Furthermore, the troublesome midfield area seemed to be working itself out, with Scott Parker providing enough protection for the defence to allow skipper Steven Gerrard to produce his trademark surging runs. This provided a number of opportunities for both Young and strike partner Andy Carroll.

However, the performance certainly tailed off in the second half when the players looked fatigued and Egil Olsen’s side were unlucky not to grab what would have been a deserved equaliser.

England now have just one more warm-up game – against Belgium – before travelling to Eastern Europe for their first match of Euro 2012 against France on June 11th (France 6/4, draw 11/5, England 6/4 – Match Betting).

The game against the Belgians will certainly provide a fairer indication of where the team currently stands as a number of players who missed the game in Oslo are set to return to the fold. Furthermore, the players will be desperate to secure their place in the side to face Laurent Blanc’s men in Donetsk.

Despite the unconvincing nature of the win, there were plenty of positives to draw on from Saturday’s game, most notably the performance of Andy Carroll (50/1 – Euro 2012 top goalscorer), who once again proved his doubters wrong and now looks certain to lead the line in Wayne Rooney’s absence.

Furthermore, his combination play with Young certainly looks promising and combined with Gerrard’s new-found freedom in the midfield, could provide the X Factor that England (13/8 to win Group D) have missed in years gone by.

Despite these positives, there are still a few questions hanging over the squad, most notably in defence where Everton’s Phil Jagielka, who is currently on stand-by, performed admirably and was arguably England’s best player.

The former Sheffield United man has been one of the Premier League’s stand-out stoppers over the last few seasons and his display will only raise further questions over the positions of slower defenders such as Gary Cahill and the out-of-form John Terry.

With all these quandaries still surrounding the camp, the game against Belgium certainly takes on extra significance and with Roy Hodgson still to finalise his squad, don’t be surprised if he decides to leave yet more established stars at home.

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Forest to pull up more trees

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There is a full round of Championship fixtures on Tuesday night and Nottingham Forest look set to continue their resurgence with a win over fellow strugglers Doncaster Rovers.

After seeing off Coventry and Birmingham, Forest were held to a 1-1 draw at Barnsley last time out but they should be too strong for rock-bottom Donny on Tuesday night.  The South Yorkshire side are without a win in their last seven league fixtures and have managed just two wins and seven points on the road all season.

Doncaster are five points adrift of safety and appear to be heading into League One.  Forest are priced at 4/6 to secure the win and pile the pressure on the Rovers.  The draw is 11/4 and Doncaster are 4/1 to take all three points.

New Leeds United boss Neil Warnock couldn’t secure a win in his first game in charge as the Elland Road side suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to league-leaders Southampton.  Warnock’s second game in charge is a tricky trip to Hull City on Tuesday, with the Tigers a formidable side on home soil.

Nick Barmby’s men are unbeaten in their previous seven fixtures and can be backed at evens to see off Leeds, the draw is 12/5 and an away win can be backed at 11/4.

Derby County’s hopes of sneaking into the play-offs appear to be all but over, with the Rams currently 12 points adrift of a top six spot.  The Pride Park outfit seem set to finish mid-table as they’re 15 points clear of relegation, and pushing for as high a finish as possible remains their only realistic goal for the remainder of the campaign.

In contrast, Blackpool are involved in the battle for a top-six spot as they seek an immediate return to the top flight and the Seasiders could well take all three points when the two sides meet in Derby on Tuesday night.

Derby have been in shocking form of late and are without a win in seven, losing four and drawing three.  Blackpool have lost just once in their previous 10 league fixtures and have also won their last three away games.  The Seasiders can be backed at 11/8 to take all three points, while Derby are 15/8 to seal the win and the draw is priced at 12/5.

Ipswich have picked up of late with four wins in their last five games but they face a daunting trip to St Mary’s on Tuesday, where league leaders Southampton have won 13 of their 17 games to date.

Saints seem set to secure back-to-back promotions and should be too strong for the Tractor Boys, who are well clear of relegation but too far from the top six to mount a serious late promotion charge.  The home win can be backed at 8/13, while Ipswich are 9/2 and the draw is available at 14/5.

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Black Cats hungry for more

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Bet on the Premier LeagueSteve Bruce returns to his former club on Monday as he takes his Sunderland side to Norwich City (Norwich 6/4, draw 12/5, Sunderland 15/8 – Match Odds).

The Black Cats were back to their best in their 4-0 thrashing of Stoke last weekend, and should be backed to build on that victory with a win in East Anglia.

With no injury concerns, Bruce is likely to name the same 11 that put four past the Potters in an impressive performance. After a slow start to the campaign, the Black Cats are now up and running and have more than enough quality to see off Paul Lambert’s outfit.

Bruce has admitted it will be business as usual once the whistle goes at Carrow Road, despite confessing he still has a soft spot for his former side.

The Canaries have made a solid start since their promotion from the Championship last season. However, they can’t match the quality in the Sunderland squad and may struggle to handle the visitors this time around.

The home side have yet to win at Carrow Road this season; their latest effort was a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Roy Hodgson’s West Brom.

Goals could be a problem for Lambert’s men in their bid to retain their Premier League status. They lack a goalscorer who is going to go close to scoring in the region of 15 goals this season.

Despite the loss of star striker Asamoah Gyan, Bruce’s side certainly don’t lack goals, as they showed last Sunday at the Stadium of Light.

Nicklas Bendtner was brought into the club on a loan move from Arsenal and has a point to prove, not just to Arsene Wenger, but to the rest of the Premier League. The Danish striker is more than capable of scoring goals at this level but just needs a decent run of games, which is something he is going to get at his latest club. Bendtner is a good bet at 6/1 to score the first goal of the game and a small bet may be worth placing on him to score a hat-trick at 40/1.

The Black Cats are going to be full of confidence as they make the trip to Norfolk. It would be no surprise if they continue from where they left off last weekend and add to their goals scored column with a further three on Monday evening. Take the 22/1 offered on Sunderland winning the game 3-1, which would give Bruce a happy return to his former home.

The last time the former Norwich defender took his side to Carrow Road, Sunderland ran out 4-1 winners in the Carling Cup in 2009. It has been a sharp rise through the leagues since then for the Canaries, who secured consecutive promotions to reach the Premier League. However, they may just get a taste of what the best league in the world is all about on Monday evening.

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Bolton set for more misery

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Arsenal’s title charge has hit the buffers of late but they take on Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok on Sunday and are 8/11 favourites to get back on the winning trail as the Trotters (18/5 to win, 11/4 the draw) are probably still reeling from their FA Cup semi-final Wembley nightmare last weekend.

The Gunners are ‘enjoying’ a 16-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and the only side yet to be beaten this calendar year but have failed to capitalise on recent slip from leaders Manchester United, winning just three of their last nine games.

Both Chelsea and United have secured more points in 2011 and games are running out for Arsene Wenger’s men to try and claw back a six-point deficit.

It has been a disappointing week for the Gunners to be forced to settle for two points from winning positions – firstly with Dirk Kuyt’s penalty deep into injury time on Sunday before Spurs rallied from 3-1 down on Wednesday to snatch a share of the spoils.

However, those lapses will surely focus the minds of the Arsenal players and they have certainly found Bolton an easier victim of late.

There was a time not so long ago when the Trotters were a bogey side for the north London giants but the Gunners have put that to bed with eight successive Premier League wins, and nine in total since a 3-1 defeat at the Reebok in 2006.

Earlier this season, Arsenal ran out comfortable 4-1 winners in the reverse fixture at the Emirates while they won this game last term 2-0.

Goals have been common in this match and, of late in Arsenal’s favour, so if the 8/11 on the away win is not the sort of price you are looking for, the 15/8 on the Gunners to win in the handicap market (-1) is certainly worth looking at.

Bolton will somehow have to put that 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Stoke to the back of their minds but that will be easier said than done with precious little else (other than pride) to play for.

Owen Coyle has made the Reebok something of a fortress with just two defeats suffered at home all season, while they have also won the last four, three coming with clean sheets.

Daniel Sturridge is able to return to the side as he was ineligible for the FA Cup semi-final and should be considered in the goalscoring markets (15/8 Anytime), having scored six goals in eight Premier League games since arriving at Bolton.

However, Robin van Persie (4/1 First/Last Goalscorer) has been in sensational form on his travels and could set a new Premier League record by scoring in a seventh successive away match – he currently shares the record with Didier Drogba.

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CL return whets appetite for more

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The Champions League returned with a bang last week and Arsenal’s victory against Barcelona could be the landmark victory Arsene Wenger has been looking for from his side, who are still chasing silverware on four fronts this year, while the defeat for Barca means their coach, Pep Guardiola, has the unenviable record of having not won an away tie in the knockout rounds of the competition.

Despite the loss, Barca remain favourites to win the Champions League overall (Barcelona 2/1 to win the Champions League outright) and, even though last Wednesday was a rare off day for the Catalans’ star man Lionel Messi, he remains the totesport favourite to be overall top goalscorer in the competition at 21/10. But, if he again fails to fire in the return leg, Barca will hope Wednesday’s goalscorer, David Villa, can inspire them to an overall victory in the tie.

Much praise must go to Arsenal though. In the first half, despite being dominated, they still looked confident and the young triumvirate of Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott shone out and looked more than a match for Catalans, with Wilshere even arguably outplaying the little master Xavi in midfield.

It was also a fabulous week for Arsenal’s great north London rivals, Tottenham, who claimed an outstanding result, beating AC Milan 1-0 in the San Siro (Spurs now 14/1 to win CL Outright).

All the build up before the game was centred around the absence of Spurs’ flying winger Gareth Bale. However, Harry Redknapp’s side approached the Rossoneri with no fear, playing their natural attacking game and ably defending when under the cosh.

Spurs could be the surprise package of this year’s competition and will fear no-one at home after previously beating champions Inter 3-1 at White Hart Lane and they now look a safe bet to win the return leg against Massimilano Allegri’s men (Spurs 1/4 to beat Milan at home).

Looking ahead to this week’s fixtures and it’s hard to look past Chelsea, who face Danish Champions FC Copenhagen. The Blues have struggled in recent times and will be looking to get back on track after a string of disappointing results, including Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at home to Everton.

New signing Fernando Torres will be available for the Blues and it will be interesting to see who coach Carlo Ancelotti decides to leave out if he selects the Spanish striker.

The Danish side have impressed so far in the competition and will be looking to cause an upset as they aim to be the first Danish side to reach the quarter finals of the competition, but a win for Chelsea looks nailed on at 8/15), despite Copenhagen’s odds of claiming a draw (13/5 ) tempting during the Blues’ current malaise.

The other English team in action in the Champions League is, of course, Manchester United, who travel to France’s Mediterranean coast to take on French Champions Marseille on Wednesday (United 1/5 to qualify).

United have not always been at their imperious best this term but have only lost once in the league and have built their season on solid defensive performances rather than their usual attacking flair. The trip to the Stade Velodrome is tough, though, and they will need star defenders Rio Ferdinand (if fit) and Nemanja Vidic on form to see them through the tie safely.

But whatever happens in this week’s fixtures, if they’re anywhere near as entertaining as last week’s, then we’re all certainly in for a treat.

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Five more EPL selections…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sagna targets more silverware

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Bacray Sagna believes Arsenal must win some silverware this season if the players are to convince manager Arsene Wenger to stay with the Gunners (7/1 to be FA Cup winners).

The north London outfit haven’t lifted any silverware since they beat Manchester United on penalties in the 2005 FA Cup final.

Since then the Gunners have contested a Champions League final, numerous semi-finals and come within a few points of winning the Premier League.

However, the trophy cabinet at the Emirates Stadium still awaits its first addition since the club made the short move from Highbury to their new surroundings four years ago.

Wenger had enjoyed a hugely successful spell as Arsenal manager up until recently, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups.

Now though the Frenchman is coming under increasing pressure to deliver some silverware, with some sections of the Arsenal fan base going as far to call for the manager’s head in the wake of their barren spell.

Wenger has just one year left on his current contract and there is speculation he will walk away from Arsenal (7/1 Premier League winners) should he fail to guide the Gunners to any trophies this year.

Sagna has now called on his team mates to deliver this season, telling them that they must win some silverware if they want to keep Wenger at the club.

“I don’t need to say how important the boss is to Arsenal,” said the full-back.

“He has done great work at Arsenal and we want to win things for him. Everything he has given us we need to give him back.

“That is what we will try to do and it would be great to win something.

“I don’t know if it will be his last season at Arsenal. We just want to play and give back the trust he gave us.

“The contract situation is not a concern. Our job is on the pitch.”

While the Gunners are once again likely to challenge for top honours they are in danger of being overtaken by Manchester City and Tottenham.

So far Wenger has only brought in striker Marouane Chamakh and defender Laurent Koscielny to strengthen his side, despite calls from supporters to bring in a new goalkeeper and anther defender and striker.

The Gunners lack of strength in depth could already be exposed before a ball has been kicked with Nicklas Bendtner ruled out for the first few weeks, while Robin van Persie is also unlikely to feature in the first game against Liverpool (5/4 to beat the Gunners).

That leaves just Chamakh and Carlos Vela as the only available first team strikers for the trip to Anfield.

Not only has Wenger got concerns over his squad to deal with but he is also fighting hard to keep Cesc Fabregas at the club, the midfielder having been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona this summer.

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There is more to come from Chile – Gonzalez

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Chile international Mark GonzalezFormer Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez believes there is much more to come from his Chile (7/10 to qualify from Group H) outfit in the World Cup.

The Chileans impressed in their 1-0 win over Honduras as they started their Group H campaign in Nelspruit.

Jean Beausejour’s 34th minute goal was the first time Chile had hit the net in the World Cup finals since 1962, but Gonzalez says the team won’t be celebrating their success too long, with Monday’s clash against Switzerland in Port Elizabeth just around the corner.

The 25-year-old, now at CSKA Moscow, said: “It is always important to win the first three points and after that you can think you have one leg in the second round.

“We just want to celebrate, especially because we have made history – for so many years Chile did not win a game at the World Cup.

“We are very happy about that but looking forward to the second game now.

“We just have to think about Switzerland now. It will be a tough game and we will have to keep up our good work.

“I don’t know much about the Swiss but we know they are a very tough team.

“We will watch videos during the week, so we will know them better.

“We will try to win the next game so we can think about the next round.”

Chile are joint top of the group, along with Switzerland who shocked World Cup favourites Spain 1-0.

“We can’t relax yet,” Gonzalez added. “I think we can do much better.

“We won 1-0 but could have scored more goals. As a team we did things wrong and we will try to fix that up.”

Honduras’ first World Cup in 28 years started with a whimper, even before the game, as key striker David Suazo failed a fitness test on a thigh injury and playmaker Julio Cesar de Leon was ruled out of the tournament on the eve of the match after breaking down in training.

Honduras now have five days to lift themselves before their daunting match-up with Spain at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park.

Veteran captain Amado Guevara said: “Nobody likes to lose, less so in a World Cup, but there are things we can salvage.

“We knew Chile would play to attack but we lacked the patience to control the ball.

“We misplaced too many passes and we need to be more relaxed.”

For De Leon, the result compounded his sadness at being forced home early.

The Torino midfielder suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the week and, after being told to rest for at least a fortnight, gave up his place in the squad.

De Leon said: “I go with the bitterness of not giving the people what they deserve, not showing the world my football.

“There’s something dead inside me, I have no strength to mourn.

“But I must be positive, put on a brave face and smile, because some people are worse off than me.

“For years I struggled to achieve my dream of playing a World Cup, and it has gone – but every player is exposed and unfortunately it befell me.”

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