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Copa del Rey final preview

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Barcelona and Real Madrid drew 1-1 in La Liga on Saturday night at the Bernabeu and come head-to-head again on Wednesday to contest the Copa del Rey final at the Mestalla, before the small matter of the Champions League semi-final clash between the two Spanish giants (Match Betting – Barcelona 10/11, draw 11/4, Real Madrid 11/4).

Barca’s draw at the Bernabeu last time out was enough to all but wrap up the La Liga title for the Catalan giants and Real boss Jose Mourinho will be desperate to land the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ has never failed to land a trophy in a complete season in management and will not want to start in his debut campaign with Los Blancos.

No Real boss has stayed in the job for the following season after failing to secure a piece of silverware for 28-years and there have already been rumours suggesting the Portuguese coach could be heading for pastures new in the summer, after failing to mount a serious challenge for the league crown.

However, Mourinho insists he is in a relaxed state of mind ahead of the showdown and expects a tight affair between the two powerhouses of Spanish football.

“This is my first final with Real Madrid, but I am relaxed,” explained Mourinho. “I have experienced many matches like this one, which is why I am a lot more calm than a coach who has never been here before.”

Barcelona defender Carles Puyol was stretchered off in the draw in Madrid on Saturday, but has been included in boss Pep Guardiola’s squad after coming through training on Tuesday.

There was speculation Real quartet Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo (5/1 to score first), Kaka and Mesut Ozil were all struggling and may miss the final, but all four have been included by Mourinho in his squad. However, both Fernando Gago and Lassana Diarra are missing with injury problems.

The tie should be an interesting affair, especially as the two sides meet in the Champions League on April 27 and May 3, but given Barcelona’s recent dominance over Real they will fancy their chances (Barcelona 9/1 to win in extra time, Real Madrid 14/1).

Guardiola had an unblemished record prior to Saturday’s draw and he still hasn’t lost a Clasico fixture since taking charge at Camp Nou, and with all his stars available, the Catalan giants may well prove too strong for their fierce rivals yet again (Half-Time/Full-Time – Barcelona/Barcelona 2/1).

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Weekend Championship preview

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Bet on the ChampionshipThe Championship season is drawing to its conclusion and there are still plenty of sides in with a chance of reaching the promised land of the Premier League next term. With automatic promotion places and play-off spots still up for grabs it is time to have a look at who might make a move this weekend.

Norwich City v Nottingham Forest (Friday)

Norwich are one of four sides left fighting it out for the second automatic promotion place but, although they are still third in the standings, they have dropped valuable points in recent weeks with just one win in their last four outings. That was a 6-0 thrashing of Scunthorpe but two draws and defeat to Swansea has seen the chasing pack close.

Canaries striker Grant Holt is rated as just 50-50 while midfielder Wes Hoolahan may return from injury against a Forest side’s whose recent form is more akin to a relegation-threatened side that to one chasing promotion. One win in ten has left them outside the play-off picture at present but they did beat Burnley in mid week to stop the rot. That will have given them belief that they can turn things around but, with Norwich still very much looking for automatic promotion, they might find this one a different proposition.

Odds: Norwich 10/11 to win
Value bet: Norwich to win 2-0 (7/1)

Cardiff v Portsmouth

The Bluebirds have their destiny in their own hands – win all their remaining games and they will be in the top flight next season. It sounds a long shot but they have won their last three matches and are a point clear of Norwich in second place and 10 behind league-leading QPR. Teams that peak at the business end of the season usually do well and they will look to keep up the momentum against a Pompey side who are comfortably in mid-table and have little to play for. Loan signing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas bagged his second goal for the club as they beat Sheffield United in mid-week and Craig Bellamy was also on target and they will surely have too much for a Portsmouth side on cruise control.

Odds: Cardiff 4/6 to win
Value bet: Cardiff to lead at half-time and win match (13/8)

Burnley v Swansea

Swansea lost ground on their Welsh rivals when drawing in mid-week but they will look to bounce back to winning ways with another game against a side nestled in mid-division. The Swans enjoyed an excellent February but have hit the buffers of late and will want to get back on track with just five games to go. Boss Brendan Rodgers believes his charges are still playing decent football but are wasting too many chances and they were guilty of that again earlier this week.

With games running out Swansea must take all three points from this one. The Clarets have not won in six matches and have lost their last four and, despite having home advantage, look set to extend that unwelcome record this weekend.

Odds: Swansea 17/10 to win
Value bet: Swansea to win 2-1 (9/1)

Reading v Leicester

Reading are nine points better off than the Foxes but both clubs have a lot to play for over the remainder of the season with the Royals still very much in the hunt for automatic promotion and Leicester just four places off a play-off berth. But Brian McDermott’s men are sweeping all before them in the league at present with seven straight wins and they are the in-form team in the division.

Leicester have taken eight points from a possible 15 and have blown hot and cold of late but manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has made it clear that he believes the play-offs are still achievable and they are tipped to get a point and halt to Reading juggernaut on Saturday.

Odds: Draw 12/5
Value bet 1-1 11/2

Leeds v Watford

Leeds’ form has dipped at just the wrong time and they are hanging on to the last play-off place by their skin of their teeth. Just one win in five has left the Yorkshire outfit looking over their shoulders and they have lost their last two. But they are a solid unit at home and face a Watford side whose play-off hopes are all but over. They are not in great form and Leeds’ eagerness to return to the Premier league will surely see them through this one.

Odds: Leeds 3/4 to win
Value bet: Leeds to win 3-0 12/1.

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Scottish Premier League preview

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There are three SPL matches on Wednesday with Celtic hosting Hibs the pick of the games. Neil Lennon’s side could well find themselves in second beforehand if Rangers overcome St Johnstone on Tuesday so a win is vital for the Hoops’ title aspirations (Celtic 4/7 Rangers 5/4 – SPL outright winner).

It is shaping up to be a tight finish at the top of the table as we head into the final furlong of a season that, truth be told, has been overshadowed by the ugly scenes of confrontation between the Old Firm duo in last month’s Scottish Cup tie.

A six-point plan has now been drawn up by the SFA to try and quell the level of ill-feeling between the two clubs that was described as “shameful” by the governing body in the aftermath of that now infamous game. But with the top-two as closely-matched in the table as they are ahead of the midweek games, the intense rivalry between Glasgow’s two clubs is again the main focal point – but at least this time it’s on the pitch.

Rangers are currently two points behind Celtic ahead of Tuesday’s game but know they cannot afford another slip-up like the 3-2 home defeat against Dundee United on Saturday if they are to go on and win the title. With all the off-field issues over the club’s ownership also dominating the agenda this week, it’s tempting to say Saints can grab a draw in this one but a narrow win for Walter Smith’s side looks on the cards. Take 2-1 to the Gers at 7/1.

Celtic then host Hibs 24 hours later and, again, we can’t see anything but a win for Lennon’s side as they will be spurred on by the prospect of regaining top spot. The weekend clash at  was postponed so the Hoops will be fresh and raring to go. Celtic HT/FT at 4/6 does not offer too much value so Draw/Celtic at 16/5 is worth a punt with Hibs restricting the Bhoys for 45 minutes.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Motherwell host Dundee United and these two have so far enjoyed decent campaigns with the former currently sixth and the latter fourth in the table. A recent 3-0 win for Motherwell in the Scottish Cup is fresh in the memory so we go with another win for Craig Brown’s side here.

Fellow-strugglers St Mirren entertain Aberdeen as well on Wednesday with the Dons still having an outside chance of securing a top-half finish before the table splits into half for the final run-in. They are currently nine points behind Motherwell but this is their game in hand so an away win here is well worth considering at 15/8.

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Saturday FA Cup preview

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The FA Cup returns this weekend with two all-Premier League clashes on Saturday as Manchester United take on Arsenal and Birmingham host Bolton. They both look set to be close-fought affairs but who might make it to the semi-finals?

Manchester United v Arsenal

United and Arsenal are the only real contenders for the Premier League title this season but all thoughts of who might walk away with the league will be forgotten this weekend as the two fierce rivals do battle in the world’s most prestigious domestic cup competition (United 9/4 to win FA Cup).

The two giants have faced each other just once this season, with the Red Devils securing a 1-0 Premier League success back in December last year, but that result will not matter a bit as Arsene Wenger brings his side to Old Trafford.

The Gunners will be without keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who dislocated his finger against Barcelona in mid-week, and it remains to be seen what sort of side Wenger puts out, with Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie playing when not fully fit against the Catalans.

The Gunners were challenging on four fronts just a couple of weeks ago but defeat to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final and the Barca result means it is now down to just the FA Cup and Premier League to end their six-year trophy drought.

There is no doubt that Wenger wants to win the competition and the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson in the opposition dug-out will surely make him field his strongest possible team, with Arsenal also looking to put down a marker for their league clash on May 1, which may prove pivotal in the race for the title.

Ferguson will be without Nani, who has been ruled out until April, but it likely to put out a strong side as he will be keen not to give an inch to a Gunners side that he has praised for the way they have kept their form this season.

The rivalry is now back on according to the Scot and this has all the makings of a classic, with United just sneaking through.

Odds: United 10/11 to win
Value bet: United to win 2-1 (7/1)

Birmingham City v Bolton Wanderers

Birmingham are embroiled in a relegation dog-fight but manager Alex McLeish has already made it clear that he wants further cup glory, after the Blues amazing victory over Arsenal in the Carling Cup final.

But the Scot will have to do without Alexander Hleb, Scott Dann and James McFadden for the tie, while Lee Bowyer, David Bentley, Keith Fahey, Stephen Carr, Liam Ridgewell, Craig Gardner and Nikola Zigic are all rated doubtful.

Confidence is high in the camp although it is inevitable that the players will have one eye on their Premier League position with just goal difference keeping them from the drop zone at present.

Bolton have no such worries, however, as they sit in seventh place in the table and will almost certainly be playing in the top flight next season.

Owen Coyle has developed a strong squad at the Reebok and, with Birmingham’s injury problems, will fancy their chances of progressing to the last four of the FA Cup.

Daniel Sturridge is cup-tied and Coyle will have to do without Jlloyd Samuel, Zat Knight, Sean Davis, Joey O’Brien and Sam Ricketts, but the Trotters are unbeaten in five games in all competitions and are tipped to win this one on Saturday.

Odds: Bolton 8/5 to win
Value bet: 2-3 goals (10/11)

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Europa League Preview

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Hopes are high that we could have a British winner of the Europa League this year as Liverpool, Manchester City and Rangers gear up for their respective last-16 clashes. At least two out of three will fancy their chances of getting through to the next round – given the opposition – and should they reach the quarter-finals they will start to believe their name could be on the cup.

Braga v Liverpool

The Reds are coming into form just at the right time and will be confident of achieving a positive result in Portugal after Sunday’s win over Manchester United. While Liverpool didn’t have to be at their very best to get the better of their arch-rivals, manager Kenny Dalglish will have taken a lot of pride in the way they went about their job.

While the Europa League might be seen as a distraction in the early stages it is starting to get serious now and with the Reds desperate for silverware expect a professional performance from the Merseysiders.

Braga are 15/8 to win the first leg and that might be seen as a good bet when you consider their home form this season.

The Portuguese team have lost just three times at home and took the scalp of Arsenal in the Champions League group stages.

However, Liverpool proved against Sparta Prague and Napoli they can be resilient and that could be the order of the night before going for it in the second leg at Anfield.

Match Bet – Liverpool and Braga to draw @ 11/5

PSV v Rangers

Not many expected Walter Smith’s men to get through the last round after being paired with Sporting Lisbon but they deserve their place in the last 16 after a good display in Portugal.

Just as it looked like it would be heartbreak for the Gers, Maurice Edu popped up to send them through on the away-goal rule. While Sporting was a tough mountain to climb the challenge of conquering PSV will be even harder.

The Eindhoven outfit are currently top of the Eredivisie and have only lost three league games all season.

They are also unbeaten in the Europa League and Rangers will have to be at their best to avoid losing this tie in the first leg. Rangers made a habit of frustrating teams on their way to the 2008 final and will have to employ those tactics again if they want to survive.

Match Bet – PSV to win @ 6/5 with a minus one handicap.

Dynamo Kiev v Manchester City

Manchester City can count themselves lucky they were given such an easy route through the last 32 of the Europa League, taking just 12 minutes in the second leg to end the tie after drawing 0-0 in the first leg in Greece against Aris.

While they enjoyed an easy trip in the last round a game in Kiev is going to be a very different proposition. Dynamo are traditionally very strong at home and with City boasting a team of players who don’t always show much passion for the game they might not fancy potentially -7 conditions.

City, who are the 19/5 Europa League favourites, will probably come through the tie but they might have to come from behind in the second leg. While Kiev are traditionally good at home they are also fairly ropey on the road, although they did win 4-1 in Turkey against Besiktas in the last round. An upset could be on the cards in this tie.

Match Bet – Dynamo Kiev to win @ 6/4

Elsewhere, arguably the tie of the round gets underway in Germany when Bayer Leverkusen host an out-of-sorts Villarreal.

The Spaniards were well beaten on Saturday by Atletico Madrid and could be on the end of another sound beating at the Bay Arena, with Leverkusen 21/20 to win what should be a close game.

It should also be a good night for Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg, despite their travel sickness. They take on FC Twente in Holland and can be backed at 9/5 to win the first leg of that contest.

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Wednesday’s FA Cup Preview

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We are starting to sort the men from the boys in the FA Cup as we head towards the quarter final stage and Wednesday’s two matches will give two sides the opportunity to advance one step closer to glory.

For the victor in the fifth round replay between Arsenal and Leyton Orient a daunting trip to Old Trafford awaits. Can Orient go one better this time around and heap further cup woe on the Gunners? At Eastlands Manchester City and Aston Villa will view a quarter-final at home to Reading as a golden ticket to reach the semi-finals. We look at both matches and point you in the right direction as to where you should put your money.

Manchester City v Aston Villa (7:45pm)

With Roberto Mancini and his Manchester City team conceding the title after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham the cup competitions offer the Italian the last chance to secure some silverware. In the Europa League it looks as though only a handful of teams could cause City too many problems and should they get past Villa on Wednesday night they will begin to believe a double is in the offing. However, Villa’s last hope of success this season is the FA Cup and having come within touching distance of silverware last year in the Carling Cup they’ll be eager to go one step further this time around.

Earlier in the season City thrashed Villa 4-0 at Eastlands but that was a different Villa team and Gerard Houllier will have been pleased with the progress they have made since then. The Villains have lost just one of their last nine in all competitions, including a 1-0 win over City at home. With survival in the Premier League looking more and more likely the trip to Eastlands has taken on the added importance of keeping the club’s season alive. A win against City and Villa will be confident of beating Reading in the next round to reach the semi-finals for the second year running.

However, Houllier’s options are depleted with James Collins, Carlos Cuellar, Darren Bent and Jean Makoun all absent. The youngsters who struggled earlier in the season might have to be thrown back in against a City side that could contain Carlos Tevez, Eden Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and David Silva. City have their own problems in defence and if Villa can keep the formidable quartet quiet at the other end they have a chance. City can not afford to take Villa lightly or it could be just the Europa League they are left playing for this season.

Match Bet: Aston Villa to win @ 5/1.

Arsenal v Leyton Orient (7:45pm)

Having tipped up a draw in the first game between these two unevenly matched teams it would take a brave man to put their money on this fifth round replay to go to extra time this time around. Had Chelsea not beaten Manchester United on Tuesday the atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium would have been very downbeat after Sunday. However, hope springs eternal for the Gunners and the notoriously quiet home fans might be looking on the bright side of life again. The amount of games Arsenal are playing appears to be taking its toll in terms of injuries and the last thing they need is this replay against an Orient team who have been flying of late.

Russell Slade’s men have not lost any of the last 13 matches in all competitions, a run of results which includes their famous FA Cup wins away at Norwich and Swansea. However, anyone who watched the first match will know Orient were outplayed for much of it and were perhaps a tad lucky to earn a replay. Wednesday night will be seen as just a bonus night for Orient and should Arsenal be professional they should easily roll over the League One side.

How Arsenal react to Sunday’s Carling Cup final defeat will be the key to this game. If they come out looking to make amends then Orient could get a hammering. If they come out feeling sorry for themselves – and this could be more likely – then a hard-fought victory for Arsene Wenger’s men seems on the cards.

Match Bet: Arsenal to win 2-0 @ 11/2.

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Sunday’s FA Cup preview

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The FA Cup has thrown up a few big surprises this year and on paper Sunday’s fixtures could provide a few more. However, those of us who don’t let their hearts rule their heads will look at the three cup matches as a chance to recoup some of the loses the magic of cup has cost them. We take a look at the best bets for all of the clashes (FA Cup – outright and match markets).

Manchester City v Notts County

This clash at Eastlands is a fourth-round replay as the two clubs failed to squeeze in the match before what is suppose to be fifth-round weekend. Those of you who casts their minds back to the first game at Meadow Lane will remember City fans sweating bullets until Edin Dzeko saved their blushes in the last ten minutes.

On a pitch carved up by hefty rugby players City struggled but on their own patch the League One club shouldn’t pose too much of a threat. City to win at 8/15 with a minus one handicap is the best bet if you are looking to back Roberto Mancini’s men to win outright. For some value you will have to look at some of the other markets and stick your neck out a bit. While Notts have predominately struggled for goals on the road this season with Lee Hughes in the side they pose a genuine threat up top.

For that reason a look at the correct score market and City to win 3-1 at 10/1 could be your best bet for what should be a comfortable afternoon for the Premier League title hopefuls.

Fulham v Bolton

Having got through the early rounds of the competition these two sides might be starting to dream of a trip to Wembley. Both sides should avoid a relegation dog fight this season and as such can turn their attentions to the chance of claiming some silverware. The Trotters haven’t won a major tournament since the FA Cup in 1958, while the Cottagers have never lifted any silverware in their 132-year history.

However, Fulham came close last year in the Europa League and it should be Mark Hughes’ side who march into the quarter-finals. Craven Cottage is once again becoming a fortress for the west London outfit and five wins in the last six at home justifies Hughes’ men being slight favourites.

Fulham are 11/10 to beat Bolton and should take advantage of Owen Coyle’s injury-hit squad. Without the cup-tied Daniel Sturridge the Trotters lack their in-form hitman and could struggle. Having seen off Tottenham inside the first half in the fourth round Fulham to win at half-time/full-time at 5/2 should be worth a look.

Leyton Orient v Arsenal

Having beaten Barcelona in midweek Arsenal will probably feel like they can get the better of anyone as they get set to head to Brisbane Road. The Gunners gave everything on Wednesday night against the Champions League favourites but will be in for another cup test against Leyton Orient. So far in the FA Cup Arsenal have squeezed past Leeds after a replay and were on the rack against Huddersfield when they were reduced to 10 men before a late rally.

Expect Arsene Wenger to make a whole host of changes for the short trip across the capital but it will still be a strong side that takes to the field on Sunday. Given their fantastic comeback against Barcelona it might be tough for Wenger to get his players up for the challenge of Orient. Russel Slade’s side aren’t to be underestimated either, avoiding defeat in their last 11 in all competitions and winning their last three.

As far as betting is concerned it is tough to look beyond the Gunners to come out on top but given Orient’s recent form, and of course the magic of the cup, it should be a tight encounter. Draw half-time and Arsenal full-time at 16/5 looks a good price but if you are feeling really brave the draw at 9/2 could be as close as we get to an upset.

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SPL weekend preview

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In the Scottish Premier League this weekend, Rangers are looking to close the gap on leaders Celtic, while Hamilton will hope to claw back some ground at the foot of the table. Here is a look ahead to the weekend’s SPL action.

Hamilton v Hearts

Hamilton now find themselves four points adrift at the foot of the table and although they have a game or two in hand on their nearest rivals, they still need a win or two to get themselves into contention of safety. That is something that has eluded them at New Douglas Park and it is hard to see them getting anything against Hearts, who until recently were genuine contenders to the Old Firm.

Having been beaten on their last two trips away from Tynecastle, both came in Glasgow, and the Jambos will be out to prove their lofty position of third is a true reflection of their ability.
Hearts look a good price at 4/5 to come away with the win but with goals and clean sheets a problem for the hosts, 21/10 on the handicap (-1) looks even better.

Hibernian v Kilmarnock

Hibs ended a five-match losing streak and a seven-match scoreless run with a 2-0 against St Mirren last time out but it is hard to see why that should make them 7/5 favourites in this fixture.

Admittedly their form at Rugby Park is a lot better than on their travels bu that is not saying a lot for a side that is 10th in the table, five points clear of the bottom but having played a game more.

Kilmarnock ended a five-match winless run with a 1-0 win at Motherwell but they have been picking up points (three of those matches were drawn) and boast a far better record on their travels, having only been beaten twice on the road.

They are also the second leading scorers away from home, behind only Rangers, and at 7/4 look good value to record the win.

Rangers v Motherwell

Rangers are strong 1/5 favourites for good reason as they are the champions, have lost three times all season (although two of those defeats were at Ibrox) and need the win to close the gap on arch rivals Celtic, who play on Monday.

I can’t see the Gers losing this one but injuries and suspensions, as well as the sale of Kenny Miller do make them vulnerable.

Motherwell’s form has been erratic of late and perhaps they are not a side that would be able to take full advantage, but they can at least give the hosts a game and there looks to be goals in this one – Over 2.5 on offer at 4/6.

St Jonstone v Aberdeen

St Johnstone have only been beaten once in the last six games in the league and that was against third-placed Hearts but they have a patchy record at McDiarmid Park, winning five and losing five.

The Saints have only managed eight goals in front of their home fans and a close encounter looks on the cards when Aberdeen come to town on Saturday, as the Dons have scored only nine on their travels.

Aberdeen have done better on the road this season and look good value at 15/8, although I would take the 13/10 on the home side in what will be a tight affair.

St Mirren v Inverness CT

In stark contrast to the cup competitions, St Mirren have struggled in the league, having not won for six matches in the SPL, and are very much involved in the relegation battle.

The Buddies do have a four-point cushion over Hamilton but have played a game more and the pressure is very much on.

Given that, I would take the 8/5 on offer for Inverness CT (both teams same price) even though they have not won for 10 in the league.

During the winless run, they have drawn with both Rangers and Celtic and boast a far superior away record with just two defeats on their travels, compared to seven at Caledonian Stadium.

Dundee United v Celtic

It may be flippant to suggest that the league leaders are guaranteed a win on Sunday but I am finding it hard to disagree with the 8/13 favourites tag on Celtic.

The Hoops are the form side in the division, and Neil Lennon has got them playing good football at the moment with plenty of goals in the side – they have scored 20 in the last six.

The Terrors are enjoying an unbeaten run of late but have drawn a lot and although they are capable of giving the Bhoys a game (they drew 1-1 at Celtic Park in November), the leaders’ current form should be enough to safeguard the win.

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Saturday Championship preview

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Bet on the ChampionshipQueens Park Rangers are not in action until Sunday but there is still plenty of action in the Championship on Saturday so we will have a look at the top games and pick out any potential betting opportunities.

Cardiff v Watford

Cardiff’s form has been indifferent over their past five fixtures – with two wins, two defeats and a draw – and they are due to face a Hornets side who have won their last six Championship games, including a 3-1 victory at league-leading QPR.

A win for the Hertfordshire side would take them above the Welshmen and would equal their club record of seven consecutive wins. But Cardiff may have Craig Bellamy and Jay Bothroyd back, which will boost their goal-scoring potential and it could be that this one ends in a stalemate, with a low-scoring draw possibly on the cards.

Odds: Draw 12/5

Value bet: 1-1 draw 11/2

Barnsley v Swansea

The Swans have taken nine out of a possible 15 points in their last five outings but remain in second place in the Championship table. They have been strengthened by the return of midfielder Leon Britton and should have enough ammunition to take all three points from a Tykes side who have won just once in their last five games.

With QPR not playing until Sunday, the Welsh side can join them on 49 points and continue their march towards the Premier League.

The Yorkshiremen can take heart from the fact that Saturday’s opponents are vulnerable away from home and have already lost seven times on their travels this term.

Odds: Swansea Evens to win

Value bet: Both teams to score 3/4

Portsmouth v Leeds

Leeds were dumped out of the FA Cup by Arsenal in a replay this week but they now return to the business of winning back their Premier League status.

The Elland Road outfit have taken just six points from their last five games, with only one victory in that time, but will face a Pompey side who have not won any of their past five fixtures. They have endured three defeats and two draws, one of which was a 3-3 affair with Saturday’s opponents back in late December.

The Yorkshire outfit are the Championship’s joint-top scorers and so the home side’s dodgy defence will have its work cut out to contain them, and an away win is predicted here.

Odds: Leeds 6/4 to win

Value bet: Leeds to win to nil 16/5

Reading v Hull

The Royals’ form has been mixed of late with two wins, two draws and a defeat but they are just one place and two points outside the play-off zone.

Hull have managed 10 points from a possible 15 and will pose a significant threat to their hosts on Saturday as they have not been beaten on the road for eight games.

Whether or not they can take all three points is open to question and these sides may have to settle for a point each after 90 minutes at the Madejski Stadium.

Odds: Draw 5/2

Value bet: 2-2 draw 12/1

Nottingham Forest v Derby County

Forest are on a great run at present with 13 points from 15, including a 5-2 victory over Saturday’s opponents in December, while Derby have won just once in five.

Local derbies can always throw up strange results but the Rams’ FA Cup defeat to Crawley Town will have dented their fragile confidence even further and Forest will surely be too good for Nigel Clough’s beleaguered side.

Derby are in free-fall at present and the Forest fans would love their heroes to aid the Rams’ downward spiral.

Odds: Forest win 6/4

Value bet: Forest to lead at half time and full time 7/2

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Sunday EPL preview

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Somen Tchoyi could be the value at 10/3 in the Anytime Scorer when West Brom take on bitter Black Country rivals Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday.

The former Salzburg favourite has got Baggies fans out of their seats with a string of eye-catching performances and is the club’s top scorer this season with four goals – all of them coming in his last eight appearances.

The Cameroon star looks a bag of tricks and might have improved his recent return had he not hit the crossbar against Aston Villa last weekend, when Albion fell to a 2-1 defeat to prevent Roberto di Matteo’s men from chalking up a third Premier League win on the bounce.

West Brom can be backed at 5/6 in the match betting against Wolves and the omens look good for odds on players.

Wolves have failed to score in six of their last eight games against West Brom – and in each of the last three – and they have not won any of their last eight trips to the Hawthorns losing five and drawing three.

Another way in could be to take the 7/4 on West Brom to Win To Nil, or, taking the win factor out of the equation for slightly less value, go for the 5/4 to Keep A Clean Sheet given that Mick McCarthy’s team have kept just one clean sheet in their last 19 away trips in the Premier League.

The only concern about this recommendation is the fact that West Brom have only kept two clean sheets in their last 16 Premier League home games.

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