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Championship previews

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There are two Championship games on Wednesday evening with Derby hosting Cardiff and Blackpool travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United. The top of the table is extremely congested at present and victory for any of the sides would see significant movement in the standings (Derby 7/4, Cardiff 6/4, draw 12/5 – Match Betting).

Derby County v Cardiff City

Derby’s stellar start to the Championship season appeared to have hit the buffers until they took advantage of managerless Portsmouth to record their first win in six attempts last Saturday.

Defeats at Leicester and Middlesbrough, plus draws against Reading, Southampton and Barnsley, had seen the Rams slip to fifth in the table but, despite only taking five points from their past five games, they are still very much in the mix for a play-off spot.

Boss Nigel Clough has had to deal with several injuries and it is unclear who will play up front in mid-week, with Steven Davies, Nathan Tyson and Theo Robinson all ruled out.

Chris Maguire scored against Pompey and looks set to start despite suffering a broken nose last time out, and Clough must choose between 15-year-old schoolboy Mason Bennett, 18-year-old Callum Ball, Tomasz Cywka and Conor Doyle.

Derby will face a Cardiff side who have also struggled of late and, like their opponents, have picked up just five points from their last five matches.

The Bluebirds are currently ninth in the Championship table but three points at Pride Park would see them move above Derby.

Scoring goals has generally not been a problem with five against Barnsley and three in a losing cause against Peterborough.

But the Welshmen have already conceded 10 goals both at home and away and the rearguard needs to be tightened up if they are to sustain a promotion challenge this term.

Cardiff have won only once away from home in the league this season and there seems no reason why that record will change after the clash with Derby.

Leeds United v Blackpool

Leeds are desperate to regain their top-flight status after seven years out of the limelight and have made a decent start to their campaign with 22 points from their first 14 games to sit just outside the play-off places (Leeds Evens, Blackpool 13/5, draw 5/2 – Match Prices).

Recent form has been solid, if unspectacular, with eight points from their last five fixtures and only one defeat, and victory against Ian Holloway’s men could see them visit the top six.

A couple of home draws have hampered their progress, while the 3-2 victory away at Peterborough was a massive boost for boss Simon Grayson, and he will want to add another three points to the club’s tally when the Tangerines come calling.

And everything points to a Leeds victory as Blackpool have lost three of their past four games, conceding 10 goals in the process.

Away form always looked like it might be a problem for Holloway’s charges after they suffered relegation last term and he has only led his men to one win on their travels to date.

The north west outfit struggle to score away from Bloomfield Road but will face a Leeds side that has already shipped seven goals at their west Yorkshire base.

Leeds are favourites to win this one and are tipped to sneak it by the odd goal.

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Carling Cup previews

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There are plenty of Carling Cup ties to get stuck into on Wednesday night with several Premier League teams in action. There will doubtless be many fringe players on view, and it will be a chance for the lesser lights to carry out a giant-killing act (totesport – Carling Cup).

Exeter City v Liverpool

The feel-good factor is back at Anfield after a period in the doldrums with ‘King’ Kenny once again at the helm.

The Merseysiders have spent millions of pounds to try to bring the good times back and look to have a squad capable of challenging for silverware.

While the Premier League may be beyond them at this stage of their rebuilding, cup competitions have always been important to the Anfield faithful and veteran defender Jamie Carragher has stated that they will be taking the Carling Cup seriously as it is a competition that they could realistically win.

With that in mind and a strong squad to choose from, the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Raul Meireles could all feature against the Grecians, while several other squad players may get a run-out.

The League One outfit have garnered just one point from their four league outings to date but will see this as a chance to topple one of the biggest clubs in the world and should go into the clash with little or no fear.

But Liverpool are tipped to take care of the Devon club and maybe go all the way to Wembley this time around.

Odds: Exeter 7/1, Liverpool 2/5, draw 7/2

Everton v Sheffield United

In contrast to their rivals from across Stanley Park, Everton have little or no money to spend and have failed to bring in any new players over the summer months.

They have played just one Premier League match this season and went down 1-0 to new-boys Queens Park Rangers, despite dominating the game.

There appears to be an air of despondency hanging over Goodison Park at present and a good Carling Cup run could be just what the doctor ordered to lift the mood.

Manager David Moyes does not have the luxury of a big squad to choose from and so it is likely that several first-team regulars will be given an outing against the Yorkshire side.

Tim Cahill, Jermaine Beckford and Louis Saha are all doubtful for the second round tie, while the Scot will also have to do without Seamus Coleman, Magaye Gueye and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

The Blades have made an excellent start to their League One campaign with 10 points from their first four games and they will fancy their chances of an upset against an Everton side who are low on confidence.

United boss Danny Wilson has stated that he will try to win every cup game that the club plays in this term and not just focus on promotion back to the Championship.

Stephen Quinn will be given a late fitness test after a rough outing against Tranmere while Ryan Flynn and new signing Kevin McDonald may well return from injury.

Odds: Everton 4/9, Sheffield United 13/2, draw 100/30

Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday

Blackburn are one of four Premier League clubs yet to gain a point this season after defeats to Wolves and Aston Villa and boss Steve Kean is already under pressure.

This is a game he could do without, as defeat in front of the Ewood Park faithful would have the fans and press calling for his head.

Rovers have been stretched by injuries just two games into the season and there will be a number of unfamiliar faces in the line-up as the Scot looks to rest some players for the weekend clash with Everton.

But he cannot afford to be too complacent as Wednesday have made a solid, if unspectacular, start to their League One campaign and are tipped for promotion back to the Championship.

Radosav Petrovic looks set to make his full debut and the tough-tackling Serb could be what the side needs to lift them back to winning ways.

Gel Givet is set to play alongside Grant Hanley in the centre of defence with Ryan Nelson given the night off to prepare for the weekend clash with Aston Villa.

Jason Lowe and Bruno Ribeiro could well feature in what has become a must-win clash for the north-west outfit.

Owls boss Gary Megson is set to ring the changes as on-loan winger Ben Marshall will be rested while skipper Rob Jones will also miss out despite recovering from a broken nose sustained in last week’s defeat to Bury.

Odds: Rovers 8/15, Sheffield Wednesday 5/1, draw 3/1

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Sunday’s FA Cup previews

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Wayne Rooney will face a fitness test on an ankle knock ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie between Manchester United and bitter rivals Liverpool (see FA Cup betting on totesport.com).

Rooney missed the midweek victory over Stoke and is one of two concerns for Sir Alex Ferguson (United 8/13 – match betting).

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been suffering from flu, so United may opt to give new signing Anders Lindegaard at least a place on the bench.

Lindegaard has just arrived at Old Trafford after transferring from Danish side Aalesund on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Paul Scholes, with a groin strain, and John O’Shea, with a calf injury, are both ruled out of the encounter.

Liverpool – who on Saturday dismissed manager Roy Hodgson – are set to recall Dirk Kuyt and are likely to axe either Joe Cole or Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool 9/2 – match betting), while Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Daniel Agger could also be dropped.

United go into the game 11 places ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League, having already seen off the Reds in the league at home when they won 3-2 in September.

Liverpool have won only one of their last seven visits to Old Trafford, losing all the rest.

Tottenham v Charlton

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp must ponder whether to give new signing Bongani Khumalo his debut against Charlton (Spurs 1/5 – match betting).

Khumalo starred at the World Cup and has been brought in to bolster Tottenham’s defence. With the pressure off somewhat away from the Premier League, this might be the perfect opportunity for Redknapp to see what Khumalo has to offer at this level.

Spurs will rest several first-team regulars, including Gareth Bale who picked up a minor back injury in midweek against Everton.

Among the players likely to start the game for Tottenham are Vedran Corluka, Sebastien Bassong, Niko Kranjcar, Sandro and Wilson Palacios.

Jermain Defoe is set to return after completing a three-game suspension, but Younes Kaboul is banned for the tie.

Charlton’s Paul Benson begins his three match suspension in a game where Keith Peacock starts his caretaker reign (Charlton 11/1 – match betting).

Young defender Matt Fry is available after he extended his loan from West Ham for another month.

Peacock has the job of lifting the players after Phil Parkinson was axed following the 4-2 defeat to Swindon.

Chelsea v Ipswich

Chelsea’s Didier Drogba may be forced to miss the third-round tie after picking up a knock in training (Chelsea 1/5 – match betting).

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will give late fitness tests to the Ivorian international, as well as Ashely Cole and Michael Essien.

Cole and Essien were injured in the shock defeat at Wolves in midweek, and have been unable to train since.

Ipswich go into the game on the back of a poor run of form which saw the end of Roy Keane’s time in charge at Portman Road (Ipswich 11/1 – match betting).

Caretaker boss Ian McParland is without three key men at Stamford Bridge. Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has been recalled from his loan spell, striker Rory Fallon is cup-tied and Grant Leadbitter is suspended.

Ipswich go into the tie 34 places lower than Chelsea on the league ladder, having not won in their last nine meetings with the Blues.

The most recent meeting between the sides was in the fourth round in January 2009 at Stamford Bridge, with Michael Ballack scoring twice in a 3-1 win for Chelsea. Ipswich have lost all three FA Cup meetings with Chelsea.

Leicester City v Manchester City

Leicester have been working hard to register Kyle Naughton in time to face Manchester City at the Walkers Stadium (Leicester 5/1 – match betting).

The Spurs player has been locked in talks with manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who hopes to have him available.

Leicester have had a double blow with news that Roman Bednar and Curtis Davies have returned to West Brom and Aston Villa respectively following loan deals.

Manchester City have not registered Edin Dzeko in time to face the Foxes, the Wolfsburg striker being restricted to watching this tie from the stands (Manchester City 4/6 – match betting).

Pablo Zabaleta is available after the FA overturned a three-match ban for the red card he was given at Arsenal on Wednesday.

Mancini’s men go into the tie 30 places higher than Leicester in league standings, and with the weight of history against them.

It is the 10th time the two clubs have been paired together in the FA Cup, and Manchester City have won seven of the ties. They have not been beaten in this competition since 1968, when Leicester won a fourth round replay 4-3.

Leicester have not lost in seven league and cup games at the Walkers Stadium, but they have a poor FA Cup record in recent times and last year was the first time in four seasons they got past the third round.

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Sunday Premier League previews

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Chelsea v Aston Villa

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes being generous to his team will spur them on to victory against Aston Villa on Sunday (Chelsea 1/ 4 to win).

The Italian normally makes his players analyse their previous performance on video ahead of each game, to try and learn from their mistakes.

But Ancelotti has spared his squad that chore following Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Two days later, his relieved players were able to grind out a precious 1-0 win over Bolton at Stamford Bridge to end their worst Premier League run for 11 years.

The victory kept their faltering title defence alive and gave them a much-needed boost ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa.

“I didn’t show the video against Arsenal,” Ancelotti said. “I normally do show. When the moment is not so good, you don’t have to kill!

“I can show them in the future but not now.”

Chelsea moved up to fourth place by beating Bolton, and will aim for back-to-back wins for the first time in two months.

“This is a very important moment for our players, physically,” Ancelotti said. The team has to show its fitness. We worked very hard for two weeks without a game and the players are in a very good condition.”

Villa’s confidence, already undermined by Boxing Day’s 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham, is at a new low ebb following the 4-0 drubbing at Manchester City on Tuesday (Villa 12/1 to win).

Ashley Young and Emile Heskey will be restored to the starting side after overcoming injuries, but Luke Young has yet to recover from an ankle knock.

Branislav Ivanovic is banned after picking up his fifth booking of the term, so Ancelotti must decide between Jeffrey Bruma and Paulo Ferreira as his replacement.

Wigan v Newcastle

Wigan hope an encouraging result at home to Arsenal last time out has laid the platform for victory over Newcastle at the DW Stadium (Wigan 6/4 to win).

The Latics secured a 2-2 draw against the Gunners on Wednesday, courtesy of a late own goal by Sebastien Squillaci which moved them out of the relegation zone. And that result came hard on the heels of the impressive 2-1 win at Wolves on Boxing Day.

Wigan know they could find themselves back in the bottom three by the time they kick off against the Magpies, but have a fine home record to fall back on. They have lost only three home games all season and are unbeaten in their last six games at the DW Stadium.

Newcastle’s leading scorer Andy Carroll is a major doubt after picking up a thigh strain, but Shola Ameobi is fit again and could be given his chance (Newcastle 9/5 to win).

Captain Kevin Nolan is back after serving a one-game ban, while Jose Enrique and Sol Campbell are both available after injury.

Wigan may give new signing Adrian Lopez his chance against Alan Pardew?s men, and are forced into at least one change.

Striker Charles N’Zogbia is banned for the next three matches, while Antolin Alcaraz has only a 50 per cent chance of playing due to a thigh problem.

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Sunday Premier League previews

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Chelsea v Aston Villa

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes being generous to his team will spur them on to victory against Aston Villa on Sunday (Chelsea 1/ 4 to win).

The Italian normally makes his players analyse their previous performance on video ahead of each game, to try and learn from their mistakes.

But Ancelotti has spared his squad that chore following Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Two days later, his relieved players were able to grind out a precious 1-0 win over Bolton at Stamford Bridge to end their worst Premier League run for 11 years.

The victory kept their faltering title defence alive and gave them a much-needed boost ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa.

“I didn’t show the video against Arsenal,” Ancelotti said. “I normally do show. When the moment is not so good, you don’t have to kill!

“I can show them in the future but not now.”

Chelsea moved up to fourth place by beating Bolton, and will aim for back-to-back wins for the first time in two months.

“This is a very important moment for our players, physically,” Ancelotti said. The team has to show its fitness. We worked very hard for two weeks without a game and the players are in a very good condition.”

Villa’s confidence, already undermined by Boxing Day’s 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham, is at a new low ebb following the 4-0 drubbing at Manchester City on Tuesday (Villa 12/1 to win).

Ashley Young and Emile Heskey will be restored to the starting side after overcoming injuries, but Luke Young has yet to recover from an ankle knock.

Branislav Ivanovic is banned after picking up his fifth booking of the term, so Ancelotti must decide between Jeffrey Bruma and Paulo Ferreira as his replacement.

Wigan v Newcastle

Wigan hope an encouraging result at home to Arsenal last time out has laid the platform for victory over Newcastle at the DW Stadium (Wigan 6/4 to win).

The Latics secured a 2-2 draw against the Gunners on Wednesday, courtesy of a late own goal by Sebastien Squillaci which moved them out of the relegation zone. And that result came hard on the heels of the impressive 2-1 win at Wolves on Boxing Day.

Wigan know they could find themselves back in the bottom three by the time they kick off against the Magpies, but have a fine home record to fall back on. They have lost only three home games all season and are unbeaten in their last six games at the DW Stadium.

Newcastle’s leading scorer Andy Carroll is a major doubt after picking up a thigh strain, but Shola Ameobi is fit again and could be given his chance (Newcastle 9/5 to win).

Captain Kevin Nolan is back after serving a one-game ban, while Jose Enrique and Sol Campbell are both available after injury.

Wigan may give new signing Adrian Lopez his chance against Alan Pardew?s men, and are forced into at least one change.

Striker Charles N’Zogbia is banned for the next three matches, while Antolin Alcaraz has only a 50 per cent chance of playing due to a thigh problem.

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Midweek Premier League previews

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With the festive fixture list underway we have a look at the games which will be coming up thick and fast over Tuesday and Wednesday as clubs look to still a march in the title race or the relegation battle.

TUESDAY

Man City v Aston Villa

City will look to continue the way they left off against Newcastle at St. James’ Park, where they picked up a richly deserved three points.
Carlos Tevez seems to be back in favour with the City fans, after his two goals and all-round work rate impressed them on Boxing Day, helping them move into second as their title odds were cut to 8/1.
City need to make Eastlands a fortress in the second half of the season to keep alive their title challenge, but Villa will be encouraged by Everton’s success there last time out.
Gerard Houllier still has plenty of critics in the stands at Villa Park, and their away record is simply not good enough – they have lost four of the last five on their travels.

Stoke v Fulham

Stoke have finally got the monkey off their backs, with Boxing Day’s 2-0 win at Blackburn being the first December game they have won since reaching the Premier League in 2008.
They have already beaten Fulham this season, albeit in the Carling Cup, and their recent record is good enough to suggest they can repeat the feat.
In their last seven games, the Potters have won four and drawn two, the home defeat to Blackpool earlier this month their only blip.
Fulham were desperately disappointing at home to West Ham on Boxing Day, especially against a team with a shocking away record and with a manager under severe pressure.

Sunderland v Blackpool

Blackpool’s recent inactivity may come back to haunt them as they have twice had games called off because of the bad weather.
However, in between their postponements they beat Stoke 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium, picking up their fourth away win in the Premier League.
Having already won at Anfield, Blackpool (15/8 to be relegated) will have few fears about going to the Stadium of Light, especially after Sunderland’s defeat to Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Sunderland, though, have not lost in nine home games so far this season and have only conceded five goals in those games.

Tottenham v Newcastle

Spurs have only been beaten once at White Hart Lane in the Premier League this season, though they do average one goal per game conceded.
Tottenham continued their push for a top four finish with victory over Villa on Boxing Day and are 8/5 to achieve their goal of returning to the Champions League.
Newcastle were well beaten at home by Manchester City on Boxing Day, and have not been at their best away from the North East – they have conceded 15 goals in their eight Premier League games away from home.
The Magpies were poor in their last away game, going down 3-1 at West Brom on December 5, and new boss Alan Pardew will want to stamp his own authority on the club with some transfer movement in January.

West Brom v Blackburn

Two teams who were poor on Boxing Day hope to make a swift return to form at the Hawthorns.
West Brom lost 2-0 at Bolton, while Blackburn went down by the same scoreline at home to Stoke City.
The Baggies’ home form has enabled them to reach mid-table, they have only been beaten twice at the Hawthorns in the Premier League, though last month’s 3-0 home defeat to Stoke showed their frailties.
Blackburn fans are hardly unanimous in their backing of Steve Kean, and his time in charge could hardly have started less impressively as they hardly had a shot on goal against Stoke on Boxing Day and could have lost by more than two goals.

West Ham v Everton

The pressure is still not completely off Avram Grant, even though he has technically achieved what the board asked him to which was to win one of three specified games.
The Hammers, on their day, should be capable of beating Everton and their 3-1 win at Fulham will have boosted their confidence.
Everton have been inconsistent and badly need goals. Having their game on Boxing Day postponed might work in their favour, though, as it has eased their festive schedule.
David Moyes’ team have only won twice on their travels this season, but have kept things tight – they have drawn five away games and only conceded nine goals in as many games away from Goodison Park.

Birmingham v Man Utd

Birmingham know they can drop into the bottom three if they lose here, with both Fulham and West Ham waiting to take advantage.
The Blues have only lost once at St Andrew’s all season, but need to start turning draws there into wins – they have only three so far.
United’s away record continues to mystify; they have only won at Stoke in the Premier League, and drawn all their other six away matches.
Their 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day kept them in pole position in the Premier League, but Sir Alex Ferguson will want them to kick on now and translate some of their home form (they have won nine and drawn one there) into away success.
Michael Owen did not make the squad for the Sunderland game, but with the festive programme set to test every team’s strength in depth it could signal a recall for the former England international.

WEDNESDAY

Chelsea v Bolton

Chelsea (2/1 Premier League outright) have been done few favours by the TV schedulers, having to play on Monday and then again two days later – especially as their first game is the tough visit to the Emirates Stadium.
They face a Bolton team high on confidence after a 2-0 win against West Brom on Boxing Day.
Owen Coyle’s men are in fifth place in the Premier League but in reality that position may be false – they have played more games than virtually all their rivals and have only won twice away from home.
Bolton only lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last season, and with Chelsea faltering recently they might fancy their chances of securing a point on this visit.

Wigan v Arsenal

Wigan picked up a very useful three points at Molineux on Boxing Day, and are not the easy-beats many predicted at the start of the season.
They may face a scrap against relegation until the end of the season, but they have enough flair players to suggest they can cause some upsets, including against the Gunners who they beat 3-2 at the same ground last season.
Wigan don’t score enough goals, they have only managed eight at home while conceding 17. That will encourage Arsenal, who are the second-top scorers on their travels this season.
If Arsenal can end their recent barren spell at home against Chelsea on Monday, they will go to Wigan on a high and be confident of staying on pace for a title shot.

Liverpool v Wolves

Liverpool have only lost once in the Premier League at Anfield this season, and conceded a miserly six goals there.
Wolves go to Merseyside having picked up just one point away from home this season and only scored five goals in their eight away games.
Mick McCarthy’s men will be at a low ebb after losing a ‘six pointer’ against Wigan on Boxing Day, while Liverpool will be well rested after their game was postponed.
With the Premier League being the tightest it has been for years, Liverpool know that every point is vital. They could go in either direction – the Reds are seven points behind fifth-placed Bolton, and six ahead of the relegation zone.

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SPL Boxing Day Previews

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Despite the adverse weather conditions which have ravaged the Scottish football fixtures in recent weeks, fans are set for some festive cheer as all six planned Premier League games are still going ahead. Here is the low down on the big games north of the border.

Motherwell v Rangers

SPL leaders Rangers (1/2 Outright) are hoping to extend their two-point advantage over Old Firm rivals Celtic with what will be their first run-out since a 1-1 draw at Inverness a fortnight ago when they travel to managerless Motherwell.

A burst pipe at Fir Park will hopefully be fixed in time for Sunday as Walter Smith’s men go into the game with Edu and Kyle Lafferty set to resume duty, while ‘Well are without the suspended Steve Jennings, who starts a three-match ban following his controversial dismissal against Hearts last week.

Motherwell have not won in three SPL outings, so Rangers will fancy their chances of coming out on top with three points with a 1-0 win 11/2 with Totesport. However, Motherwell are 9/2 to pull off a slight shock and stop the recent rot since Craig Brown’s departure to Aberdeen.

Prediction: Rangers to win 2-1 at 7-1
Value Bet: Rangers To Win From Behind at 15/2

Celtic v St Johnstone

Neil Lennon’s Hoops will be on home soil for a fourth successive game aiming to pick up maximum points for the first time having been held to draws by Dundee United, Inverness and Kilmarnock.

They will be boosted by the return of captain Scott Brown from injury, while Ki Sung Yeung and his fellow South Korean, Cha Du R, will play in their final game before jetting off to the Asian Cup.

St Johnstone, who are in danger of being pulled into a relegation battle will be without the suspended duo of Jody Morris and Jamie Adams, but Murray Davidson should be fiot despite suffering an ankle knock in training.

Celtic cannot afford to drop any more points at Parkhead and I fully expect them to come out on top in this clash with a handsome victory.

Prediction Celtic 3-0 St Johnstone (7/1)
Value bet Celtic to Win 5-0 at 16/1.

Kilmarnock v Hearts

Third-placed Hearts (5/6 SPL W/Out Celtic & Rangers) travel to fifth-placed Kilmarnock (12/1) aiming to keep the pressure on the Old Firm in the race for the title and returning to winning ways after last week’s draw with Inverness.

The Jambos travel to Ayrshire without Lee Wallace, David Obua and Jason Thomson, who are close to comebacks, but Andrew Driver and Suso Santana remain a few weeks away from action.

Killie (19/10 To Win), who beat Hearts at Tynecastle earlier in the season, have no fresh injury worries after their midweek draw at Celtic Park.

Prediction: Draw (23/10)
Value Bet: 2-2 Draw at 12/1.

Dundee United v Hamilton Academicals

Dundee United have not played since the 1-1 draw at Celtic on November 20 an this game is the subject of a pitch inspection at Tannadice.

However, United will hope to finally get a game against a struggling Accies outfit which is level on 10 points with bottom club Aberdeen, to make up ground on the teams above them in the race for a European place.

Hamilton will hope some rustiness in the Dundee United camp could assist their bid for a much-needed three points (9/2 To Win).

Prediction: Home Win (8/13)
Value Bet: Dundee United 2-1 at 7/1

Hibernian v Aberdeen

Craig Brown and Archie Knox will hope to get their tenure at bottom club Aberdeen off to a flying start in a tricky match against fellow strugglers Hibernia at Easter Road.

The weather has restricted them so far, but they cannot afford to lose (Abderdeen 10/3 To Win) given that the Hibees would pull further clear and leave just three teams struck in trouble.

Prediction Draw (5/2)
Value Bet: Hibernian/Draw Half Time/Full Time at 14/1.

Inverness v St Mirren

Inverness Caley Thistle are set to be without Jonny Hayes, who has an ankle problem, as they look to keep the pressure on third-placed Hearts when they entertain struggling St Mirren.

The Paisley side will travel without Gareth Wardlaw, who begins a two-game suspension, for the game as they hope to try and pick up a win (St Mirren 4/1 To Win) to possibly take them six points clear of the bottom side Aberdeen.

Prediction Home Win (7/10).

Value Bet: Inverness Win From Behind at 8/1.

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EPL Saturday Previews

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The Premier League is now entering the hectic festive period, which can be crucial to teams battling at both ends of the table and, as ever, there are plenty of key games on Saturday.

Sunderland v Bolton

Sunderland (Evens) have been strong this season, they have lost only two of their 15 league games and are yet to lose at the Stadium of Light so far this campaign. Steve Bruce will be without Anton Ferdinand, so Nedum Onuoha should move to centre back and Ahmed Elmohamady come in on the right.

Bolton, in form and attractively priced at 13/5, are without Mark Davies, who should be replaced by Fabrice Muamba after his goalscoring substitute’s appearance last weekend.

Arsenal v Stoke

All eyes are going to be on Ryan Shawcross in this game, as it is the first meeting between the teams since he broke Aaron Ramsey’s leg. There is no love lost between Arsenal and Stoke, but the Gunners need to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester United on Monday night and will be expected to take all three points (To win 3-0 – 7/1).

Stoke (17/2) have not won at Arsenal for 29 years, but the home side have looked more vulnerable at the Emirates than in recent years and have lost to Newcastle, West Brom and Tottenham there so far this season, but another defeat looks unlikely this weekend. Cesc Fabregas is likely to return to the Arsenal starting line-up, while Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott are both pushing for starts.

Birmingham v Newcastle

Birmingham sit too close to the relegation zone for their fans liking and are on a poor win of just four wins in their last 27 league games. Their home record reads better, though, losing only one of the last 23 at St Andrew’s and they face a Newcastle side that beat Liverpool last time out in Alan Pardew’s first game in charge so the Magpies may well get something from the game. Take the draw at 11/5 .

Birmingham’s Liam Ridgewell and Martin Jiranek have recovered from flu, but they are without Alexander Hleb and James McFadden. For Newcastle, Steve Harper is fit against and the centre back pairing of Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini are both back from suspension.

Blackburn v West Ham

Caretaker Steve Kean takes charge of Blackburn following the sacking of Sam Allardyce, while the pressure is on Avram Grant as reports suggest he could be sacked if he loses this game. Both games between these two teams finished in draws last season but the Hammers will be looking to take advantage of the turmoil at Ewood Park. It may not be pretty but goals are on the cards and tote offering 23/10 on 4 or more looks tempting in this one.

Grant is expected to give a fitness test to Valon Behrami but he is without Jack Collison, Mark Noble, Manuel da Costa, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Anthony Edgar and Peter Kurucz. Blackburn are not suffering so much, with Keith Andrews expected to miss out and Vince Grella and Steven N’Zonzi both racing against time to be fit for the game.

Wigan v Aston Villa

Both of these teams need to improve over the Christmas period, with Wigan winning only one of their last ten and Villa getting only two wins out of 11. Gabriel Agbonlahor is back from a chest infection but there are reports that Ashley Young has damaged ankle ligaments and could face a spell on the sidelines.

Tom Cleverley could return for Wigan but Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa are both suspended for the game. Franco Di Santo and Victor Moses are both missing for the Premier League’s lowest scorers as they look to extend their five-match unbeaten run in front of their home fans.

Villa finally got a win last weekend – 2-1 against West Brom – and are 6/4 to come away with another three points on Saturday, a generous price despite Wigan’s good home record.

Liverpool v Fulham

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson faces his former club Fulham for the first time on Saturday evening, but he refuses to confirm whether or not Steven Gerrard will return. Fernando Torres should play after he was left out of the midweek Europa League game as Liverpool look to continue their good home form and totesport’s enhanced first goalscorer odds of 3/1 on the Spaniard netting first looks a good bet. The Reds have taken 17 of their 22 points at Anfield, and Fulham have never beaten them on Merseyside.

Nothing less than a win will do for Hodgson (1/2) as the storm clouds gather over his head once again and Mark Hughes’ side have struggled away from Craven Cottage, failing to win on the road in 26 games and have taken three points in only one of their last 13 league games, which is why they are 6/1 to cause a shock at Anfield.

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Sunday EPL Previews

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Bolton can continue their push for a European place when they welcome former manager Sam Allardyce and Blackburn in the Premier League at the Reebok on Sunday.

The odds against – 11/10 – about Wanderers in the match betting represents good value when you consider Rovers have not managed to keep a clean sheet on the road in eight away games this season – and, we should not forget, they shipped in an alarming seven against title-chasers Manchester United the last time they ventured away from Ewood.

The form of Johan Elmander has beefed up Wanderers attack – he has scored eight goals in all competitions this season – so the recommendation here is to snaffle up the 6/5 Anytime Goalscorer.

Rovers fans looking for crumbs of comfort can take heart from the fact that they are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against their north-west rivals, winning five of those matches, and Wanderers have failed to score in three of their last four matches against Blackburn.

Rovers also managed a Premier League double over Bolton last season but the home side have come a long away under Owen Coyle.

Local bragging rights will be at stake in the West Midlands when draw specialists Wolves and Birmingham clash at Molineux.

Five of the last 10 meetings between these two teams have ended in a stalemate and Blues – along with Fulham – have already collected nine draws in the Premier League this season since the first whistle was blown.

The draw can often be overlooked but the recommendation here is to take the 9/4 about this ending all square.

It is 10 Premier League games since Wolves last kept a clean sheet at Molineux so another way in could be to take the 7/10 about both teams to score – or the more adventurous punter may like the 2/1 about Blues to collect the away win.

Birmingham, remember, are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings with Wolves, winning four, including the last three in a row, but for slightly more value the draw looks appealing.

The final Premier League game on Sunday sees Tottenham play host to stuttering champions Chelsea and under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Spurs at the bigger price – 9/5 in the match betting – simply have to be the bet when you consider their London rivals have managed just two wins in eight games – and one in six in the Premier League.

Ancelotti has also revealed he has been given the dreaded vote of confidence by owner Roman Abramovich – a sure-fire sign all is usually not well.

Chelsea have been conceding too many – in the four games they have lost most recently they have also failed to score – and they face Manchester United at home and Arsenal away after this awkward-looking assignment in the capital.

Both teams to score can be backed at 4/6 given that it is 15 Premier League matches since Tottenham last kept a clean sheet in the league, but for odds against the recommendation here is to go with the home side to get the job done in 90 minutes.

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Premier League previews

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The big thaw means that there should be no trouble with the weekend Premier League fixtures so let’s look at all the betting options for the six matches on Saturday (check out Premier League outright and match prices).

Aston Villa v West Brom

These two west Midlands rivals have been heading in different directions in recent times with Villa losing their last three top-flight games and the Baggies scoring seven goals to win their last two. The form book will be thrown out of the window, as ever, for a local derby and, with Emile Heskey and Ashley Young both back in the ranks, the Villans should be able to arrest their current slide.

Value bet: Villa to win 2-0 (7/1)

Everton v Wigan

The Goodison Park alarm bells would have been ringing after their 4-1 home defeat to West Brom but they bounced back to take a point from Chelsea last time out. But it has still been a below-par season for David Moyes? men to date. Wigan have won just once on their travel this term but have Hugo Rodallega back after suspension. However, if the Toffees are to rescue their season, they must win games like this as Wigan have scored just five goals away from home all season.

Value bet: Everton to win to nil (6/5)

Fulham v Sunderland

Sunderland have won one, lost one and drawn one since beating Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and their games are notoriously hard to predict. They are not the same side away from home (apart from against the champions) but face a Fulham side who have won just twice this campaign, with nine draws to date. But the Cottagers did okay against Arsenal last time out and, with Asamoah Gyan rated as doubtful with a toe injury, they might sneak this one down by the Thames.

Value bet: 2-3 goals (10/11)

Stoke v Blackpool

The Seasiders have had two weeks without a game as their clash with Manchester United fell foul of the weather last weekend and they will be raring to go at the Britannia Stadium. Ian Holloway’s side have already won three times away from home this season and they could take something from this clash at the Britannia Stadium. Jermaine Pennant and Andy Wilkinson should return for the Potters but a draw is forecast for this one.

Value bet: 1-1 draw (6/1)

West Ham v Manchester City

The Hammers finally picked up three points against Wigan back in late November but they still find themselves bottom of the table and will struggle against a City side who are capable of beating anyone when they gel as a unit. Carlos Tevez is absent but City should still be too good for a West Ham side that seem destined for the drop.

Value bet: City to win (5/6)

Newcastle v Liverpool

The sacking of Chris Hughton sent shockwaves through the Premier League this week, as did the name of his successor. But the appointment of a new manager normally affects the players in a positive way for at least three or four games and the Magpies may be able to sneak this one against a Liverpool side who do not seem to be able to string too many results together. Alan Pardew may not have been the fans? choice on Tyneside but if they take all three points on Saturday, then all will be well with the world again.

Value bet: Newcastle to win (12/5)

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