Crystal Palace v Portsmouth

Dougie Freedman’s Eagles are the surprise package of the Championship, with Palace currently sitting pretty in third after collecting 24 points from their opening 14 games.

It’s all the more remarkable when you consider they were fighting to stave off relegation last term and lost their best player, Neil Danns, during the summer. Palace have lost just one of their seven home games to date, a tight affair to Middlesbrough in September, and have conceded just five goals at Selhurst Park.

They face a Portsmouth team still without a permanent manager following Steve Cotterill’s switch to Nottingham Forest. Pompey are yet to win on their travels this term and go into Tuesday’s game off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Derby.

Neither side are prolific in front of goal, but Carling Cup quarter-finalists Palace are a difficult side to break down and are likely to grind down the visitors and claim another crucial three points.

Suggested Bet: Palace to win @ 11/10

Barnsley v Hull

Hull are on a role and go into this Yorkshire derby unbeaten in their last nine games, a run which has seen them move into the play-off places. The Tigers have looked better away from home than they have at the KC Stadium, with Nigel Pearson’s men looking like promotion contenders.

A 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday was the Tigers third away win of the season and Hull have only lost one of seven games on their travels. This away run comes after a record-breaking unbeaten spell on their travels last term and Pearson’s men are masters of hitting teams on the break.

Barnsley had shown signs of real progress last month, but back-to-back defeats have hit the Tykes hard, especially Saturday’s last-gasp home loss to Bottom club Bristol City. Keith Hill’s men appear to lack a real cutting edge up front and although they are heading in the right direction, Hull look too strong and can further enhance their promotion hopes.

Suggested Bet: Half-Ttime/Full-Time – Draw/Hull @ 9/2

Millwall v Coventry

Many will have been surprised by the Lions poor start to the season, but Kenny Jackett looks to have got his team back on track. Millwall are unbeaten in their last four games, including back-to-back wins over Ipswich and Leicester.

The departure of Steve Morison was a big loss and Millwall struggled for goals early season, but they have bagged nine goals in their last four matches. Darius Henderson has made big impact in recent weeks and the Lions have moved out of the bottom three up to 17th.

In contrast, Coventry have won just one of their last eight league games and look set for a relegation scrap this season. There were signs of encouragement in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Doncaster, but goals still remain a problem with just four in seven games on their travels.

Suggested Bet: Millwall to win @ 8/11

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Sir Alex Ferguson

Bulgarian hitman Berbatov, who is now 7/2 joint favourite to finish top Premier League Goalscorer, was the star of the show as he ended a run of 10 matches without a goal by smashing five past a hapless Rovers outfit.

And, while Ferguson was delighted with his goals glut, he felt Rooney’s overall game played a huge part in the impressive win.

“Berbatov and Rooney were a good combination today – they interchanged brilliantly today. Wayne was fantastic,” said Ferguson.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce apologised to the travelling fans who witnessed the mauling, although he is not too worried about his side’s long-term prospects (Rovers 10/1 Relegation) given that he had a host of regulars absent, while he also felt United were on top of their game.

Allardyce said: “We had seven first-team players missing from the start. However, I did expect more from the players who did start.

“Unfortunately we caught United at their best. At half time we were 3-0 down and I told the players to protect that scoreline but they’d lost it by then.”

Arsenal, who are 19/5 to win the Premier League, maintained their title aspirations having briefly taken over top spot earlier on Saturday thanks to an impressive 4-2 win at Aston Villa.

And boss Arsene Wenger felt his side showed great character to bounce back from defeats to Tottenham and at Braga in midweek, and then stave off a Villa comeback after the home side had reduced the two-goal deficit to 2-1 and 3-2 during the second half at Villa Park.

“At 2-0, at half-time, you could feel what happened [against Tottenham] had an impact in their head,” said Wenger.

“We could have crumbled or we could score again – and we did the latter. We got a good mental response.”

Villa manager Gerard Houllier, whose team is 9/2 for a Top Six Premier League finish, blamed his side’s poor first half showing for the defeat against the Gunners.

“We were poor in the first half. Whether it was because we showed them too much respect, or lacked experience, I don’t know,” said the Frenchman.

“We never got started. We were a different team in the second half, showed more energy and took more risks.”

Meanwhile, West Ham boss Avram Grant is confident that he can guide his side into a mid-table finish (21/20 To Stay Up) following their 3-1 win against fellow strugglers Wigan in the ‘Save Our Season’ billed game at Upton Park.

Valon Behrami, Victor Obinna and Scott Parker were on target for the Hammers and, despite Grant’s men staying bottom and three points adrift of safety, the Israeli is backing himself to steer the Londoners to safety.

He said: “We are only nine points from the middle. That’s (a gap) you can close with more than 20 games to go.

“We have played only 15 games, so at the moment it does not really matter if Wolves win or the others do – we need to do our job.”

Meanwhile, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was disappointed with the manner of the goals his side conceded in a crucial game against the Hammers which has left them in trouble in third-bottom spot and 8/11 for Relegation.

He said: “It was a day of a real test of character, and that was there, but in football you cannot concede cheap goals, otherwise you are making things very difficult.

“We just weren’t ourselves, and that is where the work is going to be.”

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Manchester United

The 31-year-old has been named as skipper for England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on Tuesday night.

It’s the first time the former Leeds United defender has been in the England squad since he picked up an injury before the start of the World Cup in South Africa.

Ferdinand was injured during the first England training session in Rustenburg where he sustained knee ligament damage after a collision with team-mate Emile Heskey.

The central defender missed out on the tournament where the Three Lions failed to live up to expectations, going out to old rivals Germany in the knockout stages.

Ferdinand is delighted to have been named as England captain once again, though, after Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard took over the role in his absence.

He said: “It is a great honour to be named England captain.

“It is great to be back playing again.

“Obviously, I’ve been out for a while since the World Cup when I injured my knee.

“I have worked hard on my rehab, worked hard on the training ground at Manchester United, and the staff have been fantastic for me to get to this point,” he added.

Ferdinand has recently returned to action for United (16/5 to win the Premier League) as he looks to rebuild a strong partnership at the back with fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic.

The former West Ham United academy player is happy to be back playing after the disappointment of missing out on leading out his country at a major international tournament.

He said: “It has been well documented that the first 48 hours after I got injured at the World Cup were probably my worst moments in terms of over-analysing and really thinking about the consequences.

“To miss the World Cup was a real big disaster for me.

“But you have to wipe yourself down and get on with it.”

Ferdinand will be looking to earn England another three points against Montenegro as they hope to continue their strong start the Euro qualifiers.

The Three Lions skipper will then be aiming to help United close the gap on rivals Chelsea who currently sit five points above them at the top of the Premier League table.

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Despite the Italian still having just less than two years to see out on his current deal the list of potential candidates to replace him has already begun to take shape.

Capello confirmed last week he would walk away from his role after Euro 2012, stating the need to enjoy his retirement as the reason why he would be quitting.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, Pearce and David Beckham have all been mentioned in connection with the post, although it could be some time before any of them are even scheduled for an interview with the FA.

Redknapp has already said it would be a tough job to turn down, with the FA likely to favour the 63-year-old and Hodgson given their recent success with English clubs.

Should Redknapp build on his reputation at Tottenham (10/1 British team to progress furthest in Champions League) as one of the top English managers he would appear to be the ideal choice, given the FA has said it wants an Englishman to takeover.

Pearce’s name had also been thrown into the hat given his time under Capello as his assistant, as well as his work with the Under-21s.

The former defender’s time with the Under-21 set-up has seen them reach the final of the European Championships and help bring through the likes of Joe Hart, James Milner and Adam Johnson.

Despite his time in the England set-up, along with the two years he managed Manchester City, Pearce still believes he doesn’t have enough experience to take over from Capello and has effectively ruled himself out of the running.

“If you ask me the question today, I’ve not got the experience to do that job, but it’s very flattering for people to mention my name,” said Pearce.

“It’s an honour to be mentioned. Whether I’ve supported the nation as a player, Under 21 coach, or coach with the first team, it’s a massive honour.

“It’s like all people that get mentioned, I’ve got a lot of things going in my favour – I’ve captained England, played in tournaments and coached Under 21 tournaments. This summer I’ve been to a major tournament as a coach.

“I tick a few boxes, but I’ve not got a thousand matches behind me like the Harry Redknapps and Roy Hodgsons of this world.”

Director of Football Development Trevor Brooking has backed Pearce’s decision to step back from the role, claiming the former England international needs to go back to club management in order to establish himself as a potential candidate for the role.

Brooking gave no indication as to who would take over from Capello but hinted the FA would lean towards a more experienced manager to take the England (9/1 – Euro 2012 outright) helm, effectively ruling out the likes of Beckham and Alan Shearer.

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The position as head coach of the national side looks likely to be up for grabs very shortly with the Welsh football association calling a press conference for later in the week – when it is expected that Toshack will resign.

The decision comes after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign and a poor start on the road to Euro 2012, losing 1-0 to minnows Montenegro on Friday.

The defeat to the Balkan nation appears to have been the final nail in Toshack’s coffin and the former Real Madrid coach reportedly feels he has taken the young squad as far as he can.

The 61-year-old took over in 2004 after Wales had narrowly missed out on qualifying for Euro 2004, losing out to Russia in a play-off.

However, since then Welsh football has gone downhill and Toshack has been forced to try and blood a new generation of players with the likes of Robbie Savage, Giggs, Jason Koumas and Simon Davies all retiring from the international set-up.

While Wales have a good collection of youngsters, the likes of Gareth Bale, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter and Jack Collison have so far failed to cut it on the international stage.

Toshack reportedly spent Monday in talks with the FAW in Cardiff to discuss his future and it seems inevitable he will step down before next month’s double header against Bulgaria and Switzerland (10/3 to beat England).

Despite Toshack’s resignation having not been confirmed, there is already a long list of candidates to take the post.

The likes of under-21 coach Brian Flynn, Mark Bowen and Kenny Jackett have all been linked with the job.

However, the favourite for the job already is Manchester United (11/5 Premier League outright) winger Giggs, despite the 36-year-old still being involved with first team action at Old Trafford.

With Giggs’ playing career drawing to a close it has been suggested he could be talked into an early retirement in order to take over the post.

While the United legend concedes it would be a dream come true to manage the national side he admits it might be tough to take up the post at this time.

“If you go into management, the big job is to be in charge of your country. And I’m no different in terms of thinking like that,” Giggs, who has already taken Uefa coaching badges, said in the Daily Telegraph.

“At the moment it is difficult, because I still have commitments as a player.”

Another name being thrown into the hat is that of former Arsenal, West Ham and Wimbledon striker Hartson, who says he would love to take over from Toshack.

“I don’t know how seriously the FAW [Football Association of Wales] would consider me,” Hartson told BBC 5 Live.

“But if they were to offer me the job it is something I’d… take seriously.”

“I’ve got all my [coaching] badges, I’ve worked with the best, I feel as if I’ve learnt a lot about the game and still have a long way to go and a lot to learn.”

Whether it Giggs, Hartson or someone the FAW are set to name a new manager before the team face Bulgaria and Switzerland next month.

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Fabio Capello

The Football Association announced its decision on Friday, more than a week earlier than they had planned.

The FA said their board had unanimously agreed to keep Capello in his job, despite the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany in the second round last weekend.

“I am more determined than ever to succeed with the England team,” Capello said. “(Board chairman) Dave Richards has called me to tell me everyone at the FA wants me to continue.

“I explained it is very important we use the disappointment as a motivation in the future.

“I can assure the fans I am now fully focused on our European qualifying fixtures, starting with the friendly against Hungary in August.

“We will look to introduce new players to give the team new energy and I will use all my experience to take England forward.

“I am extremely proud to be the England manager, it means so much to me and I am determined to succeed.”

Richards said the four-man Club England board gained the approval of the FA Board to keep Capello on.

“We are all still extremely disappointed at our performance in South Africa, and we believed it was important that we took some time to reflect on everything in a calm and considered manner back in England,” Richards said.

“After fully discussing our performance we remain convinced that Fabio is the best man for the job.”

Capello started work in January 2008, and has a contract through Euro 2012.

Meanwhile, Huh Jung-moo has confirmed he is to leave his post as coach of South Korea.

The 55-year-old does not want to renew his 30-month contract, which expired at the end of the World Cup.

Huh, whose side were eliminated at the last 16 stage of the competition by Uruguay on Saturday, had stated his intention to leave his role after the tournament but side-stepped talk of his future following their exit.

He said: “I have decided not to seek a second term. This is not a resignation as my contract finishes at the end of June. I want time to recharge myself and spend some time with my family.”

He added: “I have made my decision and told this to the KFA. I want to rest for a while.

“There are many good coaches in our football community. I think they should be given a chance.”

Korea Football Association chairman Cho Chung-yun said earlier this week they hope to have a new coach appointed “no later than July 10″.

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The Chelsea midfielder has profited from Ferdinand’s enforced absence through a knee ligament injury, earning Fabio Capello’s nod to be vice-captain once Steven Gerrard was named as Ferdinand’s replacement (13/8 for any England game to go to penalties).

Lampard said: “I was told by the manager and (assistant) Franco Baldini yesterday and I am very proud of that.

“Obviously I am very disappointed for Rio. He is a mate.

“But what can I do? I shall just try to give my input as a vice-captain.”

Lampard has always been close to Ferdinand and offered words of consolation to him.

“I am very disappointed for him to say the least,” said Lampard.

“I spoke to him last night and he is obviously very down.

“He is such a good mate and for this to happen in the build-up to the biggest tournament made me feel sick in my stomach.”

Lampard described the incident when Ferdinand fell as “a freak”. But he admitted he was immediately concerned about the impact it would have.

“I was fearful for him because you could see the pain of the fall but also there was an element of fear,” he said.

“We all understand that. We’ve all had moments during our club careers as well where there’s big games coming up and you feel you might have done something to put you out of that game.

“I understood straight away that it was potentially a bad one and then it was fingers crossed for the scan and obviously it turned out to be bad.”

USA coach Bob Bradley was taking no satisfaction from Ferdinand’s withdrawal, despite it giving his side something of a tonic ahead of their fixture next Saturday.

“Whenever you get close to a World Cup and see players pick up late injuries and miss out, then I think all players, all coaches, everyone in the game, feels bad when that happens,” said Bradley.

When a player like Rio Ferdinand goes down injured, when there is a question mark against Didier Drogba etc, these are things you don’t want to see.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Barry was able to train on his own on Saturday as Capello gives the Manchester City man every opportunity to prove himself fit following an ankle injury.

Capello hopes the 29-year-old will be able to train properly immediately after the United States encounter and be available for the second game against Algeria in Cape Town on June 18.

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Colin Montgomerie

The world number one is facing another enforced break due to a neck injury, which he suffered in The Players Championship at Sawgrass, a tournament he couldn’t complete.

Due to his off-the-course personal problems, Woods’ schedule is unclear with the only tournaments he is expected to play in being the US Open (5/1f to win at Pebble Beach) and July’s Open Championship.

Much of the media doubt whether the 14-time major winner will travel to Wales in October, as the US look to retain the trophy they won in 2008 in Valhalla.

European captain Montgomerie says Woods’ availability for the team event is an ‘unanswerable question at this stage’, but is hoping that he does make himself available.

The Scot told Sky Sports: “I’d like him to be in the Ryder Cup to be honest, I think any golf tournament with the world’s number one player in it is a bigger event, and if we happen to win the Ryder Cup with him playing I think it’s a better win for us.”

Woods’ Ryder Cup record is not that impressive for a player commonly regarded as one of, if not the best player to have played the sport.

The 34-year-old has played in five USA v Europe meetings, teeing it up in 25 matches, winning 10, losing 13 and halving two, and claiming just 11 points from a possible 25.

The US team have won the cup on just one occasion when Woods has been part of the team, at Brookline in 1999, although he will undoubtedly strengthen Corey Pavin’s team.

Meanwhile, Monty says he ‘very happy’ with how his team is shaping up with just over four months until the event begins.

With Europe having eight players in the top twenty of the world rankings, the captain is understandably upbeat about the team’s prospects of winning back the cup.

Montgomerie added: “I must be the happiest captain in many, many years to see what’s been happening. We might go there as favourites, I’m not denying that, we just have to play and prove ourselves the way we can.”

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