After 12 games, just 10 points separate top from 17th, so there really is all to play for as we edge towards the busy winter period.

Leicester v Crystal Palace

The Foxes, as leaders, appear to be finally realising their potential and are living up to their pre-season tag of outright favourites for the title.

Nigel Pearson’s side, 4/7 to win, have claimed victories in six of their last seven Championship games and will take on the Eagles, shorn of their manager after Dougie Freedman’s departure to Bolton this week.

Expect a home win then as Palace, at long odds of 5/1 to win, will be reeling from Freedman’s somewhat unexpected exit (Draw 11/4).

Prediction: Leicester 2 Palace 0 at 6/1

Leeds United v Birmingham

This is a game at Elland Road which sees two well-supported clubs go head-to-head although it is a difficult one to predict.

Leeds (21/20) have been inconsistent but are just six points off the top and are always tough to beat at home.

Blues, 13/5 to win, on the other hand, have been poor overall under new boss Lee Clark and sit just two places and four points clear of the relegation zone.

However, they came back brilliantly from 3-0 down at Millwall in midweek to draw 3-3 to show their character and will look to build on that with a draw in West Yorkshire (23/10), however difficult that will be.

Prediction: Leeds 1 Birmingham 1 at 11/2

Blackburn v Watford

Rovers say they will have a new manager in charge by next week amid reports Harry Redknapp is ambitiously being lined up by the Ewood Park club’s owners.

Fulham first-team coach Billy McKinlay and Tottenham counterpart Tim Sherwood are also in the frame but it will be Eric Black who leads them again at home to Watford, who are on offer at 3/1 with the draw at 12/5.

Rovers got a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the week and should follow that up with another home win in this.

Watford remain frustratingly inconsistent under Gianfranco Zola but will ask questions of Rovers although three points for Black before he again goes back into the shadows is the bet, albeit at a short 10/11.

Prediction: Blackburn 2 Watford 1 at 7/1

Middlesbrough v Bolton

Boro are improving and have the look of a side destined for at least the play-offs this season as they host what could be a rejuvenated Bolton side (13/8) at the Riverside.

Tony Mowbray’s men are now unbeaten in four, having won their last three, and will be confident of seeing off Wanderers (13/8), despite the appointment of Freedman this week.

However, don’t rule out the impact of the ‘new manager bounce’ – even if Freedman is not officially in charge of team affairs this weekend – and back the draw at a tempting 9/4.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 2 Bolton 2 at 14/1

Cardiff v Burnley

Cardiff are again flying high in the Championship in second place as they hope to finally join the top flight after a series of near-misses in the past few years.

They entertain manager-less Burnley and this looks like a home banker, reflected in the unappealing odds of 8/11 for a Bluebirds triumph, while the Clarets are a long 4/1 to win with the draw at 5/2.

Burnley have had two good wins since Eddie Howe left, against Blackpool and in midweek against Bristol City, but this is a much bigger test as they take on the joint leaders.

Cardiff, who have won all six of their home games so far, need to keep the pressure up on the Foxes at the top and nothing other than another three points for Malky Mackay’s men looks the outcome here.

Prediction: Cardiff 3 Burnley 1 at 12/1

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Wolves v West Brom
The 146th Black Country derby takes place at Molineux, with Roy Hodgson’s West Brom looking to hold onto the bragging rights after winning the clash at The Hawthorns in October.

The Baggies fans will travel the short distance glad they are away from home as, despite the fact they have won only three games in 12, some 18 of their 26 points earned this season have been on the road.

For Mick McCarthy this game will all be about restoring confidence. Their come-from-behind win at QPR last week ended a run of nine games without a win and they need to follow that up with another three points to drag themselves away from trouble. (Wolves 6/4, draw 9/4, West Brom 2/1)

Kevin Doyle (11/2 First Goalscorer) returned with an assist and the winning goal at QPR last weekend and McCarthy must decide whether the Irishman gets in ahead of Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

The addition of Sebastien Bassong is hoped to shore up a defence that has conceded in each of their last 21 matches, but Karl Henry, Michael Kightly, Kevin Foley, Jamie O’Hara and Dave Edwards are all set to miss out.

West Brom have a dangerous Irish striker of their own in the shape of Shane Long (13/2 First Goalscorer) and he is set to be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness after troubles with chest and back pain. Hodgson could also give Keith Andrews and Liam Ridgewell their debuts.

Both these sides need points, but McCarthy should have Wolves highly motivated and that could be key in bringing the Black Country bragging rights back to Molineux.

But more importantly, it would add points and confidence to the Wolves cause and those two things have been of short supply in recent months.

Aston Villa v Man City
City saw their arch-rivals Manchester United leapfrog them to the summit of the Premier League thanks to their Saturday lunchtime win over Liverpool.

The predicted procession to glory by City has halted and now they are looking susceptible and it is only two wins from their last nine games away from home.

It is also a struggling time for Alex McLeish and there seems to be a section of the Villa support that never did, and never will, accept the Scot at the club.

The fact Villa have not won in their last six home games does not help McLeish enamour himself to the fans, but they boast a dangerous attack that could trouble the City back four. (Villa 4/1, draw 11/4, City 8/11)

James Collins, Marc Albrighton and Gabby Agbonlahor are expected to miss the game but Villa’s spine of Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Stiliyan Petrov are present and Darren Bent (13/2 First Goalscorer) and Robbie Keane will pose a real threat.

City should be boosted by the return of Vincent Kompany – after he missed last weekend’s game with a knee issue, but Yaya and Kolo Toure and Mario Balotelli remain absent.

Roberto Mancini’s side have looked more susceptible in recent weeks, but there is no doubting their strength and it should be that overall quality that means they have too much for McLeish’s workmanlike Villa. (6/1 City 2-0 victory)

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Southampton

The Saints had to watch as the Hammers ran out 2-1 winners over struggling Nottingham Forest on Saturday and now they find themselves chasing down the London outfit. It’s not going to be an easy task against a Foxes side who be full of confidence following their 4-0 FA Cup thrashing of Forest in midweek.

Former Leeds United and Everton striker Jermaine Beckford bagged himself a hat-trick against their East Midlands rivals and when the forward gets in the goals he tends to go on a run. Beckford (15/2 First Goalscorer) has great ability in the air and on either feet and expect him to be a threat for the Southampton defense at St Mary’s. The 28-year-old will be a key figure for a Foxes side who are struggling with injuries and players away on international duty ahead of the trip to the south coast.

Andy King is set to miss the clash with an Achilles injury, whilst defenders Sol Bamba and John Pantsil are away at the African Nations Cup for next few weeks. Nigel Pearson will certainly have some important selection decisions to make if his side are to get something against a Saints team who welcome back star striker Rickie Lambert. The 29-year-old has completed his three-match ban and will be looking to add to his 15 goals in the Championship this term.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins has been in the hunt for a new striker in the January transfer market, with Celtic man Gary Hooper at the top of the wish-list. It looks highly unlikely the former Scunthorpe United forward will join up with the former Irons manager and Adkins may have to look elsewhere for a potential strike partner for Lambert.

Monday’s game is set to have plenty of goals if their previous encounter in the league is anything to go by, with the Foxes running out 3-2 winner at the King Power Stadium.

Southampton (9/4 Championship Outright) have not been on the best run of form with just two victories in their last seven outings in the Championship. What will hold the home side in good stead is the fact that Leicester have never picked up all three points at St Marys.

This game has goals written all over it, with City scoring a goal in all of their last 10 games in the Championship and Southampton seeing the return of Lambert. Once again another close encounter between these two very attacking side is expected but absent players could play a key role in this clash. With a host of big game players missing for the visitors, expect the Saints to just edge this one as they look to march back to the top of the table.

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Man Utd v Bolton

With City not in action until Monday, this will be seen as a must-win game for United as they look to close the gap at the top. City have a three-point lead going into the weekend but that should be wiped out come 5pm on Saturday with relegation-threatened Bolton not looking likely to cause a big upset at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson needed a reaction from his players following successive defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle in the league and he got it when his side saw off City in a fiery FA Cup third-round clash last weekend.

He knows losing to struggling Bolton side (United 1/6, Bolton 18/1, draw 6/1 – match prices) is unthinkable and nothing other than a comfortable home win looks on the cards here.

Prediction – Home win.

Spurs v Wolves

Similarly, the chances of a coupon-busting away win in this one look remote. Spurs are in superb form and saw off Everton 2-0 in midweek without really ever getting into third gear.

They host a Wolves side who have won just once on their travels all season and, despite Mick McCarthy’s side claiming a good draw at Arsenal over Christmas, the Black Country side getting anything from White Hart Lane seems extremely unlikely.

Harry Redknapp says Tottenham can maintain their title challenge (7/1 – Premier League outight) throughout the second half of the season and they don’t look like slipping up this weekend.

Prediction – Home win.

Chelsea v Sunderland

Before Martin O’Neill’s arrival at the Stadium of Light, this would have been viewed as a home banker as well but the Northern Irishman has galvanised the Black Cats (15/2 to win) and this could well throw up the shock result of the day.

O’Neill has guided his new team to five wins in his first seven games in charge and they head to Stamford Bridge full of confidence.

Chelsea (2/5) are in pole position to secure fourth place in the Premier League at the minute but know a slip-up could let Arsenal or Liverpool in and this will be a good barometer of their credentials.

Expect a tight clash and O’Neill to continue his fine start in charge by claiming a point (7/2).

Prediction – Draw.

Liverpool v Stoke

If Chelsea do fail to secure all three points, Liverpool can take advantage by beating Stoke at home (Liverpool 4/9, Stoke 7/1, draw 10/3 – match prices). The Reds have had a difficult few weeks off the field but there was finally some good news this week when skipper Steven Gerrard committed the rest of his career to the club.

A 1-0 first-leg, Carling Cup semi-final win at Man City on Wednesday means they go into this game on a high and should continue their top-four pursuit with another win.

Stoke will make things difficult, though, and have former Liverpool man Peter Crouch in their side, who is worth backing at 5/2 to score anytime against his old club but expect a hard-fought home win in this one.

Prediction – Home win.

Blackburn v Fulham

Another week goes by and still Steve Kean is in charge at Ewood Park despite poor results and seemingly every Rovers fan calling for him to be sacked.

He will face more calls to quit from unhappy home fans this weekend and, against this backdrop, Fulham at 7/5 can go to Lancashire and claim all three points to crank up the pressure on the Scot even further.

A draw at Liverpool and the fantastic win at Manchester United over Christmas earned Kean some time but successive defeats against Stoke and then Newcastle in the FA Cup last weekend mean those results now seem a distant memory (Blackburn to win 2/1).

Fulham are in good form and followed up a well-earned point at Chelsea over the festive period with a late win at home to Arsenal before easily seeing off Charlton 4-0 in the Cup last time out.

Prediction – Away win.

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Republic of Ireland

However, despite the fact the Irish enjoy such a commanding lead boss Giovanni Trapattoni will not be taking Estonia lightly and will be keen for his side to secure a win on Tuesday night.  Estonia will need to attack from the off, leaving them vulnerable at the back and with Ireland’s superior strength going forward they could blow their opponents away for a second time.  In the half-time/full-time market a Republic of Ireland/Republic of Ireland result is priced at 5/6, which represents better value than the 2/5 on offer for an Ireland victory.

Montenegro slumped to a 2-0 loss in Czech Republic in the first-leg and it looks as if the Czechs will be able to secure a place at Euro 2012.  Montenegro offered very little going forward in the first-leg and could struggle again, despite enjoying home advantage.  Czech Republic are priced at 7/4 to win the match, while Montenegro are 8/5.  Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky produced a fine display in the first-leg but his performance was not rewarded with a goal, the winger is priced at 10/1 to get his name on the score sheet and score first on Tuesday.

The most intriguing tie on Tuesday is Bosnia’s visit to Portugal as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.  Bosnia will progress if they can secure a score draw in Portugal on Tuesday, which would be a massive achievement.  A draw is priced at 10/3, while 1-1 is available at 6/1. Portugal should prove too strong for Bosnia but the visitors should not be dismissed lightly as they have quality amongst their ranks, including Manchester City striker Eden Dzeko. Bosnia are 13/2 to secure the win, while Portugal are 4/9 but the game could well be closer than the odds suggest and in the half-time/full-time market a draw/Portugal result is priced at 10/3.

Croatia host Turkey in a tie that already looks out of the visitors’ reach, thanks to Croatia’s 3-0 win in Turkey in the first-leg.  Turkey will be desperate to avenge that defeat and will look to throw everything at Croatia, which will leave them vulnerable on the counter-attack.  Croatia are 8/11 to secure the win, the draw is available at 13/5 but a small wager on Turkey at 4/1 could be a bet worth placing as they will be desperate to salvage some pride after their first-leg hammering.

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Colombia

The main talking point of the finals so far has been the failure of the host nation Argentina to register a victory from their opening two matches, against Bolivia and the Colombians.

This has resulted in angry protests from the press and supporters of Argentina and there have now been reports of in-fighting within coach Sergio Batista’s squad.

However, while Colombia’s strong defence held them to a goalless draw on Wednesday, Costa Rica rose to the challenge and defeated Bolivia the following evening to leave them third in Group A and in great danger of an early exit.

Argentina’s anxiousness will not be eased by the prospect of seeing Colombia face bottom side Bolivia on Sunday, knowing one of two quarter-final places will be taken up if they manage even a draw from that game (5/2 Draw 90 Minutes).

Los Cafeteros have shown good signs as a team capable of going possibly winning the tournament and confident defender Mario Yepes insisted that they are ‘well on their way’.

Dario Gomez’s Colombia might have Europe’s most prolific striker in the shape of FC Porto’s Radamel Falcao (Evens Anytime Goalscorer) and his creative team-mate Fredy Guarin, but that pairing have been put firmly in the shade by a resolute defence which has kept six clean sheets in their last nine games (11/10 To Keep A Clean Sheet).

The previous 12 games involving Colombia have failed to produce more than 2.5 goals so, while they don’t score many, opposition teams will always have to work over-time to breach their rearguard (15/8  1 or Less – Total Goals).

That leaves Bolivia with a tall order to secure the win they require to stay in with a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals and do Argentina a favour in the process.

La Verde have something in common with Colombia, in that they have only scored one goal in their opening two games – but they have conceded three which will be a concern to coach Gustavo Quinteros.

Bolivia have also failed to win so far in 2011 with four defeats and three draws from seven games since February, including the two matches played in the Copa America.

Therefore, despite it being a must-win encounter for them (Bolivia 9/2 To Win 90 Minutes), it seems highly likely that their involvement will come to an end on Sunday while Colombia will progress into the last-eight.

Prediction: Colombia To Win 90 Minutes @ 4/7

Value Bet: Guarin To Score & Colombia Win 1-0 Scorecast @ 35/1

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Here we will take a look at the teams we feel are in the running for the second automatic promotion place and assess their chances of making it to the top flight in the final nine matches.

NORWICH

Paul Lambert’s Canaries (11/8 promotion) remain in second spot – nine points behind runaway leaders and champions-elect QPR – thanks to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Hull City on Saturday.

They are unbeaten in eight league games now and sit one point ahead of Swansea in third spot.

Norwich have a winnable game against struggling Scunthorpe after the international break, before a six-pointer against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on April 9.

That match could go a long way to deciding which of these sides will be mixing it with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal next season.

SWANSEA

Brendan Rodgers’s men (6/5 Promotion) were the in-form team going into March but, like many of the teams around them, they have stuttered their way through this month.

The Swans had only managed one point from a possible nine before getting back to winning ways courtesy of a crucial 3-2 win against promotion rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

In addition to the home clash against Norwich next month, they have trips to relegation-haunted Preston and Sheffield United still to play, which they will no doubt pin-point for maximum points.

CARDIFF

Dave Jones’s Bluebirds (9/5 Promotion) are stuck in a sticky patch at the moment having secured just two points from their last four league games.

Their defensive frailties were exploited in the last two games as Barnsley and Millwall both grabbed late equalisers to deny them maximum hauls which would have put them level on points with Norwich in second spot.

If the south Wales side can rediscover their form after the international break they have arguably one of the best run-ins, with games against five of the current bottom eight sides to play plus a mouth-watering home clash against QPR.

LEEDS UNITED

Simon Grayson’s men (4/1 Promotion) were ticking along nicely until Saturday as they went into the Yorkshire derby at relegation battlers Sheffield United with seven points from a possible nine in the bag. However, a 2-0 defeat at Bramall Lane and a straight red card for Billy Paynter capped a miserable afternoon for the Whites and left them six points off an automatic promotion spot.

Leeds require maximum points at the expense of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, who they face at Elland Road in a massive game on April 2.

They also face tricky away games at Millwall, Crystal Palace and a final day trip to QPR which could bog them down.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Billy Davies’s side will probably be more concerned with securing a play-off place as opposed to winning promotion automatically (7/2 Promotion).

Forest were looking favourites to go up with QPR before embarking on a seven-match winless run which included a costly first home defeat of the season against Hull and a defeat at struggling Sheffield United.

Saturday’s 3-2 reverse at Swansea compounded their misery and has left in-form Reading just three points behind in seventh with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Defeat at Leeds in their next game will virtually end any lingering promotion aspirations and leave their hopes of a top-six spot hanging in the balance as they face Reading and eighth-placed Burnley in the following matches.

Prediction: Norwich to go up with QPR automatically.

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The 23-year-old has been a bit part player in Spain’s run to Sunday’s final having been hampered by injuries and having a long list of talented players ahead of him.

The likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso have all been given preference in the middle of the part over Fabregas and Vicente del Bosque is unlikely to change that for the final.

Spain (21/20 to beat Holland in 90 minutes) looked finally back to their best in Wednesday’s semi-final victory over Germany, passing Joachim Low’s side into submission in a superb display of possession football.

Del Bosque’s side had struggled at times on their route to the final, losing to Switzerland in their first group match while stumbling through the knock out rounds against Portugal and Paraguay.

However, they looked in top form in Durban in mid week and will carry a lot of confidence into Sunday’s match against the unbeaten Dutch.

Spain came into the tournament as favourites having won the European championship two years ago, beating Germany in the final.

While they haven’t quite lived up to their previous billing a Fabregas-less outfit look in good shape for the final.

With Spain finally clicking into gear without Fabregas it seems certain that he will start on the bench in Soccer City.

The Arsenal star was tipped to start the semi-final against Germany before leg and shoulder injuries saw him start amongst the substitutes, del Bosque reluctant to risk the midfielder considering his previous injury concerns.

Having played so well against Germany and with no fresh injuries it looks as though the Spain coach will stick with the starting eleven, meaning Pedro (5/2 anytime goalscorer) will start ahead of Fernando Torres (7/4) again.

Fabregas admits it is unlikely he will start on Sunday but says he is just desperate to play any part in a World Cup final.

“I’m so proud Spain is in the World Cup final, but it means nothing if we don’t win it,” Fabregas told The Sun.

“I am desperate to play at least some part in tomorrow’s game.

“What player on the planet wouldn’t be? It’s everything we dream of from the moment we start kicking a ball to the moment we learn all about the world’s greatest football tournament.

“If I’m lucky enough to get a start, I will give everything I have. But if I have to start on the bench, then so be it. All I can pray for is that I get a chance to play some part of this unbelievable game.”

Fabregas started the Euro 2008 final against Germany in place of the injured David Villa having made a telling impact in the quarters and semi-finals.

However, he looks destine to be a bit part player in Sunday’s final despite his previous performances in major tournaments.

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All the midweek excitement in the Premiership centred on Tottenham’s win over Manchester City which guaranteed the North London club their first crack at the Champions League. However, they still have something more to play for.

Spurs win took them to within two points of Arsenal who lie in third place. If Harry Redknapp’s side could overtake the Gunners it would be worth more than just bragging rights in North London.

Though finishing fourth in the table offers a shot at the main European competition, the fourth English participant has to go through tough qualifiers to reach the lucrative group stage.

Arsenal had to go via that route in this campaign and Arsene Wenger would desperately like to avoid that again, as the games take place almost before the league season has begun and new men are being bedded in.

• You can bet on this outcome: Can Arsenal Finish Third?

The new rules adopted for the Champions League qualifiers mean that the last English side could face opponents from top leagues like Italy, Spain or Germany.

The Gunners still hold the advantage over their bitter rivals, although they have to assume that Spurs will take maximum points from their trip to Burnley on the final day of the season.

Unless Burnley suffer a complete collapse, a point in their home game against Fulham will be enough for Arsenal as they are currently ten goals to the good on goal difference.

With the Europa League Final coming up, Roy Hodgson is very unlikely to send out a full strength Fulham team but that can have its dangers for Arsenal. There will be players trying to clinch a place on the bench for the final against Athletico Madrid- and they will be more motivated than is normal for a mid-table side.

• You can bet on this outcome: Can Spurs Finish Third?

Other members of the side will relish the chance to start at the Emirates and players like striker Erik Nevland could see this as his last game in the Premiership- and want to go out in style.

The pressure is all on Arsenal to make sure they don’t slip up at the death. Their players will be kicking themselves for allowing this situation to develop when third place seemed a certainty just a few weeks ago.

Related posts:

1. Arsenal Fluff Their Lines Against Premiership Title Rivals
2. Premiership Predications: Spurs Can Damage Manchester United’s Title Hopes
3. Bendtner Keeps Arsenal On The Premiership Title Pace

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United were able to see off Spurs without the services of Wayne Rooney. When Harry Redknapp saw the teamsheet he must have had high hopes that his team could beat all the top three sides within a week but the Londoners never really threatened at Old Trafford.

Chelsea were facing a Stoke side that were unbeaten away from home since January but Carlo Ancelotti selected an aggressive line up with all three of his main strikers in the side. His boldness paid off as Salomon Kalou came up with a hat-trick to make the victory something of a stroll.

The title race seems likely to be decided by Chelsea’s trip to Anfield. Ancelotti has to assume Manchester United will take six points from their final pair of fixtures though a visit to Sunderland is no walkover.

Tottenham’s defeat and Manchester City’s inability to find a goal against Arsenal proved to be great news for Aston Villa. Martin O’Neill’s side now have a realistic chance of grabbing fourth place again after looking out of it just a couple of weeks ago.

Villa were lucky to get past their city rivals Birmingham. A James Milner penalty separated the two clubs and the decision against centre half Roger Johnson was certainly marginal, to say the least. At the time, Birmingham appeared the side more likely to force a win.

At the bottom, the relegation issues were just about settled. West Ham forced a 3-2 win over Wigan Athletic which sent Burnley down when the Clarets crashed 4-0 at home to Liverpool. Happily for the Londoners, Wigan had just about secured their future by beating Arsenal at the DW Stadium.

West Ham’s victory all but confirmed Hull City’s relegation too. The Tigers would need to win both their remaining games and turn around a massive deficit on goal difference to catch the London club- even assuming West Ham lose both their matches.

Liverpool’s win is significant because they could still finish fourth- though it is unlikely- and so Chelsea will have a tough encounter when they visit Anfield next week.

Related posts:

1. Chelsea Take Advantage Of Manchester United Defeat at Everton
2. Burnley and Hull City Hot Favourites To Go Down
3. Chelsea v Manchester City: Tough Times For Roberto Mancini

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