Tag Archives: Sunday

Graham Hunter’s Sunday La Liga Preview: An angry Diego Simeone and a manager on the verge

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ATLÉTICO v ESPANYOL – Sunday, 11am

Three years ago Diego Simeone was roaring Espanyol on in this fixture. I mean ROARING. Glued to his television in Argentina he knew that Gregorio Manazano was on the verge of being sacked and the he was next in line. Espanyol gave Atlético a good rogering, Manzano’s team lost the next one limply and Simeone took over just in time for Christmas. A shedload of trophies, a Champions League final and consecutive wins at the Bernabú later Atlético fans have reason to be thankful [part three] to Espanyol.

However, today, Simeone is roaring AT his players.

It’s a Messianic micro-climate at Atleti. Players believe 110%, GIVE 110% or they can kiss his loyalty [and their place in the team goodbye]. Last time out they were pumped [for fifteen minutes] at Valencia but thereafter played well, might have drawn – but didn’t. In Messianic football environments – under Mourinho, under Guardiola, under Luis Enrique … under Simeone – international breaks are to be feared and hated. Not just for injury, nor tiredness/jet-lag. But because players relax. They see international team mates, they shrug off the harness of club responsibility and often it takes them a week or so to: ‘get in character’ again. [Copyright ® Jules Winfield, our man in Inglewood]

So when he didn’t like Atleti’s training intensity this week their volatile Argentinian leader ripped into them. “Your national teams matter **** all to me. “ANYONE I feel isn’t showing enough attitude and intensity will be dropped, no matter who it is!”

diego simeone, atletico madrid manager

Means it too. So here’s your dilemma. In picking a result which is more likely a) he’s hammered them as a precautionary measure based on the fifteen dozy minutes in Valencia and nearly two weeks away on international duty or b) there’s a serious problem and Espanyol have a serious shout of an upset?

Atleti keeper Miguel Angel Moyà admitted yesterday: “In the dressing room here they’ve warned me that Espanyol’s a team we traditionally find very hard to beat”.

I bet on a). Espanyol are beginning to show stamina and character, Kiko Casilla is in a sweet spot and Sergio Garcia always responds to big games like this. But the champions to edge it, possibly 2-1. Right time for Raúl Garcia and Arda to come to the party.

  • Atletico Madrid 1/3, Espanyol 10/1, Draw 7/2: Bet Now

DEPORTIVO v VALENCIA – Sunday, 4pm

And on the subject of times gone by….. In 1992 Nuno Espirito Santo met a disco manager in Porto. Name of Mendes, Jorge Mendes. Licensed to sell drinks then. Players now. Four years later Nuno become Mendes’ first client, Depo signed him … and after a decent career here Nuno is – still a client of the, now, most powerful agent in the world, coach of Valencia and about to inflict damage on poor old Depo.

Paco Alcácer can’t stop scoring or making, Valencia play with energy and fluency, Los Che haven’t lost here since 2003 – six wins and two draws making up that record. André Gomes trained apart over the last couple of days but should be fit to emphasize his importance in midfield again. Depo have a decent sized injury list, are rock bottom and defeat could, feasibly, mean ‘Adios’ for Victor Fernandez. If Valencia wish to fulfil their no1 aim of being in the Champions League next season this MUST be an automatic three points for Nuno’s boys. Rodrigo, Alcácer both look like banker scorers but Los Che have ten different players, defence, midfield and attack, who’ve scored in La Liga. Take your pick.

  • Deportivo 10/3, Valencia 5/6, Draw 5/2: Bet Now

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Another huge Prem Sunday

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There are two Premier League games to get stuck into on Sunday and there will be no thoughts of holidays in either contest as there are points to play for at both ends of the table.

Chelsea v QPR

It has been a fantastic week for Chelsea, upsetting the odds to book their place in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich – despite going 2-0 and a man down against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

No doubt they will get the reception they deserve when they return to Stamford Bridge but that thrilling victory came at a cost with Gary Cahill joining David Luiz on the sidelines and, coupled with Branislav Ivanovic serving the final game of his ban, the Blues will host QPR with just one fit centre-half.

John Terry will be the focus of attention, not least for his sending off in midweek, but he also lines up against Anton Ferdinand – a man he allegedly racially abused in the 1-0 reverse at Loftus Road last October.

Chelsea are still chasing points to finish in the top four and guarantee a Champions League place next season and on top of all that, the Hoops are desperate for the win which will give their survival hopes a massive boost.

The match betting suggests that punters should look no further than a home win with the Blues priced at 2/5, while the draw is on offer at 7/2 and a rare QPR win is priced at 15/2.

It is the away form of Mark Hughes’ men that would worry those looking for a price as they have mustered just three victories on the road this season, with only Blackburn and Wolves winning fewer.

The Rs have picked up some surprise results this season and recent wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Swanea and Spurs have all come at home – compare that to defeats at West Brom, Sunderland and Bolton as well as a division low of 11 points away and it does not look good.

Chelsea have been a different proposition since Roberto di Matteo took the helm at Stamford Bridge with just one defeat – 2-1 away at Man City – in 15 matches since he took charge.

However, the old adage is that form goes out of the window in derby matches and that has certainly been the case as far as the Champions League finalists are concerned.

Chelsea have not won any of the previous seven London derbies this season, while in contrast QPR have won three of the seven they have played – albeit all at home.

With injury problems at the back for the hosts though, QPR can make a game of it and pick up their first point on the road since the beginning of February.

Tottenham v Blackburn

Spurs were apparently title challengers a couple of months ago – or at least guaranteed a return to the Champions League – when they were seven points clear of arch rivals Arsenal but have hit the skids big style and are now facing the stark reality that they could miss out on the top four altogether.

It would be a huge disappointment for the fans, and neutrals alike, given the way they have performed at times this season but the Premier League season is ‘a marathon not a sprint’ – and Spurs look as though they will come up short.

Harry Redknapp’s team could well be nine points behind the Gunners going into the match after picking up just six points from the last nine games, and scoring just eight goals in the current run, but the league table does not lie.

The ongoing situation regarding the England position may not have helped the side but the spring in the step has gone from the players and they need to find a way to grind out a win to keep the top-four challenge going.

The match betting suggests it will come this weekend as they are 2/5 to get back on the winning trail and it is difficult to argue, given their opponents.

Blackburn Rovers have been a funny side this season with some fantastic results, notably a 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thrown in amongst a host of abject performances.

No club in the bottom half has scored more goals away than Steve Kean’s men – and in Yakubu and Junior Hoilett they will pose a threat at White Hart Lane – who are 15/2 to win with the draw priced at 7/2.

However, a whopping 41 goals conceded away from Ewood Park will make happy reading for goal-shy Spurs while they have been awful of late on the road, going down 2-0 at West Brom and Swansea, as well as losing the six-pointer at Bolton.

Rovers, currently three points from safety in 19th place, have suffered the major blow that Grant Hanley will miss the rest of the season but they have got be up for a ‘cup final’ and it is never over ’till the fat lady sings.

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Tale of two strikers on Sunday

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Chelsea striker Fernando Torres bids to end his 17-game goal drought against champions Manchester United on Sunday while Aston Villa travel to face a Newcastle United side that can recall in-form striker Demba Ba after he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Torres’ troubles date back three and a half months, with his last Premier League strike coming against Swansea in September, and the Spaniard was subsequently sent off in that match (Torres 11/2 First Goalscorer).

That red card came at a bad time for the 27-year-old striker who had scored in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford the previous weekend, although the overriding memory from that match will be his shocking open-goal miss after rounding stricken United keeper David de Gea (80/1 Torres and Chelsea win 3-1 in Scorecast).

He is another Spaniard under pressure after another meek display against Liverpool in the FA Cup last week, but Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to recall the ex-Atletico Madrid starlet because recent first-choice Anders Lindegaard is out.

Torres does possess a good record against United, having bagged four times in seven previous Premier League games against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men .

And United’s recent record at Stamford Bridge is poor, losing six and drawing only three of their last nine visits while only managing four goals in their last ten visits in all competitions (9/2 Chelsea -1 in Handicap).

Chelsea are without Ashley Cole after the left-back was sent off for two bookable offences in the Londoners’ 1-1 draw at Swansea in midweek.

Ryan Bertrand is expected to come in for the England defender and mark in-form United winger Antonio Valencia, who has either scored or assisted each of the Red Devils last three open play goals, while he also won their second penalty at Old Trafford in midweek.

Wayne Rooney could return after a two-game absence and he has scored four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against Chelsea and also netted on his last two visits to Stamford bridge, one in the league and one in the Champions League (Rooney 11/8 Anytime Goalscorer).

The return of Demba Ba (6/1 2 or More goals) will no doubt boost Newcastle United ahead of the lunchtime clash with Aston Villa at the Sports Direct Arena, but they will again be without suspended midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

Cabaye’s absence, and that of Cheik Tiote, was certainly felt against Blackburn in midweek when the Magpies were badly outgunned in the centre of the park and needed a half-time reshuffle to deny Rovers a deserved point.

Newcastle have lost just two of their last 15 Premier League home matches, winning eight and drawing five but Villa’s away form has been good this season.

Villa have lost just two of their last 12 Premier League away games and none of the last five, a period in which they have won three and drawn two on their travels.

During that spell they have twice come from behind to win, against Chelsea and Wolves (16/1 Aston Villa Win from Behind), and twice kept a clean sheet (3/1 Villa to keep a Clean Sheet).

Boss Alex McLeish will be keen to end a dismal record against Newcastle as a Premier League manager – having won none and lost three of his five matches in charge of Birmingham and Villa.

His ace in the pack is striker Darren Bent who has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances and now has 100 Premier League goals.

Villa’s weakness from set pieces could be exploited by Newcastle, who are dangerous in the air at corners with Mike Williamson (14/1 to Score Anytime), Fabricio Coloccini (10/1) and Shola Ameobi (7/4).

Aston Villa have conceded more goals from corners than any other team in the top-flight this season (10) while they are the only team in the Premier League yet to score from a corner.

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Get ready for Sunday goal-fest

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There is a triple header in the Premier League on Sunday to get stuck into following the European action in midweek, which could have a big impact at both ends of the table. It all kicks off with a crucial clash at the foot of the league as Wolverhampton host Wigan, with the kick off at 13:30.

Wolves v Wigan (13:30)

The Latics currently prop up the Premier League after picking up just five points from their opening ten games and are 7/4 favourites to still be there at the end of the season.

Wolves are just one place above the relegation zone but if they were to lose, Wigan would draw level, making Sunday’s result a crucial clash at this early stage of the season. Mick McCarthy’s men do have home advantage and are installed as 20/21 favourites in the match betting, particularly as they entertain a side that holds the second-worst away record in the division.

The Latics have picked up just one point on their travels – a goalless draw at Swansea – and have managed just one goal away from the DW Stadium, so it is no surprise to see them on offer at 3/1, with the draw available at 5/2.

Punters may fear backing either side in this one given their problems so far this season but, with the respective defences on show, it is not hard to see Over 2.5 goals being a distinct possibility at odds of 10/11.

Bolton v Stoke (15:00)

This particular match throws up some interesting contrasts which could serve the punter either way with the match betting standing at 7/5 for a Bolton win, 2/1 for Stoke and 9/4 the draw.

Owen Coyle’s men have been awful this season and especially at home where they have yet to pick up a point, while they have shipped in 27 goals – easily the worst in the Premier League.

Stoke though are poor travellers, have only mustered eight goals in their opening ten games and have struggled in games immediately following a European venture – a tournament in which they are unbeaten and average two goals a game.

The Trotters have lost 13 of their last 15 league games, but they have played most of the so-called big boys this season and their form has got to turn around sooner or later (or has it).

As well as struggling to find the net, Stoke have had problems defensively with just one clean sheet in the last six league games, while they have a number of injury problems going into Sunday’s clash.

Ryan Shawcross and Marc Wilson are struggling after being substituted through injury against Newcastle last Monday, while Matthew Etherington, Jermain Pennant and Rory Delap are also doubts.

Fulham v Tottenham (16:00)

An attractive-looking fixture to round off the weekend’s Premier League action and the threat of more goals, as Fulham and Spurs do battle at Craven Cottage.

Martin Jol’s men have started to find their rhythm after a slow start to the campaign and go into the match on the back of successive victories, with Andy Johnson (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer) bagging a brace in Thursday’s 4-1 demolition of Wisla Krakow.

The Cottagers though, who have won and lost just one each of their opening five home games, are 11/5 to make home advantage count, with an in-form Spurs side the 5/4 favourites and the draw priced at 12/5.

Forgetting the result in Russia on Thursday, Spurs have put the horrors of the two Manchester defeats at the start of the season behind them to climb up to fifth in the table, with a game in hand, after winning six and drawing one of their last seven league games.

Goals have not been hard to find either as Spurs have scored twice in each of those last seven league games and Rafael van der Vaart has got to be considered at 5/1 First/Last and 11/8 Anytime in the goalscorer markets.

The Dutch ace has bagged in his last five Premier League games, scoring the first in three of them, and should well feature again in what is expected to be a high-scoring game (Over 2.5 goals – 5/6).

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Sunday Premier League Preview

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While much of the attention this week has been on a certain local tussle at Old Trafford, thanks to Thursday’s Europa League encounters there are also four other Premier League games to entertain us on Sunday, featuring teams from the top, middle and bottom of the table.

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenal will be looking to arrest an alarming trend of European hangovers when they clash with Stoke at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday lunchtime. The Gunners have lost all four of their games that have immediately followed Champions League matches this season.

Stoke were in European action of their own, beating Maccabi Tel-Aviv 3-0 at the Britannia Stadium, and know a win in north London could take them into the top six. Arsenal’s worries this season have mainly been restricted to matches on the road and after winning their last five home games in all competitions, they should sneak this one.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Stoke @ 7/1

Fulham v Everton

Fulham boss Martin Jol was left frustrated on Thursday after a controversial red card for Moussa Dembele hampered their attempts to beat Wisla Krakow, David Biton’s second-half goal eventually condemning the Cottagers to a 1-0 defeat.

They do, however, have fond memories of their last home league match – a 6-0 romp against QPR. Everton will be desperate to arrest of run of three straight defeats but have a poor record by the Thames – they have won just one of their last 10 league matches away at Fulham.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Everton @ 11/2

Blackburn v Tottenham

The natives are restless at Ewood Park. A run of just one win in eight league games has left the Lancashire club bottom of the pile and a supporter protest is planned for the third home game in succession.

The contrast couldn’t be more stark between Rovers and Sunday’s opponents Spurs. Only a late Newcastle equaliser prevented Harry Redknapp’s men from winning a fifth league game on the bounce last weekend and they once again find themselves within touching distance of the top four with a game hand.

Prediction: Blackburn 1-3 Tottenham @ 14/1

QPR v Chelsea

The lack of a home victory is spoiling what has otherwise been a solid return to the Premier League for QPR. But how the fans would dearly love to break that particular duck against their west London rivals Chelsea.

However, they will be taking on a Blues side in fine form having won six of their last seven league games, scoring 23 goals in the process. The Stamford Bridge outfit have also lost just one of their last 14 league and cup games against QPR and that statistic won’t be changing on Sunday.

Prediction: QPR 0-3 Chelsea @ 8/1

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Sunday Championship preview

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Two games take place on Sunday in the Championship, starting with Sam Allardyce’s West Ham making the trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest. The other game sees Watford host Birmingham, who qualified for the next stage of the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Nottingham Forest v West Ham (13:15)

Two of England’s well established managers clash horns at the City Ground on Sunday as Steve McClaren hosts Sam Allardyce’s West Ham.

West Ham should be taken at 8/5 to get the better of Forest, who have been unconvincing so far in their league campaign.

The Hammers were unfortunate not to hold onto three points at home to Leeds last Sunday – a last minute equaliser from the Yorkshire side shared the spoils at Upton Park. The hosts were on top for large amounts of the game and deserved to pick up three points for their efforts.

Allardyce’s men were clinical on their last trip away from home – dispatching Watford 4-0 in a very impressive display.

You will struggle to find a forward line better than Carlton Cole and John Carew in the Championship. Both players with bags of Premier League experience and proven goalscorers in the top flight.

Cole is a 6/1 shot to score the first goal in the game and looks the obvious choice to open the scoring and add to the two goals he has already scored this season.

The East London club have been boosted by the signing of Sam Baldock ahead of the game. The 22-year old has been very impressive for MK Dons in the past few seasons and will be a key figure in the Hammers fight for promotion back into the Premier League.

West Ham are a 10/1 shot to win the game 2-1 and is the likely correct score as both sides are capable of finding the back of the net.

Watford v Birmingham City (15:00)

Watford have had a miserable start to the Championship campaign so far and it is likely to get worse as Birmingham are 21/10 to get their season up and running with a win at Vicarage Road.

Birmingham are a better side than their league position of 18th suggests, but they have had a tough start to the life in the second tier.

Chris Hughton has a decent squad at his disposal with the right blend of youth and experience. Adam Rooney and Nathan Redmond will both have the opportunity to shine for the Blues this season. The latter, who is 10/1 to score the first goal, scored in Europe on Thursday in their 3-0 victory over Portuguese side Nacional.

Watford’s team got ripped apart in the summer, adding to boss Malky Mackay’s exit to Cardiff, with Will Buckley departing to Brighton and Danny Graham moving to newly-promoted Swansea City.

The side from North London will be one of the favourites to be relegated from the Championship this season and are going to struggle in what is a very competitive league.

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Premier League preview – Sunday

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There are three Premier League matches on Sunday with two sides that won their opening game, Bolton and Manchester City, set to face each other. New boys Norwich are also in action so we will take a look at how things might turn out on Sunday evening.

Bolton v Manchester City

Bolton are now firmly established as a top-flight club and they dealt ruthlessly with the threat of Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers last weekend. While the 4-0 scoreline may have flattered them slightly, it was still an excellent way to get their campaign up and running.

But Sunday’s clash will be a real test of their mettle as they welcome a City side to the Reebok who have real title ambitions after another summer of big-money signings.

Record signing Sergio Aguero bagged a brace on his City debut against Swansea and could well be handed a starting berth against the Trotters. The Argentina international hit-man looks a real talent and the Bolton rearguard will have to keep a close eye on him throughout the 90 minutes.

But such is the talent on show at the Eastlands club these days that goals could come from anywhere and there are even rumours that Carlos Tevez might make an appearance.

Bolton’s Ricardo Gardner will undergo a fitness test on his groin problem, while new signing Tuncay will be available if his work permit is sorted out in time.

Both sides scored four goals last time out and, while home advantage will certainly help Bolton, an away win seems the likely result here.

Odds: Bolton 7/2, City 5/6, draw 13/5

Norwich City v Stoke City

Norwich made the best start of the three promoted teams, gaining a creditable 1-1 draw away at Wigan Athletic, and Sunday’s clash at Carrow Road will be the first top-flight game there for six years.

There is sure to be a carnival atmosphere and that will help them against a well-organised and tough Potters outfit, who came away from Stamford Bridge with a point after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in their season-opener.

Stoke may feel the effects of Thursday’s trip to Switzerland when they played FC Thun in the Europa League but their 1-0 victory will have given them a confidence boost heading into the weekend’s fixture.

Norwich centre-back Zak Whitbread was forced off against Wigan because of a knee problem and his participation against Tony Pulis’ men is in doubt but Daniel Ayala, who joined from Liverpool on Tuesday, is waiting to fill his boots.

Stoke trio Jonathan Woodgate, Jermaine Pennant and Asmir Begovic were rested for the Swiss trip but should all start in East Anglia.

The Canaries’ stay in the Premier League lasted just one season last time and they will need to win the majority of their home games if they want to reverse that trend this time, and a home clash with Stoke will certainly have been pencilled in as one they can take three points from.

Odds: Norwich 6/4, Stoke 15/8, draw 23/10

Wolves v Fulham

Wolves were another side to take maximum points from their opening salvo with an excellent 2-1 win at Blackburn, while the Cottagers held Aston Villa to a goalless draw by the Thames.

The Molineux outfit waited until the final game of last season to secure their top-flight status but have started this term in a positive fashion as they look to consolidate their place in England’s top division.

Fulham are under new management and look to be an organised unit under Martin Jol although, like Stoke, they might suffer from their midweek European outing.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy may name the same side that won at Blackburn, with defender Richard Stearman fit again after hurting his back against Rovers.

Fulham could recall Dickson Etuhu, John Arne Riise, Philippe Senderos and Andrew Johnson, who were rested and dropped to the bench for the clash with Dnipro.

Both sides will be looking for a top-10 finish this year and a draw looks a sensible bet for this one.

Odds: Wolves 11/8, Fulham 11/5, draw 9/4

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Championship preview – Sunday

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There are two matches in the Championship on Sunday with Blackpool hosting Peterborough and Bristol City travelling to Cardiff. Three of the four sides won their opening game and so we will take a look at what might happen this weekend.

Blackpool v Peterborough

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has cut a disconsolate figure since failing to keep the club in the Premier League and his pre-season comments about lacking motivation will have hardly inspired the Bloomfield Road faithful.

But a 1-0 win at Hull on the opening day of the season will certainly have cheered him up a little and he will welcome Posh to the north west looking to make it six points out of six.

The midweek Carling Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Sheffield Wednesday will have already been forgotten as the main task this term is to get back to the Premier League.

Holloway has lost a number of his stars over the summer but should have Matt Phillips and Matt Gilks back for the clash, while most of the side that missed the midweek reverse will come back into the starting XI.

Phillips has been on England duty at the Under-20s World Cup in Colombia but may well net a starting berth, while namesake Kevin Phillips looks set to start up front, but Ashley Eastham is out following his straight red card at Hillsborough.

Darren Ferguson’s men kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 success over Crystal Palace and were then involved in a seven-goal Carling Cup thriller with Stevenage.

But the son of Sir Alex would doubtless swap that midweek win for three points against the Tangerines and he will have Grant McCann back in the squad, who has now returned from international duty with Northern Ireland.

New loan signing Josh Thompson has now received international clearance and may well feature after making the move form Celtic.

Both sides are ambitious and a draw seems the likely result here.

Odds: Blackpool 5/6, Peterborough 3/1, draw 11/4

Cardiff v Bristol City

The new Cardiff era got underway in decent fashion with a 1-0 victory over West Ham United and they were also victorious in a midweek Carling Cup clash with Oxford United.

New boss Malky Mackay will welcome a Bristol City side that lost 3-0 at home to Ipswich in their first match and sit at the foot of the table.

The Scot will be looking to double his points tally and welcomes back eight players from international duty, while Stephen McPhail is available after recovering from a virus.

City’s Carling Cup tie with Swindon was postponed due to the riots and they should have Marvin Elliott and Liam Fontaine back for Sunday’s encounter in Wales as they look for their first points of the season, while Kalifa Cisse, Albert Adomah and Neil Kilkenny all return from international duty.

Cardiff narrowly missed out on promotion once again last term but, with a new manager and a few new faces, it appears as though they are ready for another tilt at reaching the big time and they are tipped to take all three points from this one.

Odds: Cardiff 4/6, Bristol City 4/1, draw 11/4

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Sunday SPL Preview

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There are two SPL fixtures on Sunday with one of them the most important match of the season to date with Rangers and Celtic squaring off at Ibrox. Hibs also entertain St Mirren but all eyes will be on events in Glasgow.

Rangers v Celtic

The Old Firm clash never needs any hyping up and is always a feisty affair but events off the field over the past few days have propelled this fixture on to the front pages of the national newspapers.

The parcel bombs that were intercepted en route to Bhoys boss Neil Lennon plus other high-profile Celtic fans have caused outrage north of the border and highlight the difficulties when these two sides face each other.

But it is matters on the pitch that we are interested in and this match-up between the two Glasgow clubs will go a long way in determining who lifts the SPL trophy at the end of the season.

Walter Smith’s men top the table by just one point but second-placed Celtic have a game in hand and victory for Lennon’s men would see them in pole position to claim the title.

The three league meetings between the two giants this term have all gone to the away side, with Rangers winning two to Celtic’s one and so Lennon’s men will hope to continue that trend.

Both clubs are in decent form with the Gers and Celts having won their last five SPL matches and so something has to give this weekend, although the visitors would settle for a draw with the extra game they have up their sleeve.

Smith is likely to be without Lee McCulloch and Jamie Ness, while Vladimir Weiss and Kirk Broadfoot are definitely out.

Lennon will be without Joe Ledley, Glenn Loovens and Cha Du-Ri while Shaun Maloney is rated as doubtful.

The off-field incidents will rumble on and on and it is open to question whether this fixture will ever be just about football but the players involved will be fully focused on their jobs this weekend as it could be billed as a ‘winner-takes-all’ encounter.

But given the stakes and the relative points totals there is always the possibility that this could be a tight affair and a score draw is tipped.

Odds: Draw 23/20
Value bet 1-1 11/2

Hibs v St Mirren

If ever there was a match billed as ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ it is this one, which is scheduled to start at the conclusion of the Old Firm clash.

With Hamilton looking likely to make the drop this term, both sides have little to play for although the Buddies will not want to fall too close to the relegation zone.

Hibs go into the match with patchy form behind them and a return of five points from a possible 15 is hardly anything to write home about.

Last Sunday’s shock defeat to basement boys Hamilton will have given the Hibs players a wake-up call and their fans will demand more this weekend despite the season being over in terms of meaningful matches.

Hibs striker Danny Galbraith is still missing through injury while Danny Lennon will have to do without the suspended duo Michael Higdon and defender John Potter, although midfielder Hugh Murray returns from a ban.

Saints have fallen to the Old Firm in their last two games but did pull off back-to-back victories prior to those reverses and are not without hope in this fixture.

Although these contests are difficult to predict with little at stake, class should tell and Hibs are tipped to take it comfortably on Sunday.

Odds: Hibs 5/6 to win
Value bet: Hibs to win 2-0 11/2

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Gunners set for goals on Sunday

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There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and there will be repercussions at both ends of the table at Bloomfield Road when Blackpool host Arsenal, while Aston Villa will be hoping to keep their necks above the relegation zone when they entertain Newcastle.

There is plenty to play for in the opening match at 1.30pm with the Tangerines desperate to get back on the winning trail in their bid to avoid the drop but there will not be too many who argue with the fact that Arsenal are the favourites in the match betting – although they are as short as 4/11.

The Gunners are not second in the Premier League table by fluke but there form has dipped since suffering that shock Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham City at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger’s men have won only one match since then – 5-0 against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fifth round replay – while they have been knocked out of both domestic competitions, losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals and to Barcelona in the last-16 of the Champions League.

Although there is no disgrace in those defeats, the Premier League form has also suffered with successive draws against struggling sides – Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn – two of which were at home, which has seen them fall seven points adrift of leaders United, although they do have a game in hand.

Ian Holloway has targeted two more wins to guarantee Premier League football next term and the Tangerines do have home advantage for five of their remaining seven games, with the next four on the bounce taking place at Bloomfield Road.

It sounds like a case is being made for a shock home win on Sunday but with just one win from the last eleven matches, and only two in the calendar year, it is difficult to talk up a side that was also comprehensively beaten 3-0 last time out at Fulham.

Such was the manner of the performance at Craven Cottage that Holloway sent his players out ‘for a beer in midweek’  – sounds like an excuse for another poor performance.

The Gunners know that they cannot afford any more slip-ups in the run-in if they are to end their barren spell in terms of silverware and are fancied to make the running against a defence that has leaked 63 goals this season – and 27 at home – and should be backed in the Half Time/Full Time market at 10/11.

Arsenal beat Blackpool 6-0 in the reverse fixture early in the season and another convincing scoreline is expected with the visitors available at 10/11 in the handicap betting (-1).

The other game sees the home side anxiously looking over their shoulder and Aston Villa have that and a revenge mission on their minds and can justify 5/6 favouritism against Newcastle, who are available at 16/5.

Gerard Houllier has endured a difficult time since taking the hotseat at Villa Park but has home advantage (six of the last seven matches between the two has ended with a home win, while the other was drawn) and a fully-fit squad to choose from – a luxury that opposite number Alan Pardew does not have.

Newcastle of course lost Andy Carroll in the transfer window but now Leon Best has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Stephen Ireland is ineligible and there are suspensions for Kevin Nolan, James Perch and Cheik Tiote.

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