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Chelsea eye United revenge

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The draw has now been made for the quarter-finals of the Champions League with an all-Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United the highlight. Spurs face Real Madrid so who might make it to the semi-finals and beyond? (Barcelona 21/20 fav to win Champions League).

United will have fond memories of the last time they faced the Blues in Europe’s elite club competition as they beat Chelsea in the final to win the title back in 2008.

Avram Grant was in charge of Chelsea on that occasion but it will be Carlo Ancelotti in the dug-out opposite Sir Alex Ferguson for the two-legged encounter with the Red Devils.

Chelsea have certainly improved in recent times this term after a disastrous period around the New Year that saw them all but drop out of the Premier League title race, but the big-money Fernando Torres’ transfer has yet to pay off as he has failed to find the back of the net to date.

It is unlikely that his barren spell will last too much longer, however, and the Spaniard could be Chelsea’s trump card as they look to advance to the semi-finals of the competition.

United sit at the top of the Premier League without having hit the heights of previous campaigns but they have been too good for most opposition this term, although recent defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea have  given Arsenal a chance of taking the title (Arsenal 17/10 to win Premier League).

But how good they actually are will become apparent in the charged atmosphere of a Champions League encounter with Chelsea and this has all the a makings of a classic (12/5 for English team to win Champs League).

Spurs have been revelation in their first foray into the Champions League but they now face the biggest test against Jose Mourinho’s side.

Victory over Inter Milan proves they fear nobody and with good reason as Harry Redknapp has assembled a talented squad at White Hart Lane who have plenty of goals in them.

Gareth Bale has already shown his class this season in Europe and will surely be a big player over the two legs with the Spanish giants, while Rafael van de Vaart returns to his former club for the first time since leaving last summer.

Mourinho knows all about English football after three years at Chelsea and he will leave nothing to chance in is preparation for the two matches with Redknapp’s men.

Elsewhere Barcelona should have little trouble in seeing off Shakhtar Donetsk, despite the Ukrainians’ 6-2 aggregate success over Roma in the round of 16, while Inter Milan’s away-goals victory over Bayern Munich has landed them a tie with Schalke.

The semi-final draw has also been made and Spurs would possibly have to get past the mighty Barca if they were too make the final, while one of Chelsea or United will play Shakhtar Donetsk or Barcelona in the last four.

There are some excellent match-ups in the quarter-finals but the two games at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge will attract the most interest as John Terry will be looking for some pay back for his penalty miss that costs the west Londoners the title three years ago.

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United ready to edge through

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Manchester United will have to overcome some poor home form in Europe this season to defeat Marseille, while defending champions Inter Milan face the prospect of a last-16 exit on Tuesday.

Manchester United v Marseille (7:45pm)

The Premier League leaders look too good to slip up against Marseille, but recent results would suggest that it will be a tight affair.

Although they have been dominant at Old Trafford in the league, with 13 wins and no defeats in their 14 home fixtures, performances in Europe have been far less impressive.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men scored just two home goals in the group stages and picked up just one win in their three home matches – a 1-0 success over Bursaspor.

Having failed to score a valuable away goal in France in a goalless first leg, Fergie will be wary of conceding which could entirely change the complexion of the tie.

Marseille, in contrast, impressed on their travels during the group stage. The French champions won two of their three matches on their travels, scoring ten goals in the process, with their only defeat coming at Chelsea. Marseille are also unbeaten in their last five domestic away games.

United should be too strong for their opponents but it will be a nervy night for the home fans and they may not be able to relax until late on.

Match Bet:  Draw HT / Man Utd FT @ 3/1

Bayern Munich v Inter Milan (7:45pm)

Bayern will start this game as favourites having already won 1-0 in the first leg in Milan and will be seeking revenge for last year’s defeat in the final to Inter.

A struggle in the league this season has led to Bayern deciding to part company with Louis van Gaal at the end of the campaign, but the Dutchman will be out to enhance his reputation with a good run in Europe.

A 6-0 home win over Hamburg at the weekend will have bolstered confidence and they should have enough to hold off an inconsistent Inter.

The Milan giants have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, winning two and drawing one of their three Serie A games since the home defeat to Bayern.

Similar to their city rivals, Inter are likely to put in a better second-leg display but are likely to be rueing that home loss by the end of the night.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

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Gunners have United in sight

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It’s another jam packed Saturday of Premier League football, with title hopefuls Arsenal looking to close the gap at the top on the potentially stuttering Manchester United.

The Gunners have the opportunity to close the gap to just a single point if they can beat Sunderland at the Emirates after United were beaten by Chelsea in the week (Arsenal 2/5, draw 16/5, Sunderland 13/2).

United do not play until Sunday, when they face a tough trip to north-west rivals Liverpool, so this is the perfect chance for Arsene Wenger’s side to put pressure on at the top of the table.

Sunderland will be no pushovers, though, as Steve Bruce has turned the Black Cats into a good footballing team that can be very hard to beat.

Bruce’s side have already picked up an away win over Chelsea and draws at Anfield and White Hart Lane this season, but the Gunners should still prove to be too strong for them this weekend.

Saturday also throws up a West Midlands derby between Birmingham and West Brom.

This is a massive game for these two rivals in their bids for Premier League survival, as both sides sit just above the relegation zone.

With Birmingham boosted by their Carling Cup win over Arsenal, they will be full of confidence going into this game and could just grab a victory in this relegation six-pointer (Birmingham 11/8, draw 21/10, West Brom 2/1).

Owen Coyle has done a great job with Bolton this year and, after suffering a slight blip in form, the Trotters have started to put in some decent performances.

Boosted by Chelsea loan-ace Daniel Sturridge ,they will be a challenge for any side and it’s Aston Villa’s turn on Saturday (Bolton 6/5, draw 12/5, Villa 2/1).

Last time out in the league, Villa finally looked like the team everyone expected to be before the start of the season, as they took apart Blackburn Rovers 4-1 at Villa Park last weekend. Gerard Houllier’s players have started to settle under the Frenchman’s leadership and they may just bag all three points at the Reebok.

Rovers, who looked so poor against Villa, travel to the capital to take on a Fulham side who are starting to edge their way to safety in the Premier League.

Now four points clear of the relegation zone, Mark Hughes’ side have only lost one of their last eight outings in the top flight and should pick another valuable three points at Craven Cottage (Fulham 4/6, draw 13/5, Rovers 4/1).

Newcastle United host Everton at St James’ Park, in what should be a close contest as both club’s push for a place in the top half of the table (Newcastle 6/4, draw 23/10, Everton 13/8).

Jermaine Beckford is starting to show the Premier League what he is all about after he bagged a brace against Sunderland last weekend.

Newcastle will be without Joey Barton through injury but Stephen Ireland is set to come into the side to make his debut for the Magpies.

This game is too close to call and both teams would probably settle with a point each from this one.

West Ham United welcome Stoke City to Upton Park with the Hammers looking to see off the Potters.

Avram Grant’s men are just a point away from safety and will be desperate for back-to-back victories after they impressively took Liverpool apart 3-1 last Sunday.

Stoke are six points off the relegation zone and they would love to keep the chasing back at bay with another three points. With the Potters being tough to beat they will probably play out a draw against a resurgent West Ham (West Ham 11/10, draw 23/10, Stoke 23/10).

In Saturday’s late kick-off, bottom-of-the-table Wigan take on top-four chasing Manchester City at Eastlands (City 4/11, draw 7/2, Wigan 7/1).

Italian striker Maro Balotelli has found a rich vein of form and will be looking to get on the scoresheet against the Latics.

It’s hard to see anything but a home win in this game, which City should cruise against a struggling Wigan outfit.

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Depleted United face French test

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Injury-hit Manchester United will have their work cut out Bet on the Premier Leagueon Wednesday night when they travel to France to take on Marseille in the Champions League knockout stages (Marseille 5/2,draw 23/10,United 11/10).

Admittedly, the draw has been a favourable one for the Red Devils considering London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been pitted against Barcelona and AC Milan respectively.

However, United will have to do without five players for the game in the south of France.

The major losses are central defender Rio Ferdinand, who has still not recovered from a calf injury, and Anderson who was forced off the field during United’s 1-0 win over Crawley Town in the FA Cup.

Jonny Evans would be the go-to man in the absence of Ferdinand but the Northern Irishman is also on the injury list with an ankle problem.

Add to this the injuries suffered by Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen, and you’re left with some tough decisions for Sir Alex Ferguson to make on Wednesday night.

Fortunately for United they still have firepower up front with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov fit and ready to go.

Meanwhile, playmaker Nani will be bursting forward from midfield to create chances and bag goals of his own.

Marseille will be no pushovers on home soil, as they currently sit in third place in Ligue 1, and have only suffered two defeats in their last 22 games.

United were lacklustre in their last outing in the FA Cup and they would probably be happy with a draw in Marseille, especially if they can bag themselves an away goal, so at 23/10, that looks appealing.

In Wednesday night’s other game, Inter Milan take on Bayern Munich at the San Siro in a replay of last year’s final (Inter 5/4, draw 9/4, Munich 11/5).

Under former boss Jose Mourinho, Inter were the side to come out on top at the Santiago Bernabeu to break German hearts.

There has been a change of manager at the San Siro as Leonardo has since taken the reins after former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez struggled to find his feet in Milan.

Inter are not the same side that they were under the ’special one’ Mourinho, as they have shown a weakness at the back that has been exploited a few times this season.

Tottenham were able to exploit a lack of pace at the back, as Gareth Bale glided past Maicon on a number of occasions to bag himself a hat-trick in the group-stage clash.

Bayern do not have that same out-and-out pace in their ranks as Spurs do with Bale and Aaron Lennon, but they do boast technical players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Frank Ribery who will pose problems for the Italian club.

With Inter on home soil they will be the favourites but Munich might be able to get something out of this mouth-watering clash and money on another draw, at 9/4, could be rewarded.

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City can cut United lead

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After the mid-week international action we return to the Premier League and are treated to a huge match to kick off the weekend as Manchester City travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Arsenal are also in action, while there is a six-pointer at the Hawthorns between West Ham and West Brom.

Manchester United v Manchester City (12:45pm)

City boss Roberto Mancini must have ended last weekend with a huge smile on his face after his side thumped West Brom and the rest of the top four either lost or drew. City are now five points behind United and that gap could be even closer come three o’clock on Saturday. You would expect a response from United after their first defeat of the league campaign for Wolves. However, City have pushed United close at Old Trafford in recent fixtures and have what it takes to get the better of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side this weekend. Either way, let’s hope for a better game than the one at Eastlands.

Match Bet – City to win @ 18/5

Arsenal v Wolves (3pm)

These two had very contrasting weekends seven days ago and expect that to have a bearing on this game. Arsenal are likely to have had their confidence shaken by Newcastle’s comeback and this won’t be the walk in the park it might have been two weeks ago. Wolves have been excellent against the top sides this season, beating Liverpool, Chelsea and most recently Manchester United. Expect Arsenal to win, but not by much.

Match Bet – Draw half-time/Arsenal full-time @ 10/3

Birmingham v Stoke (3pm)

Some would probably consider Stoke lucky to have taken all three points against Sunderland last week. However, that never say die attitude the Potters have has served them well this year and they could be looking at Europe if their away form picks up. Stoke have a poor record against Birmingham but Blues aren’t as strong at home as they were 12 months ago and Stoke’s luck should hold to see them through this game.

Match Bet – Stoke to win @ 2/1

Blackburn v Newcastle (3pm)

Is this going to be a case of after the Lord Mayors show for Newcastle after their comeback last week? Probably. They were so poor in the first half and if they give Blackburn a similar head start they are unlikely to complete another remarkable comeback. Rovers haven’t been in the best run of form but have a habit of turning teams over who find themselves in mid-table. This should be a much more low scoring affair than these two sides found themselves in last week.

Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 5/6

Blackpool v Aston Villa (3pm)

For Blackpool fans the trap door back to the Championship is beginning to come into view after five straight defeats. The points tally for this season is likely to be so high that the Seasiders good start is unlikely to save them. In contrast Villa have lost just one in the last seven and are going well. Their frontline should enjoy a fruitful day against a Blackpool defence that has conceded 16 in the last five.

Match Bet – Darren Bent first goalscorer 4/1

Liverpool v Wigan (3pm)

The old saying goes that Kenny Dalglish is magic and based on last Sunday few could dispute that right now. When Roy Hodgson was in charge Reds fans would have looked at this fixture with a bit of trepidation. However, with Dalglish in the hot seat they’ll expect to turn over the Latics with few problems. Wigan are pretty awful on the road and will look at this game as a bonus match, rather than a chance to pick up points.

Match Bet – Liverpool to win 3-0 @ 7/1

West Brom v West Ham (3pm)

February is usually the month when the six-pointer term creeps into the press. This game certainly qualifies for that tag as the Baggies remain outside the drop zone on goal difference alone. They have a new manager in Roy Hodgson but he will watch from the stands this weekend. Expect Hodgson’s arrival to give West Brom a lift but whether they win will depend on which West Ham side turns up. Time to get splinters and sit on the fence with this game.

Match Bet – Draw @ 12/5

Sunderland v Tottenham (5:30pm)

Tottenham could have their minds on other things when they head to Wearside with an impending Champions League tie to come against AC Milanin midweek. Harry Redknapp is caught between a rock and hard place though as a win on Saturday will lift them above Chelsea and into fourth. However, the lure of Tuesday’s trip to Milan might be too much for Tottenham’s players and Sunderland are ready to pounce. They will feel hard done by after last week and will fancy their chances of bouncing back at home.

Match Bet – Sunderland to win @ 13/8

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United show fight for title success

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Sir Alex Ferguson feels the way his Manchester United players stormed back from two-down to win 3-2 at Blackpool on Tuesday evening could be the defining moment in this season’s Premier League title race. However, with 15 games still remaining, can any club overhaul the Red Devils at the top of the table?

Looking ahead to an eagerly-awaited run-un, I’ll examine United’s main rivals in the battle to be England’s top dog come the end of the season.

Manchester United

It could be argued that the Premier League is United’s (8/13 Outright) to lose following that thrilling win at Bloomfield Road. Fergie’s Red Devils moved five points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table and maintained their unbeaten run from 23 games as they attempt to emulate the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04.

Dimitar Berbatov’s two goals at Blackpool saw him reach 20 for the season (4/6 Premiership Top Goalscorer), while last season’s lynchpin Wayne Rooney has not even got going so far this term.

Ferguson feels the England striker is due to come good at some point and if that does happen then it would be difficult to imagine anyone denying United their championship.

The return of the Champions League in February could take its toll on the United squad in the latter stages of the domestic campaign should they progress (United 13/2 Champions League Outright).

However, the same can be said of their title rivals and United have the strength in depth to cope.

Arsenal

Gunners chief Arsene Wenger has stressed that he wants his players to try and win every tournament they are involved in with the quadruple still on the cards.

No silverware has gone to the north Londoners since 2005’s FA Cup win, but that could be put right next month when they will contest the Carling Cup final at Wembley (Arsenal 1/4 Outright).

They face Huddersfield in the FA Cup this Sunday and also have the Champions League knockout stage to look forward to next month.

Arsenal’s young squad has suffered mentally under the pressure towards the end of recent seasons and that has resulted in their downfall.

However, success in the Carling Cup on February 27 could get the monkey off their back in terms of winning some silverware which could help them for the final two months of the league season.

The main problem for the Gunners is consistency – which they appear to have found of late with three 3-0 wins in their last four league games – as they will no doubt look back at costly home defeats to West Brom and Newcastle earlier in the season should they fall short again (Arsenal 13/5 Outright).

Manchester City

Roberto Mancini’s main remit for the season was to secure Champions League qualification for City (1/7 Top 4 Finish) and end the club’s long wait for some silverware.

However, as the campaign has progressed into 2011, many feel the men from Eastlands are still very much embroiled in a fight for the title (12/1 Outright) as they sit six points behind United, but having played one game more.

Inconsistency and a leaky defence is City’s main problem ‘ a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa and conceding three goals at home to Wolves recently highlights this perfectly.

However, City have always led from the front and the recent arrival of Bosnian hitman Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg could be they key to them keeping the pressure on.

If Dzeko hits the ground running then he could add a few more points on the board, while the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday February 12 could make or break their bid.

City’s other problem is their desperation to win a trophy could see them push too hard in the FA Cup and Europa League which might distract them from the bread and butter of the Premier League.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s shocking run of form in recent weeks looks to have put a spanner in their title ambitions (7/1 Premier League Outright) as they sit 10 points behind United and are in fourth spot.

However, following their spell of just one win in nine league games, Carlo Ancelotti’s men got back into the goals with a 7-0 thrashing of Championship side Ipswich in the FA Cup third round.

They have not looked back since with a 2-0 win against Blackburn at Stamford Bridge followed up by Monday’s 4-0 thumping of Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Many observers are claiming the age of Chelsea’s key men is catching up with them this season.

However, to counter that you could say the reigning champions have the experience of what is required to win games when the nerves start to kick in during the run-in.

John Terry rightly pointed out that they still have Manchester United to play twice and, should they win both of those matches, the gap could be down to four points.

But, with the Champions League described by Frank Lampard described as the ‘Holy Grail’ for the west Londoners, it would be no surprise if they focused their attentions on success in Europe (Chelsea 9/2 Champions League Outright) this season and just ensure themselves a top-four spot in the Premier League.

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Can Seasiders halt United run?

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Manchester United will aim to continue their superb unbeaten run in the Premier League when they take on Ian Holloway’s impressive Blackpool side on Tuesday evening (Man Utd to beat Blackpool – 4/11).

The seasiders will have to aim to keep a rampant United under lock and key as they will no doubt seek to come away with all three points.

Blackpool could not have chosen a tougher time to play the current Premier League Champions, who thrashed Birmingham 5-0 at the weekend.

Dimitar Berbatov has now scored three Premier League hat-tricks this season and currently has 18 league goals. (Berbatov to score a hat-trick vs Blackpool – 16/1)

However, Sir Alex Ferguson is still in three competitions with the FA Cup and Champions League on his mind he does have plenty of option to replace the Bulgarian, who he may wish to rest.

Berbatov’s team-mate John O’Shea, speaking after the demolition of Birmingham, said: “Some of the passes he was laying off for Wayne (Rooney) and Nani were great. We just have to supply him because nine times out of 10 he will score.”

Blackpool will still have the services of one of their star talents this season, Charlie Adam, having refused a £4million bid from Liverpool following their loss to Sunderland at the weekend.

Blackpool boss Holloway was less than impressed by the offer from the Anfield club, saying: “I was thinking Liverpool and Charlie. I thought fantastic what a great club for him to go to and then when I heard the bid I thought it was disgraceful.”

For the time being, Adam remains at Blackpool but come Tuesday night Manchester United will almost certainly extend their unbeaten run in the league and Holloway will have more than just transfer speculation to think about. Blackpool are just six points above the drop zone and need to start winning having picked up just three points from their last five league games.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Aston Villa travel to Wigan off the back of a 1-0 victory over big spenders Manchester City at the weekend.

£24million man Darren Bent will want to continue his dream start for Villa after scoring the winner on his debut at the weekend (Darren Bent to score first vs Wigan – 4/1f).

Villa are just three points above the drop zone but surely have too much class in their side to be relegated this season.

Bent, speaking after the City game, said: “People questioned why I joined this football club but look at the players around me.  Ashley Young, Gabby Agbonlahor, Mark Albrighton and Stewart Downing are all players that can create chances out of nothing and as a striker you want that kind of service.”

Wigan, who will be without defender Gary Caldwell following his red card against Arsenal, will want to make sure they don’t suffer back-to-back defeats after the 3-0 thrashing they endured at the Emirates over the weekend.

Roberto Martinez will be well aware of his side’s perilous position, currently in the drop zone, and his own position should results not take a turn for the better soon.

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United hope to increase gap

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Sir Alex Ferguson must not be able to believe his luck that Manchester United are at the top of the Premier League after the half way point of the season.

United have drawn eight of their 19 games so far this season, which has not been like them in the past. However in recent weeks the Red Devils have started to grind out the results that have won them Premier League titles in the recent years.

On Tuesday United welcome Stoke City who have not troubled them at Old Trafford since they gained promotion to the top flight (United 1/4, draw 4/1, Stoke 11/1).

The Potters were hammered 4-0 at the Theatre of Dreams last season but will be boosted by some injury doubts for United. Nani looks like he will sit out yet another game on the sideline with a hip injury but the main worry for Ferguson will be the possible absence of Wayne Rooney. The England striker picked up an ankle injury during United 2-1 away win against West Brom at the Hawthorns on New Year’s Day.

Although Rooney has clearly not been in his best form this season, he got a goal against the Baggies and will be desperate to get on the scoresheet against the Potters.

Stoke have crept up into eighth place in the Premier League and have had a strong start to their third season in the top flight. However they may not have come far enough to mount a serious challenge against United on Wednesday.

Former United star Mark Hughes is finding life difficult as manager of Fulham as the Cottagers sit in the relegation zone having been a top half table side for the last few seasons.

Fulham have a massive game against West Brom on Wednesday as they look to climb up the table (Fulham 6/5, draw 23/10 West Brom 23/10).

The West London side have struggled without their star striker Bobby Zamora this season but they could welcome back forward Moussa Dembele who has been out for the last seven weeks with an ankle injury.

After a thrashing by Chelsea on the opening day of the season West Brom got stronger and stronger throughout the first part of the season. However the Baggies have been on the end of some unlucky results and now find themselves just three points above the relegation zone.

They were unlucky not to get anything out of their clash with United last week as Peter Odemwingie missed from the penalty spot. This will be a tight affair but the Baggies might be able to get all three points from this one and compound Hughes’ misery.

Surprise package Blackpool keep plodding along in the Premier League picking up points when nobody expects them to.

The Tangerines host Birmingham on Wednesday as they look to consolidate their place in the top half of the table (Blackpool 13/10, draw 23/10, Birmingham 21/10).

Birmingham however have slipped into the three despite a win over Chelsea and a draw against United. Alex McLeish will be desperate to get an important away win and they should get something from this game.

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United to stay top of the tree

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Bet on the Champions LeagueManchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will enjoy his Christmas dinner more than most this year, safe in the knowledge that his side have the coveted number one spot heading into the 25th (United 5/4 Premier League outright).

The Scot probably has more to be happy about than any other manager involved in the title race at the halfway point. We examine which of the title contenders are likely to be full of Christmas cheer and which will be saying humbug to the festivities.

Manchester United

We’ll start at the top with a side some might refer to as Christmas fairies. Ferguson’s men made a pretty slow start to the season, dropping points on their travels at every available opportunity it seemed. Late goals at Fulham and Everton cost them all three points, while Sunderland, Bolton and West Brom also managed to take a share of the spoils against them.

While United still aren’t pulling up trees like they have in the past, they have done what all good teams do and that is to win when you aren’t playing well. Take Stoke away and Wolves at home as prime examples of that.

Ferguson’s men might have made a slow start but they are getting up to speed and with Wayne Rooney looking sharp again, you certainly wouldn’t bet against them winning yet another league title.

With games to come against Sunderland (11/1 to beat United), Birmingham, West Brom and Stoke over the festive period, Ferguson should feel like a kid on Christmas morning with the way his team is coming together at just the right time again.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s season so far should remind people of that big box you sometimes found under your tree on Christmas morning. Sometimes it would have exactly what you wanted in it and at other times it would be a total let down. The Gunners have been that box, on occasions out of this world and on others a wet blanket.

They go into Christmas as runners up, a position they have gotten used to in recent years given their trophy drought. However, it could have been so much better for the Gunners had they managed to control their nerves against the big sides and take their chances against others.

Arsenal fans might have believed this would be their year until another disappointing defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago. And while United looked like potential champions, the Gunners looked way off that mantle.

Arsenal are 9/2 to win the Premier League and those odds could drift out even further if they don’t take positive results from games against Chelsea and Manchester City over Christmas. Expect Wenger to choke on his turkey when he thinks about his missed opportunities.

Manchester City

Where do you start with City’s first half of the season? At times it has been like a cracker with no bang and I think this is the abiding memory City fans will take with them into the Christmas period. Monday’s home defeat to Everton probably ruined many supporters’ Christmas wishes as they failed to secure top spot.

City look destined for another season of under achievement unless Roberto Mancini wishes really hard and gets some new toys in the new year as some of his old ones seem to have broken. For example Mario Balotelli might have plenty of potential but he doesn’t look like he will fire them to Premier League glory.

Ignoring City’s price to win the league, City are 4/11 to finish in the top four, a present many City fans would be happy to receive any time of the year. Judging by City’s season so far, expect Mancini to enjoy a dinner with all the trimmings but no stuffing.

Chelsea

What a Christmas it was shaping up to be for Chelsea supporters at the start of November. A slip up to Liverpool aside, the west London outfit were looking good for the Christmas number one spot. However, like many of us, Chelsea have endured a horrible build-up to Christmas and might be glad to see the back of it.

The best present Carlo Ancelotti will have hoped for is to have the majority of his squad fit and he has got that. The spine of the Blues – John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba – are all back and ready to power the team through the clichéd hectic festive period.

At the moment, Chelsea’s festive comparison can be made with Scrooge. They might be heading into the Christmas period dreading it but they are likely to come out the other side with a great deal of joy. Expect Chelsea to make their turnaround at Arsenal (7/5 to beat the Blues) on December 27.

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Gunners aim to shoot down United

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Bet on the Premier LeagueMonday sees arguably the game of the Premier League season so far as Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on their old rivals Manchester United (United Evs, draw 12/5, Arsenal 11/4).

The Gunners have failed to win in their last five meetings against United but, ahead of this eagerly-anticipated showdown, the north London club are playing some of their best football for several years.

Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League and have a real chance of the title this season.

New signing Marouane Chamakh has bagged 10 goals for his new club in the campaign so far and has been the frontman the side have been missing since the departure of Thierry Henry while a player that has really blossomed in recent weeks is the Frenchman Samir Nasri.

The former Marseille midfielder has stepped up his game and has become one of the key players for the Gunners.

His brilliant brace against Fulham last weekend were two of the best individual goals you will see and he will be looking to take his excellent form to Old Trafford on Monday.

It’s a shame that Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas will not feature in this clash of the titans as he still has not recovered from a hamstring injury. It would have been a great contest between him and United veteran Paul Scholes, who at first was a doubt for United but could now start for the home side.

Sir Alex Ferguson should have Rio Ferdinand back from injury for the game as he has recovered from a tight hamstring and the United boss will be looking to the inconsistent Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney to get the goals for them.

After bagging an impressive five goals against Blackburn Rovers, Berbatov failed to show that prolific edge against Valencia in their final group game of the Champions League last week.

The Bulgarian striker has had plenty of opportunities to add to his goalscoring tally this season, but could not buy a goal against the Spanish side.

Rooney has only managed two goals so far this term and has been largely disappointing since he, like many of his team-mates, failed to live up to expectations for England at the World Cup in South Africa.

However, these kinds of games against big sides like Arsenal are the occasions where the former Everton player usually shines and it would not be a surprise if he got on the scoresheet on Monday (Rooney Evs to score anytime).

These are always close affairs but with the way Arsenal are playing at the moment they could pull of another victory away from home.

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