Tag Archives: upset

England to upset their hosts

Posted on by
Reply

England fans might have just recovered from the stress of Friday’s thrilling 3-2 win over Sweden in time for Tuesday’s crunch Group D encounter with co-hosts Ukraine (90 minutes). Roy Hodgson’s men need just a point to go through to the quarter-finals but England fans will know it may not be that simple. Will Roy’s boys make it through or crash and burn?

The permutations of England’s game in Donestk on Tuesday are fairly simple: avoid defeat and reach the quarter-finals, bettering the expectations of some supporters. Loss and come home early with your tails between your legs again.

While the two performances by the Three Lions to date have been far from convincing they have produced the necessary results and that is all that matters at this point.

Whether we will see a return to a cautious approach by England in the last group game is up for debate, Hodgson keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to his plans for Ukraine. The England coach is more than likely going to restore Wayne Rooney to his starting XI for the game, meaning either Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll will drop to the bench.

Both players performed well against Sweden and Hodgson will have to weigh up whether he wants the physical presence of Carroll or the pace and trickier of Welbeck. Either way, Rooney is likely to play just off whoever starts up front and should make the difference against the co-hosts.

No doubt it will be a hostile atmosphere in Donestk but England came through something similar on Friday when the Swedes outnumbered the English 3-to-1 in Kiev. The Three Lions have the edge in terms of history as well, winning three out of the four meetings. However, they did lose their most recent clash against Ukraine in 2010 in a World Cup qualifier.

The Ukraines are 5/2 to secure the three points they need to make it through to the next round, with a repeat of their 1-0 win over England two years ago priced at 9/1. Hodgsons team are 6/5 and the draw 9/4 (match betting).

The draw seems like the most likely outcome in this one, especially with Ukraine’s main threat Andriy Shevchenko a doubt for the game. Some critics may say England lack strength in depth but the fact the Ukrainians are still relying on 35-year-old Shevchenko to get the goals speaks volumes about the state of their team.

The former Chelsea man has scored all of his nation’s goals in the tournament thus far and without him you struggle to see Ukraine getting more than one, even with England’s issues with set pieces.

Rooney is bound to want to prove a point and as such you’d fancy him to pop up with a goal. The Manchester United striker is 13/8 to score anytime and 9/2 to break the deadlock first. It seems to be inevitable that game will be an ugly contest given the lack of skill both teams possess. However, Rooney could prove to be the one bit of quality England need to edge it.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Toon value to upset Liverpool

Posted on by
Reply

There are two Premier League matches on Sunday, with the focus very much on the race for European places with Newcastle entertaining Liverpool and Tottenham hosting Swansea.

The Magpies of course surprised everyone with their successful start to the season but continue to impress and still remain in contention for an unlikely Champions League berth.

Alan Pardew’s men are five points behind fourth-placed Spurs and level with Chelsea going into the weekend’s fixtures, while a victory on Sunday will take the Toon 11 points clear of Liverpool.

That would surely secure a Europa League spot at the very least if it were to happen, although the match betting suggests Liverpool will take the points as they are priced at 7/5, with Newcastle at 15/8 and the draw at 12/5.

However, Newcastle look good value to pick up the win as they have bounced back from a blip in form to record back-to-back wins, looking impressive last week in a 3-1 win at the Hawthorns.

The Magpies have only lost twice at home all season – to Chelsea and West Brom – while they have won five and drawn two of their seven games at St James’ Park this year.

Papiss Cisse has made a hugely impressive start to his career on the North East with five goals in just six appearances – only Wayne Rooney has scored more in the Premier League in that time – and he must be considered in the goal scoring markets, priced at 11/2 First/Last Goalscorer and 3/2 Anytime.

The Senegalese forward has forged a useful partnership with Demba Ba on Tyneside and looks better value to reward backers given that his compatriot (5/1 First/Last, 11/8 Anytime) has scored just once on his return from African Cup of Nations duty and none in his last six games.

Liverpool did beat Newcastle 3-1 in the reverse fixture at Anfield and have won six of the last seven meetings but look a shade short in the betting considering their recent run of form.

Kenny Dalglish’s men have lost five of their last six league matches, winning only two of 11 this year, have lost their last three on the road and have recently been beaten by strugglers QPR and Wigan.

Pardew enjoyed a 3-1 win in this fixture last season in his match at the helm and he can celebrate again come Sunday, which would all but secure that top six berth.

Spurs’ title challenge has petered out of late while they are also in danger of missing out on the Champions League but remain strong favourites at 2/5 to get back to winning ways in the league, with Swansea on offer at 15/2 and the draw at 7/2 in the match betting.

Harry Redknapp’s men have not won in the Premier League since trouncing Newcastle in February but of course have kept their FA Cup run going, impressing in a 3-1 win over Bolton on Tuesday.

It has not all been doom and gloom though in the top-flight of late and with a bit more luck could have picked up better results, but Aaron Lennon’s expected return is a welcome boost as it will restore a bit more balance to what is arguably the best footballing side in the division.

Swansea though have enjoyed their debut in the Premier League and have now won their last three matches on the road, despite only securing their first away-day success in January.

The Swans have also recently beaten Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium so will not be over-awed going to White Hart Lane, although Everton eased to a 2-0 win in South Wales last week.

The price about the Swans will look tempting to some with all the pressure on the hosts to come up with the goods, but that could still work in Spurs’ favour and there is no doubt they have the talent to beat any side on their day – and they need to to keep pace with arch rivals Arsenal.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Reds to upset United flow

Posted on by
Reply

The Premier League is beginning to reach boiling point at both ends of the table and Saturday gives us a number of fixtures which could have big ramifications at the top and bottom. We start with the big game between Manchester United and Liverpool before moving onto a relegation six-pointer and intriguing clash at Goodison Park in the bid to pick out some winning bets for Saturday.

Manchester United v Liverpool 12:45pm

The meetings between these two are normally red letter days in the Premier League and this one is no different, with United going for a 20th title and the Reds desperate for a top four finish. United produced one of the comebacks of the season last week at Chelsea, although the Blues’ lack of defensive ability certainly helped their cause. However, any team that comes from 3-0 to secure a share of the spoils is bound to be full of confidence.

Liverpool’s home form has been less than impressive this season but on the road they have looked solid and been tough to beat, recording victories at Arsenal and Chelsea. The Reds will also fancy their chances having won two out of the last three against United, albeit they were all at Anfield. Liverpool’s record isn’t the best at Old Trafford, with just two wins in the last nine but at 7/2 the price is too good to turn down.

The return of Luis Suarez is likely to prove to be a catalyst for the game and if you fancy the Uruguayan to fan the flames of hate at Old Trafford further by scoring he is priced at 15/8 to hit the back of the net at anytime. Suarez is likely to start up front having been rested against Tottenham, meaning Andy Carroll could drop to the bench despite his good form.

Bolton v Wigan 3pm

These two north-west outfits are in grave danger of falling through the trap door this season and as such will view this encounter as the perfect chance to get one over on their relegation rivals. Before last weekend’s defeat to Norwich, Bolton were beginning to put a run of form together. The loss at Carrow Road shouldn’t have set the Trotters back too far though as they created enough chances to have secured a share of the spoils. Bolton boss Owen Coyle made some shrewd acquisitions in January and with players returning from injury they should have too much for Wigan.

Wigan have looked doomed for a number of weeks now and, despite a 1-1 draw with Everton halting a run five consecutive defeats, you get the feeling the Latics have had their time in the top flight. A lack of goals and too many individual errors at the back have cost Roberto Martinez’s men time after time and they show no signs of solving either issue.

Bolton are evens to beat Wigan, with a 2-0 win for the home side price at 7/1.

Everton v Chelsea 3pm

Chelsea’s players are probably still wondering how they didn’t manage to beat United last week, having been 3-0 up with just under 40 minutes to play. The result will have knocked the confidence of Andre Villas-Boas’ men and the way with which they surrendered that three goal lead so meekly will have Blues supporters worried.

Chelsea are 5/4 to win at Everton, a price which is very short when you consider they have won just one of the last five at Goodison Park in all competitions. The Toffees have shown they are more than capable of upsetting the big boys recently with a great win over Manchester City. David Moyes shopped well in January to add some much needed depth to his squad, Landon Donovan again doing the business for the Scot.

Chelsea have looked fragile this season and Everton know how to make a team feel uncomfortable. The Toffees are on offer at 9/4, with the draw also a solid bet at 12/5.

Elsewhere on Saturday, QPR travel to Blackburn for another relegation six pointer. Can Mark Hughes’ expensive ensemble do a job against one of his former clubs? The R’s are priced at 21/10 to pick up a much needed win. There is also a big game down at White Hart Lane as Newcastle look to keep their hopes of fourth alive with a win over Tottenham. Spurs should round off a good week for Harry Redknapp and are priced at 4/9 for the win.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Swans to upset odds again

Posted on by
Reply

The Premier League makes a rare venture into midweek territory on Tuesday, with five games in total taking place. Most of the big names are in action, with the pick of the matches Chelsea’s trip to Swansea on what could be an eventful night in the top flight.

Swansea City v Chelsea 7:45pm

To say Swansea have punched above their weight this season would be an understatement, with the Welsh outfit many people’s favourites to go down at the start of the campaign.

However, an attractive style of football and some rock solid home form means they welcome Chelsea sitting comfortably in mid-table.  The last time the Swans played at home they claimed the scalp of Arsenal after outmanoeuvring the Gunners at their own passing game. They might have lost twice since then but it was clear Brendan Rodgers had one eye on this meeting when he sent out a scratch side at Bolton in the FA Cup.

The big guns will all be back for Swansea for Tuesday and Chelsea would do well not to underestimate them. The Blues battled to a 1-0 win over QPR on Saturday as they continued a run of just doing enough to get by in games. Their last away match in the Premier League saw them frustrated by Norwich and it could be a similar result on Tuesday night.

The Swans aren’t prolific in front of goal and even though Fernando Torres has looked bright recently he is still goal shy. Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 looks to be a good shout should this one go to form.

Despite their stuttering performances Chelsea are 4/5 to win in Wales while Swansea are a tempting 7/2 to cause yet another upset, with the draw 11/4. Either would be a worthwhile punt, depending on how brave you are feeling.

Wolves v Liverpool 7:45pm

Wolves look to be on the slide at the moment. Knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Birmingham City and turned over by Aston Villa surely must have set off the alarm bells at Molineux.

A lack of transfer activity this month will also have sent supporters in search of the panic button as they slip towards the relegation zone. One win in the last 13 in all competitions is a worrying stat and memories of their bright start to the season are long gone.

The last thing they need is a visit from a team which will be buzzing after cup victories over Manchester City and Manchester United respectively. They say a week in football is a long time and Liverpool proved that was true by bouncing back from a shocking performance at Bolton to beat the two big boys from Manchester.

The Reds’ away form may not be brilliant recently but they will be flying and have way too much for Wolves, who are without a whole host of midfielders. Liverpool to win to nil at 7/5, or the Reds to win by any score at 8/11, should be the way to go.

Everton v Manchester City 8pm

City have had a week to think over their Carling Cup exit to Liverpool and will return to Merseyside with revenge in mind. Roberto Mancini’s men haven’t been particularly impressive lately but are still getting the job done in the Premier League.

The title is the priority this season and they will know they will have to win at Goodison Park to maintain their three-point lead, with Manchester United expected to roll over Stoke on Tuesday.

However, winning at Goodison has been a problem for City recently, with just two wins in 14 at Everton. The Toffees might be struggling for players but David Moyes will certainly make sure they are a tough nut to crack.

You can get 10/3 on it being a draw half-time/City winning at full-time and that looks a great price given how City have performed in the first half of games recently. Mancini’s men are 5/6 for the win outright, with Everton 7/2 and the draw 5/2.

Elsewhere on Tuesday there should be comfortable wins for Tottenham and Manchester United as they play host to Wigan and Stoke respectively. Spurs are 2/9 to beat the Latics at White Hart Lane, while United are 2/7 to take their cup frustrations out on the Potters.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Bhoys to upset Udinese’s men

Posted on by
Reply

After some dramatic action in the Champions League so far this week, it’s time for the Europa League to take centre stage on Thursday.

With Birmingham, Fulham and Celtic among the British teams in action, here we assess their chances in part one of our Europa preview.

NK Maribor v Birmingham

Birmingham’s first proper away trip in Europe has captured the imagination of the club’s followers, even if the visit to Slovenia to face the relatively-unknown Maribor looks like a low-key affair to outsiders.

Both sides need a win in Group H after they were beaten on Matchday One – Birmingham at home to Braga and Maribor at Bruges – but Blues are likely to find it tough going in the Stadion Ljudski Vrt.

Rangers were beaten 2-1 in a Europa League play-off here in August and the Slovenians have lost in six games at home in Europe. Chris Hughton is again likely to use a side mixed with youth and experience and, all things considered, the best he can hope for from this game is a draw.

Prediction: draw at 9/4.

Odense v Fulham

Martin Jol, unlike some of his fellow Premier League managers, has been fielding a virtually full-strength side so far in Europe and he is again set to play plenty of his big guns in Denmark.

A 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Craven Cottage last time out means a win is important if the Londoners are to qualify but, again, it looks like being a difficult night for Fulham.

Odense have yet to win against English opposition in Europe in six games and we cannot see that changing on Thursday but the draw looks another tempting bet.

Prediction: draw at 11/5.

Celtic v Udinese

Celtic’s return to the Europa League in place of Sion, who were expelled for fielding ineligible players, did not begin well with a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid a fortnight ago.

They have home advantage against Udinese on Thursday but will not face an easy night after the Italians impressively saw off Rennes 2-0 on Matchday One.

Antonio Di Natale is their star man and he was on target in the Group I opener so the Bhoys will have to keep him quiet at Parkhead. Udinese will fancy their chances of getting something from the game but, with strong vocal backing from the home fans, we expect Neil Lennon’s side to rise to the occasion and secure what could prove to be a vital win.

Prediction – Celtic win at 5/4.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Can Stoke upset Cup final odds?

Posted on by
Reply

Bet on the FA CupStoke City (18/5 to beat Man City) head to Wembley on Saturday afternoon to do battle with Manchester City for the FA Cup – and Tony Pulis’ side, despite being underdogs, can be more than just spectators.

The Potters are not fancied by the bookies ahead of their first ever FA Cup final, and although this is certainly justified – they face a City side which has had millions injected into it – Stoke should not be underestimated and can certainly spoil the party.

Some questioned whether Stoke could recreate their home form – which they rely on in the league – at Wembley in their semi-final against Bolton.

But the Potters managed a 5-0 thrashing over the Trotters to send them back up the M6 with their tails firmly between their legs, dispelling any doubt that they would not be able to play at the national stadium.

The club will be disappointed to be waiting on winger Matthew Etherington for the clash – the 26-year-old has been instrumental this season for Tony Pulis’ side – but is facing an uphill battle to be fit by Saturday morning.

Blues boss Roberto Mancini even stated that Stoke will be a tougher prospect than semi-finalists Manchester United as it is Stoke’s “game of their life” and Mancini’s side are 11/2 to register a 1-0 victory – the same scoreline they managed in the semi.

However, the Italian believes that history beckons for City – with the club trying to break their 35-year trophy drought.

Mancini is currently waiting on the fitness of talisman, Carlos Tevez,  who is EVS to score at anytime, but has been struggling with a hamstring problem for the last month. However, City’s desperation to get Tevez fit will not fill the rest of their team with confidence.

The Argentinian striker only managed seven minutes in the 1-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday night, and Mancini is willing to wait until Saturday morning to make a decision on whether to include him.

It is a real concern for City that without Tevez their frontmen are simply not scoring enough goals. Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli have managed just one goal between them in their last six games for the Eastlands-based club.

Meanwhile, Stoke’s Trinidad and Tobago international Kenwyne Jones (50/1 to score a hat-trick) has scored five goals in his last six games and Jonathan Walters (5/2 to score at anytime) has managed five goals in six FA Cup games this campaign.

There is no doubt that this will be a physical encounter with both sides possessing battling midfielders. Four of the last eight encounters between Stoke and Man city have seen a side reduced to ten men.

Both sides head into the final in good form, with Stoke unbeaten in their last five games while Man City have won four of their last five matches.

However, in head-to-heads the last four meetings between the sides have ended in 1-1 draws (1-1 after 90 mins can be backed 11/2).

The odds of either side winning on penalties is 11/1 and may just be a likely outcome, especially if it is nervy affair, which Cup finals so often are.

So expect a tight final with the Potters more than holding their own against their so-called superior opponents.

However, ultimately, we see a narrow Man City win to seal a great week for Mancini and co that will go some way to make up for the fact arch-rivals Man United are also likely to celebrating more success themselves over ther weekend.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Spartak can upset the odds

Posted on by
Reply

Despite a lack of British involvement in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, there remains some tasty-looking encounters between some top European sides on Thursday.

Liverpool, Man City and Rangers were all dumped out of the often-derided competition in the last round to underline the quality of sides left in the tournament and also highlights the fact it still remains one of the toughest trophies to win.

Big-hitters from Portugal (Porto, Braga and Benfica), Spain (Villarreal), Holland (FC Twente and PSV), Russian giants Spartak Moscow and experienced Ukrainians Dynamo Kiev make up the last eight and all four first-leg ties look difficult to call.

Porto v Spartak Moscow

The third Portuguese club still in the competition, Porto, face a tricky home tie against Spartak on Thursday but are favourites at 2/5 to come out on top in the first leg, with the Russian side traditionally a much more formidable outfit back in Moscow than they are on their travels.

However, an impressive 1-0 win at Ajax in the last round will give them hope of another away win here and the fact they have started their domestic campaign poorly (one win, two defeats) suggests they are concentrating on Europe for now. A bold prediction it may be, but Spartak can win at 15/2 on Thursday.

Benfica v PSV Eindhoven

Expect the home side to edge out PSV here, as they look for a first-leg lead to take to the Netherlands. Benfica are trailing arch-rivals Porto by a huge 16 points at the top of the Primeira Liga at the minute, so the Europa League remains their only realistic chance of success this season.

A 2-1 home defeat against Porto last time out has only increased the pressure on coach Jorge Jesus but, with talent like Oscar Cardozo and Javier Saviola to call upon up front and a vociferous home crowd backing his side, a narrow win should be achieved. Go for a 1-0 win to Benfica with totesport at 11/2.

Dynamo Kiev v Braga

These two upset the odds and the chance of an English winner with impressive victories over Liverpool and Manchester City in the last round, so whoever progresses out of the tie should not be underestimated.

Kiev appear to have the more in-depth quality in their squad, but Braga can come away from Ukraine with a draw (11/4) as they look to continue what has been an extremely enjoyable European adventure for them this season.

Villarreal v FC Twente

Villarreal were only narrowly beaten 1-0 by Barcelona on Saturday and overcame Bayer Leverkusen in the last round, but are unlikely to have it all their own way against Dutch league leaders Twente at El Madrigal. Guisseppe Rossi remains the ‘Yellow Submarines’ star man and they will be relying on him for goals, but this again looks a tight contest.

Twente nearly threw away a 3-0 first-leg lead in the last round, when they went down 2-0 at Zenit St Petersburg, so expect them to have learned from that experience as they aim to keep it tight in Spain. 1-1 here at 11/2 looks an interesting option.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Hammers to upset title picture

Posted on by
Reply

After a flurry of international action we return to matters closer to home this weekend as the Premier League returns. There is still plenty to be sorted out before the curtain comes down on the season on May 22 so every game still matters.

West Ham v Manchester United (12:45pm)

United  traditionally don’t always enjoy their trips to Upton Park and with a Scott Parker-inspired West Ham slowly climbing away from the relegation zone everything appears to point towards a coupon-busting win for the Hammers. United have failed to win 11 of their 15 matches away from Old Trafford this season and were well and truly hammered in the Carling Cup clash between these two in east London earlier in the season. With the Hammers priced at 16/5 for the win it’s tough to overlook Avram Grant’s side as a decent punt this weekend.

Match Bet – West Ham to win @ 16/5

Birmingham v Bolton (3pm)

Life for Birmingham City’s supporters has been a real rollercoaster this year. Off the back of a solid return to the top flight last season Blues have slipped into a relegation battle this time around, but ended their long wait for silverware. Since winning the Carling Cup in February Birmingham have picked up just one point and now face a must-win game against Bolton. The Trotters will probably have their upcoming trip to Wembley on their minds and with their league status all but assured they might take their eye off the ball at St Andrew’s.

Match Bet – Birmingham to win @ 7/5

Everton v Aston Villa (3pm)

Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel has described the next eight games as “cup finals” and who can blame him after the season they have endured. They travel to Everton just a point off the relegation zone and in desperate need for the England trio of Ashley Young, Darren Bent and Stewart Downing to fire them to a win. If they play as well as they did with England then an injury-hit Toffees team might struggle to contain them.

Match Bet – Villa to win @ 16/5

Newcastle v Wolves (3pm)

Mick McCarthy’s Wolves side are the form team in the bottom half of the Premier League and, despite losing Kevin Doyle to injury, have shown enough recently to indicate they are good enough to stay up. In contrast, Newcastle are slipping down the table at an alarming rate and Alan Pardew’s dream of qualifying for Europe has been given a rude awakening. With eight points from their last four games it’s tough to look beyond Wolves to take another step towards safety.

Match Bet – Wolves to win @ 11/4

Stoke v Chelsea (3pm)

Chelsea’s victory over Manchester City has given the west London club real hope they can still retain the Premier League title this season. The Blues are coming good at just the right time, although they could do with their strikers rediscovering their goalscoring touch very soon. Chelsea have won the last seven games against Stoke, who much like Bolton might have their FA Cup semi-final on their mind. Chelsea have left it late to find a winner in games recently and it could be a case of déjà vu at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Match Bet – Draw HT/ Chelsea FT @ 3/1

West Brom v Liverpool (3pm)

It is tough to imagine Roy Hodgson doesn’t have revenge in mind when his former employers drop by the Hawthorns this weekend. His six month stint at Anfield won’t have been the happiest of his career and he?ll hope they don’t heap further misery on him by plunging his new team further into relegation trouble. Hodgson is unbeaten in his four games in charge of the Baggies but it seems fate Liverpool will inflict more pain on him. The Reds have looked a lot more solid away from home recently but goals have been a problem for them, despite the addition of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. They should just do enough to sneak three points at the Hawthorns.

Match Bet – Liverpool to win @ 13/10

Wigan v Tottenham (3pm)

From Wigan to Madrid. It is going to be an interesting few days for the Tottenham players as they prepare to go on their travels. Saturday’s game at the DW Stadium is a must win one if they don’t want this to be their only Champions League adventure but the three points are just as important for the Latics. Wigan are rooted to the foot of the league and while survival is still a possibility their six wins all season suggests Spurs should be too good. Wigan’s only hope is if the lure of the Bernabeu proves too strong for Harry Redknapp’s men.

Match Bet – Tottenham to win @ 5/4

Arsenal v Blackburn (5:30pm)

If our predictions are right then Arsenal will go into this game knowing they could cut United’s lead at the top to two points if they beat Blackburn. Either way a win is a must against statically the worst team in the Premier League currently. Arsenal have some big names back in Cesc Fabergas and Theo Walcott which should give some of their more mentally jaded players a lift. Rovers are in big trouble, their last-gasp draw against Blackpool saved them from slipping even further down the table but they look like a team who are struggling just at the wrong time.

Match Bet – Arsenal to win to nil @ 10/11.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Sky Blues out to upset Clarets

Posted on by
Reply

Coventry City will go into their Championship cash with Burnley on Tuesday night without a manager after Aidy Boothroyd was sacked on Monday (Burnley 8/11, draw 5/2, Coventry 18/5).

The Sky Blues had only managed one win in their last 16 outings in the league and a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hull on Saturday was the final straw for the board at the Ricoh Arena.

After making a strong start to the season the former Premier League side were in the play-off places after 24 games.

However, a mixture of draws and defeats have cost them and Coventry now sit just seven points above the relegation zone.

Steve Harrison and Andy Thorn will take charge of the side for the clash at Turf Moor but they will have to do without top goalscorer Marlon King, who is still out through suspension.

As for Burnley, they will be looking to bounce back after they were hammered 3-0 by Millwall at Turf Moor on the weekend.

The Clarets still have a great opportunity of securing a place in the play-offs this season, as they sit four points off sixth with two games in hand.

Burnley are short of numbers up front with Charlie Austin, Steven Thompson and Martin Paterson all out of action with injuries.

Despite their heavy defeat against the Lions and their injury worries, Burnley should still pick up all three points against a Coventry side that are currently in limbo.

Tuesday night throws up a huge game in terms of life at the bottom of the Championship table as Preston North End travel to Glanford Park to take on Scunthorpe United.

This is a must-win for Preston who are a massive 13 points off Crystal Palace in 21st place.

Phil Brown’s side’s chances of staying in the second tier of English football took another blow in their last outing as they were beaten 2-1 by Leeds United at Deepdale.

Preston have only won five out of their 35 games this season and will be praying for just their third away win of the season on Tuesday night.

Scunthorpe also looked to be down and out but surprising victories over Nottingham Forest and Swansea have given United a chance of survival.

A 3-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City last weekend did them no favours but at home they should pick up a victory which will all but condemn Preston to League One next season (Scunthorpe 5/4, draw 23/10, Preston 2/1).

Ipswich managed to battle for a hard-earned point at Elland Road against Leeds in their last game and they will be looking to finish Watford’s chances of making the play-offs on Tuesday (Ipswich 6/5, draw 23/10, Watford 21/10).

Paul Jewell has revived the Tractor Boys since his arrival and new signings Jimmy Bullard and Keiron Dyer have added some extra quality to the side.

Ipswich are one of only a handful of teams that don’t really have anything to play for but under Jewell they will be determined to pick up as many wins as they can with a view to improving next season.

Watford have slipped out of the play-off places as they have only picked up two wins in their last eleven outings.

This will be a tough game for them and Ipswich should just come out on top in this one at Portman Road.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Town looking to upset Gunners

Posted on by
Reply

Bet on the FA CupHuddersfield Town are the next West Yorkshire club set for an FA Cup clash with Arsenal as the League One side head to the Emirates on Sunday (Arsenal 1/7, draw 13/2, Huddersfield 18/1).

Local rivals Leeds United were seconds away from pulling off a famous victory in north London in the third round of the competition but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

However, the Gunners were clinical in the replay at Elland Road and showed the reason why they are challenging at the top of the Premier League as they ran out 3-1 winners.

Huddersfield are currently third in League One and will be looking to cause an upset at the Emirates.

Like most sides who travel to face the Gunners, they will have to ride their luck but if they can keep out Arsenal for the first half they may be able to frustrate them.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been in a rich vein of form and look like they are enjoying the cup competitions this season.

The Gunners have already booked a date at Wembley as they beat Ipswich Town to secure a place in the Carling Cup final in midweek.

Arsenal should come out on top in this one as their strength in depth is likely to be too strong for Town.

In an all Premier League affair, Tottenham Hotspur make the short trip across the capital to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage (Fulham 2/1, draw 12/5, Spurs 13/10).

Mark Hughes’s side have managed to create a four point gap between themselves and the teams in the relegation zone as the Cottagers have picked up recent wins against Stoke City and West Brom.

However, Spurs are 10 places higher than Fulham in the Premier League and will be confident of progressing through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The north London club have beaten Fulham in their last three meetings and they should come out on top once again in this meeting.

In Sunday’s other all Premier League clash, Wolves host Stoke City in a West Midlands derby.

Wolves have welcomed the distraction of the FA Cup as they have struggled to pick up points in the Premier League.

Mick McCarthy’s side are level on points with bottom club West Ham United as they have only picked up one win in their last four outings in the top flight.

Stoke are enjoying arguably their best season in the Premier League as they look comfortable in 10th place.

Tony Pulis and his Potters players should be able to take advantage of the fact that Wolves will have their priorities set on avoiding relegation from the top flight this season.

Finally, Premier League big spenders Manchester City travel to take on Notts County at Meadow Lane (County 13/2, draw 18/5 City 2/5).

County have made headlines in recent years with talk of takeovers and big money signings, much like their opponents on Sunday.

However, the Magpies have not seen much of an improvement on the pitch as they sit four points above the relegation zone in League One.

With City’s star studded squad, which is blessed with riches, they should comfortably beat County.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.