EPL 21/22 - Week 33

 Arsenal v Man Utd - Home

Leicester v Aston Villa - Home

Man City v Watford - Home

Norwich v Newcastle - Home

Brentford v Tottenham - Away

Brighton v Southampton - Draw

Burnley v Wolves - Home

Chelsea v West Ham - Draw

Liverpool v Everton - Home

Crystal Palace v Leeds - Home

Early kick-off match Arsenal against Man Utd will be huge in deciding the 4th UCL spot coveted by the Gunners, Red Devils and Spurs. At the moment, the Gunners have the advantage and I think they will blow away any remaining hopes Red Devils fans might still harbour. I mentioned Man Utd are a team on the skids last week and they duly confirmed that with a thrashing at Liverpool in mid-week. The talent is there but I now believe that Rangnick has proven not to be the right manager to put all that talent to good use. In fact, it is very possible in my opinion that had the club kept on with Ole, the results probably would have been better. It is to be seen whether the arrival of Erik ten Hag next year will improve things but one thing for sure is that the club is spent and done for the year. On the other side of the coin, the Gunners are battling and reaped an amazing win at Stamford Bridge in their last match. The team might lack the talent that Utd have on paper but the youngsters there are working their socks off to get results. Their battling qualities means that they are favourites to down out-of-sorts Man Utd. If they could put 3 against Chelsea, they will have no problem scoring against the Red Devils. Home win for this one.

Crystal Palace are a team with good form at home and they should have enough to overcome Leeds at Selhurst Park. Leeds are in a precarious position at the moment but they are sporting good form having won 3 out of their last 4 matches. Biesla almost ran the team to the ground for much of the season and Jesse March has righted the ship so far. The home team still needs a few more points to assure safety but they are showing good resiliency in their matches and playing more like a mid-table team. I see them edging this encounter and look good value at current odds.

Win: Arsenal, Crystal Palace

EPL 21/22 - Week 28

 Leicester v Leeds - Home

Aston Villa v Southampton - Draw

Burnley v Chelsea - Away

Newcastle v Brighton - Home

Norwich v Brentford - Home

Wolves v Crystal Palace - Home

Liverpool v West Ham - Draw

Watford v Arsenal - Away

Man City v Man Utd - Home

Tottenham v Everton - Home

What looked like a facile route to the title a few weeks ago for Man City is no longer that certain with the gap now to 6 points from pursuers Liverpool with the latter having a game in hand.  This title race is far from over. And things could easily move in different directions this week-end as the Citizens host their city rivals Red Devils while Liverpool host West Ham. On paper, it looks like City have the greater chance of losing points but a Kop win against the Hammers is far from being a given. Liverpool have been on a tear lately, winning the Caracao Cup in the process but they have scraped through those matches rather than dominating them. I think some kind of comeuppance is in store for them and at current odds, West Ham look great value to snatch at least a point from Anfield. Be it as a draw-no-bet or outright win, it could be rewarding to side with the Hammers, who are in good form of late in their pursuit of the 4th UCL spot.

Win or draw-no-bet: West Ham

EPL 2019/20 - Week8

Brighton v Tottenham - Home
Burnley v Everton - Home
Liverpool v Leicester - Draw
Norwich v Aston Villa - Home
Watford v Sheffied Utd - Draw
West Ham v Crystal Palace - Home
Arsenal v Bournemouth - Away
Man City v Wolves - Home
Southampton v Chelsea - Away
Newcastle v Man Utd - Draw

Here's a drab draw I can think of this week-end; Newcastle v Man Utd. Both teams are dreadful in attack and have difficulty finding the net. If this game is to be won by either, it looks like it would be by the slightest margin. A draw looks very enticing though.

West Ham have found a firm footing under Pellegrini and I expect them to continue their fine form as they host Crystal Palace. One positive for the Hammers this year has been the return of Yarmalenko, who suffered a horrendous injury and long layoff last season. The Ukrainian has been on fire since the start and playing with great confidence. I expect them to enjoy the home advantage and edge the Eagles.

Bournemouth can have arguments for a value away punt as they visit Arsenal. I think the Gunners have rode some luck in their last league matches and are prone for a coming upset. The visiting Cherries have the strike force to bang in the goals and could edge a high-scoring affair at the Emirates.

Win: Bournemouth, West Ham
Draw: Man Utd/Newcastle

EPL 2019/20 - Week 2

Arsenal v Burnley - Home
Aston Villa v Bournemouth - Away
Brighton v West Ham - Home
Everton v Watford - Home
Norwich v Newcastle - Home
Southampton v Liverpool - Away
Man City v Tottenham - Home
Sheffield Utd v Crystal Palace - Home
Chelsea v Leicester - Draw
Wolves v Man Utd - Draw

Liverpool might feel the tiredness out of their mid-week Super Cup win but they should have enough in the tank to overcome Southampton. If they are to beat Man City to the title, they cannot afford to lose any points to the likes of Soton and Jurgen Klopp will have instilled that into the players' heads.

Spurs were arguably lucky to bag full points against Villa on opening day and I cannot see them riding their luck against Man City. Sterling is truly becoming a superstar and the Citizens are firing on all cylinders at the moment. They should win this handily.

Everton had chances to beat Crystal Palace last week but were their profligacy in front of goal cost them the win. They are tipped to make amends as they host a Watford team that demonstrated many defensive weaknesses in their home drubbing at the hands of Brighton. Watch out for Richarlison to be on the scoresheet in this one.

Win: Man City, Liverpool, Everton

EPL 2015/16 - Week 34

Norwich v/s Sunderland - Home win
Everton v/s Southampton - Draw
Man Utd v/s Aston Villa - Home win
Newcastle v/s Swansea - Draw
West Brom v/s Watford - Home win
Chelsea v/s Man City - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Liverpool - Home win
Leicester v/s West Ham - Home win
Arsenal v/s Crystal Palace - Home win
Stoke v/s Tottenham - Away win

Man City are on an absolute high after making their way to the semi-final of the UCL at the expense of PSG in mid-week. Let's put it this way; the return of Belgian superstar De Bruyne has simply lifted this star-studded team to another level. The ex-Chelsea player is a joy to watch; he can make incisive passes as well as score. It is no coincidence that Man City lost pace in the title run-in at the time of his prolonged injury setback. Since his return, he's bagged in important goals and the Citizens definitely need him in their UCL conquest and also for the run-in for the 4th vital EPL spot.

Chelsea definitely will be looking to play spoilers. They have been a transformed team under Hiddink and are a threat to any team. They will have several players back from injury and have the edge fitness-wise as they were idle during the week. I see a case of Man City players short of lasting the full 90 minutes of a high-tempo game and also suffering from their mid-week hangover.  City have shown limits on their travels and even having De Bryune in their ranks might not be enough against the Blues at Stamford Bridge. The hosts just won't lose this one.

Leicester are almost there. West Ham are a tough team to play against but they had a tough FA Cup match against Man Utd on Wednesday. I can't see many goals in this one but it's home advantage to the Foxes who can as ever rely on a stingy defence and one of Vardy or Mahrez to make the difference up front. The home team should just edge this.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 32

Aston Villa v/s Chelsea - Away win
Bournemouth v/s Man City - Away win
Arsenal v/s Watford - Home win
Norwich v/s Newcastle - Home win
Stoke v/s Swansea - Home win
Sunderland v/s WBA - Home win
West Ham v/s Crystal Palace - Away win
Liverpool v/s Spurs - Draw
Leicester v/s Southampton - Draw
Man Utd v/s Everton - Draw

Arsenal are in no position to lose points if they are to keep their slim hopes of winning the league. They must beat the likes of Watford at home. The visitors seem to have plateau-ed with main striker Ighalo drawing consistently blanks of late. The Gunners should have too much firepower and bag the all-important 3 points.

I really like Stoke's chances at home to Swansea. Mark Hughes' team are always solid at home although they can throw the odd dull performance. Swansea are pretty much safe from relegation and don't have much to play for; they are really seeing out their under-performing season and gear up for next year. On the other hand, the Potters have a small chance of a European spot and will have the motivation to get the full points. I see the home team edging this.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 19

Crystal Palace v/s Swansea - Home win
Everton v/s Stoke - Away win
Norwich v/s Aston Villa - Home win
Watford v/s Spurs - Home win
West Brom v/s Newcastle - Home win
Arsenal v/s Bournemouth - Home win
Man Utd v/s Chelsea - Draw
West Ham v/s Southampton - Draw
Leicester v/s Man City - Home win
Sunderland v/s Liverpool - Away win

I really like the chances of Leicester bouncing back from their defeat at Liverpool in their match against Man City. It was one of those rare matches where they could not find their net and it is a touch possible that Vardy is running out of steam at the moment. However, Mahrez is in superb form and the cog is really in full flow for Ranieri's men. Man City will be without captain and talisman Kompany and they have shown vulnerabilities on their road travels. At current odds, Leicester look a great win or draw-no-bet value.

I also see a home win for Palace against struggling Swansea. Sure, the Swans broke their duck by winning their last match but it's hard to see them getting a second win in a row against a solid Palace team. This could be a walk in the park for Pardew's men and I believe a home win beckons here.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 10

Aston Villa v/s Swansea - Home win
Leicester v/s Crystal Palace - Draw
Norwich v/s WBA - Home win
Stoke v/s Watford - Home win
West Ham v/s Chelsea - Draw
Arsenal v/s Everton - Draw
Sunderland v/s Newcastle - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Spurs - Away win
Man Utd v/s Man City - Home win
Liverpool v/s Southampton - Draw

Aston Villa look an excellent "draw-no-bet" option against Swansea. Both teams are in rotten form but there is an urgency for the Villains to get points on the board here; Tim Sherwood's time at the club is on the line. Villa are not playing as bad as their table position indicates and I cannot see them lose this one; I see it ending in a home win or a draw, hence the current draw-no-bet value looks very enticing.

Although they just lost in their Europa mid-week game, I like the chances of Spurs as they travel to Bournemouth. Harry Kane should be scoring sooner rather than later and it could be one of those games against lowly opposition where he finally gets his scoring touch back. Bournemouth are finding life more difficult in the Premier League with each passing week, as they should, and with their current injury setbacks, they will prove very vulnerable to teams of the likes of Spurs. I expect Tottenham to edge this.

Week-end football

I cannot believe that Liverpool are leading the League at the moment. I genuinely got them wrong this year and they are championship material, no doubt. Suarez is the difference and it's rare that one player can make such a difference to a team by making his teammates elevate their play beyond expecations. Still, Man City are the favourites with their 2 games in hand.

Man City v/s Southampton. The Citizens need to win this so that they can go to Anfield next week with the title firmly within their control. The Saints won't be run over easily, although their away form is not as good as their home form. The hosts will be without Aguero again but they have enough quality from everywhere to score. This match will set their mood and disposition for the Anfield clash in a week. I see them as a Win selection against the Saints.

Aston Villa v/s Fulham. The hosts have lost striker Benteke for the rest of the season and might be without a designated striker for this match. Fulham will hope that this plays in their hands but they are such a woeful team that it is hard to envision them taking any advantage of the Villa's predicament. I have a feeling this is going to end in a drab draw and am not overly convinced on the outcome.

Cardiff v/s Crystal Palace. I think Cardiff are going down and this is a huge chance for Palace to make a big statement about retaining their standing in the top division. I've been saying for a long time that Pulis is doing an admirable job at Palace and their undoing of Chelsea last week showed that they can deliver a big performance against anyone. At current odds, the Eagles look like a fantastic value draw-no-bet.

Hull v/s Swansea. Chances are that this could very well end up in a draw.

Newcastle v/s Man Utd. Whether they openly admit it or not,  it seems that the Red Devils will have their minds more on the upcoming 2nd round clash against Bayern in mid-week. It is very probable that some of their first-team players will be rested, and Rooney is definitely out with a toe injury. The Magpies have been a struggling team since losing Cabaye and their woes could deepen if Man Utd can unleash some of their potent firepower. The Red Devils are a draw-no-bet selection.

Norwich v/s WBA. Got to go with the Canaries here because of their home record. WBA are not showing signs of a team that can avoid the drop and this match is set to further deepen their woes. Home win selection.

Chelsea v/s Stoke. After their disillusion of the past week where they lost 2 matches, Chelsea are in urgent need to right the ship to avoid a trophy-less season. I think they are up for a big match against Stoke and are a Win selection as well.

Everton v/s Arsenal. Although they will have Ramsey back, I don't see Arsenal winning this. Everton have impressed me even more so during the past weeks where they set off on that record winning sequence. The Gunners will very probably end in the crucial 4th spot, but it is a tough ask to see them win at Goodison Park without players like Walcott, Diaby and Ozil. Everton is a draw-no-bet selection.

West Ham v/s Liverpool. Unlike many pundits, I am not so sure that Liverpool's recent winning run will be stopped at West Ham. The Kops have momentum in their favour and although the Hammers have an enviable record at home, they are a mid-table team at best. They might well sneak up a draw but Liverpool should be in the driving seat in this one. The visitors are another draw-no-bet recommendation.

Tottenham v/s Sunderland. No confidence in any result.

Win: Man City, Norwich, Chelsea
Draw-no-bet: Man Utd, Everton, Liverpool

EPL Week 23

The name all week, particularly for Man Utd fans, has been Mata, Mata, Mata. The arrival of the Spaniard is a game-changer; while it will be too late for their title charge this year, he will definitely be a huge asset in their hunt for 4th place( aka UCL spot) and in the coming years. Man Utd should have a much better second-half to the season with the coming of Mata and the returns of RVP and Rooney. Week 23 starts in a couple of hours, and here are my thoughts.

Man Utd v/s Cardiff. I said it above; the impending returns of RVP and Rooney, together with a playmaker like Mata gives Man Utd considerable attacking options. If these 3 can stay fit and play together, there is no doubt that the potency is their for them to open defences at will. I think Mata's arrival will have given the whole Mancunian squad a lift this week and they are definitely a confident Win selection against a struggling Cardiff side.

Norwich v/s Newcastle. The Magpies have just lost playmaker Cabaye to PSG and this does not bode well with them. The Frenchman was their main source of inspiration in midfield and I think they will mightily struggle to cope with his absence. Norwich can pounce here. I see the hosts edging this and they look to be a solid value Win bet.

Southampton v/s Arsenal. This is going to be a tough game for Arsenal. Soton are no push-overs at home and seem to be regaining some of their early-season form. It's my opinion only, but I think that Arsenal will not be able to cope with the pace that Man City and Chelsea are about to set at the top of the table. At current odds, I see the Gunners as big lays for the title as I confidently think that they will not be able to match up with the big 2 above. I see them dropping points in this match too. Soton is a value draw-no-bet proposition at current odds.

Swansea v/s Fulham. The hosts have been expensive to back for some time now. This could be the game that changes things for them. They need a big W and there are not many worse travelling teams than the Cottagers. If Laudrup's team cannot win this one, they should never be backed again this year. They are a Win selection for this match.

Crystal Palace v/s Hull. I believe CP will avoid the drop this year because manager Pulis has put in the expected tactical discipline in the team. That said, Hull is a danger on the road with their ability to score and close shop. Best to avoid, although I think that CP might edge this one.

Liverpool v/s Everton. Both are rocked by injuries and both are fighting for 4th place. This looks set to be a tight encounter and if there is to be a winner, it should come from the home side. So, the Kops are a draw-no-bet selection.

Chelsea v/s West Ham. Eyes closed, this will be a Blues win.

Sunderland v/s Stoke. This Sunderland team has a resilience in it. It can make dramatic come-backs and can score against the most rigid defence. It will have had a massive boost by going to win Carling Cup final qualification at Old Trafford last week. I like their chances as a draw-no-bet against an average Stoke team.

Tottenham v/s Man City.
Ok, I'm not 100% behind the Tim Sherwood Spurs revolution yet. Maybe if they beat City... The Citizens are scoring at will but this will be a much difficult task than the likes of Watford, Cardiff or West Ham. It's impossible to oppose them in the attacking form they are at the moment. Spurs have their work cut out for them and will need to be ruthless in the chances they are going to create. Man City are a draw-no-bet selection.

Win: Man Utd, Swansea, Norwich
Draw-no-bet: Southampton, Liverpool, Sunderland, Man City

EPL Week 19

This is the part of the season where having a real squad can make a difference in winning and losing matches. With so many games in such a short span and injuries invariably mounting, managers need to get their rotations right.

West Ham v/s West Brom. This looks like a drab draw in the making. The Hammers are beset by injuries and goals look set to be hard to come by. The Baggies are still manager-less but would have been happy to snatch a point at White Hart Lane on Boxing Day. If this game is to decide a winner, it looks to be by the minimum goal but chances are that a draw is the likeliest result.

Aston Villa v/s Swansea. Another game with 2 teams with awful form. Both are playing without their star players in Benteke and Michu. Best to avoid.

Man City v/s Crystal Palace. Although the Eagles are enjoying a renewal since Pulis took over, there isn't a more difficult place to go than the Etihad. They will retain some hope to get at least something out of the game with the knowledge that they almost kept Chelsea in check at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. After beating Liverpool, the hosts will need to retain their focus to play a weaker team and get the necessary full points. It might be easier said than done, but in the end, City have the best squad in the league and should have the necessary resources to get the win.

Norwich v/s Man Utd. I think the Red Devils are a little exposed here. They had to tough it out to win at Hull on Boxing Day and this is going to be another hard game. They will be thin at right-back with Valencia picking up a rather stupid late red card. Carrow Road is a place they have struggled over the past years. The Canaries are beset by a few injuries at the moment but they still battle hard at home. I think it might be worth to go with the hosts with a +1 handicap at current market odds.

Cardiff v/s Sunderland. Cardiff have just lost their manager and this does not bode well for the visit of Black Cats who will be invigorated after their latest away win at Everton. The momentum is clearly with Sunderland and I see them as a value draw-no-bet selection.

Newcastle v/s Arsenal. Newcastle are in flying form and I might be wrong, but I believe their current 5th position flatters them a bit. They are a Top 10 side, but definitely not Top 6. The Gunners can make them crash down to earth on any day, but they will be missing mercurial midfielder Aaron Ramsey, their best player since the start of the season. The good news for Arsenal is the return of striker Podolski after a 4-month absence. At current market odds, I like Arsenal as a draw-no-bet.

Chelsea v/s Liverpool. Can Brendan Rodgers, an old assistant to Mourinho, be the one to end the Portuguese's invincible league record at Stamford Bridge? On paper, it looks tough for that to happen since they will be missing Gerrard and Sturridge. The Kops came out enhanced in their Boxing Day defeat at the Etihad and they will have to produce another strong performance to overcome the hosts. I think a draw is the likeliest outcome and if there is to be a winner, it will probably be the hosts. Chelsea is a draw-no-bet selection.

Tottenham v/s Stoke. Still undecided on this Spurs side under Tim Sherwood, so will stay on the fence watching their next few games to come up on an opinion on which direction their season will be going.


Win: Man City
Draw-no-bet: Sunderland, Arsenal, Chelsea
+1 Goal: Norwich.

EPL Week 2

The main question this week-end is whether Chelsea can land a title blow to Man Utd's hopes early in the season. Although it's only the second week, it's still a 6-pointer game. Mourinho has traditionally found it hard to beat Moyes' old Everton team and I think that he will encounter similar resilience on Monday. I believe there's every reason for this match to end in a draw.

Here's my view of other matches.

Aston Villa v/s Liverpool. Benteke is on fire and Villa have impressed against the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. Liverpool have been impressive at home as well against Stoke. I think this game comes a tad too early for the hosts following their midweek exertions at Stamford Bridge. It might be worth chancing with Liverpool as a draw-no-bet at current odds.

Everton v/s West Brom. This is a good chance for the Toffees to open their home debut with a win here. West Brom will be reeling from the bombshell news regarding striker Anelka in mid-week. It's still unknown whether he's terminated his career or if he's only out for this game but the fact that he was the club's main attacking weapon means that they could be well short in this area for the game. Everton should edge this.

Fulham v/s Arsenal. I fancy Fulham to do well this year and think they will be in the first 10. Martin Jol can lead them well and they are a good force at home. Arsenal have had a topsy-turvy week; after having been rocked in their opening game, they went to dominate Fenerbache in Turkey. The Gunners will be keen not to let themselves too much early on in the season. I think they are a good draw-no-bet selection despite missing a few key players.

Hull v's Norwich. The hosts will certainly be more attack-minded than during their trip at Chelsea. I still think that will not be enough against the Canaries that managed to put 2 past Everton last week-end. I see Norwich as another good draw-no-bet selection.

Newcastle v's West Ham. This looks to go straight as a bore draw but I have no confidence in the prediction since it could be edged one way or the other as well.

Southampton v/s Sunderland. The Saints look as good and enterprising team as last year and should be a force to reckon with at home again. Sunderland lost their first match at home and it would be no surprise if they found the hosts too much to handle. Quality should prevail in this one and Southampton are backed to pick up 3 full points.

Stoke v/s Crystal Palace. Got to go with the Potters here as they should be able to show the same resilience at home under new boss Mark Hughes as in previous seasons. I have a feeling that Palace's chances to stay up will principally depend on points picked up at home as they won't get too many on their travels. I'll go for the Win for the hosts.

Cardiff v/s Man City. It would be a brave person to go against Man City here. They were rampant against Newcastle on Monday, and this team is going to get better and better under Pellegrini. Dzeko is due to score after missing so many chances in their last match. The Citizens should prevail comfortably in this one.

Tottenham v/s Swansea. Both teams registered easy wins in the Europa League in mid-week. Spurs have home advantage but will definitely not have an easy game against Laudrup's men. It would not be surprising if the visitors caused a minor surprise here. Better to avoid.

Man Utd v/s Chelsea. As mentioned above, it might be worth chancing a draw here if one has to punt.


Win: Everton, Southampton, Stoke, Man City
Draw-no-bet: Liverpool, Arsenal, Norwich.

Week-end football and racing

The Flat season has started its post-Frankel era since a couple of weeks. No doubt that the mega-star of the past few years will be missed, but this is racing; one goes and there is hope that another gem arises, although it will be tough to surpass Frankel. But just a few years ago, everyone seemed to think that we'd never see the likes of Sea The Stars again, yet the son of Galileo appeared and the rest, they say, is history.

Black Caviar surprisingly left for the paddocks as well earlier this week and so racing has lost its 2 brightest stars. Among the juvenile brigade, there are a few that have shown potential and might emerge with promise; Dawn Approach and Toronado are certainly at the fore-fronts of all minds ahead of the coming Guineas. Among the older brigade, Camelot oozes enigma, and expectations will be high on the son of Montjeu to vindicate claims from his trainer that he's the best horse ever to come out of  Ballydoyle.

Then, Sea The Stars has his first 2-year olds running this year. I personally believe he will become a terrific sire; whether as good or better than his half-brother Galileo, it's difficult to pronounce, but he's definitely got the pedigree and breeder support to make a great stallion. We'll have to wait and let his sons and daughters do the talking. Lots to look forward indeed.

On Saturday, Noble Mission, makes his season appearance at Newbury. It looks to be all systems go for the Frankel's half-brother. The distance will suit and he's clearly got the best form from last year, among the runners. He will definitely be in the top 2, but is worth a punt as an outright Win at current odds.

The Group 3 Greenham Stakes at 15.30 looks to be a race between Hannon's Olympic Glory and Botti's Moohajim. Both yards are in good form but I give a small advantage to the Hannon horse at the seven furlong distance. He's a Win selection as well.

In football, I like Norwich as a Win against sorry Reading. This should put the Canaries at ease in the relegation fight. I think Wigan will sneak something out of their trip to West Ham. They showed good spirit in their loss at Man City and they definitely can match the Hammers. Wigan is a draw-no-bet selection.


Win: Noble Mission, Olympic Glory, Norwich
Draw-no-bet: Wigan

Tough Toffee test for Gunners

Arsenal's odds are way too short against Everton on Tuesday's sole EPL match. The Gunners struggled against Norwich over the week-end and were only able to breach the Canaries in the last 5 minutes. Everton were convincing home winners against QPR and will certainly be less physically worn-out for Tuesday's game. As usual, the Toffees should give the Gunners a hard time and I see them as great value with a +1 goal advantage.

+1 Goal: Everton

Week-end European fixtures

It will be Bayern v/s Barcelona and Dortmund v/s Real in the semi-finals of the UCL. In fact, any combination would have been mouth-watering; these are really the 4 best teams in the world. My early inclination is that one of the German teams is going to win the trophy, and I also feel it could very well be an all-German final; I'm sure the majority will not agree. We'll get to those fixtures when the the first leg will be played. Here are some thoughts on some of this week-end's matches.

Arsenal v/s Norwich. I don't think the Canaries will drop and I also don't think they can go to the Emirates and win. Arsenal look to finish another disappointing season on a strong note and am backing them for the Win. They will be missing Diaby in midfield although the return of Wilshere should bring that loss in perspective.

Aston Villa v/s Fulham. Got to go with the Villains to snatch at least a point from this contest. They are on a real fight for survival and must be gunning for maximum points against Fulham. Their form is alright against middle-tier teams and I fancy there will be a few goals in this contest. Aston Villa is the value draw-no-bet selection of the week-end.

Everton v/s QPR. It's almost game over for Rangers who will drop in my opinion. Although it will be difficult for them, Everton are still in contention for the fourth spot and will aim for maximum points. With the return of Fellaini and Pienaar, Everton look a safe draw-no-bet selection.

Stoke v/s Man Utd. The Red Devils are on a mini-slump and although they still have a more than comforting advance at the top, they will want to stop their losing run. Stoke have been toothless for quite a while and they look to be a team that needs major restructuring. Tony Pulis does not seem to be able to get any more out of the current team. It's true that the Mancunians have always found The Brittania a difficult place to go but they've not lost there. This is a match they need to make a statement to knock any revived title hopes a City fan might have nurtured. Man Utd is a win recommendation.

In Europe, Atletico Madrid should beat Granada while in the Ligue 1, PSG should come back with full points from their travel to Troyes.

Win: Man Utd, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, PSG
Draw-no-bet: Aston Villa, Everton

European Preview

Man Utd should put the title beyond any lingering doubt next Monday when they welcome their neighbours Man City. I cannot see them being beaten at home and they look safe as a draw-no-bet.

It is more the relegation battle that is the centre of interest since the Red Devils have been cruising in the league for a while now. Norwich have massive chance to advance their credentials for staying up when they welcome slumping Swansea. It is a must 3 points for the Canaries and I expect them to at least get a point from the match. They are a draw-no-bet selection.

Liverpool entertain West Ham and I see it worth siding with the hosts here. West Ham will be missing a few key players for this game while the Kops will only missing Raheem Sterling. Suarez could get back into some serious goal scoring in there. Liverpool are a Win selection.

QPR v/s Wigan is a 6-pointer game. Rangers cannot afford anything other than a win here. Wigan are going through their usual last-ditch escape rituals and still have an error of margin to play with. Rangers should be able to dictate the play but the main question is whether they can take their chances. The visitors will be all happy to pounce on the counter-attack, on which they are particularly effective. At current odds, I see it worth siding with Rangers as a draw-no-bet.

In Spain, I see wins for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia, and it's best value to have them in an accumulator.

Win: Liverpool
Draw-no-bet: QPR, Norwich, Man Utd
Accumulator: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia

Some quick EPL selections

Exceptionally for this week-end, because of the Meydan fixture, I will not be elaborating on the EPL football fixtures. Having studied the matches, my picks are the following:

Arsenal to beat Reading and Wigan to beat Norwich.
Man City and Everton to at least snatch a point against Newcastle and  Stoke respectively.
Southampton to win or draw against Chelsea with a one goal advantage.

Win: Arsenal, Wigan
Draw-no-bet: Man City, Everton
+1 Goal: Southampton

EPL preview

Here's hoping this weekd-end's selections turn out to be as good as last week's.

Everton v/s Reading. While the title is already decided, the fight to avoid relegation is very much up for grabs. Reading is one of the favourites to go down and my belief at the moment is that they will indeed drop. They have found it hard to find consistent good form all season and unless they can come up with a string of good results, I fear they don't have what it takes to stay in the Premier League. They can score boat loads of goals on their best day, but they can equally concede in multiples. This is a must-three points for Everton if they are to fight for a Top 6 finish. The good news for the Toffees is the return of Fellaini; without him, they lack that sparkle up front. Everton is a Win recommendation.

Man Utd v/s Norwich. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that the Red Devils will not be at full strength against the Canaries. Most of their thoughts will be on the upcoming UCL match against Real Madrid next Tuesday. Ferguson will be keen not to suffer any stupid, last-minute injuries against the visitors, given that the league is already in the pocket. I don't expect a vintage Utd display and while they might have to work for it, it's hard not to see Man Utd win at the end. It might be best to avoid this game altogether, but if you need a go at it, a win on the Mancunians is the selection.

Stoke v/s West Ham. The hosts will be missing defensive lynchpin Robert Huth due to suspension and this might play to the advantage of Andy Carroll for the visitors.Although the Potters have been disappointing of late, they are still a good force to be reckoned with at home. Stoke are a draw-no-bet selection.

Sunderland v/s Fulham. It seems that Sunderland are a team that need to be re-built as Martin O'Neill does not seem to be able to improve them any further. I believe they will end up in the middle of the table. Fulham also will have major questions to answer after a disappointing season, their only highlight having been their recruit ace Berbatov. Home advantage speaks here and Sunderland are the value draw-no-bet of the week-end.

Tottenham v/s Arsenal. Who's the best 3rd player in the world after Messi and Ronaldo? Many will say Iniesta or Neymar. I say Gareth Bale. As he showed against West Ham earlier this week, he can win a match on his own. His current form is spectacular and he's only going to get better. If he leaves Spurs for better skies, Tottenham will certainly a much weaker team. If they cannot control the Welsh wizard, Arsenal look set to have a long afternoon in front of them. As in previous editions, this match looks destined to have many goals. Both sides have potent attacks and quite generous defences. I will side with the home team as a draw-no-bet here.


Win: Everton, Man Utd
Draw-no-bet: Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham

Red Devils to win the title

Three of the four Tuesday's games turned out draws, hope it turned into a nice payout for those that fancied it as well. Villa lost at home, which turned out to be a wrong selection.

I believe it is worth starting to take a position on Man Utd to win the league this year. I just cannot see them blowing it away again this year. Their main rivals for the title will again be Man City and the Citizens don't look to have the hunger to keep the trophy this year. Yesterday's goalless draw at QPR was good enough proof that this is a team that, although still formidable, is not incisive or sharp enough to win important games when they matter. Something is broken in this team; Silva cannot do everything on his own, they are missing Yaya Toure to run the midfield; Aguero and Tevez are shadows of their old selves. The team is simply not clicking and I don't think that booting away Ballotelli to Milan will cure their problems.

I still believe that Man Utd are a step behind their past teams of the treble year or of the Christiano Ronaldo years. But they are good enough to last all the way to the title. Their manager will guide them to it through sheer will. Sure, their defence is dismal but their attack is so good that they can outscore Premier League opponents at will. Last but not least, they already have a 4-point cushion with tonight's game in hand; given that they are best during the second half of the season, there's every reason to believe this gap will increase.

I firmly believe that Man Utd will win the league this year, so it's a case of accumulating position week-in, week-out, even when they lose points. They inevitably will drop points along the way, just like the rest, but the value lies in keeping the confidence and getting in as their odds go up after such off-days and nights.

For tonight's games, I like Arsenal at home to Liverpool. I think Arsenal will get better as the season goes along and they should have too much class for the Kops. Arsenal is a draw-no-bet selection.

I see Tottenham as good value as draw-no-bet at Norwich. The Canaries are struggling at the moment and Spurs will be welcoming the return of talismanic striker Defoe. Villa-Boas has surprised me with some good results since the start of the season and I expect them to win or draw at Norwich.


Draw-no-bet: Arsenal, Tottenham

Week-end football

For this week-end's fixtures, I do not anticipate as many drawn matches as last week although there is no doubt that there are some favoured teams that will be made to work to get the full points. Here are some selections.

Liverpool v/s Norwich. The Reds got themselves a good striker in Sturridge from Chelsea. He can be lethal when full of confidence and he will have gotten some of that after scoring on his debut at Old Trafford. Norwich are a well-organized team that plays good counter-attacking football. If the score is still level late on, they might see themselves snatching a winning goal to steal the points. They have lost 4 of their last 5 league games, so it seems stretching to see the Canaries winning this all out. I would go for Liverpool as a draw-no-bet.

Man City v/s Fulham. Straight win for the hosts here. They should win this with their B team. They have lost the Toure brothers to the African Nations Cup but this should not matter against Fulham. Man City is a win selection.

Newcastle v/s Reading. I will give the Magpies home advantage here. They are on a poor run but have shown signs of regaining some form and confidence lately. There is no doubt that they are weaker force without Demba Ba, but his departure will give the likes of Cisse and Amoebi to shine. Reading are very vulnerable on the road and it's thus hard to warm to their chances. Newcastle is a draw-no-bet.

Swansea v/s Stoke. It is hard to find someone with a more nightmarish games than Stoke's Walters last week. Two own goals and one penalty miss against Chelsea that led to a 0-4 drubbing at home. It must be said that Tony Pulis' team is showing a very patchy form in the past few games. Swansea will rely on the exploits of Michu to do the damage again. The Spaniard is the find of the season and will be keen to add to this impressive goal tally against the stumbling visitors. This could go either way and I believe it will be decided by a goal, so I'll sit on the fence on this one.

West Brom v/s Villa. Got to go with the home team here even though I have been wrong on my last 2 selections regarding them. I side with them here because they are facing a Villa team in crisis. The Villains have the most terrible record of the past 6 weeks, leaking goals in abundance. West Brom are not in the best of shapes either having lost their last 3 league games. This is a great chance for them to start a winning sequence and they are a draw-no-bet selection.

In Spain, I like Malaga and Atletico Madrid as Wins at home to Celta Vigo and Levante respectively.

In Germany, Bayern Munich should easily win its home game against Greuther.

In Italy, AC Milan looks a safe draw-no-bet against Bologna.


Win: Man City, Malaga, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich
Draw-no-bet: Liverpool, Newcastle, West Brom, AC Milan