Weekend Tips

This week, we have a full football fixture list, including the final day of the Championship and Horse-Racing from Sandown, Market Rasen, Rippon and Punchestown as well as Rugby League Challenge Cup action. So there are plenty of chances for money to be made. Last week was not a bad weekend despite the horse-racing failures, the football bets made the money. My bet of the day, QPR to beat Tottenham came in @3/1 hope you had that as well as my prediction of an Arsenal/Chelsea draw @16/5 and Ched Evan-less Sheffield United's defeat to the MK Dons.

Football:

This week's bet of the day is not a big price nor an outsider however I can not see any other result.

Villa looks doomed. More misery
predicted for Mcleish today

It is the derby game involving Roy Hodgson's West Brom and Alex Mcleish's (left) Aston Villa. West Brom are 11/10 (Skybet) for the win and both a Aston Villa win and draw is @12/5 (SkyBet). West Brom are a good side and awkward away from home. They won last week away at Anfield and confidence will be high. They are literally the complete opposite of Aston Villa. Villa are devoid of ideas and quality. Villa's defeat in mid-week showed just how poor Villa really are. It may be said that West Brom 'have nothing to play for' however they have in this one. A derby for a start and also the chance to send local rivals towards the Championship. That is insidentically exactly where Aston Villa are heading. I said it weeks ago take the 12/1 Villa to go down, now it is down to 5/1 (SkyBet) however this still presents a great bet. After today they will be nearer 7/2 as their slide continued. To me Alex Mcleish looks a beaten man  whose time at Villa Park is coming to an end. I do believe he will be sacked whether they stay up or not. For me they will not pick up a single point from now to the end of the season.

Another defeat looking likely at Carrow Road
for Dalglish

The larger bet in the Premier League is that of a home win for Paul Lambert's Norwich against Liverpool. Norwich @11/4 represent a great price. Liverpool are still playing poorly and will be focusing on the FA Cup final. Carrow Road is a very tricky away day, and I do not think Liverpool will be up for the fight. Kenny Dalglish's (right) Liverpool also still have a problem with scoring and despite Norwich's leaking defence can not see them winning this one. Liverpool are 10/11 (SkyBet) and the draw it 13/5 (SkyBet) My fun bet prediction Grant Holt to score first - Norwich win 3-1 @125/1 (SkyBet)

Elsewhere in the Premier League both Newcastle and Arsenal have tricky trips to the DW and Britannia respectively in the race for top four. I would not be surprised if both slipped up here. The bookies agree with Wigan at 13/8 (SkyBet) for the win however Stoke are a larger 16/5 (SkyBet) in what is in truth a great bet. Arsenal always struggle at the Britannia so maybe worth a few quid. Newcastle to make it seven wins on the spin is @6/4 (SkyBet) and Arsenal to return to winning ways is a very short 5/6 (SkyBet).

Now leaving the Premier League, it is the final day of the Championship and who will go up with Reading is the main question. West Ham need to win and I think will @2/5 (SkyBet) at home to Hull and need Southampton lose at home to all ready relegated Coventry City. This is very unlikely and Southampton are @ 1/4 (SkyBet) to win. If it is a draw West Ham need to win by 3 goals or more to go up, so it will be a tense afternoon no doubt.  For the shock Coventry win the odds are a huge 10/1 (SkyBet). I will be leaving this one alone.

Bet of the day: West Brom to beat Aston Villa @11/10 (SkyBet)

                          Norwich to beat Liverpool @11/4 (SkyBet)

Also get on Villa to go down at 5/1 (SkyBet)

Horse Racing:

At Sandown in the 1.30 Songsmith @16/1 (SkyBet) presents an each-way punt. Elsewhere at Sandown I will just be watching especially the 3.45 to see how Twice Over, Sri Putra, Poet and Columbian perform. At Market Rasen there are plenty of small fields so good chance for winners her. Bet of the meeting is Ballyoliver in the 2.10 at 7/2 @(SkyBet). Other then these two I am leaving the Horses alone, as feel better value bets today can be found in the Football and Rugby League.

Rugby League:

Kear senses a shcok

Challenge Cup weekend and last night Featherstone Rovers put on a magnificent performance n their defeat to the mighty Wigan Warriors 32-16. However my bet of this round is that of a lower division side causing a shock. Legendary coach and Challenge Cup upset king John Kear's (left) Batley Bulldogs take on Super League side the London Broncos tomorrow. Now in theory they should not have a chance however at 8/1 (SkyBet) they are a good price. The Broncos' are near the bottom of Super League and have not being playing well, especially away from home. Batley will be incredibly fired up for this one and think it will be a great game. The Broncos' Super League class should tell, as well as superior fitness but I have a feeling that this one could be a shock.

Hopefully I have predicted some winners here. Good luck with any bets you have this week. 

Who is going down from the Premier League?

Which fans will face the heart-ache
 of relegation this year?

As we now approach the final few weeks of the Premier League season, the very real possibility of relegation is starting to loom that ever closer for teams at the lower end of the division. Wolverhampton Wanders 2-0 defeat at the hands Manchester City on Sunday sealed their fate as they became the first side to be officially relegated and end a three year period in the top flight. This however was no surprise as had been on the cards for weeks. Terry Connor had no chance, the Wolves board including Chief Executive Jez Moxley and Chairman Steve Morgan must take some blame due to their sacking of Mick McCarthy and the handling of finding a replacement. As I said in my article at the time, I thought they were down upon that sacking. Their hopes before it were slim, however Mick McCarthy is a fighter and a leader so with him they had a chance, without him relegation was inevitable. Anyway this still leaves two unfilled places in the relegation zone. There are 5 candidates for two places but who will it be? 

Bolton Wanderers P33 W9 D3 L21 GD -29 PTS 30 

Firstly the team who currently lie second from bottom in the Premier League, Bolton Wanderers. The key for Owen Coyle's men is the 33 games played. All of the teams around them have played 34/35. One of these games in hand is tonight as they take on Aston Villa, another one of the candidates to go down. This is a massive game and one which I can see Bolton winning. This is my mid-week bet, Bolton to win. Bolton have had a very tough year, losing the American attacking midfielder player Stuart Holden, a player I rate, and speedy South Korean winger Lee Chung-Yong for the whole season was a major blow. Obviously of late they have also had the terrible incident involving Fabrice Muamba, who is now thankfully ok. However for me they are struggled because key players have not been replaced. 

Elmander's absence has been greatly missed

The key to any survival hope is that of goals. Last season Bolton had Daniel Sturridge and Roderigo on loan from Chelsea and Benfica respectively as well as Johan Elmander (right). Of these three Sturridge (8 goals in 12 games) and Elmander (10 goals) were key. Sturridge only came in january although helps Wanderers to a top half finish. In the summer Sturridge returned to Chelsea and Elmander left for Galatasaray. Neither have been replaced properly. It has shown this season. On saturday I saw them play Swansea in which they were very lucky to get a point. However having said this I still expect Bolton to survive. The game tonight is a must win, no doubt. The other game in hand on Tottenham, is also winnable given their recent form. In the other games Sunderland have nothing to play for and have been playing of late as if they are already on holiday, so chance.  West Brom and Stoke again, points are there to be won. The key to this is that Bolton must attack each game. I have yet to see a real hunger and desire in a Wanderers perform of late. Players such as Chris Eagles, Martin Petrov, Mark Davies and Kevin Davies will be the key, they must raise their game and perform. Although I see Ivan Klasnic as the man to fire Bolton to survival. I expect an all out onslaught against Villa, who have been so poor of late and lack goal-scorers or any class. A win here will I think be the springboard to survival. 

Bolton Wanders run in: Aston Villa (A), Sunderland (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H), West Brom (H) and Stoke City (A)

Points Prediction: 40

SkyBet odds: 5/4 to stay up --- 4/7 to go down

Blackburn Rovers P35 W8 D7 L20 GD-27 PTS 31

You may try Steve, but Blackburn
are without a pray

Secondly we have Blackburn Rovers. I have a lot of respect for manager Steve Kean (left). All year he has put up with non-stop, 'Kean out' chanting and banners. Yet the man has remains dignified and calm. I do think he has made some errors this season no doubt however he has not had much to work with and the constant depression around Edwood Park has not made this any easier. For me Blackburn are down. The key games for me were against Bolton when they needed to win and were on a good run, and the game against Liverpool. If anything the comical game against Liverpool stuck out for me. Liverpool have been poor and were there for the taking. Even after a dire start in which they found themselves 2-0 down they were handed a glorious oppotunity. Red card for Doni and a penalty. Yakubu missed from the spot and despite a spirited comeback they lost 3-2. Now I can not doubt nor knock the passion, energy and effort of the Rovers players that night, however the lack of quality was galling. In the second half Blackburn barely created a chance in open play and this was against 10 men. For me this lack of quality really showed why Blackburn are where they are, and to be honest they deserve to be there. The only hope for Rovers is that of Junior Holliett and Yakubu. These two are the key to their success having both scored in the weekends 2-0 win over Norwich. Although when you look at the games to go, two away trips to Tottenham and Chelsea, I can not see them getting anything here. The home game to Wigan is winnable and think that they might win this one, although it will not be enough to see them survive. 

Blackburn Rovers run in: Tottenham Hotspur (A), Wigan Athletic (H), Chelsea (A)

Points Prediction: 34

SkyBet odds: 11/4 to stay up --- 1/4 to go down

Wigan Athletic P35 W8 D10 L17 GD-26 PTS 34

Martinez quietly confidence of survival 

Thirdly Wigan, the team with the experience of the relegation dogfight. They are my favourite of the five to stay up. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan deserved some credit for having faith in manager Roberto Martinez (left) even when they went 9 games without a win earlier in the year. Despite last weeks defeat to Fulham they have shown that they have enough to survive. High flying Newcastle United travel to the DW this weekend and that will be a very tough one for them I think, even though Newcastle are the form side. I have been very impressed by Wigan of late with wins over Manchester United and Arsenal. The performance against Arsenal was particular terrific being away from home. The way Wigan are playing is unlike any of the others at the bottom. They seem to have a confidence when they play. It is almost as if they are so confident of staying up. They also have players who can hurt the opposition. In Victor Moses they have a player with real skill and speed. Also if they can manage to get Hugo Rodellega fit, he also presents a threat and without doubt and game-changer. For me they are one win from safety and the final day game against Wolves will provide that win. 

Wigan Athelthic's run in: Newcastle United (H), Blackburn Rovers (A) and Wolves (H)

Points Prediction: 37

SkyBet odds: 1/7 to stay up --- 4-1 to go down

Queens Park Rangers P35 W9 D7 L19 GD -18 PTS 34

Taarabt key to survival

The key to QPR's hopes of survival is that of their home form. Mark Hughes' men have picked up most of their points at Loftus Road. Recent home victories over Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham mean that for me they are like Wigan in the respect that they are one win away from safety. This win will have to come in their final home game against Stoke. The two away games they have left I can not see them getting anything from either of them. Away at Chelsea, it is a local derby but Chelsea will be too strong and Manchester City, well it depends if the title is on the line, but even if it is over I can not see Manchester City not winning this one. Also in players such as Adel Taarabt (right), Jamie Mackie and the returning Djibril Cisse are all match-winners. QPR will be hoping that Adel Taarabt is back from suspension for the Stoke game after his silly red card against Tottenham.  

Queens Park Rangers run in: Chelsea (A), Stoke (H) and Manchester City (A)

Points Prediction : 37

SkyBet odds: 4/9 to stay up-- 13/8 to go down

Aston Villa: P34 W7 D15 L12 GD -13 PTS 36

Who's a worried boy then?

Finally poor Aston Villa. I have said for weeks that I thought Aston Villa were the outsider to go down. I said a few weeks back that 12/1 was a stunning price. One which I took. Villa have been dire of late, in fact for me they have been poor all season. You look at the Villa team and there is nothing there. In goal they have the great Shay Given, however he is past his best of 5 years ago when he was at Newcastle. Elsewhere all they have is Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor.  With Darren Bent being injured they are toothless. Manager Alex Mcleish (left) is looking a very worried man, and it is easy to see why. Aston Villa are for me one win away from safety however, unlike QPR and Wigan I can not see them getting it. The game tonight is for me their last chance. They are at home to Bolton Wanderers, and this is the only game for me they even have a chance of getting anything. Away at rivals West Brom they have no chance. A derby and West Brom will enjoy beating them and sending them towards relegation. Tottenham's can not keep under performing and not getting the luck. Villa will get nothing here and the final day away at Norwich is very tough. The main reason I do not think they will win this one is goals. Norwich score goals and will against Villa no doubt, although the maximum Villa will score in 1. If Villa do indeed go down, surely Mcleish must be the first ever manager to take two different teams down from the Premier League in consecutive seasons. 

Aston Villa's run in: Bolton Wanderers (H), West Brom (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H) and Norwich (A)

Points Prediction: 36

SkyBet: 10/1 to go down --- SkyBet website currently does not offer a price. (Will do after tonights defeat).

My view is that the two to join Wolves with be Blackburn and Aston Villa (tonight game key to Villa, as a win will probably see them safe). But what do you think? Comments welcome.

Although past experiences tell me that anything is possible in the Premier League and that is why it is the best league in the world.  

Weekend Tips

So last week was going to plan until Mr Distin decided on that woeful back pass. I was very disappointed by Everton's defeat and the way that they played. Elsewhere Manchester City made light work of Norwich which I thought would be much tougher. Anyway on the horse-racing front the National was a great race, however as I mentioned last week I was worried about possible deaths. Unfortunately this happened and was the lead story rather then the winner, as I had hoped against last week. Feel for both owners of Synchronised and According to Pete. I did not have the winner as per usual. I thought a big priced one would win and my tip of Black Apalachi was the wrong 33-1 shot to be on as Neptune Collonges came in at 33-1. Well done if any of you had that.

However my bet of the day of the horses a certain Oscar Whisky did win and so money won there, which was a plus. This one for me was never in doubt and his class shined through.

This week plenty of chances for wins. Full English football list plus an El Classico and racing from Ayr, with the Scottish National, and Newbury.

Football:

3 points for Hughes

With strange results in recent weeks, this week one game does stick out. It is that of the late kick off between Mark Hughes' (left) relegation threatened QPR and Harry Redknapp's unlucky Tottenham. QPR are fighting for their Premier League survival and their home form has been very good of late. However for Tottenham, it seems anything is going against them. So factor in this also being a London derby I expect a good match. It could be argued that Tottenham's luck must turn at sometime but I do not see that being today. On paper it is a no-brainer and a Tottenham win @10/11 (SkyBet) although QPR @3/1 (SkyBet) is a great price. When considering the form of the two sides and the fact that QPR are at home this is a great bet. Even if this does not come off, at these odds it is worth it.

The early kick-off between Arsenal and Chelsea is a huge game for both sides. A win for Arsenal and for me the chances of them finishing 3rd increases dramatically. They are already in prime-position and would be staggering if they lost it. However the Premier League this season has be like that. After Chelsea's performances in the last week I would say they are favourites. Although just how focus will they be, will they be looking at the Barcelona game. But being professional you would not think so. Roberto Di Matteo's team selection will be interesting. Also the Chelsea team has a number of 30+ and so 3 very tough games in a week may be asking to much. The bookies maybe considering all this have Arsenal @5/6 (SkyBet) which for me is too short. Chelsea are @3/1 (SkyBet) which is a great bet and the draw is @ 11/4 (SkyBet). I would be tempting by the Chelsea win but the draw seems most likely to me. Also Didier Drogba @6/4 to score at any time in the form he is in is a great bet that is if he played. Arsenal will be praying for Torres to start no doubt.

Elsewhere in the Premier League there are some really tough games to call. As a result I would not touch any of them. A bet in the lower leagues in MK Dons to beat Sheffield United. Firstly because they are at home, but more importantly yesterday the Blades top scorer Ched Evans was jailed for 5 years for rape. As a result how will the team react and who will score? So MK Dons at 11/8 are a good punt.

Finally tonight, the El Classico. Both sides were beaten in mid-week in the Champions League semi-final first leg. This one should be very interesting. This could be a rehearsal of the Champions League Final. This is a crucial match for the league title also with Barcelona 4 points behind Madrid. However at the Nou Camp, Madrid have it all to do and @4/1(SkyBet) it is not a bad bet, but they are up against it majorly. Barcelona are @8/13 (SkyBet) and draw is 16/5 (SkyBet). My bet would be to go with Barcelona in this one.

Bet of the day: QPR to beat Tottenham @3/1 (SkyBet)

Goals bet: Chesterfield/Rochdale, Exeter/Walsall, Peterborough/Watford and Coventry/Doncaster
@6-1 (SkyBet)

Horse Racing:
Firstly at Newbury. In the 2.00 a horse I backed a few weeks back and he won with ease. Artic Cosmos runs again today, against better company but still should have the edge. At 6/4 (SkyBet) he is short but worthy. A terrific horse who will be appearing in many major flat races this year no doubt. Elsewhere it is a watching day at Newbury, with no one really sticking out for me. Interested to see Daring Indian in the last but would not back it.

At Ayr in the 2.50 Nicky Henderson trained and ridden by Barry Geraghty Petit Robin @8/1 (SkyBet) is a magnificent price. A good horse in competitive company. In the Scottish National I think to win AP McCoy mount Galaxy Rock @12-1 (SkyBet) has a great shout and each-way I would be on Our Island @28-1 (SkyBet) ridden by Dougie Costello and trained by Ian Vaughan.

Win Bet of the day: 2.00 @Newbury Artic Cosmos @6/4 (SkyBet)

Each-way bet: Petit Robin @8/1 (SkyBet)

Good luck with all your bets this week.

Drogba continues to role back the years as he fires Chelsea to first leg lead

Magnificent. Last night Chelsea produced one of their best ever Champions League performances just when they needed it.

Chelsea have plenty of recent history with Barcelona in this competition and after the injustice back in 2009 this one was always going to be a extra tense affair. There really is no love lost between these two.

Drogba fires home 

Didier Drogba's 45th minute strike (left) was enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Barcelona dominated with nearly 80% procession in the game although just could not find a way through the stubborn Chelsea defence. However at times, as you need to in these sort of games, Chelsea had the luck.

In the first half Cesc Fabregas had two wonderful chances to put Barcelona ahead. Firstly after an Andres Iniesta shot could only be parried by Petr Cech, Fabregas from all of 8 yards sliced his effort wide with the goal at his mercy. Fabregas was then sent clean through one-on-one with Cech, he chipped past Cech however it was the terrific Ashley Cole, who got back to make a sublime goal line clearance. Fabregas also had another shot well saved by Cech, and you started to feel it was not going to be his night. Also in the first half Andres Iniesta put Alexis Sanchez clear with a wonderful chip over the top of the Chelsea defence. Sanchez also lobbed the on rushing Cech only to see his effort hit the bar.

However then in the the 45th minute Lionel Messi lost the ball to Frank Lampard just inside the Chelsea half. Lampard then provided a stunning reverse pass to set Ramires clear. Ramires then cut it back to Drogba who left-foot finish found the net. For me Victor Valdes should take some blame for his effort to save it. If he has lead with his hands and not with his feet I am sure he would have stopped it.

Guardiola left ruing missed opportunities

Into the second half and the pressure once again continued from Barcelona. Chelsea were throwing themselves in front of Barcelona shots, with Gary Cahill makes two crucial blocks. Then as time seemed to be running out Barcelona had possibly their best chance of the game. In the 90th minute Pedro shot hit the post and Sergio Busquets following in from all of 8 yards blazed his effort high over the bar. Pep Guardiola (left) cut the look of a frustrating man as the final whistle blow.

Last night performance from Chelsea was remarkable. The winning performance on Sunday over Tottenham was one of a Chelsea team of a few years ago. The big guns of Frank Lampard, Ashely Cole and John Terry and for me the most important influence of Didier Drogba all performed. This was also the case last night. It was almost like watching Chelsea under Jose Mourinho for me. Disciplined, dogged and resilient. Also a feature of his Inter Milan side who knocked Barcelona out 2 years ago at this stage. A further point is even though Mourinho has been gone nearly 5 years, 6 of his signing were in the 16 as well as the like of Terry and Lampard who were key to his team. They always say the team's spine is key to success and look at Chelsea and it's spine of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba. All key components of Mourinho's Chelsea.

I have slated Chelsea at times this season, and deserved so, however last night performance deserves nothing but praise and admiration. To beat Barcelona is an incredible feat and one that should be acknowledged. Against a team that has the best player in the world in Messi, who Chelsea managed to keep reasonably quiet, and contains some of the greatest midfield men in the world Chelsea stepped up and performed. Yes, they are still up against it and face another enormous and greater challenge in the return leg next week but they showed last night why the fans will have hope. They have given themselves a fighting chance. Not conceding an away goal was another major bonus. For me I see more Chelsea as having a better chance then Arsenal did in the previous two years when they travel to the Nou Camp. This is partly due to the way they will play. I wrote at the time that Arsenal needed to play ugly to win however did not and got hammered with Arsene Wenger's pure football. Chelsea will make it tough and anything could happen.

Ash 'King' Cole.
without doubt Man of the Match

Roberto Di Matteo does also deserve plaudits with his tactics and team selection. Although I am not sure he is the one picking them. The players are playing as we know they can and not the producing the woeful performances they put in under Andre Villas Boas. They are playing with pride, hunger and passion. A team-performance it was and all those who played deserve great credit. The likes of John Obi Mikel played the best I have ever seen and Gary Cahill proved his International class however two players really stood up for me.

Ashley Cole (right) for me had the best game he has had for 2 years. Last night I saw just why he has been quoted as the best left back in the world. His all round performance was terrific. He was up and down the left hand side all night. His clearance of the line, his energy and professionalism impressed me. Ashley Cole has had his off the field problems and is one who regularly moans at the referee. However last night I did not see this side of Cole. His performance was one of maturity and drive. It was great to see, as it shows just how good he can be when 100% focused. It was performances like this one as to why Chelsea brought him back in 2006. For me he was without doubt man of the match.

The second was that of Didier Drogba. This a man written off by many, including myself as past his best and to be soon moving on. I still believe he is past his best although in the last two matches his has produced performances of near his best. His hold-up play and all round game has stood out. Yes, he has received plenty of criticism for his 'antics' and the amount of time he spent on the floor but the job he did for his team was what was needed. Also after his superb finish at the weekend, he seemed to be back in the hunt for goals and this is why he had to be picked over Fernando Torres. In a game such as this, playing the counter-attacking way, you are only going to get max 3 chances if that and you need a man who is going to finish them. Torres at the moment is not that man. Torres' lack of confidence in his own ability is clear for all to see. He reminds me of Andrey Shevchenko back in 2006/2007 season. A great player but just did not fit it. Torres is the same, again brought in for a large sum and at the want of the owner rather then manager. He does not look to me as 'part of the gang' if you will. He looks an outsider.  I personally think Torres will leave in the summer and think he should. If he did move club I can see him returning to form and getting the goals once again. But for me, it will never work out at Chelsea for Fernando Torres.

It will be interesting to see which team Terry selects next week for the return fixture as Chelsea attempt to get a result in the Nou Camp. If Chelsea can grab a goal it will make it interesting. For me they will need to score to have a chance.

In this kind of form, Chelsea have a great chance to go through to the final. It also helps them as they try to achieve top-four in the Premier League. This weekend against Arsenal is massive. Can the Chelsea old guard many in their 30's produce over four games, at the intensity these have been played in. In the first two they have gained an FA Cup Final and Champions League hope, producing the the next two could give them top-four finishing hope and a Champions League final. Chelsea have it all to play for.

'Ghost goal' just confirms the need for technology

Is it over? Martin Atkinson thinks so...

Another weekend and another poor refereeing decision. In recent weeks we have witness the Clint Hill goal that was not given, Shaun Derry ridiculous red card, Ashley Young diving for two penalties and Chelsea beating Wigan with two offside goals. It seems to be getting worse every week and yesterdays decision by referee Martin Atkinson in the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Tottenham was a joke. How he gave the goal I will never know. I know that he did not make the mistake on purpose and that he genuinely thought the ball had crossed the line, but that is no help to Tottenham's players or fans.

To an extent I do not actually blame referees. They are under enormous pressure and they get an awful lot of abuse. However I would say that they are paid very very well and some decisions are just awful. It has baffled me for years why the referees themselves have not been advocating technology. It would make their job much easier and it can help them with tough decision they are not sure about. If I were a referee I would want it.

The referees have spilt seconds to make a decision and with the pace of the game this makes it very hard.  Another reason is the players. Unfortunately the players cheat and lie and so the referees have to contend with this also. As seen with Ashley Young is the last two weeks. But he is not alone, there are plenty of other culprits. This for me is another reason for technology. Also as a side point why the FA do not reprimand these cheats defeats me. The saying is cheats never prosper however watching football you would not think so. It is the cheats who prosper, win the penalties etc. The classic example being Maradonna in Mexico 1986 with the 'hand of god'. As a child you are taught about fairness and honesty both of which are completely lost on football.

Henry cheating France to 2010 World Cup

I have been a long time advocate of technology in football. My first post on this blog back in 2010 was on the issue. That time it was in light of Thierry Henry's hand-ball (right) against Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers. Here we are two years on and still there is no technology in football. It is an utter disgrace. Football, the biggest and most popular game world-wide. A game watched by millions, played by millions and worth millions and yet it somehow will not embrace technology. The arrogance of FIFA to have said no for so long is disgusting. The likes of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are so anti-tecnology they are allowing the game to become laughable. All other sports use it, Rugby League was one of the first and as a great fan of League it was a great move. No Rugby League fan will disagree. The technology does work and should be used. The arguments of slowing the game down are totally ludicrous. As a fan I would rather it took 30 seconds to get the right decision then an instant wrong one. With video technology there is no argument. No players can surround refs and also the pressure is off as they can refer it to the official in the stands with the cameras. It is so obvious. I am so amazed but glad that we have not seen crowd violence due to these sort of decisions. In the modern day these decisions are worth millions of pounds and there is no reason why they should not use the technology. The fact that a man such as Sepp Batter, with his views on the game in the 21st century are laughable. His response to claims of racism in the game proved that.

My view of technology is that it should be used, for any controversial goals and all penalties (due to the cheating players). This view is debatable and I understand and accept the view against this. However the most basic form of it is goal-line technology. For me this is non-neogoiable. It is a must and should have been introduced years ago. I am sure in this years Euro's there is will another decision like this one and it will probably be wrong again, as England found in the 2010 World Cup. This is not a new problem and that is another reason why it is so frustrating.

'Arry got that sinking feeling
on the 100th anniversary of the titanic

People will still say well Chelsea were already winning however that goal had a major impact on the game. A crucial goal at a crucial time. I am not a great fan of Tottenham however even I felt sorry for them as not just Tottenham but Football who is the loser. Harry Redknapp must feel all is against him at the moment as Tottenham's season seems to be disintegrating. There is no doubt all the luck is going against Tottenham at the moment however with five games to go things can change quickly in the Premier League. 

Football needs to make changes if it is gather respect again. The first thing is Goal-line technology, it is a must. Second we need a clamp down on cheating by either diving/feigning injury (both achieved by technology). It is embarrassing when you see grown men acting like they do. Start fining/banning them, only then will things start to change. 

Weekend Tips

This weekend their is two terrific sporting events. In football we have the FA Cup semi-finals as well as a full selection of football league fixtures and in Horse Racing it is Grand National day.  

Football:

Tipping Moyes to be
smiling come full-time today

Liverpool have been on very poor form and should have lost on Tuesday had it not been for Blackburn's ineptitude. Manager Kenny Dalglish is under pressure in this one. It is an FA Cup semi against the local rivals. The departure of Damien Camolli in midweek was a sign of the owners thoughts on the season. Dalglish also received the dreaded 'job is safe' quote which usually means he will be sacked in 6 weeks. If Dalglish is beaten in this one and failed to improve on his current 8th place in the Premier League then questions will be asked and surely Dalglish will not be able to say 'it's been a successful season'.  Despite the seriousness of this game I still think that Everton will win. Everton are on fantastic form and playing very well. Jelavic who I did not rate has started his Everton career magnificently and as a team they seem to be getting better each week. As a result it seems to me an Everton win is logical and @2/1 a fantastic price. Liverpool with Brad Jones in goal, who looked very shaky on Tuesday night and their poor form provide me with no feeling that they will win this one. I would not be surprised if this is a thumping 3-0 Everton win. David Moyes' (above) Everton deserve to win something, Moyes has done terrific with no real investment for years. My only doubt is that of extra-time although 2/1 is worth the gamble for me. Without doubt Everton players and fans are looking forward to this one with confidence whereas with Liverpool's fans and players is it more of dread.  

The other Semi-Final on Sunday is very hard to call, as both sides look towards top four and Chelsea have Barcelona in mid-week. They will say they are no looking at that one but they will be no doubt. I would not be surprised if this one went al the way to penalties. The bookies go 8/5 Spurs, 15/8 chelsea and 23/10 the draw after 90 minutes. Either side to win on penalties in 12/1. 

In the Premier League expect Manchester City to have a tough day at Carrow road where 6/1 Norwich are not a bad price considering City's away form. In the Championship expect wins for Birmingham and Cardiff as well as plenty of goals elsewhere. 

Bet of the day : Everton to beat Liverpool @2/1 (SkyBet)

Long Shot: Three draws: West Ham/Brighton, Preston/Huddersfield and Crystal Palace/Ipswich @40/1 (SkyBet)

Win Multiple: Cardiff, Birmingham, Sheffield United, Swindon, Crawley, Northampton and Manchester United (Sunday) @11/1 (SkyBet).  

Horse Racing:

Grand National day is here and quite frankly anything could happen. Synchronised ridden by the masterful AP McCoy is the favourite and does hold a good chance. The key to the national is luck as many fall, bring others down etc. The terrifically named Shakalakaboomboom is the second favourite after thousand on people backed him this week. It is believed to be the pick of those going on name, hence the money. West End Rocker presents a threat also and last years winner Ballybriggs at 12-1 looks a grear shout. 

I will be looking to see how both female jockeys get on today as there has never been a female jockey winner. So good luck to Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh who ride Organisedconfusion and Seabass respectivly.  

One of the keys to the national is that of a horse who knows the course. For this reason I am going with 33/1 chance Black Apalachi. As he has done the course before he is a good price and great place money. 

Outsider place claim: Postmaster under the ride of Dougie Costello @100/1, what a winner that would be. 

You can make a claim out for any of the horses, it is always a terrific race in which anything can happen. I hope it is not spoilt by any protestors like the boat race. I also hope all the horses survive and people are talking about the winner and not deaths. 

It looks very tough to find a Winner at Aintree today however one stand out for me is that of Oscar Whisky in the 3.40 @5/2. The Nicky Henderson stable is in great form and this for me is another winner.  Paul Nicholls Rock on Ruby also 5/2 is the main threat but Oscar Whisky and Barry Geraghty. 

Win bet : Aintree 3.40 - Oscar Whisky 5/2

Good luck to all who are betting today. 

United on the brink as City go down without a fight

Arteta's strike all but end City title hopes

Hopless, Useless, Gutless and Clueless. Four words that sum up Manchester City's 1-0 defeat against Arsenal. Having seen Manchester United win earlier City knew that they had to win. As a result you would expect to see a hunger and fight in City's display. This was their time to really stand up and show their qualities as a title winning side. However in reality as soon as the game began City looked a beaten team. The players looked as if they had conceded the title already. In truth Arsenal could have won the game long before Mikel Arteta's strike 10 minutes from the end. Arsenal dominated and no one could argue with the result. It was just incredible to witness such a lack of gile and will from a team challenging for the title. So much had been written and said about this Manchester City side but yesterday showed a stark reality about the team.

It seems as with some horses when they are in front it's ok however once they are passed the horse will not fight and come back. To me it showed a real lack of backbone from City. It seems they have no ability to dig in a get the result needed. Manchester United have done that on countless occasions, and one of the reasons for it is a team spirit. Manchester United are a team, unlike City who are a group of individuals.

Mancini left with much to ponder

Yesterdays performances of Gareth Barry, James Milner, Jolean Lescott, Samir Nasri and Mario Balotelli were abysmal. More worrying for me is that 3 of those are English and many would say will be in the Euro's. Barry's dreadful pass that gave Arsenal their goal and summed up another miserable display from him in that central role.

 Despite having spent over 200 million to me Roberto Mancini (left) I look at Manchester city and see no team. Until this is rectified they will not win the League. To win the league over a 38 game Premier League season is very tough and only if you are together will you have a chance. Although I must admit City's demise in the last few months has surprised me. I did think at Christmas that it would go to the wire and that meeting between the two on April the 30th be crucial. However with 5 games to go the likelihood of this is slim. Many will say they are second and that is an improvement but for me Mancini has not built the sort of squad that money should. City have over-paid for many players of which they have not delivered the goods, the likes of Edin Dzeko who cost 27 million a fine case in point. The Carlos Tevez affair and Balotelli's continuous off the field antics do nothing for the togetherness of a team. As a result Mancini should take plenty of the blame.

Another sure sign of my point is that if Mancini is sacked, as I think he will be, then a new manager will want to get rid of many of the squad and bring in many new players. Now I know people will say "well all new managers like to do that, put their mark on the team" although I do not think that would happen if Sir Alex Ferguson left United at the end of the season. Having said this if Mancini stays I am sure he will do the same, although I never did and still do not think he is the right man. 

A criticism of Jose Mourinho is that, he only has success because he is with top clubs and has a huge budget. This is true to an extent although the manager still has to build a team and mould them into a way of playing to be successful. This is why Mourinho is superior to Mancini. I am sure that if Mourinho was appointed when Mark Hughes was sacked or before that, Manchester City would have won the title. It may not have been pretty but I am sure they would have won. For me Mancini has no one to blame. He can not complain of lack of funds or support that for sure. He picks the team, he buys the players and he will take the blame. Mario Balotelli is the key here. Mancini signed this man, he knew exactly what he was like and it has cost him. When a man with the statue of Jose Mourinho refers to a player as 'unmanageable' it is obvious that the player is a trouble maker. He is not popular amount the City players it is clear. At half time yesterday Balotelli was down injured with the physio yet every Manchester City player walked straight past, not a word. Also the reaction of Joe Hart to his sending off, said it all.

I doubt Manchester United can believe how easy it has been, as City have collasped. Yes, United have put the pressure on and gone on that traditional United of winning game after game from March onwards. They have played well and been inspired but the likes of Giggs and the returned Paul Scholes. But for City the disappearance of David Silva, so masterful early on in the year is a real problem. As United have got stronger City have got weaker and weaker.

For me this season in the Premier League has been incredibly exciting and it is not finished yet. Although it must be the poorest in terms of quality Premier League ever. The English teams ventures into Europe this season prove this fact. United knocked out in the groups and then embarrassed by Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League. I know Chelsea are in the Semi-Finals some how, although the game with Barcelona will really test their new found confidence. This Manchester United team is  the weakest I can remember. This is a team relying on two players of 36+ age. This fact makes it even more galling that City have failed. In truth despite having without doubt the strongest squad of players in the division the reality is that City do not deserve to win the league.

Emotional Watson win US masters

A tearful Watson hugs caddie Ted Scott 

American Bubba Watson has won his first ever Green Jacket after he beat South African Louis Oosthuizen in a play-off to clinch the 76th Masters at Augusta.

After an enthralling final day it was almost fitting that the drama continued as it would be going to a play-off. Both Watson and Oostuizen were tied on 10 under par. Meaning a play-off would start on the 18th. Both men shared par 4's and so a second extra hole would be needed. Both players and the crowd headed to the 10th.

Both men drove into the rough however it was here that Bubba Watson produced a magnificent second shot out of the rough that effectively won him the title. The shot left Watson 8 feet from the pin with two chances for victory following Oostuizen bogey five. As Watson holed the winning putt he headed towards caddie Ted Scott and in a state of sheer delight and relief he let his emotion show as he then embraced his mother and friends. 

Watson a worthy winner after a great display

On receiving the trademark blazer from defending champion Charl Schwartzel Watson (left) remarked:

"This day means so much more than putting on this Green Jacket, in many ways. But it is a special time to do it. It was amazing. The last nine holes, I don't remember anything."

Watson becomes the 14th different winner of the last 14 majors and the eighth in a row who had never won one before. Seven was already a record. It is truly an incredible time for Golf in which no one player is dominating. Since Tiger Woods off the course problems Major have been up for grabs and winners have come from the most unlucky of places. 

Tiger Woods finished a disappointed week on 5 over as did my tip Rory Mcllroy who had a very forgettable day 3&4.  

Ian Poulter had a terrific final day finishing the tournament on 5 under meaning he finished 7th. Other brits Lee Westwood who was up and around the top all week finished on 8 under and shared third with Americans Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar and Sweden's Peter Hanson, the overnight leader. For Westwood it was another chance gone by and he was let down by his putting. Other Brits Justin Rose and Luke Donald finished on four under and 3 over respectively. 

No one can doubt Watson ability over the past four days however as for a musical career, well you decide.....

Weekend Tips

Last week saw a return to fortunes as the bet of the day (Brighton/Middlesborough- draw) was a winner and both horses won (My Boy Bill @7/1 and Arctic cosmos @5/4). We were also unlucky with the Sunderland one. Still it was worth a punt and it was so close to coming off what would have been a great 14/1 winner. Being the Easter weekend there is a bumper list of fixtures in only a few days. There is also racing on C4 from Kempton, Musselburgh and Haydock, Masters Golf and the boat race so plenty of chances to back a winner.

Football:

O'Neill's Sunderland to go marching on

 This weekend one football fixture sticks out for me. Sunderland at home to Tottenham. As a Newcastle fan I do hate that I am constantly tipping Sunderland however under Martin O'Neill they are a real force. They have proven that with homes wins over Liverpool and Manchester City. Their performance last weekend was astonishing and were unlucky not to get the three points. Harry Redknapp's Tottenham will be in for a real battle as they travel to the North-East. The bookies know this as Sunderland price has been slowly getting lower and lower each week. This week they are 12/5 with SkyBet and still well worth that. Tottenham have stuttered as of late but last weekends win over Swansea will do the confidence good. Their run-in is very nice and would say that third place should be theirs. When you compare run-ins they have to be favourites as they face many mid-table teams with nothing really to play for unlike the other top four challengers.

Elsewhere is the Premier League I see wins for Bolton, Chelsea and Liverpool. As a treble this is 7/2 with SkyBet and looks a good one. Bolton battling for Premier League survival against Fulham safe in mid-table and very poor away from home. Chelsea should beat Wigan despite Wigan's form of late as they continue to chase top four. Liverpool have been poor however Aston Villa are looking awful and a outsider to go down, @10/1 (SkyBet) I will having a punt on that. I thought about it weeks ago however with their price still at 10/1 it is a good punt. I see nothing when I look at the team.   

In the Championship win treble for Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and Southampton @3/1. All at home and all in form against sides who are not in Crystal Palace, Bristol City and Portsmouth the latter two who are both heading into League 1. Good old boring Middlesborough have a game against fellow play-off chasing Cardiff both sides will not want to lose and as with the Brighton game last week a draw here is looking most likely and @23/10 (SkyBet) it is another nice price.

Mancini looks a worried figure

On Sunday two big Premier League games. The first, Manchester United vs QPR seems to me straightforward. Anything other then a United win will be a real surprise and they deserve their 1/6 (SkyBet) odds. The second game is the big one between Arsenal and Manchester City. Both sides really need the win. Also by the time this one is played City will know how United did and Arsenal will know how top-four challengers Chelsea and Tottenham did as well as knowing the Newcastle won and would leapfrog them with a win on monday against Bolton should Arsenal lose. This one will be tough to call however I predict an Arsenal win as believe City are struggling. Bookies are also not sure making Arsenal 7/5 City 9/5 and the draw 12/5. In truth I will leave this one alone as expect a tight, nervous match for both sets of fans.

Bet of the day : Sunderland to beat Tottenham @12/5 with SkyBet

Longshot of the day: 6 home wins: Bolton, Liverpool, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham and Southampton @18/1 with SkyBet. 

If you are really really lucky add the Middlesborough draw for odds of 60/1.  

Racing: 

Three meetings this week and a number of stand outs. Although the fields are large so picking the winners is going to be tough as well as it being the start of the season.  

At Kempton, Soraah in the 2.40  is a great horse however 9/4 is very short however do think he will win this one. Ryan Moore on board. Although the value for money bet is that of Emma's Gift at 16/1. An each-way punt here seems the way to go. Later on at Kempton, Eastern Sun in the 4.20 looks the one to beat. It will be short priced but John Gosden trained and ridden by his number one and for me future Champion Jockey William Buick. At 5/2 I would not oppose.   

At Haydock Zitenka @12/1 in the 2.25 is a good bet. Third last time out, up in class here although with Dougie Costello riding looks a good each-way bet. 

Finally at Musselburgh, Bronze Angel in the 3.50 @5/1 impressive winner last time out and expect good ride again here. In the 2.45 three punters favourites run as Captain Dunne (7/2), Borderlescott (9/2) and Hamish McGonagall (15-8) clash. Expect McGonagall to lead through out and just hold on for the win although is very tough to call. 

Best bets:

Win: 4.20 Kempton- Eastern Sun @5/2

Each-way: 2.25 Haydock - Zitenka @12/1

Golf:

Is it Mcllory's year

Rory Mcllory seems to be the one. After losing last year on that agonising final day, I think this year he will come good. 3/1 seems the bet for me however Lee Westwood does present a real challenge. I expect a late challenge from someone however who I do not know. 

Boat Race:

Oxford are the 1/3 favourites however having always supported Cambridge I will do again. Cambridge 2/1.  

Either boat to sink 33/1.

It seems a terrific few days of sport coming up. Good luck with all your bets.

Brown named new St Helens coach

This morning St Helens have announced that Huddersfield Giants Head Coach Nathan Brown will take over at St Helens at the end of the year.

St Helens have been without a coach since they dismissed Royce Simmons after a run of 4 consecutive league defeats helped the Saints to their worst ever start to a Super League Campaign.

Brown will leave the
Giants at the end of the season

Brown (left), 38, was expected to leave the Huddersfield Giants at the end of last season however signed a one year extension and so it was again widely believed that he would head back to his native Australia, where he previously coached St George Illawarra Dragons, at the end of the current campaign. Although it would seem as if his head has been turned by this opportunity and he has decided to stay. In an interview for the BBC Brown said:

"They are a great and historic club and continuously associated with success. I'm relishing the challenge for next season onwards. That said, this season is all about Huddersfield Giants for me. It's good to get this announcement out of the way so that I can concentrate totally on the job at hand."

Browns' Giants currently sit on top of the Super League table and his impact at the Giants has been huge and this news will be a blow to Giants fans as he is going to be very tough to replace. He is a young and well regarded coach in the game who will be looking to add to the success that Saints have had in previous years as well as finishing this year with hopefully some success for the Giants.

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus said: 

"We are extremely pleased that Nathan will be joining us next season. He is still a relatively young coach but already has pedigree and experience gained over many years as a head coach at the highest levels, both in the NRL and in Super League. I believe he is ideally suited for the Saints, both with regard to the way we want to play and as to what we aim to achieve in terms of success".

As for this season Saints currently sit 7th however are on the up after the interim duo of Mike Rush and Kieron Cunningham have guided the Saints to two consecutive wins over the Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves respectively. This news means that these two men will remain in charge for the rest of the season. Their next game is on Good Friday as they host local rivals the Wigan Warriors, in the first derby at their new home of Langtree Park, in what promises to an absolute belter.