Mcleish sacked by Villa

Time to go

Alex Mcleish's sacking has been coming since the day of his appointment. The man never really had a chance. I am by no means a Mcleish supporter as I do question why he took the job. 

To be honest the man deserved the sack. Aston Villa have been so poor this season. The only won 7 games out of 38. They limped their way to Premier League Survival by boring teams and amassing a staggering 17 draws. They survived by two points. In truth Aston Villa deserved to go down. They never showed any fight or will. The lack of quality was staggering. 

Key signings such as Charles N'Zogbia were a disaster as Villa failed to improve on last seasons poor display. Mcleish never seemed to have the backing of the players or the fans and when this is the case you have no chance. The key for Villa now is who do they replace him with?

They have said that they want a 'vibrant' manager. Someone with new ideas an reinvigorate the club. Currently SkyBet have Norwich boss Paul Lambert as the favourite. Lambert has done a magnificent job at Norwich in the past three years. He would be a great appointment although why would he leave Norwich for Villa. Norwich have a better squad and probably better finances. I think it would be mad to leave Norwich for Aston Villa at this moment in time. This can be said for another candidate that of Roberto Martinez (5/1 SkyBet). To be fait it would be seen as a step up for him to go to Villa. Although I doubt he will see the appeal. Martinez is holding out for a big job it seems and he seems to be waiting for that job. 

Villa Park bound? 

The problem for Villa is that not I really do not see who they are going get. No top manager will want to go there. The likes of Claudio Ranieri and Rafa Benitez have been linked however I cannot see either of them happening. If I was putting money on it I would back them to go and get Gus Poyet (20/1 SkyBet) from Brighton. He fits their bill. He is young, up and coming and will have new ideas for the club. Personally I do not think he would be successfull however do think that this is the way they will go. 

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.