Weekend Tips

Last week it was all going to plan with Sheffield United comfortably dealing with Fulham until the sending off of Michael Doyle. In the Horse Racing both Annie Power and Red Sherlock did the business and created a nice little double.

After the delights of a midweek football fixture list and the final hectic few days of the transfer window the weekend is here and there is plenty of sport around.

Football:

Zaha with much to prove

For me this week one bet leaps out and that is Cardiff City. Incredibly Cardiff are at 6/5 (SkyBet) for a home win over Norwich. Both sides have struggled of late however Norwich to me never look threatening. The lack of goals this season must worry all Norwich fans as they battle the drop. Cardiff on the other hand, may be bottom of the league, but do have firepower and an attacking intent. I know Cardiff have actually scored fewer goals than Norwich this season and have gone 7 league games without a win but today this will change. The signings of Kenwyne Jones and Wilfried Zaha will make a difference for sure. Personally I think the signing of Zaha is a great move. The lad has not been given a chance at Manchester United this season which was a surprise to me given their form. Zaha has bags of talent and will cause trouble to many sides for the rest of this season. The only problem could be the lack of matches and game time he has had this season. 

For Norwich I am personally a massive fan of Nathan Redmond and do not understand why Chris Hughton is not starting him every week. He always causes trouble for the opposition and makes things happen. 

I expect to see a very happy Ole Gunner Solskjaer of MOTD tonight. 

Could double with Everton 2/5 (SkyBet) as expect them to thump Aston Villa.

Elsewhere Ipswich are a good bet at 21/20 (SkyBet)  to beat Bolton given recent form. In the Premier League I expect Spurs to have a tough time at Hull. The signings of Long and Jelavic will prove dividend this year and expect them to survive. A Hull win is at 5/2  (SkyBet) as is the draw. Another bet which interests me seems utterly mental but it is Crystal Palace. Given their recent improvement and organisation quality I can see them giving Arsenal a tough time. The Premier League has been so unpredictable this year that anything is possible. The longer it goes for Palace the better they will get. At 5/1 (SkyBet) for the draw it is tempting but I will leave this one this week.  

Horse Racing:

Going will be extremely heavy and will need to pick battling horses who loves the mud. Expect many top weights to struggle.

At Wetherby a treble of Aurore D'estruval , Flemenson and Shutthefrontdoor at 6/1 (SkyBet) look a strong selection. 

At Sandown Oscar Whiskey looks a good bet and will be heavily odds on. I would pair it with Saroque for a 5/1 double.

Rugby Union: 

Wales play Italy in the opener of their Six Nations campaign and I and many expect them to win with ease. Italy can be a difficult side but Wales should have too much for them. A Wales win of 10 points or more is at even money (SkyBet) and looks a certain payout. 

Premier League Predictions

Will United be celebrating come May?

The Premier League season is now only a day away and after all of the changes this summer I can say that it will be the most interesting season ever. Four of last season's top six have changed their manager and never before has there been so many questions before the start of the season. Will Jose Mourinho be successful again? How will United fare without Sir Alex Ferguson? How will City and new man Pellegrini perform? Rooney/Suarez/Bale transfers? and the age old classic, will Arsenal actually spend any money?  to name but a few.

Astonishingly of the predictions I have seen hardly any pundit is tipping Manchester United for the title. The lack of any summer signings, the departure of Ferguson and suddenly it would seem the champions are vulnerable. It would seem the return of Mourinho has lead many to believe its Chelsea's title. Manchester City have continued spending, splashing out 90 million, but will it bring the title back to the Ethiad?

The battle for the top four begins with both North-London and Merseyside clubs eyeing a top four spot.

How will the newly promoted sides do? Who's staying up and who's going down?

Time for me to predict the season as I feel it would turn out should the current squads still be the same come September 2nd.

TITLE - CHELSEA 

Return of the Special one

Personally I do feel the winner will come from the big three and I, like many of the pundits, am tipping Chelsea. Maybe it is the Mourinho factor but I just feel with Jose in charge they will be on top come May. In Eden Hazard and Juan Mata they have two World Class players which will concern any opposing side. I also like the look of Kevin De Burnye as an attacking option and think we will see plenty of him this year. Also with the experience of Frank Lampard surrounded by such talent really is a side to be feared.

My only concern is Torres due to his form and performances over the past two years. However the return of Lukaku, after a great season at West Brom,  presents a threat to Torres' place in the side. Mourinho still may make a big name signing before the window shuts with Rooney his obvious target.

2ND - MANCHESTER CITY 

For City, it is the attitude of the players. For me they have the best squad of players in the League, as they did last year. But when I watched them last year they looked lazy and I know they have a new manger now but I still think it is questionable. New man Manuel Pellegrini has a job on to focus them and make them a team again. The signing of Jesus Navas has improved the side and I expect a great season from him. City will need David Silva, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany back to form of 2011/12. I fear for the defence as it does look vulnerable and recently performances from Joe Hart do not inspire confidence.

On paper the team is excellent and expect them to give Newcastle a thrashing monday night.

3RD- MANCHESTER UNITED

I think David Moyes will struggle. It is never easy to follow a club legend. It will take time for him to make the squad his own however feel desperately that the squad needs new players to bolster its chances. As of today I think I am being kind in saying they will be third. If they make 3 top signings in the next two weeks then they are right back in it. A world class midfielder is a must and a position that has been calling out for signings for past 3 years.

The likes of Ton Cleverley and Ashley Young for me are not good enough for United. I feel the squad left by Ferguson is not as strong as people have made out and this will be exposed this season. 

The Rooney situation is harming them at present and until this is resolved it will continue to do so. Personally I think his future at United is in jeopardy as so many bridges have been burnt but I think they cannot afford to let him go. 

The air of invincibility seemed to have been removed due to the non-presence of Sir Alex Ferguson and I think his departure will boost others as no longer are you taking on the great Manchester United with a legendary manager.

Robin Van Persie will provide the goals but feel at present that it will be a long, tough season ahead for Moyes.

4TH - TOTTENHAM 

Will he stay or will he go?

Tottenham have brought in the likes of Paulinho, Soldado, Chadli and Capoue, spending 60 million in the process. The squad looks strong and they have cleared many of the weaker players out. The area of concern would be at centre back due to departures of Gallas and Caulker without replacements as of yet. I would say that IF they keep Bale I would tip them for top four and maybe even challenge 3rd. However I think Bale leaves their battle for top four will be lost.

5TH - LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have dreams of the top four and should Liverpool keep Suarez they will feel they have a chance. Coutinho looked a top player when he was signed in January and many have high hopes for him this season. The signing of Kolo Toure will bring experience but personally even with Suarez I do not think Liverpool will make it as they are not strong enough but they will go very close. I do think more signings will come before the window ends. I feel they will just pip Arsenal but only if Suarez stays and wants to play.

6TH - ARSENAL

Arsenal are roundly being tipped to miss out of top four to Spurs. Arsenal fans have had a very frustrating summer having been linked with so many top names but signing.... none one of them. With 17  players gone and only 1 in (20 year-old striker, free transfer from France) fans will wonder what is going on. The only positive is that the 17 players gone will not be missed, much of the deadwood has been cleared leaving room in the squad and money in wages to be spent elsewhere. However with two weeks to go in the transfer window time is running out. Arsene Wenger is under pressure. It would seem they have pinned all their hopes on a deal for Suarez which is looking increasing unlikely to come off. Fans will worry about panic buying in last few days of the window as happened before when Arsenal signed Park and Santos. Two players who never should have been signed.  As of today, with Bale I feel Tottenham are stronger and would tip them for top four. However the loss of Bale and Arsenal suddenly sign the 2/3 top players required then I would tip Arsenal not only for top four but put them in with a title shot as the arrival of big signings could also inspire and lift the hugely talented players already there. The squad clearly has talent but needs a lift or another season of discontent could follow.

7TH - EVERTON

For Everton, Roberto Martinez takes charge of an already top squad of players. The signing of Kone will boost the attacking options and although I think they will impress this season I do not think they will make the top four with the current squad. Keeping the likes of Fellani and Baines will be key to their season ambitions. Fancy Everton for decent run is FA Cup.

8TH - SWANSEA

In terms of a surprise top four contender, as Newcastle were two year back, I think Swansea could be that one. The demands of Europa League will test the squad and so their chances will be affected (look how it affected Newcastle last season). At this moment they would not seem not to have the squad depth or quality to maintain a serious challenge for the top four. Swansea will have a solid year and the signing of Wilfred Bony will take some of the pressure of Michu.

9TH - WEST HAM

Carroll to take West Ham into top half

I feel West Ham will have another good season and do not think they will be in danger of relegation. For West Ham a fit Andy Carroll will provide the goals needed to survive. The recruitment of Stewart Downing has surely been done with providing Carroll in mind. It is a big year for both of these players as the World Cup squad will be a target (should we qualify).

10TH - WEST BROM

I feel West Brom will have another good season and do not think they will be in danger of relegation. Lukaku will be a big miss for West Brom however the signing of Nicolas Anelka and Matej Vydra are promising and they will provide plenty of goal threat. Steve Clarke's side to have a very solid season.

11TH -  SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton played some very good football in the second part of last season and they will hope to reproduce that on a regular basic this year. I think Rickie Lambert will continue to score and Luke Shaw is a promising player. Do feel they overpaid for Celtic's Victor Wanyama and will be interesting to see how he adapts to the Premier League. 

12TH - NORWICH

Norwich have recruited well and I feel Chris Hughton will be delighted with the calibre of players he has brought in. I believe they have enough quality to stay in the division and be a very good side to watch. Only problem I can foresee is getting goals as Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper are unproven at Premier League level.

13TH - FULHAM
The signing of Darren Bent by Fulham is a great bit of business. The striker goal record speaks for itself. I am sure if Bent has an injury free year and gets playing time he will fire Fulham to a safe mid-table position. This along with the class of Berbatov gives Fulham a threatening attacking line-up, which can not be said for others in the division. If these two stay fit a top half finish is not out of there reach.

Never dull when Paulo is around

14TH - SUNDERLAND

With Paulo Di Canio as manager you know it is not going to be a quiet year at Sunderland. They have recruited a number of new players and I expect to see a different Sunderland this year, not so inconsistent. You can be sure they will be a difficult team to beat and will run and run. Scoring goals will be the problem.

15TH - ASTON VILLA

The biggest success for Villa will be keeping Christian Benteke. For this reason alone I think they will avoid relegation. I do not think they will have the good season that people are suggesting they will. For me they are weak. They have been for the last 3 years and in my opinion have been hugely lucky to survive the past two seasons. They will be involved in the scrap but Benteke gives them that quality that other do not have.

Loic Remy: Newcastle's only summer signing 

16TH - NEWCASTLE UNITED

Always a very difficult job predicting a Newcastle season. As a fan I do fear as it is almost the same side from the nightmare campaign of last year. No Europa League this year will help the small squad however its does not look good. A lack of attacking options is a major major concern. Also the defence consists of only Captain fantastic Collocini. Without him they appear are totally lost. 

A tough season for sure without signings in next two weeks, a striker and a centre back are a must. Even with Remy, who I rate very highly, they appear woeful short of attacking options. The Gomis deal looks dead, Bent has gone to Fulham and signings look nowhere near done. Also with rumours of Cabaye's departure, things are looking bleak. I hope the January signings such as Moussa Sissoko can rediscover some form as well as Cisse finding the net again. 

17TH - CARDIFF 

Despite having money I think Cardiff are in real danger of going down. I think they need 3/4 players before the window ends but I think they will get them.  The signing of Steven Caulker should aid a defence who are sure to be busy most weeks. The club has plenty going for it and think they will just survive. Again like many down the bottom the problem is goals.   

18TH - STOKE 

I think Stoke will go down this year. This is Mark Hughes' final chance having had a poor time at Manchester City and QPR. He was a success at Blackburn Rovers but that was years ago now and he has an air of failure about him. I think that despite the criticism he received even from his own fans, this season will reveal the top job Tony Pulis did.

19TH - HULL

Difficult season ahead for Crystal Palace

Steve Bruce's Hull will struggle this season. Signing of Danny Graham, Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore will give them Premier League experience but feel that they will not have enough.

20TH - CRYSTAL PALACE

I think Crystal Palace are going to be on the end of some absolute hammering this season and honestly think they will be bottom of the league. They just do not have the quality to survive. 

Who has got it right?

This summer we have seen no less then 6 managerial changes with  Liverpool, Tottenham, Swansea, Norwich, Aston Villa and West Brom all with new men in the hotseat. However which club have made the right appointment?

Is Rodgers the right man?

Liverpool took the decision early on in the summer to remove Kenny Dalglish from his position. For me this was no surprise as Liverpool had a poor season on and off the field. Despite a League Cup victory and an FA Cup final, finishing the season in 7th was simply not good enough. Their performances were poor as they really struggled to find the back of the net. Dalglish spent over 100 million in 18 months and unfortunately for him many of his signings did not perform. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique, Sebastian Coates and Jordan Henderson all had poor seasons and as a result Dalglish took much of the criticism. Also off the field, the Luis Suarez race row caused nothing but poor publicity for Liverpool. The way it was handled was appalling and the behaviour of Dalglish throughout was totally unprofessional. It was this for me that sealed his fate.

Brendan Rogers offers a new approach to Liverpool. He has won many plaudits for his management of Swansea and the football they played but this is a huge jump for him. This job is totally different. The expectations as well as the size of the job. For me Liverpool are further away from a title win as I can remember. I admit leading Swansea to the Premiership and keeping them up against the odds was a remarkable achievement. However I did feel that towards the end of last season they had been found out and would have said they will struggle this coming season.

Rogers has made some signing so far with Fabio Borini from Lazio, Joe Allan from Swansea and Oussama Assaidi from Heerenveen all joining and I expect more with Clint Dempsey being heavily linked. However I do think it will be a huge error to let Andy Carroll leave and one that could leave Rodgers with egg on his face.

I expect Liverpool to have a very tough season and that will start with a tricky trip to West Brom on saturday. For me a 6th place finish is the best they can hope for however I would predict the same as last year and 8th.

Is Rogers the right man to lead Liverpool to glory? Maybe, however it will take him 2/3 years at least to build them but will he get such time? For me he is not the right man but only time will tell.

Verdict: 5/10       Prediction for Season: 8th          

Laudrup faces tough test

Having lost Brendan Rogers many, including myself, have tipped Swansea for relegation. The loss of Gyfi Sigurdsson, Joe Allan and soon that of Scott Sinclair will affect them. Swansea finished last season poorly just as Bolton did the year before they went down. Swansea have turned to the legendary ex- Danish, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Ajax and Juventus star Michael Laudrup (left) to make sure they survive a second season in the Premier league. It is an obvious match for both man and club due to the philosophy that they both have. As a player Laudrup's talents can not be questioned however as a manger such a reputation he does not hold. He has had success at Bronby and did well with limited finances at Getafe and Real Mallorca. Although he has no experience of the Premier League and English football apart from TV. He will learn quick no doubt however for me he is up against it.

He has made signings, bringing in former players who he knows and trusts which is always a good move. Jonathan de Guzman,Chico Flores and Miguel Michu are players I have seen very little of. All three have come from Spanish or Italian football and it will be interesting to see how they adapt. They have also signed young right-back Curtis Obeng who is a great player. I saw him playing for Wrexham last year and he looked like he could play at a much higher level. Will be interesting to see how he develops. Also they have signed a striker Preston Jamie Proctor from League One Preston and Kyle Barkley from Arsenal and Itay Scechter from Kaiserslautern. I expect more signings  especially if Sinclair does leave. My concern for Swansea is goals. Is Graham going to get 10-15 goals? Sinclair and Sigurdsson scored over 20 goals between them last year and these will be hard to replace. So the pressure on the likes of Graham and the new guys such as Michu is great. Laudrup needs to unearth a gem or face relegation.

I would like to see Laudrup do well and not become another former great player to fail as a manger as Ruud Gullit and Bryan Robson have.

Verdict: 6/10        Prediction: 18th

Tottenham took the hugely unpopular yet predictable decision of replacing Harry Redknapp. Tottenham's collapse last year was a nightmare for fans as they lost third place from a position of such strength. Redknapp's course case, the England job possibility and that 'ghost' goal in the FA Cup semi-final seemed to suggests the way things were going for Spurs. Didier Drogba's penalty in Germany in the Champions League final sealed in the nightmare meaning Spurs missed out of Champions League football. Such a promising year had ended in despair.

Villas Boas needs success

Daniel Levy has opted for Andre Villas Boas as the man to lead the Tottenham charge for success and a top-four finish. Villas Boas has a nightmare at Chelsea and was removed by player power. The Chelsea players were never with him their performances clearly showed that. Due to that experience many fans may be sceptical of his appointment. For me he deserves a chance however this is it. Every manager gets sacked and offered things just do not work out however for this to happen twice in a row with two major English clubs with ambition will affect his reputation. If he fails at Spurs expect him to return to Europe and I would guess he will not be back for a long time, if ever. 

Spurs are almost certain to lose Luka Modric, which is a big blow however I expect them to re-invest the 30million+ they will receive for him. They have been linked with the likes of Moussa Dembele, Willan and Joao Moutinho. For me they are looking a little light up front and so getting Emmanuel Adebayor back seems to be an obvious move considering the success he had last year. 

The signing of Jan Vertonghon is a great signing and I expect more signing of such pedigree to follow.

Verdict: 7/10  Prediction: 6th

Clarke's first chance in the hot seat

West Brom have opted for the vastly experienced assitant-manager Steve Clarke (right). Clarke has had spells at Newcastle,Chelsea,Liverpool and West Ham while working with some top managers. People may say that this is a gamble considering he has never held a top job position. This on top of the fact that he is replacing the experienced man that is Roy Hodgson who really developed West Brom into a safe mid-table Premier League side. He is a tough man to follow no doubt. I do believe that Steve Clarke had deserved a chance and will flourish in his new position. 

West Brom have largely kept the same squad as last year which is a positive. The squad has the quality to survive another Premier League season in comfort I feel.

The signing of Romelu Lukaku is one that I am interested to see. This is a man who arrived at Chelsea with a big reputation and promise however he was never seen. For a 18 year-old he is physically huge. For me he is suited to the Premier League due to his power and pace. I think he will be a big hit this during this loan spell. West Brom will undoubted add to their squad and I think it will put them in a good position for a mid-table finish. 

Verdict: 7/10      Prediction: 11th

Not even Lambert can save Villa 

Aston Villa are a team in all sorts of trouble. It has been a decline since Martin O'Neill left the club. Alex Mcleish and Gerard Houllier  both endured poor seasons at Villa park. I heavily tipped Villa to be relegated last season and they were so lucky to survive. For only managing to win 7 games all season, they deserved to be relegated. 

Villa have opted for Paul Lambert (left). Lambert has huge success at Norwich leading them from League One to the Premier League and then survival in three years. Lambert is a good manager no doubt, however the Villa job promises something very different. the club is in decline and going down. If will take one hell of a manager to lift such a club and turn its fortunes around. A task I feel is beyond Lambert. 

I look at the squad and it is so poor. I know there is still time to buy however they need 6/7 quality players I feel. Throughout the team I would worry. Shay Given is no where near the player he was, saw that at the Euros, Richard Dunne must be 3 stone over weight. He is slow and cumbersome, as proved at the Euros. Then they have signed Vlaar, who was appalling at the Euros. If defence they have nothing and they will be shipped goals on a regular basic. In midfield, unless someone new has turned up I see nothing that would worry me. It is only Darren Bent. He is the only one to get goals and goals win games. Injury to Bent and their goals will disappear.   

They have relegation written all over them. Opening three games of the season will leave Villa bottom with 0points for sure. Home against Everton and away at newly promoted West Ham and Newcastle. Lambert is a good choice and if I were a Villa fans I would be happy with it however for me noting can save them. 

Verdict: 8/10   Prediction 19th

Hughton he right man

Norwich fans will have be saddened to lose Paul Lambert to Villa during the summer after they have endured three wonderful seasons under his tenure. They have replaced Lambert with Chris Hughton (right). This for me is a great move for the club. Chris has done terrifically well at Newcastle, where all agree he was unlucky to be sacked and at Birmingham City leading them to the play-offs despite all the off the field issues.

Norwich fans will be wary of the 'second season sydrome' however for me they will be safe. Hughton will make some new signing to improve the squad. Also I do not foresee them losing anyone. The bulk of last year's team will remain. I do think they will find it more difficult this year but will survive. They are in far better shape then Aston Villa. 

Verdict: 9/10         Prediction: 15th 

Other Predictions:

Title : Manchester United

Top Four: Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton

Relegation : Swansea, Reading and Aston Villa