Is it time for Jewell to go?

Second bottom after ten games is hardly an ideal start and many Ipswich Town fans feel that time is up for their under fire manager Paul Jewell.

At times Ipswich have actually played nice football, however their inability to sustain it for 90 minutes has been their downfall. Excluding their 6-0 thrashing at Blackpool, away from home their results have been solid. Picking up draws on your travels is a good start, but that must be backed up with home victories, and Ipswich have none of them. At Portman Road Ipswich have been poor, picking up just the two points from a possible fifteen.

Jewell started well at Portman Road, but Ipswich have faded horribly over the last 14 months

Too many of Paul Jewell’s signings have flopped at Town, with Michael Chopra, Jimmy Bullard and Lee Bowyer all struggling in the Blue of Ipswich. The club has been heavily reliant on the loan market under Jewell, with no less than 14 players on loan at the club over the last two seasons. A huge downside of loan additions is the fact their parent club can recall the player at any time, which has happened at Ipswich, with David Stockdale and Keith Andrews both having their deals cut short.

One scenario Jewell couldn’t have predicted is the gambling problem that has followed the usually predatory Chopra around. Having twice being admitted to the Sporting chance rehabilitation clinic, Chopra’s gambling past has caught up with him, and his goal tally has taken a hit in the process. Just two strikes this season is well below his usual average, and if Ipswich can find the player that had no problem at Championship level, then their paltry goal tally of just eight goals in ten games this year will improve.

Getting rid of Jewell will only relieve half the problems for Ipswich, and appointing the right manager is the hard part. Ipswich have never replaced Joe Royle who narrowly missed out on promotion with the Suffolk club on numerous occasions. Harry Redknapp is surprisingly favourite to be the next manager at Ipswich, however I doubt he’d take it. Alan Curbishley and Owen Coyle are two big names, and two managers also out of a job who could come in and turn Ipswich’s fortunes around.

Curbishley is 18/1 to take over at Portman Road

Premier League tips

My weekend accumulator tips 

Liverpool, Manchester United,  Manchester City and West Ham to win. £5 returns £27. - Winner

Goals galore in the Tottenham, Swansea, West Brom, Norwich, West Ham, and QPR games. £5 returns £105.19 - Loss of a fiver

Saturday 20^th October

Tottenham vs Chelsea

Two in form sides meet at White Hart Lane in the early kick off on Saturday, with the Andre Villas-Boas coming up against the side that gave him the boot back in March of this year.

Chelsea will be without skipper John Terry who decided against appealing his four game ban for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. A side from the long term injuries to Younes Kaboul, Spurs are at full strength and will fancy their chances of getting something from the game.

If either side are going to win I fancy Spurs to do so, however I can’t see anything but a score draw on Saturday.

Tottenham 1 Chelsea  1 - 13/2 with William Hill - Lose a fiver

Other tips
Both teams to score - 4/6 with Coral - Returns of £8.33
Gareth Bale assist a first goal - 10/1 with BoyleSports - Bet void.
Under 2.5 goals - 22/19 with Betfair - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £6.67

Fulham vs Aston Villa

Fulham’s home form as always is very good, with champions Manchester City the only side to take something from Craven Cottage this campaign, whilst Aston Villa’s away record has been poor for a while now; however they did impress, all be it in defeat away to Tottenham a fortnight ago.

Dimitar Berbatov will be back for Fulham and the Bulgarian international will look to continue his fine start to life at the London club. Paul Lambert has a decision on his hands whether to recall Darren Bent or stick with the Belgain Christian Benteke.

Lambert’s Villa are getting there slowly, and if they want to be able to move up the table they need to get something from these sort of games, and back them to get a point from Craven Cottage.

Fulham 1 Aston Villa 1 - 13/2 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips
Draw - 14/5 with Pinnacle - Lose a fiver
Dimitar Berbatov anytime goalscorer - 15/8 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
Under 2.5 goals - 21/20 with Bet Victor - Returns of £10.25

Match returns - Loss of £9.75

Liverpool vs Reading 

Liverpool’s home form has been poor for a long time now, registering just two Premier league wins at Anfield in 2012, both coming in romps against Everton and Chelsea last season. Reading are slowly adjusting to life in the Premier League, however they are yet to win and have blown leads in their last two outings against Newcastle and Swansea.

Reading stunned Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup in 2010

Prior to their draw with Stoke, Liverpool under BrendanRodgers had been improving and I fancy them to earn a routine win here, against his former club.

Liverpool 3 Reading 1 - 12/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Luis Suarez anytime goalscorer - 5/6 with Bluesquare - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 9/13 with Betdaq - Lose a fiver
Liverpool to win - 37/100 with Betfair - Returns of £6.85

Match returns - Loss of £13.15

Manchester United vs Stoke 

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side got back on track in their last Premier League match away to Newcastle in comprehensive fashion, whilst Stoke were solid and deserved their point away to Liverpool.

Danny Welbeck scored his first Manchester United goal against Stoke in 2008.

Despite losing less games then their illustrious opponents so far this season, Stoke have never registered a Premier League point at Old Trafford, and I don’t expect that to change here.

Manchester United 2 Stoke 1 - 17/2 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Over 2.5 goals - 8/13 with Skybet - Returns of £8.07
A penalty to be awarded – 8/5 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver
Stoke first team yellow card - 1/2 with Paddy Power - Returns of £7.50

Match returns - Loss of £4.43

Swansea vs Wigan

Swansea’s fantastic start under Michael Laudrup seems a long time ago now, with the club picking up just two points in their last five games. Wigan are as unpredictable as ever, but their performances have merited more points than they’ve registered so far this season.

Defensively both sides concede too many goals, with both shipping in eleven goals each in their last five games, meaning the both teams to score bet should be a banker.

Franco Di Santo and Arouna Kone have started the season in good form for Wigan and I fancy one of them to score in a Wigan win at the Liberty. 

Swansea 1 Wigan 2 - 12/1 with bet365 - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 4/5 with Stan James - Returns of £9
Aruona Kone to score first and Wigan to win - 8/1 with Betfred - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 18/19 with 188 Bet - Returns of £9.73

Match returns - Loss of £1.27

West Brom vs Manchester City

Steve Clarke has taken to management like a duck to water with West Brom sitting comfortably in the top half of the Premier League. City are slowly finding their form this year, with the 3-0 victory over Sunderland their best performance so far.

West Brom have won all four games at the Hawthorns this campaign, however this will certainly be the sternest test the Baggies have faced at home so far. The champions have only registered one Premier league away win this season, but that was in their last away outing against a good Fulham side.

I fancy Manchester City to end West Brom’s fantastic home record here with a comfortable victory.

West Brom 1 Manchester City 3 - 14/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Manchester City to win - 3/4 with 888Sport - Returns of £8.75
Over 2.5 goals - 3/4 with Coral - Returns of £8.75
Yaya Toure anytime goalscorer - 10/3 with BlueSquare - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £2.50

West Ham vs Southampton

West Ham’s unbeaten home start ended last time out at the hands of Arsenal, whilst Southampton needed a late Jose Fonte header to rescue a point against Fulham.

These two promoted sides have adjusted to life back in the top flight in differing fashion, granted the Hammers have had a much more favourable fixture list then the Saints.

Nigel Adkins will see this as a great chance to register their first away point of the season, however I reckon West Ham will just have too much at Upton Park.

West Ham 2 Southampton 1 - 8/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Andy Carroll first goalscorer - 5/1 with Betfred - Lose a fiver
Both teams to score - 4/6 with Bet365 - Returns of £8.33
West Ham to win - 10/11 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £9.54

Match returns - Loss of £2.13

Norwich vs Arsenal 

Winless Norwich find themselves in the bottom three and in desperate need of points. Arsenal have impressed so far this year, but will feel their performances have merited more points.

Robin Van Persie struck twice as Arsenal won 2-1 away to Norwich last year

Arsenal won here 2-1 last year, and I fancy the same result.

Norwich 1 Arsenal 2 - 8/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Norwich to score first and fail to win – 23/10 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver
Both teams to score - 7/10 with Coral - Lose a fiver
Arsenal to win - 4/7 with Bet Victor - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £20
Liverpool, Manchester United,  Manchester City and West Ham to win. £5 returns £27.
Day returns - Down £32.90

Sunday 21^st October

Sunderland vs Newcastle

Combined these two sides have drawn seven of their 13 league games this season, and that is why they aren’t  higher in the league, with their inability to get over the line in matches cost them.

Newcastle have a good record in this game since their return to the top flight, securing eight points, whilst staying unbeaten. Both sides have goalscorers in their side, whilst having injury problems defensively, and I’m backing there to be goals in this game.

With the onus on Sunderland to attack as the home side, I fancy them to secure a narrow win.

Sunderland 2 Newcastle 1 - 10/1 with Ladbrokes - Loss a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 5/6 with Coral - Returns of £9.17
Steven Fletcher anytime goalscorer - 15/8 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
Sunderland + Newcastle double chance – 2/7 with Skybet - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £10.83

QPR vs Everton

It’s fair to say Queens Park Rangers haven’t had the best of starts to the season and will need to improve if they are to avoid a second consecutive relegation battle. Everton on the other hand have made a rare flying start to the season, and find themselves in the Champions league positions after seven games.

QPR were much better, although again in defeat, away to West Brom last week, with Estaban Granero and Adel Taarabt in particular very impressive. It was again defensively they were poor and the first two West Brom goals were very avoidable. Everton rallied well against Wigan last time out, and down the left in particular all season they’ve looked fantastic.

At Loftus Road QPR have shown they can compete with the league’s very best under Mark Hughes, and although Everton are doing very well at the moment, I fancy QPR to at least get a share of the spoils.

QPR 1 Everton 1 - 6/1 with Bet Victor - Returns of £35

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 3/4 with Coral - Returns of £8.75
Either Leighton Baines or Adel Taarabt to score from outside the area – 9/1 or 11/1 - Lose a fiver
Draw - 44/17 with Pinnacle - Returns of £17.94

Match returns - Profit of £41.69

Day returns - Profit of £30.86

Weekend returns - Loss of £2.04
Overall returns - Profit of £12.32

European qualification for Brazil 2014 round up

Group A

Belgium and Croatia took giant steps to securing the top two spots in Group A as both won 2-0 at home to the group's two Great Britain representatives in Scotland and Wales respectively. 

Real Madrid's Luka Modric was in inspired form as Croatia cruised past Wales in Zagreb. Chris Coleman's side had done the hard part and kept the Croat's at bay for the opening 20 minutes; however a mix up between captain Ashley Williams and Lewis Price gifted the hosts their opener, with Mario Mandzukic blocking and then converting the goalkeeper's kick out. Croatia created a host of chances, and their deserved second duly arrived when the former Arsenal forward Eduardo Da Silva tapped in from close range. The defeat leaves Wales seven points adrift of Croatia, with their chances of qualification realistically all but over.

Eduaro sealed the points for Croatia

For the second consecutive match Scotland conceded twice late on to miss out on important away points. The Premier league duo of Christian Benteke and Vincent Kompany broke Scottish hearts to leave them bottom of Group A after two games, in doing so giving Belgium a brilliant chance of making the 2014 World Cup.

The group's other game saw Macedonia beat Serbia 1-0, to go level on four points with their counterparts. 

Belgium P4 Pts 10

Croatia P4 Pts 10

Serbia P4 Pts 4

Macedonia P4 Pts 4

Wales P4 Pts 3

Scotland P4 Pts 2

Group B

The ten men of Italy took a giant step towards Brazil following their 3-1 win over Denmark, who realistically are their closest rivals for the Group B top spot. Riccardo Montolivo and Daniele De Rossi appeared to set the Azzurri on their way to a routine home win; however a minute before and after half-time changed the games perspective. Denmark got on the score sheet on the stroke of the interval via William Kvist and the Danes chances of a result improved grately when just 19 seconds into the second half Pablo Osvaldo saw red for a reckless tackle. However having been played through beautifully by Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli finished in style to secure the win. The groups other game saw the Czech Republic held at home by Bulgaria in a scoreless draw.

Italy P4 Pts 10

Bulgaria P4 Pts 6

Czech Republic P3 Pts 5

Armenia P3 Pts 3

Denmark P3 Pts 2

Malta P3 Pts 0

Group C

An amazing game in Group C saw Germany throw a four goal lead away at home to Sweden in a simply unbelievable match in Berlin. Seemingly cruising after a double from Miroslav Klose was backed up with strikes from Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil; however Sweden stirred up the most unlikely of comebacks. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal on 62 minutes appeared to be just scant consolation, but Mikael Lustig and Johan Elmander ensured a nervy last ten minutes for the Germans, and they couldn't hold on as Rasmus Elm rescued an incredible point. 

The league's two other games saw the Republic of Ireland bounce back from their German nightmare on Friday in routine fashion with a 4-1 victory away to the Faroe Islands, whilst Austria thrashed Kazakhstan 4-0.

Ireland's win relived the pressure from manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Germany P4 Pts 10

Sweden P3 Pts 7

Ireland P3 Pts 6

Austria P3 Pts 4

Kazakhstan P4 Pts 1

Faroe Islands P3 Pts 0

Group D

Holland eased to their fourth consecutive Group D win away to Romania, who prior to the defeat were level with the Dutch at the top of the group. Jeremain Lens, Marten Indi, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Robin Van Persie sealed a 4-1 win for the 2010 World Cup finalists. Turkey again disappointed as they blew a goal lead to lose away to Hungary 3-1 and ensure they went level with Romania in the battle for the all important second spot. Estonia scored their first goal in their first win as they overcame Andorra 1-0. 

Holland P4 Pts 12

Hungary P4 Pts 9

Romania P4 Pts 9

Turkey P4 Pts 3

Estonia P4 Pts 3

Andorra P4 Pts 0

Group E

All the Group E favourites won as Norway and Switzerland recorded impressive away victories. Those two will most likely battle it out for the one automatic qualification spot in the weakest European qualification group. Norway won 3-1 away to Cyprus whilst Switzerland overcame Iceland 2-0. The group's other game saw Albania beat Slovenia 1-0 to keep them on the tails of Norway. 

Switzerland P4 Pts 10

Norway P4 Pts 7

Albania P4 Pts 6

Iceland P4 Pts 6

Slovenia P4 Pts 3

Cyprus P4 Pts 3

Group F

Northern Ireland ruined Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th international for Portugal as the Group F minnows earned a 1-1 in Porto. Defensively superb through out and threatening on the counter attack, Northern Ireland deserved their point and only a late Helder Postiga goal cancelled out Niall McGinn's opener on the half hour mark.

Russia are yet to concede or drop a point in Group F; however they needed a late disputable penalty to overcome Berti Vogts' Azerbaijan side, whilst Israel eased past Luxembourg 3-0 to go level on points with Portugal. 

Fabio Capello's side managed back to back 1-0 home wins this week to strengthen their grip on Group F

Russia P4 Pts 12

Israel P4 Pts 7

Portugal P4 Pts 7

Northern Ireland P3 Pts 2

Azerbaijan P3 Pts 1

Luxembourg P4 Pts 1

Group G

Bosnia continued their fine unbeaten start to qualification as they eased past Lithuania 3-0. Goals from Vedad Ibisevic, Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic ensured Bosnia top the group ahead of Greece on goal difference. The Greek's themselves recorded an impressive 1-0 away win against Slovakia with Dimitris Salpingidis scoring the all important match winner. Latvia won the battle of the two previous pointless sides in their 2-0 victory at home to Liechtenstein. 

Bosnia P4 Pts 10

Greece P4 Pts 10

Slovakia P4 Pts 7

Lithuania P4 Pts 4

Latvia P4 Pts 3

Liechtenstein P4 Pts 0

Group F

Poland against England was postponed because of torrential rain, meaning the duo will have to play each other on Wednesday, causing embarrassment for the hosts whose stadium's roof wasn't used as they were unaware of the potential of the rain that was predicted. 

The group's other two games saw Ukraine's chances of qualification take a huge hit as they lost 1-0 at home to Montenegro. Dejan Damjanovic scored the game's only goal on the strike of half-time, meaning Stevan Jovetic's penalty miss was irrelevant. Moldova won the battle of the minnows as they secured a 2-0 victory away to San Marino. 

England P3 Pts 7

Montenegro P3 Pts 7

Poland P2 Pts 4

Moldova P4 Pts 4

Ukraine P3 Pts 2

San Marino P3 Pts 0

Group I

Olivier Giroud stunned Spain as France rescued a deserved point in the last minute of their group I qualifier. Sergio Ramos had given the European and World Champions the lead, and Cesc Fabregas blew the chance to double their advantage from the penalty spot after Hugo Lloris saved the former Arsenal midfielder's spot kick. Fabregas's miss was pivotal in the end as Giroud scored in stoppage time as France went some way to avenging their defeat to the Spanish at Euro 2012. Belarus overcame Georgia 2-0 to keep their slim chances of making Brazil alive. 

Spain P3 Pts 7

France P3 Pts 7

Georgia P4 Pts 4

Belarus P3 Pts 3

Finland P2 Pts 1

Keith Hill, one of the most under rated managers

I saw an article a few days back about managers who don't get the recognition they deserve, and a manager that somehow wasn't in the said article was Barnsley's Keith Hill. The former Rochdale manager has done an incredible job at Oakwell with limited resources in a league that is getting financially stronger.

Half way through their last campaign Barnsley were flying, however in January they lost three key players in the form of Ricardo Vaz Te who went to West Ham, Danny Drinkwater whose loan deal expired and Jacob Butterfield via a combination of long-term injury and his end of season move to Norwich City. Their form nose dived towards the end of the last campaign and many tipped them to go down this season, however once more Hill has defied the critics.

Not only are Barnsley doing well, they are playing an attractive style of football. The signing of Jacob Mellis from Chelsea has been an inspired one, with the youngster bringing class to their midfield. The Pole Tomas Cwkya is another technically astute midfielder and fits perfectly into the Hill way of playing.

Given their budget Hill has had to bring players in on the cheap, and his ability to judge a player is as good as anyone's in the league. A policy of signing released players from the Premier league and Championship combined with younger lower league talent has worked and Barnsley are reaping the rewards. Hill has helped revitalise the career of Craig Davies, with the Welsh forward in brilliant form this year with seven goals in seven league games.

If leagues were decided on budgets and transfer fee's then Barnsley would be a bottom three side; however their team spirit, manager and style of play will probably ensure they won't go down, provided they avoid a huge dip in form like last season. 

Can Lazio finish in the top three?

15 points from 21 represents a very good start for the Biancocelesti and they currently occupy the third and final Champions League spot in the Serie A table; however with 31 games left to play, can they really qualify for Europe's elite club competition for the first time since 2007?

Every team needs a few individual match winners and Lazio have a handful they can call upon when needed to influence those close games, which could be the difference between a third or another fourth placed finish.

The Brazilian midfielder Hernanes has been quality so far this campaign for Lazio and brings goals to the party as well as being the main source of creativity in the middle of the park.

Despite being 34, Miroslav Klose is still banging the goals in, with five in just seven Serie A games this season. And if the German international can get 20 league goals, then Lazio have a real chance of finishing third.

The returning Mario Zarate offers something different, and if he can find the form that made Inter bring him in on loan last year, then he will play a huge part in Lazio's Champions League push.

Another reason why third is certainly up for grabs is the fact Champions League mainstays in Inter and AC Milan are no longer a certainty to qualify, with the latter making a horrible start to their Serie A campaign, which when coincided with the fact they've lost not only quality but experienced players in the last transfer window, the Rossenari's top three spot is up for grabs.

Udinese finished 3rd last year; however have had another selling summer and have won just once in seven games this campaign, giving Lazio a nine point buffer over the side that qualified for the Champions League last year.

Like I touched upon, two of the three Champions League qualifiers from last year have seen their squad's heavily weakened whilst Lazio's has been improved in a quiet transfer window for the club, with only one notable departure.

Lazio's first eleven is more then capable of finishing in the top three; however whether they've the strength in depth to challenge for third is questionable! For me the likes of Roma, Napoli and even Fiorentina all have stronger looking benches then Vladimir Petkovic's side.

Considering the fact all of Lazio's five league win's have all been sown up on before the hour mark, means that they've not had anyone to bring on to change the game, which was highly evident in their home defeat to Genoa.

Aside from Napoli away from home, Lazio's start has been a favorable one (Facing just two of last season's top 10 in Napoli and Chievo), meaning they've still to play many of Italy's big guns.

This isn't the first time Lazio have found themselves within a realistic chance of a top three spot, and in the previous two campaigns they've blown good opportunities to do so.

For two consecutive seasons the Biancazzurri lost six of their last 12 games, in doing so missing the chance to overhaul Udinese for the final Champions league spot on both occasions.

Like in those two seasons, Lazio have started the season in brilliant fashion, and you'd think they will have learnt from their previous mistakes and will be more competitive come the tail end of the season.

Napoli have started incredibly well and probably will secure Champions League football, meaning the likes of Inter, AC Milan, Roma and even Fiorentina will be left to fight it out for the one remaining spot along with the Biancocelesti.

You'd only really say that champions Juventus are realistically secure of a top three spot, meaning Petkovic's side have an incredible chance of finishing in the top three this season.

Premier League tips

Last week's returns: Profit £44.39
Overall returns: Profit £42.56

Saturday 6th October

Manchester City vs Sunderland
City were poor midweek against Borussia Dortmund and a lunchtime kick off Saturday morning isn't ideal after playing Wednesday and given the fact Steven Fletcher hasn't stopped scoring for Sunderland since his move from Wolves in the summer, expect City's long run without a clean sheet to continue.

Given City's brilliant form home, I expect them to edge out Sunderland, but it won't be a stroll.

Manchester City 2 Sunderland 1 - 9/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Over 2.5 goals - 4/6 with Betfair - Returns of £8.33
Carlos Tevez anytime goalscorer - Evens with Bwin - Lose a fiver
Highest scoring half First - 13/5 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Down £11.67

Chelsea vs Norwich
Chelsea impressed away to Arsenal and are flying high at the top of the Premier league, with five wins from six. Norwich are struggling, and a mixture of conceding too many and not scoring enough doesn't bode well for the Canaries.

Roberto Di Matteo's men should win this home encounter and continue their fine start to the league campaign.

Chelsea 3 Norwich 0 - 7/1 with William Hill - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Juan Mata to assist the first goal - 7/1 with BoyleSports - Lose a fiver
Chelsea to win - 1/4 with Bet Victor - Returns of £6.25
Both teams to score NO - 10/11 with William Hill - Lose a fiver

Game returns - Down £13.75

Mata scored on his debut vs. Norwich City last season

Swansea vs Reading 
Swansea haven't scored in three and winless in four Premier league matches, and were out thought last week against Stoke City, whilst Reading are yet to win since their return to the top flight. Back both teams to score as they've only two clean sheets between them, both Swansea's and in their first two games.

Reading need to start picking up points and back them to get a draw away to an out of sorts Swansea here.

Swansea 1 Reading 1 - 6/1 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Draw - 77/29 with Pinnacle - Returns of £18.27
Both teams to score YES - 9/10 with Stan James - Returns of £9.50
Under 2.5 goals - 39/40 with Bet Victor - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Profit £7.77

West Brom vs QPR
West Brom have won all three games at the Hawthorns this season and are yet to concede a goal on their home turf. QPR have made a poor start to the season; however they've a more friendly looking fixture list coming up in the next few weeks and Mark Hughes will see this game as a chance to earn their first win.

The first goal in this game will be the key one especially with the way QPR are defending at the moment; however I reckon they'll get something from their trip here.

West Brom 1 QPR 2 - 14/1 with Totesport - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score YES - 4/5 with Stan James - Returns of £9
Draw HT/ QPR FT - 17/2 with BetVictor - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 5/6 with SkyBet - Returns of £9.16

Match returns - Down £1.84

Wigan vs Everton
Despite playing well in games Wigan are struggling to score the goals to give themselves a chance at collecting three points. Everton on the other hand are on fire! Second in the league and with four wins from six, they could surprise everyone and make the top four this season.

Last time these two met it was a draw at the DW Stadium last year, and I reckon Wigan will get a draw here again too.

Wigan 1 Everton 1 - 6/1 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Draw -  47/18 with Pinnacle - Returns of £18.06
Both teams to score YES - 9/10 with Stan James - Returns of £9.50
Nikica Jelavic anytime goalscorer - 15/8 with Stan James - Returns of £14.38

Match returns - Profit £21.94

West Ham vs Arsenal
Last week for these two clubs was a week of first's as West Ham won a Premier League away game for the first time since the 2nd February 2011, whilst Arsenal lost for the first time this season at home to Chelsea.

West Ham are unbeaten at home so far and Arsenal are unbeaten away from the Emirates and I expect the first to come to an end this weekend with Arsenal winning narrowly.

West Ham 1 Arsenal 2 - 8/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score YES - 8/11 with Stan James  Returns of £8.64
Arsenal to win - 24/23 with Pinnacle - Returns of £10.22
Gervinho anytime goalscorer - 9/4 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Down £1.14
Day returns - Profit £1.31

Gervinho is in fine goalscoring form the for Gunners

Sunday 7th October

Southampton vs Fulham
Southampton will be pleased to get back to St Marys following their third consecutive away defeat last week against Everton. Fulham have always had troubles on their travels, but they did beat Wigan in their last away match two weeks back.

If Southampton are to survive then they will need to win there home matches against sides like Fulham and I expect them to do so here.

Southampton 2 Fulham 1 - 10/1 with Betfred - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score YES - 8/11 with Stan James - Returns of £8.64
Over 2.5 goals - 4/5 with 888Sport - Returns of £9
Highest scoring half, Second - Evens with Paddy Power - Returns of £10

Match returns - Profit £7.64

Liverpool vs Stoke
Both Liverpool and Stoke earned their first wins of the season last week in comfortable fashion. Despite a midweek defeat to Udinese in the Europa League, Liverpool have improved over the last few weeks and expect them to pick up their first Anfield win of the Premier league season on Sunday.

It won't be as many goals as last week; however given Luis Suarez's rich vein of goal scoring form, I fancy him to score in a Liverpool win.

Liverpool 2 Stoke 1 - 17/2 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Luis Suarez to score and Liverpool to win - 13/8 with Bluesquare - Lose a fiver
Both teams to score YES - 6/5 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
First team yellow card Stoke - 1/2 with bet365 - Returns of £7.50

Match returns - Down £12.50

Tottenham vs Aston Villa
Tottenham were brilliant as they finally ended their Old Trafford hoodoo last week and backing that up with a home win here is vital. Villa rescued a point at home to West Brom last week; however if they are to avoid a relegation fight, they are games they should be winning.

Andre Villas-Boas is slowly getting there with Spurs, and back them to win here quite comfortably.

Tottenham 3 Aston Villa 1 - 11/1 with William Hill - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Jermaine Defoe to score anytime - 11/10 with Bwin - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 21/20 with You win - Lose a fiver
Tottenham to win - 1/2 with William Hill - Returns of £7.50

Match returns - Down £12.50

Newcastle United vs Manchester United
Newcastle recovered well, all be it in controversial circumstances, last week against Reading, and backed it up with an impressive win at home to Bordeaux mid-week in the Europa League. Manchester United however were poor in their defeat to Spurs, but did manage to win in Romania in the Champions League.

With Newcastle the home side, I can't see much separating these two and it'll probably be a draw.

Newcastle United 1 Manchester United 1 - 7/1 with William Hill - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score YES - 8/11 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 4/7 with 188Bet - Returns £7.85
Wayne Rooney anytime goal scorer - 15/8 with Stan James -  Lose a fiver

Match returns - Down £12.15
Day returns - Down £29.51
Weekend returns - Down £28.20
Overall returns - Profit £14.36

Accumulator of the week - Manchester City, Chelsea, Southampton and Tottenham to win - £5 returns £29.79 with Skybet

Robin rescues United

Two Robin Van Persie goals ensured Manchester United avoided a shock Champions League defeat away to CFR Cluj.

For the fourth time this season United went a goal behind inside 20 minutes, as the Romanians lead through Pantelis Kapetanos; however a fortunate Van Persie goal levelled the scores before half-time. If the equaliser was lucky, then the eventual winner was world-class as Wayne Rooney found Van Persie brilliantly who flicked it first time past Mario Felgueiras  in the Clug goal.

Rooney assisted both Van Persie strikes

Despite dominating the game, United gifted Cluj too many chances on the counter attack and only a late David De Gea save prevented the draw.

The win ensures Manchester United now have six points from six and realistically only need four points from their last four games to progress from the group stage.

A swift counter attack saw the Modou Sougou get the better of the United captain Patrice Evra, and the Senegalese squared it brilliantly for Kapetanos who beat De Gea into the far left corner.

United dominated possession, but it took them 20 minutes to create a real chance as Anderson and Van Persie both failed to convert when well placed.

Their pressure eventually told, all be it in fortunate circumstances, as Van Persie shouldered in a Rooney free-kick, with the ball looping over Felgueiras into the goal.

The sides went in at half-time level, but it only took United four minutes to take the lead as Van Persie doubled his account for the game.

Rooney, playing in the hole, found space and lofted a beautiful ball into the area and Van Persie got there before Laszlo Sepsi and placed into the corner.

The games all important fourth goal never came; however Cluj had a late chance to snatch a leveller only for De Gea to produce a brilliant save from Rafael Bastos's header.