It’s that time of the year again! Summer is long gone, Halloween has just passed, and there remains a further six weeks until Christmas. What is there, then, to get excited about? Certainly, for rugby fans, there is an answer. The Autumn series of international matches begins this weekend! Many of the top-tier nations face tasty encounters, yet none more so than Ireland – who, having recently lost the great Brian O’Driscoll, will face up to the mighty Springboks of South Africa, a team still fresh after having felled the mighty All-Blacks 27-25 in a fierce encounter in early October. Irish coach Joe Schmidt is to field an inexperienced and highly experimental side for the encounter at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Can Ireland pull off the improbable?

The odds remain against them. Schmidt, in his squad named this week, has filled the gap left by O’Driscoll with uncapped New-Zealand-born fullback Jared Payne. Payne will be partnered in the centres by 21-year-old Connacht centre Robbie Henshaw. Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton make up the half-back pairing, whilst Simon Zebo, Rob Kearney and Tommy Bowe shall start at left wing, fullback and right wing respectively. In the forwards, little change has been made to the group which won the six nations as O’Connell, O’Mahony, Heaslip, McGrath and Ross all retain their spots in the pack. Chris Henry, Ulster flanker, shall start at openside with six-foot-eight giant Devin Toner starting alongside O’Connell at second row.

South Africa are to field an identical team to that which toppled New Zealand in the final round of the Rugby Championship, as Heynecke Meyer shall seek to overcome the experimental Irish side with experience and reliability. 20-year-old Fly-half Handre Pollard has retained his place ahead of experienced Natal Sharks playmaker Pat Lambie, and Cheetahs wing Cornal Hendricks continues to keep vastly-experienced JP Pietersen out of the side with a string of stellar performances in the Championship itself and in the Super 15 competition. It is possible that Meyer shall field a slightly weaker team during the Bokke’s visit to Twickenham the following week, as he may seek to start uncapped hooker Robbie Coetzee, prop Julian Redelinghuys and wing Seabelo Senatla.

It will doubtless prove a huge test for the Irish team, and many analysts question whether the fragile midfield will be able to contain opposite numbers Jean de Villiers (inside centre) and Jan Serfontein (outside centre). Personally, as an ardent (and optimistic) yet disillusioned fan of the Men in Green, it is my belief that the defensive frailties exhibited by both Henshaw and Payne during recent Guinness Pro12 and European fixtures might be the shortcoming which could sink Irish hearts. However, I must also stress the attacking skill and ingenuity with which both players (and the remainder of the Irish team in general) are known to play – something which might just turn the match in the home side’s favour. Regardless of the outcome, it is certain to be an enjoyable and highly entertaining encounter, with no love lost betweeen the two sides, ever since their scrappy encounter during the group stages of the 1999 World Cup. Clear your saturday, as this will be one for the barstools!

Ireland vs South Africa, Aviva Stadium (Dublin), Sturday 5.30pm (local time) Ref: Romain Poite (FRA)

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The 2014 PDC Darts Championship gets under way on Friday, with Phil Taylor the odds-on favourite to defend his title. Coral are offering a free bet up to £50 on this event. The most likely man to take the crown away according to the bookies is Michael Van Gerwen, at best odds 4/1 exclusively at Sportingbet. Many punters will see this as a great bet given that Van Gerwen got the better of Taylor at Players Championship final at the start of the month, as well as in the final of the Premier League earlier in the year.

2014 PDC Odds and Betting Tips

If you look beyond the two market leaders there are a number of top players available to back at great odds, starting with Adrian Lewis who won the tournament in both 2011 and 2012. At best odds of 6/1 it’s easy to see why Lewis will be a very popular bet. Other players who will be of interest to the betting public include James Wade and Simon Whitlock, both available of odds of 33/1 with Stan James.

Phil Taylor	10/11	10/11	10/11	10/3
Michael Van Gerwen	7/2	7/2	4/1	7/2
Adrian Lewis	9/2	11/2	6/1	11/2
James Wade	28/1	28/1	28/1	28/1
Simon Whitlock	28/1	33/1	28/1	28/1

Other Darts betting options

Another popular bet at the World Championships is the most 180’s of the tournament. Only a couple of bookmakers are offering odds on this market, but it’s definitely worth a bet and we think Michael Van Gerwen justifies being favourite at odds of 2/1 with Betfred. You can read more betting previews or check out the full range of free bets currently available from bookmakers here.

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Manchester Derby betting preview

When previewing this intriguing battle between the two Manchester teams it was incredibly tough for me to predict the outcome. The two teams seem evenly matched in all parts of the pitch and the table proves this with Man City only slightly above United thanks to goal difference, and let’s be honest both teams are going to be well and truly up for it. With all that in mind though, the more I thought about it the more I was swung to a narrow away victory.

Betting tips, odds and free bets

Remember last year’s fixtures were two narrow away victories and the fact that it is a Manchester Derby too I personally take away the importance of home field advantage. I can see it being a draw as I believe both teams will put out a defensive unit to keep it tight, but personally I see it being a tight victory for Man Utd either 0-1 or 1-2, and I will tell you why. Check out the betting tips for this weekend here. 

The ‘Moyes Factor’.

I know people will disagree with this point because of his record in the other arguably biggest derby in the Premiership, ‘The Merseyside Derby’ were his Everton team only won 3 of the last 19 games against Liverpool.

But and it’s a big but, his record vs Manchester City is something to take notice, in the last ten premier league matches David Moyes managed his side too 7 victories and a draw, with only two defeats. That’s an impressive record against any team let alone ManchesterCity. He knows how to beat them, and now he has undoubtedly a stronger team (sorry Everton fans) which makes me think United will have the slight edge.

One final thing to take note is Moyes has faced Pellegrini once before, admittedly was a while ago when his side faced Villarreal in a Champions League Qualifier were they lost 1-0 but most importantly controversially so. The Toffees had a late goal wrongly disallowed which would have put the tie into extra time, and apparently it’s been grating on him ever since, and just maybe it will add fuel to the fire in which will tip United over the edge to what could be an explosive and highly interesting match.

So with all this in mind I’m going for a slight United victory, don’t take my word for it, but if it happens I told you so.

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Swansea vs Chelsea Capital One Cup betting preview

Swansea will have the chance to win their first cup competition since 2006 if they hold onto a 2-0 advantage on Wednesday night against Chelsea. Following a surprise 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago in the first leg, Swansea could secure a place in the League Cup final for the first time in their history even if they lose on Wednesday night. Chelsea will need to score three times to win in normal time if they wish to make it to their seventh League Cup title. The Blues last won the competition in 2007 when they beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium. Choose a free bet for this match here. 

Swansea’s League Cup Results:

Semi-Final (1^st Leg): Chelsea 0-2 Swansea (Michu, Graham)
Quarter-Final: Swansea 1-0 Middlesbrough (Hines (og))
Fourth Round: Liverpool 1-3 Swansea (Chico, Dyer, de Guzman)
Third Round: Crawley Town 2-3 Swansea (Michu, Graham, Monk)
Second Round: Swansea 3-1 Barnsley (Graham, Moore (x2))

Swansea head into the second leg full of confidence, having not even needed extra time in the tournament so far to progress to the semi-finals. They also sit in 9^th in the league, just one point behind Arsenal, Liverpool and West Brom, all chasing Everton for the first of the European spots.

The Swans lost their first game since the middle of December against Arsenal last week in the FA Cup but were quick to get back on track, beating Stoke 3-1 at The Liberty Stadium on Saturday. In the last 11 games Swansea have conceded just 9 goals proving they have one of the best defences in the country.

As well as a strong defence they have created a lethal attack force, with five or more goals from Wayne Routledge (5), Jonathan de Guzman (6), Danny Graham (7) and super star striker Michu (16). Graham in particular has been lethal in the cup this season, scoring four goals, three of those in the Capital One Cup. Sky Bet, William Hill and Blue Square have Graham to score anytime at 11/4.

Chelsea’s League Cup Results:

Semi-Final (1^st Leg): Chelsea 0-2 Swansea
Quarter-Final: Leeds United 1-5 Chelsea (Mata, Ivanovic, Moses, Hazard, Torres)
Fourth Round: Chelsea e5-4 Manchester United (Luiz (x2), Cahill, Hazard (pen), Sturridge, Ramires)
Third Round: Chelsea 6-0 Wolves (Cahill, Bertrand, Mata, Romeu (pen), Torres, Moses)

Some pressure has been taken off Chelsea after their 2-1 win over Arsenal at the weekend but the fans will be hungry for silverware in a season full of disappointment so far. In order for Chelsea to qualify they will need to score three goals or take it to penalties at 2-0.

In Chelsea’s last three games they have had five out of eight goals scored by midfielders and a total of 48 goals scored by them throughout the season. That means around 55% of their goals have come from the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard and Oscar. Mata and Lampard are 5/2 to score with Ladbrokes, Hazard 3/1 with Ladbrokes and Oscar 7/2 with Sky Bet and William Hill.

Betting Preview:

Chelsea haven’t beaten Swansea in their last three meetings, losing once and drawing 1-1 on two occasions, and have in fact only won twice when playing in Swansea throughout the club’s history. Swansea have only lost two games at home all season from 15 games. The draw is best priced at 14/5 with Bet365 and a Swansea win is 3/1 with Bet365, Bet Victor, Boyle Sports and William Hill.

The first leg result was the first time in six games between the sides that one of the teams hasn’t scored, dating back to April 1981. With Chelsea needing to press for the win on Wednesday goals are to be expected. Many bookies, including Betfred and Paddy Power, have both teams to score priced at 8/13.

In all of Swansea’s League Cup games this season there have been less than four yellow cards, and excluding the game against Man United which saw 9 yellows, Chelsea have played two games with less than four yellows themselves. Under 3.5 yellows is 7/10 with Bet365.

Although Swansea have a great home record they will be put under immense pressure from the Chelsea midfield and attack which boasts some of the best players in the Premier League. However, the Swansea team and support will be hungry for the chance to win the trophy for the first time ever. Chelsea to win by one goal is best priced at 16/5 with Paddy Power.

Prediction: Swansea 1-2 Chelsea – Best Priced at 8/1 with Paddy Power.

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Article by Jack Teague

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Aston Villa V Bradford City Betting 

Tuesday brings the second leg of the semi-final between Aston Villa and Bradford City in this year’s League Cup. The first leg provided a shock as the Villains slumped to a 3-1 defeat away at Valley Parade. This year’s giant killers Bradford have already picked up some remarkable victories in previous rounds and will look to continue their excellent campaign by progressing to the final. The League 2 side will go into this match with bags of confidence and lead with a great aggregate advantage. Choose a free bet for this match here.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s League Cup run has so far been a saving grace for Paul Lambert and his side. A horrid Premier League campaign has left them in seventeenth and they now seem certain to be involved in a relegation battle. If they manage to turn around this Cup tie it may just inspire a more successful second half to their season. Skybet has them placed at 4/11 to win this match and are 1/1 to end up qualifying. A price which still suggests that most people will be backing Villa to turn their fortunes around at home. However Aston Villa have only managed to pick up one win in their last eight matches, which was a home win against Ipswich in the FA Cup. One player that will be most likely to lead Villa to the final may be Christian Benteke. The Belgian has turned out to be a good signing for them and has so far scored ten goals this season, three of which have come in the League Cup. William Hill has priced him at 8/11 to score anytime for this match and for him to score the first goal it is 3/1. You would think that Villa are going to chase this game and try to score as many goals as possible so there could potentially be a lot of goals in the game. Over 3.5 goals is at 6/4 for this match.

Aston Villa’s League Cup Progress:

Aston Villa 3-0 Tranmere Rovers

Manchester City 2-4 Aston Villa (After Extra Time)

Swindon Town 2-3 Aston Villa

Norwich 1-4 Aston Villa

Bradford 3-1 Aston Villa

Bradford City

Regardless of the result in this game Bradford will be extremely pleased with their performances in the Cup and will see this as a successful campaign even if they lose. The pressure is defiantly on the Premier League side which will certainly work in Bradford’s favour. Whilst a win may be a tough ask there is no doubt that they could still get to the final if they limit the amount of chances Villa get. A Bradford win is priced at 13/2 on William Hill and for them to qualify is at 8/11. They go into this game as slight favourites to qualify but they will certainly be aware that the hard part is still to come. A defensive approach could see this game end in a draw, which is at 4/1 on William Hill and a win or draw double chance is 7/4. However like Villa they are not on the best of runs either having only won two games in their last eight. Their talisman upfront is Nahki Wells who has scored an impressive seventeen goals this season with a total of three of those goals coming in the League Cup. He is at 7/1 on William Hill to score the first goal and is at 2/1 to score anytime after he managed to grab the first goal of the first leg against Villa.

Bradford’s League Cup Progress:

Notts County 0-1 Bradford City (After Extra Time)

Watford 1-2 Bradford City

Bradford City 3-2 Burton Albion (After Extra Time)

Wigan Athletic 0-0 Bradford City (Bradford win 4-2 on penalties)

Bradford City 1-1 Arsenal (Bradford win 3-2 on penalties)

Bradford City 3-1 Aston Villa

Summary

This is a very hard game to call in terms of who will qualify but the favourites to grab the win will definitely be Aston Villa. Villa to win 2-0 is at 13/2 on Bet365, as is a Villa 2-1 victory. If Bradford manage to grab an early goal then they will certainly fancy their chances of progression and the pressure put on a very inexperienced Villa side may prove too much for them. Villa know that they will have to work extremely hard to make sure this game is won in normal time, so it could well be a possibility that this one ends up going into extra time. However the nothing to lose attitude that Bradford will adopt may just be enough to see them make the final and complete an incredible Cup run.

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Article by Max Hodge

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Tottenham v Manchester United Betting Preview

Manchester United are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, but on Sunday, they travel to Tottenham to face an in-form side that beat them at Old Trafford earlier in the season. Choose a free bet for this match here.

Both teams have been on a roll of late in both the Premier League and the FA Cup; winning four and drawing one of their last five matches.

Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham                                            Manchester United 2-0 WBA

Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham                                           Wigan 0-4 Manchester United

Tottenham 3-1 Reading                                                 West Ham 2-2 Manchester United

Tottenham 3-0 Coventry                                               Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

QPR 0-0 Tottenham                                                        Manchester United 1-0 West Ham

Manchester United have an impressive record against North Londoners, Tottenham. They (United) are unbeaten at White Harte Lane in 11 matches and haven’t lost their since a 3-1 defeat in 2000/2001. Since then, United have gone on to draw 3 and win an 8 of their last meetings at the lane. However,  recent form doesn’t always tell the whole story, as Tottenham hadn’t won at Old Trafford for over 22 years until goals from Jan Vertonghen and Gareth Bale secured the 3-2 victory earlier in the season.

Manchester United 2-3 Tottenham

Tottenham 1-3 Manchester United

Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham

Tottenham 0-0 Manchester United

Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham

Manchester United 3-1 Tottenham

Tottenham’s four game winning streak game came to an abrupt end in the goalless draw at Loftus Road on Saturday lunchtime. The early kick off saw Tottenham face former manager Harry Redknapp, but they were unable to play their usual flowing football and use their pace on the flanks to counter-attack against QPR. This result was somewhat of a surprise as Tottenham had been averaging three goals per game before going into that match. Now, if Tottenham have any hopes of getting anything out of the United game then they will need to be able to find the net this time, at least once, as United rarely fail to score.

And the player who is most likely to score for united is Dutch striker Robin Van Persie has been in exceptional form since his summer move from Arsenal. The forward now has 17 goals in the Premier League, at least 9 more than any other United player, with Hernandez on 8 and Rooney on 7. Van Persie may be a target for some stick from the Spurs fans who will undoubtedly remember his spell at North London rivals Arsenal, where he drove Arsenal to victory in his last match against Spurs. A surprising statistic however, would be that Van Persie has scored more than 1 goal on only two occasions this seasons, with most of his goals coming on their own in matches

However, Tottenham also have good attacking players of their own, in the shapes of Jermaine Defoe and Gareth Bale.  The two British forwards have been in fine form this season, with Defoe flourishing with the opportunity to play week in week out. The Englishmen is Spurs’ top goal scorer on 10 goals, whilst tricky winger, Bale, has 9 to his name. Both of these players caused United many problems when they met earlier in the season and Sir Alex Ferguson will demand his players to cope better this time. After leaking goals earlier in the season, United have now seemingly bolstered up their defence and the return of captain Vidic has only had a positive effect.

It looks like the two key players in the match are likely to be Gareth Bale and Robin Van Persie. The performances of these two forward players will more than likely shape the outcome of this match.

This meeting usually lives up to expectation and on Sunday, it is expected to be a lively encounter with both teams going for the win. The match is live on Sky Sports and is one not to be missed.

Prediction:

Both teams have been in fantastic form in recent weeks, but neither side has played many of the bigger teams and has instead been coasting past the relegation candidates. However, one thing that does look clear, based on recent form and past matches, is that goals are likely. Both Tottenham and United have brilliant attacking options who are more than capable of lightening up the pitch on Sunday and making it a goal-scoring spectacle.  In terms of the result, it seems that United will continue their happy hunting at White Hart Lane and may have too much attacking pries for the Spurs defenders to cope with.  However, as Tottenham showed at Old Trafford earlier in the season, United are prone to conceding early and another two early goals for Spurs on Sunday could make it an uphill climb for the league leaders.

Suggested Bets:

• United to win @ 7/5 with William Hill
• HT/FT Tottenham/United @ 25/1 with William Hill
• Over 3.5 goals @ 13/8 with William Hill
• Robin Van Persie to score and United to win @3/1 with William Hill

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Chelsea vs Arsenal betting preview

This weekend’s Super Sunday sees Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, both sides coming into the game off the back of tough fixtures in midweek. Chelsea threw away a 2-0 lead for only the third time in their Premier League history, drawing 2-2 with relegation strugglers Southampton, whilst Arsenal came out on top in their FA Cup Third Round Replay with Swansea thanks to a late winner from Jack Wilshere. Although they missed a chance to close in on the leaders, Chelsea will be hoping to stay in touch with the two Manchester teams, ensuring they cannot yet be ruled out of the title race. Arsene Wenger will be vying for that final Champions League place this season and with London rivals Tottenham taking on Manchester on the same day they will hope to reduce the gap further, still with a game in hand. Choose a free bet for this match here.

Chelsea’s Recent Results:

Chelsea 2-2 Southampton (Ba, Hazard)
Stoke 0-4 Chelsea (Walters (og)(x2), Lampard (pen), Hazard)
Chelsea 0-2 Swansea
Southampton 1-5 Chelsea (Ba (x2), Moses, Ivanovic, Lampard (pen))

Chelsea may be rocked by the news that former Barcelona manager, and the man expected by some to replace interim manager Rafa Benitez at Chelsea next season, Pep Guardiola, has agreed to join Bayern Munich for the 2013/14 season. That, added to their slip up against Southampton on Thursday, once again puts pressure on Benitez to pick up points this Sunday.

Having only lost once in the Premier League in December, Chelsea have only picked up four points from a possible nine so far in January, as well as losing the first leg of the Capital One Cup Semi Final to Swansea.

New signing Demba Ba has put Fernando Torres into the shadows, making an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, scoring twice on his debut against Southampton in the FA Cup and notching his first league goal for the club in the week against the same opposition. He is best priced at 4/1 with Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Coral and Bet Victor as favourite to score first, having scored first on the two occasions he’s scored.

John Terry could make his first start since November, whilst John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses continue to miss out with the African Cup of Nations starting this weekend.

Arsenal’s Recent Results:

Arsenal 1-0 Swansea (Wilshire)
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Swansea 2-2 Arsenal (Podolski, Gibbs)
Southampton 1-1 Arsenal (Do Prado (og))

Arsenal’s inconsistent season continues to rise and fall as they aim to win their first Premier League game of 2013. The one positive this month came on Thursday night as they grasped victory against Swansea to progress them through to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

They do hold an advantage over their nearest league rivals in the sense that they have a game in hand following the Boxing Day match with West Ham which was called off. This only becomes an advantage if they stay on a par with Tottenham and Everton, in 4^th and 5^th respectively,  in turn making three points on Sunday invaluable with a tricky run of games against West Ham, Brighton (FA Cup) and Liverpool.

The club will be massively boosted by the news that Theo Walcott has signed a three and a half year deal, keeping him at Arsenal until the end of the 2015/16 season. Walcott to celebrate his £100,000 per week contract in style with a goal on Sunday is 11/4 with Blue Square and Coral.

Betting Preview:

Chelsea and Arsenal have shared the spoils when it’s come to Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, having won seven games each in the 20 games played. The draw would make all three results stand at seven apiece – it is priced at 14/5 with Stan James.

The last game between these two sides at Stamford Bridge ended 5-3 to the away side with Robin van Persie scoring a hat-trick. The Dutchman had scored five goals in 12 games against Chelsea, and his departure in the summer may impact the outcome. With both teams averaging under 1.5 goals a game in the head-to-head at Stamford Bridge, under 3 goals in the game on Sunday is a promising bet at 8/7 with Ladbrokes.

Arsenal have only scored in both halves once out of their last four Premier League matches, whilst Chelsea have a similar record, just twice in five matches. Ladbrokes have one half to remain scoreless at 5/4 and Bet Victor price a scoreless first half at 13/5.

Both sides have been terribly inconsistent this season and it will make for an incredibly even game. Chelsea’s power going forward gives them the slight edge with the likes of Mata, Hazard, Lampard and Ba all in great form.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal – Best priced at 12/1 with Bet Victor.

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West Brom VS Aston Villa betting preview

West Brom have been a force this season however they are looking to record their first win in six as they host Aston Villa at the Hawthorns. The Baggies were knocked out of the FA Cup in midweek by Queens Park Rangers, and will be looking for their fine early season form. On the other hand, Villa slipped into the relegation zone after losing 1-0 to fellow strugglers, Southampton. Grab a free bet for this match here

West Brom – 7^th

Other clubs have had interest in defender Jonas Olsson and forward, Peter Odemwingie; however manager Steve Clarke believes no one will be leaving or joining the club. After a bad run of form, the Baggies could use this game against a struggling Aston Villa to start a run which saw them climb as high as third in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku is a player to watch. He scored twice in West Brom’s 3-2 defeat to Reading and could have had more goals as he hit the woodwork and looked dangerous in the air. Steve Clarke does have an array of forwards at his disposal. Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie have played roles this season and although the later is linked to QPR, the Nigerian is still part of Clarke’s short term plans.

Aston Villa – 18^th

This young team lost by a solitary penalty goal last weekend against Southampton. After conceding a lot of goals against Chelsea and Spurs, a 1-0 defeat is a certain improvement however the points are not coming for Paul Lambert’s men. Darren Bent scored the Villa’s only goal of this fixture earlier on in the season but is out of contention following a knee injury.

Christian Benteke drew a lot of attention after a strong performance away at Liverpool. Since then his form and his teams have dropped and if Villa are to start picking up points, they will need a striker to step up. So far the young Belgian has been preferred to Darren Bent but time will tell how long Lambert will persist with youth.

Although Villa have conceded a record 42 goals so far this season, they have also lacked goals upfront. Benteke has 9 and Weimann has contributed with 8, but at times they haven’t been clinical in front of goal. This team may be young but experience may be required to keep Villa in the Premier League.

Betting tips

West Brom to win 3-1, 12/1 on Totesport,

Lukaku to score a hat-trick, 20/1 on William Hill,

Benteke, first team goalscorer, 4/1 on SkyBet.

Enjoy a £10 free bet with Stan James – simply open an account and bet £10 and Stan James will give you a free £10 bet! Click here to get this offer. Make sure you also check out our betting tips section for previews of other upcoming fixtures, and our Paypal betting guide.

Written by Kelvin Morgan

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Liverpool vs Norwich betting preview

Liverpool:

Liverpool are a side that are currently constantly reorganising, aiming to find that magic formula which will see them at top of the game where they arguably belong. Liverpool are currently 8^th in the Premier League, which is quite impressive given their form last season and the start of the league this season. Choose a free bet for this match.

Liverpool’s defence is a strong point, other than against Manchester United last weekend, Liverpool kept clean sheets in their last two league games. Additionally, in recent matches they have been managing to score, primarily due to the great form Gerrard and Suarez have been showing.

Suarez is the man, he is arguably one of the best centre forwards in the world, any team would be lucky to have him. If Liverpool’s midfield are on fire then inevitably Suarez will remain in constant goal scoring form. Liverpool have a few fixtures coming up where they are expected to win and given their current discipline they are favourites. Finishing in the top 4 is not out of sight yet, Liverpool have a strong chance in doing so.

Norwich:

Norwich are in 12^th position in the Premier League this season and they should be happy with this position, they have played well particularly at home. Additionally they love the play real football and they can give top teams a tough time of it, which is evident from their victory against Manchester United, from scoring three goals against Manchester City at home, as well as conceding just one goal against Chelsea.

However over recent weeks Norwich have not had a good time of it, they have not won in their last 5 Premier League games, so although their 12^th position placing appears impressive, it could be much better. But nevertheless, Norwich have a good squad, they play good football and it won’t be long before they start winning again.

Liverpool v Norwich

Liverpool go in to this game as favourites, especially given their decent performance against Manchester United last weekend. However, Norwich can pull out a victory in any circumstances, they fight for victory and will not make it easy for Liverpool. If Norwich can defend Suarez well and not give Gerrard plenty of time on the ball then it is questionable where Liverpool’s goals are going to come from. But on balance Liverpool have shown great ability in recent weeks and in combination with their home advantage and strong defence, they should just win this

Prediction – Liverpool 1 – 0 Norwich (Odds – 8/1 with BET 365)

Odds:

First Goal Scorer:

Suarez – 3/1 with Coral

Gerrard – 5/1 with SkyBet

Grant Hold – 12/1 with BET365

Simon Jackson – 11/1 with William Hill

Enjoy a £10 free bet with Stan James – simply open an account and bet £10 and Stan James will give you a free £10 bet! Click here to get this offer. Make sure you also check out our betting tips section for previews of other upcoming fixtures, and our Paypal betting guide.

Article by Mani Basi

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The Australian Open takes place in Melbourne every January, and is the fourth major in the tennis calendar. Due to the time difference in Australia, betting on this event offers many late night betting opportunities!

Novak Djokovic is the 2013 favourite after winning the last 2 Australian Open’s. Andy Murray and Roger Federer are also popular alternatives in the betting. In the women’s event, Serena Williams has an incredible record, winning 4 out of the last 9 events since 2003, and is currently the 5/4 favourite for this year.

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