Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab 11.30am, ITV4
A MIXED start to the tournament for CSK included a deserved defeat at the hands of lowly Pune and in a tournament where some of the top teams have struggled it looked as if the IPL's most successful franchise might be heading for a repeat of 2012 at best – a year when they scraped into the play-offs by virtue of a high net run rate.
However, after taking four points from a possible eight in those early games, the Super Kings have won six straight matches and qualification to the knockouts is virtually guaranteed. Those victories have been anchored by Mike Hussey, who is somehow staying in touch with Chris Gayle in the race for the orange cap, but everyone is hitting form at the right time.
With Ravi Jadeja, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo and Dhoni himself hitting a peak, this could be a long, hot and uncomfortable day for CSK's opponents.
With four wins from their opening nine matches, Kings XI remain in touch with the top four and Adam Gilchrist's side were unlucky not to claim another two points after taking Mumbai to a last ball finish earlier this week.
Gilchrist took the difficult yet logical decision to drop himself from the team in favour of Shaun Marsh and although his replacement made just 10, Kings look a stronger side and one which has an outside chance of a play-off slot.
That match with Mumbai was lost when stand-in skipper David Hussey took the ball and promptly went for 27 off the last over so he will need to be far shrewder in the face of a stronger side.
Having tinkered with their team for much of this tournament, Kings look to have their best balanced starting XI and with Marsh, Hussey and David Miller forming a potent batting line up, they will start winning games again – albeit they should surrender the points here to a seemingly unstoppable CSK.
Back Chennai @ 1.57
Pune Warriros v Royal Challengers Bangalore 3.30, ITV4
PUNE WARRIORS should be renamed the weaklings. They are bottom of the pile and with qualification hopes a fantasy we don't expect them to improve any time soon.
They have lost five zip and there appears to be an alarming lack of planning or spirit in the camp. It is not surprising. Angelo Mathews has seemingly been ditched as skipper in favour of Australian Aaron Finch, who has hardly proved an academic of Antipodeans so far.
It might be a decent idea to return Mathews to the line-up in place of the hapless Luke Wright who has already snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against King's XI. In a hammering by Chennai, Wright was run out for two off six balls and his only over went for 12 runs.
Bangalore have never won IPL which seems extraordinary when you consider they have boasted the batting brutality of Chris Gayle for much of their existence.
Yet sitting pretty in second spot, one gets the feeling this could be their year. What is to like about RCB is their willingness to eschew star talent, chiefly Tillakaratne Dilshan who has been unable to break into the side regularly.
Gayle opened with Abhinav Mukund last time, albeit in defeat by Rajasthan Royals. Virat Kohli, the enfant terrible of Indian cricket, makes some headstrong decisions at times but is good value. He may need to start bashing his bowlers' heads together, though. They lack penetration and might be wise to recall Zaheer Khan or Daniel Vettori.
Back Bangalore @ 1.65
BET OF THE DAY – DOUBLE
Chennai @ 1.57
Bangalore @ 1.65
Milesey (Betfair)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
DOUBLE
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Inter Turku V HJK Helsinki
HJK WIN
Lokomotiv Plovdiv V Levski Sofia
LEVSKI WIN
Milesey
RESULT :
INDIA: Premier League
Chennai Super Kings 186 – 171 Kings XI Punjab
Milesey
Swansea v Man City
Back Man City @ 1.72 (8/11)
Swansea have struggled since the Capital One Cup victory and with Manchester City in town on Saturday, I can’t see anything other than an away win.
Michael Laudrup has received plenty of plaudits this season and been linked with some top jobs. His supporters must be at least slightly concerned with how his side’s form has tailed off dramatically in recent weeks though.
Since their Wembley glory in the cup, The Swans edged past Newcastle 1-0 – a result that flattered them – and then picked up just two points from a possible 18. The players seem to be going through the motions ever so slightly as they are safely berthed in mid-table with little to play for.
Manchester City also have little to play for in terms of the league as they look booked for second place. Roberto Mancini is still under a little bit of pressure though and he will want to finish on a high to keep the detractors at bay. City also have the FA Cup final to look forward to and with such a big squad, the players will be wanting to perform well to secure their place in the first team at Wembley.
Their results have been a bit mixed away from the Etihad recently – three defeats in five – but with Sergio Aguero back to fitness and Carlos Tevez in decent form, I can see them having too much quality for Swansea.
This should be a relatively comfortable victory for last year’s champions so not only do I recommend backing them to win, I like the look of a 0-2 correct score at 8.0 (7/1).
West Brom v Wigan
Back West Brom @ 2.37 (11/8)
Wigan travel to the Hawthorns badly in need of a win this weekend but I’m afraid to say I can’t see them getting it here as West Brom are looking too strong.
The Baggies ended a run of five without victory by comprehensively beating Southampton at St Mary’s last Saturday. Steve Clarke fielded both Shane Long and Romelu Lukaku in that match – a rare thing for him – and it worked wonderfully as they both scored.
They look set to finish eighth and that is a huge achievement not only given the club’s stature, but also the fact that this is Clarke’s first season as a number one. He has built a side that is strong at the back – eight clean sheets – but also one that has plenty of power and pace going forward, especially on the counter.
Wigan are really struggling now after Aston Villa’s 6-1 demolition of Sunderland. Conceding that last minute equaliser to Spurs may have left them with too much to do as they are five points adrift of safety, albeit with a game in hand.
Roberto Martinez will be disillusioned with how his side defended last weekend but that’s been the story of their season really. They have conceded 62 goals – only three less than Reading – and the Spanish manager has even reverted to playing four at the back.
The Latics have lost their last two on the road and I think that statistic will become three on Saturday. West Brom are fantastic value at 2.37 (11/8) as is a 3-1 correct score at 17.0 (16/1).
Liverpool v Everton
Back Liverpool @ 2.0 (1/1)
It’s the 220th Merseyside derby live on Sky Sports One at 13:30 this Sunday and I have to favour the home side as David Moyes’ Everton have a history of choking against their neighbours when it matters.
Liverpool put the 10 game ban for Luis Suarez behind them by demolishing Newcastle 6-0 at St James’ Park in a fantastic display. Yes, the defending from the Toon was poor, but the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Danny Sturridge played some superb stuff at times. Lucas Leiva also had a fantastic match – breaking up the play on a regular basis – and he seems almost back to his best after a couple of nasty injuries.
The Reds would of course prefer to have Suarez available, but his absence will give others the chance to shine and Fabio Borini will be wanting to prove a point before the summer as his Liverpool career hasn’t really got going yet.
Brendan Rodgers’ men are five points adrift of Everton with just three games to go so a win is absolutely imperative if they want to finish above them and as The Blues go to Chelsea on the final day, it could be a real possibility.
David Moyes’ team have had a fine campaign but it looks like they’re going to just miss out on the European places and it will be interesting to see what that means in terms of a summer shake up.
The Toffees beat Fulham 1-0 last weekend and that continued their decent home form – five wins in a row – however their results away from Goodison haven’t been anywhere near as good. It’s no win in six for Everton on the road and while they drew at both Spurs and Arsenal, they were beaten by Norwich and Sunderland.
Everton haven’t won at Anfield since 1999 and I can’t see that changing on Sunday. Liverpool should win this comfortably for my money, so as well as backing a home win, Liverpool to be winning at half time and at full time is worth an investment at 3.25 (9/4).
WEEKEND TREBLE
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Swansea v Man City
Back Man City @ 1.72 (8/11)
West Brom v Wigan
Back West Brom @ 2.37 (11/8)
Liverpool v Everton
Back Liverpool @ 2.0 (1/1)
Milesey
SATURDAY – CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION SCRAP
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Both Millwall and Crystal Palace passed up the opportunity to nail down their end-of-season targets at The Den on Tuesday night.
By drawing 0-0, Palace missed the chance to confirm a play-off spot, while their south London rivals failed to guarantee their Championship safety, although the point did at least make their relegation unlikely.
Kenny Jackett’s side remain one of the outsiders at 22.0 to face last-day relegation heartache as the only way down is by losing at Derby then Sheffield Wednesday grabbing at least a point and both Barnsley and Peterborough winning their games.
Phew. That’s the simple bit out of the way – now time to rule Blackburn out of the equation.
Even though they could technically still be relegated, their 1000.0 price for the drop gives a clue that the permutations involve a highly improbable arrangement of results combined with Rovers getting beaten about 15-0 at Birmingham.
Huddersfield are in the frame priced at 27.0 but their involvement in the drama is complicated by a Yorkshire derby against fellow trapdoor nominees Barnsley, currently occupying the final relegation spot on goal difference and 1.8 to be condemned to League One.
There is no greater incentive for the Tykes to beat the Terriers than surviving themselves and potentially sending their rivals down in their own stadium.
However, this dream scenario can only be achieved if Millwall at least ensure a draw and fellow escapists Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday both achieve victories.
A draw would be enough for Barnsley and Huddersfield if Peterborough get beaten by Palace at Selhurst Park.
This leads us on perfectly to the possible fate of the aforementioned Posh and Owls, who are 2.72 and 13.0 respectively for the Championship shunt.
Basically, both clubs’ fans will be rooting for Huddersfield, as a loss for Barnsley spells the end for the Oakwell outfit regardless, wiping out any other permutation
along with it.
Superior goal difference over Barnsley gives both Wednesday and Peterborough a little security but both can easily slip out of the second tier by dropping points.
The Yorkshire club look to have the much easier assignment at home to a Middlesbrough side who have collected one away point in 2013, whereas Peterborough travel to play-off seeking Palace.
The longer Barnsley have a chance of winning, the more nerves will become shredded, but Peterborough look like the club who may be in for the worst of it.
Poor old Wolves require a win at high-flying Brighton, a Barnsley loss and a heavy defeat for the Posh and seem resigned to their fate after ugly scenes at Molineux last Saturday. They are clear 1.04 favourites for the drop.
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CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS
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Watford v Leeds United
Saturday, 12:45pm (Live on Sky Sports Xtra)
Watford could snatch automatic promotion from under the noses of Hull if they can beat Leeds and rely on Cardiff to take at least a point at the KC Stadium.
Gianfranco Zola’s side pushed the Premier League promotion battle to the last day of the season after winning away at Leicester City, a game notable for a thumping long-range drive from on-loan Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah. It is the Hornets loan stars that have caused controversy in the Championship this year, but they could be set to go up if things go their way on Saturday. Two wins on the bounce have come at the perfect time for Watford, as has a return to goalscoring form for Troy Deeney – who will hope to fire his team to victory – and add to his 19 league goals after scoring three in two.
Despite making a good start to life as Leeds boss, Brian McDermott has followed up two initial victories with back-to-back defeats, and a trip to determined Watford looks unlikely to yield any joy. The Whites’ recent defeat to Brighton saw three red cards in the game, with two for the home side and influential midfielder Rodolph Austin and forward El Hadji Diouf are both suspended for the trip to Vicarage Road – although Austin’s sending off is set to be appealed. Even so, United are safe in the division and may already have their eyes on the summer break.
With the stakes so high for Watford it could be a nervy afternoon in Hertfordshire, but they should have too much strength for Leeds and a 1-0 could be worth a punt at 7.5.
Recommended Bets
Back Watford at 1.35
Back Watford to win 1-0 at 7.5
Hull City v Cardiff City
Saturday, 12:45pm (Live on Sky Sports 2)
Hull will be hoping that Championship winners Cardiff ease off the gas for their final game of the campaign in East Yorkshire.
Steve Bruce’s Tigers know they must better Watford’s result on Saturday if they are to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League and avoid the lottery of the playoffs. Hull fluffed their chance to secure a spot in next season’s top tier by losing at lowly Barnsley, with the home side set to welcome Cardiff without a win in three matches. But Hull will surely raise their game for this financially monumental encounter that pits the league’s top club against the second best.
The hosts haven’t scored in three games which is particularly worrying for Hull fans, who would be happy to take a goal from anywhere against the Bluebirds if it helps them to return pinnacle of English football after a two-year absence.
Despite wrapping up the title with games to spare and manager Malky Mackay probably already preparing his plans for next season’s Premier League charge, Cardiff have remained hard to beat and are without a defeat in seven. Five of those games were draws, and with little to play for at the KC Stadium the Welsh champions may fall to defeat. However, many players will want to prove they deserve a crack at top-flight football and they could earn a point under the TV cameras.
Hull will be desperate for victory but Cardiff are still churning out results and a draw in this game looks a worthy selection at 3.4, with Both Teams To Score a more conservative but likely 1.75 bet.
Recommended Bets
Back Hull and Cardiff to draw at 3.40
Back Both Teams To Score in Hull v Cardiff at 1.75
Brighton and Hove Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday, 12:45pm
Wolves are facing up to the likelihood of successive relegations as they travel to Brighton hoping for a final day miracle at the Amex Stadium.
Less than 12 months after playing Premier League football, Wolves look destined to drop down to League One with the club currently three points from safety. For Dean Saunders’ side to stay up they must beat Brighton and hope neither of Peterborough or Barnsley earn a point or more in their end of season fixtures. Saunders is already preparing for next season in the third tier, and Wolves’ lack of fight during the final few weeks of the campaign have been startling to fans. Supporters invaded the pitch after last weekend’s home defeat to Burnley and they could well drop out of the Championship in further ignominy on the south coast.
Brighton have secured a playoff spot after an impressive season under Gus Poyet, and will hope to sign their league campaign of by maintaining their good form as they bid to make the Premier League via the knockout route. Three wins in their last four suggest the Seagulls will finish their season on a high, especially so given they won their last home match 6-1 against Blackpool. If Wolves don’t pull themselves together for their away trip, Poyet’s side could pull off another rout with Will Buckley back from injury and a good bet to score from the hosts after netting twice in as many games.
Wolves have been so disappointing this season they wouldn’t surprise with another heartless performance, and Brighton’s good form and tight defence – just 17 goals conceded at home is the second best in the league – means they are worth backing to Win To Nil at 3.1.
Recommended Bets
Back Brighton to win at 1.85
Back Brighton to Win To Nil at 3.10
Milesey
( Betfair )
Would you believe Milesey, I did this exact double this morning without seeing your preview until 5 minutes ago. I rarely do doubles but the prices looked good.
Uthappa was making us sweat for a while there but we’re home & dry now.
RESULT :
INDIA: Premier League
Chennai Super Kings 186 – 171 Kings XI Punjab
RESULT:
INDIA: Premier League
Pune Warriors India 170 – 187 Royal Challengers Bangalore
BET OF THE DAY – DOUBLE
Chennai @ 1.57
Bangalore @ 1.65
** WINNING DOUBLE **
Milesey