BARCELONA need to score at least four goals against a side who have conceded just twice in their last four Champions League away games and only three times on the road all season in the Bundesliga.
They have already rescued a first-leg away defeat in the Champions League this season but this may be unassailable. No team has ever overturned a 4-0 deficit after the first leg of a Champions League knockout game.
Tito Vilanova would have liked to keep Lionel Messi fresh ahead of Wednesday's game but was forced to introduce the Argentine with the side trailing to Bilbao at the weekend.
Messi came off the bench to score in his 20th consecutive league game against Athletic Bilbao but Barcelona were forced to wait at least another week to seal the La Liga title after a 2-2 draw.
Jordi Alba is suspended having picked up his third yellow card of the tournament in the reverse fixture and is likely to be replaced by Adriano who returns from a ban.
Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro compete for two places in the starting XI. With Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano still injured it's a further dent to the defensive options which Vilanova has available. Eric Abidal replaced 22-year-old central defender Marc Bartra against Bilbao and may be used in that role again on Wednesday.
Bayern continued their momentous season on Saturday. They managed a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim, setting a new Bundesliga points record of 84, three more than Dortmund's record mark last season. Jupp Heynckes made 10 changes to his side in a show of respect to Barcelona but they still registered a 14th straight league win.
Bayern Munich have no new injury concerns or suspensions to concern themselves with after the first leg – midfielder Toni Kroos and defender Holger Badstuber remain long-term absentees.
Heynckes rested almost his entire first team XI at the weekend, with even keeper Manuel Neuer dropped to the bench. Mario Mandzukic is back available following a suspension and he will compete for the lone striker position with Mario Gomez.
Probable line-ups
Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Adriano; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, David Villa, Lionel Messi.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Phillip Lahm, Dante, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luiz Gustavo; Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery; Mario Mandzukic.
Recommended Bets
The Draw @ 4.20 bet365
2-2 Correct Score @ 14.00 betvictor
Both teams to score @ 1.50 paddypower
Penalty in the match @ 3.40 10bet
Milesey (Betfair)
In December 2020 we sadly 
I think Barcelona will have a right go, and lets face it if Real madrid had took their first half chances they would have done it. My maximum nap bet for next season is Cheasterfield to win league 2. Doyle comeing from Hibs, big clear out. I would say maximum of maxiximum bets. Love your info guys, keep up the good work.
Steve, Doyle’s OK but not brilliant which is probably why he’s going to Chesterfield and not the Championship with the likes of Andrew Shinnie who’s excellent and probably Niall McGinn.
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
—————
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
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
—————
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
Recommended Multiple:
Back HB Koge @ 1.9 (10/11)
RESULT
DENMARK: 1st Division
Koge 2-0 Bronshoj
Back Libertad @ 1.61 (8/13)
RESULT
PARAGUAY: Primera Division – Apertura
Sp. Luqueno 0-3 Libertad
Back Over 2.5 Goals in Barcelona v Bayern Munich @ 1.53 (8/15)
RESULT
EUROPE: Champions League
Barcelona 0-3 Bayern
Back Under 2.5 Goals in Gremio v Santa Fe @ 1.66 (4/6)
23:30 KICK OFF
The Multiple pays approximately 7.88 (7/1)
Milesey
PLAYOFF THURSDAY
—————-
Bradford and Northampton should make the most of home advantage in the first legs of the League Two play-offs.
Bradford City 2.0 v Burton Albion 4.3; The Draw 3.7
Kick-off: Thursday 19:45
I wonder sometimes whether I worry too much. Is Bradford’s cup expertise – having reached the Capital One Cup Final – in their favour for the play-offs or do those extra games mean they will be exhausted?
The Bantams will play at least 63 games this season, prompting Phil Parkinson to play Andrew Davies, often injured but a huge presence, at centre-back on Saturday to rest Rory McArdle after 55 games. Davies was sent off for two yellow cards and will be suspended. His manager felt he let the team down.
Eight players were changed in all but consider none of them mere ’squad players’, the 0-0 with last year’s play-off final losers Cheltenham confirming as much. No wonder the city’s newspaper takes the tone, comparing League Two to a prison cell, that the fourth tier is somehow beneath Bradford.
Such disrespectful talk is bound to wind up opposing teams, whether it comes from the club or not. Just two defeats since Wembley is a telling statistic, however, as the Yorkshire club rose to seventh. Furthermore, as Opta state, Burton have never won at Valley Parade and, worse, their last four away games reaped just two points.
That they have salvaged a league-high 23 points from losing positions seems an Opta warning, however, until it is considered that Bradford, at home, have dropped points from leading positions just three times. The Brewers finished the season with a confidence-boosting 3-2 win over weakened Gillingham, Billy Kee (13 this season) finding his scoring touch again along with Calvin Zola (11). All four of their main scorers have netted in recent weeks, Matthew Paterson (7) and Jacques Maghoma (15) battling for net-busting rights. But which Burton will turn up? The one that won 4-0 at Fleetwood or the one that lost 7-1 at Port Vale?
The one that lost 1-0 at Bradford just 10 days ago will not be intimidated by a Premier League standard stadium, that is for sure.
Anyone who has backed them in from 16.0 in the to be promoted market will surely want to cash out now they are 3.35 favourites. It should be worth holding on, at least until the final. Bradford are the team with real momentum and with the play-off matches in the last two years favouring the teams who were at home first, combined with their momentum, it is worth backing them to win even though they are short-priced favourites, all things considered. Over 2.5 goals should also be in order, as the visitors will surely try to make some of the running.
Recommended Bets
Back Bradford @ 2.0
Back over 2.5 goals @ 2.05
——————————
Northampton 2.3 v Cheltenham 3.35; The Draw 3.45
Kick-Off: Thursday 19:45
Ben Tozer believes his Northampton side can ‘mix it up’ in terms of varying how they play: they can bully, rely on set pieces or, more importantly, pass and move.
A terrific home record of late – 10 straight wins at Sixfields before the 2-0 loss to desperate York – indicates a win-at-any-method mentality which will surely stand them in good stead in the play-offs. Ade Akinfenwa, who Opta emphasise has scored in three of his last four games against Cheltenham, can certainly use his size to intimidate up front. He will be fresh from being rested, while the Cobblers await news on the fitness of Clive Platt.
The Cobblers defeated Barnet, who were desperate for points, on the season’s final day and it is telling that, in those 11 wins out of the last 12 home games, Aidy Boothroyd’s side only conceded three goals – in the first three games. Possibly. But which was the last team to win at Sixfields before that? You’ve guessed it. Cheltenham, 3-2. They also won on their own turf.
So, the Robins’ nerves – having been beaten in the play-off final last year – will be somewhat settled. Keeper Scott Brown has kept 20 clean sheets this season, six in the last eight games, to earn him two player of the year awards. Team-mate Marlon Pack has been named in the League Two team of the year and, at 22, already has 150 league appearances. He proved he can pack a punch with a stunning goal in last year’s play-off semi-final, in the second leg at Torquay. Jermaine McGlashan also has to be marshalled well.
He is second top scorer with seven. Only Shaun Harrad with eight has more, which must be a bit of a concern. But Mark Yates’s men also have Paul Benson, who opened the scoring for Dagenham when they won the play-off final in 2010.
Two defeats this season against Cheltenham will give Northampton plenty of ammunition. In fact, Opta reveal, the hosts are without a win in six against their opponents. However, with Northampton’s home record, it is hard to argue against them. Under 2.5 goals at 1.84 is an even stronger fancy, given Northampton do not like conceding at home. A 1-0 home win is value at @ 8.2 as a back to cashout at least.
Recommended Bet
Back Northampton @ 2.3
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.84
Back 1-0 Northampton @ 8.2
Milesey
( Betfair )
Delhi Daredevils vs Kolkata Knight Riders 3:30 ITV4
Delhi Daredevils
Apart from a Sehwag-inspired run-chase to beat Mumbai, there has been no evidence of the form that enabled Delhi to top last year’s points table. Victory over fellow strugglers Pune on Sunday lifted them from bottom place, but their weaknesses remain obvious. If David Warner or Sehwag’s big-hitting doesn’t pay off, there isn’t the batting depth to secure good totals. The loss of Kevin Pieterson has proved a decisive blow. Moreover given the nature of their slow home surface, the lack of a world-class spinner in their ranks is a massive oversight.
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR have to some extent been even more disappointing because there are no such obvious excuses for their failures. They possess the best bowler in the tournament, Sunil Narine and a superb batting order led by Gautam Gambhir, Jacques Kallis and the impressive Eoin Morgan. Brendon McCullum’s belated return to the side is most welcome and they remain well capable of some very big totals. Indeed, the fact they gave Chennai’s daunting 200 total a serious crack on Sunday must be seen as a positive.
First Innings Runs
Sunday’s match was the first at Raipur so it’s hard to draw strong conclusions. Totals of 165 and 149, by the bottom two sides prone to batting collapses, suggest there are high scores available but I’ll wait for the toss before deciding. If Kolkata bat, 160 plus and even 180 plus could rate good value at anything above 2.0. Delhi, however, are simply too unreliable to trust in this market.
Match odds
Kolkata have managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory several times recently but they are fancied to make no mistake against a struggling Delhi outfit. On a slowish pitch that rewards spinners, Sunil Narine’s four overs could prove decisive.
Top Delhi batsman
The latest plan to demote Warner to number four has paid off to some extent, allowing their best player to steer the side towards respectable totals. His time at the crease, however, should coincide with Narine’s spell so I’d prefer to back an opener instead. Apart from that one innings, Sehwag hasn’t comprehensively disproved the theory he’s on the way out so lets back Mahela Jayawardene instead at 4.5.
Top Kolkata batsman
Given Delhi’s propensity to be bowled out cheaply, the best plan may again to back one of the top-three. Brendon McCullum always comes in early and has the power to repeatedly clear these boundaries. At around 5.0, the New Zealand captain is marginally preferred to Gambhir.
Recommended bet
Back Kolkata @ 1.8
Milesey
( Betfair )
Messi to score anytime & Barca win returns £137 with a £50 stake with W/HILLS…..got to be a stick on or what ??????
Barca/Draw, HT/FT, 16/1, @Skybet
Pedro, 1st goal, Barca 2-1, 55/1 @Bet365
Pedro, 1st goal, 2-2, 90/1 @Skybet
Iniesta, 1st goal, 2-1, 85/1 @Bet365
Iniesta, 1st goal, 2-2, 155/1 @Skybet
Barca, 3-1, 12/1 @Skybet
SATURDAY – CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION SCRAP
—————————————-
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.
Milesey
( betfair )
CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS
——————
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 )
PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS
*********************
I make it five players going for four spots so it should be another interesting night of darts action in Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Thursday night.
Michael van Gerwen v Andy Hamilton
I don’t think Hamilton can qualify now and Van Gerwen is really on a massive high at the moment. He won another Pro Tour event over the weekend and he is just loving his darts at the moment. He does not fear anybody and is making people fear him. We know Hamilton is a fighter but I think the consistent scoring power of Van Gerwen will see him win this game quite easily.
ROD’S CALL: Van Gerwen win
James Wade v Simon Whitlock
James Wade did not play that badly last week but he was just not firing on all cylinders. He will be up against his stablemate Whitlock who is really on the ropes and knows a loss puts him out of the running completely. Wade is a tough cookie and he also needs to win – and he is very good at pulling out a win when he really needs to. It would not surprise me if Whitlock won this game but I am going to go for Wade to just nick it.
ROD’S CALL: Wade win
Robert Thornton v Phil Taylor
Taylor is only playing one game this week so he will prepare himself just perfectly for it this week. Thornton beat Taylor early on in the Premier League but I cannot see him doing it again. He has gone off the boil just a bit and I think Taylor will be really gunning for him. Taylor does not want to finish fourth in the table because then you are down to play Van Gerwen in the semi-finals – and at the moment no-one wants to play Van Gerwen! So Phil will be really up for winning this – and I think he will.
ROD’S CALL: Taylor win
Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis
Lewis has had an atrocious year – probably an atrocious 18 months to be honest. He is just not consistent in the whole of his game while Barney is playing some super darts. We always say Adrian Lewis can turn up at any time and beat anyone. Well, I keep on saying it and saying it but he has not done that this year and I cannot see him doing it either. Barney wants to stay in second or third place and I’m going for form all the way and tipping Van Barneveld.
ROD’S CALL: Van Barneveld win
James Wade v Andy Hamilton
Wade will be looking for four points on Thursday and the form book says he should beat Hamilton. But he does not want to make any mistakes because Hamilton can really punish people. He has gone off the boil a bit with his checkouts – he has been missing doubles the last few weeks whereas Wade hasn’t. Forget about his loss to Barney last week, though, that is Wade all over and the previous weeks he has played brilliantly. I have to go for a Wade win.
ROD’S CALL: Wade win
A nice little fourfold would be Van Gerwen to beat Hamilton, Taylor to beat Thornton, Van Barneveld to beat Lewis and Wade to beat Hamilton. That pays about 4.5/1 which I think is a very good bet!
RODNEY
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HORSE RACING TIPS
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THURSDAY 2ND MAY 2013
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4:00 REDCAR
HAMOODY 1/1 BET365
Has won eight races from 5f to 6f on good to firm and good ground and on the all-weather. A winner at 9-4 at Southwell over 6f on his latest outing last month, beating Elusive Hawk by 3l.
4:40 SEDGEFIELD
TAHITI PEARL 9/4 PADDYPOWER
Winner of five chases from 2m to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. A winner at 7-1 in a chase over this course and distance (good) on his latest outing last month, beating French Ties by 1l. Carries a 7lb penalty today for that success.
4:50 LINGFIELD
KHOBARAA 7/2
A winner at 3-1 at Kempton over 6f on her latest outing in December last year, beating Bellitudo by 1 3/4l.
5:30 TIPPERARY
COACH HOUSE ( NAP ) 4/6 TOTESPORT
Foaled 7 Feb. Dam won six times at 5f and 6f including a Group 3 race. Beaten 1/2l by Fast In The Wind when second of 7 at 9-10fav on his racecourse debut at Curragh over 5f (good – yielding) last month.
OUTSIDER
6:40 CHEPSTOW
KYLLACHYKOV 10/1 BET365
Successful twice at 1m 1f on the all-weather. Well beaten at 9-2fav behind Fighter Boy when last of 13 on his latest outing at Wolverhampton over 1m 1f in January.
Milesey
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HORSE RACING TIPS
——————
THURSDAY 2ND MAY 2013
———————–
4:00 REDCAR
HAMOODY 1/1 BET365
Has won eight races from 5f to 6f on good to firm and good ground and on the all-weather. A winner at 9-4 at Southwell over 6f on his latest outing last month, beating Elusive Hawk by 3l.
4:40 SEDGEFIELD
TAHITI PEARL 9/4 PADDYPOWER
Winner of five chases from 2m to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. A winner at 7-1 in a chase over this course and distance (good) on his latest outing last month, beating French Ties by 1l. Carries a 7lb penalty today for that success.
4:50 LINGFIELD
KHOBARAA 7/2 BETVICTOR
A winner at 3-1 at Kempton over 6f on her latest outing in December last year, beating Bellitudo by 1 3/4l.
5:30 TIPPERARY
COACH HOUSE ( NAP ) 4/6 TOTESPORT
Foaled 7 Feb. Dam won six times at 5f and 6f including a Group 3 race. Beaten 1/2l by Fast In The Wind when second of 7 at 9-10fav on his racecourse debut at Curragh over 5f (good – yielding) last month.
OUTSIDER
6:40 CHEPSTOW
KYLLACHYKOV 10/1 BET365
Successful twice at 1m 1f on the all-weather. Well beaten at 9-2fav behind Fighter Boy when last of 13 on his latest outing at Wolverhampton over 1m 1f in January.
Milesey
Muller to score & Bayern win . . 8/1
£100 on returned £900
:-)
Looking good with the multiple Milesy.
You going to put one up for tomorrow?