Croatia v Scotland (7.15pm)
Croatia host Scotland in Zagrab as they try and steal a march on group rivals Belgium in Group A.
The Croats are on a great run of form as they look to cement their claims to a winner's spot.
Since bowing out of Euro 2012 at the group stages Croatia are unbeaten in seven and altogether are on a run of six wins and one defeat.
Croatia contain pretty much the same squad from the last finals but have switched a few personnel around. Out goes the hopelessly out-of-form Everton striker Nikica Jelavic. But they have supreme back-up in the shape of Mandzukic, Olic and Da Silva.
In World Cup qualifying Group A Croatia sit joint top with five wins and one draw from six games. Belgium have the same record and this group looks like going down to the wire. It's relatively tough too with no minnow but Croatia have made light work of Wales and Macedonia twice.
Scotland seem to be declining at an alarming rate and even the appointment of legendary player Gordon Strachan has had little effect. Scotland’s overall form since New Year 2012 is not too bad with three wins, three draws and five defeats.
But this qualifying has gone now but they need to try and finish as high as possible to avoid falling into the lower pots for future draws. In this qualifying section Scotland have been awful and sit bottom with no wins and two draws from six outings.
This should be a straightforward win for Croatia in what is a real top v bottom clash. My only worry is Scotland can stifle Croatia and may park the bus at the back.
Croatia though have quality throughout and are used to having to go at teams. With Luka Modric pulling all the strings and with class up front Croatia should be able to breach the backline of the Scots.
I take Croatia -1 at 1.60 (Bet365) in Asian Handicap. We get stakes returned on a one-goal win and collect on any other victory.
Czech Republic v Italy (7.45)
Czech Republic welcome Italy to Prague for this intriguing Group B World Cup qualifier.
Czech Republic are in decent form and since losing to Portugal in second round of Euro 2they have lost just two in 11.
The Czechs have played some decent opposition in that time too so the form line is fairly strong. Only Malta would be classed a walkover in those games.
They have blooded a lot of new players this year after a lot of the old guard left the side. Indeed only keeper Petr Cech, Tomas Rosicky. Tomas Hubschmann and Jaroslav Plasil have more than 50 caps.
Among the new caps there are a few decent prospects. Defender Theodor Gabre-Selassie was their best player at the Euros, Matej Vydra looks class and opened his international account recently.
Striker David Lafata is hardly a youngster but the lightly-capped Sparta Prague man has an excellent strike rate and is in top form.
Italy have been in OK form since grabbing the runners-up spot in Euro 2012 with five wins, three draws and two defeats.
The run is not that strong when you look into the opposition. Italy lost to France and England when technically superior to both sides. Their wins were over Malta (twice), San Marino and Armenia so the current playing form of the side is hard to judge.
In that run of games Italy have scored 21 and conceded 11 which is unlike the Italy sides we know. Indeed in 10 games Italy only managed clean sheets against Malta and San Marino which suggests some uncertainty at the back.
Italy like the Czechs are trying new players and systems, up front they are likely to go with the new Milan duo of El Sharaawy and Balotelli. With the ageless Pirlo in behind to keep the side ticking over Italy look good going forward. Italy top Group B with four wins, one draw and no defeats.
It's a really hard game to call as both sides are going through a few changes. Both sides are better attacking than defending so look at over 2.5 goals at 2.30 (Bet365).
Italy are shaky at the back and both sides are capable of scoring here for sure.
Armenia v Malta (5pm)
Armenia look to grab a double win over minnows Malta in the quest for points in this bottom of the table clash in Yerevan.
They seem to be improving all the time, their results are mixed but there is encouragement. Armenia have some decent young players now too and in midfield have a very creative centre. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is an exciting attacking midfielder and is attracting the eyes of several top level clubs across Europe.
At Shakhtar Donetsk he is pulling the strings for them and the national side. Naturalised Brazilian Marcos Pizzelli has spent his entire career in Eastern Europe and looks quality for Armenia too.
Up front the Armenians have several options with three decent strikers, all with good strike-rates. In Group B Armenia have struggled results wise but have given good account of themselves in each game.
Malta have improved their game marginally and are one of the better sides out of the really small teams. They have shown their mettle with wins over several sides around them at the bottom of the FIFA rankings.
However, in games against anyone of note they are still struggling. Malta have several decent players but have far too many poor ones.
Malta’s recent form looks decent with four wins, one draw and five defeats. But if you look into the statistics you see wins over Liechtenstein (twice), San Marino and Luxembourg. A draw against Northern Ireland is not too bad but they were hammered by Bulgaria and Czech Republic.
Italy beat them twice but never really got going in either game and seemed happy to take 2-0 wins twice.
The odds on a home win are really short and although on paper this looks a certain home win Armenia must break down the 10 men Malta will put behind the ball.
Armenia are a much improved side and for me one who will continue to do so. I think Armenia have the ability to score a few goals here and with Malta unlikely to trouble the scorer Armenia -1.5 at 1.75 with bet365 looks a great bet.
Malta have managed a solitary goal in the whole campaign. It was a goal in Prague against the Czechs but it was a 30-yard screamer that can be chalked down as a fluke. Especially since they have not got close to scoring since.
Portugal v Russia (8.45pm)
Russia are top of World Cup Group F under Fabio Capello with four wins in four matches. Portugal are third with 11 points in six matches. Just goal difference separates them from Israel in second.
Not only have Russia won all four games so far, they haven't conceded a goal yet. With their technical, well-composed football Russia are a force in today’s game.
Many tipped them to do well in the European Championship but perhaps it is only now we get to see what Russia is capable of?
When the teams met in Russia the home side won 1-0 after Kerzhakov scored an early goal. Neither side has absences that should have an effect on the outcome of this game.
I expect Russia to soak up Portugese pressure and aim for quick breaks when good opportunities arise. The Russians are just experts of that playing style so I do not doub’t they’ll manage to see their strategy through in an effective way.
It will be up to Portugal to take this game to the Russians and not give them too much space to counter in. I am sure coach Bento is aware of that and is preparing his big guns for battle.
The Russian defensce will of course get a handful to handle when Portugal attacks from either flank but Russia showed they could handle that in the reverse fixture. They’ll be confident they can again.
Portugal are priced around 4-5 (1.80). I do not fancy and the game is more open than the odds indicate.
Bet365 offers 2.05 (21-20) for Russia +0.5 on the Asian Handicap coupon, those odds are excellent.
Milesey's Multiples
Croatia -1 at 1.60 (Bet365)
Czech Rep v Italy over 2.5 goals at 2.30 (Bet365)
Armenia -1.5 at 1.75 (Bet365)
Russia +0.5 at 2.05 (Bet365)
Milesey (Betfair)
World Cup 2022 Coverage
- What's coming up? View a list of upcoming World Cup Fixtures.
- Missed a match? Check out our World Cup Results for all the latest full-time goals.
- Think you know who will win outright? Then View our World Cup Odds comparison tables from top UK bookmakers.
- Betting Offer: We have collected world cup betting offers all in one place so you don't have to.
- Group by Group Betting Tips; Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F, Group G, Group H.
- World Cup Betting Tips; Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Group Stage Acca, Dark Horses and Outright Winners
- Highbet: Sportsbook and online casino with 30+ sports, 100's of betting markets and competitive betting odds.
In December 2020 we sadly 
RESULT
————
World Cup – Qualification
Armenia 0-1 Malta
MALTA @ 22.0 WIN………………. S H O C K I N G !
Milesey
DARTS THREAD PLEASE MR F !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*************************************************************
SPEEDY SERVICES UK OPEN DARTS
First Set of Matches
Richie Burnett took victory over Mark Webster in the opening game on the main stage, leading 2-1 early on courtesy of a 121 finish and taking command with a key 96 checkout to lead 5-2, before winning the next four legs to seal a 9-2 win.
Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts was a 9-5 winner on stage two, taking a 4-0 lead against Jyhan Artut before holding off a fightback from the German to progress.
Steve West romped past Ian White with a 9-3 win, while Speedy Qualifier Stephen Bunting was another big winner as he defeated Andy Jenkins by the same scoreline, having taken the game’s first six legs without reply.
Kevin McDine came from 4-1 down to defeat Adam Hunt 9-8 in a tense contest, while John Henderson hit back from 6-4 down to defeat Scott Rand 9-7 as he reached the last 32 for the first time in Bolton.
John Bowles saw off Paul Nicholson 9-5, and Liverpool’s Lee Palfreyman won by the same scoreline against Joe Cullen.
Second Set of Matches
2004 runner-up John Part battled past Ted Hankey 9-4 to win through to the fourth round, having trailed 3-1 as the two-time World Champion took out 145 in taking command, before the Canadian hit back by winning six of the next seven legs, finishing 113 and 110 in the process.
Wes Newton was another comeback winner, as he hit back from 3-1 down, against Simon Whitlock, to power to a 9-4 triumph, landing finishes of 112, 140 and 100 in progressing to the last 32.
Derbyshire’s Matt Padgett produced a fine performance to defeat Richie Howson 9-2, while Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall were 9-4 winners against Gaz Cousins and William O’Connor respectively.
Terry Jenkins held off Jim Walker’s fightback to claim a 9-7 win in their clash, while Kirk Shepherd won by the same scoreline against Mark Cox.
Holland’s Jelle Klaasen ended the hopes of Bolton-based Ross Smith in a thriller, taking a 7-4 lead before the local favourite hit back to level, but it was the former Lakeside Champion who took the game’s final two legs to continue his run of form.
Third Set of Matches
Phil Taylor whitewashed Ronny Huybrechts 9-0 as he continued his challenge for a fifth Speedy Services UK Open title, hitting two 11-darters, a 115 checkout and averaging 104 in a fine performance.
Raymond van Barneveld, a two-time UK Open champion, joined Taylor in the last 32 in dramatic circumstances as he defeated new World Youth Champion Michael Smith 9-8. Smith led 3-0 but missed darts to win the fourth leg as van Barneveld hit back, and the Dutchman later missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish – taking out a ten-darter – before finishing 88 in two darts to win the deciding leg.
Terry Temple defeated fellow Yorkshireman Mark Lawrence 9-4 as he moved into Saturday’s fourth round, while Liverpool’s Joey Palfreyman upset the odds with a 9-5 defeat of Steve Beaton.
Two-time champion James Wade won his fourth game of the event as he followed up his Thursday treble with a 9-7 defeat of Jamie Caven.
Ronnie Baxter held off Ken MacNeil’s fightback from 6-1 down before edging to a 9-8 win, while Cheshire’s Stuart Kellett was a 9-3 winner against Dennis Smith.
Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan also went all the way to a decider as he edged past Colin Lloyd 9-8, with both players initially missing match darts before the former World Grand Prix finalist progressed.
Fourth Set of Matches
Michael van Gerwen defeated Mervyn King for the second time in six days as he took a 9-5 win from their clash, which was a repeat of Sunday’s Austrian Darts Open final. Van Gerwen had an early chance at a nine-darter with six perfect darts as he held a 3-2 lead and he was also 6-4 up before finishing a key 88 on the bull, before going on to claim the victory.
Two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis swept past Walsall student Matthew Dennant 9-1 to progress, while Kevin Painter defeated Scottish debutant Jason Hogg by the same scoreline.
Reigning champion Robert Thornton averaged 101 in a strong performance as he came from 6-4 down to defeat Matthew Edgar 9-7.
Michael Mansell edged out Speedy Qualifier Conan Whitehead 9-8, while another amateur, Andy Boulton, led Andy Hamilton 3-0 before going down 9-6.
Adrian Gray followed up Thursday’s good form by defeating Wolverhampton-based Speedy Qualifier Dean Stewart 9-5.
Gary Anderson was the night’s final winner, taking out finishes of 136, 118 and 104 and hitting four 180s in a 9-7 win over Andy Smith.
Fourth Round Draw
Ronnie Baxter v Lee Palfreyman
John Part v Andy Hamilton
Terry Jenkins v Kim Huybrechts
Terry Temple v John Bowles
Wes Newton v Adrian Lewis
Gary Anderson v Kevin Painter
Brendan Dolan v Matt Padgett
Michael van Gerwen v Michael Mansell
Robert Thornton v Kirk Shepherd
Kevin McDine v John Henderson
Stephen Bunting v Peter Wright
Dave Chisnall v James Wade
Joey Palfreyman v Raymond van Barneveld
Steve West v Richie Burnett
Phil Taylor v Adrian Gray
Jelle Klaasen v Stuart Kellett
Milesey
Milesey, if you send darts tips I’ll put up a post, no problem.
FRENCH OPEN 2013 – FINAL
SERENA WILLIAMS V MARIA SHARAPOVA
World number one Serena Williams entered the tournament a fortnight ago as a strong favourite to clinch her second title in Paris.
The American hasn’t disappointed and has gone about her business in brutal fashion, dropping just one set in the entire tournament thus far and enters the final off the back of an incredibly dominant performance.
She took just 46 minutes to cruise past fifth seed Sara Errani, unleashing 40 winners and allowing her opponent just sixteen points and one game in the entire match. As a result, she is now into her 20th Grand Slam final, and couldn’t be in better shape as she takes her winning streak to an unbelievable 30 matches.
It has been over 10 years since she last lifted the trophy at Roland Garros, but considering her form over the last few months on clay in which she has picked up titles in Madrid and Rome, it won’t be long before she can add another to her collection.
The top seed has revealed she will go into the final “and try to do the best I can”. The problem for her opponent is that hardly any athlete on the tour can compete when she is on her game.
World number two Maria Sharapova stands in her way, and after a relatively untroubled start to the tournament, the Russian has now come through two back-to-back grueling three-set matches.
The defending champion showed all her grit and determination in bouncing back against Jelena Jankovic, but was made to demonstrate it once more as she eventually overcame third seed Victoria Azarenka in the semi-finals.
It is already the best defence of a title in her career, as she clings on to the trophy she won here twelve months ago. However, if she has aspirations of coming out on top on Saturday, she will have to produce a near-perfect performance.
History does not support a case of the Russian producing a major shock, as her head-to-head record with Williams makes for dire reading.
The pair have met on fifteen previous occasions, with Sharapova winning just two matches. Further, her last win came way back in 2004, with Serena rattling off twelve consecutive wins since.
Three of those clashes have come on clay, with Williams winning two in straight sets, with their most recent match coming in the final in Madrid last month. Sharapova was predictably unable to contain and compete with her rival, and unfortunately for the former world number one it could be a similar outcome on Saturday.
Given Serena’s destruction of Errani in the last round, it is difficult to see how Sharapova can merely keep up with her pace. However, she has shown herself more than capable on this surface over the last two years and won’t go without a fight.
Ultimately though, it all suggests another title for Serena Williams.
Recommended Bets
Back under 19.5 games @ 1.81
Back Williams -5.5 games @ 1.78
Milesey ( BETFAIR )
REIGNING Speedy Services UK Open champion Robert Thornton, former champions Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade and in-form Michael van Gerwen all won through to the fourth round of ‘The FA Cup of Darts’ with victories at the Reebok Stadium on Friday night.
Thornton began the defence of his title in the £200,000 event with a hard-fought 9-7 win over Northamptonshire’s emerging star Matthew Edgar.
Edgar, a former wrestler, held a 6-4 lead before Thornton – aided by a 124 finish – hit legs of 12, 11 and 13 to move ahead, and though the youngster levelled, it was the Scot who finished legs of 13 and 14 darts to progress with an average of 101.
“I knew Matt was a good player and he was with me all the way, but I managed to produce a couple of great legs at the end,” said Thornton. “I love this tournament so I’m happy to still be in it, and it’s there for anybody to win.”
Thornton will now play 2008 World Championship finalist Kirk Shepherd, after the Kent ace won through with a 9-7 defeat of Swindon’s Mark Cox.
Four-time UK Open champion Phil Taylor, meanwhile, was a 9-0 whitewash winner against Belgium’s Ronny Huybrechts, hitting two 11-darters, a 115 finish and averaging 104 in a dominant display.
“Ronny’s been having a great year so I had to come out to try and beat him 9-0 because he’d have done the same to me, given the chance,” said Taylor. “I felt a bit for him but it’s dog-eat-dog and I’m just pleased to be through.
“I love it here in Bolton. It’s a great challenge for us all because there’s plenty going on around you on the other stages, and I’m looking forward to Saturday now.”
Taylor has now drawn Adrian Gray, the carpet fitter from Sussex who knocked him out of the 2007 World Grand Prix and saw off Speedy Qualifier Dean Stewart 9-5 on Friday night.
Two-time winner Raymond van Barneveld missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish as he edged past new World Youth Champion Michael Smith 9-8.
Smith took the game’s first three legs without reply, but missed his chances to win the fourth as the Dutch ace hit back to lead 4-3, and though Smith edged back ahead at 6-5, van Barneveld took him to the deciding leg before taking out 88 in two darts for the win.
“I knew I had to take out the 88 finish in the last leg so I’m delighted to have done it to win,” said van Barneveld. “Michael’s in great form and winning the World Youth Championship has been a big boost for him, and you can see that in the way he’s playing.
“If he’d hit the doubles to go 4-0 up then it might well have been a different story, but he let me in and it was pretty close from then and always exciting – I can’t win 9-3 or 9-2, it always feels like it has to be close!”
Another two-time winner, James Wade, followed up Thursday night’s three victories with a strong 9-7 defeat of Jamie Caven.
The world number four has drawn last year’s semi-finalist Dave Chisnall, who defeated Ireland’s William O’Connor 9-4 as he moved into the last 32.
Michael van Gerwen, the tournament favourite and new McCoy’s Premier League Darts champion, took a 9-5 win over Mervyn King as he took victory over the Norfolk thrower for a second time in six days, following Sunday night’s win in the Austrian Darts Open final.
King held his own for much of the game, but van Gerwen produced a key 88 finish on the bull to lead 7-4 before taking three of the next four legs to seal the win, which sets up a clash with Michael Mansell, who was a 9-8 winner against Speedy Qualifier Conan Whitehead.
Adrian Lewis and Wes Newton will meet on Saturday afternoon in another fourth round clash to feature two of the world’s top ten players.
Lewis stormed past youngster Matthew Dennant 9-1, while Newton produced finishes of 140 and 112 as he hit back from 3-2 down to defeat world number five Simon Whitlock 9-4.
Gary Anderson landed three ton-plus finishes and four 180s in a 9-7 win over Andy Smith, and the 2010 finalist will now meet Kevin Painter, who picked up a 9-1 win over Scottish debutant Jason Hogg.
Liverpool-based brothers Lee and Joey Palfreyman also won through to the fourth round on Friday night.
Joey, the elder of the pair, defeated Steve Beaton 9-5 and now plays van Barneveld, while former Las Vegas Desert Classic semi-finalist Lee was a 9-5 winner against Joe Cullen.
Lee now plays Ronnie Baxter, who overcame a strong fightback from Ken MacNeil to take a 9-8 victory after the Canadian hit back from 6-1 down to force a deciding leg.
2004 UK Open finalist John Part came from 3-1 down against Ted Hankey to take a 9-4 win before being drawn against Andy Hamilton, the Stoke ace who came from 3-0 down to defeat Andy Boulton 9-6.
Kim Huybrecht’s 9-5 win over Germany’s Jyhan Artut earned the Belgian a clash with Terry Jenkins, who was a 9-7 winner over fire officer Jim Walker, while Brendan Dolan’s narrow defeat of Colin Lloyd set up a clash with Derbyshire’s Matt Padgett, who impressed with a 9-2 win over Richie Howson.
Kevin McDine came from 4-1 down to defeat teenager Adam Hunt 9-8, and the Newcastle-born ace now plays Scotland’s John Henderson, who was a 9-7 winner against Coventry’s Scott Rand.
Dutch star Jelle Klaasen’s run of form continued with his 9-7 win over Bolton-based Ross Smith, who had hit back from 7-4 down to level before being edged out as the former Lakeside Champion progressed to a clash with Cheshire’s Stuart Kellett, who defeated Swindon veteran Dennis Smith 9-3.
Speedy Qualifier Stephen Bunting, the reigning World Masters champion, continued his impressive tournament with a 9-3 victory over former semi-finalist Andy Jenkins, which included the St Helens ace winning the first six legs without reply.
Bunting, the only remaining amateur qualifier left in the event, now plays colourful Peter Wright, who was a 9-4 winner against Gaz Cousins.
Richie Burnett won the battle of Welsh former World Champions with Mark Webster 9-2, and he now faces Steve West, the Waltham Abbey-based thrower who was a 9-3 winner against Ian White.
Widnes’ John Bowles knocked out Paul Nicholson 9-5 and will now play Terry Temple, who won his all-Yorkshire clash with Mark Lawrence 9-4.
Saturday afternoon’s fourth round will be followed in the evening session by the fifth round of the event, which will conclude on Sunday with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final split across two sessions in Bolton.
Fourth Round
Main Stage
Dave Chisnall v James Wade
Phil Taylor v Adrian Gray
Gary Anderson v Kevin Painter
Michael van Gerwen v Michael Mansell
Stage Two
Brendan Dolan v Matt Padgett
Joey Palfreyman v Raymond van Barneveld
Terry Jenkins v Kim Huybrechts
John Part v Andy Hamilton
Stage Three
Ronnie Baxter v Lee Palfreyman
Jelle Klaasen v Stuart Kellett
Kevin McDine v John Henderson
Wes Newton v Adrian Lewis
Stage Four
Terry Temple v John Bowles
Robert Thornton v Kirk Shepherd
Stephen Bunting v Peter Wright
Steve West v Richie Burnett
DOUBLE
JELLE KLAASEN @ 5/6 BET365
KEVIN MCDINE @ 5/6 BET365
TREBLE
DAVE CHISNALL @ 11/8 BET365
KEVIN PAINTER @ 7/4 BET365
ANDY HAMILTON @ 8/15 BET365
SUPER SINGLE
KIRK SHEPHERD @ 4/1 BET365
Milesey ( betfair )