Scunthorpe - Nottingham Forest

At the first glance, Nott Forest look like an obvious choice. Both sides are going in the opposite directions and their recent forms leave no doubt.
But, first I was struggling to find any value in the offered price. 1.70-1.80 for away win in Championship? Then realized Forest actually have Cardiff on the corner in, which I assume, will be a game of the season for them. So, I don’t think they’ll push till their limits tonight, in their minds they will probably be somewhere else, Billy Davies wouldn’t certainly like to see some injuries in the mud of Glanford Park and Forest defeated Scunthorpe just once in last six occasions, both at home and away.
I don’t have any problem to leave this game alone. No bet.

Pity for Cardiff last night...
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Nottingham Forest - Portsmouth

Forest are in a great run of results. Four wins of last five competitive games (three of four in Championship) and haven’t lost at City Ground in 31 occasions! No injury worries for Billy Davies. Skipper Paul McKenna has returned in Preston after two months and came from the bench, perhaps will start today. The target is a play-off spot and I don’t worry they’ll look complacent at any moment.

Pompey have a decent squad and experienced players, but continue with struggling against the problems outside the pitch. Richard Hughes and Michael Brown are out because of “ongoing contract issues”. Dave Kitson and Greg Halford are suspended, while midfielder Lawrence should be fit. Club has brought defender Ritchie De Laet (never heard for him) on loan from Man Utd and he could be in the starting eleven. They’re winless in last five (three consecutive defeats) and in every of last four games conceded three times!

Cannot say I’m delighted with 1.65, but it seems Pompey didn’t deserve more. 2-0 correct score.

More to follow...

Bet: Nott Forest -1ah
Odd: 2.10 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10

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Watford - Nottingham Forest

Despite they were already seen in the relegation battle before the start, the Hornerts made some great results that launched them in the top half of the table. Young players, combat spirit, attacking style with excellent leadership by Malky Mackay are Watford this season. However, they started to losing their breath lately. First Scunny took all three points from Vicarage Road, then they get trashed at Derby in the last round (1-4). Striker Danny Graham, should be fit, but defender Hodson and winger Cowie are sidelined. Watford have won only two of their last 11 home games against Forest.

Forest (as any team under Billy Davies) are well known “slow starters”. Differently from previous seasons, after run of draws they noticed two defeats on the road Barnsley 1-3 and Portsmouth 1-2 (and two wins at home though). Good excuse could be missing of attacking duo Tyson  – Earsnshaw. Both were on the bench in the last round, Earnshaw will start today’s game. They were second rated favorite for winning the Championship, nothing has changed in their potential and I expect them to make a winning streak very soon. No injury concerns for Davies.

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Watford had a surprising start which probably will make their mission easier to accomplish. But for me, they’re still relegation contender and expect their fall on the table. With Forest, situation is completely opposite. I cannot exclude a possibility of another draw, but see visitors as favorites here.

Bet: Nott Forest 0.0
Odd: 2.19 188bet
Stake: 7/10

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Doncaster - Nottingham Forest

Donny like to think about themselves like the dark horses for the play-off, but in reality they’re just an average Championship side. Since they were promoted from third tier, they were 14^th and 12^th with almost same number of points at home and away. Nothing that can suggest their ambitions changed for this season. Decent start of the season, no home defeat so far (2 wins and 2 draws), but in my opinion it’s fair to say none of those 4 teams are cream of the league. Manager Sean O'Driscoll has some problems in defense line. Byron Webster could make his return after long-term absence, but Shelton Martis is out as well as Chambers and Thomas who remain sidelined.

Billy Davies’ slow start pattern continues in this season as well. As a manager of Derby, he noticed first win after 6-7 round, then started topping the table and reached Premier League. Last season in Forest was the same, except he didn’t get promotion. Same story this year, starting defeat at Burnley, then numberless draws and first win in 7^th round. There’s nothing that can make me thinking something is out of Davies’ plan. Almost same team from previous season, same ambitions and I can see them in play-off (at least) at the end. Before this game Davies accepted the role of underdogs(!) and was talking about bad sides of Forest’s recent displays, announced some changes in the team. No, I don’t believe in that. Only important missing is striker Rob Earnshaw, except him it’s a fully fit squad.

Only things that decrease my optimism about this encounter are tradition (that says only Forest’s victory at Doncaster was 1956) and the fact visitors would probably be satisfied with only a point here. But, I can’t see them losing this one and see this odd as a generous offer.

Bet: Nott Forest 0.0
Odd: 2.16 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Blackpool - Nottingham Forest

Ian Holloway is doing a great job in Blackpool. Differently from previous seasons, club started to collect points on the road and with great home displays reached the play-off. They’ve lost at home just four times (of 23) with goal difference 46-22. There’s also visible a very good chemistry between him and the players (especially during the Christmas crisis when they won once of ten games). Now they’re not just in play-off, but have best momentum of these four teams, noticing 19 points from their last eight games. Statistic says team with the best momentum has gone up nine times out of 20. Striker DJ Campbell is a major doubt with an arm injury, while Hameur Bouazza is still out because of a groin problem.

Forest lost the 2nd spot thankfully to terrible record of the road. At the start of the season, they did not lose any of their first 13. Then defeat to arch-rivals Derby at Pride Park started a run of 10 away trips without a win! It’s fair to say though, some of them were with the mixed team like vs. Blackpool 1-3. Considering momentum, they’re ranked 4th with 12 points out of last eight games and statistically in just 3 occasions of 20, 4th ranked club progress to Premier. With their away shape it makes not so bright picture before visiting hot place like Bloomfield Road surely is. However, Billy Davies will recall several of his first-team regulars. Only doubt is skipper Paul McKenna who can play some part in this game first time after March. Forest are without a win in 11 away matches and have won only one of their last eight matches against the Seasiders.

Big factor here is also the pressure. Blackpool have done that was expected from them. Now they’re underdogs, feel relaxed and can give their maximum in the biggest games in their history. Oppositely, Forest have been prepared for Premier very long time. They lost 2nd spot, but they’re favorites in play-off which could be a rock tied around the neck. I give the advantage to the home team and expect them to win today. Bet is -0.25 ah, best offer is at 188bet 2.14. Also, 5.00 odd for Blackpool to reach Premier should be considered as a nice gamble.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manager Rafael Benitez intends to take striker Fernando Torres with him to Juventus if he opts to leave Liverpool and take charge of the Italian club.(the Sun) 
Manchester City are lining up a £50m bid for the Spain international and could offer an incredible £200,000 a week to lure him to Eastlands.(Guardian) 
But Benitez says Torres, who is 12 months into a four-year contract at Anfield, is not for sale.(The Times) 
Juventus are hoping to lure Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna to the Stadio delle Alpi if the Gunners sign Ajax defender Gregory Van der Wiel.(Daily Mail) 
The Italians are also considering using goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and midfielder Felipe Melo to lure Robin van Persie to Turin.(Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, the Gunners have joined a growing list of Premier League clubs interested in the signature of Everton teenager Jack Rodwell. However, the Merseyside club are set to increase the midfielder's wages to ensure he stays at Goodison Park.(The Times) 
Manchester City are keen to tie up a deal for Germany international Mesut Ozil before the 22-year-old Werder Bremen midfielder has the chance to make a name for himself at the World Cup.(The Independent) 
Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has hinted Manchester United would be his destination of choice if he leaves Sevilla in the summer.(Daily Express) 
Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng is set to join brother Kevin-Prince, the Portsmouth midfielder, in English football with a move to Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
West Brom are preparing a move for out-of-favour Stoke striker Tuncay, but will face competition from Fenerbahce.(Daily Star) 
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has warned fans it will be difficult to recruit big names to St James' Park in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United want to beat local rivals Manchester City to the signing of teenage Nigerian midfielder Ramon Azeez.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has spent this season on loan at Birmingham, is a £10m target for Arsenal.(Daily Star) 
Blackburn striker Jason Roberts is seeking to clarify his future at Ewood Park as boss Sam Allardyce targets a move for Lech Poznan striker Robert Lewandowski.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is eyeing a move for Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd after long-term target Roman Pavlyuchenko rediscovered his form at Tottenham.(Daily Mail) 
Caretaker manager Neil Lennon has told Celtic's board that he would like to sign two strikers, one of them being Scunthorpe United's Gary Hooper, who has been targeted by Wolves and Hull City. (the Times) 
Rangers' hopes of signing James McArthur were dealt a blow when it emerged that Birmingham City are showing an interest in the Hamilton Accies midfielder. (The Herald)
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has rejected speculation linking his club with Dundee United's Garry Kenneth, but Blackpool are keeping tabs on the defender. (Daily Record) 
Aberdeen have made contract offers to Kilmarnock forward Kevin Kyle and to Dons on-loan Plymouth attacker Steven MacLean. (the Press & Journal) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Everton manager David Moyes has rejected speculation that he may be in line to take over from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot retires.(Daily Record) 
Tottenham and England winger Aaron Lennon could be set to return from a four-month injury lay-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday. (Daily Mirror) 
England boss Fabio Capello is desperate to take Tottenham's Ledley King to the World Cup despite the defender's recurrent injury problems.(Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies will quit the City Ground and take up the reins at Celtic if his Championship side fail to win promotion to the Premier League. (Daily Mirror) 


AND FINALLY

France legend Zinedine Zidane will be the star signing in this year's Soccer Aid football match on 6 June at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid star will be among a group of stars playing for the Rest of the World team against a team of celebrities.(the Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Newcastle 2-0 Nottm Forest

Championship leaders Newcastle United could be promoted to the Premier League as early as the weekend after a hard-fought win over Nottingham Forest.
Should United beat Peterborough and Forest lose to Bristol City, the Magpies will bounce back into the top flight after one season away. 
They secured a 2-0 win over promotion rivals Forest after substitute Shola Ameobi scored in the 71st minute. 
Jose Enrique blasted the ball past Lee Camp for Newcastle's second late on.
Despite a goalless opening 70 minutes, this top-of-the-table clash proved a gripping encounter from start to finish, with Forest playing their part as they looked to bring their run of six away defeats to an end.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton:
"It's that close. We are where we are and we thoroughly deserve to be where we are and if [winning promotion] happens on Saturday, then no one will be more delighted than me.
"But the most important thing is we have to win first. 
"The nature of our business is you have to enjoy the wins and it will be a nice day tomorrow at the training ground. 
"I'm quite sure everybody will have a spring in their step. But we very quickly have to bring them back down to earth. 
"If we are able to take a spare chunk of what we had tonight into [Saturday's game at Peterborough] then we have got a good chance of coming away with a victory." 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies:
"I'm not admitting defeat, I am saying I think Newcastle United, in my opinion, will finish the job.
"We've got a challenge for second place that is very much still on the go."

www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Big-spending Manchester City are set to make a transfer deadline day £20m offer for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City look set to beat Inter Milan to the £7m signing of Parma midfielder McDonald Mariga.(The Sun)
Manchester City are also likely to submit a fresh £6m bid for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.(Daily Mail) 
But Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Wolves have also expressed an interest in 22-year-old Johnson. (The Times) 
Fulham are keen to seal a loan deal for Aston Villa defender Nicky Shorey.(Sky Sports)
Stoke City are to renew their interest in keeper David James after failing to complete a £3m deal for his Portsmouth team-mate Asmir Begovic. (Daily Mirror) 
Or Tottenham are keen on Pompey's James after Stoke hijacked their attempts to sign keeper Begovic.(Daily Mail)
Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has pleaded with the London club to sell him to ambitious Birmingham City. (Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will turn to FC Red Bull Salzburg striker Marc Janko after moves for Pavlyuchenko and Portsmouth's Aruna Dindane stalled.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham and Scotland defender Alan Hutton will sign for Sunderland as Black Cats manager Steve Bruce seeks a breakthrough in solving his right-back problems. (Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is set to raid former club Sunderland for striker Daryl Murphy.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham and Tottenham are in talks over striker Robbie Keane.(Daily Mirror) 
The Hammers are also interested in Frederic Piquionne, who is on loan at Portsmouth, and Daniele Cacia, of Reggina.(The Times) 
Stoke striker James Beattie is considering a £3m switch to Sunderland after the Black Cats gave up on Robbie Keane and Manchester City forward Benjani. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis wants to bring winger Jermaine Pennant back to England from Real Zaragoza. (The Sun) 
Leeds are to launch a bid for Blackburn striker Jason Roberts, possibly opening the door for forward Jermaine Beckford to leave Elland Road.(The Sun) 
Wolves are to offer £5m to Hull for midfielder Stephen Hunt and are keen to take Everton striker James Vaughan on loan. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn themselves are to make a late loan move for Ivory Coast striker Dindane, who is currently on loan at Portsmouth from Lens.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth are hoping to seal a loan deal for Sunderland's central defender Nyron Nosworthy.(The Sun) 
Hull trio, winger Peter Halmosi, utility player Kevin Kilbane and midfielder Bryan Hughes are all set to leave the KC Stadium on Monday. (Daily Mail) 
High-flying championship side Nottingham Forest have tabled a £2m bid for Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley.(Daily Mirror) 
Rangers boss Water Smith wants to sign Bolton's Nigerian centre-half Danny Shittu on a free transfer. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will have talks with England this week about his international future following the allegations about his national side's captain John Terry over the weekend. (Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea defender John Terry is on the verge of quitting his position as England captain following the weekend revelations about his private life. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies has accused Derby counterpart Nigel Clough of a "cowardly" assault during the stoppage time melee between the two clubs on Saturday. (The Independent)
www.bbc.co.uk

Not so good Saturday

Nottm Forest 2 - 1 Reading

Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten league run to 18 matches and closed the gap on Championship leaders Newcastle with a victory over Reading.
Paul Anderson put the hosts 1-0 in front in the 11th minute before Robert Earnshaw struck in the 41st minute. 
Reading earned a penalty in an incident which saw Nicky Shorey sent off, but goalkeeper Lee Camp saved Brian Howard's 68th-minute spot-kick. 
Camp twice denied Simon Church before Jimmy Kibbe grabbed a late consolation.
The victory takes Forest to within two points of leaders Newcastle while Reading, fresh from their FA Cup giant-killing exploits against Liverpool in the week, plunge further towards the relegation zone following their sixth league game without a victory.

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies:
"We could have had four or five goals in the first half but only scored twice and that gave Reading the opportunity to come back at us. 
"It was a potential trapdoor for us playing against a side in a totally false position and they nearly made us pay in the second half. 
"If we had scored a third goal - as we should - it would have been a totally different type of game in the second half and it's a lesson for us to learn." 
Reading caretaker manager Brian McDermott:
"We were very disappointed with our first-half performance but we were much better in the second and I thought we should have got something from the game. 
"The Forest keeper was the man of the match and if we had scored 10 minutes earlier than we did, we would have got some reward. 
"But we nearly got something against a very strong and talented team who have a really good chance of going up this season."

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Peterborough 0 - 3 Derby

DJ Campbell scored two to punish nine-man Peterborough and ease the pressure on manager Nigel Clough as Derby earned a first victory in five league matches.
The hosts were never in it after Craig Morgan saw red for a lunge at Campbell, and Ryan Bennett was then sent off for a professional foul on the same player. 
Steve Davies scored from the resulting penalty and Derby took total control. 
Campbell made it 2-0 on the follow-up after his initial shot was saved and then headed home to round off the win. 
Victory takes the Rams up to 18th in the table, seven points clear of the drop zone, and leaves Posh holding up the pack five adrift of safety. 
And the result was never in doubt after Morgan's senseless tackle on Campbell rightly brought about his early bath.

Peterborough manager Mark Cooper:
"I'm loath to condemn either the referee or my players involved after only seeing the incidents once in the heat of the moment. 
"Those dismissals changed a game in which we were playing really well and creating the best chances. 
"Even when down to nine men our effort and commitment was absolutely first class." 
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"Their player's feet were off the ground for the first red card and DJ (Campbell) was through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat for the second. 
"Obviously it was a big result for us. To go away and score three goals, collect three points and keep a clean sheet was very pleasing. 
"Although I don't think we played as well against nine men as we had against 11."

www.bbc.co.uk

Nottingham Forest - Reading

After a weak start of recent campaign, Forest made an incredible run of 17 Championship games without a defeat. Nine players that club brought at summer transfer market simply needed some time to start perform as a squad. Forest exited FA Cup after a defeat on the road vs. Birmingham (0-1). On that game, manager Billy Davies made seven changes giving an opportunity to some fringe players. They used it very well as Forest were better opponent during the most part of the game. Davies can count on all players except striker Rob Earnshaw with a hamstring injury. They easily create chances and scored large amount of goals, while haven’t conceded more than one since August. Self confidence has been boosted after good performance in Birmingham, but also with a win against WBA on the road, before that.

 

After a departure of their legendary manager Steve Coppell, thing started to go wrong for Royals. The true is they simply don’t posses enough quality not just to progress, but to repeat results from previous seasons. Next boss also got fired in December after club didn’t manage to move from the bottom side of the table and now in charge is caretaker Brian McDermott. Till historic game at Enfield, he didn’t have too many results to be proud on. They’re in the run of five games without a win (two defeats and three draws). They probably got a huge amount of self confidence, but also playing 120 minutes against Reds surely affected on team’s fatigue, but also on lack of focus. Smaller clubs suffer of “first next game” syndrome and returning to Championship reality could be very painful, especially considering today’s opponent. Also, I’m wondering how much Liverpool’s offer for goalie Adam Federici could distract his concentration today. However, McDermott is set to include new signings, full-back Andy Griffin and striker Gunnar Thorvaldsson. Only one of their five league wins this season have been against a team in the top half of the table (Blackpool).

 

Hosts are clear favorites here. They’re playing in a great shape and spine of the team has been rested. Visitors will try to keep a clean sheet and reach a point, but against raging Forest it looks very unlikely. Odd on home win has risen (thankfully to Earnshaw’s injury and weekend punters that back Reading, I guess) and it represents a nice value. Home win and a handicap win as a gamble.

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Probably one more before the kick-off.

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are hoping to land Real Madrid's Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 33, on a six-month loan deal.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is a £20m target for Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants set to make a move for the Serbian international at the end of the season.(The Sun)
Vidic could cost Real Madrid £30m, with United interested in replacing him with Everton's Jack Rodwell, 18, and Porto's Bruno Alves. (The Times) 
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could line up a January move for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris - but he will have to pay Lyon £20m for the France international.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed he is an admirer of Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy but the Frenchman doubts the Eastlands outfit would sell the Welshman as they do not need the money. (The Independent) 
However, Wenger will step up his bid to sign 15-year-old QPR striker Raheem Sterling. (Daily Mirror) 
Palermo defender Simon Kjaer has rejected a £12m move to Manchester City - although Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini has denied he is interested in signing the Dane.(Daily Mirror) 
West Ham United's sporting director Gianluca Nani insists they are not interested in signing Fiorentina's Romanian striker Adrian Mutu.(The Independent) 
Everton will face competition from Arsenal and Manchester United to sign 17-year-old Belgian winger Maxime Lestienne. The Excelsior Mouscron star has been offered a trial after being recommended by Toffees midfielder Marouane Fellaini.(The Sun) 
Birmingham City are preparing a £3.5m deal to turn goalkeeper Joe Hart's loan move from Manchester City into a permanent one.(Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is also planning a £2m move for Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy.(The Sun) 
Burnley are close to signing Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri for £1m from French club Lorient. The 31-year-old midfielder will spend most of January at the African Cup of Nations.(Daily Mail) 
Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell wants to sign Greg Halford on loan after the versatile wide man fell out of favour with Wolves manager Mick McCarthy.(Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are weighing up a £1.5m bid for Derby County winger Kris Commons. (Daily Mail) 
Newcastle will offer Leeds £1.25m for striker Jermaine Beckford, who can leave on a free transfer in the summer.(The Sun) 
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is planning to offer Celtic £6m for centre-back Stephen McManus, midfielder Barry Robson and Australian striker Scott McDonald.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile striker Scott McDonald insists he would be happy to finish his career at Celtic, despite reports linking him with a move to England. (The Herald) 
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies is lining up a £750,000 move for Swansea's Spanish midfielder Andrea Orlandi. (Daily Star) 
Sochaux chief Alexandre Lacombe has confirmed he is planning a January swoop to bring Rangers striker Kris Boyd to the French outfit. (The Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack expects to agree a new two-year contract extension to take him to June 2012 - and beyond his 35th birthday.(The Telegraph) 
Chelsea have put youth talent scout Gary Worthington on gardening leave - in a bid to stop him moving to rivals Manchester City. (Daily Mirror) 
London-based financial company Intermarket will submit a bid to take control of West Ham United on Monday.(The Telegraph) 
Former Stockport and Motherwell boss Jim Gannon is in the frame to replace Alan Irvine as Preston North End boss. (The Times) 
Alternatively, Preston may opt for former Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

West Ham right-back Julien Faubert has revealed Tottenham fans and players have been "taking the mickey" out of him in the street. Faubert, who was in the West Ham side beaten 2-0 by Spurs on Monday, lives in an area where many Tottenham fans and players reside. (The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is ready to sign Valencia winger Juan Mata for £16.5m next summer.(The Sun) 
Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring David Villa after the Spain striker sacked his agent for failing to secure a summer move away from Valencia.(Various) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to make a move for 16-year-old Mexican Martin Luis Galvan.(Daily Mirror) 
Porto Alegra's Brazilian midfielder Sandro is interested in a move to Tottenham. (Daily Mirror) 
Watford will ask Manchester United and Arsenal to extend the loan deals for Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury. (Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane has been rejected in his bid to sign Stoke defenders Danny Higginbotham and Leon Court on loan until January. (Daily Mirror) 
Burton Albion manager Paul Peschisolido wants to sign Crewe striker Anthony Elding on a three-month loan deal.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent has suggested the Tottenham striker's recent poor form is down to "psychological problems" and not a lack of match practice.(The Sun) 
Further doubt has been cast over the future of Hull boss Phil Brown after Adam Pearson quit his post as Derby chairman on Wednesday to take on the same role at the KC Stadium.(The Sun) 
Brown is on the brink of being forced out of the club following their decision to replace his staunch ally, Paul Duffin, with Pearson.(Daily Mirror) 
Brown has been told his future as Hull manager is safe for now, having been called to a meeting with club officials on Monday night and asked to explain his vision for the side after just three league wins in 2009. (Daily Star)
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, currently earning £60,000 per week, will be offered a new £95,000-a-week contract to pledge his next five years to the club.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth will be banned from signing players until they pay money owed to Arsenal and Chelsea for the signings of Lassana Diarra and Glen Johnson respectively. (Various) 
Pompey have been linked to another takeover and their latest potential savious - Levi Kushnir and Balram Chainrai - are close to completing a deal for the club.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has emerged as a shock candidate to take charge at Championship side Reading if the Royals sack under-fire boss Brendan Rodgers.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Birmingham chairman David Gold will step up his bid to buy West Ham next week. (Daily Star)
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane believes his side have caught up with north London rivals Arsenal and a ready to overtake them.(Various) 
Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has criticised Magpies owner Mike Ashley's decision to sell the naming right to St James' Park. (Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United hope to be granted permission next week to increase the capacity of Bramall Lane to 44,000. (The Sun) 
Bristol City's new stadium plan for a 30,000-seat ground in the Ashton Vale area has been boosted after the council recommended its approval. (The Sun)

AND FINALLY

Blackburn centre-back Christopher Samba lost 10lbs in two days after contracting swine flu. (The Sun) 
Referee Chris Foy mistook Fabio da Silva for identical twin brother Rafael and booked the former instead of the latter in Manchester United's 2-0 Carling Cup victory over Barnsley on Tuesday. United will ask for Fabio's yellow card to be transferred to fellow defender Rafael.(The Sun) 
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies has received a written apology from Crystal Palace after they accidentally broadcast commentary from the club's radio station over the PA system during last weekend's 1-1 draw. The commentator accused Davies of "throwing his toys out of his pram". (Daily Star)
www.bbc.co.uk

How I tipped

Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Derby

A second-half strike from Darren Ambrose gave Crystal Palace their first home league win of the season.
Ambrose's decisive intervention came when he drove home a Sean Scannell header from the edge of the area. 
Johannes Ertl almost stretched Palace's lead when he shuddered the bar with a header, while Rob Hulse missed a chance to level for Derby from 12 yards out. 
Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni escaped with only a yellow card after handling outside the area early on.
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock:
"All the talking (Clough on the penalty call) is trying to cover the cracks. Look at their bench. They've got a better side there than we have been able to put out. Let's complain about that.
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"I thought we created the two best chances of the game and thought we had an absolute blatant penalty in the 92nd minute."
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Watford 3 - 3 Leicester
An injury-time equaliser from Leicester's Dany N'Guessan denied Watford their third straight victory in an enthralling match at Vicarage Road.
Two goals from Matty Fryatt - a 19th-minute penalty and a 30th-minute strike - put the visitors 2-0 up at half time. 
The Hornets responded through Danny Graham on 57 minutes before on-loan striker Heidar Helguson scored twice in 17 minutes to put them in front. 
But N'Guessan grabbed a late point when he headed home Martyn Waghorn's cross. 
Watford boss Malky Mackay:
"At half time I would have definitely taken the point, I was disappointed to be 2-0 down at half time.
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson:
"It's disappointing. It's two points dropped and the fashion in which we conceded the goals was very disappointing."
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Nottm Forest 0 - 1 Blackpool
Charlie Adam's fourth goal in five games brought Blackpool their first win in 45 years at the City Ground.
Tangerines' goalkeeper Paul Rachubka smothered a shot from Nathan Tyson before Adam topped a mazy run with a composed finish past Lee Camp. 
Tyson, David McGoldrick and Rob Earnshaw went close as the hosts attempted in vain to hit back. 
But Jason Euell could have doubled the lead for Ian Holloway's side as Camp diverted his well-struck shot. 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies:
"I think we had 19 opportunities to score but we weren't clinical in front of goal."
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway: 
"I felt as though we've nicked something, put it in the bag and got out of here with a win."
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Nottingham Forest - Blackpool

Despite loudly announced ambitions for a play-off spot, Forest haven’t showed anything special so far. The true is they have a full squad of talented players, but main reason for their underachieving, and just a single win in seven games, is big problems in defence line and injuries of, at one moment, six defenders. So, some good displays (like vs. Watford, 2-4 at home) were punished with counter-attacks and lack of points. Some keys in back line have been recovered and club started to collect the points, currently they’re in five games unbeaten run in all competitions (one win and four draws). But if they want to do more than mediocre position in the middle, they have to start winning. First and maybe decisive opportunity is today. Manager Billy Davies again can count on midfielder Radoslaw Majewski who had an ankle injury and striker Nathan Tyson who returns to the squad after the birth of his son last weekend.  

Blackpool made a decent start with just one defeat (Leicester City, 1-2 away) in the first seven rounds. They are a team of great technical skills and their games are pretty to watch. That performances usually stayed short for the final result, but in the previous round, they brought a first defeat to Newcastle (2-1 at home), even without some key players and boost their confidence till the sky limits. But, the main problem today at City Ground will be their mentally discharge and big possibility of bad result that usually comes after. I rated their chances about little lower than 50%. The Seasiders have enough quality to make another good result, but everything will depend from their entering the game. Also, they’ll have to cope with some missings. Striker Ben Burgess has been nursing a knee injury and faces a late fitness test. Danny Coid (defender), Daniel Nardiello (striker), Gary Taylor-Fletcher (midfielder) and Stephen McPhee (striker) remain sidelined. 

Forest start to feel the pressure of great expectations and desperately need a win here. It sounds like already seen scenario with home attacks and visitors’ counters. A total of 12 goals have been scored in Forest's three home league games (five for, seven against) is the highest home average in the Championship. I expect something like that again. Betfair offer 2.18. Over.

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Nottingham Forest - Watford

After the previous “rollercoaster campaign” which eventually resulted in Championship survival, club management decided to open a check book and re-built the squad which should be capable to involve into fight for a play-off. Boss Billy Davies brought even nine players in the club. Dexter Blackstock - QPR's top goal scorer last season, David McGoldrick - Southampton's top goal scorer last season, Dele Adebola another excellent striker, Chris Gunter – excellent Welsh defender and international, Paul McKenna - long time Preston captain and key midfielder in this Forest team, Lee Camp - good goalie and couple more. Forest started this season, it can be said, tragically unlucky. Opening game, against Reading at Madejski, passed in too cautious play by Forest and though they could get all three points (Reading had zero shoots on goal!), noticed just a goalless draw. At the second game, they hosted always strong WBA and were even more unfortunate. They were dominating side for the whole 90 minutes, missed a couple of very good chances, wasted a penalty kick and at the end lost by an own goal! Beside the bad luck, they’re fighting against big injury problems in defence line. Three regular defenders are injured, James Perch (shin), Julian Bennett (knee) and Kelvin Wilson (ankle), while fourth Luke Chambers is suspended! Winger McCleary is carrying a knock and he’s in a doubt. Nottingham Forest are seeking their first win and first goal of this league season and probably couldn’t get a better rival for that.

After very turbulent previous season which is ended in the middle (13th place), Hornets come into new campaign expecting a tough battle to avoid relegation. Excellent manager Brendan Rogers who was meritorious for pulling the club from the bottom, went to take a charge in Reading (got the job with a recommendation from Jose Mourinho). His replacement is Malky Mackay and that is his first managerial job. Club also lost key striker Tamas Priskin (15 goals scored last season) who signed for Ipswich. They still have a few well known and quality players, like goalie Scott Loach (England U-21 international), excellent defender and US international Jay DeMerit, striker Nathan Ellington, new signing from Carlisle United - striker Danny Graham, but it is obvious in the long run they simply don’t possess enough quality. Recent season started in their well known manner, with a home draw (1-1) against Doncaster Rovers and defeat on the road against Sheffield United (0-2). Midfielder Don Cowie has a hamstring injury and will require a late fitness test for tonight’s encounter. Additional problem for a team harmony is possibility of losing key forward Tommy Smith who is interesting for a number of clubs. Defeat at the City Ground would mean the Hornets only had one point after the first three games for the third time in five seasons and I haven’t found anything that could prove me they can get something from this game.

After two times where they were desperately unlucky, Forest will have a nice opportunity to finally start a good run of results against, I can say, weak Watford. Hosts have six top strikers and great midfield. Big problems in defence can only suggest on possibility of over 2.5 goals, but not on final winner. I’m confident in a home win and even a –1.5 handicap should be a nice bet. Pinnacle offer 1.86. Home win.
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is lining up a summer bid to bring Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari back to the Premier League - with Jermaine Jenas heading in the opposite direction. Redknapp's summer targets also include Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones, Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing and Charlton wonderkid Jonjo Shelvey. (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool are ready to sell midfielder Lucas Leiva for about £6m and the Brazilian is willing to leave. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland are weighing up whether to make a £2.5m offer for Rangers midfielder Steve Davis. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester City want a £1m loan fee for number two goalkeeper Joe Hart, with Birmingham ready to pay it. (Daily Mirror)
Birmingham are chasing 19-year-old Plymouth winger Ashley Barnes, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies will launch a £2.5m bid for QPR striker Dexter Blackstock and goalkeeper Lee Camp. Davies will also ask to take Tottenham defender Chris Gunter again on a long-term loan. (The Sun) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough will look to offload a number of costly flops this summer, including goalkeeper Roy Carroll and striker Emanuel Villa. (Daily Mirror) 
Swansea want Queen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie and former Hearts winger Saulius Mikoliunas. (Daily Mirror)
Falkirk striker Steve Lovell is considering a summer move to Dundee United after passing a medical at Tannadice. (Daily Express) 
Leeds will fight it out with Leicester for the signature of Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis - if the Elland Road outfit win promotion to the Championship. Davis is out of contract in the summer. (Daily Mail)
Oldham have released veteran goalkeeper Mark Crossley but the 39-year-old has already recieved an offer from an unnamed club. (Daily Mail) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Bayern Munich will battle with Sunderland to appoint former Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal as boss this summer. (Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa midfielder James Milner insisted Newcastle would not be in relegation trouble if they had kept Sam Allardyce as manager. (Daily Express)
Southampton legend Matthew Le Tissier is involved in one of the consortia aiming to buy the relegated club. (Various) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Hull midfielder Kevin Kilbane says his home life has been wrecked by the Tigers' battle to beat the drop. (The Sun) 
Scottish Premier League chiefs will hold crisis talks on Thursday to discuss Setanta's appeal to renegotiate their £125m four-year deal. (Daily Record)
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