Premier League and League One betting, 7 Apr

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Stoke - Wolverhampton

The Potters are having a decent season despite four league games without a win. They put a problematic display last week, at the defeat from Wigan and Pulis will probably demand reaction from players. They lost the reputation of typical home side, but still have very good record against bottom sides.

Wolves look hopeless at the bottom place. Since Terry Connor took the charge, they have taken only a point (from possible 18). They also have scored only five goals in those six matches, while conceded 19 (3.17 average)! Some calculations say they will need five more wins to stay in league. Hardly to imagine, since they have a total of five wins in past 31 matches!

Wolves did create some chances and scored lately, but their defending is still horrible. With Stoke’s physical domination, every attack, free or corner kick will be a problem. I am on home side.

Bet: Stoke -0.75
Odd: 1.98 (bet365)
Stake: 9/10

Oldham Athletic - Charlton Athletic

Oldham look pretty safe from relegation and their results look like the players are already on the summer holidays. They’ve collected seven defeats out of last nine matches in league and on last three haven’t even scored.

The Addicks are the far best away team in the league, with again far best defence. Recently they’ve brought on loan two very good players for this level, midfielders Lee Cook (QPR) and Dany N'Guessan (Millwall), who should bring more attacking power.

I am going to back Charlton with very good odds.

Bet: Charlton
Odd: 2.25 (Unibet)
Stake: 7/10

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Championship and League One betting, 25 Feb

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Portsmouth - Leeds

Portsmouth are in big financial problems that, according to Liam Lawrence, do affect the players. They have been docked ten points (dropped into relegation zone), are also in administration, lost best striker to Birmingham and will be without striker Dave Kitson! Additionally, they’ve lost five matches out of last seven.

Leeds are coming to the town with Neil Warnock in charge. At their previous trip they lost vs. last placed Coventry, but at Elland against Donny whites made a big come back and won from 0-2 to 3-2. Allegedly, Warnock made a half-time speech in the dressing room. They seem to be in completely opposite trend than Pompey.

I am taking some coverage in case of a draw, but idea is to back Leeds.

Bet: Leeds -0.25
Odd: 2.00 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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Charlton - Stevenage

The Addicks are topping the table with seven points margin, but lately playing with their fans nerves making three draws out of last four in league. They’ll miss again striker Danny Haynes, but skipper johnnie Jackson is back. Defence line will also go to normal as right-back Solly returns to squad and Rhoys Wiggins will move to his natural position at the left side.

Stevenage lost their first game under Gary Smith, by a stoppage time goal at Notts County. Before that, they stopped Spurs at home in Cup (0-0) and this is their 3^rd tough game for only six days. They won’t have fresh legs and not like they’re not going to need them today.

I am backing Charlton here at more than acceptable odd.

Bet: Charlton
Odd: 2.10 (Ladbrokes)
Stake: 7/10
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League One Betting, 10 December

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Walsall - Charlton

Walsall are fourth from the bottom , have two home wins out of ten and one win out of last 14 in league. Last week played only a draw against poor Dag&Red. They’ll miss Ryan Jarvis, striker who starts his three-match suspension.

Charlton look superior in the third tier. They’re alone on the top (7 points margin), eight wins in a row (six in league, two in Cup) and are scoring for fun (while defence looks rock solid). The fact they play on the road doesn’t mean too much as they’ve noticed eight wins out of ten.

Against Hudders Charlton showed a great domination and quality. Walsall were clueless in last few games and I doubt they can make some serious threats. Expect nice and smooth 0-2.

Bet: Charlton -0.75
Odd: 2.04 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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Tranmere - MK Dons

After an impressive start, Tranmere have been slipping on the table and going where, in my opinion, they actually belong - to the bottom half of the table. Five defeats out of last six games and conceded 14 goals in those. The biggest concern is striker, target man Enoch Showunmi. He wasn’t fit at Thursday and seems in best case he’ll be on the bench.

The Dons are doing well, they’re fourth on the table, have six wins in a row (four in league, two in Cup) and scored 23 in those!

I am backing the winning horse here and odds look very appealing.

Bet: MK Dons -0.25
Odd: 2.06 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 7/10
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League One and Two, 5 Nov

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Charlton - Preston

Charlton are topping the table, they have three wins in a row (last two on the road) with goal difference in those 10-1. No injury or suspension worries.

Preston are in a shocking run with five defeats out of last six and conceded 16 in those! They have had plenty of problems with defending entire season, but downtrend started when they lost Neil Mellor and Iain Hume and stopped scoring. For this game they’ll also be without another forward Jamie Proctor and goalie Iain Turner.

At the first sight I didn’t see any value here, but with including Preston’s injured players I got 1.61 for Charlton. At asian market it’s even better (as usual).

Bet: Charlton -0.75
Odd: 1.80 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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Plymouth - Morecambe

Situation at Plymouth looks better recently, since they’re out of administration and Carl Fletcher has become a permanent manager. However, they’re stuck to the bottom with 12 defeats out of 14 matches and have been playing with plenty of youngsters (fielded seven U 21 players against Cheltenham last week). Besides that, their two defenders (Griffiths and Berry) are out, while teenage striker Matt Lecointe and goalie Jake Cole are in serious doubt to be fit.

Morecambe are third and undefeated on the road with five wins and three draws out of eight. They also have some injury worries with skipper Will Haining, forward Jason Price and defender Laurence Wilson all facing a late fitness test.

I think the market is overreacting on recent improvements at Plymouth and see this price as very generous.

Bet: Morecambe -0.5
Odd: 2.12 (188bet)
Stake: 6/10
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Premier and League One, Sat 15th Oct

Stoke - Fulham

No big philosophy here. Hosts are traditionally very good at home, visitors are bad away. Tony Pulis made some big shopping at the transfer market with intention to “step on the next level” (whatever it is). They have had some problems with the fatigue caused by Europa League, but there’s the same situation with Fulham. Stoke have scored only four goals in seven games, Fulham same number in opening six. Then, they trashed QPR 6-0 at home and pumped the odds for home win far above evens. The Potters are undefeated at home in the first three, playing against strong sides L’pool, Spurs and Man Utd. I expect a tight game, lots of set-pieces, combat in the air and home win by one.

Bet: Stoke -0.25
Odd: 1.88 (Bet365)

Stake: 8/10  

Stevenage - Charlton

Interesting odds here. Stevenage started their debut season very well, even thrashed Sheff Wed at home 5-1. After that, four straight league defeats. On the other hand, Charlton are topping the table and are still undefeated. On the road five wins out of six (one draw) with an average of two goals per a game. With Hudders on the road and Sheff Wed playing Steel City derby at Bramall Lane, it could be a nice chance to make a distance on the top. No significant missings on the both sides and they have never played before. I have no illusions this will be an afternoon walk for the Addicks, but am pretty shocked to see Charlton as high as 2.60. 0-2 correct score.

Bet: Charlton -0.25
Odd: 2.24 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 7/10
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League One betting, Charlton - Scunthorpe

The Addicks made a perfect start with all three wins over decent oppositions. Bournemouth at home and two away wins at pretty tough places, Notts County and Colchester (goal diff 6-1). Goalie, Rob Elliot, stays for now, since club has rejected an offer from Newcastle. After 10 years, Jason Euell, returned to the Valley and should make a first start for the club.

After a relegation from the 2nd tier, Scunny had to release several players (total of 10), including few keys. They started the season with two draws and home defeat in previous round vs. North End. I don’t expect too much from them this season. Glanford Park should be a hell place for many league sides and that should be enough for avoiding relegation, but far from play-off ambitions. Winger, Jimmy Ryan, will face a fitness test, while skipper Cliff Byrne (DEF) and Jordan Robertson (STR) continue to miss out. 

Honestly, I am well surprised with these odds on Charlton. The hosts are serious promotion contenders and have been playing quite well, not a single reason to stop now. Early pick, since I expect it's gonna drop to 1.65-1.70. 

Bet: Charlton -0,5

Odd: 1.80 Pinnacle

Stake: 7/10

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Charlton - Peterborough

Since Chris Powell took a charge at Valley, Charlton have noticed all three wins (Argyle, Colchester and Yeovil) with three clean sheets. They’re again contenders for direct promotion (played three games less than 2nd Bournemouth). Defender Bessone is fit and will replace Matt Fry who returned to West Ham. Midfielder Alan McCormack’s appearance is a doubt.

Peterborough are the best scorers in the league with 60 (sixty!) goals in 27 seven games, but they also concede a plenty (55, only B.Rovers are worse). However, Posh are not as efficient on their travels as at home. Just three wins of twelve encounters and total of eleven points (just Swindon are worse than that). Midfielder Frecklington returns, defender Zakuani is in doubt, while striker Hibbert is out.

I think Charlton have enough attacking power to score at least twice, while their recent defensive displays give me hope the visitors could be hold. Home win before goals.

Bet: Charlton -0.5
Odd: 2.13 188bet
Stake: 7/10

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Plymouth – Swindon

The Pilgrims are waking up in the League One. Two home wins in a row, against league giants Huddersfield (2-1) and in the midweek vs. Bristol Rovers (3-1). They’re creating plenty of goal chances lately and possess great attacking potential. Bradley Wright-Phillips is league top goal scorer, they have fast wing play and legendary striker Rory Fallon who is back after injury. However, defense with 25 conceded goals in 15 games looks far from being secure. Additional problem for the back line is missing of two players, defender Johnson and goalie Button. Midfielder Conor Clifford is Cup tied.

Swindon are just a shadow from a team from previous season and play-off ambitions look unrealistic at this moment. Team’s mascot and top goal scorer, Billy Painter, went to Leeds, but their major problem is (same as with Plymouth) too much conceded goals (27 in 15 games). Additional headache for boss Danny Wilson is he cannot count on three defenders. Frampton,  Jean-Francois  and Amankwaah are all out! Good news is winger, Matt Ritchie, got the permission from Portsmouth to play today. Wilson was storming out on older players, after midweek 0-3 home defeat against Charlton for lacking of effort and giving a bad example to the youngsters. There should be some positive reaction from them.

Two attacking minded sides with big problems in the defense lines. FA Cup (and money rewards) should be a nice motivation. I can give a small advantage to the home side, but see goals as a better option.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.80 bet365
Stake: 8/10

And probably one more pick, little later.

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Weekend results and statistic update

Like a nightmare.With one draw and three loses,this is the worst weekend that I remember. In fact, can't remember worse streak of results. And Zvezda lost the derby against Partizan.

Chelsea - Wolves 2-0 DRAW
Carlisle - Charlton 3-4 LOSS
Plymouth - Huddersfield 2-1 LOSS
Man City - Arsenal 0-3 LOSS

Statistic:

October
Profit: -34.08 units Yield: -32.77%

Season
Profit: -13.9 units Yield: -4.14%

See all bets
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League One - two picks

I have no time today to write analyzes, but picks are analyzed as always. Good luck!

Carlisle – Charlton, 

Bet: Carlisle -0.25 

Odd: 1.93 Pinnacle

Stake: 7/10

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Plymouth – Huddersfield, 

Bet: Huddersfield 0.0 

Odd: 1.73  bet365

Stake: 8/10

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Shrewsbury Town - Torquay United

Shrewsbury started to look like a serious promotion contender. Despite just one point noticed in last two games (Wycombe 2-2 and Port Vale 0-1, both away), their performances are over the results. And a defeat against flying Port Vale is not something that can seriously damage confidence at Greenhous Meadow. At home, they look pretty impressive with 3 wins and a draw of 4 games, adding on that a win against Charlton in Carling Cup. Manager Graham Turner will miss striker Kris Bright, while midfielder Sean McAllister will face a late fitness test. Another striker Tom Bradshaw and ex-Leeds youngster Cansdell-Sherriff should be fit for the game.

Torquay made an impressive start of the season with all wins in opening four rounds. They’re the only team that defeated Port Vale so far and their good game and a Cup draw against Reading should be mentioned. However, after those wins Torquay started to lose the fuel as they noticed five games without a win (two draws, three defeats), scored just twice in those five and made two consecutive home defeats in previous two rounds. Manager Paul Buckle asked his boss for more money to “build on positive start”, but got a slap over the mouth with the official club’s statement that club has no more money. Bad timing at least.  Defender Mark Ellis should be fit, while midfielder Damon Lathrope will be sidelined after the knock in a midweek game.

Two opposite trends here. Shrewsbury are in a very good shape and have League One ambitions. Their good performances should convert into winnings. On the other hand, Torquay are in a serious downtrend and it looks their season is already over. I expect a tight affair, but home win at the end. 1-0 correct score.

Bet: Shrewsbury -0.25
Odd: 1.94 Victor Chandler
Stake: 9/10

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Saturday's results and statistic update

Trend of weird results in England continues. I'm glad I didn't touch Charlton or Arsenal at very good odds. It's a pity Brum didn't convert some of the chances, but considering all shocks yesterday I accept minimal loss as a good day.

Leeds - Sheffield United  1-0  WON

Birmingham - Wigan  0-0  LOSS

Statistic:

September
Profit: -4.98 units Yield: -5.72%

Season
Profit: +20.38 units Yield: +10.11%

See all bets

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Huddersfield Town - Yeovil Town

Huddersfield have noticed not so good start and only because other top clubs lost some points, they’re 5th with only one point far from the top. Beside home win vs. Charlton, they drew against Bournemouth and missed to break defense of struggling Tranmere (0-0). Seems they spent all the credits given by fans and management which probably will bring a higher amount of seriousness. Two important players, midfielder Anthony Pilkington and defender Lee Peltier, are returning after absence because family reasons.

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Yeovil collected decent 7 points so far, but both wins came at home against two sides that surely will struggle, Leyton and Tranmere. Good result was also surviving at Oldham (0-0), but disturbing was their disability to resist against only average sides in League One (Bristol Rovers 1-2, Hartlepool 0-2 at home) and their crash vs. Notts County (0-4). They have limited potential and I predict them a bottom side of the table. Boss Skiverton has a problem with goalkeeper as his first choice, John Sullivan, picked up an injury. He’ll give a debut to loanee, Stephen Henderson, coach Ben Roberts or youngster Steve Boore. Any of these 3 will have to cope with the pressure and rough life at Galpharm.

 

In my opinion, Hudders have been playing much under their full potential and need one trashing to get on the track. Poor travelers, Yeovil, look like an ideal opposition. 3-0, 4-0 correct score.

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Bet: Huddersfield -1ah
Odd: 2.10  Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

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Southampton - Bournemouth

Differently from previous season when they were playing without too much pressure (thankfully to 10 points penalty) and making some very good results, in this one Saints are one of the two main contenders for a direct promotion. They’ve noticed a bad start (0-1 at home, Plymouth), missing a lot of chances to score. Top scorer, Rickie Lambert, will miss another game, but attacking midfielder, Adam Lallana (20 goals in all competitions, last season), will start. Also, tonight’s opponent is local rival, from the same league and there shouldn’t be any under estimation. As I posted, Saints rarely lose in this round.

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Bournemouth progressed to the third tier and they’ll surely have a tough season. They’ve made some big signings (big for League One) that should allow them to be competitive. However they lost at South London vs. Charlton (which was expected), but the failure in the first home game (another promotion contender - Peterborough) could bring a pressure and problems. The biggest problem in League Two campaign was a limited number of players and squad depth. Simply, I think they have more important things to think about. Also, Bournemouth have lost in the first round four seasons in a row. Boss Eddie Howe has almost all squad available. Midfielder Hollands and striker Symes are not fully fit and they’ll take some part in the game, more likely than to start.

 

Saints need to bounce back to return the self confidence (before Plymouth, lost at home vs. Reading 2-4 in pre-season). I think St Mary's will be a hard place to go this season, expect a strong display from home side and few goals.

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Bet: Southampton -1 ah

Odd: 2.05 Bet365

Stake: 8/10

two wins - two loses

I have a hangover. So no full reports (no gossip column, as well), just results of my bets. Other three games stayed in a shadow of Burnley's win supported with two penalties. Hope both clubs will be relegated.

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Morecambe - Rotheram United, 1 @ 2.30, 2-0 WON!

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Leeds United - Southend United, Leeds -1.25 ah @ 1.82, 2-0 WON!

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Southampton - Charlton, Over 2.5 @ 1.90, 1-0 LOST

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Hull City - Burnley, 1 @ 1.76, 1-4 LOST

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Leeds United – Millwall

Bad blood between these two clubs made from their rivalry a real derby. Their games are followed with incidents, usually outside but sometimes even on the pitch. Previous season, Millwall made a first class surprise and knocked Leeds (hard favorite then) from a play-off. All those facts make from their games wars, when team quality stays in the shadow and win a team with bigger heart.

 

Leeds frozen in “war of the roses” Utd at Trafford and then started their downtrend. Lost first position and even put in doubt automatic promotion. Just two home wins in eight competitive games from then and Charlton have sneaked up to 4 points margin (Leeds have a game in hand). In last round they lost away to Saints 0-1, another failure would bring the problems and pressure. Defender Ben Parker is returning after injury, striker Tresor Kandol and winger Max Gradel as well.

 

Millwall are in a great run of results. They’ve lost just one game in 2010. of 14 competitive games (away to Wycombe, 0-1). That game and FA Cup encounter vs. Derby on the road (0-0) were the only two where Millwall didn’t score. They hold 5^th place and it seems we’ll watch them again in play-off. Club legend, striker Neil Harris, is doubtful.  

 

I didn’t intend to get involved in this game, but odds on home win have been rising whole day and now are around even. I think it worth a shot. Home win.

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Tuesday view

Will try to forget previous week as fast as I can. Bad luck followed (let to be honest) with some wrong judgements resulted with worst run of results that I remember. Little satisfaction was game on Valley where Charlton trashed Norwich, realising my 3.65 bet. Bad (or maybe not) thing is recent offer is very poor and fast recover is not possible. Anyway I won't make the same mistake and will skip Skandinavian games (at least till I will be able to see some consistence in team's form, ambition...).

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Two big semi-finals are in front. Tomorrow Chelsea will host Barca. Home win will be my bet, but tomorrow about that. Tonight, Emirates will be the place where will be decided the first traveller to Rome. Arsenal will try to make a wonder (I think, that's a correct word). We'll watch surely different game than the first. Arsenal knows how to beat Utd. (Chelsea and Liverpool, too). Robin Van Persie has fully recovered and Arsene Wenger can count on him. Gunners are the strongest when nobody counts on them! But, statistic is against home side. It says Arsenal haven't eliminated some English team, ever. They haven't ever passed after 0-1 defeat in the first game (four times). Man.Utd. has 25 games in CL without a defeat! In last four CL away games, they didn't concede a single goal! That facts are enough to be frighten. For me, the most important thing is Vidic and Rio will play together. I think Utd. can (and will) score and it's impossible to concede three times. I don't even think about betting on this one. Will be a spectacle and I'll just enjoy in the footie.

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For fans of fixed games will be interesting in France 2, Vannes Olimpique hosts Berr. Chateauroux. Home side is safe in the middle, while visitors are fighting to avoid relegation. Odds for an away win is about 3.10. I've found on some different forums and sites this game as a pick of the day. Simple logic: hosts don't need, visitors do. But, Vannes has just one defeat from 16 home games (France 2 is also known as a "home wins" league), lost vs Bastia 0-1, 28.11.2008.. Chateauroux won in the last away game (Sedan Ardennes, 4-3), but, before that they had a disaster run of results on the road.They're as Vannes a typical home team. I don't think this game worths even a gamble bet, but it's on You. If somebody wish to try, Pinnacle offers 3.14 (and it's decreasing, recently), Expekt 3.10.

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Betting brake will be over tomorrow. So, stay tuned, some analyzes will follow.

Cheers, Dule 

Charlton Athletic 4-2 Norwich City

Norwich joined Charlton in League One after crashing to a 4-2 defeat. 
A win and Barnsley losing at Plymouth would have kept the Canaries up but they were three down within 30 minutes. 
Nick Bailey headed Charlton ahead, Deon Burton tapped in a rebound and diverted home Bailey's cross, before Alan Lee nodded one back late in stoppage time. 
Burton completed his hat-trick, Sammy Clingan fired a free-kick for 4-2, but Norwich slipped into the third league tier for the first time since 1960. 
These two sides were playing in the top flight only four years ago. 
Norwich were top of the table for much of the Premier League's first season in 1992-93 and beat Bayern Munich away the following term. 
They would have been hopeful of a dramatic escape against a Charlton side already relegated and condemned to the third tier for the the first time since 1981, who had won only four of 30 games under Phil Parkinson.

Charlton manager Phil Parkinson: 
"If I'm not here next season I'll walk away with my head held high. 
"The club has had a lot of instability. If the board, or any new owners, want to start again I think that will be a big risk." 

Norwich boss Bryan Gunn told BBC Radio Norfolk: 
"Over the course of 90 minutes, I feel very let down. 
"I didn't expect that level of performance from the players on such an important day, performances like that are the reason we've been relegated. 
"I've told the players to go away and look at themselves in the mirror, the ones that want to be at this club next season will hopefully come and knock on my door, look me in the eye and say they want to play in League One next season. 
"I want the job even more now because it's my fault we've been relegated, I'm big enough as a person to take that on my shoulders, hopefully I'll be given the chance to move the club forward." 

Charlton: Elliot, Butterfield, Hudson, Ward (Solly 14), Youga, Sam (Tuna 83), Zhi (Wagstaff 71), Racon, Bailey, Shelvey, Burton.
Subs Not Used: Randolph, Kandol. 
Booked: Shelvey, Youga. 
Goals: Bailey 9, Burton 25, 30, 51. 

Norwich: Marshall, Otsemobor, Doherty, Leijer (McDonald 40), Shackell, Smith, Russell, Clingan, Lappin, Lee, Mooney.
Subs Not Used: Nelson, Cureton, Carney, Gow. 
Booked: Lappin, Shackell. 
Goals: Lee 45, Clingan 61. 

Att: 22,020 
Ref: Russell Booth (Nottinghamshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Crystal Palace - Sheffield United (Sunday)

The last round in Championship! Stake is direct promotion and contenders are Birmingham City (80 points), Sheffield United (79) and Reading (77). First about Eagles. C. Palace is one of those clubs which don't have too much motivation recently. They display decent performances, but the results are missing. Just one win from last eight games (Derby County, home 1-0). In the last round, they played very good game against Doncaster, on the road. Three times they hit the post at 0-0 and one goal was cancelled later. At the end 0-2, both goals conceded after the big mistakes of defence line. Skipper Shaun Derry, midfielder John Oster, winger Paul Ifill and young striker Sean Scannell are injured, while defender Claude Davis is suspended.

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For Blades, calculation is simple. They'll promote if they win and Birmingham loose or make a draw in Reading (what a game!). So, I think Reading will not loose and Blades have the fate in their own hands. Sheff.Utd. has just one defeat in the last 14 games and if they reach Premier directly, it would be fully deserved. One more thing is important. C.Palace's boss is Neil Warnock, man who was in charge in Sheff.Utd. when they relegated from Premier last time (Carlos Tevez scored then at Old Trafford for 1-0 win. West Ham stayed, Utd. droped. Tevez didn't have a clear status then and many talks about that, even these days). After that match, Warnock left Bramall Lane, now he has opportunity to help his former club. 

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The only limitation about this game can be bad result in Reading game and in that case possible drop in Sheff.Utd. performance. I don't think it will happen. This is the pick of the month and I expected nothing less than win with two or more goals difference. Pinnacle offers 1.68, Expekt 1.65. Highest confidence, away win. Handicap as a gamble.

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Charlton Athletic - Norwich City

Maybe I'm little emotional, but really don't think Norwich is capable to avoid relegation. Charlton plays for pure pleasure, but will try to drag another team with themselves in League One. As they did with the Saints (3-2 on the road). Bwin offers lovely 3.65. Home win!

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is back in the hunt for Lyon's French striker Karim Benzema after being priced out of a move last summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth defender Djimi Traore wants to make his loan move to Birmingham City a permanent one at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror)
Charlton have slapped a £3m price tag on teenage midfielder Jonjo Shelvey's head, with a number of Premier League clubs eyeing up a summer move. (The Sun) 
Leeds midfielder Fabian Delph will move to Aston Villa in the summer - if Villa boss Martin O'Neill can persuade Leeds chairman Ken Bates to sell. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer says his side's match with Portsmouth is the biggest game of his football career as he targets one of the three wins he believes will save the Magpies from relegation. (Various) 
Portsmouth defender Silvain Distin has conceded he had never heard of Paul Hart and Brian Kidd before they took over the managerial duties at Portsmouth but says the duo have turned the club's season around. (Various)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rejected an ambitious bid from Bayern Munich to recruit him as their new manager. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia is set to reject the chance to join the club's coaching staff because he wants to prolong his playing career. (Daily Mirror)
Southampton will go out of business in eight days unless they find a buyer. (Various) 
Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon will snub Brazil to pledge his international future to Italy. (Daily Mail)
A proposed £30million investment in Sheffield Wednesday, headed by former Owls manager Howard Wilkinson, has collapsed. (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey believes his boss at Craven Cottage Roy Hodgson should be named manager of the year after taking the Cottagers to within touching distance of a Europa League spot. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY 

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has revealed that he regularly plays out matches in his head to test out players and tactics and that he has never lost such a mental match. He has gone over his side's Champions League semi-final with Barcelona twice in his mind already. (Various)
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