Barnsley - Burnley

Interesting odds for this game. Barnsley, beside the decent home record through the seasons, are performing well recently. They have four wins of last five encounters (one draw) and kept a clean sheet in last three. They haven’t lost on Boxing Day since 2002. Only problem is missing of striker Gary O’Connor whose loan deal has expired.

Burnley, oppositely from the hosts, have a pretty miserable record on the road. This season it’s not better as they’re the only club that hasn’t noticed away win (6 draws and 3 defeats). They’ve conceded in every of last eight games and haven’t won at Boxing Day since 2005. And Oakwell is the hell place for the Clarets as they haven’t won there for about 79 years (last time it was in April 1932)!

I see this bet as a pure logic. 2-0 correct score.

Bet: Barnsley 0.0
Odd: 1.98 188 bet
Stake: 9/10

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Charlton Athletic - Birmingham City

Addicks have no worries about the relegation battle, their fate is sealed, it's sure they'll drop into League One. But, without a pressure, they started to play very solid. First 1-1 at home against play-off contender Preston North End, than victory 3-2 on the road, against Saints. Beside three scored goals, Charlton had many goal opportunities, including missed penalty kick. Best on the pitch were youngest, Jonjo Shelvey, Therry Racon and Tresor Kandol. Club's management already announced they'll sell the best players (Zheng Zhi, Nicky Bailey, Andy Gray) on the summer market. Long time injured players are: defender Johnatan Fortune, midfielder Jose Semedo and striker Andy Gray, while key midfielder Daren Ambrose is in doubt.

Birmingham finally started to play in "premier league shape". They beat Wolves 2-0 at home, showing maybe the best performance this season. Cameron Jerome and Gary O'Connor used a nervous in Wolves defence line and scored for a fully deserved 10 men victory. But, derby victory will have a value just with three points today. Blades watch their own business and after yesterday's 1-0 against Reading, occupied (at least for a short time) second place. Situation in Birmingham about injured and suspended players seems better than in previous part of season. Defenders Jimi Traore and Stuart Parnaby, midfielder Kemy Agustien, striker Marcus Bent are all injured, while Lee Carsley is suspended after a brutal chalenge on Chris Iwelum and direct red card.

Home side will play for their pride, away for crew of the best. Young Charlton players finally got the chance to show what they know (and showing), maybe they can score today, but I don't think it'll be enough. The Blues performance is on the highest standards, so and confidence. Everything except their convincing victory would be a first class surprise. Pinnacle offers decent 2.13. Away win.

Nottingham Forest - Bristol City

The last chance for Forest. I think they can win, beside the injury problems (as always). Reds are facing decreasing motivation, after they practically lost the chances for play-off. I won't touch under, one goal from Bristol can push this game in big over. 2.50 at Expekt on home side looks more than acceptable. Home win.

Stoke City - Newcastle United

8000 fans watched the training after Chelsea defeat to show support. Shearer's side have nothing to loose. Will start with Martins, Owen, Duff and Gutierez. Stoke will be ready. 2.05 at 888  for goals is totally ok. Over.