Birmingham - Sheff Wed

Brum are quite impressive in Cup competitions this year, have already secured a Wembley final in Carling and perform very well in FA Cup. They scored a lot against lower division sides, four in previous round at Millwall, three against MK Dons, Rochdale and Coventry. Birmingham don’t have a midweek game and Alex McLeish could name a strong squad. However, he’s facing some problems in the back line since defenders Jiranek, Ridgewell and Davies are all rated as doubtful.

Wednesday are a real mystery for me. They have enough quality to, at least, fight for a play-off spot, but they currently hold a miserable 16th place with 10 points less than 6th Posh. They haven’t won in nine league games and lost seven away games in a row (in those seven, goal diff 6-22). Mandaric appointed Gary Megson as a manager and I expect some improvement. Striker Medine is cup tied, midfielder Coke suspended, mid Miller and def Buxton are in doubt.

Birmingham are strong favourites in my opinion, they have a habit to score a lot against teams from lower divisions and Wednesday’s defence is just terrible at the moment. On the other hand, this will be the first game after a while that visitors will play without any pressure. Goals should be the better option than home win.

Bet: over 2.5
Odd: 1.96 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Sheff Wed - MK Dons

It’s finally happened, Alan Irvine got fired from a position of manager after 3-5 defeat at Posh.  New boss is Mandaric’s man of trust - Gary Megson (interesting, he has signed a contract on 3.5 years). He will have to wake the squad as it’s obvious they have enough quality for serious battle for promotion. First problem is their recent disgusting run of results. They’ve noticed only one win out of last eight in league (poor B.Rovers at home, 6-2) and conceded too much lately. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in last nine games, in those nine conceded shocking 25 goals (scored 18) and eight of those went in over.

Second problem is MK Dons are on fire. They have three wins of last five and are undefeated on the road in last four (two wins, two draws). They’re sixth, playing very well and won’t be lacking in self confidence at Hillsborough.  Home side will miss suspended midfielder Darren Potter, Dons defender defender Sean O'Hanlon.

Long waited Irvine’s departure delighted fans and motivated the players. Adding on that home ground and bigger quality, the Owls should be strong favourites here. However, the Dons will see their chance in Wednesday’s poor defending and they don’t have a problem to score lately. I’m going on goals.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.91 William Hill
Stake: 8/10

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Bets for Tuesday

Portsmouth - Burnley

Pompey are struggling as usual with all kind of problems, skipper Mokoena and striker Dave Kitson will miss again, Hughes and Brown are again out because of “ongoing contract issues” and they’re in winless streak of seven competitive games (six in league). However, their recent performances and fighting spirit promise better days. They unlucky lost at Nott Forest, then stopped Leeds at home (without same those players). Portsmouth are undefeated in 10 league matches against Burnley and have won the last four against them.

The Clarets are middle table side and they probably won’t go anywhere from the league. They’re also poor travellers as they won on the road just once of twelve encounters (seven draws though). Defender Carlisle faces a late fitness test.

Only thing that bothers me is Pompey concede too much lately, at last five in league conceded 13 goals. Anyway, I think it’s the time for their win.
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Bet: Portsmouth 0.0
Odd: 1.88 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

 Sheffield Wednesday – Yeovil

Wednesday suffered an embarrassment at East London for the weekend. Players apologised to the fans, Irvine to the fans and Mandaric, Mandaric gave support to the manager. I think they’ll strongly bounce back tonight, or it will be end of Irvine. They still have very quality players for this division and Leyton smacked them right in the mouth. I expect a response and rage on the pitch.

And Yeovil... It’s simply Yeovil.

Bet: Sheff Wed -1ah
Odd: 2.21 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

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Leyton Orient – Sheff Wed

Leyton have a decent home record (five wins out of nine), but against top sides played only twice and both times lost (Charlton and Hudders). They’re just two points above the relegation zone and I can’t see them far from that at the end. They’ll be without defender Omozusi and midfielder Chambers.

The Owls have noticed just one win in last five league encounters, but seems the things started to improve for Wednesday. Financial problems should be solved with Mandaric as a new owner, club brought four players, while on the pitch team looks a way better. In last two games, they noticed two decent results. First away win at Cup vs. Bristol City, then in last round a draw at home against Charlton (came from 0-2). New striker Madine and defender Reynolds should have their debuts.

I like the price here. I’m sure Wednesday will finish in the top 6 and will start very soon to collect points. However, I can not overlook possibility of a draw. 

Bet: Sheff Wed 0.0
Odd: 1.89 Victor Chandler
Stake: 7/10

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Sheff Wed - Bristol Rovers

I already know on what I’ll bet today. Three bets, maybe even four. Will be posting analyzes one after another, so stay tuned...

Milan Mandaric took the charge at Wednesday. Fans probably aren’t delighted since he’ll get the stadium if club continue with losing money. However, sure thing is players can be focused only on pitch. This makes Wednesday most quality team in the third tier, once again. Only problem is on the position of right-back, since Buxton and Otsemobor are injured. Probably Daniel Jones will fill that position.

Rovers are not the side that like to park the bus in front the goal. They have fully complete rooster which will additionally strengthen their confidence based on the fact they already resisted at last two away games against strong opponents (Brighton and Charlton).

My vote for a home side. Visitors’ confidence and their probably more open game could bring them more balls in the net.

Bet: Sheff Wed -0.75
Odd: 2.06 Canbet
Stake: 8/10

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Norwich – Leicester

Despite the defeat in previous round (Hull at home, 0-2), Norwich have been noticing an encouraging start of the season. Sixth spot and play-off zone are something that guarantee they’ll be fully motivated (as long as Premiership dream lasts). Against Hull they were much better rival, but in last 10 minutes conceded twice and noticed very unlucky defeat. My assumption is they’ll be very eager to bounce back tonight. Midfielder Surman and defender Nelson are still out, while defenders Whitbread and Smith have returned to the full training.

Leicester’s current shape is at least embarrassing. Instead play-off spot, they’re keeping the bottom of the table with just 5 points of 8 games. On the road just a single point and goal difference 4-13, after they suffered real humiliation at Portsmouth (1-6). Sousa’s manager position isn’t stabile at all. Seems he couldn’t imply the system with tight defense that was successfully bringing results in Swansea. Oppositely, Leicester’s back line looks vulnerable, conceding large amounts lately. Chairman Mandaric has said he gives his full support to Sousa.  Usually, such statements mean opposite. Players possess enough quality for the top half of the table and certainly don’t enjoy when Portsmouth make a laugh of them. I’m sure Sousa’s departure is very close, maybe even tonight. Defender Miguel Vitor is suspended after red card.

 

Leicester won’t be relegated, that’s sure, but better results will come when they make a cut. Currently they look like a sinking boat. Hosts believe their Saturday’s defeat was a robbery, now are preparing a strong response.  

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Bet: Norwich -0.25 
Odd: 2.08  Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are edging closer to signing Valencia forwards David Villa and David Silva, with the Spanish club willing to listen to offers. With winger Cristiano Ronaldo offloaded in the summer, Sir Alex Ferguson has cash to spare and the United manager is willing to pay £40m for the duo.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool are keen on securing the services of Sampdoria midfielder Koman Vladimir. The Hungarian star is currently on loan at Bari and is valued at £4m.(Daily Mirror) 
Italian side Juventus are all set to make a £6m bid for Manchester City full-back Pablo Zabaleta in January.(The Sun) 
Birmingham City are favourites to sign Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Star) 
Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric has told free agent Edgar Davids he has 24 hours to decide on joining. The Dutch midfielder recently held talks with the Championship side over a possible move.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton and Celtic are considering a swoop for FC Utrecht's Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel. (The Sun) 
QPR are targeting 22-year-old Gillingham's £1m-rated striker Simeon Jackson. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has suggested that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has too much power and leads a number of Premier League bosses in ganging up on Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez. (The Sun) 
Argentina boss Diego Maradona has tipped Angel Di Maria to be the country's next footballing hero. The 21-year-old Benfica striker was watched recently by Chelsea scouts and Maradona said: "Angel has the quality to be a worldwide superstar."(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham defender Ledley King is hoping to open up talks on extending his deal at White Hart Lane. The club captain's contract expires at the end of the season and Spurs have an option of a one-year extension. (The Sun)
Hull manager Phil Brown is mulling over selecting striker Jozy Altidore after the 19-year-old American was fined for revealing on social networking site Twitter that he was dropped for the match against Portsmouth for being late. (The Sun) 
Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is targeting a return to management and is one of 50 applicants attempting to land the post at League Two outfit Aldershot.(Daily Mirror) 
Former England under-21 boss Peter Taylor is close to linking up with Roy Keane at Ipswich as first-team coach. Taylor, who recently left his post as Wycombe manager, has been recruited by the Tractors boss to improve on their winless start to the season.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Manuel Pellegrini's role as Real Madrid coach is under threat after a 4-0 defeat in the fourth round, first leg of the Copa del Rey to Alcorcón from regional Second Division B, Group II. Pellegrini said: "There are no explanations. Alcorcón played very well. We hope our fans can forgive us after this defeat."(The Guardian)
www.bbc.co.uk

Leicester City - Barnsley

After three rounds in their returning season in Championship, Foxes are showing big potential and already announcing a battle for the top of the table. Club has no financial worries, ambitious chairman Milan Mandaric wrote off £14m worth of debt following relegation and even strengthened the squad with five signings where the biggest one is excellent midfielder Richie Wellens (from Doncaster). After opening win at Walkers against Swansea (2-1), team made two more decent results on the road. First against Ipswich (0-0), then against one of the strongest league teams – Sheffield United (1-1). More impressive than results is their attacking attitude independently from the opponent. They conquered League One with 96 points on the balance and 84 goals scored and simply haven’t used to respect anybody. However, draw in Sheffield stayed in the shadow of the injuries their two strikers, Steve Howard and Martyn Waghorn after both suffered hamstring injuries and there are fears that they could be ruled out for several weeks. Club’s management reacted immediately and have signed Blackburn Rovers striker Paul Gallagher who spent last season with Plymouth and scored 13 goals. Leicester are unbeaten in nine league games and in 21 league games at the Walkers Stadium.

After the previous season where club avoided relegation at the last day, new one started in the same manner. Club’s owner Patrick Cryne gave the last chance to manager Simon Davey, but squad stayed nearly the same, without any significant transfers. The only signing worth of mentioning is striker Onome Sodje from York City. In the opening game, Barnsley noticed a promising draw on the road, against Sheffield Wednesday (2-2). But, then came two shocking home defeats without a goal scored. First Coventry City took all three points (0-2), then Preston North End did the same (0-3). Against Preston, Barnsley conceded two goals in the first half and through the major part of the game weren’t the equal opponent on the pitch. One point from three games was enough to activate alarms at Oakwell and Davey becomes the main favorite to be first manager in Championship who will lose the job. Only goods news come from medical, striker Iain Hume (who has a key role in attack) is recovered and could play against his former club, while defender Rob Kozluk is available again after serving a ban. The Tykes also are hoping to get international clearance for Icelandic midfielder Emil Hallfredsson in time for him to play. In last six encounters of these opponents, Barnsley have noticed all six defeats. 

This is the early stage of Championship and that calls on caution, but both sides already showed their ambitions and ultimate limits. Visitors will give the final effort to save their boss, but Walkers Stadium surely isn’t a place for correcting the errors. Foxes are full of enthusiasm, team shape is more than decent, Matty Fryatt in Sheffield scored again and I think home side is the big favorites here. Pinnacle offer 1.78. Home win. And visitors will try to score finally, which can cause a big over. So, small bet on over, Bwin at 2.20. 

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Leicester City - Swansea City

After they spent a year in League One, Leicester earned an immediate return to the second tier of English football. The way how Foxes conquered the league gives a believe Championship isn’t a highest level that club can reach. Team was superior especially at their home Walkers Stadium, they’re unbeaten in their last 20 home matches (eleven wins and nine draws) since losing to Millwall last September. Ambitious chairman Milan Mandaric (ex Portsmouth) put the play-off spot as the objective for the forthcoming season. Club signed five players, midfielder Richie Wellens (from Doncaster), young defender Jack Hobbs from Chelsea, winger Dany N'Guessan (Lincoln) and two defenders Wayne Brown (Hull) and Robbie Neilson (Hearts). With a leadership by excellent manager Nigel Pearson, seems team has a potential to achieve the objective. To make the things not so good, took care team star and the best striker from previous season, Matty Fryatt who has a leg infection and only played half an hour in pre-season. Captain Stephen Clemence is still recovering from injury which separated him from the field almost whole previous season, while vice-captain, midfielder Matt Oakley has recovered from a knock sustained last weekend and he’ll play. New loan signing from Sunderland, forward Martyn Waghorn will have his debut. 

In the previous season, Swansea had a dream debut in Championship, playing much over the expectations and at the end almost caught a play-off, finishing at 8th place. Now have to cope with the “second season” syndrome when teams usually lost all enthusiasm that playing in higher league provokes and the majority of pre-season opinion is that they will struggle to replicate last season's results. Beside that, Welsh side suffered three significant losses over the summer, with maybe the best manager in Championship last year, Roberto Martinez and top scorer Jason Scotland both moving to Wigan. Excellent midfielder Jordi Gomez, little later also joined Wigan. The biggest signing is ex QPR manager Paulo Sousa. From the same club came midfielder Jordi Lopez, striker Stephen Dobbie came from Queen of the South, while last season on loan winger Nathan Dyer signed a permanent deal. Sousa has some injury concerns for the season opener. Winger Tom Butler is out following hernia surgery, as are midfielders Ferrie Bodde (knee) and excellent Darren Pratley (shoulder). The Welsh club have lost their opening league fixture in each of the last three years.

After one year of domination in League One, Foxes are full of confidence, spirits are high and it seems Nigel Pearson probably couldn’t wish a better opponent for the opener than weakened Swansea. First round calls on limited stake, but home win. 2.30 at Pinnacle.
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Leicester City - Scunthorpe Utd.

Two more rounds in League One. Almost everything is known. It is left to see who will be the second direct promoted team, Peterborough Utd., or MK Dons and who will grab the 6th place for play-off, Tranmere Rovers or Scunthorpe Utd.. The champion is Leicester, definitely became with away win in Southend 2-0. Entire season Foxes have been saying they don't belong in League One, now their ambition grows. Chairman Milan Mandaric told this is just the beginning and Premier League isn't a dream. Players are full of confidence, fans are in ecstasy. Significant characteristic of their performance this season is they never lack in motivation, especially when they play against the opponent who is worthy of their respect. Scunthorpe, for example. Southend, Leeds (away, 1-0), or Millwall (1-0 away). At home, they're superior, with just one defeat, conceding 14 goals in 22 games, far best the defence in the league and second best attack (MK Dons scored two times more). Striker Steve Howard is recovered from a virus, returned to training on Wednesday and should figure. 

With two consecutive home defeats (Huddersfield Town 1-2 and MK Dons 0-1), visitors fell below the play-off line. 6th Tranmere Rovers have a point (and a game) more. At the last round (Northampton Town away, 3-3) they displayed solid performance, but thankfully to some silly mistakes by the defence line, managed to concede three times from relegation contender. Now, they have three games to save the season. They probable couldn't wish the worse opponent, than today's. Champion on their own ground! First-team coach Andy Crosby could return after recovering from a stomach bug. Sam Togwell comes back after suspension and Joseph Mills could be restored after being on the bench midweek. 

Scunthorpe has no other way, than to attack the champions and try to take off the smiles from their faces. I think they only can make them angry. Expekt offers 2.15 for a home win and that's fine for me. And a gamble bet on 1-1 ht/ft.