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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League One betting, Preston - Colchester

North End are one of the favourites for direct promotion, beside Sheffield clubs and maybe Charlton. Phil Brown turned the things over when he arrived in the club. It was too late for saving in Championship, but it should be a good season in the third tier. Despite an interest from bigger clubs, they have kept key players (except Sean St Ledger - Leicester) and returned Neil Mellor from Sheff Wed.

Considering their moves on the transfer market, mid-table should be again Colchester’s ambition. They’ve brought two experienced players, midfielder Duguid and def Rose from Plymouth and Swindon, and young Tom Eastman from Ipswich.

First game calls on some caution (and hardly all favourites will win), but Preston should be too much for the visitors.

Bet: Preston -0.75
Odd: 2.07 188bet
Stake: 7/10 
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Preston - Leeds

North End are stuck for the bottom with 10 points below the relegation line and it seems there’s no wonder that could keep them in Championship. They’re 13 games without win in league (6D, 7L) and have won only one of last 21! They also conceded second highest number in league (62 goals in 35 games). Phil Brown has a long row in front the medic. Six players are rated as in doubt. Goalie Lonergan, def Morgan, def Gray, str Ellington, def Cort and mid Nicholson. So, goalie and three defenders in the poorest side in second tier.

Leeds are strong play-off (and promotion, in my opinion) candidates. However, they continue to play with the nerves of their fans, scoring goals for fun but conceding as well. 2-2 and 3-3 at home, then 0-3 at Swans and from 1-0 and 1-2 till 5-2 against Doncaster! They’ve brought midfielder Barry Bannan (till the end of season) from Villa and this lad could have very important role in the team. Leeds have failed to score in only four Championship games out of 35. One more reason for a good display will be first game at Elland where Leeds had 4-1 lead and eventually lost 4-6!

Goals look like an obvious and very popular bet, but it’s more my feeling that Grayson will demand tighter defence and not so open game. After almost every Leeds high scoring game this season, a low scoring one followed. The difference in quality is huge and I expect their safe win (something like 0-2), but took -0.25 line just in case. 

Bet: Leeds -0.25
Odd: 1.78 10bet
Stake: 8/10
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Weekend and statistic update

Fourth time I wished to bet on City's game this season and noticed fourth loss! Really great...

Bristol City - Preston 1-1  1/2 LOSS
Watford - Nottingham Forest 1-1  DRAW
Plymouth - Swindon 0-4  WON
WBA - Man City 0-2  LOSS

Statistic:

November
Profit: -5.6 units Yield: -14.36%

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Season
Profit: -33.46 units Yield: -8.25%

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Preston 2-2 Sheff Wed

Sheffield Wednesday scored twice in three minutes as they came from behind to earn a draw on manager Alan Irvine's return to Preston North End.
Billy Jones saw a shot blocked by Darren Purse but Neil Mellor reacted quickly to put North End ahead with a low right-foot strike. 
Lee Grant denied Mellor before Paul Coutts scored with a low strike. 
But Andy Lonergan failed to stop Tommy Miller's 30-yard strike and Marcus Tudgay equalised with a lofted finish. 
It was Irvine's first visit to Deepdale since he was sacked as Preston manager in December.
And his struggling team might have collected all three points but Lonergan made two excellent late saves to deny Leon Clarke.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Chelsea 0 - 1 Inter Milan (agg 1 - 3)

Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge in triumph as Inter Milan sent Chelsea crashing out of the Champions League.
Samuel Eto's clinical strike 11 minutes from time settled a scrappy encounter and sealed a place in the quarter-finals for Mourinho at the expense of the club he left in 2007 after a hugely successful three-and-a-half years. 
And the misery for Chelsea and coach Carlo Ancelotti was complete when Didier Drogba was sent off in the closing minutes after a penalty area clash with Thiago Motta. 
Mourinho's Inter were able to keep a subdued Chelsea at arm's length for the majority of a tense evening littered with fouls and spells of ill-feeling, with even the self-appointed "Special One" being targeted for abuse by the supporters who once idolised him as frustration spread around Stamford Bridge in the closing moments. 
He celebrated in relatively muted fashion when Eto'o capped a spell of Inter pressure with the crucial goal, after Diego Milito had missed the chance to seal Chelsea's fate even earlier.  
Chelsea had their moments in a frantic first half, with Michael Ballack shooting just wide and Nicolas Anelka seeing a close-range effort cleared off the line by Motta, while keeper Julio Cesar saved well from Florent Malouda after the break. 
And Chelsea were also left claiming they were victims of a clear injustice in the first half when Drogba was dragged to the ground by Walter Samuel as they wrestled to reach a corner. 
This apart, Inter were able to restrict Chelsea, who failed to show the wit and guile required to break them down, demonstrating the defensive discipline and resilience that is the trademark of any Mourinho team. 
He did not milk Inter's win at the final whistle, but Mourinho may just appreciate the irony of the fact that he has ended Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's dream of bringing the Champions League to Stamford Bridge. 
For Ancelotti and Chelsea, the task is now to regroup and refocus their sights on the Premier League and the FA Cup.
www.bbc.co.uk

Preston – Sheff.Wed.

Preston are in the middle at 12^th place, but just five points far from play-off zone. They’re in the good run of results that recovered their pre-season ambitions. They have one home defeat of last nine encounters, winning top sides like Sheff.Utd. (2-1), Cardiff (3-0) and in last round Nott.Forest (3-2). I think team possess enough quality and with recent results (especially after first half display vs. Forest and 3-0 for 45 min.) they’re focused to keep the momentum and attack play-off. Defender Youl Mawene, left-back Tommy Wiliams and striker Jon Parkin are in doubt and will be assessed. Preston are unbeaten in 15 home league matches against the Wednesday.

 

Owls made a good start under new manager Alan Irvine (ex Preston), but very fast backed to their downtrend. They have four defeats in last five away games (one draw), with just one goals scored in those and ten conceded. That one draw came in the previous rounds vs. Swansea on the road. Wednesday were focused on defending, organized and eventually defended a point. Except fighting spirit, they don’t have to offer too much and I expect their same approach tonight. Additional strength will be Irvine who knows in details most of tonight’s opponent players. The Owls have failed to score in 15 Championship matches this season - more than any other team and scored 13 goals in total (just Peterborough scored less). midfielder Sean McAllister and defender Lewis Buxton are in doubt.

 

Those two clubs will have the opposite motives, but with the same intensity. Difference is Preston is actually in a good shape, while Wednesday usually struggling to keep 0-0. Quality difference is obvious, atmosphere in Preston is very good and I see them as winners. Pinnacle offer 2.07. Home win.

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Will post one gamble before the kick-off.

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Great day

Newcastle 3 - 0 Preston

Newcastle moved five points clear at the top of the Championship as they kept up their unbeaten home record.
The Magpies took only three minutes to score, Peter Lovenkrands' attempted cross clearing Preston keeper Andy Lonergan and dropping inside the post. 
Top scorer Kevin Nolan doubled the lead after half-time when he burst into the penalty area and slotted in his 12th goal of the season. 
Substitute Ryan Taylor fired in the third in injury time. 
West Brom could narrow Newcastle's lead when they face Bristol City on Sunday. 
But the Magpies' promotion chase shows no sign of letting up after a comfortable win over Preston, who had their chances but lost to a far more clinical side.
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton:
"I think it is the most important thing. 
"We know West Brom and Nottingham Forest are one or two wins away from being a lot closer to us or being above us so we can't afford to lose focus. 
"Our preparation has to be the same and our mental attitude going into every game has to be the same." 
Preston boss Darren Ferguson:
"It was never a 3-0 game, that flatters Newcastle massively. 
"They'll have a good chance of winning promotion if they get referees like today. You have to have strong referees, especially against Newcastle, and he wasn't strong enough. 
"Overall I was pleased with the performance, if we play like that we'll be OK."

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West Ham 3 - 0 Hull City

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West Ham turned on the style to make it two wins in a row for the first time this season as fellow relegation strugglers Hull were reduced to 10 men.
Valon Behrami capped a surging run with a third-minute opener after exchanging passes with Guillermo Franco. 
And Hull's problems increased shortly after the break when Craig Fagan was sent off for a second bookable offence. 
Julien Faubert fed Carlton Cole for a slotted second before completing the win with a thumping late effort. 
It was West Ham's fourth consecutive clean sheet at home, and the emphatic scoreline - not to mention the buoyant nature of the display against a relegation rival - will surely please manager Gianfranco Zola.
The Hammers came out of the blocks at lightning speed and although they did not build on their overall superiority until after Fagan's dismissal, their performance was brimming with a brio and belief that have too often been missing this season. 
They were aided and abetted by a Hull side who, rarely in it apart from a brief spell of pressure before the break, were left with a mountain to climb after Fagan's departure. 
The result leaves Phil Brown's side just a point above the drop zone.
Hull manager Phil Brown:
"It was self-inflicted, we had a game plan but it was unhinged by poor decision-making. 
"The sending-off was also self-inflicted, it was a poor decision by Craig Fagan to make the tug because he was already in the book. 
"The first diagnosis of Anthony Gardner's injury isn't good, he has a problem with both his tibia and fibula. 
"It was a bad day at the office to say the least." 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"It was a good performance; we can do better, but the difference was the way we started. 
"We were solid throughout the game and the second goal was important for us. 
"Robert Green's save was worth a goal to us, because it allowed us to reorganise at half-time. 
"The whole team is getting better; the more confidence you get, the more the players can give."
www.bbc.co.uk

Newcastle United - Preston North End

Toons are on the top, but big margin between them and second placed WBA has been melted, thankfully to problematic results on the road. On the other hand, Newcastle are best home side in Championship with 12 wins and just four draws (34 goals scored and just 8 conceded – 0.5 per a match). They also hold the best defensive record in the division. Club faced a crisis of performance in two games vs. WBA, but after that three home wins in a row and all with margin higher than two goals. Boss Chris Hughton can not count on striker Shola Ameobi and midfielders Steven Taylor and Joey Barton. Midfielder Nicky Butt and midfielder Jose Enrique will face a late fitness test. Newcastle have won the last four matches between these clubs.

Preston are struggling under Ferguson junior, as they have only one win in last five games (Sheff.Utd. at home, 2-1). Good thing is they’re (still) far from relegation zone. Bad thing is they’re poor travelers, they’ve noticed seven defeats in last nine games on the road (one draw and one win) and next one will be at the toughest place in the second tier. Situation looks even worse after Tuesday’s defeat vs. Derby and conceded five(!) goals. The biggest problem is defense line that conceded 11 goals at last four games on the road (total of 30 goals and the worst record alongside Scunthorpe). That defense will miss the skipper Callum Davidson, while midfielders Richard Chaplow and Paul Parry are also out. Preston have played three of the current top five teams away from home, and lost all three games.

There’s no doubt Newcastle are far better squad in Championship. Their current performances and just three points more than WBA will guarantee their serious approach in this game. Preston just look like a victim of bad circumstances. Home win, -1.5 handicap as a gamble.

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Instict was correct

Preston North End 1 - 4 Barnsley

0 - 1 A.S.d. Franca  8.min.
1 - 1 D. Welbeck  27.min.
1 - 2 M. Hart (o.g.)  41.min.
1 - 3 A. Gray  69.min.
1 - 4 J. Rodriguez  90.min.

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Watford 3 - 0 Sheffield United

1 - 0 T. Cleverley  39.min.
2 - 0 H. Helguson  55.min.
3 - 0 D. Cowie  74.min.
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Some thoughts

Preston should win tonight.In fact considering everything that I've read,there's not a single reason not to be.Except...Well,except my instict.And I rate it as,for example,missings of best scorer and goalie.It's obvious home win,but something simply doesn't fit.I haven't posted this earlier,'cause don't want to ruin someone's work (another top post neo!).Follow your own insticts.

My initial thoughts were to back Sheff.Utd..Hornets are awfull and that's it about them.Blades,in my opinion will finish in play-off.Injuries are past,but they have two very important missings for tonight.Key defenders,Kilgallon and Wallker.While Kilgallon's departure is also good thing for the club(again in my opinion),unexpected yesterday's departure of second one is a blow.Second thing,odds on Utd. have been raising fast.I doubt bookies know anything that I don't,but in combination with first reason it's enough to stay beside.

Well,not picks but thoughts.Maybe it could be useful for someone.

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Saturday summary

Preston 2 - 2 Middlesbrough

Billy Jones scored a last-minute header to snatch a point for Preston.
Middlesbrough dominated the opening half and took the lead when Gary O'Neil, who had already been denied by Andy Lonergan, scored with a free-kick. 
Paul Parry levelled with a neat finish from a tight angle after Brad Jones has parried Jon Parkin's header. 
Adam Johnson restored Boro's lead with a low shot into the bottom corner and Rhys Williams hit the post but Jones converted a Ross Wallace free-kick. 
The match may well be Colin Cooper's only game in charge of Boro before the club make a permanent appointment as successor to Gareth Southgate. 
On the evidence of the first-half, Boro should have taken all three points from the encounter. 
The visiting team, encouraged by considerable away support, created a series of decent openings. 
But Preston rallied after the break and their perseverance was rewarded with their late equaliser - although the draw means that North End drop out of the top six. 
Preston manager Alan Irvine:
"I'm not over-happy. We have got a point, but I look for more than just a result. There are a lot of things we will need to take out of that game and improve upon. 
"We were poor in the first half. I was praying for half-time to come to address some of the issues that needed addressing. 
"I thought we got the response almost from the kick-off in the second half. We then started to stretch the game out a bit better than we had in the first half. 
"They deserve enormous credit for keeping going. It's a fantastic quality to have." 
Middlesbrough caretaker manager Colin Cooper:
"Unfortunately it comes a bit too much of a coincidence when you concede two to three late goals. 
"We should be sitting fairly close to the top of the table with the points that have gone begging. 
"Hopefully we will learn and not make mistakes in a game that we should have won comfortably."

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Sheff Utd 3 - 4 Cardiff 
Hat-trick hero Peter Whittingham is mobbed by his Cardiff team-mates
Cardiff went second in the Championship in a dramatic, action-packed game.
Jay Bothroyd seized on a rebound to put Cardiff ahead, but Mark Hudson's back-header let Darius Henderson equalise. 
Peter Whittingham's penalty restored Cardiff's lead after Matthew Kilgallon fouled Bothroyd, only for Henderson to strike again with a looping header. 
Whittingham sealed the win, converting a flick-on then poking in his hat-trick, only for James Harper's late goal to give the Blades forlorn hope. 
Even after Harper struck in the 90th minute to make it 4-3, there was still time for the home side to carve out another chance and they thought they had equalised. 
But Stephen Quinn's effort was ruled out for off-side, much to Cardiff's relief as they leap-frogged West Bromwich Albion to become Newcastle's main Championship challengers.
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:
"Things are tough at the moment, but the squad players that came in gave me a great shift and I can't knock them. 
"It was a good performance and on another day it would have been enough to get us a point. 
"It's tough when you are losing your experienced players and until we get them back it will be tough. 
"But I think we deserved more than we got out of the game, that's for sure and the players showed terrific spirit to keep coming back." 
Cardiff City manager Dave Jones:
"The first half was a bit crazy... so I'm sure Kevin [Blades boss Blackwell] will be disappointed with his defending as much as I am with ours. 
"I just felt every time we got our noses in front we went and did something stupid. 
"But our fourth goal today you won't see many better, our moving, our passing, our crispness and the finish. 
"And well deserved for Whitts [Whittingham] to get his hat-trick... it was a tough game."
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Tottenham 0 - 1 Stoke

Glenn Whelan struck late to earn Stoke victory over Spurs, who will ruefully look back at missed chances.
Aaron Lennon's curling shot was well kept out by Steve Simonsen, while Peter Crouch's header was acrobatically cleared off the line by James Beattie. 
Niko Kranjcar's drive hit the foot of the post as Spurs pressed. 
But Spurs, hit by an early injury to Jonathan Woodgate and a late one to Lennon, were stunned when Whelan smashed in an angled shot to win it. 
England winger Lennon was forced off with 10 minutes to play, leaving Spurs to finish the match with 10 men as they had already used all their substitutes. 
And as Tottenham were stretched, Stoke took advantage to pull off a smash and grab they barely deserved.
The match marked the first anniversary of Harry Redknapp taking over as Spurs boss, and there is no doubt he has transformed the club. 
A year on from his appointment, Redknapp has taken the Londoners from relegation candidates to a side that would go top of the table with victory against Stoke. 
It should have been extra incentive for Tottenham to turn on the style against opposition who had won only one of their last five Premier League matches.
But instead, they failed to make the most of their greater possession and territory and got hit with a sucker punch. 
They will also be frustrated by the injury to Woodgate, who managed only a 13-minute cameo in his first start of the season.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp on injured Aaron Lennon walking off with 14 minutes left:
"I hoped he could stay on but he couldn't. I told him we'd only have 10 men and could he play on, but he said his ankle was too sore. 
"I don't want to cause an issue. It's not about England - he's got big games coming up for Tottenham." 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis:
"It was probably our best result because we were playing against a top, top side. They have all the ammo you need to win games and they will still probably have a great season. 
"For this football club, we have to be in the Premier League for three years before we push on. We are still living in portacabins at the training ground."
www.bbc.co.uk

Preston North End - Middlesbrough

After a run of three games without a win and especially after London humiliation against Queens Park (0-4), Preston put a decent display on the road and beat Sheff.Wed. (2-1). John Parkin scored a winner for a desperately needed win and staying in the top six. They have almost the same team from the previous season (finished sixth), all lines in the squad are well balanced, harmed dignity has been recovered and in my opinion they’ll be (along with Cardiff) the most serious threat to ex-Premiership crew (Newcastle, WBA and Middlesbrough). Only missing is departure on loan of excellent Sean St Ledger to ‘Boro (won’t play against own club) because the financial reasons. Good news came from medical service as Lilywhites have been boosted by the news that skipper Callum Davidson (defense) should make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury. Also, absence of the key midfielder Paul Parry seems finished as he was an unused substitute at Sheffield and he should play. No new injury or suspension worries for boss Alan Irvine and best eleven should appear.

Middlesbrough started the season in Championship with clear intention for returning in the Premier League. And all started well as club was placed at the top of the table. Then crisis at Riverside and three consecutive home defeats without a single goal scored (WBA 0-5, Leicester City 0-1 and Watford 0-1). 'Boro bounced back at mid-week against Derby County as midfielder Adam Johnson scored twice for a 2-0 win. Then public was hit by the news that Gareth Southgate has been sacked. Well, it’s not about his capability to lead one team on 'Boro’s level, I first claimed he should chose more appropriate profession. The problem is the moment that seems wrong. Team finally won at home, players were pointing the team spirit, fans promising full support and I expect at least missing of positive reaction at Deepdale. Future boss (will be appointed in coming days), Gordon Strachan, will watch the game, but I doubt he’ll see too many good things. Team that will be led by coach Colin Cooper will miss mentioned defender Sean St Ledger, another centre back Seb Hines is a doubt, while skipper defender Emanuel Pogatetz could return after his knee injury. 

This will be the clash of two serious contenders for Premiership. Usually I would ignore any tought about betting on such game, but moment when it happens gives an advantage to the lads from Deepdale. And defense line without St Ledger (and maybe Pogatetz) will have a lots of problems to stop outstanding John Parkin. Home win (Pinnacle 2.70) should be considered as a gamble, while my advise is dnb (1.90 also Pinnacle). 

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Sheff Utd 1-0 Preston (agg 2-1)

Sheffield United overcame Preston to book their place in the Championship play-off final courtesy of Greg Halford's second-half header. 
An edgy game saw chances at a premium before Halford rose above Youl Mawene to power home Kyle Walker's deep cross. 
Preston threw men forward and Jon Parkin tested Paddy Kenny before Brian Howard cleared off the line from Neil Mellor's six-yard drive. 
But United held firm with some stout late defending to progress to Wembley. 
Kevin Blackwell's side were rewarded for their attacking intent and now find themselves just one game away from a return to the Premier League, two years after they were controversially relegated.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naughton, Kilgallon, Morgan, Walker, Howard, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Halford (Bromby 82), Beattie, Cotterill.
Subs Not Used: Hendrie, Lupoli, Webber, Sharp. 
Booked: Stephen Quinn, Cotterill. 
Goals: Halford 59. 

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Nolan, Sedgwick (Mellor 72), McKenna, Nicholson (Carter 72), Wallace, Parkin, Brown (Elliott 62).
Subs Not Used: Neal, Chilvers. 
Booked: Wallace, Parkin, Mawene. 

Att: 26,354 
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Preston 1-1 Sheff Utd

Brian Howard's goal 21 seconds into the second half earned Sheffield United a draw in their semi-final, first-leg Championship play-off tie with Preston. 
Preston had taken a first-half lead when Sean St Ledger latched on to a free-kick to convert from close range. 
The home side almost doubled their lead but Jon Parkin headed Ross Wallace's corner against the post. 
The Blades had several chances to equalise but it was Howard's volley from 10 yards that rescued them. 
The visitors started brightly with Jamie Ward going close in the fourth minute. 
Ward received the ball with his back to goal and turned his marker superbly before firing a low drive against the outstretched legs of keeper Andy Lonergan.
Preston manager Alan Irvine: 
"There were times when we played well so that makes me positive. 
"We are still in contention and I said that was the most important thing ahead of the game. 
"We know it will be a difficult game at Brammall Lane but we've played difficult games all season and still won. 
"We hoped to test Paddy Kenny more but once we got the goal we didn't push on from there." 

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell: 
"We had to make sure we went back to Brammall Lane with something to play for and we have. 
"I've got a great set of players. They didn't panic, we kept the ball well and I'm delighted with the response of the players. 
"I was disappointed with the goal but at half-time I said to the players to continue as they had left off and it was great to get the equaliser so soon." 

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Nolan, Sedgwick, McKenna, Carter (Nicholson 70), Wallace, Parkin, Mellor (Brown 77).
Subs Not Used: Neal, Chilvers, Elliott. 
Booked: Carter. 
Goals: St. Ledger 21. 

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naughton, Montgomery, Howard, Stephen Quinn, Halford, Henderson (Beattie 54), Ward (Lupoli 74).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Cotterill, Bromby. 
Booked: Kilgallon, Montgomery, Lupoli. 
Goals: Howard 46. 

Att: 19,840 
Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
www.bbc.co.uk

Preston North End - Sheffield United

At the Deepdale Stadium will be played the first match of semi-final play-off for a spot in Premier League. After a horror finish, Preston took the 6th place, moving Cardiff under the line. They're in a great shape, four wins in a row (most significant was against mentioned Cardiff, 6-0 at home). In the last round, Preston defeated QPR 2-1 at Deepdale. In the additional time, twice stopped the ball on a goal line, then came the news Welsh side lost against Wednesday and Preston found a spot in a play-off thankfully to one (a single) goal scored more than Cardiff! They got a wings and now are full of self-confidence. Midfielder Lee Williamson and winger Ross Wallace will serve three game suspension (last one), while Callum Davidson, Richard Chaplow and Michael Hart are injured.

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United finished Championship on a third place, although they had a potential for a direct promotion (my opinion). They took only a point against C.Palace (0-0 away), but even a win wouldn't change anything 'cause Birmingham defeated Reading. Blades were better side at Selhurst Park, attacking entire game, missed a lots of goal opportunities, but didn't score. They had to accept play-off and prepare mentally for a fight for Premier. Will try to stop home side play and attack in the waves. Last four United's games finished with a zero, or one goal per a game. Long time injured, right back Gary Naysmith is still sidelined and will be substituted again with Kyle Walker. Big benefit for Kevin Blackwell is recovered midfielder Brian Howard who will take his place in the first eleven.

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I think that Blades are favorites in this clash and expect from their iron defence to do the main job. In this game, under is very possible, but odds about 1.65 don't worth a bet. Instead that, I'm going for a gamble. 888sport offers 3.10 for visitors. More than enough for a try. Away win.

Success! (What about Monday?)

That's what I needed. All three picks passed. Spanish and French sides played attacking games, while exhausted Boca didn't have a chance against motivated Rosario.  Sometimes everything looks so easy. 

Today we'll have three second league clashes. In Germany, Osnabruck and Hansa will fight to avoid relegation. I think Hansa is closer to achieve it, but won't bet. As I won't for French game. Racing Strasbourg against Metz, fourth against the third. For me, the most interesting will be in Championship game. So...

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Norwich City - Reading

This is the last chance for Canaries. They're the first under the line, with three points less than Barnsley, four than Nottingham Forest and five then Plymouth Argyle. With three points will be very close to stay in Championship, otherwise will have to beat Charlton away and to hope Barnsley will loose against Plymouth (Norwich has better mutual score with Barnsley). With a point, they'll include Forest into calculation, but Forest will host relegated Saints and they look safe. There is no doubt, this is a game of the season for Norwich who doesn't look in so good shape. Two defeats from last three games. Striker David Mooney, on loan from Reading, is ineligible so Cody McDonald could make his first start. Excellent winger Lee Croft is in doubt (will play, I guess), while defender Dejan Stefanović, midfielder Wes Hoolahan and strikerCarl Cort are long time injured. Full Carrow Road will try to help the lads to reach the golden victory. But the biggest problem will be second half of the pitch where will be one of the best league teams.

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With a victory in Birmingham, Preston made a complete mess on the top. Birmingham, Sheff.Utd and Reading are now the contenders for a place number two (80 points, 79 and 74). Royals have a simple calculation. Win tonight and win at Sunday against Birmingham at home (have a better mutual score) and to hope Sheff.Utd. will lose in London against C.Palace. But, beauty of the situation is Reading can loose even a play-off spot, with two possible defeats! Preston is now just three points below (have a better mutual score than Reading) and will host QPR. Too much numbers and solutions, but it is for sure Steve Coppell's lads will go for a win tonight. Considering the names, they're the most quality squad in a league. Not so good run of results, with too many draws put them in this position. But, in the last round they overplayed Derby on the road (2-0), with two goals scored and two cancelled. Big blow is injury of striker Noel Hunt who suffered a fracture to his ankle against Barnsley. Full-back Chris Armstrong returns following his recovery from a knee injury, while striker Kevin Doyle is also set to come back.

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Really big game is tonight. Before a Birm.-Pres. game I planned to put my money on Canaries. Now I can't imagine which side has an advantage. Opposite motives, League One against Premier. Biggest fears against biggest ambitions. Full crowd against the quality. No one will be satisfied with a draw. Just a victory gives a faith. I expect another open game and again will bet on goals. Expekt offers 2.oo and I accept. Over.

Charlton Athletic - Cardiff City

After a 2-2 home draw against Blackpool, Charlton theoretically secured relegation. They had a 2-0 lead, but first Campbell scored for 2-1, then Hughes in last minute took care for a draw on Valley. It's very interesting, Addicks play better after they lost any chance to stay in Championship. Five games without a defeat, with great performance against the strongest league teams (0-0 against Preston and Birmingham at home, 2-2 vs Reading and minimal defeat against Wolves on the road). Some youngsters got an opportunity to play and they use it very well. Striker Tresor Kandol and midfielder Darren Ambrose are in doubt, while centre-half Jonathan Fortune (Achilles), midfielder Jose Semedo (ankle) and striker Andy Gray (pelvis) are still on the sidelines.

Blue birds lost any chance for direct promotion, but first objective is to forget nightmare from Deepdale Stadium. They expected a tough game against Preston, but 0-6 is a total catastrophe. All good results in this season are placed in the shadow of one game. Before Preston, Cardiff was in more than decent shape, with three consecutive wins (Derby, C.Palace and Burnley). With three rounds left, they're very close to play-off. It is not secured, but they can play with much less pressure. Today have a chance to finish the job, will be motivated and will go in attack from the first whistle. The only injured player is key right back Kevin McNaughton, but boss Dave Jones is expected to make changes in starting eleven.

Charlton's teenagers got their five minutes on the big scene, will try to surprise again, but it has to be said, quality is only on one side. Welsh lads will do everything to wash the Preston shame. I expect them in 4-3-3 formation. There will be a space for counter-attacks, but I don't think Charlton can score. So, away win instead over. Expekt offers 1.95, Bwin 1.90, I think it worths. Dare to predict, 0-2 correct score. Away win.

Norwich City - Sheffield Wednesday

Norwich City is one of the clubs that fight against relegation, 20th place, two points above the line. Their current run of results give them a reasonable faith for that. In the last three games they got seven points. Home wins against play-off contender Cardiff 2-0, against rival candidate Plymouth Argyle 1-0 and great achievement on the road, 1-1 in Birmingham. Canaries have a good position before the last six round, they have enough quality to avoid relegation and after a point a St.Andrews, self confidence is on the highest level. Striker Carl Cort had a foot surgery and won't play at the rest of season, winger Lee Croft has recovered and will be contender for the first eleven.

Wednesday holds the place in the middle and they look relaxed with no interest in season finish. They have no win in last five games, with three draws in a row (Watford 1-1 and Preston 2-2 away and Swansea 0-0 at home). Against Swans they displayed very solid performance with Marcus Tudgay in charge. But, the biggest question is luck of motivation in the next games, although many times they played best when nobody seriously counted on them. Little used striker Akpo Sodje is injured, while winger Etienne Esajas is finally recovered. Loaned Derby striker Luke Varney made his good debut.

Home pitch and full crowd, beside much bigger motivation make from this game a pick of the day. I expect clear home win and just because Wednesday few times made me feel bad and their mutual games (Canaries haven't won since 09.11.2002), I'll limit my stake. Visitors will play offensive, second bet is over. For me unknown bookie Boylesports offers 2.25 for home win, while 888 offers 2.20 for home win and same odd for over. I'll take both! Home win and over.

Championship round-up

Wolves opened up a five-point gap at the top of the Championship after beating Nottingham Forest. 
Michael Kightly's first goal since November was enough for the visitors to take a stranglehold on the title race with Birmingham being held to a draw at home to struggling Norwich. 
The Wolves goal came in the 76th minute as Sylvan Ebanks-Blake crossed from the right and the ball was laid back for Kightly to drill the ball home. 

Birmingham turned in another disappointing performance as they often looked second best to a Norwich side who started the day only a point off the drop zone. 
The Canaries were much the better team for most of the first half, and had the ball in the net in only the fourth minute, but Jason Shackell's effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. 
Norwich's failure to capitalise on their good spell came back to haunt them as Cameron Jerome scored with Birmingham's first shot on the goal in the 38th minute. 
The striker went up to challenge goalkeeper David Marshall and beat him to the ball for an easy finish, with Norwich's appeals for a free-kick in vain. 
However, the visitors were quickly back into the game after the break as Sammy Clingan scored with a fine free-kick that left Maik Taylor motionless on the line. 

Burnley kept up their play-off charge with a 2-1 win over Plymouth at Home Park. 
They took the lead in the 16th minute when Steven Caldwell got up to head home from Robbie Blake's cross but the visiting fans had their celebrations cut short as Plymouth responded almost immediately with Adam Judge firing home. 
It took until the 78th minute for the Clarets to get back in front as they Plymouth on the break with Blake running through to slot home, 

Preston remain on the outside of the play-off places looking in after being held to a goalless draw by rock-bottom Charlton at The Valley. 

And it was a similar story for Swansea, who remain five points off the play-offs after being held to a 0-0 draw by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. 

That was enough however to keep them just above QPR, who beat Bristol City 2-1 thanks to Adel Taarabt's first goal in English football. 
Jordi Lopez gave Rangers the lead in the 65th minute with a superb free-kick that gave Adriano Basso no chance in the City goal. 
And although Michael McIndoe equalised for the visitors 12 minutes later, on-loan Spurs man met Damien Delaney's cross for the winner nine minutes from time. 

Down at the other end, Southampton earned a point from a 1-1 draw at Blackpool. 
The hosts took the lead early on when DJ Campbell earned and scored a penalty, being brought down by Jan Paul Saeijs before firing in the spot-kick. 
However, Southampton's hopes were revived by a superb solo effort from David McGoldrick in the 69th minute as he picked up the ball on the edge of the area and beat two men before firing home. 

An outstanding goal from David Bell gave Coventry a 1-0 win over Doncaster as the visitors got it all wrong at the back. 
The Sky Blues had looked the better of the two sides in the opening stages and with 20 minutes gone Neil Sullivan came rushing out of his goal to clear Keiren Westwood's goal-kick straight to Bell, who finished superbly from 45 yards. 

Derby and Barnsley played to a goalless draw, as did Ipswich and Watford. 
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Championship preview

The race for promotion and the battle to avoid the drop remains intriguingly poised in the Championship. 
There are just seven games to go in the 2008/09 campaign, for most sides, but the picture at opposing ends of the table remains unclear.

Wolves continue to lead the way, by three points, and they will be hoping to consolidate that standing on Saturday when they travel to struggling Nottingham Forest.
Any slip-up from Mick McCarthy's side will be hoping to be pounced upon by second-placed Birmingham, who entertain Norwich this weekend.

Reading remain in the hunt for a top-two finish and can take another step towards the automatic promotion places when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in front of the Sky Sports 1 cameras.

With Sheffield United and Cardiff not in action until Sunday, Burnley can strengthen their grip on a play-off place with a positive result on the road at Plymouth.

Preston will be hoping to force their way back into the top six when they travel to the capital to face rock-bottom Charlton.

Bristol City will also have eyes on the promotion-chasing pack when they take on faltering Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Swansea will hope to get back to winning ways when they make the trip to Sheffield Wednesday, while Ipswich play host to rejuvenated Watford.

Doncaster could move into the top half of the table if they can recover from back-to-back defeats and take maximum points at Coventry.

Saturday's final two games then pitch Blackpool and Southampton, and Derby and Barnsley head-to-head in proverbial relegation six pointers.
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