Stoke- WBA

Stoke have lost four of last five games in Premier, but at home have three wins in a row (Everton, Bolton and Sunderland), scoring seven goals in those. Although being far from a John Carew fan, I think he’s fitting very well in Pulis’ style of play. Matthew Etherington is in doubt for the game. Stoke have won seven of last eight games against West Brom (both at home and away).

The Baggies are a point above the bottom, have lost last five on the road and conceded total of 52 goals. Roy Hodgson took the charge and they avoided defeats in last two league games, draws at home vs. West Ham and Wolves. However, I think he won’t be able to make a fast impact to the squad. His football philosophy is defence while most of the players are attacking minded (Di Matteo’s legacy). In such occasions (the last was Sousa, Swansea to Leicester), teams don’t defend better at first period just stop scoring goals. And yes, West Brom haven’t defeat Stoke on the road in past 29 years (never on Britannia).

Etherington is key player for Pulis and I wanted to hear some news about his condition. If he’s ready to play their chances will be significantly bigger, but in that case odds would significantly drop. So, I’ll exclude him from my consideration and am going to take Stoke as they simply should be too much for West Brom.

Bet: Stoke -0.5
Odd: 1.93 Bet365
Stake: 7/10
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Everton - WBA

Everton continue with annoying results in Premier. They’re without win in last four (three draws), have just two home wins of seven and sitting on very low for them 14th place. However, their performances look much better than results and I’m sure it’s a matter of time when they’ll start with the climbing on the table. The biggest problem recently is the lack of attacking support for Tim Cahill (scored five goals in his last eight games). Arteta and Pienaar work fine delivering from midfield, but Everton miss efficiency of the strikers. This should be a nice chance for Saha, Beckford and recovered Anichebe to recover the old shape. Moyes will miss only Fellaini who serves the last game of his suspension.

The Baggies are in free fall recently and currently I can’t see anything that could stop it. Four defeats and a draw in last five encounters caused they slipped from the 4th place (if my memory is right) to more expected 16th. They’ve kept only one clean sheet so far allowing at least two goals in four of their five previous games. Considering team quality, they’re probably worst in Premier (alongside Blackpool). First season syndrome and probably great motivation skills by Di Matteo caused an excellent run of results. Now WBA will hardly find something to boost their morale and they’ll face a hard fight for avoiding relegation. Their key man, Chris Brunt, is probably out with a groin problem. Morrison and Reid are also doubts for the game.

Despite Everton’s latest results, they should be superior here and this is a very nice opportunity for the start of a good run. Goodison is always a tough place to go. Home win for me.

Bet: Everton -1ah
Odd: 2.00 Bet365
Stake: 7/10

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Manchester United - WBA

After just 7 rounds, United are already in position to chase rivals for the top and gap looks pretty decent (5 points from Chelsea). Current, third position is a result of away games where Devils all four finished with a draw. Second reason is shocking performances from Wayne Rooney who thankfully to happenings outside the pitch can’t back on the track. However, this is a nice opportunity for him to return some self confidence and score one-two times. United won 11 and drew 1 of last 12 games against WBA. They have 13 wins of last 14 home games and 11 of those 13 were with 2 or more goals margin. Only defeat was suffered from Chelsea and both wins by 1 came against Liverpool. Opponents like WBA are in the group of routine games. Despite recent talks, Hargreaves won’t make his comeback today and only doubtful is Giggs.

The Baggies have been noticing their best start in Premier (considering their previous appearances, that is not too much). However, 6^th place on the table (!), their home performances (no defeat in  four games) and excellent away win at Emirates call on caution. Di Matteo’s team carries a nice passing football and don’t hesitate to use any sign of disrespect. Like they did against Arsenal. On the other hand, that attitude can bring them a trouble, like it was at Stamford (0-6). As they didn’t care about that defeat (won vs. Sunderland 1-0 in the next game), I think they won’t about the game like Man Utd away is. Regardless of the today’s result, they will stay focused on home games and direct rivals from the bottom. WBA could be without striker Odemwingie and midfielder Jerome Thomas who are in doubt.

Odds here are a little bit higher than usual. International brake couldn’t make a serious problem as it’s removed for Tuesday. Champions League game is at next Wednesday, but I don’t see Bursa as a kind of opponent for who Sir Alex will dramatically change the squad in Premier. Five points less than Chelsea should be valid reason for maximum seriousness at Old Trafford and I expect another convincing win. 3-0 correct score.

Bet: Man Utd -1.75
Odd: 2.03 Expekt
Stake: 8/10

Gamble: Correct score 3-0
Odd: 7.50 888sports
Stake: 1/10  

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Liverpool – WBA

Hodgson’s era isn’t started well. And if we can say Reina’s stupidity wasn’t so big tragedy, one derby defeat as well, then home failure against WBA would have an impact like a strong earthquake at Enfield. Importance of this game is even bigger because next L’pool 2 games, Brum and Man Utd both away. However, at home Liverpool won 13 of 19 games last season. 9 of those 13 were with 2 or more goals margin. Also won their last 10 games against WBA, 9 of them by at least 2 goals and have kept 17 clean sheets in their last 20 matches at home. Agger and Rodriguez are doubtful, Joe Cole still suspended, but Gerrard and Torres are back after Europa League rest.

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The Baggies were hammered by Chelsea in the first round (0-6), but it seems they didn’t care too much about it as they bounced back in the next game and defeated Sunderland (1-0). Home wins should be a key for their possible survival in the Premier, Di Matteo knows that and I think they won’t be caring too much about away defeats from top sides. He can’t count on some important players. Defenders Marek Cech and Joe Mattock, midfielder Jerome Thomas and striker Ishmael Miller will miss the game through injury. WBA have won just 3 of their last 18 Premier League matches, haven't won a Premier game away in 17 attempts, winning only one in the last 28 and scored just one goal in their last 10 matches at Enfield!

 

I think public is little overreacting about the problems at Liverpool. Mascherano’s departure isn’t so big blow. His staying would be bigger, considering his behavior lately. They’re very good squad, looked very well against Gunners and this is a nice chance to return a self confidence.

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Bet: Liverpool -1.25ah 

Odd: 1.76 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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Crystal Palace – WBA

Well, I won’t suggest anyone to follow this bet. The thing is I really like to gamble and taking this one is much more tempting for me than trying to find a treble in Scandinavia at Monday. And I’m still a little bit annoyed because didn’t have guts to take Hereford at Saturday. However…

Palace have two games to play. In the last round will face direct opponent Sheffield Wednesday on the road. So, a win tonight would leave them in Championship. In last 9 home games have 2 wins and 7 defeats. Strikers Alan Lee and Calvin Andrews are back in contention after injury, left-back Lee Hills is out. Palace are unbeaten in the club's last four matches against West Brom. 

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The Baggies are second away team in the leagues (a point less than Newcastle) and are undefeated in last ten league games (2 draws, 8 wins)! The problem is they’re theoretically second and their motivation could be a cause of problems tonight. Few reasons for professional attitude. Di Matteo said he’ll field his strongest available team (not a single reason to believe him though). First game in the season they lost at home 0-1, Palace scored from only chance. They would like to reach Leicester’s record of 92 points (have 89 now) from 2003. The last but not the least, this is Championship not Serie A. Well, reasons are not so strong, but made this odd acceptable in my opinion. Jerome Thomas won’t play and I couldn’t find anyone else who is 100% out. 

Palace desperately need a win which means will be very, very nervous from the start. Most of their goals come after shots from distance and set pieces (mentioned Lee is an ox in front and crucial man for this strategy). Which against WBA’s top defense could make a real frustration instead nervous. I think they won’t score tonight. One conceded goal would push them forward and open them too much. I'll take WBA -1 ah at 5.00, bookie is bet365! Correct result is 0-2.

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P.s.: Yeah, yesterday's double was very easy. Bah...

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Wednesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Tottenham to have talks with Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Icelandic striker, who plays for Monaco, is also the subject of a bid from West Ham. (Sky Sports) 
Santos midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso has said he is not keen on joining Manchester City as part of the deal that could take Robinho back to the Brazilian club. The 20-year-old said: "I don't want to play for Manchester City. I'd prefer to play for a big club in Europe such as Milan, Real Madrid or Barcelona." (Globo Esporte) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham are set to usurp West Ham's bid for Monaco's Icelandic forward Eidur Gudjohnsen after meeting him at Stansted Airport on Monday.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal teenager Jack Wilshere's proposed loan move to Bolton is back on, despite the two clubs' managers falling out after their fiery match last week.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara will be Avram Grant's first loan signing following the Premier League's decision to lift Portsmouth's transfer embargo, although the south-coast club will only be able to acquire players on free or loan deals.(Daily Mirror) 
David Bentley also looks set to leave Spurs, with West Ham interested in taking the midfielder, who scored in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Fulham, on loan for the rest of the season.(Daily Mirror)
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is set to make a third and final offer of £3.5m for Hull winger Stephen Hunt.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is set to renew his interest in Liverpool's out-of-favour Dutch forward Ryan Babel.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham plan to pip Sunderland and Celtic to sign Egypt's attacking midfielder Mohamed Gedo, who plays for Al-Ittihad Al-Sakndary.(Daily Mail) 
The Cottagers are also trying to resurrect a loan deal for Roma striker Stefano Okaka. Stoke manager Tony Pulis is also monitoring developments concerning the 20-year-old, whose original switch to Fulham fell through because Roma were demanding a £250,000 loan fee. (Daily Mirror) 
West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is preparing a £750,000 bid for Stoke defender Leon Cort. The Baggies will face competition from Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Ipswich for the 30-year-old.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Crystal Palace defender Matt Lawrence has revealed the players found out the club is in administration via the social networking site Twitter.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reckons Carlos Tevez and Manchester United's Gary Neville are good friends, despite their much-publicised rift last week. Mancini also urged his players "don't look back in anger" - in reference to a song written by City-supporting band Oasis - as they prepare to take on United in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.(Daily Mirror)

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Newcastle 2-2 WBA

Peter Lovenkrands scored an emotional equaliser as Newcastle drew with West Brom and extended their lead at the top of the Championship to three points.
Jonas Olsson's neat finish from Graham Dorrans' cross gave the visitors the lead before a brilliant free-kick from Danny Guthrie levelled the score. 
Roman Bednar headed the Baggies back in front only 32 seconds after the break. 
But Lovenkrands, whose father died last week, headed home Jose Enrique's cross to claim a draw for the Magpies. 
The Danish striker was expected to miss the game to be with his family but opted to stay and play in memory of his father. 
And Newcastle fans will certainly be glad he did after his goal ensured their unbeaten home record in the Championship this season goes on. 
West Brom, who have not won at St James' Park since 1977, were the better side for long periods and manager Roberto Di Matteo will at least be glad to see a much-improved display from their defeat against Nottingham Forest 10 days ago.
The game was a Premier League fixture last season and the entertainment this time round was of top-flight rather than second-tier quality.

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton:
"Overall I thought it was a fair result and a very good game for the neutral. We showed a lot of character to come back twice from a goal down.
"The game became very open and it could have gone either way. 
"We should have had a penalty. The lad just goes across Andy (Carroll) and it was a blatant block. 
"Peter (Lovenkrands) wanted to play and for him to go and get a goal for us is superb. Great credit for him." 
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo:
"I think it was a good point for Newcastle. We should have probably won the game, I think we deserved the three points.
"I thought we were good in all departments. We scored good goals and created lots of chances. We just couldn't get a hold of the lead when we had one. 
"We thought we could win tonight and get something out of the game and it looked for a long time that we would win it."

West Brom 2 - 2 QPR

Simon Cox scored an equaliser deep into injury time to salvage a deserved draw for West Brom against QPR.
The visitors, with Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham in charge, went ahead when Jonas Olsson's attempted clearing header looped into his own net. 
Kaspars Gorkss doubled the lead with a simple header after a mistake by Dean Kiely but Jerome Thomas pulled one back with a swivelling shot. 
And Cox snatched a point when he tapped in a rebound in the 94th minute. 
The result will be hard to take for Rangers' novice managerial duo, who took charge with Jim Magilton suspended following his alleged altercation with Akos Busaky after the defeat against Watford. 
West Brom, meanwhile, may have missed the chance to make up genuine ground at the top of the table but manager Roberto Di Matteo will be relieved to have taken anything from a game they seemed destined to lose.

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo:
"The way the game went a point is better than nothing. I'm trying to look at the positive side of it.
"The players fought really hard for the point. I thought we deserved a little bit more as well, we had some very good chances but didn't quite manage to score. 
"We've definitely been leaking too many goals in the last three games." 
QPR temporary manager Steve Gallen:
"I don't know what is going to happen. I just got told last week and it feels like the longest week ever.
"I don't know if I'm charge for Saturday's game (at home to Sheffield United). 
"I don't know when I'll find out. I saw something yesterday and it said the club are meeting with Jim and something will be decided over the next 48 hours. 
"I welcome that, definitely. I'm sure people on the outside at QPR want to see things resolved quickly - we all do on the inside. 
"I also saw some things during the week about chaos at QPR - that's absolute nonsense. I've not seen any chaos at the training ground."

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Blackburn defender Michel Salgado will try to convince his former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham to join him at Ewood Park. Beckham is keen to move to Europe from Los Angeles Galaxy in January. (The Sun) 
Forward Lionel Messi is set to sign a £170,000-a-week deal (after tax) to stay at Barcelona until 2016. (Daily Mail) 
West Brom want to sign Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara on loan. (The Sun)
Baggies boss Roberto di Matteo also wants to agree a loan deal for Blackburn defender Zuran Khizanishvili. (Daily Mirror) 
Everton are keeping tabs on Bristol City full-back James Wilson, who is currently on loan at Brentford. (Daily Mirror)
Fulham could also be set to lose Sweden international defender Fredrik Stoor, who is hoping to secure a loan move from the club. (The Sun) 
Bolton centre-back Danny Shittu is set to move to Sheffield United on loan, with a view to a permanent switch. (Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood, who has been suffering from a badly bruised foot, is hoping to prove his fitness in order to secure a three-month loan move to Newcastle. (Daily Mirror) 
Notts County boss Ian McParland has confirmed he is interested in signing Malta international striker Michael Mifsud, who is a free agent after leaving Coventry. (Daily Star)
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has reiterated his determination to hang on to winger Adam Johnson, who is out of contract at the end of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Southgate is also set to tie up loan deals for Preston defender Sean St Ledger and Hull striker Caleb Folan. (Daily Mail) 
Preston are keen on Stockport striker Carl Baker. (The Sun) 
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has emerged as a transfer target for Celtic boss Tony Mowbray.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Michael Owen's 2010 World Cup hopes have been hit after he was told by Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson he will only be used as a back-up striker. (The Sun) 
United, meanwhile, want Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor banned from the teams' Premier League meeting on Sunday after his alleged stamp on Arsenal's Robin van Persie.(The Sun) 
Kevin Keegan has started his battle for £10m in compensation from Newcastle, claiming he was forced out of his position as manager in September 2008. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart says he does not fear the sack, despite presiding over the club's worst start to a season in their 111-year history. (Daily Star) 
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has fined defenders Ronald Zubar and George Elokobi a fortnight's wages after the pair turned up late for a team meeting before Saturday's defeat by Blackburn. (Daily Star)
Former Ipswich goalkeeper Shane Supple, who retired from professional football in August at the age of 22, wants to follow in his father's footsteps and join the Irish police force. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

England bosses have sent a list of demands they want for their South Africa World Cup base - including a computer games arcade. Manager Fabio Capello wants to ensure his players do not get bored and has asked for a special room in their hotel with a Wii, a Playstation and other games. (Daily Mirror)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Former Liverpool and Newcastle striker Michael Owen will have to take a 50% pay cut - to £50,000-a-week - and pass a stringent medical before making a shock move to Manchester United.(The Sun) 
Actually, Owen could be offered a basic wage of a paltry £20,000-a-week, with performance-related bonuses taking him close to the £110,000-a-week he earned at Newcastle.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea are the only club to have submitted a formal bid, of about £40m, for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery - but the French international wants to join Real Madrid.(Daily Telegraph) 
Real Madrid have put their bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso on hold, until mid-July when his former club Real Sociedad will no longer be entitled to a percentage of the fee.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are steeling themselves for two bids worth nearly a combined £60m from Real Madrid and Barcelona for Alonso and his fellow midfielder Javier Mascherano. (Daily Telegraph)
Manchester United will make a £16m move for Sevilla's 28-year-old Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano, but face competition from AC Milan.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona have risked the wrath of Arsenal by making an approach for midfielder Cesc Fabregas.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell is considering a shock move to Championship club Newcastle United.(Daily Star) 
Chelsea are close to signing Man City youngster Daniel Sturridge and and CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov.(Daily Telegraph) 
AC Milan could make a remarkable £12m bid for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch if they fail to sign Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor.(The Sun) 
Fulham are also keen on Pompey's giant hitman, preparing a £10m bid.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa are weighing up a potential £8m bid for 22-year-old Swedish striker Marcus Berg, who impressed at the recent Euro Under-21 Championship.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham will have to pay £12m to sign Lille's 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder Michel Bastos.(Daily Mail) 
Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, 32, will seal his move from Southampton to West Ham on Monday.(The Sun) 
Hull boss Phil Brown could be set to offer veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann a 12-month contract after he was released by Manchester City.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom have rejected a £2m bid from Fulham for captain Jonathan Greening. (Daily Star) Everton are set to raid Leeds to sign highly-rated defender Luke Garbutt in a £1m deal. (Daily Star)
Wolves will complete the £2m signing of Sunderland defender Greg Halford, 24, on Friday. (The Sun) 
Stoke are set to make a £5m bid for Manchester City's Zimbabwean striker Benjani.(Daily Star) 
Watford have accepted a £1.8m bid from Sheffield United for their player of the year Tommy Smith, 28. (The Sun) 
Nottingham Forest are set to sign Preston's Paul McKenna and QPR's Lee Camp in the next 48 hours. (Daily Star)
Norwich are close to signing Crystal Palace striker Alan Lee, 30, in a deal which could take goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, 27, the other way. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is hoping to sell the club to a Malaysian group - after a secret trip by the prospective buyers on Thursday. (Various)
Ipswich boss Roy Keane has told Bristol City manager Gary Johnson to "mind his own business" after Johnson said he thought the Tractor Boys would sign Lee Martin from Man Utd. (Daily Mirror) 
New West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo insists he will decide on signings, not sporting director Dan Ashworth.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

In four years at Newcastle, Michael Owen started 65 games and scored 30 goals. He is reported to have cost the relegated club an eye-watering £41m in fees and wages. (Various)
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