Southampton - Wigan Athletic, 25th August

Southampton put a decent fight against champions and Wigan are probably the best possible rival for the first home match. Wigan did score in 13 out of their last 14 travels, but they also conceded total of 62 goals last season and Moses is in Chelsea already. And after all, they favourite period is last third of season when they start to play and somehow avoid relegation. S’ton were the best scorers in Championship last season and Lambert (will start, this time) scored 12 goals out of last 14 matches. Home win.

Bet 2: Southampton -0.5

Odd: 2.16 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

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Premier League and Championship betting, 17 March

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Fulham - Swansea

Fulham are in a pretty good shape, before stoppage time defeat at Birmingham they had three consecutive wins in league. At home they have four league wins out of last five (six out of eight) and at Cottage they have scored 29 of their season total of 37. Board wisely replaced Zamora with Pavel Pogrebnyak which seems to be a great piece of business, since Russian has scored five goals in his four outings.

Swans are euphoric after massive home win against spoiled millionaires, but as Fulham they also show much better displays at home. Away they’ve noticed only three wins out of 14 matches (eight defeats) and absence of suspended Nathan Dyer will be a serious blow for their counters and attacking threats. They were defeated in last four visits to Craven Cottage, conceding a total of 14 goals.

It’s always a danger to bet when play two teams from the middle (and probably nothing to play for), but today think I have valid reasons for backing Fulham.

Bet: Fulham -0.75
Odd: 2.09 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10

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Millwall - Southampton

Millwall are only six points far from relegation line, but considering the strength of teams below I am pretty sure their status is not in danger. However, their recent home results are horrible with five defeats and a draw out of six. Millwall have the worst record in the division against any of the current top-half sides and huge blow is absence of Liam Trotter due to injury.

The Saints are still on the top and I am of belief they’ll just stay there. Besides Reading, Southampton are side in the best shape, undefeated in last nine and conceded only three goals in those. They’re league top scorers (total of 65 goals) and Nigel Adkins will have a fully fit squad today.

Any visit to the Den is certainly not a walk through the park, but obvious difference in quality and recent results should provide a nice away win.

Bet: Southampton -0.5
Odd: 2.12 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 7/10
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Championship betting, Southampton - Millwall

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The Saints have made a perfect start with all three wins and I am about to think they really have a quality to fight for play-off at least. Including previous season, they have nine competitive wins in a row and eleven straight at home. They’re scoring for fun lately (13 goals in four games this season) and five of their last six encounters ended with four or more goals. They will be missing Richard Chaplow, Radhi Jaidi and Lee Barnard.

Millwall are also undefeated in the opening three rounds. They have a decent fire power with Liam Trotter and especially with Darius Henderson (if he manage to stay fit through the season). They scored twice in every of those three games, but interesting two times lost the advantage (conceded both times two goals in the space of 5 min). Dany N'Guessan has joined Therry Racon and Shaun Batt on Millwall’s injury list.

Lads from the Den won’t have too much respect on St Mary's and I am pretty sure they can score at least once (Henderson). The Saints won’t mind as long as they have one goal more on the balance. My sixth sense says draw or away win, but wouldn’t dare to oppose the leading side and their perfect run. Both teams are able to score a lot (and to concede), so my bet is over 2.5.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.98 188 bet
Stake: 7/10 
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Brighton - Southampton

The Seagulls are new champions in League One and they did it on impressive way. 17 wins and 4 draws at home, best attack in league (don’t count Peterborough, of course), best defence, eleven wins and a draw in last 12 games! Hats off. Biggest betting concern is will they “slow down” and play with the youngsters. Or will they try to reach 100 points as Poyet mentioned few times. I think they wouldn’t like to lose at home and to lose from big rivals. The matter of principles, I’d say.

The Saints are also in a great shape and are pushing for a direct promotion. Hudders won today and they dropped on 3rd place (two games in hand). They have eight wins of last ten (one draw and defeat) and considering scored and conceded goals they’re just behind Brighton. Key player Lallana will probably play (despite rated as in doubt), Chamberlen and defender Harding as well.

I guess there’s a possibility to Poyet send youngsters, lose the game and pretend he doesn’t care. I don’t believe in that and expect a fight. Two best attacks and two clubs that like to pass. Goals for me, once again.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.96 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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Southampton - Sheff Wed

The Saints are strong contenders for a direct promotion, they have 5 points less than 2^nd Hudders but also have three games in hand. Have noticed three consecutive wins, are scoring without too much effort and at the same have the best defensive record at home (conceded just 10 goals in 17 games). Midfielder Gobern is suspended, another two midfielders Schneiderlin and Do Prado will be sidelined again.

Wednesday appointed Gary Megson with intention to join a play-off race, but after miserable display vs. Posh at home (1-4) which was third home defeat in a row they could easily wake up in the relegation battle. They cannot defend at the moment, have conceded 11 goals in last four games. Two defenders, Rob Jones and Danny Batth, have been brought on loan but putting them both in starting line-up could make even more damage. Defender Beevers is out for the season, while the only good news is a return of full-back Buxton after the injury.

At St Mary's the Saints are the favourites regardless the name of the opponent, but 1.45 doesn’t look attractive for any side in League One. I think Wednesday will be able to score and see goals as a better option. Over for me.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.84 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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Peterborough - Southampton (18:20h)

I’ve just checked, Peterborough’s every home game this season included Cup ended in over 2.5 (18 games)! Twelve of those produced four or more goals. They play with diamond formation in midfield that guarantees goals and entertainment. Defender Zakuani and striker Hibbert are out, but loan Man City striker - David Ball will have his debut.

S’ton are strong promotion contender sitting fourth, five points far from second place. In previous round, Saints took all three points at hard trip to Exeter coming from behind to 2-1 in additional time (both goals by Rickie Lambert). Skipper Hammond should return, new striker Jonathan Forte should be in the team, while Lallana is in doubt.

Goals are pure logic for me. Additionally, these sides are rivals for promotion, don’t lack in confidence and will go for all three points.

Bet: Over 3ah
Odd: 1.80 188bet
Stake: 9/10

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Southampton - Blackpool

S’ton are doing well in League One, second place and good run of results. Three wins in a row and eleven goals scored in those (one of them was Hudders at home 4-1). Nigel Adkins will name almost the strongest squad, only absentee is winger Lee Holmes. Striker Lee Barnard should be in starting eleven. Saints lost in the third round in only one of the last six seasons.

Holloway had an interesting press conference where he said he’ll name not weakened, but 2nd team at St Mary's. Premier League is priority, we play top games every week, blah blah. While his attitude is completely understandable, I don’t believe they’ll show the white flag before the kick-off. And it wouldn’t be the first time Blackpool to make a shock with fringe players. Also, I’m positive Holloway will not change the style of play. 

Southampton should be (at least) a slight favourite here, but at 1.90 it doesn’t worth imo. I will go for goals.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.75 Interwetten
Stake: 8/10
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Tuesday's results and two announcements

Southampton - Bournemouth  2-0 WON

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MK Dons - Dag & Red  2-1 1/2 WON

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Statistic:

Profit: +12.15

Yield: +39.19%

See all the details about the bets

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I: I was trying to find a service that could guarantee for my bets and statistic. Without too much success as all of them require some decent additional effort and I'm not in the mood for that. So, here's a deal. I won't be editing posts with the bets (results will be published in a new one). Every bet has its post and posting time is before a game. If you aren't sure about my honesty, Google don't lie. : ) 

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II: Live bets are important part. Mainly, I use it to edge my bets. I'll be posting it in the chat box, including odds and stake. If you follow some my bet, be here during the game and see what and when to bet. Remaining of these bets depends from your feedback. No feedback for a while would mean there's no interest and I'll stop publish that.

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Make your e-mail subscription (below the chat box) and get my picks directly in your mail box.

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I really appreciate any feedback that I get. You have my e-mail, chat and comments. Suggestions, ideas, what you like, what you don't, opinion about some bet... Help me to make this blog even better.

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Lots of friendlies tonight. My focus will be another two games of Carling Cup. Will make a closer view and post a bet(s) if there's any.

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August is always a tough month, this is a great start of the season. Hope you followers enjoy.

Thanks for the visiting and good luck,

Dule

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

A decent day and profit

Millwall 3 - 2 Swindon T.  WIN

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Blackpool 2 - 1 Nottingham F.  WIN

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Norwich C. 0 - 2 Carlisle U. 

Southampton 3 - 1 Southend U.  LOSE

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Leeds U. 2 - 1 Bristol R.  LOSE

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League One thoughts - one double and one gamble

I really would like Leeds to progress,they don't belong down there.But,there's something tragic in them in past couple of years.Few times they already were seen promoted and ended in tears.Wouldn't be surprised too much to see them wasting another season. Rovers are around 10.00 and worth a small gamble in my opinion.

Norwich and S'ton should finish the season in style and I'll take them in a double @ 1.85.

Strong bet could be Walsall at home vs MK Dons.Walsall are in run of four consecutive home wins.Dons are cut with injuries and suspensions and probably just wait to be over.In the previous round against Brighton (when I warmly suggested away win, bah),I think they had just 3 regulars and 40 years old coach in the team!However,I'm not sure should I go against them once again and will decide later.

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A draw and a loss

Notts County 1 - 0 Rochdale

Notts County took a huge step towards sealing the League Two title with a deserved victory against second-placed Rochdale at Meadow Lane.
Both teams clinched automatic promotion on Saturday but Tuesday's result means that County are now four points clear of their rivals with a game in hand. 
County have won 12 and drawn two since the appointment of Steve Cotterill as manager to climb above stuttering Dale at the top of the table. 
And the home team undoubtedly created the better chances against Keith Hill's team, with the peerless Lee Hughes scoring the only goal with a shot from the edge of the box that Dale keeper Frank Fielding could not quite palm around the post. 
Fielding did make several good saves, denying Graeme Lee, Delroy Facey and Hughes, while Neal Bishop struck the woodwork. 
Dale boss Hill had ensured there would be plenty of spice to the contest with pre-match comments about their opponents' spending that drew a response from County chairman Ray Trew. 
But on the evening Rochdale, with just one goal in their previous five games, struggled to break down their well-organised opponents. 
Dale substitute Andy Howarth did come close to an equaliser but his thunderous 30-yard strike hit the crossbar.
Hill's side started the match confidently and at times played the brand of attractive football that has largely characterised their season but apart from Howarth's effort they failed to seriously threaten Kasper Schmeichel's goal. 
Gary Jones shot wide from outside the box, while Jason Taylor missed with a difficult header and later saw a powerful shot blocked. 
Notts were defensively well organised throughout and more direct in their approach, with the menacing Hughes their primary target. 
Hughes had the ball in the net after 13 minutes but his effort was ruled out for offside. However, there was no reprieve for Dale after a horrendous mix-up gifted an opening that the striker gratefully accepted with a precise strike. 
The mistake came after Chris O'Grady and Taylor each waited for the other to collect the ball, allowing the alert Bishop to nip in and play Hughes through on goal. 
Lee might have scored for County prior to Hughes's goal with a 14-yard strike that Fielding superbly saved low to his left, while shortly before the break Ben Davies ended a mazy run with shot that narrowly missed the target. 
County continued to threaten after play resumed, with Ricky Ravenhill inches wide, Bishop striking the woodwork from the edge of the box and Facey forcing another good stop from Fielding. 
But just minutes after coming off the bench, Howarth almost ended a mazy run with a sensational goal. Schmeichel was well beaten but the crossbar came to his rescue. 
The irrepressible Hughes later turned a Dale defender and drew another good save from Fielding with a shot across goal - and there was no doubt that County seemed most likely to score again. 
O'Grady might have scored an injury-time equaliser but his snatched effort missed the target.
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Southampton 0 - 0 Oldham

Southampton's hopes of a swift return to the Championship ended as battling Oldham held out for a goalless draw.
Rickie Lambert's tame 30-yard free-kick was the closest either side came in a drab first half at St Mary's. 
Adam Lallana had the first genuine chance in the second half but his strike at goal was blocked by a fine last-ditch challenge by Alex Marrow. 
Oldham's Tom Eaves was denied by Kelvin Davies while home substitute Papa Waigo missed an open goal late on.
www.bbc.co.uk

Southampton - Oldham Athletic

Saints are in a great run of results. They have seven wins and a draw of last eight competitive games, with a goal difference 21-7. It seems 10 points deduction made a positive impact in the dressing room and players started to play without any pressure. However, their chances to reach the play-off zone are not so big, but I think they’ll try to finish the job in style and will do all they can. In last round, they noticed hard fought victory with 10 men vs. Yeovil on the road with a goal in the 92th minute and it was additional moral boost. Alan Pardew will be without midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin who got a red card and earned a 4 matches suspension. Midfielder Antonio and strikers Barnard and Conolly are fit.

Oldham improved their results and they look safe with six points more than 21st Tranmere. They have just one defeat (Huddersfield, 0-2 away) of last five games and are undefeated in last three. But, their main problem is scoring goals. Oldham won 2-1 in last round against unmotivated Carlisle, but in previous six games scored just two goals. In the remaining rounds, beside S’ton, they’ll face Southend at home, Yeovil on the road and Charlton at home which means just a nightmare scenario could push them down to League Two. Boss Dave Penney will have all players available at St Mary's.

I think we’ll see one way traffic tonight. Southampton need a win and will attack from the start. Oldham will do what they do the best, defend with all players. With first conceded goal, their interest for this game will vanish. I predict home win with 2-3 goals margin. Odds have been raising and I think 1.91 at Pinnacle worth of a shot.
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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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Southampton - Charlton Athletic

Without a 10 points penalty, Saints would be on the line for a play-off. With it, they’re 11 points behind, seven round left for them (six for the rest). At home look impressive with 11 wins out of last 12 games. Boss Pardew will have a one motive more as he was sacked from Charlton. Also, he knows their players very well. Will be without centre-half Radhi Jaidi, Seaborne and striker Connolly are back.

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Charlton are two points far from 2nd place and automatic promotion. They have two 1-0 wins in a row, undefeated in four games. They don’t accept play-off as a reality and will go for all three points today. Charlton haven’t been defeated in last 8 league games against Saints. Skipper Nicky Bailey has been recovered and returns to the squad. First goalie Rob Elliot is still out and will be deputized once again with Darren Randolph.

Hosts want to proceed with their play-off hopes and will attack without too much respect. Charlton need points as much as Saints do. I expect an open game and goals on both sides. Over 2.5, 1.90 at Pinnacle.
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Saturday's results

Man Utd 4 - 0 Hull

Wayne Rooney scored all four goals to send Manchester United top of the Premier League after victory over Hull.
Rooney opened the scoring when he slotted in a rebound after Paul Scholes' shot was beaten away. 
After Nani's free-kick was pushed on to the woodwork by keeper Boaz Myhill, United worked the ball to Rooney who smashed in a drive to make it 2-0. 
Rooney headed in Nani's cross to complete his hat-trick and fired in a low shot to cap his superb performance. 
It is a result that means United leapfrog title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, who do not play in the league this weekend because of their involvement in the FA Cup. 
But while all seems to be coming together on the pitch for United - Rio Ferdinand was impressive on his return after three months out injured - there was disquiet off it.
Home fans voiced their anger at United's owners, frequently chanting "Glazers out" in protest at the scale of the club's debt and their perception the Americans are preventing new signings. 
Whether that is the case, there does appear to be a need for United to boost their firepower to ease the burden on Rooney. 
Michael Owen's finishing was well below the required standard, the former England man doing nothing to dismiss critics who suggest his best days are long gone. 
And while Rooney looked sharp, he looked equally frustrated at times - once even aiming a verbal volley at Darren Fletcher for a poor throw-in. 
But United will be delighted with Rooney's form and with the return of Ferdinand, who belied his three-month absence with an assured display - although Hull rarely tested the home defence. 
redevilmatth
Other than a Nick Barmby effort that Edwin van der Sar turned wide, there was little threat from the visitors.
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Southampton 2 - 1 Ipswich

Wayne Thomas scored a stunning 20-yard half volley as League One Southampton shocked Championship side Ipswich to move into the FA Cup fifth round.
Saints debutant Lee Barnard tested Town keeper Arran Lee-Barrett with a volley before Thomas smashed in from the right corner of the box to open the scoring. 
Michail Antonio tapped in a second when Lee-Barrett spilt Rickie Lambert's free-kick with 15 minutes remaining. 
But Pablo Counago's late goal for Town ensured a frantic finish to the tie. 
However Roy Keane's side were unable to score an equaliser in the five minutes of added time as the 1978 FA Cup winners went out to a club who won it two years earlier.
Ipswich manager Roy Keane:
"The players know they have wasted a good opportunity to go further in the competition.
"I did not think we deserved to lose the game but we certainly did not do enough to win it. 
"The starting 11 was very good so nobody can accuse us of taking Southampton lightly." 
Southampton manager Alan Pardew:
"It was a hotly contested tie between two evenly matched teams and we had to dig deep. 
"Ipswich have got some good young players, who get around the pitch very well and we struggled to cope with that in the first half. 
"Wayne's goal was a bit of a surprise to me but he played well and deserved his moment of glory."
www.bbc.co.uk

Southampton - Ipswich Town

Thankfully to 10 points deduction, Saints hold 13th place in the third tier with just three points more than teams from relegation zone. Lately they play very well at their St Mary's Stadium as they’ve noticed six games without a home defeat (four wins, two draws). However, boss Alan Pardew has some problems regarding starting eleven for today’s game. Two regular midfielders are out. Morgan Schneiderlin is suspended, while Dean Hammond is injured. Defenders Danny Seaborne and Jon Otsemobor are Cup tied, while another two from back line Radhi Jaidi and Graeme Murty are long term absentees. However, Saints haven’t lost in six at St Mary's, since Brighton's winning 3-1 visit on 15 November.

 

Ipswich are still struggling as they hold 19^th place in Championship with five points margin from relegation zone. After huge number of draws (13 so far!), Town started to scoring some goals and win. Have four wins in last six competitive games and scored eleven goals. Beside that, boss Kean carries attacking philosophy and his team has the highest number of goal attempts in second tier. They also look serious in this competition as they beat strong home side Blackpool in previous round, 2-1 on the road. Fact they have just a single defeat (C.Palace 1-3 away, Ipswich got a lead but also got a red card in the first half and conceded three times) in previous 15 games makes from them slight favorites today. Striker Jon Stead is suspended, midfielder David Norris will face a late fitness test, while goalie Brian Murphy is close to a return.

 

Alan Pardew is doing very well at Southampton as they still carry the hopes about play-off spot, but they already had too much problems against top League One sides (defeats vs. Leeds and Colchester), will have to overcome some important missings and I simply can’t see them winning today. Ipswich  will surely go for a win as the last thing that Keano wants is reply. I expect some goals and away win, but can not fully exclude a possibility of a draw. Dnb 2 is a bet, away win a gamble.

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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)
www.bbc.co.uk

Other picks

West Ham Utd. - Chelsea

Gianfranco Zola did a great job, club is 7th, but in the last five rounds they have a difficult task to save position. A lots of problems with the injuries (especially in attack). Will try to grab another (unexpected) point. With a draw against Everton, The Blues said good bye to title hopes. Guus Hiddink will try to rest his keys for Barca. My bet is against the goals. Bwin offers 1.75. Under.

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Barnsley - Wolverhampton

Barnsley fights against relegation. They don't have a win in the last seven rounds. Against demotivated Coventry, they conceded a goal in 94th minute, today desperately need at least another. The problem is they'll face the strongest team in Championship. Wolves secured the title (personally, I'm very glad 'cause that). Their dreams come through and will play without any pressure. I think away side is much closer to victory, but expect from Tykes to finally wake up and show a wish to stay in league. My bet is goals. 10bet offers 2.20, 888 2.05. Very good odds.Over.

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Southampton - Burnley

The club's company owner announced a bankrupt and Saints will definitely move to League One. They were defeated in Sheffield against Wednesday, conceding twice after the terrible mistakes of defence line. They still have motive to play, 'cause if they keep the status won't start the next season with -10 points. Burnley is in a great shape, with just one defeat from last eight games. They're still focused, 'cause aren't theoretically in play-off. Will try to make a pressure on young and weak opponent's defence. Odds are dropping from yesterday, but I think it worths a gamble bet. 888 offers 2.10. Away win.

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will increase the acrimony with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by trying to sign Carlos Tevez, whose loan at Old Trafford ends at the end of the season. (The Times)  
Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho wants to go back to his former club Chelsea in order to sign midfielder Deco. (Daily Mirror) 
Wigan boss Steve Bruce has his sights set on defender Nathaniel Clyne from ex-club Crystal Palace. (Daily Express) 
Birmingham are keen on bringing Manchester City keeper Joe Hart to the club on loan if they are promoted. (Daily Mirror) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis will join Sunderland and Blackburn in the battle to sign Liverpool centre-back Sami Hyypia. (The Sun) 
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray will increase his efforts to sign Swindon striker Simon Cox, who is also a target for Derby, Leicester and QPR. (The Sun) 
The Baggies also want Plymouth striker Ashley Barnes but face competition from Fulham. (Daily Star) 
Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc could become a £7 million target for German club Bayern Munich. (Daily Record)  

OTHER GOSSIP 

Chelsea have succeeded in their attempts to bring in AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager after he agreed to join the Stamford Bridge club. (Daily Star) 
Liverpool boss Benitez says Manchester United boss Ferguson "can see that we are the better side" as he insisted he would continue to stand up to his rival manager. (Various) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke will sign new four-year deals with the club. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has issued a "don't leave us" plea to team-mate Tevez. (The Sun)
Roy Keane has wasted no time courting controversy in his new job as Ipswich boss as he has said former team-mates and now Premier League managers Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes have "potential" but are not "successful managers" yet. (Various) 
Southampton will appeal against the decision to dock them 10 points by the Football League. (Various) 
Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist believes the club's captain Barry Ferguson still has a future at the Ibrox. (Various) 
St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson wants at least £1m for midfielder Andy Dorman. (Various) 
Hamilton goalkeeper Tomas Cerny, who is on loan from Sigma Olomouc, has agreed personal terms on a permanent deal with the Scottish Premier League club. (Various) 

AND FINALLY 

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be at Anfield on Sunday cheering on Oyster Martyrs - a team managed by his Uncle Richie and including his younger brother Graham as well as cousin Tommy - in the FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup final against Scot Grey. (Daily Mirror)
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