Premier League and League One betting, 7 Apr

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Stoke - Wolverhampton

The Potters are having a decent season despite four league games without a win. They put a problematic display last week, at the defeat from Wigan and Pulis will probably demand reaction from players. They lost the reputation of typical home side, but still have very good record against bottom sides.

Wolves look hopeless at the bottom place. Since Terry Connor took the charge, they have taken only a point (from possible 18). They also have scored only five goals in those six matches, while conceded 19 (3.17 average)! Some calculations say they will need five more wins to stay in league. Hardly to imagine, since they have a total of five wins in past 31 matches!

Wolves did create some chances and scored lately, but their defending is still horrible. With Stoke’s physical domination, every attack, free or corner kick will be a problem. I am on home side.

Bet: Stoke -0.75
Odd: 1.98 (bet365)
Stake: 9/10

Oldham Athletic - Charlton Athletic

Oldham look pretty safe from relegation and their results look like the players are already on the summer holidays. They’ve collected seven defeats out of last nine matches in league and on last three haven’t even scored.

The Addicks are the far best away team in the league, with again far best defence. Recently they’ve brought on loan two very good players for this level, midfielders Lee Cook (QPR) and Dany N'Guessan (Millwall), who should bring more attacking power.

I am going to back Charlton with very good odds.

Bet: Charlton
Odd: 2.25 (Unibet)
Stake: 7/10

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Premier and League One, Sat 15th Oct

Stoke - Fulham

No big philosophy here. Hosts are traditionally very good at home, visitors are bad away. Tony Pulis made some big shopping at the transfer market with intention to “step on the next level” (whatever it is). They have had some problems with the fatigue caused by Europa League, but there’s the same situation with Fulham. Stoke have scored only four goals in seven games, Fulham same number in opening six. Then, they trashed QPR 6-0 at home and pumped the odds for home win far above evens. The Potters are undefeated at home in the first three, playing against strong sides L’pool, Spurs and Man Utd. I expect a tight game, lots of set-pieces, combat in the air and home win by one.

Bet: Stoke -0.25
Odd: 1.88 (Bet365)

Stake: 8/10  

Stevenage - Charlton

Interesting odds here. Stevenage started their debut season very well, even thrashed Sheff Wed at home 5-1. After that, four straight league defeats. On the other hand, Charlton are topping the table and are still undefeated. On the road five wins out of six (one draw) with an average of two goals per a game. With Hudders on the road and Sheff Wed playing Steel City derby at Bramall Lane, it could be a nice chance to make a distance on the top. No significant missings on the both sides and they have never played before. I have no illusions this will be an afternoon walk for the Addicks, but am pretty shocked to see Charlton as high as 2.60. 0-2 correct score.

Bet: Charlton -0.25
Odd: 2.24 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 7/10
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Blackpool - Stoke

This is do or die game for the Seasiders (as the previous two were though). Only goal difference is keeping them above the line and beside Stoke, they’ll host Bolton and visit Spurs and Man Utd. A failure today would probably send them to Championship. They have far worst defence in Premier that in average concedes more than 2 goals per a game. At some moments they don’t even look serious, although showed some improvement against the Toon. Both sides have scored in every of previous 17 games at Bloomfield Road.

Stoke are safe and only area of interest is FA Cup and the final next Sunday. They don’t need points, but I doubt they’d like to damage team morale by losing from the side that is winless in last seven games and has one win of last 14. Besides that, Stoke haven’t lost there since 1964 (10 games). They will miss Etherington who is very important player for the team, but some other guys are in a top shape. Kenwyne Jones, Walters and Pennant should be running the riot. Also, I’m not sure Blackpool will be able to defend the set pieces.

Personally I’ll be cheering for Blackpool. Side that plays 4-3-3 in Premier League regardless the name of opponent should stay, at least for the sake of the game. They will be fighting and attacking, but poor defending will probably send them down to Championship. Goals for me.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 2.00 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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Stoke - Wolverhampton

With five games to play, Stoke still aren’t safe with five points more (and this game in hand) than Wigan. They have only two wins out of last eight league games (total of eight points), but at home their record is more than decent (as always under Pulis). They have won four and drawn two out of last six at Britannia. Ricardo Fuller is out, John Carew is available.

Mick McCarthy and Wolves are felling the fire under the feet. They are one point below the line and are in the group of 7-8 clubs who have every reason to worry about Premiership status. Even a point wouldn’t improve their position too much and I believe they’ll go for a win. Problem is they have the worst away record in Premier with only two wins out of 16 games and total of eight(!) points (defeated Villa and L’pool though). Stephen Hunt is contention, Ebanks-Blake in doubt.

At the first glance and as the odds suggest, this should be a nervous game and low scoring affair. But, the fact is one point doesn’t mean too much for any side. Stoke are favourites and I think they won’t just sit back and keep the opening score. Why should they? They’re hosting the worst travellers in the league. On the other hand, Wolves will have to find the way to score which should make them even more vulnerable than usual. Also, I wouldn’t overlook the possibility goal difference will be very important at the end. I’ll go against public opinion and take goals.

 Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.14 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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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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Sunday's results and statistic update

There was one tradition that did last 79 years. Then I decided to bet on it...
Profit, however.

Barnsley - Burnley 1-2 LOST
Blackburn - Stoke 0-2 WON
Newcastle - Man City 1-3 WON

Updated statistic and list of bets.

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Blackburn - Stoke

Not long time ago, he was talking how he deserves to lead some of the biggest European clubs. Now Big Sam has an opportunity to look for a better job. Seriously, by sacking Allardyce Indian owners showed the serious lack of the sense. Beside he was widely respected in the club, December with full schedule is probably the worst time to try finding a new manager. And I’m not really sure what they expect from only decent players. Spot for Europe? However, caretaker Steve Kean has become a manager (at least) till the end of the season. Skipper, Chris Samba, is out. Officially because the ankle knock, but there’re some rumours he refuses to play (‘cause the ex-manager).

Stoke are not a kind of good travellers, but recent situation has increased their chances at Ewood. Investments during the summer provided new quality to the squad and I expected more from them this season. Shocking defeat at home vs. Blackpool ended a run of six games without defeat. They look very good in the air and missing of Samba could give them supremacy after the set-pieces.

I think odds have been set wrong, here. 3.50 for away win is clear underestimating in my opinion. I expect a tough battle and can’t really see home win. Some advantage to Stoke, 1-2 correct score. C'mon you red-whites!

Bet: Stoke +0.25
Odd: 1.91 Expekt
Stake: 8/10

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Statistic update

After free fall in October and November, my primary target was to stop the losing streak and it has been accomplished so far. December is currently green, but I'd be satisfied with zero at the end of the year (wouldn't be delighted though). Season objective is a positive balance. It won't be easy with -50 units, but I'll be working hard as always.
Once again, thanks for visiting lads.
With a hope in better days,
Dule

Sheff Wed - Bristol Rovers 6-2 WON
Stoke - Blackpool 0-1 LOST
Bristol City - Derby 2-0 WON
Tranmere - Leyton 1-2 LOST
Tottenham - Chelsea 1-1 1/2 WON

Updated statistic and list of bets.

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Stoke - Blackpool

There’s nothing that could prove me Stoke should be that short favourite today, at least because Blackpool are too hard to predict. With Stoke’s recent form with three wins and two draws of last five (one draw was impressing vs. Man City at home, other at Wigan), the conclusion is they should win. But at 1.60, I won’t touch it. On the other hand, Stoke score and concede (42 goals in total) more than in previous two seasons. They have more scoring potential than usual and their play is more attacking. Pennant, Wilkinson and Wilson are all available again.

Blackpool are the team with (my honest opinion) the worst defence line in Premiership. They simply cannot keep it tight. Their chance is to score more than opponent.  No fresh injury concerns for Holloway.

I expect an open game and goals. Unfortunately, bookies think the same and offered miserable 1.60 for over. I’ll try with over 2.75.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 1.80 Bet365
Stake: 8/10

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Results and statistic update

Wigan - Stoke 2-2 DRAW
Leeds - Crystal Palace 2-1 WON
Sunderland - West Ham 1-0 LOST
Liverpool - Aston Villa 3-0 WON

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Weekend's results and statistic update

Stoke were good, Forest didn't score 2nd, but little of luck came at Shrewsbury where Torquay made an excellent and absolutely unexpected performance. However, it's a profit and good start of October.

Doncaster - Nottingham Forest  1-1  DRAW
Shrewsbury - Torquay  1-1  1/2 LOSS
Stoke - Blackburn  1-0  WON




Statistic:

October
Profit: +3.5 units Yield: +14.00%

Season
Profit: +23.68 units Yield: +9.23%

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Initial thoughts - Premier League

Birmingham - Chelsea 2
West Ham - Portsmouth 1
Fulham - Tottenham X
Burnley - Bolton X
Sunderland - Everton X
Manchester City - Stoke 1
Wigan - Blackburn 1
Liverpool - Wolverhampton 1

Total goals: 15

Some analyzes will follow.

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Double for decent Tuesday

Tottenham 2 - 0 Everton 

Tottenham shrugged off Everton to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
Robbie Keane wasted a Spurs chance when his shot hit a post but Tom Huddlestone atoned for his team-mate by half-volleying in David Bentley cross. 
Keane earned a penalty after a foul by Sylvain Distin and, after Tim Howard had saved his initial strike, he scored following a goalmouth melee. 
Everton rarely looked like staging a comeback as Spurs saw out the game. 
The main disappointment for Spurs was the form of Roman Pavlyuchenko, who made a rare start in the first ever meeting between the two sides in the League Cup. 
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp had a visit from Russia manager Guus Hiddink recently to discuss how to get the best out of the striker.
Pavlyuchenko is propping up the Spurs pecking order of forwards and is also struggling to keep his starting place in Hiddink's side.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp on David Bentley:
"He's got to play like that and put that effort in. Aaron (Lennon) has played so well, he's not had the opportunity. 
"His attitude was not as good in training as it could be and I spoke to him about that. 
"He accepts that and is determined to put that right."
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Portsmouth 4 - 0 Stoke 
Frederic Piquionne was the star as Portsmouth put their poor league form to one side to easily qualify for the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
The much-changed hosts were always in control after Piquionne headed past Steve Simonsen on 17 minutes. 
The on-loan Lyon striker then turned provider for Danny Webber to cut in and drive home, before stabbing in his side's third after a Simonsen mistake. 
Kanu added a fourth from close range late on to cap a dominant display. 
The Carling Cup has provided some welcome relief from a horrendous start to the Premier League season for Portsmouth, and Paul Hart's side can now look forward to a place in the quarter-finals. 
Tony Pulis had illustrated the Carling Cup's order in his priority list this season by making 10 changes to the side that beat Spurs at the weekend, but Stoke were still surprising lacklustre throughout. 
Piquionne was one of seven changes for Pompey, but he certainly made a strong case for a starting place against Wigan on Saturday.
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart:
"Obviously we need to take a little bit of that into our league performances. The players were determined to put a performance in. 
"I was pleased to get a clean sheet - the more of those we rack up the better chance we have of winning matches. 
"And on top of that, the number of chances we created was pleasing." 
Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
"The four we conceded were very poor goals to give away and were typified by Glenn Whelan falling over the ball for their fourth. 
"When we got in Pompey's final third there were at least five times where our final ball was absolutely shocking. 
"If we'd picked people out we'd have had great opportunities ourselves."
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday

Stoke 1 - 0 Sunderland

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Dave Kitson's strike just before half-time earned Stoke victory against Sunderland at the Britannia Stadium.
The former Reading player guided his effort past Craig Gordon after a scramble in the area. 
Stoke had the best of the chances, with Liam Lawrence twice having his goalbound shots blocked - first by goalkeeper Gordon then Phil Bardsley. 
Sunderland striker Darren Bent went close with a 20-yard shot and Bardsley forced a save from Thomas Sorensen. 
The match was a fairly tepid affair until the last 10 minutes of the first half. 
The efforts worthy of a mention were that of Kitson's, a snapshot over the bar from eight yards, and Bent's angled shot at the other end which was bravely blocked by Ryan Shawcross.
Apart from those half-chances, Sunderland had dealt relatively well with Rory Delap's long throw-ins while Shawcross and Abdoulaye Faye had nullified the double threat of Bent and Kenwyne Jones. 
But with the interval approaching, clear chances increased in frequency.
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Sheff Utd 2 - 2 West Brom

West Brom went top of the Championship despite a late penalty from David Cotterill salvaging a point for Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Roman Bednar gave the Baggies the lead after the break with a glancing header. 
Ched Evans quickly levelled with another fine header before Bednar turned Matthew Kilgallon and fired home in style to restore the advantage. 
But Shaun Cummings brought down Darius Henderson in the dying moments, allowing Cotterill to steal a point.
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Portsmouth are willing to sell Croatian midfielder Nico Kranjcar to Tottenham this summer in order to ease their cash problems. (Daily Mirror) 
Defender Martin Laursen is set for talks with boss Martin O'Neill to discover whether he still has a future at Aston Villa. (Daily Mail) 
Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro, currently on loan at Werder Bremen, is wanted by Panathinaikos. (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool goalkeeper Charles Itandje will be off-loaded after his "'inappropriate" conduct at the Hillsborough memorial service. (Daily Mail, various) 
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin will return to Liverpool after a loan spell with Hertha Berlin expires at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he passed up the chance to sign Didier Drogba for just £100,000 when the Chelsea striker was still at French second division club Le Mans. (Sun, various) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has warned any disgruntled players, including midfielder Tom Huddlestone, they can leave the club if they are unwilling to battle for their places. (Sun) 
Boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he wanted to bring Stoke striker James Beattie back to Blackburn in the January transfer window. (Sun) 
West Ham's new owners have promised not to sell the club for at least three years. (Daily Telegraph) 
Joe Royle has been offered the Oldham manager's job on a permanent basis. (Daily Mail) 
Gareth Southgate has vowed not to resign as Middlesbrough manager, insisting it would set a bad example to his two children. (Times) 
Harry Redknapp believes Newcastle boss Alan Shearer can be an England manager in the the future. (Daily Star) 
Micah Richards has warned any Manchester City players unable to handle the influx of new stars this summer that they are better off leaving the club. (Sun) 
Chelsea have paid axed former manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and his coaching staff £10million for just six months' work. (Daily Mail) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Stoke winger Matthew Etherington has revealed that since moving to the Potteries he is recognised far more than when he was in London with Tottenham and West ham. "Fans come up to me in Tesco now," he said. (Sun).
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Everton manager David Moyes is preparing a summer bid for Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are also interested in Jenas - if they lose Gareth Barry to Liverpool in the summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle have made a £6m inquiry about Wigan striker Amr Zaki. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke City are set to launch a new bid for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Aaron Mokoena. (Daily Mirror) 
Swindon striker Simon Cox is a £2m target for West Brom and Leicester. (Daily Mirror) 
Coventry keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos is being chased by former club Hartlepool. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves captain Jody Craddock has rejected an approach from Australian side Perth Glory. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Mach of the Day, Mach the Knife, Teenage Kicks, Boy Wonder and Kiko the Kid are just some of the headlines in today's papers referring to Federico Macheda's late goal for Manchester United on Sunday. (Various) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has shelved contract talks with his players until the end of the season. (Daily Express) 
Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has vowed to ban for life the supporter who threw a coin at referee Mike Dean in Sunday's south Wales derby against Swansea. (The Times) 
Former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness is ready to save his old club Southampton from going out of business. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool striker Nathan Eccleston has signed a new two-year contract at the club. (Daily Mirror) 
Rangers manager Walter Smith has called for an end to the reporting on Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor's drinking session and offensive gestures. (Various) 
Meanwhile, the Rangers manager insists his side are at full-stretch as they try to close the gap on Celtic at the top of the SPL table. (Scotsman) 
Worried Livingston fans have heard a radical rescue plan on for the cash-strapped club if it goes into administration. (Scotsman) 
Clyde could go bust in less than three weeks after being evicted from Broadwood stadium by North Lanarkshire Council. (Daily Record) 
Celtic are closing in on a player-exchange partnership with Hungarian league leaders Ujpest FC. (The Herald) 

AND FINALLY 

Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt is to give Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo running tips at a specially arranged training session at the club. (The Sun)

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Barcelona have warned Chelsea and Manchester City that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is not for sale at any price. (The Sun) 
The Spanish side are also hoping to fend off interest in Thierry Henry by offering the French striker a new three-year contract. (The Sun) 
AC Milan have reignited their interest in Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor after failing to land him last summer. (Daily Express) 
Liverpool are favourites to sign £20m-rated Spain midfielder David Silva after Valencia indicated they would prefer to sell him abroad. (Various) 
West Ham are prepared to break their transfer record by bidding more than £9m for Atalanta striker Sergio Floccari. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham have been told by Genoa to forget about signing their Argentine striker Diego Milito, saying £10m would not even buy his ear. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa have been alerted to the availability of Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour. (Daily Mirror) 
David Beckham will stay at AC Milan rather than return to LA Galaxy when his loan spell ends in May, according to his Milan team-mate Paolo Maldini. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has insisted he "does not want to go anywhere at this point" despite him being linked with Chelsea. (Daily Express) 
Stoke want to sign Manchester City striker Benjani and will move for him at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror) 
Burnley striker Ade Akinbiyi is heading to the US to tie up a deal to play for MLS side Houston Dynamo next season. (Various) 
Doncaster striker Jason Price is set to join Millwall on loan for the rest of the season. (Daily Star) 
Brighton's top scorer Glenn Murray will snub a summer move to Cardiff and stay with the Seagulls, even if they are relegated to League Two. (Daily Star) 
Spanish outfit Sevilla are set to cast an eye over Celtic winger Aiden McGeady at Saturday's Republic of Ireland international against Bulgaria. (Daily Express) 
Rangers have targeted the twin brother of Manchester United's Brazilian sensation Rafael de Silva to solve their left midfield problem. (Various) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has stepped up his bid to sell his 50% stake in the club, instructing financial giants Merrill Lynch to find a buyer. (Daily Mirror) 
Sir Alex Ferguson will quit as manager of Manchester United next year, according to his son Darren. (Various) 
Manchester United are in advanced talks with Saudi Telecom to replace shirt sponsor AIG. (Daily Mail) 
David Beckham has warned England coach Fabio Capello that he will not be able to curb the temper of striker Wayne Rooney. (Various) 
Capello has told his England players not to treat Saturday's clash with Slovakia as just a friendly. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal are on a collision course with Togo, who have vowed to play Emmanuel Adebayor against Cameroon on Saturday. The striker has not played for his club for six weeks because of a hamstring injury . (Daily Mirror) 
Gunners striker Robin van Persie has revealed he almost joined Rangers before he switched from Feyenoord to the Londoners in 2002. "I sat by the phone, hoping it would ring and that it would happen," he said. (Daily Star) 
Japanese business tycoon Yasuaki Kagami is set to take control of Plymouth when his real-estate form raises its stake in the club past the 50% mark in a seven-figure deal. (The Sun) 
Former Hearts defender Christophe Berra looks set to start for Scotland against Holland on Saturday in Amsterdam (Various) 
Cash-strapped Livingston failed to pay their players' wages on time again on Thursday, sparking further fears about the club's financial stability. (Daily Record) 
Brian McLean reckons Motherwell will bag a European slot after going on a run of sparkling form recently. (Daily Record) 
Dundee's financial future looks secure after welcoming one of Scotland's richest men, Calum Melville, to their board of directors. (Daily Record) 
Meanwhile, East Stirling have welcomed local businessman Hugh Henderson to their board to represent fans. (Daily Record) 
Robbie Winters is set to sign for Clyde in a bid to help the club win their fight against relegation from the First Division. (Daily Record) 
Queen of the South star Stevie Tosh says Aberdeen fans should lay off Jimmy Calderwood after calling for the manager's head this week (Daily Record) 
St Mirren keeper Chris Smith could be out for a year with a cruciate ligament injury. (Various) 
Robin Van Persie claims he almost signed for Rangers when Dick Advocaat was manager in 2002. (Various) 
Hearts sporting director Anatoly Korobochka has returned from a whistle-stop tour of Europe hunting for a pre-season training camp. (Daily Express) 
Fifa has ordered the four home nations to come to an agreement over a Great Britain football team for the London Olympics in 2012. (The Scotsman) 

AND FINALLY 

The Premier League's biggest clubs unveiled early designs for new kits for next season to negative reactions from supporters. Manchester United's shirt was described as "vulgar" and a "disgrace", Chelsea fans said their club's new kit would make them look like "muppets" and an Arsenal fan said his side's new shirt would be "one of the most unpopular ever". (Daily Star)

www.bbc.co.uk  www.thesun.co.uk

Premier League team news

SATURDAY 

Portsmouth v Everton, 12.45pm 
Portsmouth must do without winger Jermaine Pennant who has torn a calf muscle, with Nadir Belhadj and John Utaka likely to step in. 
Everton will be without defender Joseph Yobo after he picked up a hamstring injury in training. 
Tim Cahill should return after a calf injury. 
Portsmouth squad: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Davis, Mullins, Kranjcar, Nugent, Crouch, Basinas, Belhadj, Utaka, Kaboul, Kanu, Traore, Hughes, Wilson, Begovic. 
Everton squad: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha, Jo, Rodwell, Baxter, Nash, Castillo, Jacobsen, Gosling, Wallace, Van der Meyde. 

Blackburn v West Ham, 3pm 
Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen (thigh) and fellow defender Gael Givet (knee) will undergo fitness tests. 
Striker Roque Santa Cruz is out with a knee tendon issue, midfielder Vince Grella remains out with a groin injury. 
Stephen Warnock has been cleared to play after shaking off a toe injury. 
West Ham will make a late check on Matthew Upson (calf) and Savio Nsereko. 
Kieron Dyer and Diego Tristan are fit and in contention for a place, while Jack Collison (knee) and Carlton Cole (suspended) are still out. 
Blackburn squad: Robinson, Bunn, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Samba, Simpson, Warnock, Givet, Olsson, Villanueva, Tugay, Andrews, Diouf, Treacy, Mokoena, Dunn, McCarthy, Roberts, Pedersen. 
West Ham squad: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Parker, Savio, Kovac, Upson, Noble, Tomkins, Di Michele, Sears, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Spector, Tristan, Payne, Stanislas, Dyer. 

Fulham v Man Utd, 3pm

Clint Dempsey is a doubt for Fulham after food poisoning while Aaron Hughes ruled out with a rib problem.

Veteran defender Gary Neville is back in the squad after a groin strain. Darren Fletcher (virus) is included while Jonny Evans is likely to replace the suspended Nemanja Vidic.

Fulham squad: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Stoor, Hangeland, Konchesky, Baird, Davies, Etuhu, Dacourt, Murphy, Gera, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Kallio, Nevland, Kamara, Gray, Barnes.

Man Utd squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Neville, Evra, Eckersley, Fabio, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Scholes, Park, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck. 

Stoke v Middlesbrough, 3pm 
Stoke expect to have Matthew Etherington back from an ankle injury. 
Striker Ricardo Fuller is still troubled by a shoulder injury but is in the squad. 
Middlesbrough will be without suspended midfielder Matthew Bates as well as Didier Digard (knee and thigh) and Chris Riggott (knee). 
Skipper Emanuel Pogatetz will undergo a late fitness test on a knee injury, while Jeremie Aliadiere is also a doubt with a knock. 
Stoke squad: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Lawrence, Whelan, Diao, Delap, Etherington, Beattie, Sidibe, Fuller, Simonsen, Pugh, Amdy Faye, Sonko. 
Middlesbrough squad: Jones, Turnbull, Hoyte, McMahon, Taylor, Pogatetz, Wheater, Huth, Arca, O'Neil, Downing, Aliadiere, Walker, A. Johnson, Tuncay, Emnes, King, Alves, Franks. 

Tottenham v Chelsea, 3pm 
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is out as he is still recovering from his foot injury. 
Alan Hutton also has been rehabilitating from a foot injury but Ledley King's knee should have recovered from Sunday's win at Aston Villa. 
Chelsea are without midfielder Deco who has a hamstring injury. 
Midfielder Joe Cole and defender Paulo Ferreira remain sidelined with knee ligament damage but strikers Nicolas Anelka (toe) and Didier Drogba (knee) are both fit. 
Tottenham squad: Gomes, Cudicini, Corluka, Chimbonda, Bale, Dawson, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Zokora, Bentley, Huddlestone, Jenas, Lennon, Palacios, Modric, O'Hara, Pavlyuchenko, Bent, Keane, Campbell. 
Chelsea squad: Cech, Hilario, Taylor, Bosingwa, Mancienne, Alex, Terry, Ivanovic, A Cole, Belletti, Ballack, Obi, Lampard, Essien, Kalou, Malouda, Di Santo, Anelka, Drogba, Quaresma. 

West Brom v Bolton, 3pm 
Baggies defender Abdoulaye Meite has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. 
Fellow centre-back Leon Barnett is facing several weeks on the sidelines with a knee problem. 
Bolton midfielder Mark Davies is out with a knee injury while defender Joey O'Brien is struggling with a long-term knee complaint. 
West Brom squad: Carson, Zuiverloon, Olsson, Martis, Robinson, Morrison, Dorrans, Koren, Brunt, Greening, Fortune, Teixeira, Simpson, Moore, Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Bednar. 
Bolton squad: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Riga, Taylor, McCann, Muamba, Gardner, Kevin Davies, Elmander, Al Habsi, Hunt, Puygrenier, Makukula, Shittu. 

Newcastle v Arsenal, 5.30pm 
Newcastle will welcome back Kevin Nolan from suspension. 
Full-back Habib Beye is also available after damaging ankle ligaments, although midfielder Danny Guthrie (hamstring) is not yet ready to return. 
Joey Barton (fractured metatarsal) is targeting the end of next month for his comeback, but Mark Viduka and Ignacio Gonzalez (both Achilles) and Xisco (fractured toe) remain on the sidelines. 
Arsenal should have keeper Manuel Almunia available after an ankle problem. 
Defender Mikael Silvestre (calf) could also come into contention while Cesc Fabregas (knee) and striker Eduardo (groin) are back in training but are not expected to feature 
Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) continue their rehabilitation. 
Newcastle squad: Harper, Forster, Krul, S. Taylor, Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, Enrique, Edgar, Cacapa, Butt, Duff, R. Taylor, Gutierrez, Nolan, Lovenkrands, Geremi, Ameobi, Smith, Martins, Owen, Carroll. 
Arsenal squad: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Nasri, Denilson, Song, Walcott, Arshavin, Van Persie, Fabianski, Djourou, Gibbs, Vela, Bendtner, Eboue, Diaby, Silvestre. 

SUNDAY 

Wigan v Hull, 1.30pm 
Wigan winger Antonio Valencia is a slight doubt with a hamstring problem. 
Midfielder Lee Cattermole serves the second game of a four-match suspension. 
Hull captain Ian Ashbee has been ruled out but Kevin Kilbane and Dean Marney return. 
Centre-backs Michael Turner and Anthony Gardner are rated 50/50, while midfielders Jimmy Bullard and George Boateng (both knee) are long-term absentees. 
Wigan squad: Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa, Watson, N'Zogbia, Valencia, Kapo, Zaki, Mido, Pollitt, Edman, Brown, Boyce, Rodallega, Sibierski, De Ridder, Koumas. 
Hull squad: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Gardner, Dawson, Mendy, Kilbane, Marney, Zayatte, Garcia, Geovanni, Manucho, Cousin, Barmby, Fagan, Folan, Featherstone, Hughes, France, Duke. 

Man City v Sunderland, 3pm 
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland (ankle) and Wayne Bridge (hamstring) are doubtful. 
Vincent Kompany and Craig Bellamy (knee) could be in contention. 
Sunderland defenders Anton Ferdinand and Nyron Nosworthy could return after hamstring injuries. 
Tal Ben Haim is unavailable, Teemu Tainio has a knee problem while Kieran Richardson completes a two-match ban. 
Man City squad: Given, Hart, Schmeichel, Richards, Onuoha, Dunne, Bridge, Garrido, Zabaleta, Wright-Phillips, Elano, Caicedo, Ireland, Fernandes, Vassell, Weiss, Robinho, Evans, Bojinov, Berti, Etuhu, Bellamy. 
Sunderland squad: Fulop, Gordon, Bardsley, McCartney, Collins, Ferdinand, McShane, Nosworthy, Davenport, Whitehead, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Edwards, Yorke, Reid, Cisse, Jones, Murphy, Healy. 

Liverpool v Aston Villa, 4pm 
Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa is back after a hamstring problem. 
Xabi Alonso (ankle) and Yossi Benayoun (hamstring) are back in light training and have a good chance of being involved. 
Villa striker John Carew is back to full fitness following a back problem. 
Left-back Wilfred Bouma is ready to play a part after eight months out with a dislocated ankle while midfielder Steve Sidwell could also come into the equation. 
Liverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Dossena, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Mascherano, Riera, Gerrard, Alonso, Torres, Kuyt, Agger, Cavalieri, Lucas, Ngog. 
Aston Villa squad: Friedel, Guzan, Reo-Coker, L. Young, Knight, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Bouma, Milner, Gardner, Petrov, Barry, Sidwell, Salifou, A. Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Heskey, Delfouneso, Harewood.
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