Wolves - WBA, betting tip - 13h cet

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Wolves are two points below the line and in last two rounds will visit Sunderland and in last day potential cracker, will host Blackburn. It’s a must win game, one point would leave only slim chances for survive. They’re winless in last five and will have some problems in front line as Kightly, Ebanks-Blake and Doyle are probably all out. Wolves have noticed only one win out of last ten clashes against WBA.

The Baggies are safe, but wouldn’t lack in motivation to send big rivals down to Championship. Since Roy Hodgson took the charge, they look like reborn with just one defeat out of last ten matches (Chelsea). Skipper Brunt, Reid and Jara are doubts, Scharner is suspended, Jerome Thomas should play.

I cannot see Wolves winning this one. They look toothless in front and defensive line is prone to big mistakes. Keeping a draw doesn’t make too much sense, but if they push too much for a winner will get execution.

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Bet: WBA 0.0
Odd: 2.45 Tipico
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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WBA - Wigan

Six pointer. Still 15 rounds left, but who lose tonight will pave the road to Championship. The Baggies have a single win and six defeats in last seven league games (one and seven including Cup). They brought Carlos Vela from Arsenal (I’m not really sure how they can pay his wages) and improve the front line. But, real problem is defence. WBA have the worst defensive record in Premier (43 goals conceded), they haven’t kept a clean sheet in last 21 occasions and have conceded two or more in last seven!

The Latics won only once of their last eleven league games (with five draws and five defeats). Martinez will be without defender Alcaraz and Man Utd’s midfielder Cleverley. But, key players were rested in Cup and Al Habsi, Rodallega and N'Zogbia will start the game. Wigan usually play defensive football and they’re worst scorers in league (20 goals in 19 games), but I don’t think they’ll just sit back tonight. WBA’s defence is terrible and I think Martinez fancies their chances to score. Also, not sure they would accept only a point.

WBA and Wigan have never produced a goalless draw (15 games) and I don’t think they’ll be playing “not to lose game”. Both sides would hardly find a better opportunity for three points and I will go for goals here.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.88 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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Blackpool – WBA

Despite they’re the poorest side in Premier and were tipped to be stuck for the bottom at the end of the season without too much points on the balance, Blackpool have noticed a decent start in the top crew. They have combat spirit and don’t respect anyone. They attacked Liverpool at Enfield and won (maybe never worse, but still it’s Liverpool), but on the other hand they have probably worst defense in  Premier. They simply can’t hold the things tight, if they don’t score will concede soon. Just on Man Utd’s games were seen more goals, they went over 2.5 in 7 of their 9 league games (two were 2-0) and all of their last 4 mutual games. Skipper and key player, Charlie Adam, is in a doubt for the game.

If the Seasiders are noticing a decent start, WBA are doing a dream one. They have 15 points and sounds unreal they’re two points far from Champions League! The characteristic that also applies to them is they’re playing without too much respect. The Baggies defeated Man City, Arsenal away, came from two behind at Old Trafford and don’t have a single defeat in last 8 competitive games! Striker Odemwingie and midfielder Morrison are in doubt, while duo Marc-Antoine Fortune and Jonas Olsson are back in contention. WBA have won their last four league games against Blackpool, scoring a total of 11 goals.

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I’m sure both sides fancy their chances tonight. Blackpool want to turn the corner (if that is possible however) after four defeats in last five games. WBA are on fire and will try to keep their recent run. Both sides carry an attacking style of play, won’t show too much respect (as usual) and I don’t think there’s a chance to cancel each other and play a boring game. Goals are very likely.

Bet: Over 3.0
Odd: 2.26 Canbet
Stake: 8/10

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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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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has dismissed speculation linking striker Emmanuel Adebayor with a summer move from Eastlands.(mcfc.co.uk) 
Spanish giants Barcelona remain confident of signing Arsenal captain and midfielder Cesc Fabregas this summer. "We are working on it," said Barca president Joan Laporta, whose club are believed to be willing to offer £30m for the player, with the Gunners reportedly holding out for more than double that amount.(The Sun) 
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Bordeaux midfielder Yoann Gourcuff as a replacement for Fabregas should the Spaniard leave the Emirates. However, the Gunners would face competition for the Frenchman's signature from Lyon.(imscouting.com) 
Manchester United are ready to make an audacious swoop to sign Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, who is struggling to make progress with the Merseyside club over an extension to his contract, which has two years still to run.(The Daily Mirror) 
Manager Tony Pulis is set to smash Stoke's transfer record with a £12m offer for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.(The Daily Mirror) 
West Brom expect to complete the signing of the Spanish centre-back Pablo Ibanez on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.(The Daily Mail) 
The Baggies are also set to bank about £3m from midfielder Jonathan Greening completing his move to Fulham, where he spent last season on loan.(The Daily Mail) 
Liverpool hope to deter Chelsea from making a move for winger Yossi Benayoun by demanding £10m for the Israeli.(The Daily Mail) 
Arsenal and Tottenham are leading the chase to sign Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole when he becomes a free agent this summer.(The Daily Mail) 
Newly promoted Blackpool hope to pip neighbours Preston to the loan signing of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and hope the prospect of Premier League football will help lure the 19-year-old. (The Daily Mail)
Birmingham have abandoned efforts to sign Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia but Blues are interested in Celtic's Aiden McGeady and Hull's Stephen Hunt, who is also a £3m target for Wolves, West Ham and West Brom.(The Daily Mail) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is chasing Colombian namesake striker Jackson Martinez, who he hopes to team up with fellow countryman Hugo Rodallega at the DW Stadium.(The Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj could reject the chance to join West Ham in favour of a lucrative move to Qatar, with Al-Sadd interested in signing the Algeria international. (The Daily Mail) 
Leeds are hoping to hijack Wigan's £800,000 move for Hamilton midfielder James McArthur by tabling a £1m plus add-ons bid of their own.(The Daily Mail) 
But Wigan have moved ahead of Sunderland in the race to sign Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli by increasing their bid beyond the £6m offered by the Black Cats for the Argentina international.(The Daily Mail) 
Southampton boss Alan Pardew is lining up a double swoop for midfielders Brian Stock of Doncaster and Bristol Rovers' Chris Lines.(The Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock could be a shock inclusion in England's final 23-man squad for the World Cup at the expense of Everton left-back Leighton Baines.(The Daily Mail) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is wanted by ambitious Dubai club Al-Ahli as they spearhead grand plans to overhaul football in the Middle East.(The Daily Mail) 
Inter Milan have made the first move in an attempt to convince Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to switch to the San Siro to replace Jose Mourinho, who was yesterday unveiled as Real Madrid boss.(The Sun) 
Notts County are lining up Bradford boss Peter Taylor to succeed Steve Cotterill at Meadow Lane.(The Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra believes his Algeria side have the full backing of Scotland when they face England in the group stages of the World Cup this summer. "Everywhere I go in Glasgow people stop me and tell me to beat England," said Bougherra.(The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

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Djokovic under 30.5 (2.10) 3-1 (33 points)
Verdasco to win (1.66) 1-3

double @ 3.48 LOST

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Manchester United are ready to make a £28m bid for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner. Villa have already turned down a £20m bid from Manchester City for the 24-year-old who is currently with England at their pre-World Cup training camp in Austria. (caughtoffside.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are preparing to launch a £70m bid for Liverpool's Fernando Torres after signing David Villa, his strike partner in Spain's national side, from Valencia.(Daily Mirror) 
However, the Catalan side's hopes of luring Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal to the Nou Camp could be hit by Yaya Toure's reluctance to move in the opposite direction. The Ivory Coast midfielder is said to be attracting the interest of Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
Barca have decided they will not pay more than £30m for Fabregas, which could also put the deal at risk.(Daily Star) 
Arsenal are looking for £80m before they allow their talismanic skipper to return to his former club.(Daily Mail) 
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is actually hopeful of persuading midfielder Fabregas to stay for one more season.(Daily Mirror) 
However, should Fabregas leave, Arsenal can forget plans to replace him with Mikel Arteta, according to the Everton midfielder's agent. Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Arteta.(the Sun) 
Manchester United are planning a £15m bid for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell despite Toffees boss David Moyes saying the 19-year-old is not for sale.(the Sun) 
Manchester City will need to pay Benfica £43m if they want to bring Brazilian defender David Luiz to Eastlands. (the Independent) 
Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool are competing to sign £11m-rated Ajax centre-back Jan Vertonghen.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is planning a major spending spree after being told he has "an open chequebook".(the Sun) 
Birmingham City are considering a £2.5m bid for Fulham full-back Paul Konchesky.(Daily Mail) 
The Blues have also joined the race for Burnley striker Steven Fletcher as their hopes of landing Fulham's Bobby Zamora fade.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom are poised to sign Hull star Stephen Hunt - even though he won't be fit for the start of next season. The Baggies have agreed a £4m fee for the Republic of Ireland winger, rising to £5.5m if Roberto di Matteo's men stay in the Premier League.(Daily Star) 
The Baggies are also set to make a £2m move for Stoke striker James Beattie. (the Sun) 
Sol Campbell has welcomed Celtic's interest and made it a clear a bumper two-year deal could tempt him to reject a one-year offer from Arsenal.(the Sun) 
Veteran defender David Weir is set to hang up his boots if Walter Smith quits as Rangers boss over the summer. (Various) 
Fulham are ready to table a pre-World Cup bid of £1m for Hibernian defender Sol Bamba.(Scottish Daily Express)
Peter Houston's first task as permanent manager of Dundee United will be to fight off bids for Craig Conway and Garry Kenneth from Middlesbrough.(Daily Record) 
Meanwhile, Houston will sign a three-year contract at Tannadice tomorrow. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP

Inter Milan have denied they have made an approach for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez to replace Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho.(the Sun) 
Benitez says he wants a further four years at Anfield and also feels there is no evidence that star striker Fernando Torres wants to leave the club.(the Times) 
Manchester United failed in a last-ditch attempt to sign Spain international striker David Villa, who joined Barcelona for £34m.(Mirror) 
The Red Knights consortium's hopes of taking over United from the Glazer family looks set to fail because of internal wranglings.(Guardian) 
Dutch champions FC Twente want Portsmouth manager Avram Grant to replace Steve McClaren, who has left to manage German side Wolfsburg. However, Grant is being linked with the vacant post at West Ham.(Daily Star) 
Grant will be unveiled as the Hammers new manager next month. (the Sun) 
Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes he can finish as the World Cup's top scorer.(Daily Star) 
England World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks believes Fabio Capello should use David James as his number one goalkeeper for the World Cup.(the Guardian) 

AND FINALLY

England midfielder Steven Gerrard says team-mate Joe Cole is just as good as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo - in training.(Daily Mirror) 
If you fancy owning the shirt worn by England's World Cup winning hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst, pop down to Harrods where it is set to go on sale on Friday. Hurst no longer owns the number 10 shirt he made history in at the 1966 World Cup final. The price tag? Only £2m...plus VAT! 
(Daily Express)
www.bbc.co.uk

Crystal Palace 1-1 West Brom

West Brom denied Crystal Palace the chance of securing their Championship status, handing relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday a reprieve.
Palace, who need a buyer by the end of the season, went ahead when Steven Reid sliced a free-kick into his own net. 
But the Baggies drew level inside four minutes when Gabriel Tamas headed home a Chris Brunt left-wing free-kick. 
Palace, who had Neil Danns sent off for a headbutt, now face a relegation showdown at Wednesday on Sunday. 
With the Owls having lost 3-2 at Cardiff on Saturday, Palace knew three points against West Brom on Monday would have been enough for them to avoid relegation to League One. 
But the south Londoners failed to take their chance, meaning that a season to forget - during which they have been docked 10 points as a result of falling into administration and lost manager Neil Warnock to Queens Park Rangers - will be decided by a visit to Hillsborough. 
Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer echoed round Selhurst Park before kick-off but during an engrossing game the home side's players fought tooth and nail to be the masters of their own fate. 
They gave themselves the perfect start when Darren Ambrose's well-placed right-wing free-kick was sliced past his own keeper by Reid from six yards. 
But Paul Hart's men were pegged back four minutes later when Tamas headed the visitors level.
However, in the last 10 minutes the Eagles twice had chances to make sure of the points only for substitute Stern John to head wide at the back post before, six minutes into injury time, Marek Cech cleared an Ambrose effort off the line. 
That Palace were even in a position to potentially snatch a winner late on was a testimony to both the wastefulness of the dominant visitors and the superb performance from home keeper Julian Speroni. 
The Argentine stopper produced a string of saves to deny the Baggies, most notably to keep out Chris Brunt from close range, tip over a dipping 35-yard effort from Graham Dorrans in the first half and block well-struck efforts from Cech and Youssouf Mulumbu in the second. 
In addition, West Brom striker Roman Bednar missed a number of good opportunities, heading a Dorrans cross against the bar and then shooting harmlessly wide after being released by the same player. 
After Danns was shown a straight red by referee Dean Whitestone for headbutting Dorrans it seemed certain that West Brom would make their numerical advantage count. 
But they were unable to do so, and Palace's own late profilgacy in front of goal means they face a long, nervous final game of the season in Sheffield. 
As long as Hart's men, who have a two-point advantage over Wednesday, avoid defeat they will beat the drop, sending the Owls down.
www.bbc.co.uk

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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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."

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

Sheffield United - WBA

United are noticing very promising start of new campaign in Championship. It seems elimination from Burnley in last play-off didn’t discourage the team and lads with eight points from four introducing rounds are announcing another battle for promotion. The Blades made two draws, opening 0-0 vs. Middlesbrough away and unlucky 1-1 against Leicester at home. Two wins came from the encounters against Watford (2-0) at home and Reading (3-1) on the road. United put excellent display at Madejski and after first 20 minutes (when they conceded a goal) took a game in own hands and score three times for a big win. Team has an iron defense and very strong midfield, but little lack in attacking line, as new signing Ched Evans still hasn’t started to repay 3 mill. pounds investment. However, that problem is more obvious against weaker rivals that are focused on defense. After missing the Reading game with tonsillitis, key midfielder Brian Howard is doubtful. The same situation is with on-loan winger Keith Treacy who limped off at Madejski. Home side is undefeated in last nine league games at their Bramall Lane (six wins and three draws).

After relegation from Premier, the Baggies seem decisive to make an immediate return. Boss Roberto Di Matteo has good reason to feel encouraged after club collected ten points from four games. Opening draw against another “ex Premier” – Newcastle (1-1) was an introduction to three consecutive league wins. Two on the road (Nottingham Forest 1-0 and Peterborough United 3-2) and one at home (Ipswich 2-0). In last game, against Roy Keane’s side, West Brom looked superior. Two easy hits, missed penalty and full domination during the entire game are probably just a small piece of their potential. But two away victories have been noticed with a slight touch of luck, as Forest and Peterborough missed a bunch opportunities to get at least a point. West Brom have a lots of problems with injuries. Defenders Gianni Zuiverloon and Neil Clement, midfielders Filipe Teixeira and James Morrison and striker Ishmael Miller are long time sidelined. With a key midfielder Jonathan Greening’s departure to Fulham, team obviously lost some of their quality. This, however don’t reflect on team’s results, so far. For this game, midfielder Chris Brunt has a problem with a calf strain and is not expected to play, while defender Gonzalo Jara is set to miss out as he awaits international clearance.

British press predict a tough game with small number of goals, as United have some problems in attack, while WBA have injury problems and certainly would be satisfied with a goalless draw. I think, in fact I’m sure United will not lose this, they possess more than enough quality for another big win, feel WBA’s luck are running out and simply follow my instinct. Betfair offer 2.58, Pinnacle 2.50. Clear home win.

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