Liverpool-Aston Villa

Home side goes into this game after impressive derby win on Trafford and they're clear favorites against Villa. Today's win will push them on second place with just one point behind Man.Utd.. The fact that calls on caution is their very unpredictable results this season. When everybody expected from Reds to go for title, they started with loosing points. And after that they demolished two maybe biggest European clubs, scoring four both times! Rafa has finally signed the new contract and that looks releasing for himself, but also for players and fans. The big thing is Gerrard and Torres are fully fit. Bad news are Arbeloa, Agger, Degen and Xabi Alonso are all out and Benayoun is in doubt. But same players crushed United.

The most of the season, Villa played excellent. But current run of results threaten to crush all effort. It looks like players can not handle the pressure of great expectations. Shocking defeat against Tottenham (1:2 at home) was a big hit for the club. The big gap between them and Arsenal are vanished. Still isn't too late for Champions League, but they need to wake up immediately (hmm, today?). Against Spurs, fans protested against Agbonlahor's recent performances and O’Neill will probably leave him on the bench. Heskey and Carew are expected in attack. Many problems in defence. Cuellar, Laursen, Sidwell and Bouma are all out.

Both sides have big motives for win, tittle and Champions League. Odd for home win is to low for consideration. Maybe it is wiser to sit back, enjoy in footie and give up from betting, but I really expect open game from the first whistle. Heskey and Carew can score at least once, at the same time wounded defence will fight with Torres and the lads. So, my conclusion (and bet) is over, with very good odd (2.05 at 888.com).

Championship preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fulham plays very well this season. After excellent home record, they surprisingly lost from Hull 0:1 and FA Cup against Man.Utd..With three points from this game they would involve in fight for European qualifications. The main problem is a slap they got at Saturday. They simply weren't good enough to play equally with Utd. 0:4 at home always hurts. I expect their cautious approach, 0:0 on half-time is more than real. Hodgson has no new concerns about starting eleven, same team from Saturday is possible.

On the other half will be Rovers with Sam Allardyce in charge. Since Big Sam came in club, they're improving the shape. In the last two rounds they won against Hull City (2:1 away) and grab a point against excellent Everton (0:0 at home). Quality demonstrated in those two games is more than enough for avoiding relegation. And, be serious, can anybody imagine Blackburn in Championship?!Allardyce is unsatisfied with physical condition of his players. Roque Santa Cruz is in big doubt for tonight. First two goalkeepers,Robinson and Brown, are injured, but they (or one of them) will be fit for sure. Pedersen is back after suspension.

The hosts will try to make things better after humiliation, but another defeat can make a big problem. Visitors have an opportunity to make a run from danger zone. I give little advantage to Blackburn, but draw looks fine for both. So, my prediction (with small stake-gamble bet) is draw.