Southampton's Defence still looks more Sinful than Saintly

We're back on the football betting & looking for another weekend like last one - as usual we've scoured the leagues & come up with bets after looking at form, team news & matchups of styles to try to find some value bets. With at least 5 rounds of games played in the leagues now plus some cup action too it's now possible to have a real feel for which teams have progressed & regressed over the summer & new managers' philosophies are starting to be accepted, it should mean a few less shock results but of course nothing's guaranteed! A top tip in general is to try to disregard teams' reputations that may well have been garnered some time ago & pay attention to their quality right now, Liverpool for example continue to be underpriced in virtually every game even though they struggle to score & at times look disjointed. You don't necessarily have to back against these types of team but they should certainly be left out of multiple bets until their prices lengthen & become more realistic.

Everton vs Southampton

(Leighton Baines is on top form just like many of his Everton colleagues)

We've had a lot of love for Everton this year tipping them up as our Premier League handicap bet & reckoning they could get a quicker start than their usual poor early season form, they've duly obliged so far & they could give Southampton the runaround at Goodison Park this Saturday. Nigel Adkins' side have been shambolic defensively even allowing for the fact they've played some good sides so far with 15 goals conceded for an average of 3 per game & it won't get easier against an Everton side that can mix it up with physicality & class in attack.

Southampton fans may be feeling a little more positive after winning twice in the last week, putting their first points on the board after coming from behind to beat Aston Villa 4-1 & then taking care of Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup even whilst resting players - we think it will take a lot more in this one though as Everton are a big step up. Crucially here Southampton's style of play that helped them unsettle Manchesters City & United just shouldn't cause Everton the same problems as they have good central defenders who can cope with Rickie Lambert physically & decent fullbacks who are well protected too to stop Southampton's crosses ever getting in the box.

Everton didn't rest quite so many as Southampton in the week when getting knocked out by Leeds but that loss shouldn't be much of a blow as they look to get as high a league position as possible, Marouane Fellaini continues to be just about the hottest player around & they've even got Anichebe scoring goals! Nikica Jelavic is coming back to fitness & could start here, adding another string to their bow & Leighton Baines & Steven Pienaar will provide him & Fellaini with excellent service as usual. Everton should score & we can see them doing so more than once, their defence should cope better than Villa's youngsters did last Saturday & we fancy them with a -1 goal handicap at odds of 5/4. For a goalscorer bet you could do worse than taking the 5/1 for Leighton Baines to score anytime, he bagged one against Swansea & is Everton's penalty taker plus many free kicks, Southampton gave penalties away against United & City & although those were saved, Baines would almost certainly not be so timid as the takers in those games.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Sheffield Wednesday

(Gingle-Gangle: Tongo Doumbia is a class act at Wolves)

In the Championship we see another form side with Wolves who've won their last three in the league & won't be too concerned with the beating they took at the hands of Chelsea in midweek - they started with 10 different players to their win against Peterborough on Saturday. After a reasonable start to the season it's been all downhill for Sheffield Wednesday as they haven't been able to get it going at home or on the road, a porous defence doesn't help with them having conceded two or more goals in 9 of their 10 competitive games this season. Being poor defensively is not a good idea when playing Wolves as they have one of their Championship's best strikers in Sylva Ebanks-Blake who is perfect at this level with his strength, balance & shot power being key attributes.

Wolves deserved to finish bottom of the top flight last year as they hadn't assembled a Premier League style set of players, it did however mean they were well suited to take on the different challenge of football in this division. The Midlands club have also done a mean piece of business by picking up Mali's Tongo Doumbia on loan with a view to a permanent signing - Arsenal were said to be looking at the midfielder last year & he's looked a class apart at times this season. We think Wolves should win this one with home advantage & odds of 10/11 are fair but an even more certain bet for our money is over 2.5 goals at 8/11, Wolves have kept clean sheets in their last two league games but against poor sides (Ipswich & Peterborough) & Wednesday do hold an attacking threat, Wanderers even seemed a bit shaky when 2-0 up on Leicester & this could be a goal fest.

Tranmere Rovers vs Brentford

Talking of form sides, there aren't many in better nick than Tranmere Rovers at the moment - they've won 6 from 8 league games, have a perfect home record & have scored the most (21) & conceded the least (4) goals in League One, they have a test today in Brentford but there's good reason to think they'll overcome it.

(Tranmere's Andy Robinson has found his shooting boots with 7 goals already this season)

Brentford have made a decent start themselves & have bagged 12 points from their opening 8 games, they have however not won away from home, grabbing 3 draws from 4 road games & we were less than impressed when watching them huff & puff away to Leyton Orient three games back. Brentford will have to go some to stop Tranmere's Jake Cassidy, the tall 19 year old has returned on loan from Wolves again this year after making a big impact at the end of last season & has bagged 7 times already with those coming in their last 5 games. It should also be noted that Brentford have only played one team that currently sit in the top half of the table (a 2-2 draw with Walsall) so this is a big step up in terms of quality of opposition for them & we reckon they'll come up short against Tranmere & their +17 goal difference - take the huge odds against bet of 11/10 on Tranmere.

Selections:
Everton to beat Southampton with a -1 goal handicap at 5/4 (Ladbrokes)
Leighton Baines to score anytime at 5/1 (William Hill)
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Sheffield Wednesday over 2.5 goals at 8/11 (Various)
Tranmere Rovers to beat Brentford at 11/10 (General)

Monday Night Football - Everton & Falcons can pick apart weary travellers

More Monday Night football action as we see a game between two of the Premier League's teams just off the top set when Everton host Newcastle United & an interesting game in the NFL as the defensively strong Denver Broncos try to slow down the passing hotshot that is Matt Ryan for the Atlanta Falcons. Both games are important even this early in the season as all four teams are looking to lay down a marker as they either push for Europe or a playoff place. We've previewed both games & come up with a pair of bets in each as we look to turn a tidy profit at the start of the week.

Everton vs Newcastle United

Everton started their season off at breakneck pace with wins against Manchester United & away to Aston Villa with Marouane Fellaini excelling in particular, they got brought down to earth with a bump when losing to West Brom though & face a tough game against Newcastle United as they look to bounce back. Newcastle will also be looking to improve after they rather huffed & puffed in a 1-1 draw with Villa at home & they have to make do without their good young keeper Tim Krul who picked up an injury on international duty & that is a setback as they haven't kept a clean sheet in the league yet.

(Technical supremo Steven Pienaar could be the key for Everton)

This could be a game where we see classic home & away roles with Newcastle coming with the intention of firstly stopping Everton, being reactive & forcing the Toffees to come forward with the ball, Newcastle know that they hold a threat whenever they come forwards thanks to their Senegalese strikeforce of Ba & Cisse. Everton tend to look a bit better when teams come at them as they have such a solid defence that they feel comfortable when attacked but in Steven Pienaar they have a player who can unlock the toughest defences when on form. With the signings of Kevin Mirallas & Steven Naismith they've added some additional quality & much needed extra options in attack & with the set piece danger from corners & Leighton Baines' free kicks they should be able to knock one past Steve Harper.

Newcastle will again be without their key midfield enforcer in Cheick Tiote & he's a big miss in games like this, if Pienaar gets time on the ball he should be able to create enough chances, even if Newcastle do defend deep, & Everton now have players who can put those chances away. Newcastle have already played 5 times thanks to their European commitments & they've got a Europa League game against Maritimo on Thursday night, although this game will take priority Everton have the advantage & we like the 5/6 available for the home win. We do think Newcastle will make this tough though & a small wager on a correct score bet of 1-0 to Everton could be worth chancing at 13/2.

Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons

(Julio Jones is starting to emerge as a truly elite receiver for the Falcons)

The Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos go on the road to the Atlanta Falcons after a nice start when beating Pittsburgh at home in week one, this is a much different test though as the Falcons are one of the best teams in the league when in the Georgia Dome. The Falcons have lost at home in the regular season just 6 times in the last 4 years (32 games) & quarterback Matt Ryan looks altogether more comfortable when playing inside - of course playing inside won't be a problem for Manning either having spent his career at Indianapolis.

Both teams looked good last week with Atlanta travelling to take on the Kansas City Chiefs & putting 40 points on the board with Ryan looking hugely efficient completing 23 of 31 passes for 299 yards & 3 touchdowns. Julio Jones was Ryan's main target & he looks like he could be about to move to another level of play at receiver & could be having a monstrous season in terms of receiving yards & touchdowns. The Broncos did well against the Steelers but did have the benefit of going up against their poor O-line & the Falcons are much better at protecting the passer, Pittsburgh also looked to struggle without Rashard Mendenhall at running back & the Fakcons have a dependable sort in Michael Turner. The big positive for Denver was clearly how well Manning has settle into the side & he already looks to have established a good understanding with his receivers with Demaryius homas, Eric Decker & Jacon Tamme all getting 5 receptions each - the Falcons' are a little weak in their secondary & this could be a shootout so we expect Peyton to put up yards through the air again.

(Peyton Manning links back up with tight end Jacob Tamme (no.84))

Although we do think this will be high scoring the total points line is high enough at 52 & instead the value looks to be had by siding with the Falcons as they only have to give up 3 points on the handicap - they are a tough proposition at home & can score touchdowns at will once they get into a rhythm. There is value to be had with a Denver touchdown scorer though as tight end Jacob Tamme is available at 6/4 to score a TD at anytime, he got one last week & Peyton Manning loves to aim for tight ends when in & around the red zone & links up with Tamme after previously being together at the Colts, even though we think Atlanta will win they are likely to concede a few points on the way.

Selections:
Everton to beat Newcastle United at 5/6 (Various)
Everton to beat Newcastle United 1-0 at 13/2 (BetVictor & 188Bet)
Atlanta Falcons to beat Denver Broncos with -3.5 point handicap at 20/21 (William Hill)
Jacob Tamme to score a touchdown at anytime at 6/4 (Various)

Monday Night Football - Rampant Reds Ready to Roll

We love a bit of Monday Night Football, especially when we end up with a double dose thanks to NFL action from the states too, but for now we're quite happy seeing it kick off between two of the Premier League's best teams in Everton & Manchester United.

(Top midfielder Marouane Fellaini is starting his 5th season with Everton)

We've gone for Everton as our winners on the handicap in the league this season (+28 point headstart) & think they've done some shrewd business this year by holding onto their best players whilst allowing a fading Tim Cahill to leave for America & picking up a wad of cash for an injury prone youngster in Jack Rodwell. The permanent signing of Steven Pienaar is a big positive & Steven Naysmith will link up well with Jelavic after already forming a partnership with the big man at Rangers, they've further bolstered their frontline with the signing of Kevin Mirallas from Olympiakos but he's signed too late to be involved against United. So you'll see that we've a lot of time for Everton this year........ yet we still think that Manchester United are the team to side with here. Everton consistently fail to start well enough, season after season, & while we think their season mightn't be as lopsided as last year (lost 6 of first 10 & only 2 of last 18), they have one of the toughest starts available here.

(Shinji Kagawa - The Whole F'N Show)

United have also gone about improving their attacking options with the signing of last year's top scorer & deserved player of the season Robin van Persie plus the hugely exciting talent that is Shinji Kagawa frrom Borussia Dortmund. Some have commented that attack wasn't necessarily the part of the team that needed upgrading for United & it is certainly worrying that a central midfielder hadn't been signed in 5 years before Nick Powell's arrival, we're not of the same opinion as the pundits (Jamie Redknapp ahem) that Michael Carrick & Paul Scholes are the answers to all of the world's ills! Regardless of central midfield Alex Ferguson has so many quality attacking players to choose from that we can see United coming out & blitzing Everton from all angles as players look to impress with so much competition in those positions. It's conceivable that Wayne Rooney could end dropping deeper than ever as van Persie will likely be the most advanced forward, Valencia, Nani & Young will vie for the wide positions & Kagawa could end up playing close behind the Dutch forward. Coral are going a standout 12/1 for Kagawa to net first (he's a short as 15/2 elsewhere) & that looks a little big for a player that netted 12 in 28 games in his first season for Dortmund & then 17 times last year. Kagawa's scored twice in pre season (Rooney was the only other to get two) & generally looked lively, being involved in most of United's best attacking moments & has the potential to be the outright signing of the season.

(Best in the business - Nemanja Vidic returns from injury for United)

The other big positive for United this year is the return of Nemanja Vidic to the fold after 8 months out with a cruciate ligament injury, the Serb is one of the world's very best centre halves & young keeper David de Gea should really benefit with him in front of him, especially when it comes to corners & set pieces. The latest news for United is worrying though with Rio Ferdinand unlikely to play with a reported groin injury, that could mean Carrick dropping back or a youngster (Michael Keane or Frederic Veseli) starting as Smalling, Jones & Evans are all unready for the start of the season. Whoever starts with Vidic will at least have the best partner available, he'll marshal the defence well & is better at that role than when the same has to be done with Ferdinand. It certainly won't be easy for United but they finished 33 points clear of the Toffees last season which gives an indication of the gap between the two teams in quality & in the first half of last season the Red Devils only dropped points twice on their travels with draws at Stoke & Liverpool - odds of 10/11 for a Manchester United victory look fair.

Selections:
Manchester United to beat Everton at 10/11 (general)
Shinji Kagawa to score first at 12/1 (Coral)

Watch out Europe there's a Toon Army trying to get you!

Another thrilling Premier League season is coming to an end this Sunday & there's plenty to play for with the title still to be decided, any of three teams can finish 3rd, 4th & 5th plus Bolton & QPR try to avoid joining Wolves & Blackburn in being relegated. There's still plenty of football to look forward to this summer with the European Championships & we'll be finding the best bets in that competition too, for the time being though check out our final picks for this season below.

(Victor Moses has been in fine form along with his Wigan teammates in recent weeks)

In the Premiership, Wigan Athletic will look to end the season on a high against already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers at the DW Stadium. Wigan looked doomed at the turn of 2012 but under the impressive leadership of Roberto Martinez they have gone on a fantastic run to guarantee Premiership survival for another year. They have won six of their last eight league games with victories over Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal & in their last home game dished out a 4-0 hammering of Newcastle. It would have been easy for Martinez to abandon his passing principles when results weren't going for his side but by sticking with them it's allowed attacking trio Victor Moses, Franco Di Santo & Shaun Maloney to reap the benefits & put the points on the board. With goals flowing they have also improved defensively with skipper Gary Caldwell & the underrated keeper Ali Al-Habsi putting in a number of strong performances. Visitors Wolves will be glad for the final whistle to finish a thoroughly miserable season as they embark on a summer of rebuilding under the new guidance of Stale Solbakken - current interim manager Terry O'Connor has a record of no wins & eight defeats in his twelve games & will revert back to his old role after his ill fated spell. Away from home Wolves haven't won in their last six & have conceded on average two goals per game, Wigan will look to put on a show for their fans in their final home fixture & bag the three points at the best price of 8/13 with William Hill.

(Newcastle need to win & get Champions League football to hold on to stars such as these)

At Goodison Everton host their final home game against Champions League chasing Newcastle United & it looks like any value to be had in this one lies with the Magpies. Everton have had their customary good finish to the season with the squad bolstered by the signings of Jelavic & Gibson plus Pienaar & you have to go back to the 21st March for their last league loss but they have only one of their last 5 in all competitions. That recent run includes the disappointing defeat to city rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup semi final & draws with Stoke & last week Wolves, it also includes the remarkable 4-4 at Old Trafford & demolishing Fulham here at Goodison. Newcastle went on a splendid run of 6 straight victories after a dodgy spell in February & the beginning of March, the freakishly good Papiss Cisse scored in all of those wins before the run came to an abrupt halt when taking a spanking from resurgent Wigan. It seemed that some Newcastle players had taken their foot off the gas in the Wigan game but they bounced straight back to beat Chelsea & simultaneously end the London club's chances of Champions League qualification in the league (& probably at all!). Losing to Man City last week was no disgrace & up until conceding late on they looked pretty solid with players committed to the cause throughout the team & they'll all be focused for this one. Cisse seems to be able to score every type of goal & will cause the Everton defence problems at all times & Ben Arfa has hit some fine form too, with his runs & Yohan Cabaye's pinpoint passing they should create chances. At the other end the defence seems good whoever plays & it helps that they are backed up by goalkeeping star Tim Krul, he's not missed a beat this season & will be desperate to showcase his skills in Europe's top comp. Everton have shown qualities going forward & in defence in recent weeks but have also had some more disappointing efforts allowing to argue for & against their chances but Newcastle present a stronger case in this one & at 12/5 must be backed.

Selections:
Wigan Athletic to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at 8/13 (William Hill)
Newcastle United to beat Everton at 12/5 (BetVictor)

Hand in Glovers - the Sun Shines out of Yeovil's Behind

It really is crunch time in the English football leagues with the Championship seeing its final weekend of regular season action & Leagues One & Two with their second to last round of games. There's also plenty to play for in the Premier League with only Wolves definitely relegated & a fierce battle going on for European spots, city bragging rights & of course Monday's massive clash between Manchesters City & United in what looks to be a true title decider. We've got our usual Saturday preview here with some top value bets, keep up to date with our latest posts by following us on Twitter @LikeBuyingMoney you can do it just by clicking the Follow button above or by finding us on there, as ever good punting & good luck!

(Loanee Steven Pienaar is flourishing with regular football at familiar surroundings)

At Goodison Park, Everton will look to continue their fine form against mid-table Fulham. Everton put in a mightily impressive performance at Old Trafford last Sunday to come back from 3-1 and then 4-2 down to gain a point & put a major dent into United's title hopes. Arguably they have three of the league's form players in January signings Nikica Jelavic & Steven Pienaar (loan) and the frizzy haired Belgian Marouane Fellaini who bullied Johnny Evans & Rio Ferdinand into submission with ease. Apart from a blip at Wembley against bitter rivals Liverpool they are unbeaten in their last five league games with comfortable victories to nil over Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion & Sunderland. Visitors Fulham have had a decent season under the guidance of Martin Jol but as usual their strength has been at Craven Cottage rather than on the road. Away from home Fulham have lost half of their matches & only picked up three wins over relegation threatened Queens Park Rangers, Wigan Athletic & Bolton Wanderers, they've managed just 11 goals at a measly rate of 0.69 goals per game & you would expect they will struggle to breach a strong Everton defensive unit. Everton have the added incentive of finishing ahead of Liverpool & collecting the three points is a must at the best price of 20/23 with Boylesports.

(Striker Andy Williams 15 goals this season & could be in demand this summer)

In League One it looks like a couple of bookies have priced up Chesterfield to beat Yeovil based on the fact that 'they need to win' in their battle against relegation, that's foolish as Chesterfield are woeful travellers & all of us as enlightened punters must take advantage here. Chesterfield are down in 22nd & even if they win their remaining two games they'll need plenty of help from the teams in front of them to stand a chance of staying up, they've won just 3 away games all year & we don't like the odds of 6/4 in places about them winning this one. Backers of Chesterfield will point to an unexpected recent resurgence with them winning their last 3 in a row & giving themselves a glimmer of hope but those 3 wins have come against low grade opposition in mid table Hartlepool, 20th placed Wycombe & bottom of the table Rochdale. Yeovil haven't been great recently & took a pounding in their last home game against Stevenage, losing 6-0, they will be desperate to sign off on a positive in their last game in front of their home fans & Huish Park should have a boisterous atmosphere. Andy Williams & Jonathan Franks have been scoring fairly readily recently & will fancy their chances against a Chesterfield side that have conceded the second most away goals away from home in the league (45 in 22 games). Get on the Glovers, Yeovil can win at nice odds of 17/10 available with BetVictor who go best odds about all three results (Home/Away/Draw).

(Middlesbrough will hope to have strike Marvin Emnes return from his ongoing knee injury)

In the final round of Championship fixtures, Middlesbrough have a must win fixture over Watford at Vicarage Road. Middlesbrough need all three points & also hope Welsh side Cardiff City lose away at Crystal Palace to gain the final play-off spot. Middlesbrough have given themselves a chance after coming from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 last weekend & have grabbed seven points from a possible nine in their last three. Most sides would prefer a home fixture when looking for a maximum points but not Middlesborough who have a better record on the road with ten victories compared to only eight at home. Hosts Watford recovered from a poor opening few months to sit comfortably in 14th place which gives rookie manager Sean Dyche something to build on next season & of course they'll be wanting to win their last home game, although that could prove difficult against Boro who have some latent quality. Watford thrived over a busy period in March where they went unbeaten with 5 wins & 2 draws but they've stuttered recently with a loss & 3 draws since, it's in direct contrast to Boro who had a horrible period going 8 without a win from 11th March but they've got the engine running again in their last three games. It may not be enough to clinch a playoff spot but Middlesbrough can at least give themselves a chance by winning here at odds of 6/4.

Selections:
Everton to beat Fulham at 20/23 (Boylesports)
Yeovil to beat Chesterfield at 17/10 (BetVictor)
Middlesbrough to beat Watford at 6/4 (Boylesports & BetVictor)

Semi Final Showdown at Wembley

This weekend sees some intriguing ties throughout the leagues as teams continue to try to push for titles & promotions, playoffs & European places whereas at the other end of the tables the scrap to escape relegation becomes ever more desperate. Throw into that the FA Cup semi finals & there is plenty of action to get your betting teeth into, we're trying to help with a few picks that look reasonable at the prices. As ever you can follow us on Twitter @LikeBuyingMoney by clicking the follow button above, it's a good way too keep up to date with our latest posts & join in with the sport & betting conversation.

(Crewe boss Steve Davis hopes the travelling fans can inspire another 3 points)

Down in League Two, Crewe Alexandra travel to Mose Rose to face Macclesfield Town, Crewe are outside the play-off places on goal difference from Oxford United on 66 points whilst Macclesfield are in the relegation spots & three points away from safety. Crewe are unbeaten in their last 12 league games & have won five of their last seven with the latest being a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Bristol Rovers after two consecutive 1-1 draws, on the road they are unbeaten in their last five with two of them ending in victories against Gillingham & Hereford. Hosts Macclesfield are in dire form & haven't registered a win since 2011, their last 19 league games have ended with 13 defeats & six draws, with their last three games in a row lost against Gillingham, Shrewsbury Town & Port Vale. Crewe can continue their fine form at the expense of woeful Macclesfield at a too big price of 5/4 with Stan James.

(It isn't easy to work out who will line up for Chelsea v Spurs, could it be Sideshow Bob?)

The big games of the weekend come in the FA Cup semi finals, with firstly Liverpool taking on Everton & then the utterly ridiculous 6pm kickoff on Sunday between Spurs & Chelsea. We're going to keep things relatively simple here, Spurs & Liverpool have been atrocious in 2012 whereas Chelsea have improved immeasurably since sacking AVB & Everton have produced their usual late season charge. It makes no sense at all that Liverpool are favourites for their game as David Moyes was able to rest players for their midweek game just as Kenny Dalglish was, there is talk of how Liverpool are prioritising the cup competitions but Moyes prioritised it so much he fielded an understength side in the Derby match between these two at Goodison in preparation for facing Sunderland! Everton have found a cutting edge now with Nikica Jelvic up front & the play in the team has improved a lot thanks to the return of Steven Pienaar, on loan from Spurs. Harry Redknapp has already won the competition with Portsmouth & would dearly love to again but the reason Spurs edge ahead for favouritism appears to be because of the commitments to the Champions League that Chelsea have, with Barcelona to face in the coming week. It however won't be easy for Spurs to suddenly turn on the style whichever Chelsea players they face here after yet another poor result, losing at home to Norwich, they looked to be turning it around with wins against poor Bolton & a fading Swansea but maybe that was a false dawn. We're going for a double of Everton to win against Liverpool (in 90 minutes) at great odds of 85/40 & Chelsea to qualify for the final, in what could be a trappy affair at 10/11 (double with BetVictor), it pays just about £60 to a £10 stake & is worth a little investment.

(Hotshot Rene Howe has delayed knee surgery to help push Torquay into League One)

Also in League Two, Torquay United entertain Southend United at Plainmoor, this is a massive match in the race for promotion to League One with Torquay sat in 2nd & Southend in 5th but only six points behind. Torquay are in good form with five wins, two draws & only one defeat to current league leaders Swindon Town in their last eight league games, they have won three of their last four with victories over Port Vale, Barnet & Accrington Stanley. The Gulls home form has seen 12 victories out of 21 & they have scored at least one goal in 95% of these matches, lately at home they are unbeaten in their last four & have won their last two in a row. Visitors Southend are going through an inconsistent spell & have been defeated three times in their last five league games with the latest being away at Bradford City 2-0, they have a good away record this season but in recent weeks they have lost their last two in a row & four of their last six. We believe that Torquay will be too strong for Southend & put further distance between the two sides at the best price of 13/10 with William Hill.

Selections:
Crewe Alexandra to beat Macclesfield Town at 5/4 (Stan James)
Everton to beat Liverpool (in 90 mins) & Chelsea to qualify over Spurs double at odds just shy of 5/1 (BetVictor)
Torquay United to beat Southend United at 13/10 (William Hill)

Tremendous Toffees to Topple Paper Baggies

Another weekend of football action is just about upon us & we know that you all want to make money off of the fixtures so you can fill your petrol tanks up but also want to get out & enjoy the clement weather so rather than spending your usual hours of studying in darkened rooms we've done that bit for you & come up with some more top selections. If you've been following recently you'll see that we've been having some great results & although the midweek footy was a mixed bag rather than the perfection we've become accustomed to, we reckon we'll be bouncing right back here as we look to make hay whilst the sun is shining.

(Oxford midfielder Asa Hall has scored 5 in his last 7 games)

Down in League Two, Oxford United host Morecambe at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford (who we tipped pre season at 3/1 for promotion) are in the play-off places & are looking to push towards the automatic spots whilst Morecambe are in mid-table. Oxford have won three of their last four league games with the latest being a 2-0 away victory at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night & have a solid home record this season with ten wins out of 19 games & only two defeats. Recently at home they are unbeaten in their last seven & have won three in a row against AFC Wimbledon, Rotherham & leaders Swindon Town. Visitors Morecambe have had mixed form recently & they have lost four of their last seven league games, they do have a decent overall away record but have only picked up 6 points out of a possible 18 in their last six away matches. We expect Oxford to be too strong for Morecambe & push towards the automatic positions at the best price of 4/6 with BetVictor & Coral.

(Tom Ince has come on leaps & bounds for Blackpool & offers a credible goal threat)

Blackpool host Southampton in a Championship clash that is to be televised on BBC Two on Staurday evening & the bookies seem to be underestimating the likelihood of this being a goal filled encounter by offering odds of 8/11 on there being over 2.5 goals. In Blackpool's last 17 league games there have only been only two with less than 3 goals in & they've only failed to score once in that sequence, with the evergreen Kevin Phillips still proving himself to be the most naturally gifted English finisher since Gary Lineker. Many more of Southampton's games have tended to have less than three goals in (7 of the last 10 have been under) but that reflects the fact that teams tend to try to contain the deserving league leaders & their excellent partnership at the front of Lallana & Lambert, even Billy Sharp has started to get in on the action, predictably scoring a brace past former club Doncaster last week. Blackpool boss Ian Holloway doesn't tend to behave like most other managers though & with the TV cameras on he's likely to tell his players to go out & show their best quality which is in attack, that could mean a really entertaining game & plenty of goals. We were expecting odds more like 8/15 or 1/2 about the over 2.5 goals bet so that 8/11 looks very juicy indeed, with plenty of attacking threat from both sides & players like Tom Ince keen to impress expect a cracking game with a few goals thrown in too & take the bet!

(New signing Nikica Jelavic has made the switch to Premier League football look easy so far)

In the Premiership, Everton entertain West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park, Everton are in the midst of a typical season finishing strongly after a slow start & are on the tail of Merseyside rivals Liverpool whilst West Brom need a few more points to guarantee safety again. The Toffees are in fine form currently with four victories & two draws in their last eight league games plus a 2-0 away victory over Sunderland in the FA Cup to book a Wembley semi-final trip. Deadline day signings Steven Pienaar & striker Nikica Jelavic have added some much needed attacking flair & goals to an already solid defensive unit based around Jagielka & Distin with the added attacking threat of Baines down the left. At home Everton have won three of their last four matches with impressive victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea & Manchester City. West Brom were blown away in the first 30 minutes last weekend by Newcastle United in a 3-1 defeat & that extents their winless streak to three matches, away from home they have lost five games so far & more worrying they have conceded at least one goal in 93% of their matches. We believe that Everton will continue their fine form at the expense of West Brom at a standout price of 20/23 at BetVictor.

Selections:
Oxford United to beat Morecambe at 4/6 (BetVictor/Coral)
Blackpool v Southampton at 8/11 (various)
Everton to beat West Brom at 20/23 (BetVictor)