Championship Play-Off Final

Blackpool v West Ham United

Wembley

Saturday 19^th May 2012

Another compelling season of Championship football is set to reach a thrilling finale on Saturday as Blackpool and West Ham United do battle at Wembley in a bid to reclaim their top flight status and pocket a handy $100 million in the process.

While many pundits expected the Hammers’ star-studded side to bounce back up to the Premier League at the first attempt, far fewer predicted that Blackpool would find themselves just ninety minutes away from doing the same.

A huge amount of credit must therefore go to both Tangerines’ boss Ian Holloway and the club’s board who kept faith with the outspoken Bristolian in the wake of last season’s relegation heartbreak.

Holloway himself has kept faith with the open, cavalier style of football that won the Lancashire side so many friends during their inaugural season in the Premier League, with only Southampton and Saturday’s opponents, West Ham, scoring more goals than the men in orange over the course of the regular season.

Blackpool made a fairly indifferent start to the campaign, taking time to readjust to the differing demands of the Championship and the loss of key men such as Charlie Adam, David Vaughan and DJ Campbell, but since the turn of the year they have lost on only four occasions, the most recent of those defeats coming at Reading back in late March.

They reached Wembley courtesy of a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory over Birmingham City in their semi-final, with even Holloway admitting that if the Blues had forced the second-leg at St Andrews into extra-time, he wouldn’t have fancied his side’s chances.

But having survived that tough examination in the West Midlands, the optimistic orange hordes will descend on Wembley this weekend unfazed by the fact that West Ham won both fixtures in the regular season by scorelines of 4-0 and 4-1 and confident that their heroes can produce a repeat of their dramatic 2010 triumph over Cardiff City.

In terms of potential match-winners, Thomas Ince, son of former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul, has produced a string of eye-catching performances since arriving from Liverpool last August.

Operating wide on the right, the 20-year-old has tormented full-backs throughout the division, chipped in with a handy return of seven goals and done enough to suggest that he won’t look out of place in the top flight should his side prevail on Saturday.

On a less positive note, the young winger can expect a torrent of abuse from the West Ham fans given that his father remains a figure of hate at Upton Park following his controversial move from the Hammers to Manchester United way back in 1989.

At the other end of the experience scale, 38-year-old striker Kevin Phillips has been used more sparingly this season, but has still helped himself to an impressive 17 goals and even his presence on the bench will be enough to cause concern for West Ham.

Phillips’ namesake Matt has also made a significant contribution to the Tangerines’ cause since returning from an early-season loan spell at Sheffield United, while the talismanic Stephen Dobbie continues to etch his name into Blackpool folklore.

The Scottish striker became a club hero back in 2010 when he arrived on loan from Swansea and scored six vital goals as the club clinched promotion and this year he has returned in identical circumstances to do the same again.

Still on Swansea’s books, he marked his second home loan debut for Blackpool by scoring twice in a vital 3-0 win over promotion rivals Southampton and has since added another four, including one at Birmingham in last week’s semi-final second-leg.

In midfield, meanwhile, Holloway will be relying on Scottish international Barry Ferguson to assert his dominance over the likes of Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble and much will also be expected of goalkeeper Matt Gilks who has been in superb form once again this season.

So what of West Ham?

Well the Hammers will make the short trip across the capital as short-priced favourites to clinch promotion, but that is a pressure they have had to bear for the entire campaign to date.

Boss Sam Allardyce inherited a core of talented if slightly disillusioned players when he succeeded Avram Grant at the end of last season and was also given a decidedly generous transfer budget to work with by Championship standards.

But it’s not all been plain sailing at Upton Park this term.

While their fans like to sing “We’re West Ham United, we play on the floor”, that laudable ideal has not always seen the light of day as Allardyce has favoured the more direct style of football that served him during his time at both Bolton and at Saturday’s opponents Blackpool.

In fairness to the prickly Hammers boss, his approach has simply been a pragmatic one, mixing short passing with a decent dose of long ball football as and when the circumstances and opposition have demanded it and ultimately, as long as he fulfils his brief of achieving promotion at the first attempt, the level of muttered complaints at Upton Park will doubtless die down considerably.

It was West Ham’s record of fourteen draws that derailed their bid for a top two place and it didn’t help Allardyce’s popularity rating that eight of those draws came at home, but the men in claret and blue won seven of their last ten games and completely outclassed Cardiff over both legs of their semi-final clash.

James Tomkins has been a cornerstone of their success with his superbly accomplished displays at centre-back, while Matt Taylor has also impressed with his sweeping attacking forays from full-back, Kevin Nolan remains a massive goal threat from midfield and when he’s in the mood, former England target-man Carlton Cole is a real handful for any defence.

Welsh midfielder Jack Collison is another Hammer who has been in decent form recently, but he will have to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s big clash after dislocating his shoulder in the second-leg of the semi-final against Cardiff.

Given that both of these sides are far more comfortable going forward than they are defending, the Wembley crowd and the millions watching around the world should be treated to an absorbing, high-stakes spectacle this weekend.

Blackpool are no respecters of reputations and certainly won’t be intimidated by either the occasion or their opponents, but West Ham have a clear edge in overall quality and should just edge a thriller to book their passage back to the promised land.

Prediction: Blackpool 2-3 West Ham United

Market: Blackpool $3.70, Draw $3.40, West Ham United $2

Scottish Cup Final

Heart of Midlothian v Hibernian

Hampden Park

Saturday 19^th May 2012

Edinburgh will resemble a ghost town this Saturday as the followers of Hearts and Hibs de-camp en masse for Glasgow’s Hampden Park and only the second-ever Scottish Cup Final meeting between the city rivals.

As the previous clash occurred back in 1896, this Cup Final derby will be new territory for all involved and promises to throw up enough colour, drama and passion to keep even the most neutral of observers enthralled.

The rivalry between Heart and Hibs may not be as infamously volatile and downright savage as that of Celtic and Rangers, but the respective sets of supporters nevertheless retain a mutual loathing of one another and place a huge emphasis on city bragging rights season in, season out.

Hibs will head into the final as underdogs not only because of their poor showing in the SPL, but also because they have not managed to lift this trophy since 1902, despite appearing in eight finals since then.

Not that manager Pat Fenlon will mind his charges flying under the radar.

The undemonstrative Irishman took over the Easter Road hot-seat from Colin Calderwood following the latter’s sacking in November and was charged with preventing the men in green and white from slipping out of the top flight.

A 4-0 victory over Dunfermline a fortnight ago ensured that Fenlon achieved that key objective and the club’s success in the Cup has come as something of an added bonus.

The road to Hampden has been a relatively smooth one for Hibs, with neither replays nor extra-time required at any stage, although they did avoid two classic potential banana skins in the form of away trips to Cowdenbeath and Ayr in the 4^th Round and Quarter-Finals respectively.

SPL rivals Kilmarnock were bundled out at Easter Road in the 5^th Round, while in the Semi-Final at Hampden Park, Garry O’Connor and Leigh Griffiths were the goal heroes in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aberdeen.

In contrast to their Cup form, Fenlon’s side struggled for consistency in the league, winning five, losing five and drawing two of their final twelve games and enduring the agony of defeat in all three of their derby meetings with Hearts.

So can the side that finished six places and 19 points adrift of their city neighbours buck that trend and pull off the sweetest of upset wins on Saturday?

Well manager Fenlon remains quietly confident that they can and he certainly has several players at his disposal with the potential to shine on the big stage.

Garry O’Connor helped himself to an impressive tally of 16 goals this season, ten of which came in his first eleven appearances, while vastly-experienced Northern Ireland international Ivan Sproule has provided plenty of assists from his position on the wing and won’t be fazed by the magnitude of the occasion.

Fenlon has also brought a number of players in from his native Ireland including highly-rated attacking midfielder Eoin Doyle and versatile young defender Matt Doherty who has impressed since arriving from Wolves on loan.

Another loanee worth keeping an eye on is rangy midfielder Tom Soares who cost his parent club Stoke nearly $2 million when they signed him from Crystal Palace and has adapted well to life north of the border.

Midfield duo Jorge Claros and Pa Kujabi, meanwhile, are both expected to be fit having been rested for the final league game of the season at Inverness, but spare a thought for luckless former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack who played 33 games this season only to pick up a thigh injury during the Semi-Final win over Aberdeen and consequently miss his shot at Cup Final glory.

As for Hearts, they have one or two injury concerns themselves, most notably in the form of Craig Beattie. The ex-West Brom and Swansea man bagged the winner in the Semi-Final win over another of his former clubs, Celtic, but is battling to overcome a hamstring strain in time to feature.

Scottish international and defensive mainstay Andy Webster has also spent plenty of time in the treatment room this week, but the club remain confident that he will recover from the groin soreness that forced him from the field during last weekend’s defeat at the hands of Celtic.

A longer term concern for Hearts fans, meanwhile, is the ongoing uncertainty regarding the future of popular boss Paulo Sergio.

The 44-year-old Portuguese will be out of contract immediately after the Cup Final and as yet, the club’s directors have refused to confirm that his services will be retained.

Having guided Hearts to a creditable fifth-place league finish and secured Europa League football in the process, it would seem a little strange were Sergio not to remain in charge at Tynecastle, but the club’s current board have moved in mysterious ways in the past and there could yet be a twist in the tale.

In terms of their journey to Hampden Park, the Jambos took the scenic route, requiring replays to see off both SPL rivals St Johnstone and St Mirren in the Fifth Round and Quarter Finals respectively, having earlier scraped a 1-0 win over amateur side Auchinleck Talbot at Tynecastle in Round 4.

Then came a date with Celtic in the last four and a dramatic, controversial victory that will long be savoured by the fans who travelled to Hampden Park to witness it.

Rudi Skacel gave Hearts the lead two minutes after the break, only for Gary Hooper to level for the Bhoys four minutes from time.

Extra-time loomed, but when a shot from Hearts skipper Marius Zaliukas struck the arm of Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley in the box, referee Euan Morris pointed to the spot. The decision prompted uproar among those in green and white, but Beattie held his nerve amidst the tumultuous scenes and calmly fired home to book his side’s place in the Final.

Czech midfielder Skacel will be a key man for the Jambos again on Saturday, looking to add to his impressive haul of 16 goals for the season, while Moroccan trickster Mehdi Taouil is also a potential match-winner if he can produce his best form on the day.

Hearts undoubtedly have the edge in terms of overall quality and will head into the Final off the back of a solid SPL campaign, while Hibs were living on their nerves until as recently as a fortnight ago and would rather draw a veil over their miserable efforts in the league.

Yet this is a one-off Cup Final and a local derby to boot and that undoubtedly muddies the waters significantly.

Outsiders they may be, but Hibs feel that this is the year when their great Cup drought will end and there’s some value to be had in backing them to do just that.

Prediction: Hibernian 2-1 Heart of Midlothian 

Market: Hibernian $3.40, Draw $3.30, Heart of Midlothian $2.10

Luke Nolen rides Manighar to win race 7 Dubai Australian Cup during Super Saturday at Flemington Racecourse on 10 March 2012.

He was the form stayer of the Melbourne and Sydney autumn carnivals but can Manighar continue in the same vein in Brisbane? That’s the question heading into Saturday’s Group One Doomben Cup (2000m).

The import is the $2.50 favourite with Sportingbet and on current form and class is the clear pick. He has claimed three Group One weight-for-age races at his past four starts and it took the brilliant More Joyous to end that winning run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. But how often can you go to the well?

Manighar kicked off his current campaign in February and he has raced six times in two states, four times at the top level. He has never had more than four runs in a campaign so these are uncharted waters. But he is trained by Peter Moody. The captain of the Black Caviar ship is a wonderful horseman and that in itself must be respected.

Moody will also saddle up $6.00 third elect Lights Of Heaven. The early favourite for the Caulfield Cup last spring, Lights Of Heaven didn’t quite hit the mark in Melbourne. But she is well up to winter carnival grade and proved that with her fine second to Shez Sinsational in the Hollindale Stakes.

The Gold Coast feature looks like being a key pointer to Saturday’s race. The first five across the line are the next five horses in Doomben Cup betting behind Manighar – Shez Sinsational ($5.00), Lights Of Heaven ($6.00), Mawingo ($8.00), Foreteller ($11) and Scenic Shot ($15).

Scenic Shot has won the past two runnings but surely he can’t do it again against this field. The support races at Doomben also look strong and there should be some value for punters. Thankgodyou’rehere heads entries for the BRC Sprint while the first four fillies in Queensland Oaks markets are nominated for the Doomben Roses. And don’t forget about the big meeting at Scone on Saturday.

We will have them all covered at www.sportingbet.com.au.

Here is my NRL Round 11 preview and it’s always a difficult time for clubs with players on Origin duty. Anyway I’m here to find the punters a winner or two, so here we go!

Friday 7:45pm (AEST) Wests Tigers $1.81 v New Zealand Warriors $2 – Leichhardt Oval

This is the one match of the round that is least affected by State Of Origin with Tigers skipper Robbie Farah the only player on Origin duty.

The Tigers are coming off the bye and love playing at Leichhardt Oval. They have strung three wins together and will be looking to keep their momentum going with a victory over the Warriors.

The Warriors are always a difficult side to predict on the road. Travelling to Leichhardt will be no easy task but will fancy their chances of taking the Tigers on courtesy of their big forward pack.

Think the Tigers can lift and win a tight one at home.

Saturday 7:30pm (AEST) North Queensland Cowboys $1.60 v Penrith Panthers $2.35 – Dairy Farmers Stadium

The Cowboys depth will be tested during the Origin Period with four players missing including Jonathan Thurston.

The Panthers will be without arguably their best player in Luke Lewis, while Michael Jennings has won a sky blue jersey playing for the Windsor Wolves.

The question mark is how Cowboys halves pairing Michael Morgan and Ray Thompson will cover for JT?

Should be another close one like the Friday night match and for that reason will stick with the home side.

Sunday 2pm (AEST) Manly Sea Eagles $1.50 v Sydney Roosters $2.60 – Brookvale Oval

The Sea Eagles are another side that could do it tough during the Origin period with four players missing including the Stewart brothers, Jamie Buhrer and Tony Williams.

The Roosters will be without Mitchell Pearce on Origin duty with Daniel Mortimer filling the void.

Kieran Foran has been named to return from injury for the Sea Eagles in a boost to their chances.

The Roosters have the more settled line up so I’ll take them to cause the upset at Brooky.

Sunday 3pm (AEST) St George Illawarra Dragons $1.85 v South Sydney Rabbitohs $1.95 – Win Jubilee Oval

The Dragons suffered a disappointing loss to the Panthers last week, while the Rabbitohs are coming off the bye.

Both sides have players involved with Origin but with no disrespect to the Dragons, the Rabbitohs will be missing Greg Inglis and David Taylor which are major losses for Souths.

The Dragons are without Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin so it will give an opportunity to some of their young forwards to impress.

I’m expecting the Dragons to win this one after their performance against the Panthers and with the absence of the Rabbitohs two strike weapons as already mentioned.

Monday 7pm (AEST) Canterbury Bulldogs $1.48 v Cronulla Sharks $2.65 – ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs will be missing centre Josh Morris, while the Sharks are going to do it tough without skipper Paul Gallen and Todd Carney.

The Sharks proved that they can win without Gallen with an impressive win against the Storm last week but how will they perform without Carney?

The Bulldogs were disappointing against the Titans and will be fired up for this clash.

The bounce back factor and the Sharks missing their two key players is a concern. In a tough week for tipping I’m going to make the Bulldogs my best bet.

Best Bet – Bulldogs

NRL Premiership Market

Melbourne Storm $3.25

Brisbane Broncos $7

Manly Sea Eagles $7

New Zealand Warriors $11

North Queensland Cowboys $13

Wests Tigers $13

Sportingbet’s Brendan Curran spoke to Will “Wild Will” Tomlinson ahead of his World IBO Super Featherweight title defence against Daniel Ruiz in Melbourne on Friday night.

Brendan Curran – It’s your first title defence as IBO Super Featherweight World Champion. How are you feeling ahead of the fight with Daniel Ruiz on Friday night?

Will Tomlinson – I’m feeling good mate. Everything is on track, the preparation has been really good, I’m fit, my weight’s real good and I’m just looking forward to getting into the ring on Friday night and doing the job.

BC- They’re expecting a sell out crowd at Melbourne Pavilion, that must give you a lift to fight in front of such a big crowd and also a home crowd as well?

WT- The show sold out maybe three or four weeks ago so that was a massive pat on the back for me to know that I have that support out there and that many people will actually want to come and watch me fight, so I plan on not disappointing the crowd and putting on a great show for them.

BC- You won the title last year over 12 rounds against the Mexican Alan Herrera. Does it give you an advantage having that experience and a tough fight coming into this title defence?

WT- Yeah that last fight against Alan Herrera when I won the title taught me a lot about myself. It taught me that when times get tough or I find myself in a sticky situation, I know how hard I can actually dig to claw my way out of that and I’ll definitely carry that into the next fight on Friday night.

BC- What about fighting another Mexican? Does that help or do the guys have different styles?

WT- I guess because that both my last opponents have been Mexican it does but I’m not reading too much into it. At the end of the day, he’s got two arms, a head and a body. He’s going to come swinging and it doesn’t matter if he’s from Mexico, America, Japan or the Moon. He’s going to come and try to beat me, he’s going to try and take my title. I don’t care who is in front of me, I’ll hold the fort and not let anyone get it.

BC- Ruiz has fought only once out of Mexico and lost in Canada. The fight being in Australia has to give you an advantage?

WT- It’s always good if you can fight in your backyard which I’m lucky enough to be doing most of the time. That fight where Daniel Ruiz did travel to Canada, I know it says he lost but I watched the fight myself and in my opinion he probably did enough to win that fight. He fought a very good fight and I think maybe the Canadian boy Logan McGuinness got the hometown decision. That doesn’t ease my mind at all knowing that he hasn’t travelled because I know even though he’s travelling , he’s going to come to fight, he’s going to come to win and he’s a young dude that has nothing to lose and when you’ve got nothing to lose that makes you a very, very dangerous fighter. I’m going to be on my A-game and whatever he brings I’ll be ready for it.

BC- In the lead up to the fight you’ve done some promotional work and the fight is televised on Fox Sports. You must be happy that you’re headlining and it’s going to be telecast around the country?

WT- It’s been great the last few weeks, we’ve got lots of media attention leading into the fight. I’m starting to get that attention that I’ve been craving for. You know, being undercard to Danny Green and other televised events but finally I’m getting my opportunity to headline a televised event and show Australia what I’m all about and not just Australia but worldwide boxing fans what I’m about and what I can do. I’m just looking forward to getting in there and me and Daniel Ruiz putting on a great fight for the crowd and hopefully everyone enjoys it, starts following me and I can eventually turn into a mainstream pay per view fighter.

BC- What can all the fans ringside and those tuning in on TV expect from the fight?

WT- I’m expecting a great fight mate, I always come to fight and I’m assuming Daniel Ruiz is going to come to fight. I’ve watched lots of footage of him over the last few weeks. I’m a good judge of boxing, I know what two styles will make a good fight and I’m pretty sure my style and his style will make a really good fight. He’s a very effective fighter, he’s going to be there to hit and not that I should be but I’ll probably be there to be hit as well so it’s going to be a good fight.

BC- Thanks Will, appreciate your time and good luck.

WT- No problems at all.

You can follow Wild Will Tomlinson on Twitter and show him your support @WillTomlinsonAU

Chelsea captain John Terry may have helped his team win the FA Cup Final but he'll be missing when the Blues take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final.

John Terry, Chelsea’s inspirational leader. Branislav Ivanovic, his fellow rock in defence. Ramires, arguably their best player this season. And Raul Meireles, a dangerous, versatile option in midfield.

Put a line through all of them.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo will be without the foursome as the Blues vie for their first ever Champions League title Sunday morning (Aussie time) against Bayern Munich. Suspension for thoughtless indiscipline in the semi-final against Barcelona has cost them all. Rash challenges, dissent – it was avoidable and inexcusable stuff. And the loss of the key group, along with Bayern having the luxury of playing the final at their own Allianz Arena, explains why the Londoners are clear outsiders at $2.65 to win.

Making matters worse, defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill are in a race to be fit, meaning Di Matteo could be forced to field a makeshift defence.

Bayern ($1.46) have their own problems. The Germans will be without three players through suspension – defenders David Alaba and Holger Badstuber, and defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo. The absence of Alaba is the biggest blow. The 19-year-old left-back has been a key figure this season, drawing interest from Barca along the way.

Still, Chelsea’s issues are more crippling, especially looking at the attacking weapons of their opposition: Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Mario Gomez are three of the more dangerous players on the planet. Then they’ve got the architect, Bastian Schweinsteiger, in midfield, and one of the best left-backs in the game in Philipp Lahm.

The fact Bayern is at home is huge, too. They haven’t lost there since November and won every match at home this Champions League campaign.

Only three other European Cup/Champions League finals have featured a team playing at home, and twice the hosts came out on top – Real Madrid in 1957 and Inter Milan in 1965. The third host was Roma in 1984 and they lost to Liverpool on penalties after it ended 1-1 after extra time.

Perhaps penalties will be Chelsea’s best hope, too.

BTC Cup tip – Woorim – Looks to be a stack of speed on here and he will be flying at them late and might not have to get right to back from the gate.

Best Bet –Rosehill Race 3 No 1 – Didntcostalot – Forgive run on heavy track last start and should get ideal run from gate here

Best value – Doomben Race 5 No 2 – Ironstein – Up to 2000m now which will suit and this is a pretty moderate field.

Risk –Doomben Race 7 No 13  – Buffering  – Drawn awkwardly especially with other speed out wide and won’t get an easy time of it.

Best backed runner – Adelaide Race 4 No 5 – Crimson Lady – Been backed from $4.00 to $3.70 after catching the eye over 2000m last start

English Premier League

Everton v Newcastle United

Goodison Park

Sunday 13^th May 2012

While the vast majority of the media attention will inevitably be focused upon the title-deciding events unfolding in Manchester and Sunderland, the battle for fourth place will also go right down to the wire and Newcastle United remain very much in the mix.

Should the Magpies manage to pick up three points at Everton and either Spurs or Arsenal fail to do likewise in their respective games against Fulham and West Brom, the men from the north-east will be playing Champions League football next season.

And what an achievement that would be on the part of manager Alan Pardew who has enjoyed nowhere near the budget allocated to either Harry Redknapp or Arsene Wenger and yet has assembled a side that came flying out of the blocks at the start of the season and has not looked back since.

The likes of Yohan Cabaye, Cheik Tiote, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse have proved to be magnificent bargain buys, Tim Krul has been outstanding in goal and unsung heroes such as Ryan Taylor, Danny Simpson and Mike Williamson have all played key roles in what has been a season to remember for the St James’ Park, or Sports Direct Arena if you prefer, faithful.

Unbeaten until early November, the Tyneside club did come a little unstuck over Christmas, but those who predicted that they would come down with the decorations were proved totally wrong as they swiftly roared back into form and they will head to Goodison Park on Sunday searching for an eighth win in ten games.

Pardew’s side threatened to poop Manchester City’s party for a large chunk of last week’s clash with the champions-elect, before eventually succumbing, but they did not appear to pick up any fresh injuries in that 2-0 home reverse.

Pardew has confirmed that Danny Simpson won’t feature on Sunday as he continues to nurse the ankle injury he picked up against Wigan, meaning James Perch will again deputise in the back four.

Everton, meanwhile, can also reflect on a reasonably successful season irrespective of whether they end it on a winning note.

Continuing what has become a set pattern in recent years, their financial limitations prevented the Toffees from doing much in the way of squad strengthening over the summer and they then made another awful start to the campaign before duly rallying, finding some form and ultimately earning a very creditable top ten finish.

They also managed to reach the FA Cup Semi-Finals along the way and the big question on the blue side of Merseyside in the coming weeks will be whether manager David Moyes decides that after more than ten years at the helm, he has taken the club as far as he can.

Yet even if the Scot is looking to leave, it’s hard to see exactly where he might go.

He has been touted as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Old Trafford, but his fellow-countryman seems very unlikely to retire this year, especially if City pip United to the title and he was also strongly linked with a move to Tottenham, but with Harry Redknapp now missing out on the England job, that door seems to have been shut as well.

And those suggesting that he could make the short trip across Stanley Park to Anfield should Kenny Dalglish get dumped by the Reds in the near future will surely be dismissed by both sets of fans as mere mischief-makers.

So as it stands, Moyes may well stay put and will presumably be a little disappointed that the season is ending given that his charges have lost only twice in the league since early January.

That impressive run of form has coincided with the arrival of Nikica Jelavic from Rangers who has already helped himself to ten goals and should he replicate that form with Croatia at next month’s European Championships, may well be linked with a big-money exit from GoodisonPark.

Steven Pienaar has also been in sensational form since returning from Spurs on loan and the Toffees will surely make bringing the South African midfielder back on a permanent basis one of their main priorities in the off-season.

In terms of Sunday’s season finale, Phil Neville is again set to miss out due to a hamstring strain and Denis Stracqualursi may be preferred to James McFadden after an impressive cameo off the bench on last week’s 0-0 draw at Wolves.

Newcastle may have prevailed when the two sides met on Tyneside back in November, but they have only picked up three points once in their last nine trips to Goodison and the Toffees have lost just twice at home since the turn of the year.

The home side certainly won’t be lacking in motivation as they know that a victory would ensure a seventh-placed finish above Liverpool and they have it in them to foil Newcastle’s Champions League dreams by claiming a point.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 Newcastle United

Market: Everton $2.25, Draw $3.50, Newcastle United $3

Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers

Etihad Stadium

Sunday 13^th May 2012

44 years have elapsed since Manchester City were last crowned the kings of English football.

Since then, 24 managers have come and gone, the men in sky blue have slipped down as far as League One, frequently teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, endured false dawn after false dawn and all the while had their faces repeatedly rubbed in it by their all-conquering rivals from across the city.

So regardless of the rights and wrongs concerning the virtually unlimited resources now provided by City’s Middle Eastern owners, it’s hard not to be glad for their long-suffering and superbly loyal supporters as they stand on the edge of glory.

But they do still have to seal the deal and City fans would be well advised not to dismiss Sunday’s visitors Queens Park Rangers as mere bit-part extras in an all-singing, all-dancing sky blue spectacular.

For the West Londoners have a massive incentive themselves, knowing that if Bolton win at Stoke and they fail to claim a point at the Etihad, they will be making an immediate return to the Championship.

There were wild scenes of celebration at Loftus Road last weekend as substitute  Djibril Cisse popped up to grab a late winner against Stoke, but the same fans who jubilantly poured onto the pitch at the final whistle will head north on Sunday knowing that another ninety minutes of unbearable tension is in store.

The presence of Mark Hughes in the visitors’ dug-out will of course add an intriguing sub-plot to what is already shaping up to be dramatic afternoon.

The Welshman, of course, was famously enraged by the way Roberto Mancini succeeded him in the City hot-seat, claiming that the Italian broke the unspoken code of managerial conduct by shamelessly touting himself for the job and openly meeting with the club’s owners while Hughes was still in charge.

Then there are Hughes’ intrinsic links to Manchester United whose fans will be praying that their former favourite can do them the favour of all favours by securing the boilover that would almost certainly lead to the title heading, yet again, to the red side of the city.

The stats, however, suggest that the R’s chances of securing their own safety and dealing City the most savage of blows in the process, are slim to none.

Mancini’s men have been nothing short of formidable at home this term, winning seventeen of their eighteen league games, scoring 52 goals and conceding just ten in the process.

Rangers, meanwhile, have picked up only eleven points away fromLoftus Road all season, the last of their road victories coming way back in November when they beat Stoke 3-2.

They have also slipped into a curiously regular pattern of results dating back to their defeat at Bolton in early March, since when they have won every home game and lost each subsequent away game right up until last week’s victory over Stoke.

Another defeat on Sunday would maintain this solidly consistent level of inconsistency and could well condemn Hughes’ men to the drop.

In terms of team news for the visitors, midfielder Diakite Samba should make the travelling part after shaking off the effects of a virus and Hughes may well opt to take a more defensive approach than he did against Stoke, with Jamie Mackie possibly dropping down to the bench.

As for the hosts, it’s hard to imagine that Mancini will opt to tinker with the side that turned in such a polished and professional performance at Newcastle last time out.

That triumph in the north-east was City’s fifth on the bounce and again they appeared to come through the game without picking up any major injuries.

Mario Balotelli didn’t even make the bench at the Sports Direct Arena and it will be interesting to see if the eccentric Italian is included this weekend, with speculation growing in the north-west that his City days could be coming to an end.

Yaya Toure will look to continue his stunning run of late-season form, as will Gareth Barry as he aims to lock down a place in England’s European Championship squad, while Carlos Tevez will also be keen to end a fraught campaign on a high note.

Rangers did give the league leaders an almighty scare back in November when the visitors eventually scrambled to a 3-2 win at Loftus Road and indeed have not lost in their last three trips to City.

All of those games took place in the late 90s, however, when the hosts were a very different animal and while there may be some tension around Etihad Stadium during the early exchanges, Mancini’s men will ultimately get the job done.

And Rangers will be left sweating on news from the Potteries to determine whether they can join in with what should be a party to remember.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Queens Park Rangers

Market: Manchester City $1.12, Draw $8.50, Queens Park Rangers $17

Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers

Britannia Stadium

Sunday 13^th May 2012

It was almost possible to taste the tension at the Reebok Stadium last weekend as Bolton Wanderers squandered a two goal lead against West Brom to strike a blow to their survival hopes that could ultimately prove fatal.

That result left Owen Coyle’s men knowing that they must pick up three points at the expense of Stoke City on Sunday and hope that QPR fail to secure anything from their daunting trip to Manchester City.

It may not be an ideal situation for the Trotters to find themselves in, but given that the chances of QPR shocking City are minimal, they at least know that if they hold up their end of the bargain, there’s every chance they will be enjoying top flight football again next term.

In fairness, Coyle’s men played well against West Brom until the nerves kicked in and seemed to paralyse them and having won more games on the road this term than they have at home, travelling to the Britannia shouldn’t faze them too much.

The visitors can also take at least some heart from the fact that they produced arguably their best performance of the season against the Potters back in November, trouncing them 5-0 at the Reebok.

They will be up against a Stoke side who looked a touch jaded at QPR last time out and little wonder given that Tony Pulis’ men have already played more than 50 games in all competitions, starting way back in late July.

Having won just one of their last eleven outings, the hosts are clearly ready for a little bit of r and r and it will be interesting to see if they can lift themselves sufficiently to down what will be a frenziedly-motivated Bolton side and sign off in front of their home fans on a winning note.

Pulis will retain Thomas Sorensen in goal ahead of Asmir Begovic in a bid to assist with the Dane’s preparations for the European Championships, Ryan Shotton may come in for Marc Wilson and Kenwyne Jones could get the nod up front ahead of Cameron Jerome who squandered several gilt-edged chances at Loftus Road last weekend.

And on the injury front, Jermaine Pennant and Salif Diao both remain major doubts.

Wanderers boss Coyle, meanwhile, will have to make at least one change at the back after David Wheater suffered a serious knee ligament injury in the draw withWest Brom.

Zat Knight is set to replace the luckless former Middlesbroughman, while up front, Coyle may be tempted to counter Stoke’s defensive physicality by pairing the abrasive Kevin Davies with the equally combative Ivan Klasnic.

That would mean David Ngog dropping down to the bench, but having scored only four goals all season, the $6 million Frenchman could have few complaints.

Darren Pratley seems unlikely to feature in the squad as he is yet to fully overcome a virus, but one man who is very much on the comeback trail is fellow-midfielder Chung-Yong Lee who made a welcome appearance off the bench last week having missed the entire season through injury.

In fairness to the Lancashire side, they have endured a wretched run of luck with injuries, losing the likes of Lee, Stuart Holden, Tyrone Mears and Fabrice Muamba for long periods of the campaign, as well as having to cover for the absence of defensive talisman Gary Cahill following his January switch to Chelsea.

Coyle is widely expected to retain his post even if Wanderers do slip through the relegation trapdoor and if they survive, he will surely look to dramatically overhaul his under-performing squad during the off-season.

Stoke certainly made QPR work hard for their victory last weekend and will be even more obstinate in front of their own fans, but if the visitors can learn the lessons from their draw with West Brom and keep their nerve, they are capable of securing the victory that should be enough to ensure a return trip to the Britannia next season.

Bolton to edge a tight one.

Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers

Market: Stoke City $2.45, Draw $3.40, Bolton $2.75

Sunderland v Manchester United

Stadium of Light

Sunday 13^th May 2012

Strange as it may sound, should Manchester United fail to retain their Premier League crown this weekend, it might actually benefit the club in the longer term.

Sir Alex Ferguson worked wonders to lead a very limited squad to the title last year and deserves plenty of credit for bringing them to the brink of glory again this term.

Yet a second successive league triumph would only serve to paper over the cracks that have been growing ever deeper since the Glazer family took over at Old Trafford.

Yes, the Americans did dig deep to fund the capture of Phil Jones and Ashley Young in particular, but United’s squad needed a more comprehensive overhaul last summer and the extra resources required to do that effectively clearly weren’t forthcoming.

The Red Devils have been crying out for a world class central midfielder for two years and yet none has arrived, forcing Ferguson to drag Paul Scholes out of retirement to ride to the rescue.

The likes of Anderson, Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov need to be shipped out and replaced with younger, hungrier talents who can carry the mantle as Scholes and Ryan Giggs finally fade gloriously from view.

Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling and Jones have the potential to be United stars for years to come, but the support cast needs to be improved and improved quickly if the club’s humiliating European experience earlier this term is not to be repeated on a regular basis.

As it stands, if United do somehow pip City to the title on Sunday, the Glazers will readily claim that the current squad’s success shows that things are ticking along rather nicely as they are, thank you very much.

And with Ferguson seemingly unable or unwilling to rock the boat, it would almost inevitably be a case of same old, same old again next season.

If they finish as runners-up, however, allied to their woeful displays in Europe, the level of concern within the club might just rise enough to prompt the kind of sweeping changes that are surely required if the Red Devils are to compete not only with their nouveau-riche neighbours, but also with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

But first and foremost, Fergie and co must focus their attentions upon Sunday and picking up three points at the expense of a Sunderland side for whom the end of the season cannot come soon enough.

Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill is another man eyeing a squad overhaul having seen his current charges labour to just a solitary victory from their last eleven games.

Fortunately for the Ulsterman, the upsurge in form that immediately followed his arrival at the Stadium of Light ultimately proved enough to steer the Wearsiders away from the danger zone and safely into mid-table, but he is not one to settle for mediocrity and will doubtless be pressing the board for a healthy injection of funds with which to put his mark on what essentially remains a squad assembled by his predecessor, Steve Bruce.

A top class striker is likely to be at the top of O’Neill’s summer shopping list given that eleven-goal leading scorer Nicklas Bendtner is poised to return to Arsenal once his loan spell expires and that the future of record-signing Asamoah Gyan remains very much up in the air following his bizarre mid-season loan move to United Arab Emirates-based club Al-Ain.

Question marks also remain over Connor Wickham who has thus far shown precious little to justify the massively-inflated $13 million fee Steve Bruce paid to bring him to the north-east from Ipswich.

Bendtner is set to regain his starting place for the United game after being replaced by Ji Dong-Won at Fulham last weekend, while in-form winger James McClean should be brimming with confidence having been selected in Ireland’s squad for next month’s European Championship.

Unfortunately for the home side, they are again set to be without long-term absentees Wes Brown, Seb Larsson and Kieran Richardson, while Wickham is also a major doubt due to an ankle injury.

In terms of early team news for United, Chris Smalling will undergo a late fitness test on a groin strain and Wellbeck is similarly battling an ankle injury in time to feature, but central defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans should both be fit and available.

While United fans may have little faith in QPR’s ability to upset the apple cart at Etihad Stadium, they can at least travel to Wearside boosted by the knowledge that their side has established a 16-game unbeaten run against Sunday’s opponents dating back to 2000.

The visitors look nailed-on to beat a Sunderland side that seems to be well and truly on holiday already, but it’s unlikely to be enough for them to retain their crown.

And that could just pave the way for one of the most fascinating and potentially pivotal off-seasons in the club’s long and illustrious history.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-3 Manchester United

Market: Sunderland $7, Draw $4.35, Manchester United $1.44

Buffering finished third behind Black Caviar (pictured) at last year's BTC Cup at Doomben.

If ever a horse deserved a Group One win it is Buffering. This bulldog of a gelding has been giving some cheek in Melbourne during the big spring and autumn sprints with placings behind Black Caviar, Hay List and smart colt Foxwedge.

Back to lesser grade last start he stamped his authority with a seven-length romp at Eagle Farm, cementing his favouritism for Saturday’s BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben. The logical and sentimental fancy, Buffering is a clear $2.70 pick with Sportingbet to claim the first Group One of the Brisbane winter carnival. He finished third in the corresponding race last year behind Black Caviar and Hay List and is undoubtedly a more seasoned and polished campaigner this time.

While the calibre of Saturday’s rivals isn’t as strong they are still worthy. Fellow Queenslander Temple Of Boom ($12) was a resounding winner of the Galaxy during the Sydney carnival and is a formidable opponent on his day.

And what about the interstate raiders? Joe Pride has a double hand in Neeson ($8.50) and Title ($31). Neeson has always promised to win a big race and the BTC Cup might just be it. Title lacks the pizzazz of his stablemate but he is tough and relishes a dogfight.

Filly Sea Siren is the wildcard. She is being kept safe as the $7 second elect and trainer John O’Shea deliberately gave her a light autumn to aim her at the major Brisbane races. Victorian mare Varenna Miss could also be a knockout. The winner of the QTC Cup during the carnival last year, she wasn’t disgraced first-up when fifth to Master Of Design in the Group One TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick. Her second-up form reads well and she offers value at $12.

And who could forget Black Caviar? She will chase win number 21 in the Group One Goodwood Handicap (1200m) in Adelaide on Saturday. She will have a few rivals but does anybody care? The great mare is in a league of her own and will be in a race of her own. Next stop Royal Ascot.

Friday 7pm (AEST) Brisbane Broncos $2.13 v Manly Sea Eagles $1.72 – Suncorp Stadium

This match kicks off the Friday double header at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos will be looking to bounce back after their loss to the Warriors last week, while Manly will want a more convincing effort than what they produced in their victory over the Raiders.

Broncos half-back Peter Wallace will miss the clash with injury while the Sea Eagles are still without five-eighth Kieran Foran.

Should be a tight contest but I’ll stick with the home side.

Friday 8:45pm (AEST) Canterbury Bulldogs $1.27 v Gold Coast Titans $3.75 – Suncorp Stadium

The Bulldogs put the Eels to the sword last week, while the Titans were very unlucky to go down to the Tigers in golden point.

A few of the Bulldogs in Michael Ennis and Josh Morris will be looking for a big performance in their final hit out before the NSW side is picked for Origin 1.

The Titans will be without Scott Prince once again and will rely on young Aiden Sezer who comes up against his former club for the first time.

The Dogs are playing some great football and SHANT be losing this one.

Saturday 5:30pm (AEST) New Zealand Warriors $1.45 v Sydney Roosters $2.75 – Mt Smart Stadum

Both of these sides are coming off impressive last start victories and will want to keep the winning run going.

The Warriors produced a big effort in defeating the Broncos, while the Roosters accounted for the out of sorts Knights.

The Warriors will be without hooker Nathan Friend who broke his jaw last week and amazingly played most of the match with it.

Warriors should be too strong and make it consecutive victories at home.

Saturday 7:30pm (AEST) Newcastle Knights $2.13 v North Queensland Cowboys $1.72 – Hunter Stadium

The Knights were disappointing against the Roosters last week, while the Cowboys signalled their premiership credentials with a convincing win over the Dragons.

The Cowboys are lucky to have Johnathan Thurston available this week after he was on the end of an elbow from the Dragons back-rower Matt Prior.

It’s a huge match for the Knights who really need to find some form but the Cowboys have the likes of Thurston, Tate, Scott, Tamou and Sims all wanting a big performance before Origin sides are selected.

The Cowboys should have too many attacking weapons for the Knights.

Saturday 2pm (AEST) Canberra Raiders $1.50 v Parramatta Eels $2.60 – Canberra Stadium

What else can you say about the Eels that hasn’t already been said?

It’s no secret that they are in terrible form and Coach Kearney is under immense pressure.

The Raiders haven’t been setting the world on fire but put in a big performance in their loss to the Sea Eagles last week.

That form against the Sea Eagles is good enough for a match like this and I’ll be taking the Raiders at the line. They are my best bet of the week so get on!

Sunday 3pm (AEST) Cronulla Sharks $3.35 v Melbourne Storm $1.33 – Toyota Stadium

What an OUTSTANDING match this should be!

The Shire will be the place to be on Sunday with a sell-out crowd expected for this clash.

The Sharks have named skipper Paul Gallen but he must be in some doubt with a knee injury, while the Storm will be at their dangerous best with Slater, Cronk and Smith leading the way.

How do you tip against the Storm? Answer- You don’t!

Take the Storm at the line.

Monday 7pm (AEST) Penrith Panthers $3.65 v St George Illawarra Dragons $1.28 – Centrebet Stadium

The Eels might be in poor form but the Panthers aren’t far behind.

Panthers Coach Ivan Cleary has made his intentions clear by dropping Michael Jennings to NSW Cup side Windsor.

The Dragons will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Cowboys last week.

It’s impossible to pick the Panthers at the moment so I’ll take the Dragons to get the job done.

Best Bet – Raiders at the line

Many Queenslanders have had a good laugh in recent years when New South Wales have named their side.  Without naming and potting any players, there have been has beens, blokes who were never good enough and club favourites getting a run for years.  Without wanting to help the Blues too much, the Queenslanders in the Sportingbet office sat down and picked the side that scared us.  Queenslander Bill Richmond sat down with Sportingbet’s own State of Origin legends, Wally Fullerton-Smith and Darryl Brohman and came up with the following side.

We have gone for all out attack in the line up which is really what the Blues are going to have to do to beat this Queensland side.

1. Jarryd Hayne – He is the one player who petrifies Maroons supporters.  Big game player and probably the only Blue capable of changing the game.
2. Akulia Uate- One of the few guaranteed Blues selections.  Big, strong and fast makes him an obvious threat.
3. Josh Morris – Speed to burn and hitting form at the right time.  Knows how to cross the line.
4. Michael Jennings – Has huge X factor and if fit should be a walk up start.
5. Brett Morris – Has set Origin alight in the past but has pace and is in terrific form.
6. Todd Carney – Been superb for Cronulla and has to be given the chance.
7. Mitchell Pearce – Not really convinced about but there is no one else.
8. Paul Gallen – Built out of granite and probably the only forward Queensland would like to pinch.
9. Robbie Farah – A real toss up but Farah’s kicking game and attacking flair gets him the nod over the steadier Mick Ennis.
10. Michael Weyman – Big and tough is what NSW have missed in the past.  Adds a bit of intimidation factor.
11. Luke Lewis – Superb player built for Origin in both attack and defence.
12. Greg Bird – Tough player who has caused Queensland problems in the past and can cover if required.
13. Glenn Stewart – Has it all, can play big minutes with flair in attack and solid in defence.
14.  Tony Williams – Could have an unbelievable impact off the bench and could rip the fringes apart.
15. Anthony Watmough – Generally when Queenslanders hate someone as much as we hate Watmough, he is doing plenty right for the Blues.
16. Tariq Sims – Has the potential to be Blues answer to Dave Taylor.  Like Williams could turn the game off the bench.
17. James Tamou – Is improved the year and has a future for the Blues even if it should be the Auckland Blues.

Queensland have won six series straight and they always seem to keep out of the spotlight in the lead up to each Origin series. It will be their first Origin series in a long time where Darren Lockyer will not be leading the side. How will the Queenslanders fare without Lockyer?

Desperate New South Welshman Brendan Curran sat down with some of Sportingbet’s fellow New South Welshman in Duncan McRae and Corey Pearson to pick the Queensland side that worries us. There wasn’t many surprises but that’s what happens when you’ve won six straight.

1. Billy Slater: Arguably the best player in the game and in career best form. NSW will have a huge task to limit his impact in the game. NSW fans fear him because of his ability to blow open a match from anywhere on the field.

2. Darius Boyd: Hasn’t been setting the world on fire since his move to the Knights. Will be hoping to rediscover some form in the Origin arena but could also be a target for Carney and Pearce with their kicks.

3. Greg Inglis: GI is in a purple patch since his move to fullback at the Rabbitohs. If Slater wasn’t in the side that’s where he would be playing for the Maroons. Is a dangerous ball runner and is definitely a player the Blues must fear. We sure do!

4. Justin Hodges: Has a habit of always breaking the first tackle and is always a danger when running from dummy-half. Will keep the Blues markers on their toes.

5. Brent Tate: Has had his fair share of injuries over the years but appears to be over them. Like Boyd could be a target for the NSW kickers.

6. Johnathan Thurston: Has the huge task of filling the void left by Darren Lockyer. Thurston is a star in his own right and will be yet another player the Blues must watch and pressure throughout the contest.

7. Cooper Cronk: Will enjoy his chance to start the match and play in his preferred position of half-back. Has been dynamic for the Storm and his combination with Thurston and his Storm teammates is crucial to the Maroons’chances.

8. Matt Scott: Was born to play Origin and loves the tough stuff. The Maroons have a solid front-row rotation but Scott will be the man to lead from the front.

9. Cameron Smith: Along with Thurston and Cronk will have the task of directing the side around the park. Smith will be dangerous from dummy-half and his combination with Storm teammates Cronk and Slater could result in points for the Maroons.

10. Petero Civoniceva: Has recently announced his retirement from the game and for that reason alone the Maroons will want to send him out a winner. One of the great front-rowers of the modern-era.

11. Sam Thaiday: Is the perfect Origin player. Does the hard stuff and doesn’t mind the niggle.

12. Nate Myles: Another crucial member of the Maroons side. Might not do a lot in attack but will make plenty of tackles and everyone knows Origin is won on defence.

13. Ashley Harrison: Like Myles is a worker, will make a million tackles and keep going for the 80 minutes. Just gets the spot ahead of Corey Parker.

14. David Shillington: Will provide plenty of size and impact off the bench to ensure Queensland keep going forward.

15. Ben Hannant: Plays the game hard and like Shillington will ensure the Maroons keep coming at the Blues all night.

16. Dave Taylor: Perfect impact player and the big unit will take plenty of stopping. Will be running wide all night and Carney and Pearce will know their in a game.

17. Daly Cherry-Evans: Will play the utility role that Cronk has played over the Lockyer years. Will get his chance to shine in his preferred half-back position in the future but for now will share the hooking duties.