Stoke City v Sunderland – Latest Odds HERE.
Britannia Stadium
Saturday 4th February 2012.

Martin O’ Neill, it seems, has well and truly rediscovered his managerial magic.
His Sunderland side have been transformed from relegation candidates to top six contenders and the man himself looks as if he’s enjoying every minute of it.
The Black Cats have won seven from eleven in all competitions since the Northern Irishman succeeded Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light and the locals are lapping it up.
Next up for O’Neill’s rejuvenated charges is a trip to Stoke City and having trounced the Potters 4-0 when they met on Wearside back in September, they will not travel to the Britannia lacking in confidence.
New loan arrivals Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos could both feature on Saturday, with the latter’s aerial ability likely to come in handy against a side not shy of slinging high balls into the box.
O’Neill was keen to bolster his defensive options with Titus Bramble and Wes Brown both currently sidelined, but he should have more room for manoeuvre in midfield this week with the abrasive Lee Cattermole set to return to the side having missed last week’s FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough through injury.
James McLean, meanwhile, will be looking to add to his growing reputation with another sparkling display on the wing and striker Frazier Campbell should be full of beans having marked his return from long-term injury by bagging two goals in as many games.
As for the home side, they kept their wallet firmly closed during the transfer window, with boss Tony Pulis not making a single new signing, even on loan.
Several squad players were farmed out on loan, but Pulis, it seems, believes that he already has enough personnel on board to cope with the combined rigours of the Premiership and Europa League campaigns.
Currently a place below Saturday’s opponents in ninth, the Potters have been a bit hit and miss in recent weeks, winning three, drawing three and losing two of their last eight games and have actually won as many times on the road as they have at home so far this season.
Rory Delap may come back into the starting eleven to face Sunderland, but Pulis seems unlikely to make too many other changes to the side that performed reasonably well in their midweek defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
Sunderland have lost on five of their last six visits to the Potteries, but they look a confident and well-organised unit under O’Neill and are a decent bet to complete a league double over one of their closest top ten rivals.
Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Sunderland

Chelsea v Manchester United – Latest Odds HERE.
Stamford Bridge
Sunday 5th February 2012.

With Manchester City slipping up against Everton in midweek, the title race has been blown well and truly wide open and if Manchester United can win at Chelsea on Sunday, we just might be treated to one of the most exciting title run-ins for years.
The Red Devils are now level on points with their noisy neighbours, but with City expected to win at home against Fulham on Saturday, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side know that they cannot afford to slip up at Stamford Bridge.
United were steady if not spectacular during their midweek victory over Stoke and Ferguson will have been delighted to see goalkeeper Ben Amos keep a clean sheet.
The 21-year-old has only previously seen first-team action in the Carling Cup, but with neither David De Gea nor Anders Lindegaard managing to look at all convincing between the posts this season, the man from Macclesfield may well retain the gloves, at least for now.
Rio Ferdinand also featured against the Potters and is expected to back up for the trip to the capital, setting up a potentially awkward meeting with John Terry who earlier this week appeared in court to face the allegations of racist abuse made against him by Rio’s brother Anton.
Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones and Nani are set to be included in the starting eleven after missing the midweek win as Fergie rolls out his big guns for what is a massively significant game.
Ashley Young, however, is set to miss out again, along with Anderson and Tom Cleverley and long-term absentees Michael Owen, Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic.
And what of Chelsea?
The fourth-placed Londoners come into the game a massive twelve points adrift of the reigning champions, with Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal all breathing down their necks in the race for the final Champions League slot.
The transfer window didn’t prompt a frenzy of activity at the Bridge, although Gary Cahill was drafted in from Bolton and winger Kevin de Bruyne arrived for a fee of around $10 million from Belgian side Genk.
20-year-old de Bruyne has been immediately loaned back to his former club and will therefore not come into Andre Villas Boas’ selection calculations any time soon and the same applies to teenage striker Patrick Bamford who was snapped up from Nottingham Forest.
Blues fans could be forgiven for being a little disappointed that there weren’t more comings and goings at the club during January because their side continues to struggle for fluency and has managed to win just four of its last ten games in all competitions.
Villas Boas’ attempted overhaul of the club was always going to take time, but progress has been frustratingly slow so far and the patience of notoriously trigger-happy owner Roman Abramovich will be sorely tested if they do not show significant improvement between now and the end of the season.
Their cause will not be helped this week by the absence of a host of first-team regulars including Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou who remain at the African Cup of Nations and Ashley Cole who is suspended after seeing red in the midweek draw at Swansea.
With Jon Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Ramires and John Terry all facing late fitness tests, Villas Boas will have to give some of his fringe players a run and may also hand a full debut to Cahill who was an unused substitute at Swansea.
United did manage to win in West London in the Champions League last term and have lost just once on their travels all season, but they haven’t enjoyed a victory at the Bridge in a league game since 2002.
Defeat would be a severe blow for either side, so don’t be surprised if they cancel each other out in an entertaining draw.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United

Today’s Latest Odds HERE.

AUSTRALASIA STKS TIP – THAT’S THE ONE – Race 5 TAB No. 5 [Caulfield].
Flying before a minor setback curtailed his spring campaign. Bred to sprint well fresh and the Craig Williams has stuck – a significant pointer.

BEST BET – STAR OF GISELLE – Race 1 TAB No. 3 [Caulfield].
Never fired a shot after getting out of her ground second up but drops in grade here and can bounce back.

BEST VALUE – UNANIMOUSLY – Race 6 TAB No. 6 [Caulfield].
Was back to his best third up and continues to improve. Has strong each way claims.

LAY – BEL SPRINTER – Race 6 TAB No. 1 [Caulfield].
Plenty of ability but gets a good horses weight here for the first time. Likely to be giving some handy types a start around the bend and will need to be at his very best to reel them in.

BEST BACKED – Jimando – Race 4 TAB No. 1 [Caulfield].
Some big bets on the Blue Diamond favourite suggest he’s ready to perform first up.

Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix – Latest Odds HERE.
Hindmarsh Stadium
Friday 3rd February 2012.

Adelaide United did not deserve to lose 3-0 to Perth Glory last time out.
Indeed the South Australians could have been 3-0 up within the first fifteen minutes had Bruce Djite brought his shooting boots with him and the goalposts at Hindmarsh been a coat of paint thinner.
That result, however, has left John Kosmina’s men four points behind sixth-placed Sydney and has turned Friday night’s home clash with Wellington Phoenix into as close to a must-win game as you can get at this stage of the season.
Kosmina criticised his charges’ lack of mental resilience in the aftermath of that Glory defeat and it will be interesting to see how they react against one of the most in-form sides in the competition.
Zenon Caravella looks set to drop to the bench after being replaced before half-time last Sunday, but Dario Vidosic should make the run-on side despite a lack-lustre display against Glory and ongoing speculation that he could be on the brink of securing a move back to Brisbane.
In other transfer news, meanwhile, it now appears unlikely that Carlos Hernandez will be making the move across the border from Melbourne Victory.
The Costa Rican looked all set to become a Red last week, but Victory boss Jim Magilton reportedly wants to keep him at the club and the proposed switch has consequently been shelved.
Defensively the home side continue to struggle and will have to shuffle the pack this week with both Daniel Mullen and Antony Golec away with the Olyroos.
Fortunately for Kosmina, Cassio could make a welcome return to action at left-back and young midfielder Jacob Melling will be full of confidence having recently penned a three-year deal with the club.
The visitors, meanwhile, will head across the Tasman in buoyant mood having won four of their last five games, including two on the road.
Those results have propelled Ricki Herbert’s side up to second on the ladder and the feelgood factor around the Cake Tin has been further boosted by the news that Leo Bertos could be available to face the Reds despite being stretchered off with an ankle injury last weekend.
Should the New Zealand international pass his fitness test, Herbert is expected to stick with the same starting eleven that proved too strong for Heart last time out as Phoenix look to improve upon their previous two meetings with the Reds this term which have ended in a draw and a defeat.
Adelaide surely cannot be as wasteful in front of goal again this week and should have enough about them to at least claim a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Adelaide United 1-1 Wellington Phoenix

Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar – Latest Odds HERE.
Bluetongue Stadium
Saturday 4th February 2012.

Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar meet on Saturday in a re-run of last year’s Grand Final, only this time it is the men from Gosford who will head into the clash as very strong favourites.
Now ten points clear at the top of the table, the minor premiership is surely the Mariners’ to lose and having gone unbeaten since way back in Week 3, Graham Arnold’s men will be confident of downing the Queenslanders who still seem the side most likely to prevent them from securing what would be their first ever A-League title.
Arnold himself has been the subject of much speculation this week, with his success at the Coast reportedly placing him firmly on the radar of both Adelaide and Sydney as well as several clubs in Asia.
Adelaide are said to be keen to bring the former Socceroos boss to Hindmarsh in partnership with current coach John Kosmina who would be moved upstairs to a Director of Football role, while Sydney will surely look to replace Vitezslav Lavicka in the off-season regardless of what happens between now and the end of the current campaign.
Unusually, the Mariners have also been the subject of a transfer story in the last few days, with Hearts striker John Sutton said to be close to completing a move from Tynecastle to Bluetongue.
The brother of former Celtic and Blackburn frontman Chris Sutton, the 28–year-old is an old-fashioned, bustling centre-forward who looks to be an ideal replacement for the departed Matt Simon.
As far as Saturday’s game is concerned, Arnold will have to make several changes to his run-on side with Oliver Bozanic, Mathew Ryan and Mustafa Amini all away with the Olyroos.
Bernie Ibini-Isei will be available as he missed out on Olyroos selection due to the new maximum three players from one club rule and he will be looking for a goal to help celebrate the new two-year deal he signed earlier in the week.
Justin Pasfield and Troy Hearfield may both get the nod to start against the Roar, along with the in-form Adam Kwasnik, but John Hutchinson will miss out through suspension.
As for Brisbane, they were stunned at home by Newcastle last weekend and slipped down to third on the ladder in the process.
While no-one is writing Ange Postecoglou’s side off in terms of retaining their crown, they just seem unable to recapture the consistency they showed last season and in the first part of the current campaign.
And another defeat on Saturday would leave them in serious danger of missing out on a home final.
The Queenslanders are certainly in need of a boost and may well receive one in the near future if reports linking Matt McKay with a loan move back to Suncorp are to be believed.
The former Roar skipper has struggled to make an impact at Rangers and the word in Scotland is that the Glasgow giants will allow him to return and complete the rest of the A-League season.
As it stands, McKay won’t be on board to face the Mariners and neither will Matt Jurman, Rocky Visconte or Mitch Nichols all of whom are away on international duty.
Besart Berisha returns from suspension and the Albanian may well be joined in the starting eleven by both Luke Brattan and James Meyer.
It’s very hard to bet against the Mariners just at the moment, even when they are taking on the reigning champions.
The visitors will probably play most of the football, but the home side should snare the points.
Prediction: Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Brisbane Roar

Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory – Latest Odds HERE.
AAMI Park
Saturday 4th February 2012.

The build-up to the sixth derby between Melbourne Heart and Melbourne Victory has been dominated by the news that Heart boss John van’t Schip will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Dutchman is returning home for personal reasons and Heart have already begun the search for his successor, but it will be interesting to see how the coach’s imminent departure affects the team.
Heart could do without any extra disruption at the moment given that they are desperately struggling to find some form and are in serious danger of sliding out of the top six.
van’t Schip’s side have now gone six games without a win and suffered a further blow earlier this week when it was revealed that key man Matt Thompson has been ruled out for at least a month by a knee injury.
Already without midfield cog Fred, things are starting to look a bit grim for the men in red and white, although Wayne Srhoj is now fit and should slot into central midfield on Saturday alongside the improving Jonatan Germano and new arrival Paul Reid provides another engine-room option.
There is also better news concerning long-term absentees Nick Kalmar, Kamal Ibrahim and Adrian Zahra all of whom should be back in first-team contention before the end of the month.
In terms of international absentees, meanwhile, Jason Hoffman, Aziz Behich and Mate Dugandzic will all miss Saturday’s derby clash.
Victory boss Jim Magilton will also have some reshuffling to do in order to cover the loss of three Olyroos, namely Isaka Cernak, Matthew Foschini and Diogo Ferreira and he may well opt to make several other changes in the wake of his side’s disappointing midweek draw with Gold Coast.
Danny Allsopp could return to test out a youthful Heart defence that is not especially physical and Carlos Hernandez may well join the former Manchester City striker in the run-on side as Victory seek to take advantage of the home side’s weakened midfield.
Three points outside the top six, Victory desperately need to win this game, but would be well advised not to dwell on the two previous meetings with their city rivals this season which produced a 3-2 defeat and a very fortuitous 0-0 draw.
It will almost be possible to smell the desperation at AAMI Park on Saturday and that could well lead to a cagey, ill-tempered encounter.
Heart have enjoyed the better of the derby games to date, but they have been more badly hit by injuries and international call-ups than Victory heading into this one and that might just be enough for the visitors to snatch a vital win.
Prediction: Melbourne Heart 1-2 Melbourne Victory

Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets – Latest Odds HERE.
Sydney Football Stadium
Sunday 5th February 2012.

There will also be more than a hint of desperation in the air when Sydney FC lock horns with Newcastle Jets at the SFS in the only Sunday game of the round.
Both sides are still in with a decent shout of securing finals football, but neither have thus far been able to put together that string of positive results needed to lock down a top six berth.
The Sky Blues have lost three, drawn two and won one of their last six outings, while the Jets’ record over the same period is won two, lost two and drawn two.
Sunday’s visitors were very impressive defensively at Brisbane last weekend and with Jobe Wheelhouse adapting to his unfamiliar striking role like a duck to water, they will fancy their chances of upsetting a Sydney side who have managed just three wins at the SFS all season.
Coach Gary van Egmond does not appear to have any fresh injury concerns heading into the game, although he will be without the services of Ben Kantarovski who has joined the Olyroos exodus.
Kasey Wehrman would be an obvious replacement for the midfielder, but he remains very much on the outer at Ausgrid Stadium and has been strongly linked with a move to Gold Coast United.
In other off-field news, meanwhile, former Jets boss Branko Culina has already thrown his hat into the ring to replace John van’t Schip at Heart for next season.
As for the hosts, they are still clinging to the last finals spot, but would yield that position to the visitors were they to lose on Sunday.
A touch fortunate to escape with a point from their Australia Day trip to Melbourne Victory, the Sky Blues remain a thoroughly unconvincing unit and look set to have to do without marquee man Brett Emerton on Sunday as he is struggling to overcome a hamstring strain picked up in that draw at AAMI Park.
A hamstring injury has also ruled out Terry Antonis, while Dimitri Petratos and last week’s unlikely goal hero Seb Ryall are away with the Olyroos, but Shannon Cole may recover from a hip problem in time to make the matchday squad.
With the pressure steadily growing on home boss Vitezslav Lavicka, he can ill-afford another below-par performance in front of the Cove, although the beleaguered Czech may take some heart from the fact that his side did win at Newcastle back in Week 11.
The ongoing inconsistency of both sides makes this a very difficult game to call and it may therefore be worth backing a low-scoring draw.
Prediction: Sydney FC 1-1 Newcastle Jets

Perth Glory v Gold Coast United – Latest Odds HERE.
nib Stadium
Monday 6th February 2012.

The talk in the west is that Perth Glory could wind up finishing as high as second on the ladder.
And while that still looks a touch optimistic, there is no doubt that Ian Ferguson’s men are one of the form sides of the competition right now and will be installed as very warm favourites to account for rock-bottom Gold Coast United at nib Stadium on Monday.
The hosts are targeting a new club record of eight A-League games unbeaten and with their injury crisis finally starting to ease, look poised to finish the final furlong of the regular season at a gallop.
Experienced duo Travis Dodd and Dean Heffernan are both expected to return from injury this week, with Josh Mitchell also close to making a full recovery from his knee problem and even Scott Neville is likely to come back into the selection frame before the end of the month despite undergoing knee surgery late last year.
The only fresh injury problem for the men in purple concerns the luckless Evan Berger who picked up another hamstring strain in last week’s 3-0 win at Adelaide and will be out for at least a fortnight.
And Glory are probably the A-League side least affected by Olyroos call-ups as their only loss is striker Adam Taggart who has barely even featured on the bench so far this season.
Gold Coast, meanwhile, showed great resolve to snatch a late point at the expense of Melbourne Victory in midweek, but they remain five points adrift at the foot of the table and have now lost the services of one of their stand-out performers this season, Paul Beekmans.
The Dutchman has had his contract terminated on compassionate grounds so that he can return to his homeland and the Queenslanders will sorely miss his calming influence and experience in that holding midfield role.
They also have concerns over young star James Brown who is regarded as a major doubt for Monday after limping from the fray in midweek with an ankle injury. Brown’s future on the glitter strip remains in serious doubt with his contract due to expire at the end of the season and both Sydney and Newcastle said to be keen to persuade him to jump ship.
On a brighter note for the visitors, Maceo Rigters appeared to come through the Victory game unscathed after returning from an ankle problem and wily frontman Joel Porter should return to competitive action within the next two weeks.
Glory enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory when Gold Coast last headed west back in early December and they look a great chance to repeat that feat here with something to spare.
Prediction: Perth Glory 3-1 Gold Coast United

Travis Birt - Disappointed in Sydney

Australia v India: 2nd T20, Friday 3/2 –7.35pm (AEDST) at MCG – Latest Odds HERE.

A WORD ON THE FIRST T20:
India’s miserable summer in the land down under continued on Wednesday night when Australia comprehensively thrashed it by 31 runs in front of nearly 60,000 people at ANZ Stadium.

The Aussies was sent in to bat on a dewy night but batted like it was a sunny day on a flat Adelaide Oval pitch. They reached 4-171 at the conclusion of their 20 overs, despite rain delaying the game for a good 20 minutes. Opening wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade announced himself to the Australian public with a breathtaking knock of 72 off 43 balls. He had great support from fellow Victorian David Hussey, who amassed 42 off 30 deliveries and helped his team reach 170 with some crisp hitting late in the innings.

The Indians never really looked a chance during their chase and managed to reach 6-140. Skipper MS Dhoni tried to lift his team with a brave knock of 48 from 43 balls, but the damage had already been done before he had even arrived at the crease. It was Australia’s spin attack of Hussey, Brad Hogg and Xavier Doherty that gave India the most trouble, with each bowler conceding an average of less than six runs per over, while also taking three wickets between them.

KEY PLAYERS:
Travis Birt isn’t the fittest looking batsman going around – but by gosh can he hit a cricket ball. The 30-year-old, who crossed over from Tasmania to Western Australia for the 2011-12 domestic season, earned national T20 selection after a phenomenal Big Bash League campaign for the Hobart Hurricanes. Birt scored 345 runs at an average of 43.13 in his eight games and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most damaging batsmen in the competition. The left-hander suits the T20 format down to a tee, because he hits the ball harder than most and loves clearing the boundary rope. Birt struggled to adapt to the slow ANZ Stadium pitch on Wednesday night, scoring just 17 runs from 21 balls. He will look to rectify that uncharacteristic innings with a solid knock at the MCG on Friday night.

At such a young age, Suresh Raina has already achieved so many great things in international cricket. The 25-year-old has scored a century for India in each format of the game – including T20, with a breathtaking knock of 101 off 60 balls against South Africa in the 2010 ICC World T20 Cup. Raina represents the new age Indian cricketer: an attacking and courageous batsman yet an athletic fielder. The left-handed batsman has been in and out of the Indian Test team in recent years, however there’s no doubting his talent in the shorter forms of the game. In international T20, he averages an impressive 31.42 with the bat. He is also more than handy with the ball, highlighted by his spell of 1-22 on Wednesday night. However Raina will be keen to make amends with the bat this Friday night, after his frustrating innings of 14 from 15 deliveries in the opening match of the series.

PITCH AND CONDITIONS:
The drop-in pitch at the MCG is traditionally a good batting wicket. So if either captain wins the toss, it would be wise for their team to bat first. If Dhoni wins the toss, you would think he would bat first no matter how the pitch looked, after his decision to send the Aussies in on Wednesday night backfired completely. It is also expected to be fine and sunny in Melbourne on Friday, with a forecast maximum of 27 degrees. It should be a perfect night for cricket.

TEAMS:
It’s hard to see the Australian selectors making too many changes to the side that annihilated the Indians on Wednesday night. However the three players who missed out – Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay and Aaron Finch – will be desperate to play a game, especially the latter too because the MCG is their home ground. The three-pronged spin attack worked well on Wednesday night, so it’s hard seeing McKay squeezing into the line-up, unless James Faulkner is dropped after conceding 18 runs from his two overs. Shaun Marsh is likely not to play given his recent form, however local boy Finch could come into the side in place of Birt or Mitch Marsh. Here is how the Australians are likely to line-up:

1. David Warner
2. Matthew Wade (WK)
3. Travis Birt/Aaron Finch
4. David Hussey
5. George Bailey (C)
6. Dan Christian
7. Mitch Marsh
8. James Faulkner/Clint McKay
9. Brett Lee
10. Brad Hogg
11. Xavier Doherty

It seems like it doesn’t matter who the Indian selectors pick at the moment – because their team is going to lose anyway. No doubt there is a good balance in their current T20 side, unfortunately the players aren’t able to execute at the moment. Perhaps the only change that could be made might be in the bowling attack. Praveen Kumar looked rusty after missing a fair chunk of international cricket, conceding 34 runs from his three overs. The Indian selectors can either persist with him for this match or replace him with rising star Umesh Yadav, who showed promising signs in the recent Test series. Here is how the Indians are likely to line-up:

1. Gautam Gambhir
2. Virender Sehwag
3. Virat Kohli
4. Rohit Sharma
5. Suresh Raina
6. MS Dhoni (C/WK)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Ravichandaran Ashwin
9. Rahul Sharma
10. Praveen Kumar/Umesh Yadav
11. Ranganath Vinay Kumar

WHO WINS?
Looking at recent form across all formats of the game, it should be a no-brainer to choose the winner for Friday night’s match. But hopefully the visiting team can finally put up a fight – for the cricket tragic’s sake.

There seems to be such a healthy culture and mood in the Australian team at the moment. Even though there are only two players in the current T20 squad who also played in the Test team, the success seems to have dribbled down. And it’s not helping their opposition’s cause at the moment.

On the flip side, the Indians are rattled – clearly. They are hesitant with the bat, inconsistent with the ball and leaking runs due to occasional misfields. It’s bringing back horrible memories of their poor tour to England during the middle of last year. You can almost hear the cries of ‘not again’ from loyal Indian supporters.

Two of India’s biggest problems with the bat are patience and confidence. And these can be easily rectified on Friday night.

The Indian batsmen should not go for the big shots from the outset. Instead, they should play some boring cricket and work the singles to the Australian fieldsmen in the deep. That way, the scoreboard keeps ticking over, the ball finds the middle of the bat more often and the strike gets rotated. Then, if there are still wickets in hand, put the foot on the accelerator in the final overs. It’s a win-win situation.

However it would be naive to think that alone would win India the game, because at the moment, their opposition is in scintillating touch.

The Aussie side is a specialist T20 side. They have the right balance between bat and ball. Most importantly, they have the drive and the form to win against almost any opposition in the world.

Expect the Aussies to register another convincing victory on Friday night in front of a packed house at the MCG. That means yet another clean swept series.

BEST HEAD-TO-HEAD BET:
Australia to win ($1.55)

HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL MATCH SCORE:
50-74 runs ($2.10)

TOTAL RUN OUTS:
No Run Outs ($3.00)

Latest Odds – HERE.

New Zealand Breakers v Perth Wildcats: Thursday 2/2 – 7.30pm at North Shore Events Centre, Auckland.
First versus second, powerhouse verses powerhouse, Australia against New Zealand – you could not have thought of a better way to kick off Round 18 of the NBL.

New Zealand registered its fourth consecutive victory, as well as its ninth home win this season, last weekend with a thumping victory over Sydney. The Breakers increased their lead at every major change to run out convincing 93-64 winners over the helpless Kings. Gary Wilkinson and Thomas Abercrombie, New Zealand’s two big twin towers, were in ominous form, scoring 18 and 16 points respectively.

Perth asserted its dominance on the NBL with a huge home victory over Townsville, the team that sits one spot below it on the ladder. The Wildcats made the Crocodiles look second rate, eventually running out whopping 87-55 winners. Now that’s a thrashing. The most encouraging sign for the ‘Cats was their ability to spread the load and not rely on just one player. Shawn Redhage top-scored with 16 points, but it was his team’s work on defence that won them the game.

No matter which way you look at it, this is going to be a classic match. But this is also a crucial match for both teams, because a win would give them supreme confidence, especially with the playoffs drawing nearer and the high likelihood these two teams could play in this season’s Grand Final. Both offences and defences ooze class and both teams have been in excellent form over the past month. However the Wildcats’ form has just been that little bit more convincing and they should have the class to close out a tight game.

BEST BET:
Perth by 1-10 ($Odds to come)

Cairns Taipans v Townsville Crocodiles Friday 3/2 – 7.30pm at Cairns Convention Centre.
After recent results, this episode of the North Queensland derby should be an absolute beauty.

It’s not every day that a team sitting in fifth spot on the NBL ladder is held to 49 points for a game. But that’s exactly what happened to Cairns last round. The Taipans had no answer to Gold Coast’s defensive zone, going down 77-49 in what was a scrappy contest at Gold Coast Convention Centre. Only one man – Alex Loughton – managed to register double-figure points. Star scorer Jamar Wilson was restricted to just five points. It definitely wasn’t the Snakes’ night.

Townsville had to play two games last round and came out the other side with mixed emotions. The Crocs kicked off the round with a 10-point win over the 36ers on Wednesday night. Eddie Gill led the way with 17 points, but it was the 10-point, 10-rebound performance of Jacob Holmes that had people labelling him the best young player in the NBL at the moment. However, the Crocs ran into a red-hot Wildcats outfit a few nights later, going down 87-55 in Perth. It was perhaps the reality check Townsville needed as the playoffs approach.

The Taipans currently sit fifth on the NBL ladder while the Crocodiles are third. There may be one team separating them on the ladder, but they both have 10 wins for the season, with the Crocodiles only sitting higher because they have played two less games. The key for the Snakes is to be aggressive at the defensive end of the court – and you get the feeling they will be focused in front of their home fans. Sure Townsville will make it a tight contest, but the big bodies of Cairns under the rim should get the Taipans over the line.

BEST BET:
Cairns by 1-10 ($Odds to come)

Melbourne Tigers v Adelaide 36ers: Friday 3/2 – 7.30pm at State Netball and Hockey Centre.
Two of the most disappointing teams in the NBL this season will try and earn some respect back at The Cage on Friday night.

The demise of Melbourne, one of the proudest clubs in the NBL, is perhaps the biggest story of the season. Pre-season, the Tigers were expected to challenge for the playoffs, especially with star NBA import Patty Mills on board. But since Mills’ departure, plus Ayinde Ubaka’s shock exit, the Tigers have lost nine of their past 12 matches. Their 22-point loss to lowly Wollongong last weekend was perhaps the lowest point of their season. Players do not look like they want to be there. What’s even scarier is that fans are turning their backs on the team as well.

Speaking of demises, Adelaide’s demise over the past two years is a huge concern for the league. The 36ers have been dwindling at the bottom of the NBL ladder for 24 months now, and their form over recent weeks is proof of why, losing their past four consecutive games. They gave a pretty good effort against Townsville last weekend, but fell 10 points short away from home. However the individual performance of Daniel Johnson was to die for as the big man racked up 21 points and 16 rebounds. One word: astonishing.

The difference between these two teams is in attitude. Adelaide always gives its all on the basketball court, but is a little careless with the ball, whereas Melbourne’s attitude is appalling but has a little more class with the ball. No matter which way you look at it though, there’s not much for these two teams to play – for except pride. Give this one to the Tigers, only because they are playing at home.

BEST BET:
Melbourne by 1-10 ($Odds to come)

Gold Coast Blaze v Wollongong Hawks: Saturday 4/2 – 6.30pm at Gold Coast Convention Centre.
These two teams have been in decent form over their past three games, but one team has so much more to play for.

Two words could describe Gold Coast’s performance against Cairns last weekend: clinical and tenacious. The Blaze were tenacious on defence, restricting the Taipans to an incredibly low 49 points. But then they were clinical on offence, scoring 75 points to run out comfortable 26-point winners at home. The Blaze completely out-rebounded the Taipans, leading the count 42-27. Mark Worthington was at his imposing best, top-scoring with 17 points and amassing seven rebounds. When he’s on song, Gold Coast is on song.

It sits on the bottom of the ladder, but Wollongong has certainly not been playing like a bottom-placed side over recent times. The Hawks registered their second win in three games last weekend, thrashing a helpless Melbourne 90-68 at home. Mat Campbell top-scored with 17 points, but Ayinde Ubaka was extremely impressive against his old side with 15 points from just over 21 minutes of game time. The Hawks are no longer easy beats and are playing with plenty of life.

Despite the big difference in ladder positions between these two sides – fourth to ninth – this should be an entertaining contest. The Hawks have been playing with a freedom and confidence reminiscent of Hawks sides of years gone by. It has been really refreshing to see a side play with such joy, despite being on the bottom of the ladder. However the Blaze are in a good position at the moment and playing with an energy that is hard to control if you’re the opposition. Expect Gold Coast to win in a tight contest.

BEST BET:
Gold Coast by 1-10 ($Odds to come)

Townsville Crocodiles v Adelaide 36ers: Sunday 5/2 – 6.30pm at Townsville Entertainment Centre.
Unfortunately the final game of the round between these two teams at complete opposite ends of the ladder is expected to be a blowout. A big blowout.

Townsville will have a day’s rest to fly down from Cairns for this home match. Obviously the Crocodiles will come into the match with much more confidence if they are able to knock over the classy Taipans on Friday night. If they do win, Sunday’s game could get ugly quickly.

You couldn’t have asked for a much tougher round for Adelaide. First the 36ers must travel across the border to take on the out-of-sorts Tigers, but then they must fly up way north for this game against Townsville on Sunday night. Basketball tragics will hope the 36ers can win against Melbourne on Friday night and travel up north with at least some confidence.

However, no matter what happens in the two games on Friday night, it’s very hard to go past Townsville in this game. Clearly the 36ers are hanging out for the end of the season and have little motivation at the moment. Whereas the Crocodiles are aiming for a top-two finish, therefore they have all the motivation in the world. Get ready for a big margin.

BEST BET:
Townsville by 11+ ($Odds to come)

Tom Brady (L) of the New England Patriots congratulates Eli Manning of the New York Giants on November 6, 2011.

Indianapolis isn’t a comfortable place for Tom Brady or Eli Manning. Despite his demigod status in Boston, the fact Monday’s Super Bowl XLVI will be played at the home of the Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, means New England quarterback Brady will be playing in front of a crowd that hates him more than any other.

The Patriots-Indy rivalry has become one of the most famous in the NFL and more Colts fans are expected at the game than Pats. For Giants QB Manning, meanwhile, it means playing in a stadium his older, more highly decorated brother Peyton built. And, with much conjecture about Peyton’s future in Indy, it’s meant being asked more about his four-time league MVP sibling this week than the game itself.

Fortunately, being comfortable isn’t what these two fellas are about. Brady, despite the good looks, model wife and all the rest of it, is a warrior. And although Eli Manning was laughed at when he suggested he, like Brady, was an ‘elite’ quarterback, few will deny he is the toughest and most courageous in the NFL.

Given four of the past five Super Bowl MVPs have been QBs, the smart money is on one of these two to take home the prized award. But which way do you go?

Brady is the favourite, at $2.05, and with his three Super Bowl championships and two previous MVP nods, it’s easy to see why. But it was Manning ($2.40) who was MVP when the Giants and Patriots met in Super Bowl XLII four years ago, as New York pulled off one of the greatest upsets of all time.

It’s certainly worth mentioning, too, that Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz ($11) has been in outstanding touch. Fully fit, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski ($11) is also a contender, but he is carrying a high ankle sprain and his status is still up in the air.

The Pats are favourites again for Monday ($1.74 to the Giants’ $2.15), but Manning’s men were also underdogs against the 15-1 Packers during the playoffs, and accounted for them 37-20 on the way to the big dance. If anyone knows how to handle the underdog tag, it’s this crew.

The Aussie Big Bash side contained a few surprises, none more so than George Bailey being named captain and spinner Brad Hogg being selected at 40 years of age after retiring a few years ago. There are some new faces with veterans Travis Birt, Hogg and Dan Christian recalled, while Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner and Matthew Wade represent generation next. The Aussies are raging favourites after dominating the Test series but Mark Waugh suggests that may not necessarily flow through to the shortest form of the game. Bill Richmond gets his views on the T20 series. – Latest Odds – HERE.

Bill Richmond: Mark, what do you think of the side the Australia selectors have picked for the T20’s
Mark Waugh: There were certainly some surprises with George Bailey the obvious one. I don’t think many people even had him penned in the side let alone as captain and I think you can count that as a shock. I might have preferred to see a younger player like Steve Smith given a chance in the side. There are certainly some positives with some of the form players from the Big Bash such as Travis Birt, Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh given chances.

BR: Who do you think are the main danger men for the each side
MW: Dave Warner is the obvious but I think Travis Birt could be the one to watch. He was close to the best player in the Big Bash and while he hasn’t really proven himself at international level, I think this could be a real breakthrough for him. He is $5.00 in the High Bat market and I think he is certainly the value there. Brett Lee looks the only real strike bowler in the Aussie side and he will be super important to their chances. The Indians may well try to see him off though and James Faulkner looked good in the Big Bash and looks to have the knack of taking wickets, so he may be the value in the most wickets market at $5.00.
For the Indians, I think Virender Sehwag needs to lead from the front. He wasn’t in the best of form in the Test Series but he is well suited to T20 and there will certainly be no concerns about playing his natural game here. I think Praveen Kumar could be the most dangerous of their bowlers to as he moves the ball and could be value in the most wicket market at $4.50.

BR: What is your tip for the Sydney game?
MW: Australia certainly deserve to be favourites but I think they are short enough at $1.57. The ANZ Stadium deck doesn’t offer a lot and doesn’t have the pace and bounce that has worried the Indians so much in the Tests. The outsiders also had a tremendous record in the Big Bash and I think the Indians certainly look the value here at $2.40. The nature of T20 cricket means really only one or two players need to have a hot night to win so I am happy to be on the outsiders especially at $2.40.

Australia v India: 1st T20, Wednesday 1/2 –7.35pm (AEDST) at ANZ Stadium, Sydney – Latest Odds HERE.
RECENT T20 FORM:
With no international T20 World Cup in 2011,both teams have played limited T20 matches in the past 12 months

Australia drew a two-match away series against South Africa away from in October last year. Before that series, the Aussies lost both of their matches to Sri Lanka in August after bowling first in both games.

India only played three T20 matches in 2011 and took a few steps down the ICC rankings. The Indians started well, beating the West Indies in Port of Spain in the only T20 match of their June tour. However they lost both of their matches to England, both home and away, by six wickets.

KEY PLAYERS:
You could probably call David Hussey the perfect T20 player. He is an outstanding batsman, who has scored the most domestic T20 runs of all time. But the 34-year-old is just as effective with the ball and in the field, taking 52 wickets and 95 catches in domestic T20 cricket. Hussey has been able to transfer his flexibility across all disciplines, especially with the bat, to the international stage and was named Australia’s T20 player of the year for the 2010-11 season. The Victorian was in terrific touch for the Melbourne Stars during the recent Big Bash League, amassing 243 runs at an average of 40.5, picking up eight wickets and taking six catches. He was rightly named player of the tournament. Hussey will look to continue his outstanding form at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.

Virat Kohli began his Test series against Australia in poor form, scoring just 43 runs from his four innings. But the 23-year-old’s final four innings proved he is the real deal, amassing 257 runs, including his maiden Test century in Adelaide. The Australians will know Kohli is in tremendous form, but they will also know he made his way into the Indian Test side by becoming an accomplished limited overs player. Kohli averages 31 runs per innings from his 89 T20 domestic matches. He also has an impressive strike rate of 128.33. However Kohli has only played six T20’s for his country and has yet to pass 28 in an innings. With a point to prove and form behind him, don’t be surprised to see the rising star continue his recent form against the Aussies.

PITCH AND CONDITIONS:
History will be made on Wednesday night, because this will be the first ever international cricket match played at ANZ Stadium. And it is fitting that match will be played between two powerhouses of world cricket. However we might not see a full game, with rain and a gloomy maximum of 21 degrees forecast for the day. Therefore it might be wise to bowl first and put the opposition batsmen on the back foot on a drop-in wicket that might have a little moisture underneath the surface. If the rain holds off, it should be a great wicket for batting.

TEAMS:
Cameron White has been dumped as Australia’s T20 captain after a terrible run of form for the Stars during the BBL, scoring 55 runs at an average of 7.85. Stars teammate and Tasmanian George Bailey, who scored only 114 runs at 19 for the Stars, has replaced White as skipper, despite never playing an international match for the Aussies. The in-form David Warner is the vice-captain with Shane Watson still out of action with injury.

But perhaps an even bigger talking point is the selection of 40-year-old Brad Hogg, whose 13 wickets was a huge reason behind the Perth Scorchers’ success in the BBL. Hogg, 41 next week, had been retired from international cricket for three years, but is now keen to stick around for another two to three years. Tasmanian Xavier Doherty is the other frontline spinner in the squad and might also play given the recent success of slow bowling in T20. The out-of-from Shaun Marsh is a proven T20 player and should be given a chance to find form, while brother Mitch is on top of his game and will be fighting it out for a spot with Dan Christian. Here is how the Australians are likely to line-up:

1. David Warner
2. Shaun Marsh/Aaron Finch
3. Travis Birt
4. David Hussey
5. George Bailey (C)
6. Dan Christian/Mitch Marsh
7. Matthew Wade (WK)
8. James Faulkner/Xavier Doherty
9. Brett Lee
10. Brad Hogg
11. Clint McKay

India’s T20 side will look completely different, particularly from a batting viewpoint, to the Test team that recently lost to the Australians 4-0. The experience of Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar will return for the ODI’s, while Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have returned home. In comes Parthiv Patel, Manoj Tiwary, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and returning all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Test bowlers Ravi Ashwin, R Vinay Kumar and Umesh Yadav will also remain in the country and be joined by Ravindra Jadeja and medium-pacer Praveen Kumar, who missed the Test series due to a fractured rib. Here is how the Indians are likely to line-up:

1. Parthiv Patel/Manoj Tiwary
2. Virender Sehwag
3. Virat Kohli
4. Rohit Sharma
5. Suresh Raina
6. MS Dhoni (C/WK)
7. Irfan Pathan
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Ravichandaran Ashwin
10. Praveen Kumar/Umesh Yadav
11. Ranganath Vinay Kumar

WHO WINS?
Australia heads into this two-match T20 series with plenty of momentum following its 4-0 whitewash over the Indians. But this is a youthful, unsullied Indian side that will be keen to leave its mark on Australia.

A big reason behind India’s fall from grace in the Test series was the inconsistency of its experience, top-order. But with most of them to not take part in the T20 series, it gives the likes of Kohli, Patel, Rohit Sharma, Raina and Tiwary, all under the age of 26, a chance to shine. Sharma is definitely one to watch and you won’t miss him with his almost flawless technique that he uses so well in the T20 format.

But the Australian squad is just as different to their Test squad. Travis Birt, one of the most powerful hitters you will ever see, Bailey, Hussey, Mitch Marsh, James Faulkner, Brett Lee and Hogg didn’t play in the Test side but have all been rewarded for their outstanding BBL campaigns.

So whichever way you look at it, both selection panels have picked proper T20 squads that will give them the best chance of winning.

However the big factor that swings favouritism towards the Aussies is the home-ground advantage.

Yes there has never been an international match at ANZ Stadium, but the majority of the Australian team has already played there with either their state team or BBL team. Therefore the Indians will be at a significant disadvantage, because their players wouldn’t have played on a drop-in pitch in those kinds of conditions before.

You just get the feeling the Aussies will be a little more settled than the Indians, who are likely to be a little overawed by the occasion.

BEST HEAD-TO-HEAD BET:
Australia to win ($1.57)

INDIA HIGH BAT:
Virat Kohli ($5.00)

HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL MATCH SCORE:
50-74 runs ($2.00)

Mitchell Marsh of the Scorchers bats during the T20 match between the Sydney Thunder and the Perth Scorchers at ANZ Stadium, January 11, 2012.

After the debacle that was the Australia-India Test series – what to make of the two Twenty20 clashes between the sides?

Recent figures for Australia show no particular correlation between their performance in a Test series and the corresponding T20 clashes. The Aussies split their latest short-form series against South Africa and England while drawing and losing Test series against those countries respectively. Then, as visitors, they dominated Sri Lanka in Tests only to lose the T20s 2-0.

The Big Bash League warm-up may be advantageous for the Aussies but given the sides are split at two-apiece in their only other internationals and the fact this is again just a two-game match-up, Sportingbet’s $2.15 on a drawn series looks on the money.

For value you are going to have look at some other options.

Assuming he makes the final XI, Mitchell Marsh looks to be nicely priced at $11 to top the Australian scorers for the first match in Sydney on Wednesday. Second on the run-scoring ladder in the BBL and fourth on averages – here’s a man up on short-form confidence. And given he’s a more than handy seamer who has claimed the figures of 4-6 in a domestic T20 fixture his $21 for ‘man of the match’ honours looks juicy indeed.

Despite a 99 from his brother Shaun in the same competition, at $4.50 you’d have to be inclined to steer clear given his last six Test innings have seen him average less than 3.

Similarly for the Indians, it’s pretty hard to go past Suresh Raina. In a packed field there’s no outstanding value in him top-scoring for the visitors at $6.50, but for an expansive hitter who’s also a capable tweaker and brilliant fielder, he has the kind of factors that throw him right into ‘man of the match’ contention. And at $15 he’s worth considering.

Sportingbet offers a range of betting options for the match at www.sportingbet.com.au

Liverpool v Manchester United – Latest Odds HEREAnfield
Saturday 28th January 2012.

Just over three months after their league clash that resulted in Luis Suarez receiving an eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra, Liverpool and Manchester United will renew hostilities at Anfield on Saturday with a place in the last 32 of this year’s FA Cup at stake.
And hostilities is the right word as the bitter hatred that has always existed between these two giants of the English game has only deepened since the Uruguayan was suspended despite pleading ignorance and receiving the full backing of his club.
Indeed it is that reaction to Suarez’s ban from the Merseysiders that has left as much of a sour taste in the mouth as the player’s actions themselves.
Manager Kenny Dalglish still insists that his striker was not treated fairly and his continuing defiance will only add fuel to what will be an incendiary atmosphere at Anfield this weekend.
Dalglish’s opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson has pleaded with the travelling United fans to behave, but in the present climate it is nigh on impossible to envisage the game passing off without major controversy either on or off the pitch.
In terms of form, Liverpool were publicly lambasted by their manager in the wake of their dismal defeat at Bolton last weekend, but Dalglish’s uncharacteristic tirade clearly did the players a world of good as they responded by defeating Manchester City in midweek to book a place in next month’s Carling Cup Final.
Record-signing Andy Carroll was left on the bench for that semi-final victory and may well be on pine-warming duties again this weekend, while Lucas is out for the rest of the season and fellow-midfielder Jay Spearing is battling to overcome a hamstring injury in time to make the matchday squad.
United, meanwhile, have also been less than convincing since the turn of the year, although they were quite impressive in last weekend’s vital win over Arsenal, with Antonio Valencia in particular catching the eye.
The Ecuadorian winger looks almost certain to retain his place against the Reds and he could be joined in the starting eleven by Phil Jones who has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from the ankle injury that saw him stretchered off at the Emirates.
Rio Ferdinand, however, may not be fit enough to join the former Blackburn man at the heart of the defence as he is nursing a back problem and fellow-England internationals Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney will also both face late fitness tests after picking up knocks against the Gunners.
The likes of Ashley Young, Nemanja Vidic, Tom Cleverley and Michael Owen all remain sidelined, along with Darren Fletcher, while David de Gea is set for another afternoon on the bench as Anders Lindegaard is likely to retain the gloves after a reasonably secure display last weekend.
United did of course see off neighbours City in the last round and will be defending an impressive FA Cup record against Liverpool that has seen them lose just three of the sixteen ties played.
The two sides met in this competition as recently as last year, at the 3rd Round stage, with United running out 1-0 winners at Old Trafford after Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard saw red in the first-half.
Anfield will be no place for the faint-hearted on or off the field on Saturday and the FA will doubtless be praying both that the game somehow remains controversy-free and that the tie is settled on the day.
They may well be disappointed, however, because there looks to be every chance of a replay being need to separate these two feuding foes.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Queens Park Rangers v Chelsea – Latest Odds HERE.
Loftus Road
Saturday 28th January 2012.

The Fourth Round’s other eye-catching tie will also unfortunately be played out before a backdrop of, in this case, alleged racism.
QPR’s shock league victory over near-neighbours Chelsea back in late October was of course overshadowed by the allegations made by Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand that he had been racially abused by Blues skipper John Terry.
That incident has now become a criminal case that has yet to be heard, meaning that both of the men involved are set to go head to head at Loftus Road again this weekend.
Throw in the fact that Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas was fined for essentially claiming that the referee earned QPR that league win and that new home boss Mark Hughes is a former Chelsea player and what is always a feisty West London affair starts to look even more potentially explosive.
Hughes’ main priority this week, however, has been attempting to bolster his squad and he could have at least one new face to call upon come Saturday in the form of defender Taye Taiwo.
The Nigerian international has arrived on loan from AC Milan until the end of the season and could soon be joined at Loftus Road by fellow-defender Alex if the out-of-favour Brazilian can be lured away from Saturday’s opponents.
Tommy Smith, meanwhile, is pressing for a start after coming off the bench to score in last weekend’s vital league win over Wigan, but Adel Taarabt remains away on international duty as does Armand Traore, Daniel Gabbidon may miss out due to a nagging hip problem and neither Kieron Dyer nor Alejandro Faurlin are expected to feature again this season.
Rangers required a replay to see off League One side MK Dons in the last round, their first win in this competition for an astonishing eleven years and their recent record against Chelsea is not that impressive either, with only one of the last seven meetings between the two clubs going their way.
And what of the visitors?
The Villas-Boas revolution still seems to be struggling to slip into gear with results remaining indifferent and most of the ageing players that the manager is reportedly keen to move off the books still hanging around at Stamford Bridge.
The last eight games in all competitions have yielded four draws, three wins and a defeat for the Blues, with Fernando Torres continuing his embarrassing barren run in front of goal and both Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou away at the African Cup of Nations.
John Obi Mikel could come into the equation for the Cup game, not that that will enthuse too many Chelsea fans and he may well replace Frank Lampard who picked a calf tear in last weekend’s goalless draw at Norwich.
Villas-Boas may be tempted to hand a start to highly-rated Belgian teenager Romelu Lukaku up front and could also rest Petr Cech in order to give back-up ‘keeper Ross Turnbull some more first-team experience.
The hosts do look far more organised and better-structured since Hughes succeeded Neil Warnock, but they still lack a real cutting edge up front against the top sides and that could cost them here.
As long as they can weather the inevitable early storm from Rangers, Chelsea should take the honours and move a step closer to Wembley.
Prediction: QPR 0-2 Chelsea