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ALAN MCINALLY's Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

This weekend’s Euro 2012 qualifiers ensure an interest for us footie punters despite the regular season being over and Saturday’s action sees England and Republic of Ireland involved in two vital ties.

England are first up with Switzerland the visitors to Wembley and nothing but a win will do. Fabio Capello won’t be taking the visitors lightly, but I doubt the Swiss will have caused him to lose much sleep either. The Three Lions completed a straight-forward 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture in Basel in September and Switzerland have since lost to Montenegro and drawn with Bulgaria on the road.

They did manage to beat Wales 4-1 home in between those games but the Welsh are hardly a force to be reckoned with at the moment and it is their only victory in qualifying so far.

England are unbeaten in their four outings and the only blemish on their record is a 0-0 draw with Montenegro in their last competitive match at Wembley.

The hosts have a striker shortage with Wayne Rooney, Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe missing, but Darren Bent is good enough to lead the line. Steven Gerrard is also absent but against these opponents Capello’s men should have more than enough to claim the three points so I’d advise backing them to win by the HT/FT double result. It’s certainly not a game to put off fans of the Asian Handicap either.

Like England, Ireland are joint-top of their group on ten points, although they have played a game more. Giovanni Trapattoni’s men have a real opportunity to reach their first major finals since the 2002 World Cup and will be desperate for a win against Macedonia that would keep up the pressure on Slovakia and Russia.

They beat the Macedonia in Dublin in their last qualifier back in March and have since lifted the inaugural Carling Cup so there will be no issue with confidence in the camp.

However, the Boys in Green couldn’t claim a maximum in either of their previous trips to Skopje –qualifiers for France ’98 and Euro 2000 when they lost and drew respectively.

Trapattoni was also handed an injury scare with Robbie Keane’s groin trouble in training. Whether he will start, finish or even take any part in the game is as yet unknown and his removal would be a problem.

All in all I can see this one finishing level and I’d rather back that than the Irish at short prices in what has the makings of a tricky assignment

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:
England v Switzerland: England HT/FT at 2.03
To view the BETDAQ market for ENGLAND v SWITZERLAND - CLICK HERE

Macedonia v Ireland: Draw at 3.3
To view the BETDAQ market for MACEONIA v IRELAND - CLICK HERE

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ALAN McINALLY's Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

The Champions League and Championship play-off finals are two of the most lucrative matches in club football and with both being played over the bank holiday weekend, we’re in for a fantastic few days.

Both contests are at awesome Wembley, but first up on the double bill is United and Barca – each chasing a fourth European title.

For United to reach Wembley without conceding a single goal away from Old Trafford is a phenomenal achievement. However, Barca are one of the best club sides ever and in their ranks possess some of the world’s best players. Sir Alex Ferguson still has nightmares of the 2009 final in Rome as Xavi and Iniesta gave a perfect demonstration of a carousel, there’s no doubt that much of the preparation has been on how to stop it.

Even if Sir Alex can stifle Barca’s midfield, there is still the problem of Leo Messi.

The little magician has eleven goals in the competition, including that wonder goal against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. The ‘Special One’ tried and failed to keep tabs on Messi and there’s no doubt that he will be a constant threat.

United will have learnt a lot from the one-sided defeat at the Stadio Olimpico and will certainly give Barca a real test, but I do expect the Spaniards to eventually prevail. Pep Guardiola’s side are worth backing at around 2.07.

I’m really looking forward to Reading and Swansea’s game on Monday and it’s going to be very tight as to who will join QPR and Norwich next season. Brendan Rogers’ side have played some fantastic football this year and I feel the pitch size will suit the Swans better.

The Royals haven’t beaten their opponents for the past five contests, but they do have play-off experience and that counts for plenty in a game of this magnitude. Shane Long has scored 21 times for Reading and will offer the main threat up top.

Given that the Swans are so good in possession, I fancy Reading to be doing a lot of chasing and on a big pitch like Wembley that’ll have its effects. Swansea are trading at around 2.68 on the ‘Daq’ which looks a good price for them to shade this one without needing extra time.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:

Barcelona v Manchester United: Back Barca at 2.07
To view the BETDAQ market for BARCELONA v MAN U - CLICK HERE

Reading v Swansea: Back Swansea at 2.68
To view the BETDAQ market for READING v SWANSEA - CLICK HERE

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ALAN MCINALLY's Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

He’s a pal of mine so I’m sorry to have to say this, but I think Alex McLeish is going to need a couple of favours this weekend. Birmingham have got themselves into a tangle at the bottom that they should’ve been nowhere near and they may pay the ultimate price.

After an inconsistent league campaign during the early and middle stages, lifting the Carling Cup should have been the springboard for an improved run in. However, it hasn’t worked out like that: Blues have won just twice since that glorious day at Wembley and Big Eck must feel like he’s banging his head against a brick wall.

I can’t see his outfit getting much change out of Tottenham this week. Spurs came up with the goods at Anfield last weekend and I don’t see them handing fifth back to Liverpool now, no matter what anyone says about the Europa League.

There’s so little to choose between the sides in and around the relegation zone that goal difference may well be required to determine who stays up and who goes down.

Of all the teams still in contention for the drop, Blackpool looked doomed. As much as I’ve enjoyed seeing them in the Prem this term, I think they’ve come to the end of the road. It makes no difference who Fergie plays, I wouldn’t bet anyone’s money on the Tangerines.

Manchester United look a great price for the double result. Ignore all this talk of United playing a weakened side – they have no weakened side! And even if the regulars take a rest then what an opportunity it is for those coming in to stake a claim for a place in the Champions League squad next Saturday.

The Red Devils have dropped just two points at Old Trafford and that is quite some record to defend. Fergie doesn’t give an inch to anyone.

Wigan, on the other hand, really should be fancying their chances of escaping the melee. They sit in 19th at the moment but if there’s any team in the division Roberto Martinez would want to play on Sunday then I’m sure he’d say Stoke.

Obviously that’s no reflection on the Potters – or the marvelous season they’ve had – but where’s the motivation for them here? They’ll still be thinking about the Cup final and the Latics have a great chance to kick them while they are down.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:

Tottenham v Birmingham: Tottenham w/ -1 Asian Handicap at 1.92
To view the BETDAQ market for TOTTENHAM v BIRMINGHAM - CLICK HERE

Man Utd v Blackpool: United HT/FT at 2.49
To view the BETDAQ market for MAN U v BLACKPOOL - CLICK HERE

Stoke v Wigan: Wigan at 2.49
To view the BETDAQ market for STOKE v WIGAN - CLICK HERE

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ALAN MCINALLY's Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

All footballers grow up dream of playing in a Cup final at Wembley and Stoke City and Manchester City’s players will never forget the moment they step out on to the hallowed turf on Saturday afternoon.

However, I firmly believe that the game should come after the season has ended – even if that meant playing it midweek after the Champions League showdown this year. Apart from taking something away from the occasion it also means Tony Pulis and Roberto Mancini – and both their squads – have league games to think about either side of their big day.

Stoke are handicapped with a number of key players not fully fit or unable to play and they could have been repaired if the game hadn’t been shunted forward.

That said, the teams have juggled the twin demands well and the Potters will have a right crack. Obviously, their 5-0 win here against Bolton shows they know how to find the back of the net, but their chances will depend on how well they defend. There’s little doubt who the better footballing side are and I think City’s class will tell in the end with a narrow win.

There’s an absolutely huge game on the following day too when Wigan and West Ham put their Premier League status on the line at the DW Stadium. It is a game that the Irons simply cannot afford to lose, but I’m struggling to make an argument for them claiming the three points.

It looks like they will pay the maximum price for a poor season and I think their relegation will have been rubber stamped by 6pm on Sunday. The Latics can be a match for anyone on their day and they certainly have the weapons to hurt the Hammers.

The big Sky game that day is Arsenal v Aston Villa and I couldn’t tell you which side has had a more demoralising season. Everyone’s seen the way the Gunners have blown one trophy opportunity after another and my old side have been dragged through the ringer too.

This isn’t really a game I’d be looking to get massively involved in before kick-off. I know I’m hardly going out on a limb here, but my antepost tip would be the Gunners – simply for the fact that they need the points more to make sure they don’t let City leapfrog them. The hosts’ recent form hardly inspires confidence, so with them at short prices across the board, it might be an idea wait until kick-off and trade this one in play.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:

Man City v Stoke: Man City to win 2-1 at 9.8
To view the BETDAQ market for MAN CITY v STOKE - CLICK HERE

Wigan v West Ham: Wigan at 2.22
To view the BETDAQ market for WIGAN v WEST HAM - CLICK HERE

Arsenal v Aston Villa: Arsenal at 1.39
To view the BETDAQ market for ARSENAL v ASTON VILLA - CLICK HERE

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ALAN McINALLY'S Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

The Premier League rarely disappoints and this weekend the competition has thrown up a couple of massive matches that will have a huge bearing on the title race and relegation. Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford and at the other end – Wolves and West Brom meet at Molinuex.

Sky Sports have sent me to the Britannia for Arsenal’s trip north and I’m thoroughly looking forward to the contest. The Gunners were fantastic last weekend, but that performance came about a month too late when their season is already over.

Arsene Wenger will be doing all he can to keep the pressure on the sides above and I expect them to have too much for Stoke. Tony Pulis and his players are safe from the drop and will have an FA Cup trip firmly on their minds. Arsenal will be able to dictate the midfield and should win this comfortably.

Mick McCarthy faces his biggest game of the season against the Baggies and not even a point will do here. With the game being at Molinuex it gives Wolves the slight edge, but it will be a tight game. Wolves may just want this more and they can give their chances of survival a big boost with three points.

Manchester United’s defeat at the Emirates has given the next three games a whole new meaning and should Chelsea win on Sunday, they are in the driving seat. However, Sir Alex Ferguson knows that avoiding defeat against the Blues will all but guarantee the 19th title he so desires.

Sir Alex was able to rest plenty of players on Wednesday evening and I expect them all to feature on Sunday. It’s quite inconceivable that Chelsea are even in with a shout given they were 15 points adrift at the start of March.

I’m still not convinced about Chelsea and United have been so impressive at home this year that they should just shade this one. It’ll be worth laying Chelsea at around 3.45 on the ‘Daq’ which also gives us the draw.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:

Stoke v Arsenal: Arsenal at 1.75
To view the BETDAQ market for STOKE v ARSENAL - CLICK HERE

Wolves v West Brom: Wolves at 2.27
To view the BETDAQ market for WOLVES v WEST BROM - CLICK HERE

Manchester United v Chelsea: United at 2.4
To view the BETDAQ market for MAN U v CHELSEA - CLICK HERE

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ALAN MCINALLY'S WEEKEND PREVIEW

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

With the Royal Wedding done and dusted, focus can return to this weekend’s Premier League action.

There are some cracking games over the next few days and Tottenham’s trip to Stamford Bridge should not disappoint. The Blues are flying at the minute, but it still may be too late to wrestle the title from United’s grasp. One thing Carlo Ancelotti can do is crank up the pressure on the league leaders before their trip to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs have a shocking record at the Bridge and I don’t see any other outcome other than a home win here. Harry Redknapp’s sides dropped valuable points to West Brom at home last weekend and they will be punished for any lasp of concentration.

Liverpool and Newcastle have played out some magnificent games down the years, but I don’t expect this one to be another 4-3 thriller. The Magpies are strong at the back, but their main problems are up at the other end.

The transfer of Andy Carroll was a big loss and the former Geordie will relish the opportunity to shine against his boyhood club. Liverpool are undefeated at home since King Kenny returned and I expect them to shade this one.

Manchester United can take a huge step towards an unprecedented 19th league title should they beat the Gunners on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson hates losing and so do his side down the final stretch. The league leaders never know when they’re beat and are a cast iron image of their manager.

The Gunners have lost both encounters with United this year and look all over the shop at the back. Wayne Rooney is on fire and the visitors are a great bet to hand the Gunners a third defeat.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:

Chelsea v Tottenham: Back Chelsea at 1.51
To view the BETDAQ market for CHELSEA v TOTTENHAM - CLICK HERE

Liverpool v Newcastle:  Back Liverpool at 1.51
To view the BETDAQ market for LIVERPOOL v NEWCASTLE - CLICK HERE

Arsenal v Man Utd: Back Man Utd at 3.0
To view the BETDAQ market for ARSENAL v MAN U - CLICK HERE

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ALAN MCINALLY'S WEEKEND PREVIEW

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

Just when you think Arsenal have a chance to get back into the title race once more, they go and blow it. Having seen Manchester United dropped points at St James’ Park, the Gunners had an opportunity to close the gap on the leaders, but only managed to draw against Spurs having held a two goal lead.

United return to Old Trafford for the visit of Everton and they’ll be confident of getting back to winning ways. I felt United were a little unfortunate up on Tyneside last Tuesday and with home advantage they stand a good chance to get the better of a resurgent Everton side.

With the finishing line in sight United will be full of confidence, especially as their home form has been so strong. The hosts have won 15 of their 16 home league fixtures and the Baggies are the only side to have taken a point away from Old Trafford.

David Moyes has got his side playing some terrific football at the minute and I don’t expect United to have a comfortable afternoon. I’m tempted to back Everton on the +1 Asian handicap, which leaves the draw on our side.

Arsenal have been very disappointing in the last couple of matches and I can see them getting turned over at the Reebok this Sunday. Owen Coyle will be expecting a positive response after the humiliating FA Cup defeat to Stoke at Wembley.

The Gunners keep letting themselves down and they look all over the place at the back. Coyle has significantly changed Bolton’s style of play, but they still have plenty of threat from the air. Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander will be licking their lips at the chance to put Arsenal’s backline under pressure.

The wheels look to have come off at Blackpool and I’m worried for them. After an impressive goalless draw against Man Utd, Newcastle make the trip to Bloomfield Road. Blackpool are conceding far too many goals and are slipping down the table at a rate of knots.

Although the Magpies don’t score many, they’ll be buoyed by Tuesday’s result and look a good bet to get an away win.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:
Man Utd v Everton: Back Everton with +1 handicap at 2.09
To view the BETDAQ market for MAN U v EVERTON - CLICK HERE

Bolton v Arsenal:  Back Bolton at 5.0
To view the BETDAQ market for BOLTON v ARSENAL - CLICK HERE

Blackpool v Newcastle: Back Newcastle at 2.48
To view the BETDAQ market for BLACKPOOL v NEWCASTLE - CLICK HERE

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ALAN MCINALLY's Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

Manchester City were given the right runaround at Anfield on Monday night and must buck their ideas up against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final if they are to stand a chance of returning to Wembley next month.

The trouble is, for me, no Carlos Tevez equals no chance. I’ll be amazed if United don’t win this one. They are on a fine run, winning seven on the trot coming in to this, and the treble is massive carrot dangling in front of Sir Alex Ferguson, so there’s no chance of him taking this lightly.

Tevez’s absence will certainly be felt more keenly by City than Wayne Rooney’s suspension for the Red Devils. Sir Alex can bring in the league’s top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov, but what does Roberto Mancini do? He’s got a host of expensive strikers to choose from, but none of them are really doing the business at the moment.

I think United will be joined in the final by Bolton and I’ve got a sneaky feeling about Owen Coyle’s men going all the way, which would mean Scottish managers enjoying a clean sweep of the trophies – Alec McLeish is already polishing the Carling Cup and Fergie’s got one hand on the Premier League title.

We all know what to expect from Stoke and Wanderers can nullify their approach. Gary Cahill is a rock at the back and the football Coyle has his team playing is a cut above the Potters’. It may be close, but I see Bolton doing the business in normal time.

The FA Cup rightly takes centre stage this weekend, and there is a mouth watering game at the Emirates, where Arsenal host Liverpool on Sunday. However, the more meaningful action arguably comes from the lower end of the table. The relegation picture will become a lot clearer by Sunday night, with a lot of the bottom sides playing each other.

Upton Park certainly won’t be for the fainthearted at 3pm on Saturday. Aston Villa travel to east London knowing three points down at West Ham will just about see them safe. Their away record is hardly anything to get excited about, but the pressure will be piled on the hosts by a boisterous Boleyn crowd.

The Hammers have a nightmare run-in so will be desperate to take something, but Villa will be boosted by their Newcastle win and have the class to inflict a damning defeat on the home side.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:
Man City v Man Utd: Man Utd at 2.13
To view the BETDAQ market for MAN C v MAN U - CLICK HERE

Bolton v Stoke: Bolton at 2.6
To view the BETDAQ market for BOLTON v STOKE - CLICK HERE

West Ham v Aston Villa: Villa at 3.3
To view the BETDAQ market for WEST HAM v ASTON VILLA - CLICK HERE

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ALAN McINALLY's Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

I’ve not seen a season this tight in a fair while and there are no signs of anything changing anytime soon. Last weekend threw up a couple a surprise results, which has added to the complexity of the fascinating relegation battle.

At the other end of the table things are looking a little clearer, as Manchester United hold a seven point lead – but Arsenal do have a game in hand. Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased to be back at Old Trafford where they entertain Fulham next.  In-form Wayne Rooney will sit out the first of his two game ban, but I still reckon United will have more than enough to take all three points. The Red Devils’ home record this year has been remarkable and very hard to argue against.

Mark Hughes has done a fantastic job to turn Fulham’s fortunes around and the visitors won’t be a pushover. The manager couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as Bobby Zamora returned to action with a brace last weekend. However, the Cottagers have a dreadful record at Old Trafford and have been beaten in their last 17 games there.

Carlo Ancelotti must find a solution to his striking conundrum. He has a plethora of options, but that’s no good to anyone if they cannot play together. Chelsea will be hurting from Wednesday night’s defeat and they will rightly feel they should have had a late penalty.

The Blues can set themselves up for Tuesday’s Champions League game with a strong performance against rock-bottom Wigan. Wigan picked up a terrific point at home to Spurs last time out, but they are a far poorer side on the road. I fear for Roberto Martinez’s side at Stamford Bridge and I can see Chelsea taking Wednesday’s defeat out on the Latics. This should be won by three or four goals.

Arsenal can maintain some pressure on the league leaders with three points at Bloomfied Road and they look a decent shout to end a run of five games without a victory. I have ultimate respect for Ian Holloway and how he has gone about avoiding the drop this season, they have a tough few weeks ahead and it will be very difficult to change their philosophy now.

Goals have been in short supply for Arsene Wenger’s side and I cannot see them hammering Blackpool. Gunners will be able to control the midfield and create enough chances to just nick this one.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:

Man Utd v Fulham: Back Man Utd at 1.48
To view the BETDAQ market for MAN U v FULHAM - CLICK HERE

Chelsea v Wigan:  Back Chelsea with -2 handicap at 1.88 & back over 2.5 goals at 1.56
To view the BETDAQ market for CHELSEA v WIGAN - CLICK HERE

Blackpool v Arsenal: Back Arsenal at 1.43
To view the BETDAQ market for BLACKPOOL v ARSENAL - CLICK HERE

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ALAN MCINALLY's Weekend Preview

ALAN MCINALLY - Weekend Football Preview

The majority of Premier League sides have just eight games left, so this is the part of the season when results really matter. At both ends of the table there are some cracking battles going on, especially where relegation is concerned. There are three points between bottom-placed Wigan and Blackburn in 13th.

Most of the struggling sides are in action on Saturday, so it’s bound to be another thrilling round of fixtures. One club who remain in trouble, but have turned a corner in recent weeks are Avram Grant’s West Ham. The Hammers looked dead and buried only a few weeks ago, but ever since the unbelievable comeback at the Hawthorns they have been a different side.

Manchester United visit Upton Park next and the Hammers’ run of three consecutive home victories will be under threat. Sir Alex Ferguson is well aware his side have not been good enough on the road this term, failing to win 11 of their 15 away matches.

At Old Trafford against Bolton, United once again showed fantastic resilience as they grabbed a late winner having been down to ten for the final 15 minutes. Still, United’s problems remain away from home and the Hammers have proved a bit of a bogey team for Fergie’s lot of late. I’m therefore looking to back the hosts with the -1 handicap at around 1.59.

Carlo Ancelotti still has hopes of winning the title and they can maintain the pressure on the sides above them with victory at the Britannia. The Blues have the height and strength to deal with the inevitable aerial onslaught from the Potters.

For me the game will be decided in the centre of the park and Chelsea are far superior in that department. The Blues will keep possession and pass their way to three points. After a difficult patch, the champions have the bit between their teeth and will feel they can chase down the league leaders.

Blackburn’s game at the Emirates will be an interesting clash and I can see Arsenal falling further back in the title race. The Gunners will need to be up for a battle, as that’s exactly what Rovers bring to the pitch.

Steve Kean will be disappointed with the club’s league position, but it’s so tight down there that a couple of good results can move you a number of places. The Gunners are under huge amounts of pressure from chasing Chelsea and I just feel that they are due another slip up. I wouldn’t go crazy, but a small punt on the draw looks worthwhile.

Betting on Betdaq – Alan’s Punts:
West Ham v Man Utd: Back West Ham with -1 handicap at 1.59
To view the BETDAQ market for WEST HAM v MAN U - CLICK HERE

Stoke v Chelsea:  Back Chelsea at 1.75
To view the BETDAQ market for STOKE v CHELSEA - CLICK HERE

Arsenal v Blackburn: Back the draw at 6.6
To view the BETDAQ market for ARSENAL v BLACKBURN - CLICK HERE

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