Formbook: horse racing and sports blog

No Nap today due to poor quality of racing

No racing today due to adverse weather conditions.

Liverpool v Chelsea (Saturday: 12.45 Sky Sports 1)

Mourinho and Benitez revive their bitter rivalry, but can the Spaniard finally grab three points over his nemesis in the Premiership? A tight affair is to be expected when you take into account 11 of their last 13 meetings in all domestic competitions have been settled by the solitary goal. No surprise then to see Sporting Index predict a stalemate in this one.

With all the talk of ‘civil war’ in the Chelsea boardroom, it’s easy to forget that the former Porto manager has masterminded five consecutive Premiership wins over Liverpool. The Blues have won only two out of their last five despite the good form of Drogba, and will be looking to Schevchenko for a repeat of his Community Shield strike against the Merseysiders. Whereas the Blues have been jittery of late, the Reds lead the Premiership form chart with only one defeat from 11 and have conceded only one goal during that impressive run. Rafa’s men have been scoring for fun in recent weeks so it’s perhaps a little surprising that Sporting Index predict them to score just the once.

This fixture has often seen the ref reach for his top pocket. Last season saw Reina sent off as well as three yellow cards. This season, Ballack received his marching orders and five others were cautioned. Could it be just as fiery this time around? Sporting Index certainly think so and are predicting 5 bookings at Anfield - although Liverpool have shown a disciplined streak recently and haven’t picked up a single yellow card in their last three Premiership matches!

Arsenal v Man Utd (Sunday: 16.00 Sky Sports 1)

Despite some early worries about the effect a new stadium would have on Arsenal, they have remained unbeaten at their new home throughout the season and Fergie’s men will find it difficult to improve on a decent record in North London where they have not lost in four.

Both sides have been on fire in recent weeks averaging 2.8 goals a game in their last 5 league outings. Therefore Sporting Index’s prediction of just two goals at the Emirates should stir up some interest. If goals don’t make the headlines, Mike Riley probably will. However with Gilberto missing in the middle of the park for the Gunners through suspension, tempers may be a little less frayed than usual. Nevertheless, Sporting Index still predict that 5 bookings players will be cautioned. 

Wengers men triumphed over the Red Devils early on in the season, but it was their first win over their foes in nine meetings. With both sides on such a good run of form, Sporting Index find it hard to see past a stalemate. However Wenger will have to keep his eye on United’s young stars Rooney and Ronaldo who have both grabbed crucial goals against his side in recent seasons.

Hopefully that’s given you something to think about. For all the latest prices and to apply for your Sporting Index account, click here.

Newcastle 2:15 Baffling Secret another well beaten favourite, finishing 15 lenghts behind the winner. WHY?!!!

Folkestone 15:20 Superrollercoaster the 11/8 favourite narrowly lost by A neck from BlackCollar

Todays nap was Ship’s Hill 1:50 Fakenham, well it least it won but at 2/5 early retirement isn’t beckoning.

Todays selection Jungle Jinks 2:20 Wetherby was rubbish pulling up with four to go.

In an exciting close fought race Fearless Foursome 11/4 todays nap at Kelso 3:40 was narrowly beaten into second place by Aztec Prince. Only Joking he finished fourteen lenghts behind!!!

Hereford 1:30, Joaaci ridden by T J Murphy and trained by D Pipe was the easy winner beating its nearest rival Elbow Lane by six lenghts. Winning odds 2/9 !!!

Portland Bill 3/1 won by a short head from Nougat-De-L’Isle in the 1610 Betfred.com Novices Hurdle at Wincanton.