Formbook: horse racing and sports blog

Fulham v West Ham (Saturday 12.45 Sky Sports 2)

Last years meeting was a fiery affair and referee Chris Foy will have to keep a lid on things at the Cottage with Sporting Index predicting 4 bookings in the game. West Ham, still in search of their first away win of the season, travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side who have won their last two home games. With the influential Boa Morte and Diop missing through injury, the Irons will have to keep an eye on McBride. The American has scored in the last two home victories for the Cottagers, including the crucial goal against Middlesbrough on Monday night. New Hammers boss Curbishley will look to continue his side’s recent good record against their West London rivals. They haven’t lost against Fulham in the Premiership since 2002 and were victorious in both encounters between the sides last season, winning by the odd goal in three on both occasions. Veteran Fulham defender Ian Pearce will be looking to keep a clean sheet against his former side, who still haven’t managed a goal away from Upton Park in the league since August. Last weeks victory over league leaders Man Utd may have boosted the Hammers confidence; nevertheless Sporting Index reckon this will end in a stalemate.

Wigan v Chelsea (Saturday 17.15 Prem Plus)

With just one goal in each of the two league meetings between the sides, it is perhaps a little surprising that Sporting Index predict there will be 2 goals at the JJB on Saturday evening. The champions win at Everton last week was there second in a row away from the Bridge, with the outstanding Drogba reaching double figures for the season. The Blues have problems in defence though with influential captain John Terry, who grabbed the winner the last time the two sides met, missing through a back injury. Wigan’s magnificent performance at the JJB against the champions last season will give them some heart, but with two defeats in a row at home firmly at the back of their mind and leading scorer Camera missing up front they face a tough task. The Senegalese front man has six so far this season and so the attacking burden will fall to Heskey who hasn’t scored in two months. Bookings were at a premium last year in this fixture so it’s a bit of a surprise Sporting Index predict that referee Mike Dean will caution 4 players.

West Ham can’t win away and City haven’t won at Old Trafford since 1974. Will this be the weekend where that all changes? With nearly 60 football markets available in-running, why not have a bet that’s a bit different at Sporting Index?

Man Utd v Man City (Saturday 12.45 Prem Plus)

Will the red mist descend on Old Trafford? The last meeting between these two sides resulted in Ronaldo receiving his marching orders for a shocking lunge on Andy Cole. Sporting Index think Graham Poll will have his hands full and predict five bookings. United sit pretty at the top, 11 games unbeaten, with Rooney and Saha chipping in with seven goals a piece. City on the other hand are the Premierships’ Jekyll and Hyde team; unbeatable at home, awful away. A shock 3-1 win at Villa last Wednesday was their first away win of the season. More of a shock to City fans was that they managed to score three in a game! Goals have been hard to come by, failing to score in six of their last nine league games. With that in mind, Sporting Index predict United will come out on top by two clear goals. However, City did take four points from their rivals last season.

Bolton v West Ham (Saturday 17.15pm Prem Plus)

West Ham have no away win in the Premiership and have failed to score on their travels in 10 hours. The Irons are clearly missing the presence of Dean Ashton, with top scorer Zamora not finding the net in three months. Under pressure and woeful against Wigan, Pardew could be in for an awkward evening with Arsenal and Liverpool leaving the Reebok empty handed. The Hammers don’t have a great record there, with no victory in their last six visits in all competitions - the most recent game being a 4-1 defeat in March. That day saw six players cautioned, and Sporting Index predict another intense affair with referee Howard Webb doling out four bookings.

Chelsea v Arsenal (Sunday 16.00pm Sky Sports 1)

The bitter Ashley Cole-Chelsea-Arsenal saga reignites at the Bridge, and it’s sure to set up a tense atmosphere. Alan Wiley will have a busy afternoon according to Sporting Index who reckon he’ll hand out six yellow cards.  Wenger’s men have scored just twice in the last three away trips and have looked lightweight in midfield. With star man Henry out injured, can Van Persie come up with the goods? The Gunners have a monumental task ahead of them with the Blues undefeated at home in the league since Mourinho took over. The champions have won six and drawn one at the Bridge this season, helped in part by the outstanding Drogba. He scored the winner in last season’s corresponding fixture and will be looking to add to his eight goal tally in the league. Arsenal lost at Fulham recently and Sporting Index predict more misery for them in South West London. They reckon Chelsea will win by a one goal margin.

Records are there to be broken, and Spurs and West Ham will hope to do just that this weekend. It’s six years since Spurs won a North London derby and the Hammers haven’t won away from home since May. Will things change this weekend?

Arsenal v Spurs (Saturday: 12.45 PremPlus)

Arsenal will be sick to the back teeth of playing London teams after losing to both West Ham and Fulham recently. However, it’s the North London derby and the Gunners have had the upper hand over the years - they’ve only lost once to their old foes in 22 matches! Spurs will sense blood given Arsenal’s miserable run of one win in six, and the fact they’ve lost just the once in eight games. Despite this, Martin Jol has failed to inspire his troops to win away from home this season, and the Emirates faithful have yet to witness defeat. Sporting Index reckon Wenger’s cries of “having character” and ensuring they “respond” following their defeat at the Cottage will ring true, and predict them to win by a goal. With six bookings at the Lane and Davids receiving his marching orders at Highbury last season, Graham Poll could once more take centre stage. Sporting Index predict he’ll show five yellow cards.

Boro v Man Utd (Saturday: 17.15 PremPlus)

With one win in five, Boro entertain a United side who’ll be searching for their fifth consecutive away win. However, big games seem to suit the Teessiders. They’ve defeated the champions Chelsea, taken a point off Liverpool at the Riverside and Arsenal struggled to break their stubborn resistance, managing only a point against them at the Emirates. Despite only one Premiership win in five against Boro, Sporting Index reckon the Red Devils will continue their stunning form, and predict a one goal victory for Fergie’s men. Southgate on the other hand will point to last season’s performance for motivation where they mauled the league leaders 4-1. Sporting estimate a less frenetic affair than last season which saw 5 bookings and reckon Chris Foy will caution four players - however he only averages two yellow cards per match.

Everton v West Ham (Sunday: 16.00 Sky Sports 1)

Everton are still missing the inspirational duo of Cahill and Johnson and it showed against United. They were lacklustre in their play and toothless up front. That’s been the pattern over the last six games where they’ve only scored twice - an Arteta screamer and a Hermann Hreidarsson own goal against Charlton. Not only have the goals dried up but so have the victories, with one win from six seeing them drop to ninth in the table. West Ham on the other hand are climbing up the table having won three from their last five. However, this is an away game and the Hammers don’t take too kindly to them. With no goals scored away from home in five games and no victories away from Upton Park all season, it’s no surprise to see Sporting Index predict a 0.4 to 0.6 goal victory for the Toffees.

Having received a pasting at Brisbane, England head south to Adelaide, where a flat wicket promises less bounce than the Gabba. Unfortunately for the England bowlers, the Adelaide Oval is a great batting track, helped in no part by a dry winter.

That will have Ponting licking his lips following his destructive exploits in the first Test; and the signs are worrying - he hit 154 back in the second Ashes Test at Adelaide in 2002. He could turn the screw once more on an England side who’ve collapsed four times in two years while trying to avoid defeat. Can they remain patient at the crease and grind out a batting performance? Flintoff, Pietersen and Collingwood tend to swing with the bat needlessly and will have to show some caution. Warne admitted that his Hampshire colleague got the better of him at Brisbane, but he could have the last laugh - he’s the highest wicket-taker at Adelaide.

The Barmy Army certainly won’t want history repeating itself. They were thumped in the second Test in Adelaide back in 2002 by an innings; even though they were 246 for 2 at one stage having won the toss. The Aussies might be missing McGrath, but have the bowling attack to make inroads into England’s top order - but do the tourists? It’s difficult to see Harmison and co. take 20 wickets to level the series, but he could have an impact. His extra net sessions could bring back some of the form of 2002 where he took the wickets of Martyn (who averages 96.50 at Adelaide!) and Gilchrist. Monty is tipped to return, but questions remain over how he’ll handle the occasion. Will he manage to upstage Warne on a pitch that should offer turn as it deteriorates?

We should be in for a result either way with only one draw from the last 15 matches on this ground. There’s been a lot of fighting talk from Freddie, but the baggy greens are favourites unsurprisingly - they’ve won nine of the last 11 Test’s played at the Adelaide Oval!

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Man City v Newcastle (Saturday: 12.45 Sky Sports 1)

This fixture spelt the end of Graeme Souness’ reign when City triumphed 3-0 last season, and with only one Premiership win in ten, it’s difficult to see Newcastle exacting revenge. They’ve struggled to score goals or show any invention up front, which partly explains a solitary one point from 15. Duff is the only spark they can turn to, but will he handle the extra pressure now that Ameobi has joined Owen on the long-term injury list? With Dyer and Martins also on the sidelines, the Magpies will turn to ex-City reject Sibierski to repeat his goalscoring exploits of Tuesday. He’ll have a tough task on his shoulders - Stuart Pearce’s men haven’t conceded a goal at the City of Manchester Stadium all season. Despite losing to Charlton last week, it’s at home where they’ve picked up 11 of their 12 points and are unbeaten. Sporting Index expect them to keep that run going and shade this by 0.3 to 0.5 goals. Man of the moment Graham Poll has averaged nearly five yellow cards this season, but Sporting predict he’ll spare himself the column inches and book four players only.

Blackburn v Man Utd (Saturday: 17.15 PremPlus)

Rovers go into this game on the back of three straight defeats and welcome a red-hot United side gunning for a sixth consecutive Premiership win. Rovers’ woes are in front of goal, scoring just once in the last three league games, whereas United have found the back of the net 12 times in their last four games. They were ruthless away to Bolton, but lowly Southend showed that defeating them isn’t an impossible task. Blackburn will also take confidence from an unbeaten sequence against the Red Devils stretching over five games - including a double last year. Despite that recent good form, Sporting Index reckon Rooney and co. will emerge winners by a one goal margin. Ewood Park witnessed a 4-3 thriller last season, which makes it all the more interesting that Sporting are predicting only three total goals this time around. With Rio seeing red, and five other bookings in the same game, it could be a fiery affair. Mike Riley’s in charge and Sporting Index predict there’ll be six yellow cards.

Arsenal v Liverpool (Sunday: 16.00 Sky Sports 1)

The Gunners lost their seven match unbeaten run at Upton Park, and Arsene Wenger lost his head, although Wednesday nights Carling Cup win at Everton may have calmed him down somewhat. Arsenal’s home form has been indifferent, winning only two out of five at the Emirates. Liverpool on the other hand have the joint worst away record in the league, with just one point and one goal to show from their previous five away games. A scrappy 1-0 victory over Birmingham failed to paper over the goalscoring cracks, and the omens don’t look good with only one win in eight at Arsenal. However Benitez has his team on a run of five wins in all competitions, which has seen three consecutive clean sheets. However, will they be able to shut out Thierry Henry? He’s been their nemesis with six goals in his last eight games. Sissoko would’ve tracked his runs from midfield, but his shoulder injury sees him ruled out. The edge is therefore with the Gunners according to Sporting Index - they predict they’ll record a tight win by 0.3 to 0.5 goals.

Lying first and second respectively but level on points, will Man Utd or Chelsea edge in front this weekend after their away matches? Interested in having a punt that’s a bit different? With nearly 60 football markets available in-running, check out what’s on offer at Sporting Index.

Wigan v Man Utd (Saturday: 12.45 Sky Sports 1)

Wigan lost to the Red Devils on all three occasions they met last season, and their recent run of form suggests Saturday’s result could be similar. They clearly lack the inventive spark offered by Bullard or those thrusting runs from the back made so often by Chimbonda. However, they can take heart from their performance last season where they lost to a last minute own goal as Fergie’s men came from behind to win. England U-21 international Leighton Baines will also be encouraged to shoot when around the box following last week’s thunderbolt against Germany. Sporting Index don’t think he’ll repeat those heroics and have United to win by a goal. Jewell’s team typically challenge for every ball and they’ve had 11 bookings in their last three games. Last season saw eight yellow cards and Sporting’s spread of five cards by Steve Bennett could raise a few eyebrows with the punters.

Reading v Chelsea (Saturday: 17.15 PremPlus)

Having secured an excellent win at West Ham, Reading will fancy their chances against more London opposition. The Royals won’t be overawed by the occasion of facing champions Chelsea given their recent draw against Man Utd. Coppell has assembled a well-drilled outfit that have won three out of their last four. Chelsea are grinding out wins, averaging only 1.5 goals in their last four games. Reading are struggling themselves up front with six goals in six games and it’s hard to see them penetrate The Blues tight defence. With both teams hardly scoring for fun, Sporting Index surprisingly estimate there to be 2.5 to 2.7 total goals. Mourinho has been rescued by Drogba in the Premiership and in Europe in recent weeks. He needs to carry on that form if he’s to help his side to the one goal victory Sporting predict.

Newcastle v Bolton (Sunday: 16.00 Sky Sports 1)

It’s a case of opposite ends of the form table when these two meet on Sunday. Newcastle have one victory from six and Bolton have only one loss in six. Big Sam hasn’t let the recent controversies affect his teams’ rise to third in the table. They dominated Liverpool at the Reebok and looked untroubled at the back. However Sporting predict The Magpies will win this by 0.1 to 0.3 goals despite Bolton not conceding a goal in their last four matches. Newcastle did win 3-1 last season, ending The Wanderer’s run of eight unbeaten games. History could repeat itself especially when you consider Newcastle’s record against Bolton at St James Park - they’ve won six out of seven and drawn the other!

With the Group teams finalised, the biennial ICC Champions Trophy could give an early indication of how teams will fare in next years cricket World Cup. If you’re thinking about having a bet on the ICC Champions Trophy, it’s well worth checking out the spread betting markets on offer at Sporting Index.

Australia start the tournament in promising form following their recent DLF Cup victory in Malaysia. However they’ve never won the ICC, and have failed to progress past the semi-finals. Their bowling could be hit and miss with Brett Lee winning the Man of the Series at the DLF, but McGrath is returning from injury and could be rusty. If the Aussies are bowling first, the searing Indian heat could take its toll on the 36 year old. With these conditions, the baked pitch will offer plenty of support for the batsmen if not the bowlers. Sporting Index predict there are several teams who’ll thrive on typical sub-continent wickets with each match averaging 500 runs.

Hosts India are co-favourites with Australia to progress from Group A, but are weak in the bowling department. Considering that every match is a day-nighter, will their bowlers be able to find true swing under the lights? Their batting line-up will always hold its own with the likes of Dravid, Sehwag and Dhoni plus Tendulkar showing supreme form following his return from injury. However they lack a true strike bowler to trouble the strongest top-orders. Pathan, Singh and Munaf Patel struggled against the West Indies at the DLF, with the Windies racking up 141-2 off just 20 overs before rain stopped play. If the fervent home crowd get on their back early on, they could struggle to make an impact. England are first up for India and by winning their last two one-dayers against Pakistan, Fletcher’s men could spring a surprise. Bell and Collingwood have strengthened the batting, and new additions Yardy, Read and Dalrymple have settled well. Despite Freddie back in the fold, he might be prevented from bowling as he continues his rehabilitation for The Ashes. England will have to ensure they don’t rely too much on his batting to rescue them when the going gets tough. Defending champions West Indies don’t have too much to write about once the top four of Lara, Gayle, Sarwan and Chanderpaul are gone. They lost by 127 runs in the DLF Cup final to Australia and showed just how brittle they can be. They will also want to avoid Group A by beating Sri Lanka on Saturday to join what looks to be the easier Group B.

The controversy engulfing the Pakistani’s could once again be their downfall. On paper, they should be strong favourites as they can bat down to number eight with great pinch-hitters in Afridi, Razzaq and Malik. However Inzy is missing following the Oval debacle, questions remain over Akhtar’s fitness and they’ve yet to find an effective opening pair. As always, it’s a question of which Pakistan team decides to turn up. Their South Asian rivals Sri Lanka are always one to watch in the one day game. They shared the trophy with India in 2002 and won the World Cup in Asia back in 1996. With Murali and the fiery Malinga in their bowling ranks, on top of a strong top-five batting line-up, they could pose problems for either Group A or B. South Africa and New Zealand won the ICC back in 2000 and 2002 but both may find the conditions challenging. Graeme Smith returns after missing much of the year through injury, and too much pressure rests on the shoulders of Kallis. They’ve yet to convince in the sub-continent and drew 2-2 against India last year and lost 5-0 the year before to Sri Lanka. The same could be said for New Zealand who look to paceman Shane Bond for inspiration. However, do they have enough in the batting department that’s so crucial on the flat wickets of India?

How Does the Total Runs Market Work?

Sporting Index are offering a huge range of ICC Champions Trophy markets to bet on, and one of the most popular is Total Tournament Runs for a player.

This market predicts how many runs a player will score during the tournament.

Let’s take Flintoff who is priced at 95 to 110 runs. If you think he will score more than 110 runs, simply bet ‘high’. Alternatively, if you think he will perform poorly, bet ‘low’ at 95.

For example:

a) Will Freddie get more than 110 runs?

OR

b) Will Freddie get less than 95 runs?

Let’s say that you think the Lancashire all-rounder will be blinding with the bat. Therefore you ‘bet high’ and stake £5 per run on the outcome.

Let’s say you’re right, he punishes the opposition bowlers and totals 140 in the tournament. You were betting on him to get more than 110 runs, at £5 per point. You would therefore win (140 - 110) x £5 = 30 x £5 = £150.

However, lacking match practice, he could struggle and make a total of only 90 runs. Because you bet ‘high’ at 110 runs, there is a shortfall of 20 runs (110 minus 90). At a stake of £5 per run, this would result in a loss of (110 - 90) x £5 = 20 x £5 = £100.

All the home nations are in action this weekend, and there are some other interesting ties such as Italy hosting Ukraine and under-pressure Spain travelling to Sweden. If you’re looking for a bet that’s a bit different, have a good look at the football markets at Sporting Index.

England v Macedonia (Saturday: 17:00 BBC 1)

England came away from Skopje with a hard-fought 1-0 win last month but Sporting Index reckon it should be an easier affair this time round. The Three Lions are predicted to win this by 2.5 to 2.7 goals. These two met in England under similar circumstances four years ago, which ended in an embarrassing 2-2 draw. Sporting reckon there’ll be another flurry of goalmouth action, especially with nine goals in the last two matches played at Old Trafford - they have a spread of 3.3 to 3.5 total goals in the match. Former West Brom midfielder Artim Sakiri scored directly from a corner during that match and he could be the Macedonians’ danger man, as well as Lazio playmaker Goran Pandev. Srecko Katenec’s side are renowned for their playacting abilities, which England will need to be wary of. Markus Merk likes to stamp his authority early on in the game and is predicted to show 4 yellow cards.

Scotland v France (Saturday: 17:00 Sky Sports 1)

Scotland and France lock horns for Group B’s top of the table clash, and both have taken maximum points from their opening matches. The Tartan Army surprised many with a fine performance away to Lithuania; Kenny Miller’s 62nd minute goal turned out to be the winner but he’ll miss this one through suspension. Walter Smith has a whole host of injuries which leaves him with an inexperienced team. Raymond Domenech has fitness worries over Saha and Govou, who netted a brace against Italy in their last match. Despite McFadden and Barry Ferguson returning to the side, Sporting Index reckon the World Cup finalists will win by one goal. Although the Scots lost 5-0 to France in their most recent encounter, Sporting don’t envisage a similar goal spree - they predict two to three goals in total this time. The French are feisty opposition and all eyes will be on the midfield tussle between Ferguson and Viera. It could be a busy afternoon for the Swiss referee, and Sporting estimate he’ll caution four players.

Wales v Slovakia (Saturday: 15:00 Sky Sports 1)

On paper, Wales should win this one. Slovakia lost 3-0 at home to the Czech Republic which will give Toshack’s team some comfort given that they were beaten by the Czech’s only by a last minute goal. Although Giggs will miss out for the first time in two years through injury, the creative talents of Koumas will be relied upon. He can make the difference with his superb range of passing which the likes of Bellamy and Earnshaw thrive on. Sporting have them to shade this by 0 to 0.2 goals. Cardiff’s Paul Parry has been in excellent form on the wing this season and he can provide new captain Bellamy with the ammunition he needs. Wales however have struggled for goals, scoring once in their last three international matches. Sporting find it hard to see where the goals could come from and reckon there’ll be 2.2 to 2.4 total goals - though Slovakia did whack six past Cyprus last month!   

Friday sees the 36th Ryder Cup teeing off in Ireland for the very first time. Although European captain Ian Woosnam will be banking on vociferous Irish support, home advantage isn’t necessarily a decisive factor. Over the past 10 Ryder Cups, only five have been won by the home team, four by the visitors and one tied. However the Europeans have amazing strength in depth, with eight of the world’s top 20 in the side as opposed to five for the Americans.

Woosnam, a veteran of eight Ryder Cups as a player, will be counting on individual form to give Europe the edge once more. Henrik Stenson will be looking to repeat the same coolness that won him the recent BMW International Open in Munich. Paul Casey, Robert Karlsson and Monty all impressed at the World Match Play last weekend. Dubliner Padraig Harrington and Olazabal finished in the top 10 over in Madrid. All in all, they’re a team in form.

The Americans on the other hand have been pretty ineffective to say the least. Surprisingly, Woods and Furyk failed to get past the first round at Wentworth. Last week’s 84 Lumber Classic included five of Tom Lehman’s players and there wasn’t much to write home about. Chad Campbell and Verplank struggled and missed the cut by a distance whilst Di Marco, Toms and rookie Wetterich failed to pressure the top of the leaderboard. 

It will be interesting to see if the Americans’ lack of collective experience will prove crucial. Whereas Lehman’s team includes four rookies, Europe will only play two. In terms of overall experience, Sergio, Monty and Olazabal have more Ryder Cup wins than the combined total of the American team and it’s the two-man format where the Americans have struggled. At the 2004 Ryder Cup, it was surprising to see Woods and Mickelson fail so badly.  However there are some positives for the U.S. as Woods and Furyk paired well at last years Presidents Cup and are partners in the foursomes.. Di Marco thrives on match play golf and paired with Mickelson to good effect in the Presidents Cup. Given that the team were defeated by a record-equalling margin at Oakland Hills in 2004, Lehman has worked around the clock to boost team morale and unity. He’ll certainly look to the world’s top three of Woods, Furyk and Mickelson in the Sunday singles - and they know how to putt!

Even though home advantage has little value, familiarity with the course could decide whether Europe will be lifting a third successive Ryder Cup for the first time. It is the home of the European Open and none of the Americans have played there. Woosnam will have the luxury of looking to Westwood and Clarke who are previous winners. Monty and home favourite Harrington have been runners-up and this invaluable experience may further enhance Europe’s tag as Ryder Cup favourites.

How Does the Top European Points Scorer Market Work?

Sporting Index offer a huge range of markets to bet on, and one of the most popular is the Top Points Scorer for each team.

This market is run on an Index, which predicts which player will score the most points for a particular team. For the Top European Points Scorer, the points are:

1st = 50 points
2nd = 30 points
3rd = 20 points
4th = 10 points
Other = 0 points

The current spreads for the top players in this market are:

Garcia - 13 to 16 points
Donald - 12 to 15 points
Monty - 12 to 15 points
Harrington - 10 to 13 points
Casey - 9 to 12 points
D. Howell - 8 to 11 points
Westwood - 8 to 11 points

Let’s take Garcia who is priced at 13 to 16 points. If you think he will score more than 16 points on the index, simply bet ‘high’. Alternatively, if you think he will perform poorly for the Europeans, bet ‘low’ at 13.

For example:

a) Will Garcia get more than 16 points?

OR

b) Will Garcia get less than 13 points?

Let’s say that you think the Spaniard repeats his Ryder Cup form of 2004 where he remained unbeaten. Therefore you ‘bet high’ and stake £5 per point on the outcome.

Let’s say you’re right and he takes the glory by getting the most points for the team. In doing so, he’d be awarded 50 points on this index. You were betting on him to get more than 16 points, at £5 per point. You would therefore win (50 - 16) x £5 = 34 x £5 = £170.

However he could struggle on the Palmer course and finish fourth on the index. Because you bet ‘high’ at 16 points, there is a shortfall of 6 points (16 minus 10). At a stake of £5 per point, this would result in a loss of (16 - 10) x £10 = 6 x £10 = £60.

Ryder Cup Promotion: ‘You’re Havin’ a Halve!

On top of the various spread betting markets Sporting Index offer on the Ryder Cup, they’re also running an exciting promotion. Buy a player or pairing in a match bet and if the match ends in a halve, they will refund your losses. Terms and conditions apply. See site for further details

Saturday’s double-header sees FA Cup holders Liverpool entertain Spurs and Coppell’s Reading take on Man United. Then, there’s a tense clash on Sunday as under-pressure Glenn Roeder looks to win only his third game this season against unbeaten Everton. If you’re looking for a bet that’s a bit different, have a good look at the football markets at Sporting Index.

Liverpool v Tottenham (Saturday: 12.45 PremPlus)

The buzz from Alonso’s stunning midweek strike will still be in the air as Tottenham travel up to Anfield on Saturday. Spurs know that defeat here (if other results go against them) will see them drop into the relegation zone. Martin Jol is yet to emerge victorious against The Reds, although Benitez’s men can only boast of a single victory in their last 7 meetings. Despite this, Sporting Index reckon Gerrard & co. will put their title campaign firmly on track with a win by 0.9 to 1.1 goals. Spurs have struggled in front of goal with only two goals in 450 minutes of league football. With Malbranque, Lennon and Berbatov injured, their attacking options have been blunted. In the last 7 games these two have averaged 1.7 goals per game so the total goals spread of 2.3 to 2.5 is certain to catch the punters’ eye. These games are pretty mild affairs and Sporting estimate 4 yellow cards in the match.

Reading v Man Utd (Sunday: 17.15 PremPlus)

Steve Coppell welcomes his old club to the Madejski Stadium as Reading take on United for the first time in top-flight football. Their last meeting was in the FA Cup over 10 years ago, which United won 3-0. Gary Neville played that day and the current captain will be hoping for more of the same. Giggs was on the scoresheet that January afternoon but his injury shouldn’t trouble Fergie - his strikeforce is fully fit. Reading lie respectably in sixth and have back-to-back wins against Man City and Sheffield United. Leroy Lita scored a brace against Darlington in the League Cup and confidence will be high although their legs may be feeling heavy. United will be fresher and Sporting Index predict they’ll bounce back from the defeat to Arsenal and win by 1.1 to 1.3 goals. The Royals have been pretty tight in the back, marshalled superbly by Ibrahima Sonko. Rooney and Saha will have to trouble him if they’re to contribute to the 2.6 to 2.8 total goals Sporting think will occur. Both teams have begun the season on a disciplined footing, and Sporting see that continuing with only 3 bookings in the match.

Newcastle v Everton (Sunday: 16.00 Sky Sports 1)

Having taken on the red half of Merseyside on Wednesday, attention turns to the blue half for Newcastle. In the corresponding fixture last season, Roeder was riding high on the back of some great form which saw them running out 2-0 winners. He is under pressure this time round with his team losing 3 of the last 4 Premiership games. Ameobi and Martins are yet to find any real spark up front as opposed to the hustling pair of Beattie and league top-scorer Andrew Johnson. They’re sure to cause problems for a Magpies defence looking weak as Given joins Bramble and Taylor on the injury list. However Sporting Index believe that St James Park will witness Everton’s unbeaten Premiership run come to an end. United are expected to win this by 0.2 to 0.4 goals. This fixture has thrown up 37 goals in last 10 games and Sporting’s prediction that there’ll be no more than 2.5 total goals is sure to attract interest. Steve Bennett takes charge of this match and the stern official is expected to caution 5 players.