Explanations .......

I think Justine Henin-Hardenne is severely overpriced for her battle with Maria Sharapova.

Feel that the Russian is very wary of playing HH, who will try to play the game in Sharapova's head, as much as on court. H2h is 4-2 in favour of my selection, they have never met indoors.

Despite Maria's awesome serving she has still given her opponents plenty of chances this week, HH will be looking to pounce on these and if she can keep her double faults down to a minimum, can wear Sharapova down. Second serves will be crucial today, fascinating match, both will be nervous, just cannot see HH bigger than 2.30 or so, 2.80 + is massive.

Bayern Munich have been thrown a Bundesliga lifeline, by Werder Bremen's defeat last night. They can close the gap, which could have been 9 points, to just 3, with victory away to Bayer Leverkusen this afternoon.

Bayern suffered an embarrassing defeat at home to Hannover in midweek, they may have been a little tired after the very tough game at Schalke last Sunday and will be keen to bounce back. They do not normally discard a second chance. With 3 of their next 4 at home, including fellow title chasers Stuttgart, up next, they will be looking to enter the winter break, at or close to, pole position.

Bayer are without a couple of key players today and I expect the real Bayern to put in an appearance today.

Back later.