FA TROPHY OXFORD UNITED- LEWES

Oxford are the giants of non league football and attracted over 17,000 supporters to the Kassam Stadium, for two Christmas fixtures.

The part timers of Lewes are already over achieving with their place in the Conference South and are lucky to get 500 men and a dog, to their Dripping Pan (I kid you not) ground.

Neither are in the best of shape, the visitors are without a win in 5 and United, who were seemingly coasting back to the Football League, have not won in 7 starts and now trail leaders Dagenham and Redbridge, by 3 points.

The U's are probably not overly interested in this competition, but are desperate for a win of any sort and serious questions will be asked if they do not get it tonight. They will shuffle the squad a little, but everyone coming in will be hungry to earn a regular starting position.

Lewes have big problems, they are without several players and may be forced to start with an outfield player in goal. West Ham recalled loanee David Blackmore last week, Aaron French has a dislocated shoulder and the only other registered keeper is in the US ! The FA have refused them permission to make an emergency signing.

Therefore, they will either start with French in goal, nursing his injury, or an outfield player between the sticks and from what I can gather, none of them show much talent in this department.

I have to take the superior class and fitness levels of the full timers to win this replay, Lewes had chances to win the first match (0-0), but visibly tired late in the game, it should be a comfortable victory.

5 points Oxford -1 goal asian line 1.80.

Good Luck.

MARKET MOVES ..............

Two teams have been well supported on the asian lines this morning ........

Malaysia Premier League PKNS +3/4 ball 1.80 ....... down to +1/2 ball 1.75 (major move).
Sudamericano U20 CHILE + 1/2 ball 2.235 ............. 2.04.

Back shortly.

TUESDAY UPDATE .............

Very strange day Monday.

Ohio State got absolutely hammered by Florida.

Our selection on the tennis, Shahar Peer, won in straight sets. Li Na and Srebotnik were mentioned as being too big, both won and the combined odds, available on the treble were 23-1.
Davydenko- Spadea has yet to start.

MK Dons - Lincoln finished 2-2, the home side led the shot count 22-7, had a good goal disallowed and missed TWO penalties, as I also tipped a tiny correct score bet for 3-2 at 29-1, this was more than a little frustrating.

"Knocking on the door" at the moment, things are just not going our way, but that will change, hopefully today.

Back later with my first selection for a very busy day.

TENNIS ..........

Just a few lines about tonight's tennis, I am just going to suggest one bet, but there are some awfully big prices around .......

Srebotnik circa 3.60 + , she won her opening match comfortably over Bovina 6-3 6-1 and Kuznetzova has been sick.

Spadea circa 4.60 + , Davydenko was carrying an injury against Murray and is known to retire in the second set on occasion !

Li Na circa 2.85 + to defeat Dementieva, who has started as she will no doubt carry on, with 4 games worth of double faults in her opener with Sugiyama.

My choice is Shahar Peer to defeat Patty Schnyder, who struggled in her opener, eventually beating Dushevina in 3 sets.

The Israeli player should be pushing for a top 10 place this year, she opened with a very nice performance in a 4&2 win over Groenefeld. This followed on from a semi final appearance last week, where she lost to tournament winner, Safina, in 3 close sets.

She should feel very much at home in Australia, where she won the Open Girls title in 2004.

I cannot believe that Shahar will not be the highest ranked of these two, come 2008.

3 points Peer to beat Schnyder 2.28 Pinnacle, a little on the exchanges at 2.30, more should be available later.

Good Luck.

OHIO STATE- FLORIDA

Glendale, Arizona is the venue for what is being dubbed the Superbowl of college football.

Ohio State are the top ranked team in the country and are unbeaten at 12-0.

They have a true leader at their helm in Troy Smith, the first out and out quarterback from the Big Ten, to win the Heisman Trophy, which he claimed after receiving a record, 86.7 % of the vote.

Smith is 25-2 as a starter, winning 19 straight and raising his game and playing his best, in the toughest starts, being 10-1 against ranked teams, in some huge wins. This season he has 30 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, 3 of which were deflections.

They have looked to be heading for this game all season, several teams seemed to be ahead of The Gators in the race to meet The Buckeyes, but everything went their way at the last minute.

They slipped into this game through the backdoor when 2nd ranked USC lost to UCLA on the last day of the regular season. Not quite enough, they still needed an about turn by poll voters, which allowed the Gators to leapfrog over Michigan in the standings, what is it about polls and elections involving Florida ?

They are fighters and have found a way to win, whenever defeat looked them squarely in the face.

Hopefully, the winner of this game, at the amazing University of Phoenix Stadium, which will host next years Superbowl, will be accepted as national champion.

It should be close, Florida have a great defence and a lot of speed, but Ohio State have enough offensive options to cover the spread, having averaged 410 yards per game.

3 points Ohio State -7 points 1.91 + ,general quote.

Good luck.

MILTON KEYNES DONS - LINCOLN CITY

Martin "Mad dog" Allen, don't ever call him that to his face by the way, will have his troops fired up for a rare, live television appearance tonight.

No doubt that Sky will give him plenty of air time and raise his profile still further, which is already through the roof, for a manager of a League 2 side. Allen is a one off and a great motivator of both players and a crowd, which he knows how to work up into a frenzy.

His cv looks great, two very good years at Brentford, he leaves and they are bottom of the table, goes to MK Dons and transforms them into a top of the table side. I have a lot of time for him and he makes me laugh, but still not convinced about him tactically and he can be slow to change to plan "b", infact, there probably isn't a plan "b". However, that should not be a concern at the moment.

Dons are in fine form at present, only Hartlepool are in better shape and the two meet at the weekend. They lost very unluckily to Swindon 1-0 on New Year's Day, missing a penalty and generally dominating play, having won the previous six, they will want to get back to winning ways this evening.

No team in the whole of the Football League has scored more than Lincoln's 49 goals and MKD's are not far behind, with just 3 less. Not too many draws either, with just 5 between them in over 51 starts, in a division where the average is 23.79%.

Not surprisingly, they boast the division's two top scorers in Izale McLeod (16) and Jamie Forrester (14), both will be looking to add to their tally's tonight and a repeat of the Dons 3-2 win in the reverse fixture, is not out of the question. They won despite playing the last 33 minutes with 10 men and still enjoyed the majority of possession.

Having won 7 of their first 8 starts, The Imps away form has tailed off, losing 4 of 5 , all against sides in the bottom half of the table.

Allen's teams always have great "bouncebackability" which is a word I just invented and they should collect the points and go on to bigger things. The "over" is also an option if you prefer, a home win for me and unusually, a "fun" correct score.

4 points M K Dons -1/4 ball 1.86 asian line.

0.25 point MKD 3-2 correct score 30.0+ Betfair.

Good Luck.

Good Morning !

At first glance this looks a very quiet Monday, however, upon further reflection, we have some very interesting action.

Live on Sky is the Division2 clash between second placed MK Dons and 3rd ranked Lincoln City, which will not be for the faint-hearted.

We have the Superbowl of college football, when the BCS Championship pitches unbeaten Ohio State, against number 2 ranked Florida. With Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith, set to star.

In Australia, we have the Sydney MedibankInternational tennis, the final warm up event before the opening Grand Slam of the season and the draw has thrown up some fantastic early round encounters.

So, plenty to get stuck into, check back later.

Good Luck.

PATRIOTS - JETS

Eric Mangini the Jets head honcho, is the youngest coach in the NFL and former assistant to his New England counterpart, Bill Belichick.

Despite being only 36 yo, Mangini worked under Belichick for a dozen or so years, starting in some very menial positions and working his way up through the ranks.

Their relationship has turned very frosty and this was not helped, when Mangini took the Jets to Foxborough in November and won 17-14, one of the Patriots only four defeats. The win was well deserved, the Jets gaining 100 yards more on offense and sacking Tom Brady four times. Both teams have gone on strong, season ending runs , New England winning 6/7 and New York 5/6.

Jets are 6-2 on the road and are definitely underdogs, but asking the Pats to give up 9.5 points seems too much and is 3 more than I made it. Several former Patriots have joined Mangini in the Big Apple, giving them some vital experience and all things considered, the Jets must know as much about New England, as they do about theirselves.

I will take the points.

4 points New York Jets +9.5 points 1.96 pinnacle // 1.90 + general quote.

Also think the Giants - Eagles match up will be closer than the oddsmakers, who give New York a touchdown start. They had no problem getting passing yards in the two regular season starts, which they split and despite a dismal 2-6 end to the year, they could keep this very close. No bet here for me.

Good Luck.

REAL BETIS SEVILLE- CELTA VIGO

I am strongly with Betis here.

This will be their first start under new coach Luis Fernandez and victory will take them out of the bottom 3, what better start could he have ?

They play 7 huge games in January, most coming against top sides and they will be targeting tonight's match as a "must win".

Celta have drawn their last 5 starts and come without 5 players, they have big problems in the cenre of midfield, where Iriney and Oubina are missing. These are two of the first names on the team sheet and they will be sorely missed.

Betis have very few injury concerns and should be too good to stay long in the drop zone, Fernandez is a real motivator and could have an instant impact.

5 points Real betis -1/4 ball asian line 1.86.

I will be back later, with a look at tonight's NFL play offs.

Good Luck.

LA LIGA ........

Some very quick words two matches today, including one small bet.

Mallorca face Bilbao today knowing that a win will put some real distance between them and the bottom 3. They have impressed greatly in training this week, we have talked in the past about how important this is. Their next two starts are against Seville and Real Madrid, so conversely defeat today could leave them back in trouble.

Likewise, Levante are at home to Santander, knowing that 3 of their next 4, are against Valencia, Seville and Real Madrid. Their coach is well aware of this and made it clear, that they are all, himself included, playing for their futures. With the -1/4 ball option, both home sides could be taken, but I will just take a little on Levante.

2.5 points Levante -1/4 asian line 2.10.

My final and strongest selection for Spain today, will be online shortly.

Good Luck.

VILLAREAL- VALENCIA

Plenty of support for the visitors here, in what is something of a local derby, their odds having tumbled in the last 24 hours.

Not going to get involved myself, certain that Valencia are the better team and that they will be challenging for a Champions League place come the end of the season. However, they have a poorish record here and any value in their odds, has now gone.

Would like to talk a little about Villareal though, they are without Pires and Nihat and the coach has decided to drop Juan Roman Riquelme. Reading between the lines, this can only mean that he is on his way, out of the club, during the transfer window.

The big news and something that you may have missed over the holiday period is that they have signed an exciting "replacement" in Matias Fernandez. The 20 yo attacking midfielder from Colo-Colo, was voted South American footballer of the year in 2006. He cost almost 9m euros and the Spanish club had to beat off some major competition to get his signature, including Chelsea and Real Madrid.

He probably favoured Villareal, as their coach, Manuel Pellegrini, is also a Chilean. He looks likely to start tonight, is a free kick specialist, scored 33 goals in 63 starts in Chile and will wear number 21, interesting for anyone who bets shirt numbers. Look out for "Matigol ".

No bet.

Back shortly.

CARDIFF CITY- TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

I have read that Martin Jol's side might not be taking this seriously today, because they are already deeply involved in two cup competitions and looking to stake a claim for a top four spot in the league, having moved up to 7th place.

I think that is extremely unlikely, having just heard an interview with the Spurs boss on the radio, where he stated that he and his players were fully committed to the FA Cup. Adding that defeat to Leicester City at this stage last season, still hurts and that progression is VERY important. He has had Cardiff watched on 5 occasions since the draw was made, that is two times more than for a normal league game.

They have added Keane and Lennon to a very strong looking squad and are meeting a Cardiff City side that will be very motivated, but that have lost their way, not winning in almost two months.

Spurs should have too much for City, this will be their 10th cup tie of the season and they are 100%, winning the previous 9 .

4 points Tottenham -1/2 ball 1.97 Betfair.

Good Luck.

GETAFE-BARCELONA

Ronaldinho and Deco suspended, Eto'o, Messi, Zambrotta, Thuram injured and 3 other doubts for the European champions.

That doesn't make great reading, but they travel to meet a Getafe side in poor shape with just 3 points and one goal, in 6 starts. Goals have been a problem for them all season, with just 11 in 16, they have attempted to address the situation by signing Maris Verpakovskis, from Dynamo Kiev on loan.

Tough to beat at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, where they have only conceded 2 all season, infact home fans have seen an average of exactly 1.0 goals per game, so "under" is a real possibility.

However, the hosts are without the suspended Casquero and Cortes and lack the resources and strength in depth of the visitors, who will go back to the top with a win and should be able to sneak it 1-0.

3 points Barcelona -1/2 ball asian line 1.98.

Good Luck.

CHENNAI TENNIS

It has been a huge week for Xavier Malisse in India. He faces Stefan Koubek in the singles final, following a fine win over Rafa Nadal yesterday and then competes in the men's doubles final.

This will be his 10th ATP singles final and the 26yo Belgian, will be looking to add to his sole win, Delray Beach in 2005.

However, I am going to take a chance with his Austrian opponent. Stefan turned 30 earlier this week, this is a milestone for most people, but especially sportsmen, who tend to struggle in the months leading up to this day. Once it has passed, it is something of a relief and the player tends to relax and play his best game. Which has certainly been the case with Koubek.

He beat Carlos Moya 3&1 yesterday and the Spaniard was looking to reach his 4th straight final here, in the two previous rounds he also impressed, beating Srichaphan and Benneteau by identical scores of 1&2.

Think he is huge here and have to get involved. I will be back later with the football.

3 points Koubek to beat Moya 3.0 Betfair, you may find a little bigger, nearer the start.

Good Luck.

QUICK SATURDAY REVIEW .......

Betting wise, yesterday was something of a non event and we ended almosr exactly level, got the staking wrong, bet too much on the losers and not enough on the winners !


Ljubicic at odds against verses Andrew Murray, should not have gone unbacked, not at this stage of their respective careers.

In the NFL, the Colts were very easy winners and could have been 28 points up at half time. Dallas should have won the other wildcard game, but quarterback Tony Romo will have to live with one of the most memorable blunders in playoff history. You will have to watch it yourselves, but he will need plenty of help to get over this and was inconsolable at the end.

I will be back in 15 minutes or so with a bet for this morning.

NFL ..........

I favour Peyton Manning to lead his Colts to a (fairly) comfortable win tonight.

Home advantage is massive in these play-off matches and so is experience. Indianapolis have stacks, seven of Kansas City's starters have never appeared in a post season game before.

There has been plenty written about the stats elsewhere, the Colts are ranked last in the NFL against the run. KC's Larry Johnson has almost 1800 yards rushing this year and will be looking to fill his boots/ cleats.

But it is never as simple as that, the Colts know what to expect and Manning will find a way to win, despite giving up 100+ yards on the ground in every game, they are still 8-0 at home !

You know they will score points and should be looking to get ahead early and take the Chiefs out of their game plan.

Indianapolis to cover the spread and Manning to have a huge night.

4 points Indianapolis Colts -6.5 points 1.83 generally available, or -7 1.90 vegas line.

Good Luck.

ATLETICO MADRID- GIMNASTIC TARRAGONA

Atletico's form at the Calderon will have to improve, if they are to realise President Enrique Cerezo's dream, of a Champions league spot. Having collected 15 of their 28 points on the road.

Massively ambitious, Cerezo is building a side capable of challenging the big two.

January is a huge month for them, with 3 of their 4 fixtures at home and a real chance to cement their position in the top 4 of La Liga.

They could not have chosen a better opponent to meet, after the brief "winter break" . Gimnastic have lost 7 in a row away from home, conceding at least two in every start.

I have found some interesting stats, Atletico have a habit of conceding early goals, a third of which have been allowed in the opening 15 minutes. They tend to get stronger as the match progresses, 50% of all their goals coming in the final 30 minutes.

Ginmastic have conceded exactly a third of all their goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. How does this help us ? I hear you ask, a very good question.

If betting in running, should they go in level at the break, I would be confident about the home side coming good in the second half, or turning around an early deficit, something they have already done on several occasions this season. The ht/ft, or double result, of draw/home is available at 4.90 on Betfair, which looks very fair.

But all things considered, I feel they should win this comfortably and will take them on the asian handicap.

I can pass on a good word for Sociedad, who are desperate for the points and are facing La Liga's most inform side, Osasuna, who are looking for win number 6 in a row, 8 if we count cup results.They will be without 6 squad members tonight.

It is very early in the season, but Basque clubs will normally help each other where possible, I will say no more than that.

Sociedad have a very difficult run of fixtures after this and have targeted these as 3 "must win" points, recent performances have improved greatly and this week's preparations could not have gone better.

The squad has been improved by three transfer window signings this week, none of whom will be available today, but everyone will know that competition for places, has just got much tougher.

4 points Atletico Madrid -1 goal 1.75 asian line.

2 points Real Sociedad -1/2 ball 2.64 Betfair.

Good Luck.

FA CUP ........

Two final bets for this afternoon's action. I will return after the UK football, with some news for tonight's Spanish/ French football and the NFL play-offs.

Coventry are in very poor form and have collected just one point in 5 starts, conceding 13 goals in the process. The single point coming in a home draw with relegation strugglers Southend, who outplayed the Sky Blues. Coach Micky Adams is under severe pressure and the whole team is showing the strain.

They go to Ashton Gate, which is a stronghold for Bristol City, who have a 10-2-1 record there. These two could easily be in the same division next season and the home side look a little value, at the odds on offer.

Leicester City tend to raise their game at home in the cup and knocked out Tottenham at this stage last season. The host Fulham today, who are without several key players including goalkeeper Niemi, who will be sorely missed. Their supporters are very upset, by the club selling all their prize assets, Boa Morte being the latest, in a very long line.

City and their fans are sure to "be up for it" today and can take the Premiership side to a replay at least.

3 points Bristol City -1/2 ball 2.40 Betfair.

4 points Leicester City +1/4 ball asian line 1.80.

Good Luck.

ASIAN MARKET MOVES .....

Several teams have come in for significant support on the asian lines this morning.

BIRMINGHAM level ball 1.95 .......... down to 1.70
LUTON TOWN +1/4 ball 1.95 ........... 1.70
ACCRINGTON STANLEY +1/4 ball 2.03 ......... 1.77
ST ETIENNE -1/2 ball 2.02 ........... 1.78

Back later.

PORTSMOUTH - WIGAN

Harry Redknapp's Pompey will be brimming with confidence ahead of this all Premiership cup tie.

Portsmouth have turned their Fratton Park home into something of a fortress, they have recorded 7 wins there and only Bolton have come away with maximum points.

Wigan travel without 5-6 players, including key starters, Arjan de Zeeuw, Henri Camara and Paul Scharner. Boss Paul Jewell admits he may be forced to include his two new signings, despite having major concerns over their fitness levels.

The Latics have lost 5 in a row and are without a win in 7.

They are struggling to contain teams at set pieces, a problem that will not be helped by the absence of de Zeeuw and this is one of the home sides strength's. It is a Portsmouth victory for me and a repeat of September's 1-0 league win, would not surprise.

Harry to go home a happy man.

3 points Portsmouth -1/2 ball 1.79 asian line.

Good Luck.

Lunchtime football on the BBC .............

..... it must be the FA Cup.

Delia Smith and her beloved Norwich City, will not be looking forward to today's visit to Conference strugglers Tamworth.

The pitch is likely to cut up badly and will certainly he heavy, it will be an old fashioned cup tie and for City, one to endure and survive.

Tamworth took Stoke City to a replay, eventually losing on penalties after extra time, at this same stage last season. Their last 5 games have produced 5 goals, all being "under" and they have gone in 0-0 at halftime in the last 3.

I expect something similar today, the conditions will suit the home team, they are bound to come out fired up and will chase every ball until they drop. Think the value lies in the "under" and the half time draw, which is 2.46 on the exchanges and looks very attractively priced.

Going to split my stakes between the two.

3 points "under" 2.5 goals Tamworth-Norwich 1.90 asian line.

1.5 points half time draw 2.46 Betfair.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY .........

Good Morning !

A quick round up of yesterday's action.

Bristol Rovers won for us in front of almost 9,000 fans, a massive crowd for two Division 2 clubs on a Friday night.

A small profit on the tennis was assured, when Robin Soderling took the first set, he should have gone on to win, being a break up late in the third, but Ljubicic is TOUGH !

In the NBA, Dallas made it 13 in a row with a 90-85 win over San Antonio, Nowitzki scored a season high 36 points, kicking myself for passing on the Mavericks getting a 5.5 points start, am I mad ?

Lots to look forward to today, spoilt for choice on the football and we also have NFL Wildcard games and Ljubicic-Murray in the Doha tennis final, where the British player has been made favourite, I may return to this later.

Will be back in an hour or so, with my first football selection of the day, so until then .......

Good Luck.

BRISTOL ROVERS- HEREFORD UNITED

All West Country FA Cup tie tonight, when these two clash at the Memorial Ground, seperated by just one point and one place in the league, their meeting ensures at least one Division 2 representative in the 4th round.

Both are in very good form and will be looking to press for one of the play-off spots, they will welcome the distraction of a cup tie, but will be aware of the glory and money, progress will bring.

Rovers are a big club at this level, with large support and resources that few clubs can match, the signing of Rickie Lambert for £200k, earlier in the season, is testimony to that. In the league fixture here, the home side had 14 attempts on goal against the visitor's 4 and ran out 2-1 winners.

They have dominated play in recent starts, on New Year's Day they beat Torquay by a narrow looking 1-0 margin, but that doesn't tell the full story. They enjoyed 67% possession and created 17 shots on target. Previously they went to runaway league leaders Walsall and "outplayed and outclassed" their hosts, claiming 56% of the ball and winning the shot count 12-9, no mean feat "on the road".

I am a little wary of the draw, but feel The Pirates should be able to sneak the win, giving up a 1/4 ball on the asian line, looks far and away the best option.

4 points Bristol Rovers -1/4 ball asian line 1.93.

Good Luck.

EARLY MOVES .........

Two teams have been well supported on the asian lines this morning ..........

English League 1 HUDDERSFIELD + 1/2 ball 1.98 .......... down to 1.83.
French Cup CRETEIL level ball 2.175 ......... 2.03.

Back later.

QATAR OPEN

Eurosport are serving us up a real treat today, with the Doha tennis semi finals.

First up is a very intriguing match up between Robin Soderling and Ivan Ljubicic.

The 22yo Swedish player ended 2006 as his county's number one player for the first time and has taken great encouragement from that. Robin really worked on his fitness levels during the short Winter break and is looking for a major breakthrough this year.

Earlier this week he said "My goal this year is to reach the Top 10; it's gonna be difficult but not impossible. I think I have the game for it but I just need to be more consistent and not just play a good match here and there. I put in a lot of work in the off season and I feel totally ready."

He beat Marcos Baghdatis 3&2 yesterday and only dropped 4 points on his huge first serve.

Ljubicic advanced after a three hour battle with Mikhail Youzhny, during which he served 18 aces, think we can expect plenty of quick points today. He leads 2-1 in h2h meetings, all of which were on hardcourts, with 2 of the last 4 sets played, going to tie breaks.

Ivan has just changed his racquet from Babolat to Head, which is a little strange given the results he had last year, guess that money talks once again.

In an interview yesterday the Croatian superstar offered ..... "It's an important win because I am playing with a new racquet and you don't want to start having negative feelings and maybe think you should not have changed it. It gives me more power and control so it helps me play better from the baseline."I practiced with Soderling in Monte Carlo in December and he's going to be a very difficult opponent. I would have liked to play Baghdatis because he had beaten me twice in Australia and I wanted my revenge!"

I expect this to be close, infact anything else would be a major surprise. Get the impression that Soderling is looking forward to the battle ahead and that, reading between the lines, Ljubo is trying to convince himself that the racquet change was for the better. Have to side with the Swede and will split my stakes, with a little on the match to go to a 3rd set. This is currently available at a combined price of 2.40, which seems very good value.

Not going to get involved in the second semi, where Davydenko should be too strong for Andrew Murray, who has not hit top form yet, maybe Hogmanay has taken it's toll !

Nikolay is yet to drop a set here and leads the h2h 2-0, both matches coming last year on Murray's favoured US hard courts, so hard to see beyond the newly married Russian, for those who HAVE to place a bet.

3 points Soderling to beat Ljubicic 2.40 Betfair.

1.25 points Ljubicic to win 2-1 sets 4.30 Betfair.

Good Luck.

GOOD MORNING !

Some very interesting sporting match ups to look at and forward to.

A little more football action ahead of a busy weekend, we have FA Cup and lower league fixtures from the UK and a French Cup tie, I will defenitely return to, at least some of these, later today.

In tennis we have the quarter finals in Chennai and the sponsors in Doha, must be delighted with their semi-final line up ..... Davydenko (#1 seed) faces Murray (#4) and Ljubicic (#2) meets Soderling (#6). Pretty sure to be getting involved here.

Massive game in the NBA, when the 23-10 San Antonio Spurs, host the amazing 26-7 Dallas Mavericks. Who extended their winning streak to 12 games last night with victory over Indiana, after starting the season 0-4, this is their SECOND 12 game winning run in just 33 starts and they will be hoping, it is not unlucky 13 once again.

Top scorer Dirk Nowitzki contributed 20 points yesterday, despite being under the weather with a sinus problem, he is pictured here with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, do you need me to tell you which is Nowitzki ?

Back later.

THURSDAY TENNIS ..........

This will be very quick, as the first of these will start in an hour or so.

My first selection is Igor Andreev to see off Julien Benneteau.

The new season could not come quickly enough for the young Russian, who missed most of last year through injury, returning just to play a handful of games.

He reched the quarters here on his only previous visit, in 2004 and holds a 1-0 h2h victory over Benneteau, winning in three straight sets, at Roland Garros.

This (PlayPave) hardcourt is pretty close to his favourite surface and one where he will get to hit plenty of his big forehands.

I also like Andrew Murray and Nickolay Davydenko to complete a short priced doulbe over, Max Mirnyi and Olivier Rochus respectively.

Murray loves to defend and feed off his opponents pace, it is hard to think of a better match for him. Davy is in tip top form already and should add to his 2-0 h2h record, over his diminutive rival.

3 points Andreev to beat Benneteau 1.82 Betfair.

3 points double Murray-Davydenko 1.796 pinnacle// 1.664 centrebet.

Good Luck.

GRAYS ATHLETIC-GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET

This Conference offering, which is being shown live on SKY, looks likely to be a low scoring encounter.

The visitors have over achieved this season, they were expected to struggle, on very limited resources, but are in contention for a play off place. However, recent form has highlighted a distinct lack of goals and they have managed just 8 in 10 starts.

Grays used to attack with gay abandon and could also be relied upon to produce goals, usually at both end's of the pitch. However, they have had to sell their two top scorer's and change their game plan accordingly, playing a 4-5-1 system.

This has enabled them to tighten up at the back and they have drawn 0-0 with two of the division's top 4 sides, in their two starts. They have taken two promising young players on loan from Nottm Forest and MK Dons this week and this will give them more options.

Think we may see a slightly more adventurous approach from Grays tonight and they are my selection, but I am also going to cover with a small bet on the stalemate.

4 points Grays -1/4 ball asian line 2.06.
1 point Grays-Gravesend draw 3.30 betfair.

Good Luck.

DOHA TENNIS ..........

If he stays injury free, which is a big if, I expect Gael Monfils to start fulfilling his potential and have a huge year on tour.

The Frenchman looks attractively priced for his encounter with Mikhail Youzhny today. I did not see his opening round 6-3 6-4 win over Seppi, but read that it was a scrappy affair. Not too bothered by that, at this stage of the season and he would have been helped by a very long doubles match yesterday.

Along with Grosjean, he defeated Johansson and Ljubicic, 10-8 in the third. I think we can forget any lingering ankle injury concerns, as he would not have put his tournament life at risk in an extended doubles tie.

Gael made the final here last year, losing to Roger Federer, the conditions suit him well and we can take a chance, at the odds on offer.

Elsewhere, El Aynaoui, at the ripe old age of 36, is also competing in Doha. He beat Thomas Johansson 7-6 7-6 in his opening match, to record his first ATP Tour win in 10 months.

He also likes it here, winning in 2002 and making the final in 1996, I told you he was old !

Last year he defeated Sebastian Grosjean, in a season which produced very few highlights. On his day he has a strong serve and is difficult to break. He will struggle to get past Ivan Ljubicic, who won 60 matches and ended the year, with a career high, season end ranking of number 5. But he is capable of extending the match and a lay of Ljubicic 2-0 in sets, or a buy of total games, could pay dividends.

Nikolay Davydenko should dispose of Jonas Bjorkman in double quick time, albeit at very low odds, he dropped only four points on his first serve and did not give up a break point, in a first round win. He appears to have picked up this year, where he finished last. Looks like married life will not change him either, having played a Tour high 32 weeks last year, he is on the go from week one.

3 points Monfils 2.27 to beat Youzhny.... pinnacle sports
LAY 4 points Ljubicic to beat El Aynaoui 2-0 sets 1.40 betfair ( exposure 1.6 points )
2.5 points Davydenko to beat Bjorkman 2-0 sets 1.36 betfair

Good Luck.

TUESDAY NIGHT/ WEDNESDAY MORNING ....

Everything was going perfectly in the Villa-Chelsea match last night.

The visitors were well on top, creating plenty of chances, the home team never troubled the Blues goal. They went in at the break 0-0, which was exactly as we wanted and it was simply a matter of time, until they took the lead and then .......... nothing !

Chelsea were VERY poor in the second half and it was not until deep in injury time, that they threatened to score. Shevchenko has not produced one single piece of real magic all season and looks a lost soul.

I feel very sorry for him, with his millions ( tens of ) , super model wife and Coca Cola and Nike contracts, where did it all go wrong !

Anyway, on to today. There is very little football, but I will be previewing the Conference game, shown live on SKY and also looking at the tennis in Doha and/or Australia and maybe even some US sport.

So, please check back.

ASTON VILLA - CHELSEA

Villa are getting slowly dragged into the mire at the foot of the Premiership.

Without a win in 10, they have lost the last 4 and conceded 2+ in 5/6.

Top scorer Gareth Barry is suspended tonight and he might be joined in the stands, by injury doubt Stiliyan Petrov.

Chelsea are also shipping goals, which is a sentence I never expected to write this season, giving up 2 goals in each of their last 4 starts.

They can close the gap on Manchester United, to just 4 points with a win and they should achieve that. Their defence should be a little tighter tonight, with the return of Khalid Boulahrouz after suspension.

Feel that Jose will want to return to basics and keep things tight early on. That is the Chelsea way, they are 9-10-2 in the first half in league starts this season. This is remarkably similar to Villa's half time record of 9-9-3, so I would certainly not be surprised, to see these two go in level at the break.

No side is stronger in the second half than Chelsea, when drawing the first 45 minutes. So I am going to chance a little on the x-2 double result, in addition to a match bet.

Expect Didier Drogba, their most consistent performer, to get on the scoresheet once again.

1.5 points draw half time- Chelsea full time 4.50 general quote, a little bigger on the exchanges.
4 points Chelsea -3/4 ball asian line 1.73.

Good Luck.

HIBERNIAN- ABERDEEN

My second selection of the afternoon, is the "over" in this evenly matched fixture at Easter Road.

Only Rangers have created more chances than Hibernian, who have scored 2 or more goals in 7/8 home games and in 14 of the last 16, it takes a very tough defensive performance to keep them at bay.

Aberdeen have scored in 4 ot their last 5 away games, only failing to register at Celtic. Both sides will be looking for the 3 points and are hoping to compete for second place and a Champions League spot, come the season end.

We can expect an open encounter, the reverse fixture finished 2-1 to the Dons and both are "over" in 4 of their last 5. Another 2-1 would not surprise me, that has been the score on 3 of the last 4 starts, the other game ended 1-1 earlier this season, with both sides missing chances to snatch the winner.

4 points Hibernian-Aberdeen over 2.5 goals asian line 1.89.

I will be back later, with one more bet for tonight's action.

Good Luck.

PLENTY TO THINK ABOUT ........

.... for Paul le Guen, who takes his Rangers side to Motherwell, knowing a win is absolutely vital.

He has dropped Barry Ferguson, captain, team leader and crowd favourite and it looks likely that he has played his last game for the Gers. Le Guen has stayed quiet in the media over this matter, but has promised to give his reasons after today's game. He will not wish to face the press, or supporters, also having to explain another failure on the pitch.

They can have no excuses today, the home side will be without 5 players and do not have the firepower the visitors have at their disposal. It is hard to explain why Rangers have been so poor in the SPL, their european form has been fine and they create so many chances. They have had 321 attempts at goal and hit the woodwork 12 times, easily the highest totals in the league, averaging 6.5 strikes per game more than Motherwell.

Do not see where the Frenchman can go from here, unless performances improve immediately.
Rangers have won the last 5 here and 12/13 h2h meetings, they should add to that record this afternoon.

4 points Rangers -3/4 ball asian line 1.94.

Back shortly.

Good Luck.

THE SECOND DAY OF A NEW YEAR ........

Let's hope that it is better than the first !

I have a real problem with New Year's Day and it has nothing to do with alcohol. About a decade ago, I won a HUGE amount of money, for a relatively small stake, on January 1st, which was, of course, a fantastic way to start the year.

However, that was all my luck used up in one go and since then, I seem jinxed on this day and unable to back a winner. Think that will be a day off next year !

Will be back with my first selection of the day at 14.00 cet.

Please check back.

UPDATE .......

The four posts below, were all written and "saved" yesterday, which is why they are dated the 31st, but are all for today's football and were posted onto the blog this morning.

Good Luck.