TODAY'S SPORTING ACTION .........

US MASTERS GOLF

TODAY'S THREE BALL

FRED COUPLES- ANDERS HANSEN - JERRY KELLY

No one feels more at home at Augusta than Fred Couples, he has played here on 23 occasions and if he makes it a perfect 24 today, will hold the Masters record and a place in history. He is, rightly, very proud of this feat and will be straining every sinew to make the cut this afternoon, following an opening four over par he needs a strong second round.

Fred will take plenty of confidence from his round 2 record here, where, on this toughest of courses, he is under par in 13 of his last 19 rounds.Couples has struggled with injury, particularly back problems for many years and in 2007 did not play after the Masters event. However, he now seems fully recovered and has already played seven tournaments this year,making six cuts, with two top tens, including a fine 4th spot in the Shell Houston Open last week, where, after a slow start, notice the pattern (?), he improved every round.

Hansen really struggled yesterday with an opening 80 on his Masters debut, this is a course that takes time to learn and the Dane looks booked for an early flight home. Kelly had a nice opening 72 and will provide competition for our selection. Having said that, I expect the incredibly motivated Couples to win this 3 ball and this most popular of golfers, with everyone that is except for his ex-wives, will be cheered all the way, by his legion of fans.

5 points Couples 2.50 general quote, Expekt are bigger and higher odds should also be available later on the exchanges, so shop around.

FRANCE LIGUE 2

GUINGAMP - LE HAVRE

Hosts have little to play for and showed a decided lack of ambition in their last home start, against Grenoble.Le Havre are waltzing away with the title and could even be promoted this evening with a win, if the result in the Grenoble game goes their way. It would take a brave man to oppose them at present, they are scoring for fun and playing at a level way above Ligue 2. The visitors are looking for their 6th straight win and an amazing 12th on the road, their h2h record, with no losses in six meetings, hardly lessens any confidence and, at level ball, they look a sound wager.

6.5 points Le Havre level ball 1.88 asian line.

Good Luck.

UEFA CUP ...........

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG- BAYER LEVERKUSEN

I rarely back teams carrying a big lead into the second leg of european cup ties, but have to make an exception this evening. Zenit looked so good in Germany, that Bayer, who have now lost four in a row, conceding two or more in each and have a huge Bundesliga match against Stuttgard at the weekend, will have limited ambitions from this game and might just be happy to keep the score respectable. Visiting boss Michael Skibbe admitted that the Russian side are on another level and that he may rest players, under the circumstances we can take a chance on the hosts , at what looks a very decent price. Andrei Arshavin will get another opportunity to show what all the fuss is about and to add another few million to his transfer fee !

5.5 points Zenit -1/2 ball 2.11 asian line.

Good Luck.

US MASTERS GOLF ...........

US MASTERS GOLF
AUGUSTA NATIONAL G.C
GEORGIA

I want to take an early look at the US Masters golf tournament, taking place in Augusta, Georgia, starting April 10th.

This is a favourite tournament of mine and one, where I have enjoyed great success in the past.

It is the only major played on the same course every year and with a limited field, including a number of "old timers" and players that can no longer compete, let alone win, the number of potential champions are limited. With the very peculiar demands of Augusta, bringing out the best of the best, we get very few "lucky" winners here and the same names tend to do well, year after year.

Let me begin by saying, that I am very excited by the event this year and feel that there is terrific value to be had in my selection.

There are no guarantees in gambling, but it is a very long time, maybe seven years, since I have been so confident about a bet, everything feels right, including the odds, which are very juicy !

My choice is Retief Goosen, the South African superstar has had a rough old time of it over the last two years, but has returned to form with a vengence in recent weeks, he loves it at Augusta, where he is a winner waiting to happen and we could even argue, that he is "owed" a championship.

Goosen had eye surgery several years ago and developed complications resulting from this recently, he waited and waited for these to clear and his game suffered. Blurred vision was the final straw and he had further laser treatment earlier this year, the immediate improvement, has been remarkable.

In the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Goosen made a steady start, before closing with a weekend 68-68, a total beaten by only four players in the field and he finished in a promising 14th place.

Last week he went to the WGC CA Championship event, to take his place in what was probably the toughest field seen on tour, so far this year. After an opening 71, he played the business end of the tournament in 69-64-68, a total only bettered by Vijay Singh. Retief went very close, almost forced a play-off with all the way winner Geoff Ogilvy, eventually finishing in a tie for second, just a single stroke off the pace.

Under pressure, which he has not really faced for almost a year, Goosen showed all the composure that you would expect, from a two time US Open winner.

In similar conditions to what he is likely to face next week, Goosen bogeyed just one of his last 33 holes, producing 12 birdies. To put that in perspective, on a very demanding course, world number one, Tiger Woods bogeyed three in his final round alone and had "just" eight birdies in his final 38 holes. No golfer in the field made fewer errors and only Vijay more birdies, over the weekend.

On the back of two big finishes, he was bound to be a little tired, yet following a delayed, Monday finish to the WGC event, Goosen was contracted to play in the Tavistock Cup, a team event over the very next two days.

He then went directly to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, for an early Thursday start, "Goose" was in one of the first groups out and shot a weary, but passable 73. This was a gruelling schedule for any golfer, let alone one that has not been in contention for a year or more. On Friday, he made a lethargic start and, after nine holes of his second round, with the toughest section of the course still to play, he needed three birdies to make the cut. So , what did he do ? What all great champions do, he rolled his sleeves up, hit every green in regulation and got the three strokes required, to play over the weekend.

This might have been his best performance of recent weeks and a sure sign that "the Goose" is back where he belongs.

He is not playing in the Shell Houston Open this coming week and will be resting, ahead of an early trip to Georgia to begin his preparations, this is ideal. Apart from anything else, I have been worried silly that he would win a tournament before The Masters !

What about his record at the Augusta National, well, since 2002, he has finished 2-T13-T13-T3-T3-T2, so, four top three finishes in six appearances, including in each of the last three years.

In 2007, he came into the event on the back of finishing 51st-18th and 58th in three strokeplay tournaments, this time round, he is playing at a much higher level and has recorded a 14th and 2nd place, in infinitely stronger events.Just as importantly, he is confident, fit, healthy and can see !

How he plays this weekend in New Orleans has little meaning, he has played competitive golf for eleven consecutive days, which is a lot. I would not mind if he "worked on his game" and finished with two par rounds, actually, as I type, he is one under after ten holes on Saturday, so, system going well.

I was going to leave it at that, but have decided to update this on Sunday afternoon (30/03). After looking at Retief's stats, he is obviously feeling in good shape, as he has decided to "open up" with the driver, finding an extra 20 metres, out hitting almost everyone on the course and still finding the fairway. This is a certain sign that he feels 100% comfortable with his game and fitness.

I find it hard to even think of a way that Goosen will not be competitive in the Masters, with a little luck, he could don the famous "green jacket" .

Conditions will not make me any less confident, he proved in the WGC event that he can handle and excel on rain sodden fairways and greens. However, if, as normal, we get lightening fast greens at Augusta, very few will be able to handle them as well as "our" man.

At 33-1 outright and especially at 20-1 each way, in the without Tiger Woods market, I think that Goosen is an absolutely sensational wager.

This is far and away the biggest bet I have ever suggested and, win or lose, make no apologies for doing so, this just feels right.

With the place terms, we will have a very nice return if Goosen is in the top six (including Tiger), remember, this is something he has done, with ease, in 67% of his appearances since 2002.

10 points each way Retief Goosen without Woods 21.0 1/4 odds a place 12345.... anything above 17.0 is certainly backable.

Good Luck.

THURSDAY PREVIEW ....

What a fantastic few days of sporting action we have in prospect !

Starting with four attractive UEFA Cup ties this evening, followed by a full weekend football programme from across Europe and, pick of the bunch, the highlight of my golfing year, the US Masters, which gets under way at 14.00 cet this afternoon.

I have previewed two of the UEFA matches on the email service and will cover one of these on the blog, a little later in the day.

Subscibers were sent earlier in the week, my very strong selection for the Masters, it is far and away the biggest ever bet given on the blog/email service. This is not a "sure" winner, but I feel at the odds available, it offers (or offered) exceptional value for money and that is what I am constantly looking for. I will reproduce it in full on the blog, for any readers that are interested, but not until just before the start of the tournament, so, a little before 14.00 cet.

The golf action can be followed on the Masters website http://www.masters.org/en_US/index.html

Good Luck.

BLUE SQUARE PREMIERSHIP .........

NORTHWICH VICTORIA - FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Like Roberto Martinez at Swansea, we have another overseas coach here, who has spent much of his career playing lower league football in the UK and is starting to make a big name for himself, in the managers chair. Tunisian Noureddine Maamria, known to everyone as "Dino" has turned Northwich around in double quick time, from a bunch of losers heading out of the BSP, to a team on a 10 match unbeaten run (six wins), who are out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

They have done it playing nice, attractive football and scoring 24 goals, an average of 2.4 per game. The work is not yet done, especially with their next two and three of their next four, all away from home and coming against teams currently in the top 5. Therefore, they really need some points from this evening's match, Rovers also like to play the game the way it ought to be played and this should be a fine advert for non-league football.

FGR have had a fine season, but with games running out and sitting 7 points adrift of the play-offs and having played a game more than most of the teams around them in the table, motivation is fading fast. They have struggled on the road recently, with just a single point at Halifax, in a game where they were comprehensively outplayed, in three away ties.

Hosts are set to be unchanged , the visitors have three major injury doubts and will still be without suspended, Stuart Fleetwood, the league's top scorer. Home win.

6 points Northwich -1/4 ball 2.08 asian line.... NOW 1.83 !

Good Luck.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ....

FRANCE .... LIGUE 2
GRENOBLE FOOT 38 - TROYES AS

Another game where both sides have all to play for, with these two battling for what appears to be the final promotion spot from Ligue 2. Troyes are currently 5 points ahead in that race, but that lead is evaporating fast, following three straight losses and could be down to just two points come the final whistle this evening.

We can expect a very aggressive approach from the home side, who surely have to "go for it".Visitors are sure to adopt a cautious approach, but if/once the first goal comes, play could get very stretched.

Hosts have won all three starts in their new stadium and are likely to be unchanged, with two defenders still suspended.

Amazing h2h stats for this league, with the last 7 meetings of these two,all being "over", at an average of 3.71 , infact, four games have produced four or more goals.

6 points "over" 2 goals 1.90 asian line.... NOW 1.84.

Good Luck.

ZENGA HOPING TO MAKE HIS GREATEST EVER SAVE .........

CATANIA CALCIO - NAPOLI

This is a similar fixture, Catania are also outside the drop zone only by virtue of goal difference and are facing an opponent firmly booked for a mid table finish.

This will be Walter Zenga's first game in charge of the hosts and he looks set to return to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation, which will be a huge relief to their supporters. Catania face a very difficult run in and also have a Coppa Italia semi-final to contest, a win this afternoon would go a long way to securing their future and they have been pretty strong on home soil. Only Torino last week, in a result which was the catalyst for Zenga's appointment and Inter, have won at the Stadio Angelo Massimo, in eleven starts,since the end of November.

Napoli have made a great return to Serie A and I expect them to challenge for a top 4 spot next season. However, they will have to work on their away form, as they have already lost nine times on their travels. They are without key midfielder Manuele Blasi who is suspended and up front, top scorer Marcelo Zalayeta, remains sidelined.

Expect the "new coach factor" to help the home side to three very welcome points.

6 points Catania -1/4 ball 1.96 asian line.

Back Later.

SUNDAY PLANS .....

After a poor run, it was nice to have a clean sweep yesterday, with all five selections winning, three of which were posted on the blog.

Hopefully, we will build on that today, I have again previewed five matches on the email service and will post one, maybe two of them here, or in the free to view blog section of the new website www.predictuwin.com .

Please check back.

TIME GENTLEMEN PLEASE !

CHAMPIONSHIP
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE - CHARLTON ATHLETIC

These two are drinking in the last chance saloon, as far as their play-off hopes are concerned and sitting as they are, two and four points respectively off the desired 6th place and having played a game more than several of the teams above them, the draw has little value at all, for either.

Think we will see both pushing forward and defensively, each is struggling, hosts are without a cleansheet in eight starts, Charlton in six, given the quote, I have to take the "overs".

5.5 points "over" 2.25 goals 2.08 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRANCE .........

LIGUE 1
AUXERRE - SOCHAUX

Visitors have been in terrific form and away from home, only leaders Lyon have collected more points, they are unbeaten in seven and have kept clean sheets in 4 of their last six starts.

They are still not entirely safe from relegation fears, lying as they do, just 4 points outside the drop zone, two behind Auxerre. Given the circumstances, both could settle on the draw, but the hosts have terrible injury problems , especially in defence, where they will be without all four starters. Only one way to go for me.

5.5 points Sochaux level ball 2.35 asian line.... now 2.0 !

Good Luck.

PREMIERSHIP .............

NEWCASTLE UNITED - READING

I like to follow strikers in form and Michael Owen is typical of that ilk, in that he tends to score his goals in clusters. He has scored in his last three and in five from eight, also, in six of the last seven games that Newcastle have got on the scoresheet.

Given that Reading concede freely on the road, only Derby have let in more and that Kevin Keegan has removed the chains, previously restricting Newcastle, now that survival seems assured, there look sure to be plenty of chances and Owen looks a great price given the stats.

4.5 points Owen to score anytime 2.56 + exchanges.. an amazing 2.875 @ Corals.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY PLANS .....

I previewed five matches on the email service overnight and will probably post 2-3 of them on here through the day, so please check back later.

More than a week ago I mentioned a very big bet that has been on my mind for sometime, I was just waiting for certain confirmation of form, sorry to be vague, but I do not want to give too much away at this stage. Suffice to say, that this is the most excited I have felt about a single bet, since 2001, will not say confident, as it is a very big price, but everything "feels" perfect and I want as many of you to receive the information as possible.

I will be sending it to subscribers on either Sunday or Monday and to everyone in my database, the following day, on Wednesday or Thursday, it will be on the blog, but will not stand out from any other bet. However, if any of you register on the site before midnight on Wednesday, there is no cost or obligation, then you will be sent the preview in full. I simply do not want to post all my reasoning on an open forum.

Back shortly.

TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL ..........

FRANCE LIGUE 2

LIBOURNE - DIJON

Time is running out for Libourne and they need maximum points from this "six pointer" against a direct relegation rival. The hosts are six points from safety, with that cherished spot currently held by tonight's visitors. Given the circumstances, Dijon, who are toothless on the road, with just six goals all season, at an average of 0.4 per game, would accept and will play for, the draw.
Libourne are in decent form, especially at home, where they are unbeaten in eight and have kept four consecutive clean sheets, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, their performance levels belie their league position and this is a team I do not want to write off at present.

5.5 points Libourne -1/4 ball 2.00 asian line.

CLERMONT - MONTPELLIER

Montpellier are very much two teams, the one that never even concedes, let alone loses on home soil and the other, that struggles on the road. Away from La Mosson, Montpellier have only won once in 12 starts and that came at Dijon , who were in terrible shape at the time, they have lost their last four.
Clermont are strong at home too and have lost just once in ten. These two are of a similar overall standard and have little to play for now in the league, expect this to go to type and the sequence to continue, with the greater ambition and motivation being shown by the hosts.

5.5 points Clermont -1/4 ball 2.02 asian line.

BRESTOIS - GUINGAMP

This is a Brittany derby, between two mid table sides, who have little to play for, lying as they do, 12 and 10 points clear of the drop zone respectively. Think that this will be an open encounter, with both teams seeking the win and free of any real fear. The last three h2h meetings have all been "over", with an average of 4.0 goals per game. To be honest, I would be amazed if both did not score, but then plenty of results have astounded me recently, the two goal line and odds look very reasonable and the downside minimal.

6 points "over" 2 goals 1.91 asian line.

Good Luck.

UEFA CUP ...........

BAYER LEVERKUSEN - ZENIT ST PETERSBURG

I like this Zenit side and having now started their domestic league, the edge that the other european teams had in fitness has lessened and will have disappeared by the return leg, actually, from now on, they should have the advantage, being much fresher.

Feel that there will be goals tonight and the "over" at 2.0 seems ok, both sides come here on the back of shock home defeats and have struggled a little defensively. Zenit are definitely missing Skrtel, who is now at Liverpool, but have plenty of other talent. Owned by Gazprom, their country's main energy company, they are Russia's richest club and have several players on a reputed £40k per week. Andrei Arshavin is their key player and he will be pulling the strings, in Pavel Progrebnyah they have an inform striker looking to be the competitions top scorer, he scored 4 of the five goals, which saw off Villarreal and Marseille, in the previous two rounds.

German clubs always take this tournament seriously and Leverkusen claim that it is as important as the Bundesliga, but having lost a top 4 spot with the home defeat to Frankfurt, surely they will have one eye on the trip to Dortmund at the weekend.

I have to take them getting a full goal start and will also chance a little in the outright market, CSKA took this title in 2005 and Zenit have much in common with that side.

5 points Zenit +1 goal 1.87 asian line

2 points Zenit to win the UEFA Cup 17.0 + general quote, bigger on the exchanges and 21.0 with Skybet.

Good Luck.

QUICK UPDATE .....

I will be putting a further preview of one of tonight's matches on the new website, later in the day.

You can view it in the blog section of the site, at www.predictuwin.com .

Good Luck.

NO TOTTI ON SHOW IN THE ETERNAL CITY ....

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
AS ROMA - MANCHESTER UNITED
SCHALKE 04 - BARCELONA

I have had a look at these quarter-final first legs over the past decade, in 40 matches, we had 22 home wins, 15 draws and just 3 away victories.

Obviously, few poor teams reach this stage and away sides are realistic about their targets in the first leg, knowing that they have the home tie ahead of them.The number of goals have definitely increased in recent seasons, but still 24 of the 40, were "under" the 2.5 total.

So, an average game would work out to 1.82 -2.66- 13.33 , the under/over at 1.67 2.50, that is to a 100% ( no profit) book. Obviously, I am not suggesting that United or Barcelona are 12-1 chances, I would be first in the queue to get on, but we should certainly think twice, before taking skinny odds about any away side,at this stage of the tournament.

Roma will be without Totti and Perrotta, but have done well this year in their absence and there is a good case to be made for the argument that Totti's influence is no longer as great, as it once was. They hosted United twice in 2007, last season winning 2-1, ahead of their Old Trafford mauling (7-1) and at the group stage this season, sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

United and especially Ronaldo, 26 goals, from a non out and out striker is incredible, are on fire at present, but I still expect Sir Alex to adopt a cautious approach, qualification is all that matters. I would not be surprised to see a repeat of the group result and a 1-1 draw, the stalemate, looks far and away the best value.

Understandably, after the 7-1 loss in Manchester last season, Roma were not looking forward to the group rematch, but were very unlucky to lose 1-0 and that performance would have given them confidence ahead of this game. A draw.

Barcelona have been very disappointing this season, have won just once in five starts, lost from 2-0 up at the break, to Betis at the weekend and are set to be without Messi, Deco, Ronaldinho and possibly Eto'o this evening.

Schalke have done well on home soil and impressed, especially in the first half in their 1-0 win over Porto and in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea, where they dominated the game. This is another game which looks "drawish" to me, but I am going to side with the hosts, getting the handicap start, Barce will be confident of turning a narrow defeat around in Spain and will surely not take too many needless chances late in the game. They have played two recent away first leg quarter final ties in recent seasons, drawing 0-0 in Benfica and losing 1-0 to Panathinaikos.

4.5 points Roma-Manchester United draw 3.20 exchanges.
4.5 points Schalke +1/4 ball 2.03 asian line.

Good Luck.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ..........

FRANCE LIGUE 1

AS MONACO - STADE RENNES

Hosts are in freefall and without a win in eight starts, after, briefly, looking like they would challenge for a european place, earlier in the campaign.

It is not just the lack of wins, but the manner of the defeats and capitulation, that is giving great cause for concern. For example, the four second half goals conceded to Caen last week, or the six in some 40 minutes to Bordeaux recently !

They have collected just a single point from six starts and have failed to score in four of these, conceding 16 goals.

Leko, Modesto and Menez are all missing tonight and the pressure will be on, in a half empty stadium, to stop the rot.

Rennes, in contrast, are in great form, unbeaten in five, with three clean sheets and have won on their last two visits to the Principality, without conceding.

I have been told that the weather forecast is not too good for kick off and have just wasted 45 minuts of my life , trying to check this, without any luck. Even so, we can expect a very cautious start from the hosts and a bet on the 0-0 scoreline, with the aim of trading out, could prove profitable, if the bad weather comes, it is a bonus.

4.5 points Rennes +1/4 ball 1.96 asian line .... now 1.83

1.5 points 0-0 draw 8.80 exchanges.... look to trade out after 20 minutes plus.

DENMARK

VIBORG BK - KOBENHAVN FC

With games running out and both of these sides six points adrift of their targets for the season, in Viborg's case, safety, for FCK, the title, this should be a fairly open encounter.

Hosts have lost all three starts since the winter break, conceding nine goals.

Visitors are the best team in Denmark by some considerable way and should win this, but by how many ?

They have a good record in this fixture, winning on their last 4 visits and in 8 from 10. Six of those victories coming by two or more goals, four by the exact 2-0 scoreline.That is how I see it today, even with Marcus Allback missing for the visitors.

4.5 points FCK -1.5 ball 2.12 asian line.... now 2.03

1 point FCK to win 2-0 correct score 6.50 general quote.

Good Luck.

SERIE A .........

LIVORNO - SIENA

If Livorno want to stay in Serie A, they really need a win today against their Tuscan rivals, who look reasonably safe, at least for now, with 35 points.

Not sure that Siena can afford to do them a favour, but there has been some very strange talk going on this week, with the visitors claiming to have fairly limited ambitions from the derby, which is decidely odd.

That aside, with some very tough fixtures immediately ahead, this is make or break time for the hosts. They have never really replaced Lucarelli, but do have striking options, Tavano has done his share, but the others, especially the disappointing Diego Tristan need to step up, now is the time. I see one team looking for the win, the other being happy to sit back and frustrate, given the quote and respectitive motivation, I can only go one way.
6 points Livorno -1/4 ball 1.98 asian line.

I will be posting one further bet, a little later, in the free blog section of the new website, which you can view at www.predictuwin.com .

SUNDAY EARLY KICK OFF ...........

ENGLAND
JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY FINAL
GRIMSBY TOWN - MK DONS

I see this much closer than the bookmakers. Dons have had a great season and are very likely to be be playing at a higher level next season.

However, Alan Buckley, has turned Grimsby around big time and they will have huge ambitions for the next campaign. Buckley is very astute and will, no doubt ,have a plan to handle the threat of the imposing and athletic Dons.

From December 29th, until they qualified for this Wembley final, Grimsby played 16 maches and lost just once, winning ten. They like to get the ball down and play a passing game, which should pay dividends on the wide open spaces this afternoon.

In Peter Till, they have one of the better players in the division and he could thrive this afternoon, the former Birmingham player loves to run at defenders, so watch out for him, he should be in the number 7 shirt. Elsewhere, young defender Ryan Bennett, is already in the England U18 squad and is being tracked by Arsenal, Manchester United and probably every other club in the Premiership.

Grimsby will be a ghost town , with 25,000 travelling south to cheer on their heroes. This will be close and I have to take the team receiving the handicap start.

5 points Grimsby +1/2 ball 2.07 asian line.

Good Luck.

PREMIERSHIP .......

READING - BLACKBURN ROVERS

Fancy that we will see goals here. Last three meetings between these two have produced 15 goals, so , an average of five per game.

Reading have been involved in some very high scoring games this season and although, looking at the bare results, you might think that their matches have tightened up, there have still been a lot of chances at both ends of the pitch.

The hosts are still not safe yet and I think both will be looking for maximum points. Rovers play a pretty open style and have both scored and conceded in 12 of their last 17 starts. They will miss the suspended Chris Samba at the heart of their defence and this should make things easier for the home strikers.

At the other end of the pitch Blackburn have real threat and in Roque Santa Cruz, have an inform striker, three goals in his last two, who has scored 11 of his 18 goals this season on the road. He is a minor doubt, but should play and could be looked at in the anytime scorer market at circa 3.0.

5 points "over" 2.5 goals 2.11 asian line.

DERBY COUNTY - FULHAM FC

Fulham have not won away since I last wore short trousers, but will not get a better chance at hapless Derby. The hosts will not simply roll over and will also see this as a chance to get a win, however, to have any chance of survival, the visitors simply have to seek the win.

The performance at Newcastle aside, Roy Hodgson's side have played much better in recent weeks and certainly do not lack too much in confidence, despite their lowly league position, any side with five americans in the squad, will never lack in that respect. They do have a real goal threat up front and that gives them an edge over goal shy County, who have only managed 14 goals in 31 matches.

5 points Fulham -1/2 ball 2.40 general quote.

Good Luck.

UNITED ON THE MOVE ......

PRESTON NORTH END - SHEFFIELD UNITED
Two inform teams, infact, alongside Hull City, they are playing as well as anybody in the Championship. However, PNE have had a tough schedule and might just feel, that they have done enough for now.

United have won four in a row and Kevin Blackwell has got them on the move and playing to their full potential.Interestingly, they have their next two and four of their next five starts at home, so a win today and the playoff dream will be well and truly alive.

Blackwell has promised to approach this, exactly like a home game and to take the match to PNE, away win for me.

5.5 points Sheffield United level ball 2.29 asian line.

Good Luck.

CHAMPIONSHIP ......

I have previewed seven matches on the email service today and will put several of them on the blog through the afternoon.

IPSWICH TOWN - QPR

You might read elsewhere that Shefki Kuqi is a minor doubt for the hosts, my understanding is that he is very unlikely to start. This is a major problem , as Town are already without their two leading scorers in Walters and Counago, which leaves just one striker, who may have to start upfront alongside a midfielder. As, they are already short of options in the centre of the park, you can see that all is not ideal at Portman Road.

Rangers are in good form, have lost just once in eight and are scoring for fun, with three goals in each of their last three starts. They still have an outside chance of a playoff spot and so, will be going, all guns blazing for the win.

5 points QPR -1/2 ball 4.0 general quote.... 4.10 exchanges.

Good Luck.

TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL..........

I am putting three of my email selections online, all have been faily heavily gambled as you will note, with subscribers getting the real value.

However, these do not even include my strongest bet of the evening !

FRANCE
LIGUE 2
CHAMOIS NIORTAIS - LIBOURNE ST SEURIN

Many of you will know which way I am going in this one. Last week I wrote "In 15 matches since early November, they (Libourne) have lost only four, all away from home and by the odd goal, they deserved something, from at least three of those." They went on to beat high flying Troyes 2-0.

So, now they have sixteen strong performances in a row and despite their league position, are simply not a relegation side.They are stronger at home, but the same is true of virtually every side in this division.However, they cannot afford to lose this game, against a direct rival for survival, with the club immediately above them in the table, looking likely to win, more about that one later.

Certainly a trip to the stadium Rene- Gaillard no longer holds any fear, Niort after losing once in 40+ starts on home soil, have already tasted defeat nine times this season. They have just a single win in eleven starts and cannot keep a clean sheet, not having recorded one in 17 matches and conceding an average of two goals in each of their last ten games.

Therefore, it is hard not to see our heroes scoring and they have only conceded two goals twice, in 14 starts and those were at Nantes and Bastia, far stronger sides than they face this evening. Unlike many other teams across Europe, Libourne stayed loyal to their coach and he has got things right, let's hope that they both get their just reward this season. I do not see them losing tonight.

5.5 points Libourne +1/4 ball 1.95 asian line.... now 1.85

AMIENS SC - LE HAVRE AC

Amiens are not safe yet and would like to secure their Ligue 2 future, ahead of an upcoming and very win-able, cup quarter-final.They are pretty strong at home, where they have lost just three times and score an average of 1.5 goals per game.

Of course, it will not be easy to get something against the league leaders and best away side in the division, but Le Havre's motivation is questionable. No doubt they would like to be champions, but promotion is the only real target and they are now a massive 17 points clear of the 4th placed team. Surely even the most pessimistic of supporters, must be planning his trips to Lyon and Bordeaux next season.

Amiens have a good record in this fixture, winning 5 from 6 meetings here, with 4 clean sheets and have not lost in six home or away games, including a fine 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture, where they twice came from behind. I think that they will continue that sequence this evening.

5 points Amiens +1/4 ball 1.86 asian line.... now 1.65 !

DIJON FCO - GUEUGNON

Finally and very quickly, Dijon have continued to serve us well and they have put in seven good performances in a row, compared to what went before, that is title winning form !

They will fancy their chances against a neighbour that they normally beat, I say normally, because their only loss in recent meetings, came by a stunning 4-0 margin in the reverse fixture.That was one of Gueugnon's only two wins this season and really hurt Dijon, who are out for revenge big time.

Hosts are in much better shape now and a win will put them in a strong position to secure their Ligue 2 survival. They currently lie just outside the drop zone, with the two teams immediately below them in the table, facing each other tonight.

Gueugnon have resigned themselves to a season in National and are winless on the road, where they have only managed a league low eight goals all season.

The win is all important, but given the thumping they received earlier this season, I feel they will push on if taking the lead, footballers have long memories !

5 points Dijon -1 ball 2.25 asian line... now 2.13.

Elsewhere, Stade de Reims have an unenviable trip to Montpellier who have not conceded a home goal for an amazing 853 minutes !

Good Luck.

FRIDAY PLANS AND A SPECIAL OFFER ........

We have some very interesting matches today and I have previewed five of them on the email service.

At the moment, I am intending to post a couple of them on the blog later in the day, so please check back.

As always, the only way to receive all the Predictuwin offerings, is by subscribing to the newsletter. If you wish to try out the service, there is a seven day trial period available, which is priced at £15, 21 euros or US$30, if you take out this option in the next three days and it does not show a profit over the week, you will be given an extra 7 days free of charge.

To register, click the "subscribe now" button on any page of my home website www.predictuwin.com, or, if you wish to ask any questions, send me an email, via the "contact us" tab on the site.

Good Luck.

THURSDAY UPDATE .......

I have always emphasized that the only aim of the service is to provide long term profits, no one can win all the time, that is impossible.

There will be extended winning spells, when it seems impossible to lose and just when your confidence is at a peak, the losers will come, that is called variance. It is something like a roller coaster ride, you can try to make the track a little smoother, but the highs and lows will come, the secret is that we spend more time at the top and limit our losses at the bottom.

After a very good run, I have spent the last ten days or so at the bottom, a few poor selections and some horrendous bad luck, including, seeming to pick every team in Europe that has been reduced to ten men !

Think that I am over the worst of it now, last couple of days have been much better and we even got a piece of luck yesterday, when China missed a penalty very late in the game. As we were on the draw @3.30, that would have been hard to take, especially after backing Crewe on Monday @ 5.10, they took the lead and held onto it until deep in injury time, when the referee waited for a 94th minute equaliser and then instantly blew for time. Yet another official off my Christmas card list !

Anyway, I fully expect a very good weekend now, when the rot stops, the winners normally flow, so make sure that you check in regularly to the blog.

I have only covered one match on the email service today, so that will have to be kept for subscribers.

In the next fortnight, I am planning a major gamble at huge odds and hope to pass it on to readers, after subscribers have "got on", providing the odds hold up, this is the most confident I have been about anything in the last five or six years, so keep in touch.

Good Luck.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES

ROMANIA - RUSSIA

I like the hosts here, they have bags of ability and appear to be taking this game seriously.

They look set to switch to a more offensive line up, dropping a holding midfielder.

Russia are not the greatest of travellers and have named a squad almost entirely made up of domestic players and also lacking a little in experience.

There is a little political tension between the two countries at present and we must expect Romania to be very motivated and hold the advantage over the Russians, many of whom's players will be rusty after the long winter break.

5.5 points Romania -1/4 ball asian line 1.83.

Good Luck.

EASTER MONDAY .....

I have previewed five matches on the email service today and although I am not posting any selections on the blog , will send a free copy of the newsletter, to anyone that requests one before 16.00 cet, simply send an email, via the "contact us" button at the top of the page, on the new website www.predictuwin.com.

Good Luck.

SPAIN... LA LIGA

LEVANTE - VILLARREAL

Levante's mini revival has well and truely ended, almost before it began and 13 points adrift of safety, they are pretty much resigned to a return to Segunda.

They have lost heavily to most of the top sides recently and local rivals Villa, definitely fall into that category this season. The visitors have won 8 from 13 on the road, including their last three, the most recent of which was at Barcelona.

They have won their last two visits here, both by a two goal margin, took the reverse fixture easily and will be confident of opening up an eleven point lead over Seville in the race for a Champions League spot, against an opponent missing five starters.

That will see those eleven points as vital, with a very tough run of fixtures ahead, including meetings with Atletico and Seville.

This should be very open, goals are likely and an away win even more so.

6.5 points Villarreal 1.80 asian line.

Good Luck.

PREMIERSHIP ....

CHELSEA - ARSENAL

Chelsea are bound to be a little drained after the amazing 4-4 draw with Tottenham in midweek, but have the option to freshen up the side, with Mikel, Ballack and Anelka all available.

It is over four years since the Blues lost at Stamford Bridge, some 77 Premiership starts. The only significant difference since Jose left, is that they have yet to prove that they can win, the really big games

Arsenal have blown their lead at the top of the table, with four consecutive draws, like Chelsea, they remain very difficult to beat and let's be certain about one thing, with all the big teams set to meet again, the title is not going to be decided today.

We have Chelsea, who never lose at home, facing a Gunners side that has only tasted defeat once all season in the league.

For me, the draw is far and away the best bet on offer and a 1-1 scoreline looks the most likely outcome.

5 points draw 3.25 general quote.
1.5 points 1-1 correct score 6.50 +

Good Luck.

FRANCE ....

LIGUE 1 AUXERRE - ST ETIENNE

Central defence is a key position and I love to oppose teams that are missing both players from this key position. Such is the case for St Etienne this evening, with Sall and Tavlaridid both out.

They have not scored in three starts and are very poor on the road, where they are 2-2-11 and have conceded a league high total of 27 goals.

Hosts could dispel any lingering relegation thoughts with a win and are in good form, having lost only to in form Marseille in their last six.

My only concern is the draw, Auxerre have drawn 5 of their last 10 and h2h wise, the last five meetings here, have ended all square. Therefore, I will take a small saver on that result.

7 points Auxerre -1/4 ball asian line 1.83
1.5 points draw 3.10 general quote.

Good Luck.

DIVISION 2 ............

ROTHERHAM- BRADFORD CITY

Yorkshire derby that has taken on a whole different complexion, following Rotherham's second period in administration and deduction of ten points. This means that the 7th place in the table and final play-off spot, has been thrown wide open. City are a huge club at this level and currently sit in 13th position, ten points off that desired place, however, they have two matches in hand of their rivals and so, with a win today could get back into the hunt.

They are sure to have a massive travelling support today, won the reverse fixture 3-2 just four weeks ago and are in the better current form of these two, they will certainly have the mental edge and we have to take them to get the three points, at very decent odds.

4.5 points Bradford 3.50 general quote.

Good Luck.

I will be back later, with a selection for tonight's football.

SERIE A ....

REGGINA - NAPOLI

I will take Reggina to carry on the improvement they have shown under new coach Nevio Orlandi and to add to the seven points they have collected, from their last three home starts. Results that they built on with a vital point at Livorno on Wednesday.

They meet a Napoli side that will be pleased with their win over Fiorentina, a result that has virtually assured a mid table finish. This is a huge club, with unlimited potential and they will surely have big plans for next season, however, for now the job seems almost done and I guess home games will be of far greater importance.

Napoli are 2-3 -9 on the road, remain without Zalayeta up front and have problems all over the pitch, including Domizzi, Savini and Mannini all suspended.

6 points Reggina -1/2 ball 2.20 asian line.

SIENA -PARMA

Both should be happy with the point that will keep them above the relegation zone, it will continue the improved form of the visitors and will be welcome to the hosts, who are still in shock, after the thumping they received at Reggina last week.

Siena have drawn 11 times this season and 50% of their home starts, Parma have finished all square in 6 of 14 away from home and in 50% of their last ten matches overall.

H2h wise, last two meetings here have ended in a stalemate.

4.5 points draw 2.90 general quote.

Good Luck.

TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL ....

I have changed my mind and will put all three evening selections online, sometime in the next hour, along with basic reasoning.

They will be on the free to view, blog section of the new website, click here for the link.

Good Luck.

AFTERNOON ACTION ............

CHAMPIONSHIP
CHARLTON ATHLETIC - WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Not much has gone right for the hosts in recent weeks and their promotion dreams are hanging by a thread. They could go back into the top six, albeit only for 24 hours , with a win, but confidence cannot be high. The Addicks have just a single win in six starts, six points in eight matches and since allowing playmaker Andy Reid to leave, the supply to the frontline has dried up.

Albion will also be looking to get back on track after the big home defeat to Leicester last week, that game turned on a dismissal and we can expect a more disciplined performance fron the Baggies. A win will keep an automatic promotion spot in their own hands and they will probably be happy to get away from, their former fortress home, where they have collected only five points from as many games. On the road, only Watford have averaged more Championship goals this season and they have also notched 13 in three FA Cup away wins at Peterborough, Coventry and Bristol Rovers.

I do not see the visitors coming away empty handed, they can get forward very quickly and with Charlton forced to press for the win, they should get plenty of opportunity to do so.

5.5 WBA level ball 1.98 asian line.

Good Luck.

UPDATE OF THE UPDATE !

I got carried away with the email today and ended up covering seven events, one golf preview, plus six football matches, split evenly between England and France, suggested bets included one strong selection at odds of 5.50 !

It is likely that two of these will find their way onto the blog, one posted shortly, the other later in the day.

Good Luck.