Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Nap: 2pt Man U to beat Arsenal at 2.44
Seano’s shouts: 2pt Tom Chambers top scorer in Strictly Come Dancing at 4
1pt Under 1.5 goals Everton V West Ham at 3.5
Horse: 1pt win Presvis at 6.2 Doncaster 15:10
Outside chance: 3pt Lay Liverpool at 1.26
Nap of the week
I start this week at Old Trafford where my nap suggests Man United are sure to defeat Arsenal on their home turf. In the last five years the two teams have always fought very tight contests, but injuries and needless suspensions for Van Persie and Adebayor have hit the Gunners hard. Their absence will leave the mercurial Bendtner to provide the forward impetus… I'm sure Vidic and Ferdinand are quaking in their boots.
Man United, aided by the return of Ronaldo and the performances of new man Berbatov, are back to their Championship winning form and the crumbling Arsenal defence are sure to concede, making a Man United win my nap of the week.
Seano’s shouts
My first shout this week seeks to profit from a very dull afternoon at Upton Park. Both sides have struggled to score this season, each netting just 15 times in 11 games. Also both sides are lacking consistent form and this one is likely to be a bore draw unless Everton nick another late one. With this in mind I think 3.5 is great value for under 1.5 goals and well worth a one point punt.
I have a penchant for betting on reality TV performance shows for two reasons: firstly the shows’ voting behaviour tend to follow a consistent pattern, as they share a common viewing demographic; secondly it gives me a manly justification for watching men in tights and frilly tops bouncing around on a Saturday night. Therefore my first reality port of call this year is Strictly Come Dancing and Tom Chambers to get the highest score this week.
It has been an intense battle between Chambers and Austin Healy so far, which the man with the guns has edged up until now. This week Chambers gets to dance the quickstep (which Austin led the scores with last time) and Healy has to perform the difficult Rumba. This will be the week that the race opens up and Chambers asserts his presence; 3-1 is great value to make your Saturday evening a little more exciting.
Horse
This week’s horse is coming from the 1m4f Doncaster Totescoop handicap where Presvis will look to reassure previously disappointed punters that he is a true winner. He triumphed impressively at Newbury and seems to be improving in the lead up to tomorrow's run. With the addition of Ryan Moore I think anything over 5/1 could see a promising return for punters tomorrow.
Outside Chance
For all those hoping for a big win on a bigger price this week, look no further than laying Liverpool at home to West Brom. Now I know this seems a foregone conclusion but I think 1.26 is way too short for a stuttering Liverpool who face a battling, physical relegation side.
This fixture is huge for the Reds, who have to prove they can bounce back from poor results to wage a serious title challenge. In previous years they've merely cemented bad results with further poor showings, and I fear they may follow suit again this season. I still wouldn’t go so far as to back the West Brom win, although 22 is inviting, so I'll risk laying a home side who might just fall at this tricky hurdle.
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