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: Chelsea clean sheet V Everton 2.34 (Betfair)
This season Chelsea have defied normal football logic by performing far better away from their home turf. Not only have they won all their eight away league ties this season, they have only conceded one goal, ominous signs for this weekend's opponents Everton. The Merseyside club are without strikers Yakubu and Saha owing to injury leaving youngster Anichebe up on his own. All in all, 2.34 for a Chelsea clean sheet seems tremendous value. 2pt win
Seano’s shouts: West Indies to win 2nd Test at 3.7 and Portsmouth to be relegated at 9.6 (Betfair)
After heavy downpours dampened their first battle this series, New Zealand and the West Indies began their second affair yesterday in Napier. After a stuttering start, a magnificent Chanderpaul hundred left the visitors 256/6 at the close of play, with previous centurion Taylor 1 not out. The draw in the first test gave the West Indian bowlers a chance to get their lines right, the fruits of which began to ripen in the second innings. In this match I expect them to progress over 300 and put their opponents weak batting line up under considerable pressure. 3.7 is a big price for a team in the driving seat. 1pt win
Last year’s FA cup winners have wobbled since the departure of their star manager Harry Redknapp, crashing out of the UEFA cup and slipping down the league table. Their biggest problem is yet to come however, as dressing room disquiet has led to rumours that there maybe a large exodus when the transfer window opens in January. Midfield controller Diarra is off to Madrid, and right back Lauren has revealed a move to Turkey or Greece for himself and moves for Glen Johnson and Defoe to Harry Houdini’s new team. The truth is Pompey are have little squad depth and were made successful by a great manager and a few brilliant signings. Once this falls apart and Kanu finds a starting place again, the slippery slide will begin. Hop on now at 9.6 before they begin to shorten. 1pt win
Horse: Katchit to win the 13:40 at Ascot at 6.8
Well as I thought this was a good tip last week, I don’t see why I should change my mind now. This rescheduled race has only five runners and Katchit will still run well, albeit at a different course. 6.8 is a great price in such a small field and Robert Thornton should bring him home. 1pt win
OUTSIDER: Robert Thornton to win w/o Taylor market in PDC World Championships at 32
Unfortunately I am not tipping the same man to win on my horse Katchit as well as find success in the Darts’ World Championships, but this mercurial talent offers a great outside shot for the new year. Other contenders, such as Barneveld and Part, in this market are searching for form which gives the chance for some value elsewhere. Thornton is an aggressive player who throws quickly which is great for building much needed adrenaline and momentum in the big matches. More importantly this style will excite punters and hopefully after the first round or two he should shorten up before facing anyone who could really challenge. He may be the man to rehabilitate the bank balance after your Christmas shopping. 1pt win
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