Premiership Predictions - Week 10

We're back with our normal dose of predictions here today, and as always the format remains the same. This weekend, the tenth of this season, sees two big games kick off early on the Saturday, with Everton hosting Manchester United and London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal clashing at Stamford Bridge. Where's your money?

Everton 1-2 Manchester United @ 1.82

Whilst Everton are always tricky to overcome at home, United fans will be expecting a response after last week's drubbing, and they should get it. Everton's lack of squad depth will surely haunt them, whereas United can make 11 changes from the Carling Cup win and bring back their stars, namely Rooney, Nani and Hernandez.

Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal @ 1.67

Both sides have had problems this season, and although Arsenal have won 6 out of their last 7, this one is Chelsea's to lose. Those victories have come against 'second-tier' premiership opposition, and Arsene's men haven't won away in the league all season. Chelsea will be up for it, can Torres provide the magic?

Manchester City 4-1 Wolves @ 1.17

This game ended in a 5-2 rout on Wednesday night in the Carling Cup, and that was at Molineux. City should have no problem here, and can recall stars like Balotelli and Aguero who simply look to hot to handle at the moment. Wolves are struggling, and this will continue here.

Norwich 1-1 Blackburn @ 3.65

3 or 4 years ago, Norwich were nowhere near the Premiership and Blackburn were fighting for Europe. How different it is now, with Norwich impressing on their return and their opponents tomorrow rock bottom. However, Blackburn's mid-week win will lift spirits, and they've got individual quality which can see them to a draw. Norwich lack goals, they should start Grant Holt here if they wish to win.

Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa @ 3.4

Another draw in our books, with two sides reluctant to play free flowing football, yet both fairly even. Sunderland are in-consistent, but they shouldn't lose at home here against a Villa side who were defeated in their last game, against West Brom. Draw the safest bet.

Swansea 2-0 Bolton @ 2.16

Bolton need some form of pick up after a string of below par results and performances, but this isn't a place they're favourites to get it. Swansea have been decent this season, and especially at home, where they don't often concede. Danny Graham's starting to find the next, and this could well continue. However, it's a hard one to predict and Bolton are by no means out of it, they're just underdogs.

Wigan 0-0 Fulham @ 3.35

Again difficult to call, but a 0-0 is a safe option. Fulham are yet to click under Martin Jol, and Wigan are in poor form themselves. They are likely to set themselves up not to get beaten, and it could work. Both sides will hope moments of brilliance from their talented man will be the difference, take note Bryan Ruiz and Andy Johnson in white, and Victor Moses for the hosts.

West Brom 0-2 Liverpool @ 2.12

We've gone for favourites Liverpool, but it's by no means a formality. They've really struggled to put away chances this year, and for all the hype Luiz Suarez took 11 shots last Saturday, only to not even score once. They'll need to be more clinical if the top 4 is a realistic aim. That said, they should get plenty of chances from a West Brom defence, and this should be enough to see them through. With no Long, where will The Baggies get their goals from?

Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 QPR @ 1.4

Spurs should have no issues here at all, with QPR a force at home yet very poor away so far this season. Especially as Redknapp's charges are just starting to hit their straps, we can see goals for the North London side. Adebayor's been a quality signing, and we're tipping him to be the man in the goals this Sunday. People like Shaun Derry should concentrate on the football, not the row between Ferdinand and Terry, after it transpired he attempted to give evidence despite not even being on the pitch at the time.

Stoke 1-1 Newcastle @ 3.35

Newcastle went on a brilliant unbeaten run, only for it to end in heartbreaking fashion in mid-week. This could have a serious effect on them, and Stoke isn't a forgiving place to go. However, Newcastle still have the quality to compete, and 1-1 the safest option. Yet, if we were to pick a winner, it would have the be the home side, who have the needed firepower to consolidate in the top half, as Newcastle slowly drop towards them.

So, that's our view on this weekends action, what are your thoughts? It's sure to be another classic weekend of Premier League football, and as ever you can follow it all as it happens on our Twitter feed, just search TacticalBet on the site. Thanks for reading.

The Sack Race

So, we're almost through to November now, and teams in the Football League will inevitably start to wonder if they've got the right man in charge, or if a replacement could do better. At TacticalBet, we thought it would be quite good to assess who's favourite for the chop, as it's quite a large market, and also an amusing and interesting one.

Premiership

Steve Kean is the stand-out, surely he's onto borrowed time, as shown by the odds of 11/8. The fans are giving him some dreadful stick, with protests both before and after the game, and if you're going to bet on this market, he looks your man. However, other options could include Owen Coyle? 16/1, and his Bolton side are struggling. How about a few obscure ones, Villas Boas at 50/1? Abramovich does appear restless with all his managers, and perhaps Wenger at 18/1 isn't too far off either.

Championship

There have already been a few changes in this league, but what about the next? Kenny Jackett's Milwall are down there, and at 5/1 he's a favourite. Can Sven deliver at Leicester? He's 14/1 to go next, they're not living up to the standard they should be given the money they spent in the summer. Most others look safe for now, but the two you've got to look at would be Dyche and Thorn of Watford and Coventry respectively, both struggling, both low at 7/1.

League One

Phil Brown's Preston are extremely inconsistent, so him at 7/1 again might be another option worth looking at. Yeovil are now rock bottom, and their 10/1 to part with their boss, Terry Skiverton, one we'd encourage you to look at for sure. The two John's, Ward and Sheridan of Colchester and Chesterfield are at 12 and then 14/1, worth looking at as form develops.

League Two

Lawrie Sanchez is our pick here, at Barnet and priced at 7/2. There are plenty of other options as well, with it wide open. Our best tip would be to keep an eye on the form, and the market, then make a call when situations change. Micky Adams 20/1 at Port Vale, and a suprise choice in Paulo Di Canio at 12/1 managing Swindon, would be our selections.

Just a brief overview into each, and we'll keep you up to date with the sackings as they unfold! There are sure to be some interesting occurrences to follow in the lead up to January. All the odds given above are courtesy of Paddy Power except the League Two ones, which come from Stan James.

2011 Rugby World Cup Final

New Zealand vs France

Eden Park, Auckland

Sunday 23rd October

9-00 am

Both sides have named unchanged 15's for this monumental clash, a repeat of the 1987 final. Then, New Zealand won, and they've not won it since. Could this be the moment? Or will France, destroyed in sections of the media after shocking performances against Tonga and the hosts earlier in the tournament, steal the show?

France @ 9.4

New Zealand @ 1.13

Obviously, New Zealand are overwhelming favorites for the game, and we can't see them slipping up here. They should have too much power and pace in both forwards and backs, with McCaw set to be fit and captain the side. Alongside him, Thorne is another powerhouse who will have to be stopped. France shouldn't have a prayer, but if they are to defend well, Dusautoir will be key. In terms of the backs, Dagg, Jane and Kahui are as good a back three as you'll see at this level, and although Clerc is a threat, he's not on the same level. This all means, as far as we're concerned, New Zealand will surely win.

Prediction - New Zealand by more than 7 points.

Despite this, it should be a fascinating spectacle and well worth watching! You can, as ever, follow all the action as it happens on ourb feed, so be sure to check that. Thanks for reading.

Premiership Predictions - Week 9

This weekend, 22nd and 23rd of October, sees all the Premiership sides in action, with a few cracking games to keep a close eye on. Arsenal face Stoke, in what is always a fiercely contested game, and the big on, Manchester United hosting rivals City in the derby.

Wolves 0-0 Swansea @ 3.45

Two sides who are struggling on the whole this season, 16th and 13th respectively, and a draw seems the likeliest option. However, both teams do have potential match-winners, notably in Fletcher for the hosts, and Sinclair for Swansea.

Aston Villa 2-0 West Brom @ 2.08

Another derby this weekend, to add to the other two on Sunday. Villa have been good this season at home, making themselves very hard to beat. West Brom are improving, shown with a win last weekend, but this could be one step too far for them.

Bolton 1-1 Sunderland @ 3.35

Again, two sides who have had very poor starts, meaning they'd both be more than happy with a point. Both have only collected a meagre 6 points from the opening 8 games, and Sunderland especially are under the pump. Expect defences, involving Cahill, Brown and O'Shea, to come out on top here.

Newcastle 2-0 Wigan @ 1.61

Newcastle have been a revelation this season, using their defence's superb performance as a catalyst for some great results. Their opponents this weekend sadly haven't been quite as good, in-fact they've been dreadful. This should be routine, expect starlet Ben Arfa and goal machine Ba to be at the fore-front of anything good for the hosts.

Liverpool 3-0 Norwich @ 1.32

This one should be fairly straight-forward for Kenny's men, who looked impressive last weekend against Manchester United. Norwich do look alright this year, but as shown by their performance at Old Trafford the other weekend, they lack goals. With Gerrard back, this should be simple.

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke @ 1.56

Stoke have achieved some great results against Arsenal in recent years, due to their contrast in style. However, Stoke will have played on the Thursday, and have lost their last two league games comfortably after being in this position. As for Arsene Wenger's men, it's 5 wins in 6 now, and expect this to be a 6th in 7.

Blackburn 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur @ 1.96

Blackburn appear in need of some divine intervention to right their shocking form, and surely it won't come here against a Spurs side with 13 points from their last 16 possible. Adebayor offers their attack a new dimension, and Blackburn's shoddy defence will most likely have no answer. Comfortable away win on paper, although we all know football isn't played on paper and Blackburn will hope to spring a surprise. Yet, the planned protest against Steve Kean won't help their cause.

Fulham 1-1 Everton @ 3.3

A hard one to call this, but a draw seems the safest pick. Fulham are moving through the gears at the moment, as shown with their 6-0 demolition of QPR, but Everton are always hard to beat. Andy Johnson could be key for the hosts against his former club, could be be the difference?

Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City @ 2.18

The big one, and it's sure to be a classic. United are always so impressive at home, but will ever improving City have a trick up their sleeves to shock their famous rivals? Aguero could be just that trick, after his last gasp winner in mid-week for the blue half of Manchester. United though, boast an embarrassing array of riches, and Rooney is the jewel in their crown. United to shade it, just, with their midfield having the experience needed to combat City's attacking players.

QPR 1-3 Chelsea @ 1.4

QPR are getting better as they adapt more to life in the Premiership, but Chelsea should be too strong for them here. Sturridge and Mata's movement and skill will be un-matched at Loftus Road, and this should be enough for Chelsea to earn the 3 points. QPR will need forceful midfielders to try to close down the space and put the tackles in, and it appears they lack it, with exception to Joey Barton, who will be key.

So, that's it for this week. Will they come up? We certainly hope so, but some games there look extremely hard to call! Remember, as always, you can keep up to date with events through our Twitter feed. Check back tomorrow for a pre-view on the World Cup Final between hosts New Zealand and France in Auckland. Thanks for reading!

Premiership Predictions - Week 8

After the 2 week long international break, the Premiership returns this weekend with a host of big games for you to win some money on. As always odds are for the result, not the correct score.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester Utd @ 3.4

The biggest game of the weekend, and in some people's minds, the biggest game in English football. It's always a tough game to call between these sides with it often being a tight, attritional affair, and whilst on paper United would be favourites, Liverpool are an improving side playing at home. A draw seems the safest option here.

Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa @ 1.37

Villa are unbeaten in the league so far, and they should put up more of a fight against City at the Ethiad Stadium then some travelling teams have. However it is hard to look beyond City for this game. David Silva was superb in midweek for Spain against Scotland, and although the Tevez saga is hanging over them, they have enough quality up front and around the team, to deal without him.

Norwich 1-1 Swansea @ 3.4

A relegation 6-pointer? Almost certainly, which is why both sides will be going for broke. Swansea have played nice football so far this season and have started to hit the back of the net, whilst Norwich have looked a good side, unlucky not to be higher up the table. This should be an open game with a lack of quality up top, making a 1-1 draw likely.

QPR 2-1 Blackburn @ 1.9

Another relegation 6-pointer for you here. Both sides have suffered heavy defeats recently and how the managers pick there respective sides up from this will be crucial to which team comes out on top. On this aspect Neil Warnock will be my favourite to pick his team up. Steve Kean's lack of inspirational leadership will see his side lose a potentially crucial game.

Stoke 1-1 Fulham @ 3.35

A draw looks inevitable here. Stoke are a tough side to beat at home, however Fulham's form has picked up and they showed against QPR a fortnight ago that they can find the back of the net.

Wigan 1-2 Bolton @ 3.2

Both sides are struggling at the wrong end of the table, 18th and 20th respectively. I fancy this game to be the start of Bolton's revival however. They have a manager and team clearly capable of finishing higher up the table then they currently are. On this basis and against a poor Wigan side lacking any direction, I fancy Bolton to win a close fought game, away from home.

Chelsea 2-0 Everton @ 1.39

Chelsea are looking very strong at home, and Everton always seem to struggle to score away from home. Couple this with the morale-crushing defeat in the Merseyside Derby two weeks ago, and it seems a simple game for Chelsea, who are growing in confidence.

West Brom 1-1 Wolverhampton @ 3.5

These sides have enjoyed complete opposite starts to the season. West Brom had to wait a while before gaining some serious points, whilst Wolves started well but have dropped off since, with 4 loses in a row. West Brom are more likely to gain the 3 points at home, but Wolves are a good enough side to snatch a point.

Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland @ 1.48

Despite what people say about Arsenal they are still a decent side who should be pushing for a top 4 finish. That is if they can sort there leaky defence out. They should still be able to easily brush aside a struggling Sunderland side at home however. The pressure is mounting on Steve Bruce...

Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham @ 2.5

This game could be one of the best of the weekend, as it sees unbeaten Newcastle, with the best defence in the league, play the typically attacking Spurs side under Redknapp, who are quickly improving after an indifferent start to the season. I fancy Spurs to win an open game, simple because they have more firepower.

RWC 2011 - The Semi Finals

After Ireland, England, South Africa and then Argentina faced up to elimination last weekend in the quarter final stage, it leaves just four teams dreams of World Cup glory intact. In a quick recap of the last matches, Wales overcame Ireland 22-10 in a thrilling battle, and in Saturday's other game England had a disasterous start and were beaten 19-12 by Northern Hempishere rivals France. Sunday saw South Africa lose despite dominating Australia, with James O'Connor's 72nd minute penalty enough to give them an 11-9 win. The final game belonged to New Zealand, as the hosts brushed Argentina aside 33-10.

Onto the semi finals, then. First up is Wales vs France, in A 9-00 kick off, in Auckland. Wales have made only the one change, which sees James Hook drafted in for the injured Priestland at fly-half. Wales coach Warren Gatland appeared at ease after this change, however, stating that Hook has the 'talent and ability' to succeed. Record caps holder Stephen Jones takes the spare spot on the bench. France have named the exact side which overcame England, with only two minor changes on the bench, drafting in a replacement flanker and scrum-half. This game really could go either way, with two sides capable of playing exceptional rugby on their days. France do appear to be very in-consistent, and Wales will hope to pounce on any nervousness in the French play.

Wales @ 1.84
France @ 2.34
Draw @ 24

TB's prediction - France by more than than 7 points.

The second semi sees hosts New Zealand take on Australia, in a huge contest. Again at Eden Park, the two heavyweights will go head to head at 9-00, Sunday 16th October. In terms of team news, captain Richie McCaw has been passed fit despite not training most of the week, and coach Graham Henry has named 3 changes. Aaron Cruden starts at 10, with Dagg and Kahui also joining the back line. The All Blacks are now onto their 3rd choice fly-half, following injuries to Carter and Slade, will this cost them? Australia have an un-changed team, but full-back Kurtley Beale will be subject of a late fitness test. If this is failed, Anthony Fainga'a will start. In the last 6 meetings between these sides, New Zealand have won 4, and with home advantage they will certainly feel confident. Yet, having not won the tournament since 1987, could their be an element of nerves getting the better of them? Australia did claim a 25-20 win in their last meeting, only 2 months ago, so they will also have reasons to feel confident. It's sure to be a classic either way.

New Zealand @ 1.46
Australia @ 3.45
Draw @ 32

TB's prediction - New Zealand by less than 7 points.

These promise to be two spectacular games, which are not to be missed. Despite England's exit, Wales and France can still fly the flag for the Northern Hemisphere, whearas on the Southern side old rivals Australia and New Zealand re-ignite their battle. Where's your money?

The pictures at the top show France's Dimitri Yachvili, Australia's Kurtley Beale (on the floor) along with Wales' captain Sam Warburton and New Zealand's Piri Weepu.

Montenegro vs England - Euro 2012 Qualification

Montenegro vs England

City Stadium, Podgorica

8-00pm, 7th October 2011

Montenegro 6.4

England 1.74

Draw 3.7

0-0 10.5

1-0 16

0-1 7

0-2 8.7

S.Jovetic (1st) 11.5

S.Vukcevic (1st) 19.5

W.Rooney (1st) 5.5

F.Lampard (1st) 10

D.Bent (hat-rick) 50

Below are the differing permutations as to what will unfold in England's group, as they look to secure their spot at Euro 2012, in Poland and Ukraine. Above are some select match odds, and the details regarding time and venue. Enjoy the match!

England will secure their place in the finals if they claim a point from their next game in Montenegro, who are the only team who can catch them. If Montenegro beat England they will hold the head-head-head advantage after the 0-0 draw at Wembley last October, but would still need to beat Switzerland away to deny Fabio Capello's side.