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APOEL v Lyon

APOEL have failed to score in each of their last three Champions League games
The only way that APOEL, the first ever Cypriot club to get this far, can prolong their Champions League adventure is by scoring against Lyon. The above insight suggests that they will be denied though by a team who have kept four clean sheets in their last seven European ties.

Lyon have failed to score in five of their last eight Champions League matches
Lyon's defensive work looks like being enough to ensure a quarter-final spot, yet don't expect an emphatic triumph. Remi Garde's men netted only once, via a deflection, as hosts and are winless in eight away knockout encounters. Even if they do end that run, it will be by a slender margin.

Barcelona v Leverkusen

Leverkusen are without a win in their last 11 away games in the Champions League, losing eight of these
This is a statistic that clarifies, just in case there was any doubt, that there is no way back for the 2001-02 finalists following their 3-1 home first-leg reverse at the hands of the holders. However, it is interesting to note that the Bundesliga side have scored in eight of those despite the poor results.

Lionel Messi has scored 28 goals in his last 29 Champions League starts, including seven in six this season
And this is usually the stage of the competition in which the Argentine genius lets his rivals for the top scorer honour know that they are wasting their energy, with braces claimed in the home second leg of Barcelona's last two round-of-16 encounters, against Stuttgart and Arsenal respectively.

Recommended Bets:
Lyon to keep a clean sheet away to APOEL @ 2.92
Under 1.5 goals in APOEL v Lyon @ 2.96
Barcelona clean sheet? No at home to Leverkusen @ 2.32
Lionel Messi to score two goals or more in Barcelona v Leverkusen @ 3.15

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Tottenham v Stevenage, Wednesday 19:45, ESPN

It was the goalless draw at Broadhall Way in the initial instalment of this FA Cup fifth round tie that sapped Tottenham of all momentum ahead of the defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United which killed off their Premier League title challenge.

However, as is often the case for a lower-league team who manage to produce the performance of a lifetime in a glamorous cup game, Stevenage have suffered just as badly since their first heroic showing in front of the cameras.

Having entered that on a run of eight victories in ten, they suddenly find themselves winless in five. This is also the fourth straight midweek in which they have played - Spurs' far larger squad have had the last four off - so finding the energy to frustrate the Lilywhites will be far more difficult this time.

For their part, Tottenham have never lost three in a row under Harry Redknapp. The last time that they were in this position was in September 2009, when after being toppled by positional rivals Manchester United and Chelsea they took out anger on Preston with a 5-1 annihilation.

It all indicates that those laying Spurs at 1.22 could be in for a disappointing evening. Indeed, with the winners of this replay hosting Bolton in the quarter-finals, this is arguably an ideal period to back them outright to lift the cup at 3.9.

Over/under 2.5 goals

Opta offer a remarkable statistic about this encounter: that in their combined eight matches in this season's competition, neither Tottenham nor Stevenage have conceded a goal, pointing to under 2.5 goals as a great bet at huge odds of 3.1. Spurs are 2.04 to maintain their clean-sheet streak.

The visitors haven't lost by more than two goals since last February at Bury, and their last reverse by a three-goal margin in 90 minutes prior to that came back in 2008, so with Redknapp's side scoring only four in their last four FA Cup fixtures, don't expect a thrashing.

First goalscorer

Opta note that Jermain Defoe has scored eight goals in his last 11 FA Cup starts, and the striker has a fair chance of being picked here after netting off the bench against Manchester United. He is around 4.4 to break the deadlock, a price worth taking if he starts.

Best Bet: Tottenham to keep a clean sheet @ 2.04
Other Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 3.1

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Benfica v Zenit St Petersburg, KO 19:45 GMT, Sky Sports 4

We were right to predict goals in the first leg, and after seeing some of the defending and attacking on display in that game, high goals looks the smart way to play this time.

Zenit's 3-2 win was their sixth consecutive unbeaten game in the competition (equalling the Russian record set by Spartak Moscow 16 seasons ago) but Benfica are favourites to go through thanks to those two away goals. The Portuguese giants are 1.73 to reach the last eight, with Zenit 2.34, but the goals market has greater appeal than the odds-on hosts, who I think might nick a win.

I was surprised to find over 2.5 goals as large as 1.92 considering the way the two sides played in that first leg. There were plenty of chances, some lax defending and some good finishing. Benfica will be confident that if they tighten up just a little bit, they will go through, but it would be no surprise to see Zenit score at least once as they were excellent going forward three weeks ago. For their part, Benfica have scored at least once in each of their last 11 European games, so I expect to see the 2.5 goals barrier broken. A slightly more cautious alternative, to cover the 1-1 draw, would be to back both teams to score at 1.83.

Benfica are 1.71 to win in 90 minutes, and are a decent bet to do so looking at some of the historic stats: as Opta points out, the Portuguese have won five and drawn two of their last seven European home games (excluding qualifiers), while Zenit have failed to win in four on the road (W0-D2-L2). There's little difference in price between Benfica to win on the night or go through, so I prefer backing the hosts to win in order to cover the 3-2 (which would force extra-time) and the 4-3 scorelines (more plausible than it sounds considering how the first leg went).

Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.92.
Other Recommended Bet: Benfica to win in 90 minutes @ 1.73.

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It's not often Voltaire's Candide can be found as a starting point to a League One column, but the boy of sweet disposition often said of love, "All it brought me was a kiss and scores of kicks up the backside."

And Candide was right. Sheffield Wednesday sacked manager Gary Megson in midweek to cement the division's reputation as one of the barmiest in Europe.

Megson had guided the Owls to third, five points off automatic promotion and achieved a recent derby clash victory over bitter rivals Sheffield United. He played for the club, clearly loved the club and had greatly improved his beloved team since he landed the position from Alan Irvine. I am aware that his style wasn't to the taste of everyone, but the rumours that were floating around pre-derby last weekend have proved accurate.

Hillsborough chairman Milan Mandaric outlined his reasons, which follows on from equally puzzling departures of Lee Clark (Huddersfield) and Martin Allen (Notts County). Incidentally, the Owls are 2.74 for promotion, and face Rochdale this weekend.

Scunthorpe v Wycombe

Scunthorpe are the draw specialists in the league, netting a whole 14 of them this season. The Iron played fairly well in midweek at Sheffield United, only to lose 2-1 to a late winner. Last weekend their defensive showing was much better in the 0-0 against Brentford in what was an ugly, scrappy game.

The pitch at Glandford Park is poor, which makes for grim viewing on occasions. Scunny are showing signs of edginess too recently, with their last three home matches reading 0-0, 0-1, 0-0.

Wycombe remain a place below Saturday's rivals in the drop zone but were resounding 5-0 winners against Hartlepool on Saturday, with loan signing Paul Hayes bagging a couple of goals. Wanderers boss Gary Waddock has freshened up the squad with some new faces but their problem has always been conceding goals. The Buckinghamshire side have the worst defence in the league, and eight of their last nine games have resulted in over 2.5 goals being scored.

Both will be more fearful of a loss considering their league positions, and it might be worth a dabble on the division's draw specialists to land number 15.

Back The Draw @ 3.7


Sheffield United v Oldham

Sheffield United bounced back from their derby defeat to Wednesday on Sunday with a hard fought 2-1 win over Scunthorpe in midweek. The Blades have a rock solid home record (losing only twice) and have the best squad in the league. Defensively they are very strong, but surprisingly have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three. On the plus side, they dealt with a huge amount of aerial balls against the Owls but will need the creative talents of Kevin McDonald, who has missed the last two games.

The simple angle into this game is how away teams have approached matches at Bramall Lane this season. The opponents often line up 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 and try to keep it tight in the first 30 to 40 minutes, and Saturday's opponents Oldham are unlikely to believe they can go and win the game.

The Latics will look for set-plays and for a spark from 14-goal forward Shefqi Kuqi, but they have managed just 16 goals on their travels all season and will find it tough to breach an excellent back line.

Back Yes to Sheff Utd Clean Sheet @ 2.28
Back No to Both teams to Score @ 2.0


Leyton Orient v Walsall

Former Orient legend Dean Smith returns to the Matchroom on Saturday with his hardworking outfit who are proving to be a difficult team to beat. Walsall are unbeaten in their last three and have lost just two away games in their last nine. Although they draw plenty and lack a Jordan Rhodes up front (who doesn't?), they will try and stay in this game for as long as possible.

Smith played over 300 games for the Os, captaining them in the 2001 play-off final and will hopefully get a great reception this weekend. I was lucky enough to play in a game at Brisbane Road with Smith and former manager Martin Ling, with my flamboyant wing efforts impressing neither.

Orient look a side with nothing to play for and are fizzling out rather tamely this term, resulting in some fairly erratic displays and results. Manager Russell Slade would have been pleased with the chances created at Bury last weekend, but they drew 1-1. Slade wanted to be more positive the week before and lined up 4-4-2 against Scunthorpe only to lose 3-1.

The Os have been awful at home this season, winning just four games and might be vulnerable to a limited, but ultra hard-working team who still have plenty to play for.

Lay Leyton Orient @ 2.16
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.86

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Ipswich v Bristol City

You have to go back to late August to find the only time Bristol City have been out of the bottom six this season. Although the arrival of manager Derek McInnes sparked a run of four league wins from five in November, the Robins have not managed to climb higher than 19th since those embryonic league tables back at the start of the season.

And currently they are on a slide, five defeats from their last six league outings dropping them to 21st in the table. They have lost six of their last seven away matches, and I can see that becoming seven out of eight when they visit a rejuvenated Ipswich.

Paul Jewell's side had won four on the spin before last weekend's defeat at Brighton and have lifted themselves into the relative safety of mid-table - their last two home wins have been particularly eye-catching, the 5-1 rout of West Ham followed by a 3-0 success over Cardiff. The Tractor Boys have also shown a pretty ruthless streak against struggling sides: they have won five out of six so far against teams 21st or lower.

Back Ipswich @ 1.83


Birmingham v Derby

Having been so strong defensively, it was a shock not only that Birmingham lost to Nottingham Forest last weekend, but also that they conceded two goals in the process. They were the first goals the Blues had shipped at St Andrews in four games, and that will have hurt Chris Hughton and his side. So, I'm going to give them another chance to deliver a successful shut-out when out-of-sorts Derby visit on Saturday.

The Rams are seeing any chance of being involved in the promotion shake-up evaporate fast as a run of six games without a win has seen them fall to 15th in the table. The fact they have failed to score in five of those six adds weight to my feeling that Birmingham will return to their defensive strengths in this one. Even after last weekend, the Midlands club still own the best home defensive record in the division, and concede at a rate of less than half a goal per game in front of their own fans.

Back Birmingham Clean Sheet @ 2.0


Doncaster v Brighton

As the list of remaining games gets shorter, and the gap between Doncaster and safety doesn't get any less, you have to think that Rovers are starting to look destined for the drop. They have been in the bottom two since mid-October, during which time they have won only four league games from 20. They are poor in front of goal: no team has scored fewer at home than Rovers, who have managed only 12 in 15 league games. Indeed, matches are generally tight at the Keepmoat: the 15 games there have seen the net bulge just 28 times at an average of 1.87 per game.

Backing Under 2.5 Goals for Donny home league games would have seen you collect 73% of the season so far - and Brighton away league games are not far behind, with Unders being a winning bet in 65% of the Seagull's trips on the road. Gus Poyet's side are unbeaten in their last nine league games, and have conceded just five goals in that sequence.

Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.75

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This match has plenty of interesting angles, including whether this is the first of many matches for Stuart Pearce as manager and who will be given the captain's armband on the night. Here's how to profit from a not so meaningless friendly...


As far as friendlies go, this is one of the more intriguing ones.

The job interview

Irrespective of the result itself, if Stuart Pearce looks the part as England manager, the players respond to him and the Three Lions play a good brand of football, we may have found the man to lead England at Euro 2012, if not for the World Cup qualifying campaign after that. There are good reasons why Harry Redknapp may turn down the chance to manage England this summer or even for the foreseeable future and though the 5-2 defeat on Sunday has definitively ruled out Tottenham as a title contender, it won't affect his decision. If anything, it will reinforce the view that he's got unfinished business at White Hart Lane. Make no mistake: if Richard Aikman and I are right about Redknapp not being the man in charge this summer, this match is pretty much Stuart Pearce's job interview.


Skip the odds-on about the Liverpool skipper

We may also be a little bit closer to finding out who the next England captain is. That said, be wary of assuming that whoever wears the armband on Wednesday night is a shoe-in to do so against France in their opening match of Euro 2012. Stuart Pearce may decide that he doesn't want to start Steven Gerrard or Scott Parker for example, and give the responsibility to say Ashley Cole on the night, but have one of the aforementioned pair pencilled in for the job on a full-time basis. Should Pearce get the full-time job himself that is. Or of course 'Psycho' may miss out on the job and the man who does get it may decide to appoint someone completely different. Still following? But if you fancy a bet right here right now, you should lay Gerrard at about 1.9. If this is all about new beginnings, then where's the logic behind re-appointing the man who was captain during England's ill-fated World Cup? Of course the debacle wasn't Gerrard's fault per se but if he was such a respected and inspirational captain, then why was John Terry calling his own press conferences, like some sort of Fletcher Christian, and nattering on about how he was a born leader of men? Besides, how confident would you be that the Liverpool man will even be fit come the France game? Back Joe Hart or Scott Parker if you wish but the better bet is to just lay the favourite.


Van Persie to show mercy

Robin van Persie's stats for the Netherland's qualifying campaign may look pretty impressive at first glance but scratch beneath the surface and there are good reasons to oppose him to score in this match. In qualifying he featured in six matches and scored six goals (so far so good) but four of those were against San Marino in the third match and the other two goals were scored in the first and second games. He drew blanks against Finland, Moldova and Sweden despite starting the lot so maybe his international goalscoring form isn't quite up there with his club one. With his place in the Netherland's XI all but guaranteed and a big match coming up against Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime, he's unlikely to play more than a half and motivation may not be at its highest.


Laying the Orange should be fruitful

It's the fashionable thing to do: back a glamorous opponent when they come to Wembley to beat the Three Lions. Hands up those who backed France at bigger than 3.0 to defeat England way back in November 2010. Well done. Hands up those who backed Spain at odds-on to beat England. Yeah. France thoroughly deserved that win and were the better team but in the nine matches played at Wembley since the start of last season (August 2010) that's the only match England lost, across friendlies and qualifiers . OK, Ghana, Switzerland and Sweden are all solid rather than spectacular but the Spain match proved that in front of their home fans, the England players can up their game. True, a draw would have been the fairer result but Netherlands look too short at 2.7 away from home, in a friendly they don't need to win, against a group of players desperate to impress the new manager, whoever that may be.


Back Stuart Pearce to be next England manager at 6.4
Lay Steven Gerrard to be next England captain @ 1.9
Lay Robin van Persie to score @ 2.8
Lay Netherlands to win the match @ 2.7


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There's just one event to concentrate on this week but it's a cracker. Read Steve's thoughts on the Honda Classic here...


Tournament

First played as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic in 1972, this will be the 40th staging of the Honda Classic.


Venue

PGA National Champion Course, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida


Course Details
Par 70, 7158 yards, stroke average in 2011 - 72.54

This will be the sixth staging in-a-row at the Tom and George Fazio designed PGA National - a tough course and very much a story of two halves. The first four holes are four of the five easiest on the course, with the par five 18th, ranked at 15, the other one of the five. In stark contrast to the start, the finish is brutal and following Jack Nicklaus' redesign of the course in 1990, known as the "Bear Trap". Holes 15, 16 and 17 are three of the four hardest on the course. Water is in play on 16 holes and there are 107 bunkers. Typically for a Florida venue, the entire course is laid to Bermuda grass and it's nearly always windy here at this time of the year.


TV Coverage

Live on Sky Sports all four days, 8.00pm on Thursday and Friday and 6.00pm on Saturday and Sunday.


Last Five Winners

2011 - Rory Sabbatini -9
2010 - Camilo Villegas -13
2009 - Y.E Yang -9
2008 - Ernie Els -6
2007 - Mark Wilson -5 (playoff)


Typical Winner

Accuracy is yet again the main attribute. With the usual blustery winds, it's a tiring tricky week and missing the fairways makes it even more of a grind. Winners here tend to hit plenty of fairways and plenty of greens in regulation, though last year's winner, Rory Sabbatini, owed his success to a white hot putting display.

In last week's preview of the Mayakoba Classic I highlighted a correlation between Waialae Country Club, home of the Sony Hawaii Open, and last week's venue, El Camaleon and it may be worth looking at the form for Waialae for this event too. Of the five winners here to date, two have also won the Sony (Wilson and Els) and Sabatini has finished runner-up there. It's not totally surprising, they're both narrow, windy, Bermuda tracks.


Market leaders

Rory McIlroy heads the market again but I can't fancy him. He's not my idea of a wind specialist and although the forecast isn't awful there will doubtless be an ever-present breeze. And besides, he comes here after a gruelling week and a disappointing defeat in the final and he has very ordinary, regressive form figures here that read 13-40-70.

Lee Westwood is a more plausible candidate and he has better form here. Indeed, he traded at a low of 3.6 in the early stages of last year's event but he too had a long hard week last week and he too is readily dismissed.

Tiger Woods has never played here before, which is odd given how close he lives to the track. I can't imagine anyone that's been watching Tiger play of late taking the 12.5 about him here and it certainly doesn't interest me.


Selections

I've been waiting for Ben Crane to play here again after he followed up a tied 12th finish on debut in 2008 with a third place finish in 2009. I think he was injured one year but anyway, he's here again now and he's here in form. Bubba Watson knocked him out in the first round last week but prior to that he'd finished runner up to Kyle Stanley in Phoenix. And he opened up the season with two top-ten finishes. He's a solid and obvious selection.

I backed Y.E Yang in-running at 15.5 when he won here in 2009 and he was a pre-event pick last year at 55.0 when he just failed to collar Sabatini in the final round. It goes without saying the course suits and I'm a little surprised I've been able to back him at the same price this time around. He played ok last week too, comfortably beating Graeme McDowell in round one before bumping into Hunter Mahan in round two. Yang led by one after three holes but then Mahan made five straight birdies to go four up and that was effectively that.

Florida resident, Fredrik Jacobson, finished 29th last year and that was a disappointing effort considering his first two outings here yielded two top-six finishes. He was blasted away in round one by Robert Karlsson last week but his 13th placed seasonal debut finish at the Northern Trust Open was more than acceptable considering he was returning to action following three months off with torn ligaments in his left thumb - prior to that he had been in fantastic form, finishing runner-up in the HSBC Champions and third at the Asia Pacific Classic. Obviously there's a doubt with the injury but at 65.0, I thought he was worth chancing.

I've given Johnson Wagner another chance. He was favourite for last week's Mayakoba Classic and I fancied him strongly but he just didn't get going, and I've also backed four monster-priced players that I've backed many times before with varying degrees of success...

Stephen Ames and Ryan Palmer should be very well suited by the venue if they find some form and Matt Bettencourt and Graham DeLaet are very much just in case wagers.

Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell were closely considered but adjudged just a shade too short and I'd have backed Robert Allenby if he had won the Mayakoba Classic, but after double-bogeying the last and then losing an eight hole playoff, I wonder whether he can lift himself or whether he'll ever win again on US soil. I also looked at Kyle Stanley. He's created one hell of an impression so far this year and I see he led this event at halfway last year but he's plenty short enough from the off and I'm not sure he's accurate enough off the tee to win here.


Honda Classic Selections

Ben Crane @ 42.0
Y. E. Yang @ 55.0
Fredrik Jacobson @ 65.0
Johnson Wagner @ 100.0
Ryan Palmer @ 190.0
Stephen Ames @ 250.0
Matt Bettencourt @ 350.0
Graham DeLaet @ 400.0


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Looking at the results of their first game in charge, the last ten permanent England managers have a combined record of W8 D2 L0, For 22, Against 3.

The last two caretaker bosses have a record of W0 D0 L2, For 0, Against 3.

So it stands to reason that how you view national team coach Stuart Pearce - candidate for the permanent job or mere bench warmer? - will determine your betting strategy for the upcoming England match against Holland.

If nothing else, it will add some interest to what would otherwise be another meaningless international friendly. England might meet Holland at this summer's European Championships but, in the mean time, can we use this logic to come up with some meaningful bets for the Wembley showdown?

The widely held view is that friendlies aren't usually classics. At least the former coach, Fabio Capello, took them rather more seriously than some other national bosses, such as Sven Goran Eriksson, but generally speaking these are games to be endured rather than enjoyed.

That's why the last 20 England friendlies have a respectable appearance (W13 D3 L4) but the 20 before that, during Eriksson/McLaren years, are less impressive (W10 D5 L5).

One stat which does straddle both eras is the number of goals in these games. And it might be higher than you think. Those previous 20 friendlies are 11/20 for over 2.5 goals... the most recent sample were 13/20 in favour of the higher make-up.

The caveat is that the better the opposition, the lower the number of goals (in broad terms) but the 2.28 on offer still makes appeal. England's last friendly with the Netherlands in Amsterdam back in August 2009 was a 2-2 draw.

The eight losses in this near 10 year period have come against Spain (3), France (2), Brazil, Denmark and Sweden. All ranked amongst the best international sides around.

Naturally, there will be a number of factors which could influence the outcome. The absentees (from both sides), the starting XI's, the number of substitutions, the approach of Pearce himself as well as the players. Of course, the Dutch are a talented side and their strategy will be equally important in the spectacle that unfolds (or not, as the case may be).

Like his namesake, the England rugby team's Lancaster, this Stuart looks a permanent appointment, but only until somebody better comes along. And that somebody (in most people's view, Harry Redknapp) doesn't look like turning up just yet.

All the same, Pearce still fails to convince as the FA's number one choice for the manager's role which is why, according to the data, England appeal more as a lay at 2.88.

Elsewhere, Germany host France, Republic of Ireland play the Czech Republic and Poland meet Portugal. There is also Denmark against Russia and Sweden at home to Croatia. All are, again, potential dress-rehearsals for Euro 2012.

Should we read much into these fixtures? They are 'meaningless' friendlies to many observers but the manager's will want to learn something about their teams' progress and players will be competing for places. However, we shouldn't forget these games are being played at a time of the season when domestic competitions are approaching their critical phase, likewise the European inter-club tournaments.

Should we therefore expect every player to be going flat out for their country when, right at this moment, their club might need them more. France v Germany, which see one of Euro 2012's lowest scoring qualifiers visiting one of the highest scorers. With Bayern Munich chasing Dortmund in the Bundesliga and having a big return match against FC Basel coming up, will Ribery, Gomez and Muller put in a full shift? These two nations have played four friendlies against each other during the past 20 years; three of those matches produced under 2.5 goals.

Key Stat

In the last 20 years, England have played Holland five times in international friendlies... and are yet to win once (P5 W0 D4 L1).

Recommended Bets
England v Holland over 2.5 goals 2.28
Lay England 2.88
Germany v France under 2.5 goals 1.88

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Harry Redknapp is everybody's favourite next England manager. He has worked wonders at Tottenham, leading them from bottom of the Premier League to title contenders in the space of three years. He has been cleared of allegations of tax evasion, he is personable and, above all, he is English. These are just some of the reasons the 64-year-old is 1.43 to continue where Fabio Capello left off. But avoid those odds like the plague.

Much like the Wolves job, or being the successor to José Mourinho, becoming England manager is the definitive hiding to nothing. Admittedly, it is not without its kudos; the role is a particularly well-remunerated position and it must be immensely flattering to be called to answer the call of leading your country into battle.

Redknapp, after all, is a patriot. He hails from the generation that can remember what it was like to watch England win the World Cup and who grew up playing football at West Ham with Bobby Moore. He, more than most, understands what it means to be considered for the position that was once deemed to be the ultimate job in football, and he must be bursting with pride just at the thought of being the chosen one. But when he mulls it all over on those long daily commutes between his south-coast home and north London, there is really only one decision to make: he has to stay at Tottenham.

When he took over in October 2008, Spurs were marooned at the foot of the Premier League table and contemplating a relegation dogfight. The fact that they are now rubbing shoulders with Europe's finest is little short of a managerial miracle. To give it up now, would be to pass up everything Redknapp has worked for. He would be surrendering another campaign of glory nights in Europe, the chance to pit his wits against the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid and the thrill of signing world-beating players from overseas.

Spurs are also about to move into new, state-of-the-art, £45m training complex this summer on the back of Redknapp's success. To leave would mean spurning the spoils of success; there would be no more day-to-day involvement on the training ground, no more planning for the weekend, no more north London derbies.

Tottenham have probably left themselves with too much to do to win the title this season, as odds of [30] would suggest but if they keep progressing at their current rate, they may well do so soon. They have emerged from the shadow of Arsenal as London's leading club and are probably the most exciting club to watch in the English top-flight. Unsurprisingly, Spurs are reportedly offering their manager a new deal.

But they needn't bother. Why on earth would anyone give all that up? So as to go on bi-monthly slogs around Europe leading an average international side possessing zero prospects of silverware into meaningless matches against Moldova, Montenegro and San Marino? So as to be hounded over his selection decisions by a remorseless press hell-bent on destroying a reputation he has spent years of hard graft in creating? So as to end up, at the age of 68, having to take a job at FC Twente or Notts County or Radio Five Live when he could have been writing his name into Spurs folklore by becoming the first manager to lift the Champions League with Spurs? Seriously, it's a no-brainer.

It would, of course, be wonderful to see Redknapp take charge of England. International football is effectively meaningless if the teams involved hire foreigners to plot their course, and as a passionate Englishman 'Arry would breathe new life into a very stale scene. The FA are absolutely right to go for Redknapp, but 'Arry would be stark, raving mad to go for them.

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Birmingham v Nottingham Forest

There is little doubt that Birmingham are very much a team to have on your side at the moment. I'm no rocket scientist: just look at the current form table. The Blues have not lost since December 19, a run of 11 league games that extends to 15 matches if you add in four FA Cup ties including Saturday's draw at Chelsea.

Of particular interest is their defensive record: Chris Hughton's side have conceded just six goals in those 15 games, and they have kept four consecutive clean sheets at St Andrews. So, I'm scratching my head as to why we can back them at such an attractive price to maintain that run against the team with the joint-worst goalscoring record in the division!

Admittedly Forest have found the net in each of their last three games, but you can hardly call them hot in front of goal - they have fired a blank in 14 of their 31 league matches. I would be suggesting backing a home win 'to nil' if it wasn't for the fact that Brum have drawn two of their last three at home 0-0.

Back Yes to Birmingham Clean Sheet @ 2.22


Portsmouth v Leeds

It's not quite hoisting up the white flag, but as soon as you get direct quotes from players mentioning the current situation "does affect the players", it's a very pertinent indicator that you should consider getting against that team.

It's hardly surprising that it's Portsmouth we're talking about, given the fact they are in administration, have been docked 10 points, announced a raft of redundancies and cannot even afford a scan for the player who gave those quotes, midfielder Liam Lawrence. He and his teammates have not been paid since December - little surprise they have lost five of their last seven games. They have been beaten in their last two home games without scoring as well. Simply not the time to be running into Leeds, with new manager Neil Warnock at the helm.

United turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win against Doncaster last weekend, with the new boss apparently leaving his seat in the stand to issue a rallying half-time team talk. Leeds have won four of five games away to teams 18th or lower in the table - if Warnock is to drive them into the play-offs then he will surely see a trip to a demoralised and struggling Pompey as an open goal for three points.

Back Leeds @ 2.52


Coventry v Barnsley

When you are as bad on the road as Coventry, it's pretty obvious you are going to have to win at home if you don't want to be playing League One football next season. The Sky Blues are a write-off when they leave the Ricoh: a truly grim three points from a possible 48 so far says it all. But, at home, they are showing the green shoots of a possible recovery - Andy Thorn's side have won four of the last five in front of their own fans, and they include wins over decent sides like Middlesbrough, Brighton and Leeds. If they are to avoid the drop, then they'll have to take maximum points from inconsistent opponents like Barnsley then.

The Tykes have lost eight of their last 12 league games and - essentially for this fixture - have been beaten in four of their last five away fixtures. Also worth noting is that Barnsley have already visited the sides currently in 19th, 21st, 22nd and 24th - they have lost two, drawn two and not scored in any of them.

Back Coventry @ 2.36

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