ChampagneSuperNovo

Bet 2 - Blackpool v Wolves - Barclays Premier League, kick-off 15:00

Neither of these teams have had much luck lately. Blackpool's last match against West Ham could have seen about 6 or 7 goals in, but instead there were none due to some woeful finishing from both sides, and the midweek before they also walked away with nothing from Villa Park after a late Marlon Harewood equaliser was cancelled out a few minutes later by Richard Dunnde at the other end. Wolves have had no luck on the road for some time now, with their last point away from home coming on the opening day against Everton. Since then, they have lost all of their 5 away matches, despite some good performances, in particular against Chelsea where they managed more shots on target than the champions. However, I can see more frustration for Wolves when they travel to Bloomfield Road. Blackpool have been playing well at home recently, beating West Brom and holding Everton and Fulham to draws. If Blackpool are to stay up, these are the type of games they have to win and I think Ian Holloway will have his lads up for this one.

NAP - 1pt Blackpool win @ 2.48

Bet 3 - Birmingham v Chelsea - Barclays Premier League, kick-off 15:00

Chelsea are going through an injury crisis at the moment. Alex will return for them on Saturday, but they are without big players in John Terry, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard. Last Sunday's 3-0 loss to Sunderland showed us that even with the likes of Drogba, Anelka and Malou da in the team, they are not the same players without their usual midfield behind them. Birmingham are struggling at the moment and in the bottom three, however their strong home form remains, with their only loss in 21 games at home coming a few weeks ago against a resurgant Everton. Birmingham have drawn their last seven games at home against the "Big Four" and I can't see a depleted Chelsea coming away with three points in this one.

NAP - To Win 1pt Chelsea Lay @ 1.7 (0.74pt liability)

Bet 4 - Villarreal v Valencia - La Liga, kick-off 17:00

Villarreal's home form has been a joy to behold at El Madrigal this season. 5 wins at home this season, all HT/FT, and only conceding one goal altogether against good teams such as Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. Valencia are a decent team, but they are just too inconsistent. I can see this game going much the way of their recent away game against Sevilla which saw the home side triumph 2-0, so it's a Villarreal wbein for me here.

NAP - 1pt Villarreal win @ 2.04

Bet 5 - Almeria v Barcelona - La Liga, kick-off 19:00

Last week's 3-1 win for Barcelona at home to Villarreal saw Lionel Messi get a double, meaning for the first time in his careen he has scored in seven consecutive matches. If Xavi starts alongside him there are no reasons to suggest he won't extend his run to 8 in a row.

NAP - 1pt Lionel Messi to score @ 1.7

Bet 6 - Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao - La Liga, kick-off 21:00

Well, Jose Mourinho's teams simply don't lose at home, but I still won't be betting on them at 1.2. Instead, due to the form of Fernando Llorente I will be taking a bet on the hosts not keeping a clean sheet. Despite Jose's defensive nature, his defence have been caught out at home on a few occasions this season, conceding to Racing Santander, Deportivo and Real Murcia in the cup.

NAP - 1pt Real Madrid Clean Sheet - No @ 1.94