Ahead of the Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur match on Monday night, we look at the return of Luis Suárez and how Liverpool have fared in the Premier League in his absence.

Luis Suárez returns to the Liverpool squad for Monday night’s game at home to Tottenham Hotspur following a much publicised eight-game suspension.

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that the Uruguayan is vital to Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League. Most significantly, Liverpool score a goal in the Premier League every 70 minutes when Suárez plays, compared with a goal every 86 minutes when he does not. As a result, Liverpool with Suárez have a win ratio of 44% and an average 1.72 points per game, whereas Liverpool without Suárez have a win ratio of 40% and an average 1.4 points per game.

Liverpool with & without Suarez – 2011/12

Suarez’s attacking threat is confirmed by the fact that he averages 4.5 shots per game, which is second only to Robin van Persie in the Premier League. He has also won the third highest number of free kicks (41), demonstrating that his quick feet are a constant problem for opposition defenders. The Uruguayan can also count himself as the unluckiest player in the league, hitting the woodwork more than any other (5).

Premier League Most Shots – 2011/12

Player	Team	Total shots	Games	Shots per game
van Persie, Robin	Arsenal	104	23	4.52
Suárez, Luis	Liverpool	81	18	4.50
Rooney, Wayne	Manchester Utd	90	20	4.50

Premier League Free Kicks Won – 2011/12

Player	Team	Free-kicks won	Games	Free-kicks won/game
Gutiérrez, Jonás	Newcastle Utd	58	22	2.64
Moses, Victor	Wigan Athletic	55	23	2.39
Suárez, Luis	Liverpool	41	18	2.28

Premier League Woodwork Hit – 2011/12

Suarez in the Premier League – 2011/12

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

You’ll find the latest Premier League Transfers (January 2012) listed here. Archives for older transfer seasons are at the end of this page. For the latest transfer rumours and confirmed transfers for other leagues, see our football transfer lists page.

If you find a transfer not listed here let us know and we’ll add it.

Last Updated: 1 February 2012

Arsenal

In: Thierry Henry (loan, New York Red Bulls); Thomas Eisfeld (£600,000, Borussia Dortmund)

Out: Luke Freeman (undisclosed, Stevenage); Vito Mannone (loan, Hull City); Daniel Boateng (loan, Swindon Town); Gavin Hoyte (loan, AFC Wimbledon); Paulo Botelho (loan, Levante); Emmanuel Frimpong (loan, Wolverhampton Wanderers); Sanchez Watt (loan, Crawley Town); Wellington (loan, CD Alcoyano); Sead Hajrovic (loan, Barnet); Rhys Murphy (loan, Preston North End); Ryo Miyachi (loan, Bolton Wanderers)

Aston Villa

In: Enda Stevens (undisclosed, Shamrock Rovers); Robbie Keane (loan, Los Angeles Galaxy)

Out: Nathan Delfouneso (loan, Leicester City); Shane Lowry (undisclosed, Millwall); Fabian Delph (loan, Leeds United); Elliot Parish (undisclosed, Cardiff City)

Blackburn Rovers

In: Anthony Modeste (Bordeaux, loan), Bruno Ribeiro (Grêmio Barueri, free); Marcus Olsson (free, Halmstads BK); Bradley Orr (undisclosed, Queens Park Rangers)

Out: Jason Roberts (undisclosed, Reading); Keith Andrews (free, West Bromwich Albion); Ryan Nelsen (free, Tottenham)

Bolton Wanderers

In: Tim Ream (£2.5m, New York Red Bulls); Ryo Miyachi (Arsenal, loan); Marvin Sordell (£3m, Watford)

Out: Gary Cahill (£7m, Chelsea); Jack Sampson (loan, Southend United)

Chelsea

In: Gary Cahill (£7m, Bolton Wanderers); Kevin de Bruyne (£6.7m, Genk), Patrick Bamford (£1.5m, Nottingham Forest)

Out: Nicolas Anelka (undisclosed, Shanghai Shenhua); Alex (£4.5m, Paris Saint-Germain); Rhys Taylor (loan, Rotherham); Sam Walker (loan, Yeovil); Ben Gordon (loan, Kilmarnock); Patrick van Aanholt (loan, Vitesse Arnhem); Josh McEachran (loan, Swansea City); Gaël Kakuta (loan, Dijon)

Everton

In: Darron Gibson (£500,000, Manchester United); Landon Donovan (loan, Los Angeles Galaxy); Nikica Jelavic (£6m, Rangers); Steven Pienaar (loan, Tottenham)

Out: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (£5m, Spartak Moscow); Aristote Nsiala (loan, Accrington Stanley); James Wallace (loan, Tranmere Rovers); Louis Saha (free, Tottenham)

Fulham

In: Jack Grimmer (£200,000, Aberdeen); Pavel Pogrebnyak (£3m, VfB Stuttgart); Ryan Williams (undisclosed, Portsmouth)

Out: Alex Kacaniklic (loan, Watford); Bobby Zamora (£6m, Queens Park Rangers)

Liverpool

In: Jordan Ibe (£500,000, Wycombe Wanderers); Danny Ward (undisclosed, Wrexham)

Out: Danny Wilson (loan, Blackpool); Martin Hansen (undisclosed, Viborg FF)

Manchester City

In: David Pizarro (loan, AS Roma)

Out: Nedum Onuoha (£3m, Queens Park Rangers); Ben Mee (undisclosed, Burnley); Kieran Trippier (undisclosed, Burnley); Harry Bunn (loan, Preston North End); Alex Nimely (loan, Coventry City); Chris Chantler (loan, Carlisle United); Wayne Bridge (loan, Sunderland), Frederic Veseli (undisclosed, Manchester United)

Manchester United

In: Frederic Veseli (undisclosed, Manchester City)

Out: Darron Gibson (£500,000, Everton); Daniel Drinkwater (undisclosed, Leicester City); Mame Biram Diouf (£1.5m, Hannover 96); Joshua King (loan, Hull City); Féderico Macheda (loan, Queens Park Rangers); Ravel Morrison (£650,000, West Ham United); Oliver Norwood (loan, Coventry City); Scott Wootton (loan, Nottingham Forest)

Newcastle United

In: Papiss Demba Cissé (£10m, SC Freiburg)

Out: Alan Smith (loan, MK Dons); Philip Airey (loan, Gateshead); James Tavernier (loan, MK Dons)

Norwich City

In: Jonny Howson (£2m, Leeds United); Ryan Bennett (undisclosed, Peterborough United)

Out: George Francomb (loan, Hibernian); Oli Johnson (loan, Oxford); Korey Smith (loan, Barnsley); Chris Martin (loan, Crystal Palace)

Queens Park Rangers

In: Nedum Onuoha (£3m, Manchester City); Taye Taiwo (loan, AC Milan); Féderico Macheda (loan, Manchester United); Samba Diakité (loan, AS Nancy Lorraine); Djibril Cisse (£4m, Lazio); Bobby Zamora (£6m, Fulham)

Out: Matt Connolly (loan, Reading), Bradley Orr (undisclosed, Blackburn Rovers)

Stoke City

In:

Out: Danny Pugh (undisclosed, Leeds United); Florent Cuvelier (loan, Walsall); Ben Marshall (loan, Sheffield Wednesday); Tom Soares (loan, Hibernian); Ryan Brunt (loan, Tranmere Rovers); Matthew Lund (loan, Bristol Rovers); Michael Tonge (loan, Barnsley); Danny Higginbotham (loan, Nottingham Forest); Ben Marshall (undisclosed, Leicester City)

Sunderland

In: Wayne Bridge (loan, Manchester City); Sotiris Kyrgiakos (loan, VfL Wolfsburg)

Out: Trevor Carson (loan, Hull City); Louis Laing (loan, Wycombe Wanderers); Blair Adams (loan, Northampton Town); John Egan (loan, Crystal Palace); Billy Knott (loan, AFC Wimbledon); Jordan Cook (loan, Carlisle United); Ryan Noble (loan, Derby County); Nyron Nosworthy (loan, Watford)

Swansea City

In: Darnel Situ (£250,000, Lens); Josh McEachran (loan, Chelsea); Gylfi Sigurdsson (loan, Hoffenheim); Curtis Obeng (undisclosed, Wrexham)

Out: Vangelis Moras (loan, Cesena); Lee Lucas (loan, Burton Albion)

Tottenham

In: Iago Falqué (undisclosed, Juventus); Ryan Nelsen (free, Blackburn Rovers); Louis Saha (free, Everton)

Out: David Button (loan, Doncaster Rovers); Dean Parrett (loan, Yeovil Town); Andros Townsend (loan, Leeds United); Iago Falqué (loan, Southampton); Harry Kane (loan, Millwall); John Bostock (loan, Sheffield Wednesday); Tom Carroll (loan, Derby County): Sebastien Bassong (loan, Wolverhampton Wanderers); Vedran Corluka (loan, Bayer Leverkusen); Roman Pavlyuchenko (£8m, Lokomotiv Moscow); Steven Pienaar (loan, Everton); Adam Smith (loan, Leeds United)

West Bromwich Albion

In: Scott Allan (£300,000, Dundee United); Keith Andrews (free, Blackburn Rovers); Liam Ridgewell (undisclosed, Birmingham City)

Out: Roman Bednar (free, Blackpool); James Hurst (loan, Chesterfield); Romaine Sawyers (loan, Shrewsbury Town); Lateef Elford-Alliyu (loan, Tranmere Rovers); Chris Wood (loan, Bristol City); Gonzalo Jara (loan, Brighton & Hove Albion); Joe Mattock (loan, Brighton & Hove Albion)

Wigan Athletic

In: Jean Beausejour (undisclosed, Birmingham City)

Out: Daniel Redmond (loan, Hamilton Academical); Nouha Dicko (loan, Blackpool); Jordan Mustoe (loan, Barnet)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

In: Eggert Jonsson (£250,000, Hearts); Emmanuel Frimpong (loan, Arsenal); Sebastien Bassong (loan, Tottenham)

Out: David Davis (loan, Chesterfield); Sam Winnall (loan, Inverness Caledonian Thistle); Jamie Reckord (loan, Scunthorpe United); Sam Vokes (loan, Brighton & Hove Albion); Adlène Guedioura (loan, Nottingham Forest); Matt Doherty (loan, Hibernian); Andy Keogh (undisclosed, Millwall)

Premier League Transfer Archives:

Summer 2006
January 2007
Summer 2007
January 2008
Summer 2008
January 2009
Summer 2009
January 2010
Summer 2010
January 2011
Summer 2011

For the latest transfer rumours and transfer lists for other leagues, see our transfer news section.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Here’s a look ahead at the biggest matches in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, along with top betting tips for each game.

Liverpool v Manchester United

No doubting the big game of this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round action as Liverpool play host to arch rivals Manchester united in what promises to be an action packed and explosive encounter.

There is always a hostile atmosphere when these two sides lock horns, but it’s going to be even more so in this lunchtime clash (12.45pm, Live on ITV1) in the wake of the fall-out from Luis Suarez’s eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

Both clubs have tried to ease tensions in the build-up,with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson pleading for calm in the hope that it is the football that takes centre stage.

The bookmakers make Liverpool favourites at 2.6, but it’s United who I fancy to come out on top at the 3.1 on offer with bet365 – despite the fact that they are battling with a growing list of injuries.

The Red Devils currently have 11 men on the treatment table, and Wayne Rooney is now a doubt to make the staring XI having not trained all week.

But hey have beaten their opponents on eight of the last nine occasions they have been drawn against each other in the competition, and have also only lost one of their last 16 FA Cup ties away from home.

Hernandez has scored in both of his visits to Anfield, and looks decent value at 8 with Paddy Power to net the opener.

The stats also reveal that e last seven times they have met in the FA Cup, the winning side has won by a single-goal margin so I am going to put up United to win 2-1 as the suggestion for those that like to play the correct score market.

That outcome is a massive looking 13 with Paddy Power.

QPR v Chelsea

Chelsea look a banker bet at 1.67 with Betfred to beat QPR at Loftus Road in a game which has already made the headlines ore than any other this week before a ball has even been kicked.

The Blues have only lost four of their last 35 FA Cup matches away from home, whereas the Hoops have lost 11 of their last 12 against top-flight sides.

Mark Hughes’ side win over MK Dons in the third round replay was their first in the competition since 2001, whereas Chelsea have a terrific FA Cup pedigree having won three of the past five finals.

there is certainly no love lost between the two sides, and much of the build up to this game has focussed on whether John Terry and Anton Ferdinand will shake hands before kick off.

It stems from an alleged racist comment made by Terry towards 26-year-old Ferdinand during the sides’ league clash at Loftus Road on October 23 which Chelsea lost 1-0, but he strenuously denies the charge and the case goes to court next week.

Paddy Power go 1.91 about there being no handshake, and I am pretty sure there won’t be one.

With Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou on international duty for the Ivory Coast in Africa, bookmakers make Dean Sturridge favourite to open the scoring. He is a 5.5 shot with the likes of bet365, Boylesports and Betfred and that looks decent value given that Fernando “how do I score” Torres has been chalked up at the same price.

I fancy Chelsea to win 2-1 and that scoreline is a standout 8.5 with bet365.

Arsenal v Aston Villa

On Monday night, Arsenal look a steal at 1.57 to beat Aston Villa at the Emirates if the stats are anything to go by.

The two sides have met nine times in the FA Cup with the Gunners progressing on six occasions.

They have also won five and lost just one of eight home ties in this competition against the Villans, who haven’t won an away tie against a top flight side since 2000.

An even more impressive stat though is that Arsenal have lost only one of 33 matches on their own patch under Arsene Wenger.

On the team news front the Gunners could be boosted by the return of Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta who missed the game against Manchester United with a groin strain.

On-loan Thierry Henry, who  was also missing against the Red Devils due to a calf problem, may also play a part if he passes a fitness test on Saturday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also likely to keep his place starting XI after a lively showing against United before being controversially substituted late on for Arshavin

The youngster has really impressed me in recent weeks and  appeals at the 8 on offer with bet365 to score first. He’s is also get 3 with Paddy Power about him scoring anytime and that looks a decent price given that he will be keen to prove that Wenger’s decision to take him off against United was the wrong one.

For those that like a punt on the correct score, I like the look of Arsenal to win 2-1 at a standout 8.5 with bet365.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

We preview Liverpool v Manchester United ahead of their match this Saturday in the FA Cup. The analysis highlights Craig Bellamy and his striking rivals, as well as comparing José Enrique and Patrice Evra.

BELLAMY DESERVES HIS CHANCE IN ABSENCE OF SUAREZ

Manchester United and Liverpool resume their fierce rivalry in the 4^th Round of the FA Cup this weekend, with Castrol EDGE Performance data showing that Craig Bellamy deserves to continue leading the Liverpool attack following strong performance this season.

Bellamy’s appearances have been limited compared to goal-shy Dirk Kuyt and the Manchester United attacking duo of Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney. However, of the quartet Bellamy has the best chance conversion rate (29% for his 5 goals), pass completion (86%) and is the most creative, laying on a chance for a teammate once every 27 minutes, by far the highest rate.

In addition he sits only just behind Rooney with a goal every 128 minutes scored (compared with Rooney’s 126) and is second to Welbeck with a 59% shooting accuracy. Somewhat surprisingly Bellamy’s dribbling ability seems to have deserted him this season, with a 29% completion rate, whereas Rooney boasts an impressive 66%.

Robin van Persie vs Wayne Rooney in Premier League 2011-12

ADVENTUROUS EVRA AND ENRIQUE LOCK HORNS

Two of the Premier League’s leading left-backs will be on show at Anfield, with Castrol EDGE Performance data revealing that José Enrique and Patrice Evra are performing to a similar level this season.

While Enrique has the edge with tackles won (80%), it is Evra who has a far superior clearance rate with 4.93 per 90 minutes compared to Enrique’s 0.95 (156 total versus 30), perhaps reflecting the pressure the United defence has come under this season.

However, Evra invites a degree of this pressure by conceding more than double the fouls of Enrique.

José Enrique’s key strength though is going forward, completing the most number of dribbles of any defender in the Premier League with 39 this season. Evra is second with 28, showing that both will be a key source of their team’s attacking ambitions this weekend.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With United traveling to Arsenal and Tottenham going north to Manchester City, there’s a lot to look forward to this week.

Here’s a look at the top betting tips and the best matches this weekend.

Arsenal v Manchester United

Man United face arch rivals Arsenal in the big game of the weekend at the Emirates on Sunday, and at 2.62 look good value to beat the Wenger boys.

The Gunners were thrashed 8-2 earlier in the season at Old Trafford, and although they have improved since I can’t see why they can be fancied to gain their revenge.

They come into this on the back of a 3-2 defeat away at Swansea and have been finding it hard to find the back of the net at home having scored more than once in just four of their last 16 PL games on their own patch – netting just 20 in total over those matches.

Many will be quick to point out that they do have a good recent record in this fixture having won three and lost one of the last five, but United have by far the stronger current form coming into this and are more than capable of bagging all three points.

Wayne Rooney has scored six goals in his last six appearances against Arsenal in all competitions make him and Robin van Persie the market leaders to score first at around the 6 mark.

However the best bet surely has to be Rooney in the anytime goalscorer market at the 2.4 on offer with bet365. That looks a huge price for a player on the top of his game.

Given that Arsenal will be out keen to avoid another heavy humiliating defeat I can’t see this being a goal fest, and fancy United to win 2-0 or 2-1.

The former is a 15 chance with Paddy Power, while the latter is 9.5 chance with bet365 and Boylesports.

Bolton v Liverpool

Liverpool have an outstanding record against Bolton and at 1.67 with Betfred and Paddy Power look a banker bet to maintain that at the Reebok.

The Reds have won the last 10 Premier League games in a row against the Trotters, and the home side have also managed to keep just one clean sheet in the last 13 games on their own patch.

Kenny Dalglish’s men really should prove too strong for Bolton, despite the fact that they come into this on the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw with Stoke and have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League away games.

They have found goals hard to come by since Suarez picked up his ban, but will never find a more accommodating side than Bolton to put that right.

Steven Gerrard is looking stronger with every game and Craig Bellamy has been devastating away from home.

The latter is a 6 shot with Paddy Power to net the opener, and that makes plenty of appeal from a punting perspective.

Liverpool to win 2-0 is my idea of the outcome at 7.5 with bet365 and Paddy Power.

Norwich v Chelsea

Chelsea travel to Carrow Road to take on Norwich and at odds of 1.62 should have little difficulty bagging all three points.

The Blues come into this on the back of three consecutive sins in all competitions, and have an excellent record against their rivals.

They have won the last five meetings with them in all competitions, scoring at least 3 goals in each game.

AVB’s men have also lost just one of their last nine Premier League matches (W5 D3 L1) and face a side who have conceded in all 10 of their home games this season.

Frank Lampard has been a key player for Chelsea, and his last four goals have seen draws turn into single goal victories.

He is a tasty looking 7 with bet365 to net the opener, and that looks worth a wager as does the 2.88 on offer with Boylesports for him to score anytime during the 90 minutes.

I fully expect Chelsea to put the Canaries to the sword, and like the look of 3-0 and 3-1 in the correct score market at 15 with Paddy Power and 12 with Betfred respectively.

Over  2.5 goals at 1.63 with bet365 also looks a rock solid bet.

Manchester City v Tottenham

Man City face another tough game when they play host to Spurs at the Etihad on Sunday, and the draw looks worth a punt at the 3.75 on offer with bet365 and Betfred.

City have only won five of the 29 Premier League games against Tottenham, but have triumphed in the last two meetings (W5 D5 L19).

They also come into this having lost their last two games on their own patch and struggled to beat Wigan 1-0 at the DW Stadium last weekend.

They are not looking as invincible as they once were and Harry Redknapp’s boys have enough class to grind out a share of the spoils.

The Londoners have lost just one of their last nine PL games and now have a squad capable of mixing it at the highest level.

I fancy them to grind out a 1-1 draw, and that scoreline is a general 7 chance.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With Tottenham tied on points with Manchester United and City hitting a bump in form, the title race is becoming more wide open, and in turn it leaves three teams – three of the original Big Four, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea – fighting it out for the fourth place. Here’s a look at the best betting odds for the weekend’s top games:

Liverpool v Stoke

Liverpool turn their attentions back to the Premier League this weekend after their 1-0 FA Cup win over City at the Etihad and are 1.44 with Betfred to take care of Stoke.

The Reds go into the clash boosted by the news that skipper Steven Gerrard has signed a new long-term deal which is likely to see him end his playing career at Anfield.

His return to action has been a terrific boost for the side following Luis Suarez’s controversial ban, and he is beginning to hit top form.

Liverpool, who now sit in sixth spot in the table, are looking to to maintain their push to finish in the top four and that mean’s that Kenny Dalglish is likely to put out his strongest starting X1 for this game.

The stats are certainly good as far as Liverpool are concerned, as Stoke have never won in 48 top-flight visits to Anfield (39 defeats, nine draws).

Liverpool have also lost just once in 19 games at home since Dalglish took over it’s hard to see the Potters posing any real threat.

The last time the two sides met at the Britannia it was Suarez that inspired Liverpool to a convincing League Cup win.

In his absence, Andy Carroll will be expected to finally start delivering the goods and he is a 6 shot with Paddy Power to net the opener.

That looks a decent price, and the big man is certainly due a goal.

In the correct score market,  Liverpool to win 2-0 makes plenty of appeal at the 6.5 on offer with Paddy Power.

Chelsea v Sunderland: Another upset at the Bridge?

A couple of months ago Chelsea would have been expected to comfortably beat Sunderland, but the arrival of Martin O’Neill has seen the Black Cats turn around their season and they look value at 6.5 in the draw/no bet market with bet365 in their game at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Since O’Neill took over the Black Cats they have looked a different outfit and have won five out of seven games

They were 18th when O’Neill selected his first Sunderland side and they are now 10th and looking solid. having at one time looking to be relegation material they are now looking pretty certain of a top half finish.

The stats reveal that the Blues have won 13 of their last 14 games against Sunderland, and that’s presumably the reason why bookies make them 1.4 shots for another victory.

But Chelsea have only won four of their last nine home games across all competitions and  will be without Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba due to Africa Cup Nations commitments.

Sunderland showed when beating Man City 1-0 recently that they are not a side to be taken lightly anymore, and have the ability to grind out results.

That makes them look terrific value at 6.5 in the draw/no bet market given that they are as short as 8 in the outright betting.

Can Bolton hand Manchester United a third league defeat in a row?

Following their terrific performance to knock City out of the FA Cup it’s back to Premier League business this weekend for Manchester United who are a top priced 1.16 to beat Bolton at Old Trafford.

The performance put in by the Red Devils to beat City 3-2 at the Etihad would have delighted Sir Alex, and if they turn up in the same frame of mind for this one then three points look assured.

United have won 12 of their last 14 meetings with the Trotters and thrashed them 5-0 at the Reebok earlier in the season.

They have also won their last 8 league home games against Owen Coyle’s men and it really should be a matter of how many they put past them to register another victory.

OK, Bolton have managed to secure 7 out of the last 12 available and United come into this following back to back defeats in the league.

However it’s more than 10 years since Sir Alex’s team lost three league games in a row, and I can’t see that happening here.

I think that they will win this with a bit to spare, and fancy Rooney to net the opener and fire them to a wide margin victory.

He is a top priced 3.75 with bet365 to score first, and that looks a big price given his current form and the fact that he is as short as 3 with several firms.

I fancy United to win 3-0, which is is a 7.5 shot with bet365 and Paddy Power.

Henry could start for Arsenal away to Swansea

Arsenal face tough away trip to Swansea on Sunday knowing that a win will get them back into the Premier league top four, and they are 1.8 shots with bet365 to emerge victorious.

The Gunners trail fourth-placed Chelsea by one point after losing 2-1 to Fulham in their last league start, but regained some confidence with a 1-0 win over Leeds in the FA Cup thanks to a goal from Thierry Henry.

Whether the on-loan Frenchman will make his first league start for the club in five years remains to be seen as Arsene Wenger can confirmed that Robin van Persie will be making the coach trip down to Wales.

The flying Dutchman has scored 17 of Arsenal’s 36 goals this season and since he has been rested Arsenal have looked to be lacking badly in front of goal.

But given that Swansea have a good home record and only one side – Manchester United – have managed to secure three points on their own patch this season he will surely be in the starting X1.

He is a 4 shot with bet365, Boylesports and Paddy Power to net the opener, and If anyone is going to break the deadlock for the Gunners it will surely be him once again.

bet365 also go 1.91 about him scoring anytime and that also looks worth a punt.

It definitely won’t be easy for the Gunners, but I think they will edge it 2-1 and that scoreline can be backed at  and 8.5 with bet365.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Liverpool are 1.12 to beat Oldham tonight and progress into the next round of the FA Cup, and it really should be a case of how many they win by despite their poor home record.

The Reds have won all three previous meetings between the two sides in this competition, and although they have been eliminated at this stage in each of the last two seasons it’s 88 years since they went three consecutive seasons without making it past the third round.

In  reality there is a huge gulf between the two sides.

The visitors are currently contesting their 15th consecutive season in the third division and sit 52 places below Liverpool in the Football League.

Dalglish is likely to rotate his squad tonight, which could mean recalls for defenders Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates who have not started since the Carling Cup win at Chelsea in late November.

Striker Luis Suarez serves the second game of an eight-match ban, and that is likely to mean a return for Craig Bellamy, looks good value to score first and set them on the way to victory at the 4.75 on offer with bet365.

He is the type of player who thrives on this stage, and his terrier like attitude is likely to cause the Oldham backline all sorts of problems.

Liverpool to win to nil also looks worth a punt at 1.83 with Paddy Power. That looks a huge price given their cramped odds in the outright market.

1-0 to United?

Manchester United are 3.5 shots to gain their revenge on City in this weekend’s derby clash at the Etihad and the stats suggest their may not be as much to choose between the two sides as the odds suggest.

This is will be the eighth FA Cup meeting between the two sides, and the Red Devils have won four compared to City’s   three so far.

United have also only been eliminated at this stage once in 26 attempts since 1984 – that defeat coming in 2009/10 against Leeds.

There has also not been much between the two sides in their last seven clashes at the Etihad, with five of those games ending 1-0 – twice to City and three times to United.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be keen to banish the memory of their meeting in the league earlier in the season at Old Trafford which saw City register a 6-1 victory.

The problem is that they have struggled with injuries in recent weeks, and come into the game on the back of losses to Blackburn and Newcastle.

It would be no surprise if Sir Alex started with a five-man midfield in a bid to try and stop the Citizens playing free-flowing football.

If that’s the case then Rooney could well play as a lone striker, where he will go head-to-head with Kompany in what could be a titanic battle.

I fancy United to sneak it 1-0, and that scoreline is an 11 shot with bet365.

Chelsea v Portsmouth

Chelsea are 1.2 shots to beat Portsmouth in their 3rd round FA Cup tie at The Bridge, and they really should run riot and register a wide victory.

The Blues have won their last six matches against Portsmouth in all competitions, conceding just one goal in the process.

They are also unbeaten in their last 16 FA Cup games since the start of 2008/09 – not including penalty shoot-outs -  winning 13 and drawing three.

It really should be a question of how many they put past their opponents, and Didier Drogba the one that appeals to get the opener and things underway.

He has scored in his last three appearances against Portsmouth and is a standout 4.5 with bet365 to net the opener. That looks cracking value given that he is a short as 3.25 in a place.

I also think  backing Chelsea in the HT/FT market looks a solid wager at 1.57 with Paddy Power as it’s nigh on impossible to envisage them not being ahead after 45 minutes.

I fancy them to win this 4-0 which is an 11 shot with bet365.

Arsenal v Leeds

Arsenal are a top priced 1.29 to win their FA Cup 3rd round tie against Leeds at the Emirates on Monday, a game which could see a first start for Thierry Henry since his return to the club.

Henry completed his return to the club today when he signed a short-term loan deal from the Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

The move to bring back the 34-year-old former France international, who left the Gunners for Barcelona in 2007, had long been expected and he is a 5.5 shot with Betfred to make a dream start and net the opening goal.

That looks a decent price given that he 11 goals in 11 games against Leeds in all competitions, including four in his last appearance against them at Highbury.

You can also get 2.25 with Betfred about him scoring anytime, and that makes plenty of appeal if Arsene Wenger decides to give him a start.

Whether he plays or not Arsenal’s record in this competition suggests they should win with the minimum of fuss.

The Gunners have made it past this round in each of the last 15 seasons and have lost only one of their last 35 FA Cup games at home under Wenger.

I fancy Arsenal to win this to nil, and they are a massive looking 2.3 with Paddy Power to do so.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Premier League clubs are all set for Boxing Day showdown as 14 teams take to the field on Monday, with the remaining 6 playing on Tuesday. Here’s a look at the choicest fixtures from the next two days and the best betting odds for them.

Stoke City v Aston Villa

Stoke play host to Aston Villa in Sky’s televised match on Boxing Day (7.45pm KO) and the Potters look a terrific punt at 1.91 to maintain their terrific record against the Villans.

The Britannia has not been a happy hunting ground for Villa who have won only four times their in 26 attempts since World war II! Tony Pulis’ men have also won two of the three home meetings between the two sides since they got promoted back to the top flight in 2008, and really should prove too strong for a Villa side who have registered just one win on the road this season.

That victory came against lowly Bolton and shows just how hard they find life away from their own patch.

So given that Stoke have drawn with Chelsea and Man United and beaten Liverpool and Spurs at home this season this encounter should hold no fears for them whatsoever.

I think they are worthy favourites and at the 1.91 on offer with bet365, Betfred and Paddy Power they rate the best bet of the day.

Peter crouch is the type of player who could cause the Villa defence all sorts of problems, and at 6.5 with Paddy Power who looks the value bet to score first and fire Stoke to victory.

Manchester United v Wigan

Manchester United are beginning to bang in the goals again, and I can’t envisage anything other than a goal fest in their match against Wigan at old Trafford.

Bookmakers are not surprisingly offering a best price of just 1.17 about them after impressive victories over QPR and Fulham in their last two games and they simply cannot be opposed.

Victory at Craven Cottage meant that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have now won all 8 games against bottom-half opposition this season, and they look certainties to make it nine in his one.

With Wayne Rooney back to his very best the Latics are likely to be in for a thrashing, and United’s talisman makes plenty of appeal at 3.75 with bet365 to open the scoring – and the floodgates.

I fancy United to put three or four past Wigan without reply, and you can get decent odds on both outcomes with Boylesports. The Irish firm go a standout 7.5 on 3-0 and are also top priced 10 about a 4-0 mauling.

Liverpool v Blackburn

Liverpool are 1.29 shots to take care of Blackburn in their clash at Anfield, and they really should stroll to victory against the Premiership whipping boys.

Rovers have actually scored more goals than the Reds, but they have also been leaking at an alarming rate and have let in 38 so far this season. Their defending has become horrific, and Kenny Dalglish’s men will surely take advantage and hammer home a comfortable wide margin win.

Luis Suarez has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons, and the Uruguayan striker will surely be keen to put that right by getting on the score sheet. He is a 4 chance with Paddy Power to let his feet do the talking and score the opener, and that looks a cracking punt.

You can also get 1.67 with Betfred and Boylesports about him netting anytime during the 90 minutes, and that could be better value than backing Liverpool in the outright market at 1.29 if you like to play at odds-on.

Chelsea v Fulham

Chelsea are 1.3 shots to get back on the winning trail and beat Fulham, and if the stats are anything to go by then a comfortable home win looks on the cards.

After looking back to their best, AVB’s men have failed to maintain the momentum in their last two games – drawing  1-1 away at Wigan and Spurs.

However they haven’t lost any of their last 11 matches against the Cottagers, who have managed just four goals on their travels this season and come into this on the back of a 5-0 thrashing at home by Manchester united.

Martin Jol’s side have also failed to score in 11 away games, and simply don’t have enough backbone or fight to pose a threat to Chelsea.

It really should be a case of how many Chelsea win by, and I fancy them to keep a clean sheet in the process. They are even money (2) to do so with bet365 and Paddy Power and that looks a fair price given Fulham’s goal scoring record.

In the first goal scorer Frank Lampard looks worth a punt at a standout 7 with bet365.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Even after suffering their first defeat of the Premier League season, Manchester City still sit atop the Premier League table, but archrivals and reigning league champions Manchester United are only two points behind and ready to pounce, and Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal can‘t be dismissed at this juncture.

Right now, it’d appear that the title is destined for Manchester, but a couple of key matches over the final few weeks of 2011 will determine which side looks like the favorite heading into the new year, and which of the London sides enters 2012 best positioned to seriously threaten Manchester‘s monopoly on the top two spots in the table.

Manchester City v Arsenal

Arsenal take on table toppers Man City in the big game of the weekend at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and bookmakers look to have underestimated their chances by offering a tasty 5.5 about them causing an upset.

That really does look a massive price with Betfred, Boylesports and Paddy Power for the Gunners as they have been in terrific form in recent weeks and currently sit in fifth place – just nine points behind the league leaders.

Chelsea proved on Monday when coming from one down to beat City 2-1 that Roberto Mancini’s men are far from invincible, and Arsene Wenger will have taken plenty of encouragement from that result.

The stats certainly give Arsenal a better chance than what the bookies think, as City have lost at home to the Gunners 10 times in the Premier League and 20 times in all competitions.

The home side also really struggled in last month’s Carling Cup clash between the two sides, winning 1-0 with their only shot on target.

I really do think Arsenal are capable of serving it up to City especially given the goal scoring exploits of Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman has simply proved just too hot to handle this season and has now netted 33 goals in 32 Premier League games in 2011.

He has also scored an incredible 18 goals in his last 16 PL away appearances, so at 3 with Boylesports to score anytime during the 90 minutes he look incredible value.

Aston Villa v Liverpool

Liverpool look outstanding value at even money (2) to notch an away victory over Aston Villa.

The home side have won just one of the last 13 Premier League games at home against Liverpool and quite frankly are a negative side who find goal scoring a chore.

Since Kenny Dalglish returned to take over at Anfield the progress has been there for all to see and they are seven points better off than at this stage last season having developed into a sidet hat opponents once gain fear playing.

What is frustrating though is that they could be closer to the leaders as they have been creating plenty of chances which they have failed to convert.

They have also hit the woodwork on 15 occasions and would be sitting in third place in the table if those shots had all gone in.

With the likes of Suarez, Carroll, Bellamy, Adam and Kuyt at their disposal the Reds should really be scoring with far more fluency, but it’s surely only a matter of time before things change. If they do then the charge for the top four will certainly be on as they have the the best defensive record in the league.

What is good, as far as this match is concerned, is that Liverpool have a terrific record against the Villans.

They have taken more Premier League points off Villa than any other club so why they can be backed at 2 with Betfred is totally beyond me.

It looks like an early Christmas present and should be snapped up.

Wigan v Chelsea

Chelsea are a top priced 1.4 to beat Wigan at the DW Stadium , and given their current form another three points looks a formality.

Andre Villas-Boas has turned things round in recent weeks and the Blues come into this in red-hot form having come from 1-0 down and put in a superb performance to to beat table toppers Man City 2-1 earlier in the week.

They have scored 15 goals without reply in the last three matches against the Latics, who have won just one and lost 10 of the 12 Premier League meetings between the two sides.

The home side are really struggling and have taken just one point from the last 15 on their own patch. OK they have managed to win two out of their last three games, but those wins came against Sunderland and West Brom and sandwiched in between was a 4-0 tonking at the hands of Arsenal.

It really does look a case of how many Chelsea will put past them as they have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 PL games.

I think Chelsea will triumph with east, and fancy them to win 4-0 or 5-0. The former is a standout 21 with Betfred, while the latter is a 41 shot with the same firm and Boylesports.

QPR v Manchester United

Manchester United haven’t lost at Loftus Road for 22 years and look bankers at 1.5 with Betfred and Paddy Power to beat QPR and maintain their title challenge on neighbours City.

They have won eight and lost none of the last 11 meetings with the Hoops in all competitions and come into the game on the back of thrashing Wolves 4-1 to extend their unbeaten run in the league to eight (won 5, Drawn 3).

Sir Alex Ferguson’s young guns have also won five of their last six games and conceded just two goals in the process despite having their squad stretched.

This game really should hold no fears for them, and with Rooney and Nani back among the goals a comfortable victory looks on the cards.

Rooney ended his barren spell with two against Wolves and those goals will have  have given his confidence a tremendous boost.

He is a top priced 4.33 with bet365 to open the scoring on Sunday, and that looks terrific value given that many firms go just 3.75.

Given that QPR have now lost four of their last six and are best with injuries it really is difficult to see them being able to trouble United, and the 2.37 with Paddy Power about us winning to nil looks a huge price and definitely worth a wager.

See the Soccerlens football betting page for all the latest betting odds.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Fernando Torres, once renowned as one of the most feared strikers in world football now finds himself in a disastrous situation. Almost one year since his record breaking £50 million move to Chelsea, Torres has scored mere 5 goals i.e. cost £10 million per goal. The blues have been patient but not anymore as the reports suggest the Londoners are ready to sell him for £20 million. Where will the Spaniard go from here?

Manchester:

Surely Manchester City can afford Torres’s wages but they already have three top quality strikers in Aguero, Balotelli and Dzeko all in form so why sign a flop one.  Adding to that the Spaniard wants to play and at City he will only be able to make the bench warmer than he has been doing for Chelsea.

Sir Alex already has one problem sitting in the form of Berbatov, adding Torres to that, very unlikely. Besides United are not looking to spend much this winter, in case they do then by all means the priority should be a central midfield player. From Torres’s view point, the Liverpool connections might stop him from joining the Devils. Betrayed once for joining Chelsea and turned miserable, the second time he might just be cursed for life by the Liverpool fans.

North London

Harry Redknapp likes to sign players that are unhappy or unwanted at their clubs. Van Der Vaart, Adebayor, Robbie Keane, Jermaine Defoe etc. Torres well unwanted and unhappy, still he is beyond Tottenham’s pay bracket. They just won’t pay over the odds.

The scenario is quite similar with Tottenham’s closest rival Arsenal. Gunners did not bother listening Samir Nasri’s cry of increasing his salary equal to Fabregas’s £110,000 a week, never mind talking about £150,000 for Torres. Let’s say Torres will agree to take a pay cut but to what extent? He earned £110,000 at Liverpool, Arsenal surely not interested.

Liverpool

The fans are divided on this subject. Ever heard of a saying “Form is temporary, Class is permanent” maybe that’s not applicable on Chelsea flops? Some say Liverpool is the only club to get his confident back and start firing goals that the Reds have been missing largely. Others have the word “traitor” engraved in their minds forever when they hear his name. Kenny Dalglish has done a fantastic job of changing the dressing room environment which has been negative for quite some time. Again Torres return might badly influence that.

Spain

Being loyal to Atletico, Torres hates Real Madrid. Never mind, they don’t want him. Barcelona have the best Spanish striker in their ranks, signing currently the worst one not in their plans. All others cannot afford his salary except Malaga, but then did he not want to play for a “big club” or for now he just wants to play.

Others

Torres once claimed he’d like to play for Milan but the Rossoneri do not buy players lately, they only want them on loan. Never heard any flying rumors coming from Russia, Anzhi? Lastly PSG, if they can look to sign 36 years old Beckham for not so footballing purpose then why not Torres as he is Spain’s most marketable player.

David Villa, Fernando Llorente and Roberto Soldado are all there and realistically Torres as a bench warmer for blues will not guarantee his place in the Spanish squad for Euro 2012. It is not just that Chelsea have to sell him for their good, but Torres must leave for his.

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News