Everton v BATE

We all know Everton’s struggles this season – they have an injury list as long as Marouane Fellaini’s arm. But they’ve already qualified for the next stage of the Europa league, rendering their game with BATE (who are no mugs, getting two Champions League draws with Juventus last season) a dead rubber. Consequently Moyes has already announced he will be playing a youth/reserve side – and BATE should have more than enough to at least avoid defeat.

LAY Everton @ 1.85 (Betfair) – 2 points liability

Both these sides are dangerous going forward but suspect at the back – each has had a high score draw in recent game (Spurs 2-2 with Everton, Man City 3-3 with Bolton). They are evenly matched, not afraid to attack, and neither want to lose. A scoredraw is on the menu – and we will take 3-3 and 4-4 at tasty odds.

Correct Score 3-3 @ 66/1 (Totesport, Victor Chandler) – 0.5 points

Correct Score 4-4 @ 300/1 (Bet365) – 0.5 points

Leeds v Accrington

It’s debatable whether Leeds’ heart is really in this competition – having only beaten Darlington and Grimsby so far, we just don’t know. If it’s not, then Accrington are capable of taking advantage. They are 5/1 to qualify which looks a decent price – and there is also some outstanding value in the correct score market, which we’ll also take a tiny interest in.

Accrington to qualify v Leeds @ 5/1 (Stan James) – 1 point

Accrington 3-0 @ 425/1 (Paddy Power) – 0.125 points

Accrington 2-0 @ 80-1 (Paddy Power) – 0.125 points

Accrington 1-0 @ 22-1 (Paddy Power) – 0.25 points

Birmingham v Blackburn

Both of these sides have struggled for goals recently so it’s no surprise to see odds on quotes abut U2.5. However there is some value in the 8/1 about a 0-0 – that result would occur in more than one in eight games between these two sides on current form.

0-0 @ 8/1 (Widely available) – 1 point

Man Utd v Wolves

Of course United are favourites. But they are struggling for goals, and suffered at the hands of Villa last time out. Wolves got a great 1-0 win against Spurs – and both those things will encourage McCarthy’s men that they can hold out at Old Trafford. They probably won’t – but at 18/1 the 0-0 has some appeal.

0-0 @ 18/1 (Widely Available) – 0.5 points

Just one this weekend…

Spurs v Wolves

This is roundly expected to be a comprehensive Spurs victory, and it’s difficult to find reasons why not. But how to profit? Scanning the markets, one stands out – and that is corners. If as expected Spurs batter Wolves they will get plenty of corners (expecially with Lennon terrorising down the wing) and Wolves actually get a surprising amount of corners away from home – 6 against Man City, 7 against United, 9 against Sunderland and 5 against Everton.

Over 11 Corners @ 11/10 (SkyBet) – 2 points

Wolfsburg v Man Utd

Wolfsburg have been tipped up in many places for this game – but there looks to be a more obvious bet in this game. They are strong going forward, and weak at the back – and everyone knows about Man United’s defensive problems. With Dzeko and Grafite likely to terrorise Ferguson’s two makeshift centre-backs, yet with United still possessing attacking strength, over 2.5 goals looks the play.

Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6 (Widely Available) – 2 points

The Championship

Ipswich are now 8 unbeaten (albeit with 6 draws) but are steadily rising, and at home against struggling Peterborough look decent value at slight odds on. Boro go into their game with Blackpool on a high after smashing five past QPR at the weekend, and around 7/10 is attractive at the Riverside. Finally, tomorrow, Newcastle are in terrific form with six consecutive wins after a slight wobble. It’s difficult to see beyond them taking 3 points from struggling Coventry.

Combining these in a multiple provides the best odds at 5.52 with both Ladbrokes and 888sport.

Ipswich @ 8/11, Boro @ 4/6 and Newcastle @ 10/11 (Ladbrokes and 888Sport) – 2 points

Blackpool v Barnsley

Mark Robins has done a great job at Barnsley since moving from Rotherham, and they are far from the soft touches they were earlier in the season. Consequently the even money quotes around Blackpool look too short (despite their good home form) and make for an attractive lay.

LAY Blackpool @1.97 (Betfair) – 2 points

Newcastle v Watford

Newcastle are in danger of running away with the Championship, and even at 4/7 look a decent home banker against Watford.

Norwich v Oldham

Norwich are another side on a great run, and come up against an Oldham side that have stopped scoring and started conceding. Again, even at 8/15, there’s value.

Newcastle @ 4/7 and Norwich @ 8/15 (SkyBet) – 2 point double

Man Utd v Tottenham

With United set to name a reserve team and Spurs on the lookout for another trophy, 14/5 looks cracking value on the away side.

Tottenham  @ 14/5 (Paddy Power) – 2 points