Saturday picks

Hull V Sunderland

Interesting game this. Two weeks ago id have jumped at the odds on a Hull win but now im not so sure. Im still not convinced that Sunderland are that good but in last weeks 4 – 0 win against West Brom they at least showed that they are capable of putting a good performance together from time to time. It was inevitable that there would be an improved performance after the departure of Roy Keane as teams always but o don’t think many saw the 4 – 0 coming.
Hull are just outside the European spots approaching the halfway mark and this is a remarkable achievement for them. They have impressed playing against all the big teams and havent looked out of their dept apart from a 3 – 0 defeat to Chelsea and a blip against Wigan. This will be Phil Brown’s 100th game in charge of Hull and how they must be eager to please him as he has done a terrific job with them.
In general Hull have adopted an attacking attitude which has been pleasing to watch as they like to get forward and score goals, At home though they have only kept the one clean sheet, a with Sunderland goal hungry at the moment I would expect another few conceded today.
Sunderland are in the bottom 3 and games like todays are crucial so I would be expecting a hugely committed performance from them today.

Verdict
Too hard to predict as I think both are capable of doing anything on the day. Hull seem to save their best performances for the big guns and Sunderland players are playing for their future at the club. We should see a few goals in this one and I might have a few small bob on the 2 – 2 scoreline too.

PICK
Over 2.5 goals ( 2.05 @ pinnacle) 5 points


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blackburn V Stoke

One of my only rules when it comes to gambling is the new manager rule. Never ever back against a team that has just lost their manager, no matter how big or small the club is, and no matter who the opposition.
We saw it last week where Sunderland were transformed and have also seen it recently with Redknapp’s appointment at Tottenham.
However long the honeymoon period lasts for is another question but for now, expect a hugely improved attitude and performance from Blackburn.
After losing the last six League games in a row and falling to 19th in the table, five points from safety and 11 games without a win, its crisis time at Ewood park. Sam Allardyce is the right man for the job though as he has a knack of getting the best out of a limited squad, as he showed at Bolton. One home win is a damming stat and one he will be keen to improve that, starting today.
Stoke will be no pushovers but with Delap not 100% fit they will miss his long throw ins. Tony Pulis will hand fitness tests to five players ahead of this game. Rory Delap ,Andy Griffin,Salif Diao,Leon Cort and Dave Kitson, who is close to returning from a knee injury, will all take late tests before Pulis decides on his final selection.
Pulis will be happy with the way things have gone so far but a defeat today and they will be close to the drop spots. They are a bit of a mixed bag but have generally disappointed on the road with 5 defeats and failed to score in 3 of the last 4.

Verdict
New manager means improved display as players will try to play their way into the new mans plans. I firmly believe that Blackburn are a top 10 team and just need fresh face and some new ideas to inspire them.
Home win

PICK
Home win (1.9 @ betsense) 5 points


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

League one

Cheltenham V Walsall

At first glance you might think im mad here but ive been doing a bit of research and it appears that the visitors are having a bit of a crisis at the moment. They are missing some key players and there have been reports of a virus in the camp midweek to stretch their squad to the max.
Cheltenham may be in the bottom 4 but have improve their performances of late winning the last 3 including a morale boosting win over Leyton Orient last weekend. They are a tough side to break down and Martin Allen could prove to be a shrewd boss.

Verdict
This is one of my shortest previews but based on what ive been reading it would be a crime not to have a few bob on the home win. They have improved lately and would be a great bet but in the circumstances they are an even better shout.

PICK
Cheltenham win ( 2.4 @ ladbrokes) 4 points
Cheltenham win 2 – 0 ( 13 @ skybet) 2 points
Cheltenham win 3 – 0 ( 26 @ skybet) 1 point
Cheltenham win 4 – 0 ( 81 @ bet365) 1 point