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Chesterfield take a narrow 2-1 lead into the second leg of the tie.

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OLDHAM v CHESTERFIELD ODDS

Oldham Athletic: 4/5
Chesterfield: 100/30
Draw: 12/5

OLDHAM v CHESTERFIELD PREVIEW

This looks a match that is really nicely set up after the first leg. It’s very easy to look at Chesterfield’s position here in the bottom four and assume this should be a home win, but the reality is a little more complex. The Spireites have made some good loan signings and played well in their last match, a win over Bournemouth, even though they had some defensive nerves near the end.

They will be missing the scorer in that game, Liam Ridehalgh though, who has either scored or set up their last three goals.

Oldham have suffered a little in recent weeks, as they don’t have a huge amount of squad depth though the combination of Shefki Kuqi and Robbie Simpson is a useful forward pairing at League One level. They certainly have the ability to get a goal on the night against a Spireites team that has kept one clean sheet since September, but we can also see Chesterfield netting here, and the value lies on them being able to hang on and get a morale boosting trip to Wembley.

OLDHAM v CHESTERFIELD TIP

The value here is the draw – we recommend getting on at 12/5 with Paddy Power – use our link and you can claim a free £50 bet.

There are a handful of games providing TV fare for football starved fans.

Premier League sides Bolton and QPR are in action, while the last non-league team left in the competition, Wrexham, also have their match with Brighton & Hove Albion.

That’s assuming they all survive the weather.

FA CUP PREVIEW

The most intriguing of the Tuesday night matches probably do feature the Premier League teams, with QPR boss Mark Hughes, in between buying obscure South Americans and having Kia Joorabchian as agent, has a home game with League One side MK Dons to deal with. Neil Warnock’s side (as they were) almost went out in their meeting at the MK-o-drome, or however you wish to refer to it, and Hughes has said it will be a squad side who play having seen his first team in their Premier League defeat at Newcastle. Milton Keynes Saturday game was postponed, so they should be fresh, and they will try and keep the ball on the ground and retain possession. We like the draw with Stan James at 3.75 here at 90 minutes.

Bolton ought to labour to victory against Macclesfield, but they found it hard work with their second string in the Carling Cup, so to assume it will be a nice jog in the park for them here would be a mistake. We would generally like either Macclesfield with a start or the under 3.5 goals option where available.

Wrexham versus Brighton has now been moved to Wednesday, which might help Brighton, who have several injury concerns and are likely to play a fringe squad anyway. The Conference leaders aren’t slowing down, were worth their draw in Sussex and they can win here. Brighton had terrible trouble in last season’s competition in overcoming both Woking and FC United of Manchester, so the Welsh team represent the value.

Leicester should beat Nottingham Forest, who have been poor under Steve Cotterill and Milwall see of Dagenham & Redbridge, but neither side makes much appeal on current odds.

FA CUP TIPS

QPR-MK Dons to be a draw at 90 minutes, Wrexham to beat Brighton.

For the latest Newcastle v QPR odds click here

The game is a first in charge of QPR  for Mark Hughes, after he took over from Neil Warnock.

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NEWCASTLE UNITED v QPR ODDS

Newcastle United: 4/5
QPR: 7/2
Draw: 13/5

NEWCASTLE UNITED v QPR PREVIEW (1.30pm)

This game is a serious test for both teams, who are both missing some significant names from their squads. If you asked most observers to pick their two best players, they would be Demba Ba, with 15 goals in 15 games, and Cheik Tiote,  rugged and effective in midfield. With both of them on African Nations Cup duty, there have to be questions about how effective they can be. With no Peter Lovenkrands, their likely front pairing is Leon Best and Shola Ameobi, which is not so frightening. On the other hand, they do have the defensive unit that has helped them to seven clean sheets this season.

As for QPR, we’ll see what difference Mark Hughes can make. They have been light on goals – just 20 so far – but Hughes did seem, at Manchester City and Fulham, have the ability to set up organised sides who were hard to beat. But they are missing key players – Alejandro Faurlin, who has  impressed this year, is injured, and Adel Taarat and Armand Traore are also unavailable as they prepare for the African Cup of Nations. All in all it leaves two sides looking a little light of talent if not on hard work.

NEWCASTLE UNITED v QPR TIP

A draw looks great value here at 13/5 with Paddy Power – and the 0-0 draw at 9/1 is also worth considering. Use our links to open an account and you get a £50 free bet!

For the latest Swansea v Arsenal odds click here

That’s despite Swansea’s good home record.

For the best Swansea v Arsenal specials click here

SWANSEA v ARSENAL ODDS

Swansea City: 100/30
Arsenal: 5/6
Draw: 5/2

SWANSEA v ARSENAL PREVIEW

Things are looking reasonable enough for Swansea, who are picking up points consistently at home – it’s only Manchester United who have beaten them so far at the Liberty Stadium. They have pretty much a full squad to pick from and some key players, like Scott Sinclair and Joe Allen.  The main question is whether they can actually out-play Arsenal at essentially their own game of patient passing and moving. They haven’t scored in five of their last ten games.

As for Arsenal, they did have to work in breaking down Leeds, until Thierry Henry showed up, and they also are struggling in the full back areas thanks to a mass of injuries, with Francis Coquelin the latest to go down with an injury. Johan Djorou is fit for the Gunners. They have lost two of their last three league game, hitting just 7 goals in their last 7 league matches. This game looks like it should be a low scoring affair, with lots of patient possession and it might take that moment of extra quality to seal a 1-0 win for other side.

SWANSEA v ARSENAL TIP

Arsenal look too short a price here given Swansea’s home form and their goal shy current form, so we like the draw at 5/2 with Paddy Power. They also have a great offer where they will re-fund losing correct score and first scorer bets if Robin van Persie scores the last goal.

For the latest Manchester City v Liverpool odds click here

Both sides have issues, but also the odd decent recent performance to reflect on.

For more Manchester City v Liverpool odds and specials click here

MANCHESTER CITY v LIVERPOOL ODDS

Manchester City: 19/20
Liverpool: 3/1
Draw: 12/5

MANCHESTER CITY v LIVERPOOL PREVIEW

Manchester Ciity go into this game off the back of that 3-2 defeat by Manchester United which could be regarded as energy sapping, and the question is whether or not they can make significant changes to freshen things up. They are without Vincent Kompany for the first of four games, but they do have Gareth Barry back. Hooolwever, fitness doubts remain about Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko and David Silva. Even with City’s considerable riches that is a trio who would not be easy to replace. It’s just a few days ago that City ground down Liverpool 3-0, which seemed a flattering scoreline and one that may not be, with the personnel to hand, repeated.

Liverpool had the benefit of resting players for a much easier FA Cup tie with Oldham, who they eventually subdued 5-1, albeit with one or two problems, on pitch and off. Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson all enjoyed a rest. That 3-0 game, may give them some hope as they put City under pressure and it is possible that, at the very least, they could make this competitive for the second leg at Anfield.

MANCHESTER CITY v LIVERPOOL TIP

If the team-sheet shows City missing a couple of key names, we are loving the draw at 12/5 with Paddy Power - use our link and claim a free £50 bet!

The Cardiff v Crystal Palace odds have Malky Mackay’s side as warm favourites for this Carling Cup first leg tie.

For the latest Cardiff v Crystal Palace odds click here

This is that rarest of things in British football, a two-legged tie, which can make a difference to strategy.

For more Cardiff v Crystal Palace odds and specials click here

CRYSTAL PALACE v CARDIFF CITY ODDS

Crystal Palace: 2/1
Cardiff City: 11/8
Draw: 9/4

CRYSTAL PALACE v CARDIFF PREVIEW

Cardiff welcome back Kevin Naughton for this semi-final with both teams having rested players for their respective FA Cup matches, which they both lost. Cardiff have definitely rolled into some form with Malky Mackay despite making considerable changes, but they arguably have one of the most dangerous Championship players with Peter Whittingham and they have lost just once in 13 league games. Kenny Miller is also a more than capable striker at this level too. They certainly look capable of scoring at some stage and Miller and Whittingham were on the score sheet when they met in the league in November, a game the Bluebirds won 2-0.

Palace though, do have a side with the ability to counter – with young, pacy players like Wilfred Zaha and full-back Nathaniel Clyne they can move forward quickly, and they have a high quality keeper in Julian Speroni. One major problem they have had is a sickness bug going round the camp, and this could well mean they struggle late on if some players are suffering with fatigue. Their form has been mixed since making this stage by putting Manchester United out, but anyone who saw them maul Brighton 3-1 in their derby match will know they are a decent side.

CARDIFF CITY v CRYSTAL PALACE TIP

With the illness issues for Palace and the two leg format, a home win at 11/8 with Paddy Power looks a good bet here. Use our link and you can claim a free bet of up to £50!

For the latest King George VI Chase Odds click here

Kauto Star and Master Minded are his main opposition.

For more King George VI Chase Odds click here

KING GEORGE VI CHASE ODDS

5/4 Long Run, 100/30 Kauto Star, 6/1 Master Minded, 7/1 Captain Chris, 12/1 Somersby, 16/1 Diamond Harry, 66/1 Golan Way, Nacarat

KING GEORGE VI CHASE PREVIEW

The remarkable Kauto Star is looking to make it five wins in this race, having had his run of four straight victories ended by Long Run a year ago. Kauto is the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup after losing it – so you wouldn’t put anything entirely beyond Paul Nicholls’ old stager. He also racked up a win over Long Run in their first encounter this season in the Peter Marsh chase at Haydock, so there do seem to be signs that he’s well.

Those wins do have to be balanced out with Long Run’s dominating Cheltenham Gold Cup performance and the fact he was such a stylish victor in this contest last year. He is also expected to come on for his first run, like most Nicky Henderson horses.

Master Minded is a fascinating contender. He’s won big races over two and a half miles and had little trouble in beating Somersby on his return. The question is whether or not he can hang in there for a truly testing three miles given the way that Long Run likes to dictate his races.  Somersby is also among those involved.

Captain Chris is difficult to judge after falling in his only start this season, while it’s difficult to see Diamond Harry, Golan Way or Nacarat having any kind of impact.

KING GEORGE VI CHASE TIP

We expect Long Run to re-assert himself here and will take the 5/4 with Paddy Power on Long Run - use our link and claim up to £50 in free bets!

The Spurs v Chelsea odds have Spurs as narrow favourites to pick up a win in this last match before Christmas which promises plenty.

For the latest Spurs v Chelsea odds click here

Spurs go into match in the better form of the two sides and also have the benefit of home advantage.

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SPURS v CHELSEA ODDS

Spurs: 13/8
Chelsea: 13/8
Draw: 12/5

SPURS v CHELSEA PREVIEW

Do we sense the power balance in London football just drifting towards White Hart Lane? Harry Redknapp’s apparently merry laissez faire method of getting a load of good players together and mostly letting them get on with it has paid dividends in handsome style to the point where you can’t rule them out yet as title contenders if Manchester City suffer some form of collective seizure. The main worry for Spurs tonight though are concerns about wide players Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale, while  Jermain Defoe  has a  hamstring problem and Emmanuel Adebayor a foot injury. That loss of quality in wide areas and searing pace  is a significant blow.  With Chelsea’s infamous high press, now reduced, there could have been all the fun of the fair.

Chelsea also seem to be in transition. Their initial tactics under Andre Villas Boas seem to have altered from what he wanted at Porto. The defenders are now sitting deeper, and the manager made a conscious decision to try and sit on the one goal lead they had at Wigan, rather than try and push on and kill the game stone dead. David Luiz is ruled out here, while nothing bothers John Terry enough to stop him playing. Their historically good record against Spurs – ridiculously good – is also fading.

SPURS v CHELSEA TIP

The more cautious nature of Chelsea suggests they can take something here, as the 1-1 draw is 11/2 with Paddy Power – use our link and you can claim a free bet of up to £50. In addition – they will refund losing correct score, first scorer and scorecast bets if a penalty is netted during the match!

The Wolves v Norwich odds have Mick McCarthy’s side as relatively short priced favourites for this meeting with the newly promoted Canaries.

For the latest Wolves v Norwich odds click here

The Canaries are arguably the more in form side of the two.

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WOLVES v NORWICH ODDS

Wolves: 11/10
Norwich: 5/2
Draw: 12/5

WOLVES v NORWICH PREVIEW

With Wolves drifting down towards the bottom of the table and Norwich defying expectations of many, bar the amount of goals they are conceding, this match has an interesting feel.

After a very cheerful start, it’s just two wins in 14 games for Wolves, with manager Mick McCarthy insisting they have effectively made just one real summer signing in centre half Roger Johnson. Steven Fletcher has been scoring goals, but defensively they look fragile, and Stoke demonstrated the limits to their attacking prowess by throttling Matt Jarvis. Norwich though, are a more open side who may offer them more space to play. David Edwards and Jamie O’Hara remain sidelined, depriving Wolves of important midfield drive.

Norwich seem to have gone for last season’s Blackpool formula, of firstly buying up hungry players like Anthony Pilkington from Huddersfield and Millwall’s Steve Morison – and then seemingly attacking cheerfully and accepting they will concede. The Canaries haven’t kept a clean sheet yet but have been finding ways to win against sides with more impressive squads – on paper at least. They are set to stick with the same side that wasn’t too far from picking up a win at Everton.

WOLVES v NORWICH TIP

Wolves’ insecurities make us feel that Norwich have a real shot here – we like the offer of 6/4 Norwich with the draw no bet from Paddy Power – use our link and you can claim up to £50 in free bets!

For the latest Blackburn v Bolton odds click here

With both sides in the bottom three, an evening of sadistic TV viewing pleasure is in store for the nation.

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BLACKBURN v BOLTON ODDS

Blackburn Rovers: 11/10
Bolton Wanderers: 13/5
Draw: 23/10

BLACKBURN v BOLTON PREVIEW

Such is the level of twisted  interest in this match, you wouldn’t be entirely surprised to see the losing manager marched out on to the pitch after full time and dispatched by firing squad.

Anyway, let’s get to the heart of the issue. Both teams, essentially are poor and short on confidence. Blackburn have shown sporadic bursts of competence, but succumb frequently to late goals, while Bolton’s defensive record is just eye wateringly bad at 38 goals conceded in 16 games. They are actually slightly better away.

Blackburn could have striker Junior Hoilett back but their defence is weakened even further in the absence of the burly Scott Dann and there’s also no Gael Givet. This leaves them with Christopher Samba as the lone standout physical presence, while they haven’t kept a clean sheet in 19 matches. What they do at least have is the odd player like Samba, or Morten Gaamst Pedersen, who could just produce a free-kick goal or something from long range to take the game away from the mundane.

As for Bolton, we’d like to know what Owen Coyle is going to do to change things, but no one seems to have the intelligence to ask him. He’s cited excuses about injured players, missing players (valid to a point) and is now resorting to the “stand up and be counted” cliches.

The same cast that lost to Fulham will be out tonight. They have a poor record against Blackburn in recent seasons and if you are a fan of in play markets, you might want to know that they have lost every time they have conceded first this season.

BLACKBURN v BOLTON TIP

You can see why early money has been for Rovers, and we do like a 2-1 Blackburn win at 10/1 with Paddy Power – use our link and you could claim up to £50 in free bets!