The weekend’s Football Jackpot King is open! Here are some of my tips. Buy your tickets here.
Watford v Aston Villa (Premier League)
It’s been a rough campaign for both of these sides, with the two of them spending Christmas in the relegation zone. Watford are under the guidance of new manager Nigel Pearson, who guided them to their first home league win of the season when they beat Manchester United last weekend. Villa have lost four of their last five away games and stand to lose another. (1)
Arsenal v Chelsea (Premier League)
The Gunners are having a season to forget. New boss Mikel Arteta will be looking for a morale boosting win over Chelsea but it is very unlikely. Arsenal have lost three home games in a row and the last time they met, the Blues ran out 4-1 winners in the Europa League final. (2)
Huddersfield v Blackburn (Championship)
Huddersfield have not adapted to life back in the Championship well. They’re at the wrong end of the table and now they face a Blackburn side who aiming for the top six. However, the Terriers have steadied the ship somewhat, with two wins and two draws in their last five home games. A draw today is likely. (X)
Fulham v Stoke (Championship)
Another side who have struggled after relegation is Stoke. They have spent most of the campaign rooted to the foot of the table. Their away form is appalling, with four defeats in five on their travels. Scott Parker’s Fulham are different gravy and should have too much for the Potters. (1)
Millwall v Brentford (Championship)
This London derby looks even to me. Millwall have two draws, two wins and one loss at home in their last five. The Bees, flying up the table, have been unreliable on the road. Their away games yielded seven points out of a possible 15. A draw is on the cards. (X)
Preston v Reading (Championship)
This might seem a strange tip but in 18 games you have to go for an upset. I’m backing Reading. They have defeated Preston four times in a row and their away form is not terrible. They have only lost once in their last five matches away from home. I’m going for them to win. (2)
Hearts v Aberdeen (Scottish Premiership)
This one looks like an away win. Hearts are in trouble and spent Christmas Day at the bottom of the table. They have lost the last two league games to Aberdeen, who, as always, are one the “best of the rest” in Scotland. (2)
Wycombe v Coventry (League One)
Wycombe are flying high in League One. They are top of the table and it would take a total collapse for them not to be promoted. Coventry have the same aim but considering Wanderers have won all of their last four home games, I am backing them to win again. (1)
Doncaster v Sunderland (League One)
Neither of these sides will look back on the first half of the season with any joy. Sunderland’s away form is in the sewer, with four defeats in their last four matches away from the Stadium of Light. Doncaster are no better and their home form is poor. They have drawn their last three at the Keepmoat and another is likely today. (X)
Bolton v Shrewsbury (League One)
This is a tough one to call but I am going for a home win. Bolton have had many struggles this year but they are picking up points at their own ground. Three wins in their last five gives them hope of a miraculous recovery. This is another risky tip but I’m going for it. (1)