Arsenal don’t seem to have anything to play for, but Dan ‘The Betting Man’ Fitch thinks that professional pride is strong at the Emirates and they won’t make things easy for City.

Just a couple of weeks ago it seemed unlikely that Arsenal would be going into this match with little else to play for but pride. Yet consecutive defeats to Spurs and Wigan have completely derailed Arsenal’s title bid, though I don’t imagine that the Gunners will be demotivated against Manchester City.

Some pundits have speculated that Arsenal may not give their all, considering that it would help their rivals Spurs’ Champions League bid, but Arsene Wenger apparently tore a strip off his side after their collapse against Wigan and he will not want to contemplate another defeat.

So it could be that this is the worst possible time for Manchester City to have to travel to the Emirates. After all, when was the last time that Arsenal lost three league games in a row?

City are also looking to bounce back from defeat, having lost the Manchester derby in agonising fashion last weekend. Encouragingly, their recent away form has been good, having now gone five games without defeat, which includes a win over Chelsea.

Adding a touch of spice to the game is the fact that Emmanuel Adebayor will make his first return to the Emirates since moving to Manchester and he can expect a particularly frosty reception, following his antics during the game at Eastlands earlier this season.

When the goalscorer markets open on Betfair closer to kick off, expect Adebayor to be priced at around 7.5 to score first and 3.0 to net at any time, with Carlos Tevez also around the 7.5 mark and 3.2. For Arsenal, Robin Van Persie will lead the betting at around 5.5 and 2.5, with Nicklas Bendtner at 6.0 and 2.7.

City’s chances will surely be boosted by Arsenal’s injury list. It looks as if the game will come too soon for Andryi Arshavin to be fit, though Alex Song might return and faces a late fitness test. Manuel Almunia, Denilson, Cesc Fabregas, William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen are all definitely out.

Roberto Mancini could welcome Micah Richards and former-Gunner Sylvinho back to his squad, but is still without Joleon Lescott.

The statistics don’t look good for City, as they have failed to record an away Premier League victory at Arsenal in 12 attempts and have lost the last four of these games.

You have to fancy them to score though, given Arsenal’s selection problems at the back. In the 2.5 goals market, overs is the big favourite at 1.75, with unders at 2.3. I really fancy that both teams will score, but with odds of just 1.55 for this occurrence, it’s not a bet that I can really recommend.

Arsenal are the favourites at 2.04, with the draw at 3.65 and Manchester City at 4.1. Both sides will be going for the win, but I tend to think that a diplomatic draw will be the final result and one that both parties will be reasonably happy with.

In the correct score markets, 1-1 at 8.4 and 2-2 at 16.0 are worth looking at, as is 2-1 to Arsenal at 9.6 and 2-1 to City at 14.0. The half time/full time markets could provide some good value, with Arsenal/draw at 16.0 and City/draw at 17.5.

With Adebayor liable to raise the temperature of the game, the bookings odds are worth a look. Currently the price for 9 points and above is 1.59, but I expect that to rise as the market gains more liquidity.

Keep an eye also on the result of the earlier game between Manchester United and Tottenham. Should Spurs pull off a shock win it will really put the pressure on City, who are currently 2.44 to finish in the top four.

Best Bets:

• Back the draw at 3.65.
• Back Tevez to score @ 3.2;
• Back 1-1 @ 8.4.

Here’s Mr Fixit’s thoughts on the Scottish football scene this weekend in his exclusive Selectabet.net column in association with our friends at McBookie.com

IT’S been some week in Scottish football with two 10-1 headline winners. Rangers were 10-1 when they netted a late clincher with 10 men against St Mirren in the Co-op Cup Final. And the Buddies were as big as 10-1 when they made it an even better week for Rangers by hammering Celtic 4-0 in the SPL. That incredible scoreline was the Hoops worst against a Scottish side, apart from Rangers, for 30 years and cost Tony Mowbray his job.

McBookie.com reckon the new man at the helm will be Neil Lennon who has been put in charge until the end of the season.Lenny is quite rightly the frontrunner but will have to impress the board if he wants to put in charge next season. That means winning six or seven of the last eight SPL games and lifting the Scottish Cup.

McBookie.com are offering 25-1 that Lennon will do his job prospects the world of good by winning every game between now and the end of the season. However, the firm has pushed Lennon out in the race to be the next manager from 6-4 to 9-4. Norwich boss Paul Lambert is 4-1 second favourite with Mark Hughes then it’s 8-1 Willie McStay, 10-1 Roy Keane and Slaven Bilic and 12-1 John Collins.

Lennon should at least get off to a winning start today with Celtic at home to a Kilmarnock outfit that has lost five in a row. Celtic are 1-5 with McBookie.com and Killie a joint industry-best 16-1.

Rangers suffered a shock of their own in midweek when they crashed out of the Scottish Cup to Dundee United.Walter Smith’s side face another tough encounter today against a Hearts side that made a mess of Hibs in last week’s derby. Jim Jefferies has vastly improved the Tynecastle outfit and will fancy his chances of a result. Hearts are 9-2 with McBookie.com but remembering Rangers fielded a weakened team at Tannadice I’m on the Ibrox men at a joint biggest 8-13 to edge it.

United will also get it tough against form side Motherwell and this one could be a draw. St Mirren will have nothing to fear at Aberdeen and as long as they’re not tired from the cup and midweek exploits, commiserations then celebrations and should at least avoid defeat at Aberdeen. The Dons haven’t won in 11 and look vulnerable.

I’ve not been convinced by Hibs in recent weeks but they can react to their Scottish Cup defeat at Ross County by winning at bottom side Falkirk. They are 5-4 with the Bairns 2-1. Hamilton boosted their relegation hopes with a win at Kilmarnock in midweek and could add a point to their tally when St Johnstone visit.

The SFL looks a tough card right through the three divisions. Ross County host Dundee in the First Division match of the day and I fancy the Dingwall men at 7-5 to pile pressure on Gordon Chisholm’s nervy leaders.

It’s just as difficult in the Second but consider Stirling at 11-10 to win at home to Cowdenbeath.

And in the Third on-form Stranraer are tasty at 6-4 at home to East Stirling who have lost seven of their last nine. Montrose are 13-8 as they go for four wins on the bounce against Berwick.

• Scottish treble: Rangers, Montrose, Stranraer

Here’s this week’s exclusive column from Mr Fixit in association with our friends at McBookie. Sign up to McBookie via Selectabet and get 10% Cashback on all you losses – not that you have any right? Click here for details.

THERE may be a cup final tomorrow but it’s difficult to get too excited about Rangers v St Mirren. If the Ibrox men get their heads right they should complete part one of what could be a treble-winning campaign. Games between the sides this season – and there have been five – haven’t been too one-sided but the odds suggest a Hampden canter for the Ibrox men.

They are 2-7 with McBookie.com to win in 90 minutes and 1-7 on the outrights. To win on penalties it’s 25-1 and after extra time 11-1. Any Buddies who fancy their side can have 9-1 or 4-1 outright, 28-1 penalties and 20-1 after extra time. Kris Boyd hasn’t scored in the tournament so far this season but is 3-1 favourite ahead of Kenny Miller to break the deadlock. Irishman Steve Davis is a big-game player and is better value at 12-1.

Rangers, who were given a rollicking by boss Walter Smith after being held in the Scottish Cup by Dundee United, should win and are worth a look at 4-5 minus one. I fancy a two-goal triumph, 2-0 or 3-1.

Celtic have the chance to close the gap at the top to “just” 10 points by beating St Johnstone at home. It could be a goalfest between two attacking sides and Robbie Keane will be well backed to score first at 4-1. Celtic are 2-9 with St Johnstone 12s.

Big game in the SPL is the lunchtime showdown between Hearts and Hibs at Tynecastle. The Jambos have improved under Jim Jefferies but have injury problems and this could be a 0-0 or 1-1 draw. Hearts are 13-8 favourites with Hibs 9-5.

Aberdeen will go a record 11 games without a win if they don’t beat Dundee United at Pittodrie. Three points looks beyond Mark McGhee’s men but they could force a draw as they usually perform better against higher-places sides.

The other SPL clash features Hamilton at home to Falkirk and the Accies should take a massive leap to safety with a win. They are evens with the Bairns 5-2.

In the First Division, Dundee missed a chance to move well clear at the top by drawing at Ayr in midweek. They have an even better chance at Airdrie tomorrow and should be backed at 4-6.

Brechin look best in Division Two at 1-2 against a Clyde side looking increasingly doomed.

Annan have been flying in Division Three and after a 5-1 win at Forfar last week and 0-0 draw with leaders Livingston on Tuesday look unbelievable value at an industry-best 7-5 to beat Queen’s Park at home.

Livi (3-10) should take care of Stranraer and I’d oppose a Forfar side who have conceded nine goals in two games. Albion Rovers are 85-40 to triumph at Station Park.

• Scottish treble: Hamilton, Brechin, Annan

Celtic have been feeling hard done by refs and have made their feelings known to beaks.

However, their moans have fallen on deaf ears with their latest gripe – over Scott Brown’s red card at Ibrox – last week being rejected out of hand. Hoops fans believe there is a bias against their side – my opinion is the Old Firm get a fair share of decisions compared with the lesser lights. With it being the main topic of the day now the title race is over, McBookie.com are offering odds on whether Celtic will get it good or bad from refs at Falkirk tomorrow and for the rest of the season.

They offer 6-1 the Bhoys have a legitimate goal chalked off tomorrow, 8-1 they concede a penalty and 10-1 for a star to be sent off.  On the other hand it’s 4-1 they win a penalty, 8-1 Falkirk have a man red-carded and 10-1 Celtic to score a goal that shouldn’t have been allowed.  Surprisingly Celtic have been awarded just two penalties in the league this season and conceded three. It’s 4-7 they are awarded more than they concede (5-4) between now and the end of the season.

As far as the match itself is concerned Celtic should edge a win. They were held 3-3 at Falkirk earlier in the season but generally have a good record there. McBookie.com’s price on an away is 1-3 so consider Robbie Keane, fresh from mixing it with the Brazil last Tuesday, to bag the opener at 4-1.

Rangers, 10 points clear at the top with a game in hand, should take another step towards the trophy by beating St Mirren in a dress rehearsal for the Co-op Cup Final in a fortnight. Games between the sides have been tight but Gers usually win. In their last six successes Kris Boyd has been on target and the comeback Scotland star is 11-4 to break the deadlock.

The battle for third place is heating up and it’s a three-way fight now between Dundee United, Hibs and Motherwell. Hibs and Motherwell face tough games against Killie and at St Johnstone respectively and could drop points in draws. That could allow United to move further clear by beating Hearts at home tomorrow. The Jambos have recorded three wins on the bounce under Jim Jefferies but United are a step up in class and I like the look of them at 19-20.

Picking winners in the SFL is tough this week. All five games in the First Division could go either way and that’s not sitting on the fence.  Our old friends Alloa look bankers on paper at home to struggling Clyde but their rivals who have strengthened. Alloa are maybe a tad short at 2-5.

Best bets in the SFL could be Stranraer who have run into some form. They are 8-11 at home to lowly Montrose.

Annan held Forfar in midweek after beating East Stirling and are decent value at 4-5 to take care of Elgin.

Queen’s Park have some injury doubts but look big at 5-4 to beat a fading Berwick.

• Scottish treble: Dundee Utd, Stranraer, Annan

In his exclusive weekly column, in association with McBookie the Daily Record’s Mr Fixit give us his tips for the weekend’s action in Scotland…

THIS could be Celtic’s last chance to maintain a title challenge as they face a Dundee United side closing in on third place. Tony Mowbray’s men will be hoping Rangers slip up in the live TV showdown at St Johnstone and then have the opportunity to reduce the gap hours later at Parkhead. It was roles reversed last week but Celtic failed to put pressure on the leaders when they let slip a two-goal lead in that amazing 4-4 draw at Pittodrie.

St Johnstone have been impressive all season and may just do Celtic a turn. They are coming off the back of a 5-1 thumping of Hibs in midweek and won’t fear an Ibrox they have run close in the last couple of seasons. This one could be a draw while McBookie.com are a joint industry-best 2-5 on an away win.

Celtic are just 1-3 to see off the Arabs so the value has to be in the visitors at 17-2. Mowbray’s side have been conceding way too many goals to be backed at that price but United’s record at Parkhead is poor. Again a draw is my call with United a decent shout on the handicaps.

Safest SPL bet could be Kilmarnock as they go for five wins in a row under Jimmy Calderwood. Opponents St Mirren will be feeling sorry for themselves after the midwek Scottish Cup exit at Rangers and 10-11 the home looks a shout.

Hibs head for Motherwell hoping to bounce back from their Perth mauling if John Hughes’ boot has been removed from the players’ backsides they might just come home with a point. Well are 11-8 with Hibs 15-8.

Aberdeen are another side with something to prove after their Scottish Cup defeat against Raith Rovers. Mark McGhee will accept nothing but a win today and could get it at bottom of the table Falkirk. Consider the Dons at 11-8 but don’t put your mortgage on it.

Jim Jefferies is looking for his second win on the bounce as Hearts entertain Hamilton tomorrow but this could also be a draw.

Best bets in the First Division are charging Dunfermline who are 1-2 at home to Ayr. Cup heroes Raith have injury problems and could be brought back to earth at lowly Airdrie who are 7-5.

I like East Fife at 5-6 to beat Arbroath in Division Two and in the Third improving Stranraer are the call at evens to see off Albion Rovers at home.

• Scottish treble: Killie, Dunfermline, Stranraer

Live on ITV. Kick off 1.30pm

Not many fixtures can boast an 87-year run without a goalless draw, an average of three goals a game scored over 20 matches, or six goals per game in recent cup encounters. Bolton v Tottenham can.  Betfair’s “Mystical” Mike Norman explains.

I’m not surprised this game has been chosen for live TV coverage. I really fancy it to be a cracking encounter between two sides desperate to win the game at the first attempt. What’s more, history – and by that I mean results – between these two down the years suggest we could be in for an absolute goal-fest on Sunday afternoon.

In the Match Odds market Bolton are available to back at 4.0, Spurs can be backed at 2.14, whilst the Draw is on offer at 3.5.

Bolton go into this game on the back of just one win in their last eight league fixtures, but that doesn’t really tell the whole story. They were 2-0 up and playing some good stuff against Arsenal recently before succumbing to a 4-2 defeat. And just last Saturday they battered Fulham at the Reebok Stadium but couldn’t find that all-important goal, and in midweek against Man City they played some decent football and should have been awarded at least one, if not two, penalties.

So the luck hasn’t really been on Owen Coyle’s side since he took charge of the Trotters, but if he approaches this game in the same vein as he did against City then I’d have to fancy the home side to get the win.

Spurs themselves aren’t exactly setting the world alight, securing just one league victory from their last six games, with the midweek loss to Wolves being particularly disappointing. As much as I respect Harry Redknapp, I’m astounded that he allowed Robbie Keane to go out on loan on transfer deadline day, bringing in Eidur Gudjohnsen in his place. I’m not knocking Gudjohnsen, but Keane is arguably a better player and was already match-fit – I just don’t see any logic in Redknapp’s decision.

I don’t see Coyle or Redknapp messing around with team selection and expect both managers to field a strong a side as possible. Jack Wilshere is cup-tied for Bolton however, whilst the home side will be without the injured trio of Gary Cahill, Ivan Klasnic and Sean Davis. Spurs are sweating on the fitness of both Ledley King and Michael Dawson, and the excellent Luka Modric could also miss out due to illness.

From a betting perspective I fancy Bolton – who haven’t lost at home to Spurs in 10 league games – at 4.0 to win the game, but my main bet for the match is going to be Over 3.5 Goals – available to back at 3.7. Incredibly, an amazing 24 goals have been scored between these two clubs during the last four times they’ve played each other in cup competitions – that’s an average of SIX goals per game.

If you’re of the opinion that Over 3.5 Goals is a bit of a risk, then consider the stat that tells us that the last 20 times Bolton have played Spurs (all competitions) a total of 63 goals were scored, suggesting Over 2.5 Goals at 2.06 is a decent bet today.

In the Correct Score market, the option you should be dismissing instantly is the 0-0 12.0 one. The last time Botlon and Spurs played out a goalless draw was September 22nd 1923 – 76 games ago! My own idea of making a profit in this market is to cover the 3-1 (48.0), 3-2 (40.0) and 2-2 (20.0) options to small stakes. Also to small stakes, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with backing Bolton/Tottenham (30.0) and Tottenham/Bolton (40.0) in the Half Time/Full Time market. This approach is a particular favourite of mine when I envisage an open game with plenty of goals.

If you’re looking for a player to score today then you could do much worse than Bolton’s Kevin Davies. He has an excellent record against the Lillywhites, including three goals in his last two games against them, and is available to back at 8.4 in the First Goalscorer market and at 3.2 in the To Score market.

• Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 Goals @ 3.7
• Also: Back Bolton @ 4.0 to beat Tottenham; Back Kevin Davies @ 8.4 to be First Goalscorer and @ 3.2 To Score

In his exclusive column here at Selectabet.net in association with McBookie, Mr Fixit gives us the lowdown on this weekend’s Scottish Football…

RANGERS may be eight points clear at the top of the SPL but it’s building up to be a fascinating race to the title.

Celtic reduced the gap from 10 by beating Hearts in midweek and it’s clear by the signings of players such as Robbie Keane and Diomansy Kamara that boss Tony Mowbray still believes top spot is achievable. In fact, mathematically Celtic could move out in front with a victory over Rangers on February 28, however the Hoops are 500/1 with McBookie.com to make it there this month.

They would need to beat Aberdeen today then Dundee United and Rangers and see their rivals lose to Hibs tomorrow and then St Johnstone. McBookie.com are betting on what the gap will be after the Old Firm game and make between nine and 11 points the 13/8 favourite. Two to four is 11/1, five to seven 10/3, eight 5/2 and 12 to 14 5/1.

Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee insists he’ll rest half his side today with the Scottish Cup replay against Raith Rovers in midweek his priority.
Even if he plays a full-strength side I’d be on Celtic at 8/15. The Dons are 5/1.

Rangers, having scrambled a draw at Motherwell in midweek, face another huge test against third-placed Hibs and again it could be a stalemate.
Hibs were 8/1 when they won at Parkhead last month and are an industry-best 15/2 with McBookie.com to repeat the feat at Ibrox. It’s a tall order but I fancy the draw with Gers no value at 4/11.

On-form Motherwell face a tough derby at Hamilton who were relieved to end their poor run with a victory at Dundee United in midweek. This also looks a draw.

Jim Jefferies takes charge of Hearts at Tynecastle for the first time since returning as boss and could end the club’s four-game losing run with a win against bottom dogs Falkirk. It’s also a first game at the helm for Bairns caretaker boss Steven Pressley after Eddie May left. Hearts are a biggest 19/20 with McBookie.com to win and that looks decent value.

Dundee United were disappointing in midweek but can bounce back against a St Mirren outfit who rarely score more than one goal. Back the Arabs at 5/4.

Finally in the SPL on-form Kilmarnock entertain St Johnstone and their winning run could be ended. Saints have been tough opposition all season and I fancy a scoring draw.

Best bets in the First Division are Inverness who travel to a Raith side possibly looking ahead to the midweek Scottish Cup clash at Aberdeen. Back ICT at 6/5. Alloa have been flying in the Second Division and should be too good at home to East Fife. In the Third get on East Stirling, aiming for eight wins in a row at Albion Rovers. The Shire are 4/5.

• Scottish treble: Inverness, Alloa, East Stirling

Mr Fixit gives us the lowdown on all the action in Scotland this weekend in his exclusive Selectabet column in association with McBookie.com

SCOTTISH football received a massive shot in the arm in midweek with the arrival of Robbie Keane at Celtic. It may be a short-term solution to the club’s crisis but fans see the Irishman as the answer to their prayers. Keane failed to hit the target on his debut at Kilmarnock on Tuesday but it’s only a matter of time before he finds his feet north of the border. Bookies saw hundreds of bets on the new boy to score first at Rugby Park and he will be a popular choice in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup clash at Dunfermline.

McBookie.com have priced up a special on how Celtic’s special Ks, Keane and Diomansy Kamara, will fare against Rangers’ K stars Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller. And they go 8/15 the Ibrox hitmen will net more in the SPL between now and the end of the season than their Celtic rivals who are 11/8. Bets void if tied.

Rangers are 11/4 with McBookie.com for the Treble after reaching the Co-op Cup Final and resume their Scottish Cup campaign against the side they will meet at Hampden later in the season, St Mirren. With Boyd and Miller back from injury and Madjid Bougherra returning after African Nations Cup duty this should be a Rangers win although 4/11 isn’t the best of prices. Saints are 8/1.

There are usually cup shocks but it’s difficult so spot one this weekend. Hibs are 1/12 at home to Montrose and should hammer four or five past the Third Division strugglers. Kilmarnock should be buoyed after beating Celtic and can take care of Inverness at home. They are 10/11 although the Highlanders have a history of giantkilling and will have their backers at 3/1.

Aberdeen have suffered at the hands of lower-league sides in recent seasons so will surely be on their toes for the visit to Raith Rovers. The Dons are 4/6 with their Kirkcaldy rivals 9/2. The second all-SPL tie is St Johnstone v Dundee United, two sides who drew 3-3 recently in the SPL. This could go to a replay. First Division promotion chasers Ross County (4/7) look one of the safest bets at home to Stirling and Dundee (4/11) should take care of Ayr at home.

The one SPL clash sees Motherwell entertain Hamilton and I fancy Craig Brown’s improvers at 5/6.

Best bets in the SFL are East Stirling who go for seven wins in a row at home to Berwick.

• Scottish treble: Ross County, Motherwell, East Stirling

The Manchester Moaner has appeared from nowhere to become a serious contender to take over from Owen Coyle at Burnley. After a run of money bookies William Hill were forced to cut Neville’s odds from 50/1 to just 8/1 today. But just as quickly as his odds have come in it appears they’re on the drift again. Breathe a sigh of relief Burnley fans!

Yesterday it was Norwich boss Paul Lambert who was all the rage but he’s moved to distance himself from the position and is now best priced at 10/1 with VCBet. Another Scot, John Hughes has also pledge his future to his current employees, Hibs, and he’s now 12/1 (VCBet) for the post.

It all means that the betting market is wide open again with Alan Curbishley and Paul Jewel leading the field at 3/1 (VCBet) with Steve Davis (9/2) and Steve Coppell (8/1) the other contenders.

Anyone out there got any inside on track on the next Burnley manager? It looks like there’s money to be made if you’ve got some inside info.

So, in pursuit of the never-ending quest to beat the bookies I normally turn to Amazon to see what kind of betting books I can get my hands on. In previous years I’ve opted for Winning on Betfair for Dummies (a decent starting point if you’ve never ventured into the world of Betfair but the title is misleading, there’s no magic bullet that reveals the secret of actually ‘winning’ there), Fixed Odds Sports Betting: Statistical Forecasting and Risk Management (an interesting read that unearths a few underling football betting trends but if you’re not into stats then it can be a bit heavy) and Profitable Football Betting (if you’re keen to develop your own betting system then this is worth investing in. It’s a few years old now but the methodolgy remains the same).

This year I’ve opted for another couple of tomes;

• The Definitive Guide to Betting on Football (“Racing Post” Expert Series) (“Racing Post” Expert Series) by Kevin Pullein, £5.57 – I’ve read a few good things about the Author, who regularly has a column in the Racing Post on a Saturday. Most of the Reviews on Amazon look pretty decent too so I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this one.
• Taking Chances: Winning with Probability by John Haigh £6.44 – I’m no statistician but I do have a thing for probability. I’d never bet on the lottery, for example, the odds just don’t stack up so I’m hoping that this book can help me sharpen up my statistical analysis and make the odds work in my favour.

Are there any books out there that you’d recommend to fellow punters? Post em in the comments below.