Agogo on why Forest can hold off Leeds in battle for League One

Today's Papers / Top Dog / 24 December 2007 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Betfair's top dog sniffs around the truth behind the latest tabloid tales.

Cruft's champion - Top stories that can dominate the news agenda
Pedigree chum - Insights that tell you something you don't know
Dog's dinner - Speculation, guesswork, or ideas that just don't come off.

Top Dog says:

The best bet for the New Year could be buried in League One. Leeds are [2.64] favourites to win it but Nottingham Forest are already top, have even more history, and don't have either ongoing financial troubles or a 15 point deduction round their necks. What's more you can back them to stay top of the pile at [4.0]! Striker Junior Agogo has been telling The Sun today that they're good enough to stay where they are.

Cruft's:

Daily Mirror -- Full Guy - While we're looking outside the top flight The Mirror focuses on Stoke who have picked up 16 from the last 18 points, are three off the top, and are [12.5] to win The Championship. Manager Tony Pulis has just secured striker Ricardo Fuller on a new contract has cash to spend in January. The Potters are [4] for promotion but a measly [1.35] a top six finish.

Pedigree Chum:

Daily Mail - Jose's shadow over embattled Rijkaard - The Mail picks up on Real Madrid's win at Barcelona, only their second triumph at the Nou Camp in 24 years. That spells gloom for Barca boss Frank Rijkaard and a job opportunity for Jose Mourinho. Real are now [1.52] favourites for the Primera Division with Barca out at [3.3]

Daily Express - Venables in frame for Fulham job - John Collins was red hot favourite to be next Fulham boss but has drifted quickly, and experienced reporter Frank Wiechula, who has good Spurs contacts, says Terry Venables is now a contender along with another ex Tottenham boss Glenn Hoddle. Venables is [9.8] in the Fulham market but also [4.6] favourite for the Republic of Ireland, so Hoddle could also be worth a punt for Craven Cottage at [8]

Daily Mirror and others - Cech out - With just a six point gap to leaders Arsenal, Chelsea are still the value bet at [7.6] for the Premier League title. But news that Petr Cech is out of the Christmas programme is not so good for them. Carlo Cudicini is also out with a training ground rib injury.

Dog' s dinner:

The Sun - Keane kicked out in F-word storm - Andrew Dillon claims Roy Keane had to be thrown out of Steve Coppell's office after Sunderland's late defeat at Reading. All something to do with a row between the benches, apparently, although Coppell wasn't there at the time. Quotes from an unnamed Reading player.

Daily Mirror - McLeish is going Balde - The Mirror thinks Celtic's Bobo Balde could be a target for Birmingham who need a centre half now Johan Djourou is off back to Arsenal. But Balde, 32, doesn't tick the boxes - and is off to the African Nations Cup with Guinea as well!

Today's other stories:

The Sun - Happy Cristmas - Cech hell - Ron's my perfect player - Gerro: I'd love to boss Kop - Manuel Fab for England - 28 page Super Goals pull-out

Daily Express - Everton madness - Chelsea face keeper crisis - Ronaldo double is toast of Old Trafford - Cole takes time - Nic a hit and mystic - Parker gives Curbs the perfect present

Daily Star - Ronnie's double gift for boss Fergie - Ramos poser over Berba the sulk - Tel wanted English boss - Cech out chaos - 20 page Seriously Football pull-out

Daily Mirror - Two Ronnies Christmas special - Cole still burns for Chelsea - Boxing Day preview - 20 page Football Mania pull-out - Stan Collymore column

Daily Mail - Party piece - Cech gives Grant a festive headache - Cole scuttles Rovers - No defending this, Sam - Chris Coleman column