The Four by Four column: A quartet of English football selections
Every weekend, four of betting.betfair's football writers will contribute one selection from the top four leagues in English football, giving you, the readers, an exciting Multiple option.
Birmingham v Chelsea
I'm of the opinion that it's almost impossible to make a case for backing Chelsea at around [1.8] to win this tough looking encounter. True, they'll want to bounce back from that shuddering defeat at the hands of Sunderland as quickly as possible, but wanting and doing are two completely different things. Without John Terry and Alex at the heart of their defence Chelsea look completely vulnerable. And whilst they've got enough attacking talent at the other end of the pitch to trouble anyone, there's still enough evidence to suggest that Birmingham can get something from this game.
Brum have lost just one league game at St Andrews in 14 months now, and not only did they prevent an in-from Chelsea side from winning this fixture last season, they've actually held the London Club to a draw in this fixture in three of their last five meetings.
Mike Norman's selection: Lay Chelsea against Birmingham at [1.8]
Cardiff v Nottm Forest
Cardiff have looked the most likely winners of this division for many a week now and it's easy to see why. Aside from a squad rich in attacking quality, they can boast a manager with vast experience of being in charge at this level and someone whose man-management is clearly first class. How else can you explain the fact that Craig Bellamy has looked pretty happy all season and only used his golf clubs on the golf course?
For all the hype surrounding the loan signing of Bellamy though, it's another loanee who has been arguably the most important player in the team, from a tactical point of view at least. We know how good this Cardiff team are going forward but it's been the presence of Seyi Olofinjana in the heart of midfield which has allowed the likes of Bellamy and Peter Whittingham to bomb forward without worrying too much about tracking back.
That home defeat to Swansea would have been a bitter pill to swallow but Cardiff were back to their best against Scunthorpe and will have the in-form Jay Bothroyd brimming with confidence after a decent cameo for England on Wednesday night ahead of this match against Nottingham Forest. The visitors have won just once on the road this season and they're unlikely to improve on that record on Saturday. The price on the league leaders to win in front of their own fans is too big to ignore.
Jamie Pacheco's selection: Back Cardiff to beat Nottm Forest at [1.91]
Notts County v Tranmere
Notts County and their new manager Paul Ince find themselves in a worrying position down at the foot of the table, with Ince talking of rebuilding. It has to start soon, as the Magpies are fourth from bottom and have got to start winning.
Last Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Exeter masked a very good first-half display, of which Ince described as, "different class." However the defending wasn't, and three very soft goals left the former England midfielder fuming. But County have plenty of goal threats, and are a better team than what they have showed recently. County could have scored three in that Exeter first-half. Striker Lee Hughes has had a stop start season, but he should be fit this Saturday, whilst new signing Sam Sodje might be primed and ready to for an outing, and his aerial presence will add steel to the weak backline.
Tranmere could be missing their two best centre-backs this Saturday, with Marlon Broomes and Ian Goodison both suffering from knocks sustained against Plymouth last week. Rovers are quite a hardy outfit on a shoestring, but the Magpies can record a much needed win.
Alan Dudman's selection: Back Notts County to beat Tranmere at [1.93]
Crewe v Rotherham
Considering Rotherham's current form - two wins and four draws in 10 league and cup games, including losing to non-league York - Crewe are priced quite generously at [2.34]. The Railwaymen have just put youngsters Luke Murphy and Ashley Westwood on longer-term contracts, along with other academy graduates. That continues the strengths laid down by Dario Gradi during his decades at the club. Potentially it is also a signal that the Alex has happy campers who can realise their manager's dream of promotion. With Clayton Donaldson and Joel Grant always hunting goals, the Millers will not find life any easier than of late. Crewe can sneak a narrow win.
Ian Lamont's selection: Back Crewe to beat Rotherham at [2.34]
Recommended Multiple
Lay Chelsea @ [1.8]; Back Cardiff @ [1.91]; Back Notts County @ [1.93]; Back Crewe @ [2.34]; The multiple pays approximately [19.0]
Published: 20 Nov 2010
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