Chelsea vs. Manchester United – Sunday 5^th February

Andre Villas Boas’ men are on the verge of being too far cut adrift of the pace-setters to challenge for top spot, and come Sunday 5th February they simply must get three points against Manchester United or settle for challenging for third place. United are locked in a cross-town battle with rivals Manchester City for local and national bragging rights, and will be keen to avoid slipping too far behind Roberto Mancini’s side.

Despite being two of the best sides in the country, both clubs have had problems between the sticks. Chelsea’s once-unflappable Petr Cech has had a wobble in form and is no longer the steady hand that steered Carlo Ancelotti to domestic glory in 2010. The Czech Republic international seems to have lost confidence and seems prone to error.

United meanwhile are still to decide who the long-term successor for Edwin van der Sar will be, with Anders Lindegaard and David de Gea both being used by Sir Alex Ferguson. The Dane seems to have the edge over his younger team-mate, and has shown both good and mediocre performances this season. De Gea had an extremely nervy start to his time at Old Trafford, but has also showcased exceptional shot-stopping ability. Lindegaard is deemed more dependable, with De Gea the more able; neither have instilled a Schmeichel/Van der Sar sense of confidence in the Premier League champions’ supporters as yet this season however.

Arsenal vs. Tottenham - Sunday 26th February

The second North London derby of the season has a bit more riding on it than in seasons past, as Tottenham look to continue their good early season form and finish above rivals Arsenal. Spurs’ attacking play has been much admired this season, whilst The Gunners have recovered from a shaky start and are now back in contention for a top four finish.

Wojciech Szczesny has established himself as Arsene Wenger’s preferred option in goal ahead of countryman Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia, but is susceptible to a mistake that could cost Arsenal points. The Polish stopper was beaten from long range by Kyle Walker in Spurs’ 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture at White Hart Lane earlier this term, and although talented, does not possess the commanding presence of other keepers in the league.

Brad Friedel has played his part in Tottenham’s success this season, as Harry Redknapp looked for a safe pair of hands following Heurelho Gomes’ ill-fated spell in the team in 2010/11. The American is a solid option for the White Hart Lane outfit, but with the 40-year-old approaching the end of his career, a long-term successor is needed. Friedel’s consistency has been a welcome addition this term for Spurs however, and the veteran will need to be at his best to stop Robin van Persie and co on Sunday 26th February.

CSKA Moscow vs. Real Madrid -  Tuesday 21st February

The Champions League is down to do-or-die time, with the contenders looking to build up a run of good form and performances to push towards this year’s final in Munich. Barcelona are certainly the team to beat, with Clasico rivals Real Madrid determined that this is the year that they will rise above their great enemies. Jose Mourinho’s men face a tricky trip to Moscow in the last 16 however, with the away leg sure to test the Spaniards resolve.

With Madrid firing on all attacking cylinders in La Liga and on the continent, CSKA will need to be at their very best to stand any chance of competing. Central to their chances is goalkeeper and captain Igor Akinfeev, who has matured into a top player. The Russia international will have one eye on Euro 2012, and the 25-year-old has become integral to club and country. His shot-stopping ability and organisation of the eastern European outfit’s defence will be crucial in this tie.

Amongst the multi-million dollar signings at the Santiago Bernabeu stands a home grown superstar in the form of Iker Casillas. Spain’s number one is Mr Dependable at the capital-city side, and continues to play his way in to the club’s folklore with commanding and impressive performances. The likes of Vagner Love, Seydou Doumbia and Alan Dzagoev will test Casillas, especially in Russia, and the 30-year-old will be eager to keep up strong form to hold onto his international jersey ahead of Barcelona’s Victor Valdes.

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Goalkeepers may be the difference between winning and losing this February

But goalkeeper Shay Given may well become the 21st century example if he looks back on his impressive but ultimately trophy less career in a few seasons time.

Irish international Given is set to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury and therefore it appears his brief flirtation with Manchester City is over.

The 34-year-old signed for the Blues in January 2009 with a desire to win trophies. At that stage Newcastle were on their way down to the Championship while City were busy collecting any player who commanded a sizeable transfer fee in order to demonstrate their new found financial strength.

Despite accusing the Magpies of not doing enough to keep him the Newcastle supporters wished Given well as he had given them 12 years loyal service and stuck with them through thick and thin in the hope they would win a trophy.

But in the end, with his years advancing, he took the gamble to jump ship to City. Unfortunately it hasn’t really worked.

Not only have City failed to win a trophy their spending should really command but Given is now second choice to Joe Hart, only making fleeting appearances in the cups this season. Plenty of people will be considering placing a football bet on City to win the FA Cup this season, but even if they do Given won’t be part of the team when it happens.

Goalkeepers can continue on until their late thirties or in Edwin Van Der Sar’s case into their forties so Given may still have time on his side. But his next move, possibly his last, is a critical one if he wants a few medals to with his vast collection of international caps. He needs to prove first that he is still good enough to compete at the top level – not easy from the substitute’s bench – as a drop down the divisions will all but signal an end to his hopes.

If he can then maybe he could end his career on a high and console himself with a quote linked to his nation’s most famous tipple: Good things come to those who wait.

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Shay Given’s ‘nearly-man’ tag looks set to stick

If a striker is one-on-one with Kasper, Leeds fans have gained a confidence that their keeper will probably prevail. There is no doubt who young Schmeichel has taken lessons from when it comes to closing down strikers and making himself big, it is reminiscent of Peter during his time as the least favourite keeper of many Premier League forward.

England’s number one Joe Hart has previously admitted to observing the way Kasper worked on his one on ones when Schmeichel was at Manchester City a few years ago. It’s not just his closing down that makes Schmeichel Jnr such an exciting young keeper, his distribution is second to none and the way he runs his penalty area is improving game on game.

Leeds fans will be a little worried that Schmeichel only signed a two-year contract when he joined the club last summer, should Leeds fail to get out of the Championship by the time that two years is up, then there are plenty of top flight sides who would be desperate to welcome him to their club. The football betting indicates they have every chance of going up and Schmeichel will have a big part to play in this.

Kasper seems to have his head pretty screwed on though and may see Leeds as the perfect club at this time of his career. The Arsenal game showed that Leeds are still one of the best supported clubs in the country and it looks as though under Simon Grayson they could really be moving back into the promised land. Kasper may well find himself falling a little bit in love with the club that is still finding it strange to cheer for a Schmeichel.

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Schmeichel’s class comes from the genes

The former Middlesbrough keeper had been linked with a move to Arsenal in the last transfer window, but a move never materialised and Mark Hughes has now managed to convince him to commit his future to Fulham.Speaking about the new deal and previous link to Arsenal, Hughes said: “He was obviously very flattered by the interest. We’re delighted that he’s decided to stay here and we can move forward now.”

As for the player himself, he had many free bets placed on him leaving Fulham in the summer, but he appears to be happy with the way things of turned out.

The Australian international said: “The club, manager and team have all highlighted their desire to see me stay at the Cottage and after successful negotiations I can confirm that my future is with Fulham.”

It is being presumed by paypal betting pundits that the interest from Arsenal must have decreased this season, otherwise Schwarzer would have held on until next summer to see if he could secure a move to the Emirates.

As it is, he is still a regular starter at an established Premier League football club and he is presumably earning more money than he was this time last year. So it is a good news day for him and of course for Fulham who have managed to hold onto their No.1 keeper.

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Schwarzer signs new Fulham deal

City performed admirably in the first half and it was far from an exercise in damage limitation, a clever formation change from Mancini freed up the midfield and carved a few decent chances. Arsenal’s goal soon ended any hope of an unlikely victory though. A one two with Arshavin allowed Nasri to bag a classy opener, and from then on in it was the Gunner’s game to lose. After the break Toure was replaced with Bridge, and Tevez limped off which gave Arsenal all the impetus they needed to net twice more before the final whistle, despite Fabregas having a penalty saved excellently by Joe Hart.

If Shay Given was hoping for another crack of the whip at Eastlands it looks as if that not going to happen anymore. Hart has been the picture of consistency and despite the 3-0 loss, no-one was blaming the young keeper for any of the goals. The stopper has conceded just eight goals this season, the third lowest in the league. Because of this, some people make Manchester City betting tips to win the league.

As well as establishing himself in the City first team, Hart has become Fabio Capello’s first choice in the England goal. At 23, Hart could conceivably play on for another 15 years at the top of the game. England have been crying out for a consistently good keeper ever since David Seaman hung up his gloves. A world-class keeper would definitely give England a much better chance of achieving some long awaited success. In Joe Hart both England and City could have very bright futures.

Meanwhile, the Notts Forest betting tips suggest they face a tough season after narrowly missing out on promotion last term.

They will need to pick up soon if they are to make the playoffs.

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Joe Hart continues to impress

Green’s team, West Ham, haven’t started the season well and the goalkeeper has suffered a series of poor performances, although four points from their last two matches has given Avram Grant’s side a much needed boost. Green has once again made the headlines but this time for his return to the form. In the narrow 1-0 victory over Tottenham, Green was one of the best players on the pitch, frustrating Spurs on more than one occasion. The Andy Gray tips suggest the Irons should stay up, and Green will be vital to their hopes.

His hopes of returning to the national side have been handed a boost by goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence. The former England keeper, who was capped 61 times by his country, has made it clear he sees no reason as to why Green can’t get himself back as a central part of Capello’s plans.

“It was a difficult summer for him and a difficult start to the season which you could understand because there was an awful lot of pressure on him. But he looks to be getting back to where he was before the World Cup,” he said.

The fact is that every player is going to make mistakes during their career, it’s just that as a goalkeeper, those mistakes are magnified 100 times. Before the World Cup, Green had been the most consistent English goalkeeper for the previous few seasons. He was a good keeper then and he’s a good keeper now. He’ll show that this weekend against Wolves, in what the West Ham betting suggests is a very winnable game for the Hammers.

Over the season, it is highly probably that Green will win more points for his side than he loses.

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Green out to reclaim England jersey

Scans have not come back with good news for Harper and Newcastle. The stopper has damaged ligaments in his shoulder and looks set to miss the majority of the new season as he recovers. It’s rotten luck for Harper who could face the prospect of returning to action only to find a new number one in place.

Tim Krul will initially take Harper’s place between the sticks and the Dutch youngster has looked very promising whenever he’s been given a chance in the first team. Krul looked assured with the little action he had to do when he came on for the injured Harper during the 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. It remains to be seen what will happen when the January transfer window opens however. Shay Given’s announcement that he is looking to leave City has only fuelled the Betfair Football rumour mill. The Newcastle legend has fallen behind Joe Hart at Eastlands and it’s fair to say he would be welcomed back with open arms by everyone at St James’ Park. Everyone that is, except Harper.

Meanwhile, the Blackpool betting suggests Ian Holloway’s side are still likely to go down after a mixed start the season.

They have won some games, but have been thrashed by Arsenal and Chelsea and could struggle as their squad is tested.

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Harper’s misfortune strikes again

With Begovic likely to be just a benchwarmer should he join Chelsea, with goalkeeper Petr Cech unlikely to lose his place to the youngster, his attitude towards his current club is even more shocking. At the age of just 23, the player should be concentrating on becoming the best goalkeeper he can, rather than just looking to grab a big money move.

Perhaps more than any other position on the pitch, keepers need to play week in week out or they start to lose their edge. Switching to the Blues now could be a bad move for all involved. Most people make Stoke betting tips for mid-table safety, but the saga could distract them.

However, should Stoke choose to ignore any renewed attempt by Chelsea to buy the keeper, a one-man strike may well end up in a court battle that could determine the very future of how transfers are conducted.

While this may sound like a gross exaggeration, Arsene Wenger is one of several top managers who have already suggested that transfer fees may well become a thing of the past should player power continue to increase its hold on football.

Chelsea and Stoke clash at the weekend and the Betfair Football odds make the Blues favourites, but this issue will leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

Although it is clear that players should be allowed to have a major role in their future transfers or career moves, the decision of some players to show a lack of loyalty or understanding of the fact they are betraying the fans who help pay their wages clearly highlights the growing gap between players and fans.

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Keeper sulk will help no one

Gomes was in brilliant form at White Hart Lane as he kept Arsenal at bay almost single handed.

His two saves from Robin van Persie were world class, while his close-range stop from Sol Campbell’s header was breathtaking and earned Spurs a crucial 2-1 victory.

But had it not been for Harry Redknapp sticking by the 29-year-old, he could have been on the Spurs scrap heap.

His form when Redknapp took over was erratic with many fans and pundits calling for Redknapp to draft in an experienced replacement, but the Spurs chief showed faith in Gomes after hearing so many good reports about the former PSV stopper.

The Spurs boss said: “I always knew he had the ability. I spoke to Guus Hiddink and he said he nearly took them to a Champions League final in 2005, he’s that good.”

Gomes has made almost 40 appearances for Spurs this term and his consistent form this campaign has been aided by the close work he has been doing with goalkeeping coach Tony Parks.

Indeed, this work could boost Spurs, and it might see Brazil’s World Cup betting odds shorten even further as they now have three top-class ‘keepers at their disposal.

After a spell adapting to life in the Premier League, Gomes now seems to be at ease in the top flight and looks full of confidence.

Gomes, who was signed by Juande Ramos in the summer of 2008, is now looking like a £7.8 million recruit and he has his sights on a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Brazil are currently second favourites in this year’s World Cup odds and will be hopeful of winning the tournament.

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Spurs stopper Gomes comes of age

At the start of the season Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone was largely unheard of away from the Emirates. Now he is being classed as one of the best prospects in Premier League football, after a string of impressive performances for the Gunners first team.

Mannone was well and truly thrown in at the deep end; starting his first match of the season in the Champions League, away to Belgian champions Standard Liege. The opportunity arose after a knee injury sidelined Lukasz Fabianski and first choice Manuel Almunia went down with a chest infection.

The 21year old endured a nightmare start to the match, conceding two goals inside the first five minutes. However Arsenal rallied and eventually overcame their opponents 3-2. Manager Arsene Wenger kept faith with Mannone for the team’s next match (a 4-0 win over Wigan) and the young goalkeeper has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Mannone joined Arsenal from Atalanta FC in 2005 but despite making his debut in the final game of last season, first team opportunities appeared to be limited and he had looked set for a loan move this term before Fabianski’s injury meant a promotion up the order.

Speaking to the Arsenal matchday programme, Mannone said: “In the summer, yes, we had a talk about a loan move,”

“The boss was quite happy for me to go somewhere and play, because as you can see now, I was ready to play games.

“Now things have changed, it’s a different situation, but in the summer I was looking forward to a loan move, to get some experience.

“A couple of teams were lined up, but then Lukasz got injured and they told me to stay. It’s funny how things happen in football.”

After five wins and three clean sheets, the Italian will now have eyes on challenging Almunia and Fabianski for a regular starting spot. Beyond that, he may even hold hopes of international recognition and his team-mates appear to be right behind him in that respect.

“They are calling me Gigi [Buffon, the Italian No 1],” Mannone said.

“It’s a very big compliment for me. Even in training now, when I make a save – I’m not Vito anymore!”

Gareth Freeman writes for Betfair, the world’s best betting exchange. Get the latest insider scoop on all your favorite leagues at Betfair today!

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An Introduction To… Vito Mannone