GLASGOW RANGERS vs CELTIC (SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP)

tonight's old firm derby at ibrox is one of two must-not miss matches in the scottish premier league. the other is the reverse fixture at parkhead, of course. celtic have stuttered a little of late, falling to hibs 2-0 after the mother of all bloopers by artur boruc, and then they were held by hearts. however, i think celtic have enough in them not to lose this game, despite jan vennegoor of hesselink missing through injury. they will also want revenge after being beaten the last time they met.

Eddy's prediction: $10 on celtic +0/0.5 @ 1.95 = $19.50

WIGAN vs NEWCASTLE (EPL)

Wigan will be very well rested as they did not have a match last weekend. They have performed well and Zaki is slowly regaining his early season form since his injury. Newcastle do not have Martins and Ameobi for this match, meaning that they will play Owen and Viduka upfront, which will be easily handled by Bramble and Scharner.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Wigan -0/0.5 @ 1.950 = $9.75

IPSWICH vs BIRMINGHAM (COCA-COLA CHAMPIONSHIP)

birmingham have lost their last two, somewhat surprisingly to reading at home and preston. at level ball, i think they are a good bet to end their dismal run of form by beating an ipswich side that's also looking low on confidence.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on birmingham level @ 2.01 = $10.05

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS vs ORLANDO MAGIC (NBA)

the hornets, led by the dynamic chris paul fell to the lakers at home in their last game. what was surprising, was the margin of victory, as they looked shell-shocked going into half-time 19 points down. now they're up against an in-form orlando magic, and i think that the hornets have it in them to bring a halt to the magic's outstanding home winning run.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on new orleans +3.5 @ 1.90 = $9.50

ASTON VILLA vs ARSENAL (EPL)

the pick of the matches on boxing day. pretenders aston villa take on arsenal, in their frankly ludicrous bid to challenge for the title. it's like saying arsenal are challenging for the title this season, except arsenal has money to spend if needed, while villa have already spent money on their nice collection of 53 centre-backs. aston villa are on a 6-match unbeaten streak, which includes 4 wins, and draws with fulham and manchester united can be counted as good results as well. surely this run has to end somewhere, as they are frankly, a rather one-dimensional team. everyone knows what they're gonna do. they're gonna punt balls into channels for agbonlahor/milner/young to chase and then score a lucky goal. they were lucky against everton and supremely lucky against west ham. well, luck runs out, just as bad runs will end, so arsenal will beat aston villa.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on arsenal level @ 2.080 = $10.40

MIDDLESBROUGH vs EVERTON (EPL)

middlesbrough are on a 6-match run without winning, while everton will be bouyed by their battling draw at stamford bridge. both teams have quality and are tough opposition on their day, but for middlesbrough, they seem unable to produce that form often enough. everton have been shit at home, and surprisingly, their away form has been saving them this season. however, with boro being at home and at level ball, i think this is a wonderful opportunity to back middlesbrough for the win.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on middlesbrough level @ 1.825 = $9.125

Disagree. Middlesbrough seem to be able to perform well against the big teams. They are a very inconsistent side and their best performer so far, Gary O'Neil, is 50-50 for this match. Everton have been slowly regaining their form and have fared rather well despite having problems with their striker slot. I think Everton will get at least a draw out of this one as they have been rather solid at the back.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton level @ 2.075 = $10.375

MANCHESTER CITY vs HULL CITY (EPL)

the most 0ff-form team against a hull city team that should be high on confidence considering they have out-performed themselves this season. however, they are shit. the 4-1 loss to sunderland would have placed doubts in their mind for sure, and if there ever was a chance to end a bad run of form, this is it for man city.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on manchester city -0.5 @ 1.80 = $9.00

Looks like Robinho will be back for this match. This match will be crucial for Mark Hughes as Man City are 18th and in the relegation zone, and a win here will bring Man City out of the relegation zone. 3 straight losses is not acceptable for a side of Man City's quality and I think they will get a much needed win here.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Man City -0.5 @ 1.80 = $9.00

TOTTENHAM vs FULHAM (EPL)

fulham are on a 7-match unbeaten run. this is wrong. roy hodgson has come in and steadied the ship, and they have looked very impressive this season. however, a 7-match unbeaten run is still wrong. tottenham were slightly unlucky to lose the points at st james park, and i think that they will record a win here to pull themselves further away from the relegation zone.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on tottenham -0.5/1 @ 2.00 = $10.00

Agree with Eddy. Fulham's run has been too good, and Spurs haven't had the best of luck the past few games. Heurelho Gomes has improved steadily under Redknapp and Spurs look to be solid at the back with woodgate back. Upfront they have many creative players like Modric and Lennon is showing some great form, so I think Spurs can win this one.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Tottenham -0.5/1 @ 2.00 = $10.00