F1 Monaco GP 2013 Predictions

Monte Carlo has been a happy hunting ground for Red Bull with Mark Webber triumphant here from pole position in both 2010 and 2012 and Sebastian Vettel winning from the front of the grid in 2011. Although Fernando Alonso, 3rd last year and 2nd the year before, feels that the Red Bull has lost its edge this year, the Monaco circuit is unlike any other and familiarity of how to negotiate these road bends should give a distinct advantage.

You expect me to pick up the pieces

The Mercedes has proven qualifying king over the past 3 GP this year but has not had the set up to hold on to favourable grid positions throughout the races. With less overtaking possibilities here than at any other circuit, lack of race pace in Monaco may not be so much of a disadvantage which explains why Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg feature near the top of the betting charts for this race. This may also be a one or two stop race which again will play into the hands of the race leader able to dictate the pace of the race according to his tyre wear.So the Mercedes do look in good shape to challenge the Red Bulls, the Ferraris and the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen.

Talking of Lotus, the shunt of Romain Grosjean coupled with his DNF last year does not augur well for the Frenchman and his team's hopes are resting with the IceMan.

'This is not looking good.........'

We should expect between 15-18 finishers so there will not be too much opportunity for any of the smaller teams to finish in the points.

Selections:
Fernando Alonso to win the race at 7/2
Kimi Raikkonen to be on the podium at 6/4
Mark Webber to be fastest qualifier (each way, one-fifth, first three) at 20/1 

Culmination of Another Fantastic Season

Final weekend, final game, final chance, final farewell.

The relegation battle has already concluded but there is still plenty to play for north of the drop zone. A win for Tony Pulis' side could be worth up to £5 million which would go some way towards buying the striker they need to keep them up next season now that Kenwyne Jones has been given the pork chop. Sir Alex Ferguson has retired leaving David Moyes to lead the Red Devils, and it now looks more and more likely that Wayne Rooney will follow in David Beckham's footsteps and try to make it abroad. 

TST had a profitable weekend in the EPL last time out with two out of three accumulators coming in, yielding a 433% profit. That elusive ten-fold is the target this week...

'Errrr...ou est Paris?'

Chelsea vs Everton

It will be interesting to see if David Moyes tries to bring any of this talented Everton squad over to Manchester with him. They have shown this season that they can bully teams with their pace and physical prowess but to succeed at Old Trafford you will need much more. Fortunately at Stamford Bridge, the Toffees can get away with the former and should manage at least a draw.

Draw

Liverpool vs QPR

Everton have deserved their senior position in the league over their Merseyside rivals but in the last few games, Liverpool have exhibited great potential for next season. Expect another dominating performance over lowly QPR.

Liverpool Win

Man City vs Norwich

The City players responded well to the news that they have lost the club's most successful manager with a solid win over Reading. Norwich produced a surprise victory over the Baggies in their penultimate game of what has been a solid first season in charge for Chris Hughton. They have been through some rough patches and come out strong, which bodes well for next year. It's hard to see how City will do until the new manager has been in charge for a couple of months. Whoever it is will have to start all over again to build continuity within the squad.
Man City Win

Newcastle vs Arsenal
This is an interesting tie as, if this were the beginning of the season you would fancy Newcastle. Arsenal's players have settled and Wenger has been rotating well recently. They know their Champions League future is in their hands but The Magpies will make it very tough for them. Ben Arfa and Tiote are returning to match fitness and I think a shock result could be on the cards today.
Newcastle Win

No Comment

Southampton vs Stoke
Both these sides come in to their final game of the season with unresolved issues. Since Southampton went on that great run that saw them beat Liverpool and Chelsea, they have struggled for goals, which is not a problem you want when facing Stoke. This could be a really key game for the Saints as there are a couple of players who will have be convinced to stay over the summer and a loss in this game will make that all the more harder. Tony Pulis has dealt with schoolboy spats before and will have his men in the right frame of mind.
Stoke Win

Swansea vs Fulham
Fulham have been on the the receiving end of a tough run of fixtures which has made Martin Jol's squad look worryingly thin. He has a good system and a couple of front men who can score on a regular basis but he needs a few more quality players to fill the voids left by inevitable injuries and suspensions. Swansea have proved this season that their first choice XI can compete with the best in the league and they should demonstrate this again against Fulham.
Swansea Win

Tottenham vs Sunderland
The only way I can see Gareth Bale leaving is if he goes abroad which at this early stage in his career seems unlikely. Unfortunately for Spurs qualification for next season's Champions League is partially out of their hands. AVB needs to bring in that '20 goals-a-season' striker over the summer if they are to compete with the best in England and Europe. For now, they have sufficient firepower to beat Sunderland.
Tottenham 

West Brom vs Man Utd
I can't see anything else other than 3 points for Sir Alex Ferguson in his final game in charge of Utd. West Brom have solid foundations but will need to rebuild in a few areas after a tough final few months.

'I'll be Back'

Man Utd Win

West Ham vs Reading
It is a real shame that Reading are going down this season as they have some really exciting talent in their squad. Out of the three relegated clubs I think they stand the best chance of bouncing straight
back up as since he started, Nigel Adkins has been focusing on next year. This will be a close game.
Draw

Wigan vs Aston Villa
This is an end of an era for the Latics which is why I think it will be so tough for them to get back in to the Premier League. Despite their position, I think the season has worked out perfectly for Paul Lambert. He has blooded a lot of new and young players and managed to stay up, which will put them in a solid position next year. It will be tough for them to prove they can cut the mustard without Benteke today but I think they will manage it.
Aston Villa Win

Selections:
Yankee: Liverpool, Man City, Newcastle and Stoke to win
Yankee: Swansea, Tottenham, Man Utd and Aston Villa to win
Double: West Ham/Reading and Chelsea/Everton to be draws @ 14/1

Premier League Predictions

In the penultimate weekend of the season there is still plenty to play for. Chelsea and Arsenal are somewhat guaranteed the final 2 Champions League places, although Spurs will like to think they're still in with a shout, hoping for a slip-up from one of their London rivals. As ever, the battle against relegation continues, with Wigan looking like they're condemned to play in the Championship next season, with 2 tough final games and an FA Cup final to play. Here's what I make of this round of matches.

Saturday 11th May

12.45 - Aston Villa v Chelsea

Two sides with little to play for, Chelsea will be resting some key players, with an eye on the Europa League final this Wednesday and so Aston Villa will be looking to get something from the game. Villa have found some good form towards the end of the season and so I reckon they can get at least a goal against Chelsea. The problem is that Chelsea's squad can score goals even with key players rested. I still think Villa can snatch a draw though.
Draw


Sunday 12th May

13.30 - Stoke v Tottenham

A huge game for Spurs. Winning their final 2 games gives them a chance of Champions League football next season. Anything less won't do. After a dramatic finish at Chelsea, the players will be pumped up for this match at the Britannia, which is never an easy place to go, but isn't as difficult as it once was. Although Stoke have finished strongly, Tottenham will take this.
Tottenham win

15.00 - Everton v West Ham

"I'm not leaving just yet, we've still got 2 games to win"

Nothing much for either side to play for here, Everton are all but guaranteed 6th place and West Ham are sitting safely in the middle of the table. After the news broke that Moyes will be leaving Goodison at the end of the season, his players will no doubt want to give him the perfect send off by winning their last two games. West Ham won't make this easy though and I can see them holding the Toffees to a draw.
Draw



Fulham v Liverpool

Liverpool have been hit-and-miss all season, with plenty of controversy overshadowing their football. Usually Fulham at home are good for a point at least, but they haven't been playing that well. Without Gerrard and Suarez, you wonder where Liverpool's creativity will come from in attack on the small pitch. However, Fulham's woeful performance against Reading last week revealed some worrying problems for Martin Jol, and some summer reshuffling is needed if they're to reach the heights of the Europa League final again. Liverpool to win, with difficulty.
Liverpool Win


Norwich v West Brom

Tehcnically Norwich are still in the relegation battle and so will come out swinging. West Brom have had another great season and are showing some real quality, but will nothing to play for, I think they may struggle to play to their full potential and the Canaries will snatch the draw.
Draw


QPR v Newcastle

Two teams on desperately poor form, Newcastle need a win to stave off relegation. QPR's squad has goalscorers, where the Magpies' squad have struggled since selling Demba Ba. The reminder of the painful relegation a few years ago will be hovering over Newcastle's players, giving them the push they need to get the three points, just.
Newcastle win


Sunderland v Southampton

"We need 3 points!"

Both teams know a win will "guarantee" safety but Sunderland will have to massively up their game to beat Southampton, who have a great team. Their squad however isn't too strong, which is why they're
in this situation. With Paolo Di Canio in the changing room, there definitely won't be a lack of fire in the bellies of the Sunderland players. Southampton will have to fight for a point, but will get it.
Draw




16.00 - Man Utd v Swansea

Everything has been said about SAF already, so I won't bother. I will say that his players will want to send him off in style, and it will mean raising their game considerably, as they've been poor in their last two games. Swansea may be without key players Michu, Rangel and Flores, who have been key all season. Expect a routine United win, if there is such a thing.
Man Utd win


Tuesday 14th May

19.45 - Arsenal v Wigan

Both teams have everything to play for at the Emirates. Arsenal's Champions League future is in their own hands, but Wigan's Premiership future is out of theirs. The Gunners have been playing well recently as have Wigan, but they both struggle to secure all 3 points at times. Wigan will need to re-focus after the Wembley and Europa League double dream was realised, but Roberto Martinez knows just what to do. I think taking everything into account, Arsenal will win.
Arsenal win

"This looks bad"

20.00 - Reading v Man City

City are just too much for Reading here. They sense an opportunity to shift the power of the city their way starting next season, but will want to get going now to prove to themselves what they're capable of. Reading played well to beat Fulham, but Man City are a bit better than Fulham.
City win


Yankee: Villa/Chelsea, South/Sund, Norw/WBA & Eve/WHam all draws
Trebles: Newcastle, Tottenham & City all win @ 7/1, Liverpool, Man Utd & Arsenal all win @ 4/1

F1 Spanish GP 2013 Predictions

Pastor Maldonado, driving the Williams, was the surprise winner of this race in 2012 but has so far this season failed to make any impact. Indeed both Williams and McLaren have used the three week gap since Bahrain as an opportunity to install significant modifications but, from Friday's showing, it looks like neither team will be reaping the benefit in this weekend's race. Instead, Lotus and Ferrari, followed by Red Bull, look to be fighting over the spoils come Sunday afternoon. Whereas last season's first few race winners were spread across many different teams, 2013 could be dominated by the pace setters, Raikkonen, Vettel and Alonso. The Ferrari and Lotus drivers were 2nd and 3rd respectively behind Maldonado in last year's race and Raikkonen still holds the track record in Barcelona which he set in 2008.

'Don't forget about me on Sundays'

Felipe Massa's performances in qualifying in 2013 have been impressive so far - 4th, 2nd ,5th, 4th - and his car's set up appears to be more tuned to achieving a high grid position rather than holding that grid position throughout the course of the race; Alonso's strategy and set-up focussed on winning the race with Massa's help.

Lotus on the way

Romain Grosjean set the fastest lap here last year on the way to finishing 4th and he now needs to demonstrate to his team that finishing 3rd in Bahrain three weeks ago was no flash in the pan and he can support Raikkonen to push Ferrari all the way in the battle for the constructors' championship.

Predictions:
Kimi Raikkonen to win the race at 11/2
Felipe Massa to be fastest qualifier at 18/1 (each way, first three)
Romain Grosjean to set the fastest lap at 16/1

Premier League Predictions

Fulham vs Reading
TST really needs Fulham to win this one if he is to stand any chance of completing a full-house of successful pre-season predictions. Both sides have had similar fortunes of late; playing well but nothing to show for it. Martin Jol desperately needs messrs Ruiz and Berbatov to fire as Fulham's results have been directly linked to their two forwards' strike rates.

Just keep calm and give me the ball.......

Much of the same can be said for Reading as McAnuff has not found the net enough this season and 'Big Pog' has failed to back him up. Jimmy Kebe has been a big loss for them but the three afore-mentioned players ought to be snapped up by EPL managers in the close season. Fulham will win this one by 1 or 2 goals to nil.
Fulham Win

Norwich vs Aston Villa
The Canaries have almost been as dull to watch as Stoke recently and neutral MOTD fans will be hoping for another outstanding performance from Villa like against Sunderland last Monday night. It was one of those games where, in the second half, everything just clicked for them. If Norwich stay up this season it will be because of their home form. Only 3 defeats is very impressive especially when you compare it to the teams below them. Seb Bassong has been in inspired form this season and if he can hold on to Benteke's shirt for the majority of the game without the referee realising then Norwich could sneak this one.
Norwich Win

Swansea vs Man City
As TST predicted at the beginning of the season, Mancini's toughest challenge would be to curb the temperament of some of his star men. He failed to do so with Balotelli and that cost them mid-season. Now, he finally seems to have Tevez and Nasri 'onside' and it is showing through in their performances. The only signing he needs to make in the summer is Manuel Neuer. A full-strength City side will destroy Swansea this weekend.
Man City Win

Tottenham vs Southampton
For Spurs to make that step-up next season what they really need is a '20 goals per season' out and out striker. Jermaine Defoe just hasn't cut the mustard: he started brightly and looked very good as an outside shot for the golden boot before inevitable injury curtailed his season. Although he has been very reliant on the unending chances provided for him by the impressive midfield and defence that AVB has assembled. If the manager can somehow swoop in under the radar and pinch Robert Lewandowski from Ferguson's grasp then he will have a complete side that can challenge for top honours next season. Part of me would like to see Bale go abroad next season because it has been too long since any homegrown talent has impressed on the continent (credit to Jermaine Pennant for trying).
Southampton's mauling was a surprise last weekend but their battering today won't be.
Tottenham Win

West Brom vs Wigan
It will be a great shame if Wigan go down this season. Sides like them make the Premier League what it is. They are a club who provide players with a great platform to make a name for themselves and are capable of beating anyone on their day. If they get relegated you can be assured that most of their squad, including their manager, won't be going down with them.

Hold on to this guy!

Unfortunately I can only see them battling to another draw today. Then it starts to become really difficult.
Draw

West Ham vs Newcastle
Unlike last year, Andy Carroll can finally justify leaving St James' Park. Although if he had stayed, there is always the chance that Mike Ashley would have offered him a lucrative 7-year contract and plunged the club in to further turmoil. All that mid-season boost from the new signings has evaporated when they exited the Europa League and now they are finding it really hard to build any momentum. The 0-6 reverse last week exposed the depth of their disarray but they have the talent to bounce back and may cling on by their fingernails to a draw at Upton Park. West Ham have been in good shape recently and can look forward to next season with confidence...if they can hold on to Carroll.
Draw

QPR vs Arsenal
A huge clear out looks on the cards at Loftus Road but these terminations will all be very expensive with the costly contracts that the Rangers board reputedly signed over the last two seasons with players and coaching staff alike. It's difficult to see them bouncing back from the Championship at the first time of asking. Arsenal have started to string results together when the season had looked lost but humiliating defeats against teams from lower divisions in the two domestic cup competitions summed up the fact that their players haven't performed in the matches that matter. Arsene Wenger needs one or two big signings but has plenty of talent already at his disposal.
Arsenal Win

Liverpool vs Everton
Like Arsenal, Liverpool have started to play with freedom now the season is lost. If Suarez goes at the end of the season Brendan Rodgers may not feel compelled to replace him as the manager is starting to maximise the other assets at the club. David Moyes has squeezed the maximum out of his squad and should feel satisfied with the season's work but it is difficult to see how Everton will have the financial fire power to compete with the top 4 in England let alone the big guns from Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Draw

Man Utd vs Chelsea
Job done for Manchester United, wresting back the title from City and building the nucleus of a new side, Zaha looks another astute signing for next season. Chelsea have a good first XI but sometimes the bench lacks the quality to support a season-long campaign of nearly 70 matches, which is what they will be playing every season to meet Roman Abromavich's expectations.
Draw

Sunderland vs Stoke
The di Canio honeymoon period ended abruptly at Villa Park on Monday night and the new manager will have been made aware of the limitations in his squad. They are not clear of the relegation scrap yet and so will be very nervous against a Stoke side who may have turned the corner after their New Year underperformances.
Stoke Win


Selections
Fulham, Norwich and Man City all to win @ 7/1
Tottenham, Arsenal and Stoke all to win @ 7/1
Yankee:
WestBrom/Wigan, WestHam/Newcastle, Liverpool/Everton, ManUnited/Chelsea all draws.

TST Tip of the Day

4:20 Bath Grassroots Racing Handicap Class 5 1m5y
Tagalaka, each-way at 12/1
The Eve Johnson Houghton charge is still relatively unexposed and has great potential for improvement on his last run. Expect Tagalaka to go really close if not all the way today.

Premier League Predictions

Going to finish the season with a bang...again!
 Sergio Aguero's performances have been
      overshadowed this season as City have failed
         to regain the title. In reality he is still the most
        lethal striker in the league and if he can stay
        fit next season then his side can become top
dogs in Manchester once more.

Only 4 more weeks for TST to get that elusive 10-fold in the premier league and leaving it this late in the season is only going to make it more difficult. The 'also-rans' are so unpredictable at this time of year; the once reliable West Brom have let TST down in the past few weeks but the teams destined for mid-table mediocrity are still capable of a big game....

Manchester City vs West Ham
The weekend kicks-off with an interesting tie. West Ham are on a roll, unbeaten in their last five games but they will face a tough task at the Etihad as City have shown, at times, that they are back to their very best.
Man City Win

Everton vs Fulham
This is the toughest game to call this weekend. Fulham have been playing very well recently but just not getting the results. Had Steve Sidwell not been such a plonka against Arsenal they could have got a result out of the game. The Toffees have a few injury concerns but should edge a contest that could go either way.
Everton Win

Southampton vs West Brom
On paper, The Baggies should have the upper hand in this one, but as the last month has proved; having the hunger to win games is far more important. Now that Southampton have all but secured top-flight survival will they be the ones guilty of a lacklustre performance?
Draw

Stoke vs Norwich
Two of the league's draw specialists both surprised with wins last time out and took a huge step towards another season in the Premier League. It's hard to get excited about this one.
Draw

Wigan vs Tottenham
Although he would never admit it, Roberto Martinez would probably not like to have the FA Cup final to worry about with his side in a familiar position in the drop-zone. Spurs' win against City will be the morale boost they need to push on for Champions League qualification. Add on to that, the fact that Bale will stay at Tottenham should they qualify, I predict they will finish the year as the form side in the league.

Cabaye can give the Toon Army something to shout about
this evening!

Tottenham

Newcastle vs Liverpool
How will Brendan Rodgers and his side respond to the suspension of their star striker? He has carried the side all season and it is hard to see where the goals are going to come from without him. Newcastle could be in the relegation zone in two weeks time so they need to get big points in their remaining home fixtures. With some tough opponents to come Alan Pardew will go all out to get three points today.
Newcastle Win

Reading vs QPR
Both these sides last league win came against Matin O'Neill's Sunderlamd. It should be a really open game as both teams will play freely in an attempt to give their fans something to cheer about in their final Premier League fixtures. Both teams will score (8/13) and The Royals will take all three points.
Reading Win

Chelsea vs Swansea
Rafa deserves a lot of credit for the way he has managed Chelsea since taking over. He has rotated his squad very well allowing the side to perform well in all competitions. Demba Ba can come back in to the starting line-up this weekend and even if only two of the 'three amigos' make the eleven, Chelsea will have too much for Swansea.
Chelsea Win

Arsenal vs Manchester United
This game will an exhibition in the gulf in class between these two sides. United will be able to play freely without any pressure and could embarrass The Gunners at home, highlighting what a good move Robin van Persie made at the end of last season.

Forget about the 'Belgian Bomber', this is 'The Belgian Bulldog'!

Man Utd Win

Aston Villa vs Sunderland
Here are two sides with fantastic counter-attacking ability. It's definitely another one to add to your 'both teams to score' accumulator. Considering where they are in the table, MNF will be worth the wait.
Draw





Selections:
Yankee: Reading, Tottenham, Newcastle and Man United all to win.
Man City Win and Stoke/Norwich, Southampton/WBA to draw @  14/1
Chelsea, Everton to win and Villa/Sunderland to draw @ 6/1