Barking Dog

Wrexham looked physically worn out versus Hull in midweek. They played slightly better in the second half and eventually lost 2-1. With key players missing through injury and this being their third game in seven days, including extra time with ten men versus Chelsea, I think Swansea can win the Welsh derby at Wrexham tonight. Swansea are five points behind Wrexham at the moment, but that could be reduced to two by the end of tonight's game. Swansea will be up for this as they are on a roll.

I expect Huddersfield to play for the result against Port Vale by pressing them early for a goal to get into a prominent position in the play-offs, while Vale look fairly sure to be relegated. Huddersfield have a very strong defence, so once leading it becomes more difficult to break them down. Huddersfield win.

Brighton can take advantage of the poor form shown by Sunderland at the moment. Sunderland even lost to Port Vale. It's fortunate they secured early points to avoid problems now. Sunderland are above Brighton in the league but their current form is not good.

Hull won at Wrexham in midweek and can take another valuable three points toward the play-offs. Mathematically, an automatic spot is still up for the team that wants it the most.

Bradford are likely to be careful initially but will be dominant by half time, putting Wigan under strong pressure as the game develops. Wigan have been quite poor of late, with little pattern going forward and not defending well enough. Bradford are fourth, and the play-offs seem their most likely route for promotion, as Cardiff and Lincoln look unlikely to be passed.

Arsenal can take another step toward the Premier League title with a victory over Everton. Everton will be hoping for a point and will defend as if their lives depended on it. I still think Arsenal's overall power will ease past Everton as the game develops.

Penny Time won first time up for Hugo Palmer on 6th March but was disqualified by the stewards on an objection from the Clerk of Scales because the jockey, Joe Levy, weighed in 1.5 lbs lighter than when he weighed out before the race. On Saturday the horse is on a retrieval mission and James Doyle has been booked by Hugo Palmer to ride the horse. James comes to Southwell for this one ride. This looks a major bet and our nap of the day. I noted this horse down as a strong next-time winner.

Manchester City go to West Ham with a positive attitude, and I believe West Ham will struggle to keep a clean sheet against such an attacking side. City must win to try to keep sight of Arsenal, who are seven points ahead of City but have played one game more. The class of City will pull through, I believe.