Saturday's Sports Trades

A good days sport ahead, especially with the 6 Nations kicking off, coupled with the transfer window closing last night.
What of the big signings?  Well there's the obvious one of Mata to Man Utd, possible appeasement signing or the start of the rebuilding process? Cardiff trying to improve their squad with 6 signings with the hope of staying up. It would appear that Arsenal have done some good business, especially with Kim Kallstrom -he was great on Champ Manager!! I see also Berbatov has been changing the euro again, good luck to him. A decent summary of the winners & losers here http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25868807 So lets get down to business for the rest of the season.

Today's games include Newcastle v Sunderland, the Tyneside derby, this would have been a stick on for Newcastle 2 weeks ago, but they have been hit by suspensions and injuries, just as the Mackems have found some fight and form, personally I still fancy a home win but a bit tighter than some people are promoting. A local derby with a lot of pride at stake.

Birmingham host Derby in the Championship. Brum are having problems getting a result, and you can virtually guarentee Derby will score when on the road (cue 0-0). Birmingham have history on their side, but I do fancy an away win from the side brimming with confidence.

In the evening we cross the channel where St Etienne take on Valenciennes. the home side have yet to concede at home, so the odds are definitely in favour of a home win. High scores are not expected but i will take a little insurance. Make be a chance to do some scalping as well.

In the rugby, I am surprised to see Wales shorten up again for the outright winner, the main challenge should come from England and the unpredictable French. Today sees them kick off against Italy, a game which will be difficult from the reds, but should allow the to set the benchmark for the rest of the season. As usual i will have a couple of quid on the spreads at the welsh hotshots.

Starting Positions
Newcastle v Sunderland
0-2 £2
1-0 £3
1-1 £ 5
2-2 £4
3-1 £3
O2.5 £20

Birmingham v Derby
0-3 £2
1-2 £4
1-3 £4
Lay Derby £15
Lay U3.5 £15

St Etienne v Valenciennes
0-0 £3
0-1 £2
2-0 £6
O2.5 £20