Gunners still firing

Provinces to bounce back


Punting
Michael Duffy

AFTER their surprise opening round defeats at the hands of Northampton Saints and London Irish, both Munster and Leinster face key Heineken Cup fixtures next weekend as they seek to plot routes back to the top of Pools 1 and 6 respectively.
Munster’s stirring, if ultimately unsuccessful, comeback at Franklin’s Gardens will give them plenty of heart ahead of a Thomond Park clash with outsiders Treviso on Saturday.
Later in the afternoon, Leinster will need to be on their mettle to bounce back with full points from a tricky trip to Brive.
A second defeat would make progress to the quarter-finals very difficult, but both provinces have qualified from more difficult positions in the past and both sides have the experience and character to get their campaigns back on track.
Last Friday night’s home defeat will trouble Leinster more, but ultimately, the winning of the pool should come down to their return clash with Irish in January. Now might be just the time to grab a decent price on both sides regrouping to eventually top their sections.
Recommendation: Munster & Leinster to win pools, 5-1.

Experience key in Cesarewitch
SATURDAY’S Cesarewitch at Newmarket is one of the remaining highlights in the twilight of the flat season and the David Simcock-trained Darley should start favourite. The three-year-old was beaten by a neck in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup last month.
But the gruelling two miles and two furlongs trip is one for proven stayers, and three-year-olds have found it difficult down the years.
The five-year-old Mamlook might fit the bill. The David Pipe-trained horse finished third last year and has a wealth of experience. Currently 14s, you should get a good run for the price.
There has also been a lot of antepost interest in the John Dunlop-trained Swingkeel. Third behind Electrolyser at Ascot, weight advantage should help reverse that order on Saturday..
Recommendation: Mamlook and Swingkeel.

Gunners still firing
THIS weekend it’s Alex McLeish’s Birmingham that face a daunting trip to the Emirates to face in-form Arsenal. With 24 goals in their opening seven fixtures, the Gunners seem to have recovered the ability to easily dismiss lesser sides than they enjoyed earlier in Arsene Wenger’s reign.
Some unfinished business with Birmingham since the infamous clash when Eduardo was injured two seasons ago should ensure there is no complacency in North London.
At Goodison, it seems unlikely there will be much respite from a frustrating few weeks for Mick McCarthy, where Everton should continue their climb away from the relegation places with a win.
Whatever the fitness levels of the officials, Manchester United are unlikely to require ‘Fergie time’ to see off Bolton at Old Trafford, while Harry Redknapp will have Tottenham well prepared for his trip back to Pompey.
Liverpool’s visit to the Stadium of Light is a tricky test, but they can’t afford any more slips and should prevail. Sam Allardyce will want to ensure Blackburn rebound quickly from their Emirates hiding with a home win against Burnley.
Having seen the fate that befell Chelsea, Manchester City will be forewarned ahead of their trip to the DW Stadium. They came away from a difficult fixture at in-form Aston Villa with a valuable point and should keep their impressive start going..
Recommendation:  Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Blackburn. Everton, Manchester City.