Walking in a win to Sunderland

You’ve got to be tough with kids, my littlest one threw a strop last week when I didn’t lavish enough praise on him after he sent me a Christmas card.  As a result of the little man’s naughtiness, his letter to Santa asking for a puppy, a train set and Rob McCaffrey to stop screaming, “What’s he like!” will now go unanswered.

Jose Mourinho may be a lot older than little Goliath, but he shares his disdain towards those who disrespect a greeting card.  The special one’s mood will improve when Chelsea take all three points at home to Fulham, you can get on at 1/5.  It would have been 1/8, but it’s been confirmed that Rob Styles will not be officiating.

Frank Lampard has been named the 2nd best player in the World this week.  I can only assume that a few of the voters misunderstood the question, believing that ‘Name the greatest footballer’ was in relation to body mass.  Super Frank scored in three games against Fulham last season; he’s worth a punt at 11/2 to net the opener. 

Michael Essien is proving to be a versatile footballer; he’s added the forearm smash to his already impressive repertoire.  He’s a 16/1 shot to see red, but beware; it looks like the only way he’ll ever be sent off is if he pulls out a machine gun.

Michael Owen returns to Liverpool with Newcastle, presumably to try and locate his wheel nuts.  Liverpool’s trek to Japan and back can’t have done them any favours; the Geordies are definitely worth an interest at 4/1. 

Alan Shearer should be backed at 5/2 to score at any time in the match; he’s just short of Jackie Milburn’s goal scoring record.  Michael Owen is a 13/8 shot to find the net; he’s just short.

Alan Curbishley was being tipped as the next England manager a few weeks ago, the way Charlton have collapsed in recent weeks, he’d be lucky to find a job cleaning up in McDonalds, a position normally associated with Lee Bowyer.  The Gunners are going to beat up on somebody soon, Charlton are that somebody.  Take a piece of the 4/7.

I honestly haven’t been drinking (heavily), but I believe that Sunderland are worth a bet at home to Bolton.  The Trotters lost away to Wigan in the Cup last week; they can’t be touched at odds on.  The Mackems must be worth a small interest at 11/4; after all, Christmas is a time for miracles.

Thanks to Sky TV for allowing Soccer AM’s Helen Chamberlain to help out on their excellent darts coverage.  Remember kids; a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.