Man United and four others set for further recruitment

"Tongues have been set wagging over Adam Johnson’s omission from Man City’s opening day squad."

As the transfer deadline looms ever closer, here are five deals which should happen sooner rather than later...

Alexander Buttner to Manchester United
It seems Sir Alex Ferguson has finally brought in cover at left back with the reported signing of Buttner from Vitesse Arnhem subject to a medical within the next 24 hours. Buttner's move to Manchester United, 1.9620/21 to beat Everton in their opener, appears to confirm that their lengthy pursuit of Leighton Baines is now over.

Adam Johnson to Sunderland
Tongues have been set wagging over Johnson's omission from Man City's opening day squad, with Sunderland believed to have lodged a £10 million bid. The England winger has attracted interest from Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton, but the Black Cats' offer is the best one on the table.

Michael Owen to Everton
After being released by Manchester United, free agent Owen could endear himself yet further to Liverpool fans this week by signing for rivals Everton. The striker, 32, is said to be in advanced talks with the Toffees over the switch, which is subject to a stringent medical. Ironically, the two teams meet at Goodison in their opener where Everton are 4.57/2 to get off to a winning start.

Nuri Sahin to Arsenal
As Alex Song heads to Barcelona in a £15 million deal it is believed that Arsenal have beaten Liverpool to the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Sahin to replace the Cameroonian. Reports suggest that the two clubs have agreed a loan deal for the player, who has been heavily linked with a move to England all summer.

Victor Moses to Chelsea
Title chasers Chelsea 6.611/2 may still add to the £60 million worth of talent already acquired this summer as boss Roberto Di Matteo looks set to sanction a move for Moses. The Wigan player has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and if Chelsea agree to meet the Latics' £9 million valuation then he will be theirs.

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Miami Masters: Further Melzdown

Events / Ben Caudell / 26 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Melzer has had a tough time of it over the past few weeks

"Today Melzer faces Philipp Petzschner of Germany; a player who could further damage the Austrian’s credentials and continue the trend of seeded players being knocked out at the early stages of this competition."

Jurgen Melzer is in action against Philipp Petzschner later on today and Ben Caudell predicts the worst for the tempestuous Austrian.

29 year-old Jurgen Melzer has clambered into the top 10 of the ATP World Rankings for the first time in his distinguished career after a successful 2010 which saw the Austrian reach the fourth round of the US Open and Wimbledon and amazingly the semi-finals of the French Open. However ,the pressures of retaining his top 10 position is in doubt due to his recent poor form that has seen the left-hander struggle to win two consecutive matches in his last four tournaments.

Today Melzer faces Philipp Petzschner of Germany; a player who could further damage the Austrian's credentials and continue the trend of seeded players being knocked out at the early stages of this competition.

There are good reasons for siding with the German in today's afternoon match-up. Firstly, Petzschner holds an important 1-0 head-to-head lead over his opponent, although this match was admittedly played on clay. Philipp won 7-6 6-2 in Monte Carlo, at Master Series event level.

Secondly, Petzschner has won four in a row against big servers, and has won four in a row when priced as a moderate underdog (2.0 to 3.0). He also reached the third round in Miami last year defeating Janko Tipsarevic and Ryan Sweeting in straight sets and has the advantage of having acclimatised to the tournament conditions with a first-round win over Florent Serra (6-1 7-5).

It is also important to note that Melzer has a poor record in Miami; he is currently 3-7 and has only once made it through to the round of 32... and that was way back in 2004. Go for the German at [2.44] in the match odds.

Recommended Bet:

Back Philipp Petzchner @ [2.44] to win match

Ben Caudell looks ahead to tonight's clash between Igor Andreev and John Isner....

Ben Caudell looks out for winners at the Miami Masters and he's looking to a big server on a big run to do him a big favour...

After a torrid 12 months, the one-time world number three could be in title contention this week. But first he has to overcome his big-serving round one opponent, says Ben Caudell....

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