Stan Hey: 6-5 against

It is "squeaky bum" time in football, both in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge this lunchtime and in the vital match-ups in the Championship. In fact, if you put all the suffering managers together in a studio the collective noise would probably sound like Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

Avram Grant has most to gain, and to lose, as Chelsea have one last bash at United. If they fail, leaving United three points clear, remember that they sacked Jose Mourinho before the trip to Old Trafford sending an unhappy squad and a novice manager up north to surrender three points.

Chelsea will be without Frank Lampard today but should get Michael Essien back in central midfield. Grant also has the advantage of an extra day's rest before next week's Champions League match, so he can afford to throw the kitchen sink at United.

Though Sir Alex Ferguson was talking boldly about winning at Stamford Bridge he won't want a "tear-up", indeed cold pragmatism will tell him that a solid draw (£10 at 9-4 with VC Bet), with West Ham and Wigan to follow, will keep Chelsea at arm's length and the squeaks to a minimum.

A thrilling jump-racing season ends at Sandown this afternoon. The champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, can sign off by winning the Bet 365 Gold Cup with Hoo La Baloo (£10 win, at 10-1 with the sponsors), who should like the drying ground.

Last week's wagers

Mark Selby went out in the first round of the snooker at The Crucible this week (£10 lost) but Stephen Maguire is through to the second. Ryan Day's fate against champion John Higgins may be known by the time you read this.