Stan Hey: 6-5 against

It is only February but the Premier League is already two-thirds done, so this weekend sees the start of the mad sprint for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, with each team knowing a draw now is really a defeat.

United look in good shape and they have the early game tomorrow, albeit an emotionally charged derby against Manchester City in the wake of the Munich commemorations. City are unravelling but will not want to gift a win to their rivals. Given Wayne Rooney's suspension and the probability of a packed City defence, the draw (100-30 Totesport) seems worth a £5 bet.

Liverpool can only dream of such a result at Chelsea, where they haven't won since Bruno Cheyrou nabbed a goal about six light years ago. Chelsea grind on admirably, whoever's unavailable but Liverpool are without Fernando Torres, and are unlikely to score with one-paced Peter Crouch or "headless chicken" Dirk Kuyt. Have another fiver on Chelsea (5-6 Ladbrokes) and one more on Arsenal to see off Blackburn on Monday night (4-11 Totesport).

Today's Totesport Trophy Hurdle at Newbury is a long-standing punt-fest. Nicky Henderson boasts four of the last 10 winners, so try £5 each-way on Fleet Street (33-1 Totesport), who's been chasing but once finished close to Brave Inca and War Of Attrition in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Last week's wagers

The NY Giants beat the Patriots to land our 4-1 bet – the £40 profit is reduced by two failed bets on first TD scorers and the losing bet on Ghana, leaving us £20 up on the week. There is still a long way to go for Wales in the Six Nations after their historic win, but they have three home games to come.