BACK CHELSEA TO BEAT ARSENAL AT THE EMIRATES THIS AFTERNOON 5-2
Odds quoted are from Betfair Chelsea are mysteriously long to win at the Emirates this afternoon, and it's dif"cult to see why. Granted, their past two league encounters have ended in draws, but what can only be euphemistically described as the 'grit' and 'endeavour' of Newcastle United and Bolton is unlikely to be found amongst the artists of the Emirates today. Arsenal's recent results have been fairly decent following a dismal run, but anyone who watched last week's game against Fulham will know that Arsene Wenger's side were a Clint Dempsey missed header away from capitulating to a Fulham side that didn't even show anything like the determination expected form a team battling the drop. Two late goals gave the Gunners a 3-1 scoreline that flatters to deceive.

One possible reason for the layers' generosity is that Arsenal have only been beaten once at the Emirates this season, the flip side being that they haven't kept a clean sheet there since Charlton visited in early January. Manchester United were undone by a late lapse in concentration and a certain T Henry who won't be present this afternoon.

Didier Drogba (right) has a good record against Arsenal and is certainly due a goal after a dry spell. After the pushing and shoving and subsequent histrionics of the Carling Cup final this will inevitably be termed a grudge match by some. If that is the case, I know which side I'd prefer my money to be on.

BACK SEVILLE TO BEAT REAL MADRID TONIGHT EVENS
Odds quoted are from Paddy Power Squeaky culo time in La Liga, as Alex Ferguson's Spanish cousin probably wouldn't say. Barcelona were just two points ahead of third placed Real Madrid before last night's fixtures, with Seville in second despite still being active in European competition. Seville's progress to this year's Uefa Cup on Thursday night raises obvious concerns that such endeavours could be the ruination of their tilt at domestic glory. But they have a genuine shot.

Real have been woeful at home this season, scoring just 19 goals, just over half of what tonight's opponents have managed on their home patch, while Iker Casillas should take their player of the season award. In their last four games they have beaten an Osasuna side resting almost their full first team, lost to Racing Santander and beaten an injuryravaged Valencia and an Athletic Bilbao side in turmoil and facing the drop. Seville have scored seven in their last two league fixtures and should be taken at 13-5 to raid the Bernabeu.

Where the money was. . .

BACK SHAUN MURPHY TO BEAT MATTHEW STEVENS IN THE WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP 119-1 (Betfair) When somebody describes a snooker match as 'exciting' without a sarcastic sneer you can be sure there was some serious money to be made. No player had ever recovered from a 12-7 de"cit in a 25-frame match in the World Championship before Wednesday. This slightly convoluted statement couldn't even call itself a fact once devout Christian Shaun Murphy inspired various resurrection/miracle puns with a stirring comeback to win 13-12. More than a few sinners got on Stevens at 1-100 while Murphy was taken at a lord-praising 119-1.