First our two bets hit the skids in style as Liverpool caned Wolves and Chelsea rolled over Bolton.

Then my Carling Cup dreams really faded and died as West Ham reverted to type and blew the chance of getting to a Wembley final.

There’s more chance of Avram Grant topping the bill at the Comedy Store than the Hammers getting so near to a final for the foreseeable future which makes their capitulation even more painful.

Birmingham were a shambles in the first half and we could have scored four as we took the game to the Blues.

Come the second half it looked like Grant had sucked all the life out of them at the break. We sat back and tried to defend our lead with the inevitable outcome as Birmingham ran riot.

Grant has finally found another skill to add to his limpet like ability to keep a job – pulling defeat from the jaws of victory.

And talking of victory, let’s start with an even money banker for the weekend then take on a few fancier prices.

Chelsea believe they have turned a corner and should continue that run against an Everton side which looks short of confidence.

Chelsea are still talking a good fight about the title but it looks beyond them so the FA cup will be a priority and PaddyPower’s even money on an away win looks a solid bet.

Sheffield Wednesday have been on a poor run of late while visitors Hereford have won five on the spin which makes the 6/1 on a Bulls victory a decent punt for an old-fashioned cup upset.

Turning to the oval ball and the Six Nations is nearly upon us with England installed as favourites. But the 2/1 looks too short for me and a better option could be Ireland to top the table at 10/3.

Declan Kidney’s men have been written off by some but still have a lot of class in the side and crucially play England and France at Landsdowne Road.

A win at Italy on the opening weekend followed by a home win against France could see their odds tumble so get on now.

I’m more of a football man but I like a bit of rugby. If only someone would drop-kick Avram Grant out of Upton Park before he does any more damage……

Running Total for all bets to a £10 stake:   +£115.75

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