Even great managers get it wrong sometimes. And Sir Alex Ferguson must surely hold his hands-up to a tactical horror show on Monday night.

Man City hardly had to get out of second gear to beat a Utd side overloaded with average or ageing midfielders leaving Wayne Rooney a forlorn and isolated figure up front.

The City fans were understandably delighted with putting one over their neighbours.

But I fear a massive sting in the title tail is coming their way in the form of Alan Pardew’s vibrant Newcastle United.

Now City are invincible at home – which is why we confidently tipped them at 5/4 to beat Utd.

But away from the Etihad it’s a different story with losses already this season at Swansea, Everton, Sunderland, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Newcastle are pushing for a Champions League place and in Papiss Cisse have the hottest striker in the league after his wonder-brace to beat Chelsea on Wednesday.

Pardew will go at City rather than adopt Ferguson-style caution and an early goal could see a home win at what seems a massive price of 9/2.

Newcastle on current form should be no more than 3s so let’s jump on that rare bit of generosity from the bookies and back the Toon army to put a smile back on Fergie’s face.

There’s also the little matter of the FA Cup Final and both sides travel to Wembley on the back of bad defeats.

Liverpool, in my eyes, are a one man team. Stop Suarez and there’s not a lot else.

Chelsea have the players to do that so 7/5 on the Blues to win in 90 minutes seems the call in this one.

I see it didn’t take long for the tabloids to stick the boot in to new England manager Roy Hodgson.

The Sun seems determined to make him a figure of fun over his speech impediment already.

The England team’s former skipper is embroiled in a race row, the back four might not want to play with each other and our star striker is suspended.

But the papers want to major on the fact Hodgson can’t say his Rs properly. You couldn’t make it up.

Betting Spy has joined forces with Paddy Power to offer all readers a free bet when they open an account. Just click on the link below to visit construction’s favourite bookmaker to find out all the latest prices and follow the easy steps to setting-up an online, telephone or mobile account

Running Total for all 2012 bets to a £10 stake:   +£150.00