They say every great side has a wobble every so often. Think of the way the economy is in meltdown at the moment. Some people, and or economists might describe the current global markets as experiencing something of a wobble. It’s more like a shuddering thud, if you ask me!

Now the Munster rugby team, though not quite at meltdown, have seen their stock fall somewhat in recent times. The return of the Heineken Cup should see something of a recovery, and a victory against Sale will see confidence levels soar again.  However, Sale had a fine win against London Irish last weekend, and their big guns are playing well.

The experts go for a narrow Munster success, with the crowd expected to play their part without the benefit of some ‘warm up’ character in the middle of the pitch.

Leinster travel to Wasps in a ‘now or never’ match. Following the debacle against Castre and the abuse that followed, the province need their pack to be aggressive against at Twickenham.

Leinster, you see are in the unlucky position of being in the same country as Munster. Of course, everybody loves Munster, and Leinster feel neglected as a result.

They probably have to win the Heineken Cup to capture the hearts and minds of the public. Travelling over to London, confidence levels have to be high. Victory this weekend would see their share value triple; the doubters silenced. Is it a scenario one can envisage? It’s 6/5 for Leinster to come away with the victory.

Watch highlights of Wasps v Leinster on RTÉ Two from 9.15pm on Saturday, 17 January.

Sure Things

Master Minded in the Victor Chandler at Ascot; Cousin Vinny in the Naas Hurdle (1.30) are a couple of racing certainties on Saturday. My colleague Donn McClean reckons the reigning Champion Chaser should be opposed if the rain arrives at Ascot, while there is a slight doubt about Willie Mullins’ exciting novice at the Co Kildare venue. For slighly better value go with Snap Tie (1.20) and Cloudy Lane (1.55) to take the opening two events at Haydock.  

Premier Preview 

The weekend Premier League action could see Manchester United hit the summit for the first time this season. However, Bolton, who were resilient though unadventurous against Arsenal last week, may make life difficult for United. I go for a draw at 3/1, while Hull, who have been on the slide of late can bounce back by completing the double over Arsenal (9/2).

Middlesborough are also slipping, though it’s unikely they would sack Gareth Southgate, if the Championship beckons. Patient chairman and all that! They travel to The Hawthorns to face fellow basement outfit West Brom. 0-0 won’t be pretty, but it  is available at 8/1.

Watch Premier Soccer Saturday on RTÉ Two from 8..0pm on Saturday, 17 January.

Much has been made of Rafa’s Rant – well, was it a rant? He didn’t raise his voice, and it certainly wasn’t off the cuff, as he had his notes written out before hand. Many people will argue that his sentiments were on the money, while others will point to the Spaniard buckling under the pressure of Alex Ferguson’s mind games.

If Liverpool go on to lose the League, many will quote 9 January as the day the tide turned against the Reds’, and if the performance against Stoke is anything to go by, Rafa’s side would appear not to have the necessary nous to unlock stubborn teams, while also having a manager who continues to persist with bizarre team selections.

Manchester United, on the other hand, did not have to be at their best (honestly I didn’t think they were brilliant) to see off a Chelsea side who appear to be on the slide. Their body language, and their inability to close down the opposition, (at Old Trafford they didn’t look too bothered in tracking back) is in marked contrast to their form under Jose Mourinho and even Avram Grant.

United are now odds on (4/5) to reclaim the title, with Chelsea out to 3/1. Liverpool are 11/4, and with Everton and Chelsea upcoming at home, they have an opportunity to come back in the betting. At this remove, you would have to say that Everton will provide the stiffest examination at Anfield. Moyes has his team will drilled and a top six position looks within their grasp this season. Of course there is no love lost on Merseyside, and four days before Steven Gerard has a day in court, the Toffee fans will have a new verse to their already well-rehearsed chants.

Before all that, another Derby takes place, with Manchester United talking on Wigan at Old Trafford. Steve Bruce has done a remarkable job this term at the JJB. They won’t be intimated by Sir Alex’s side and if their expected rearguard approach is successful and a 0-0 draw is the outcome (12/1) then maybe this Premier League could be decided by the number of frustrating encounters the top sides are involved in. 

The flip side, however, says that United have to score at home; that Fergie will be all too aware of the Wigan challenge and that any slip up by his side will offer a pick-up for Rafa & co. Home win by 2-0 at 5/1.

Andy Murray is 9/4 to win the Australian Men’s Singles, and if current form is anything to by, he is justified in being favourite. However, Roger Federer feels the pressure could get to the Scot. Mind games is alive and well in Tennis too!

In saying that, would it be no bad thing if Murray were to triumph in Melbourne? You can have your say by clicking on the link below.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/other/features/yourview_murray.html

Rugby, racing, soccer, darts and snooker are all on the tv screens this weekend. The sporting cavalcade never stops you see, but how damaged will Chelsea’s assault on the Premier League be if they leave Old Trafford empty handed. The Blues have been excellent away from home this season, while United have been steady, if far from spectacular on their home patch.

The word from the Stamford Bridge dressing room is that some of the players of late have been questioning Big Phil’s selections, substitutions and so on. Though not very loudly, alarm bells are ringing, and on the pitch Chelsea’s weakness from set pieces of late is something that would have been eliminated under the ‘Special One.’  

I’m obviously hinting at a United victory here; home advantage and all that. Fergie’s 2008-09 version have not been prolific in front of goal and the odd goal will probably settle the issue. 1-0 to the home side at 7/1 is good value, and even though it’s similar odds for a reverse scoreline, Chelsea’s inability to batten down that the hatches at crucial times could well be their undoing.  

Liverpool will be hoping for stalemate at Old Trafford, and such an outcome would be even sweeter if the Reds’ can overcome Stoke City at the Brittania Stadium. Manchester United found it difficult to overcome Tony  Pulis’s side on St Stephen’s Day and the fact that the Potters pitch has been narrowed will make this even more of a scrap.

Pundits and players’ alike, the latest being Paddy Crerand and Pepe Reina, now see Rafa’s men as genuine title contenders. Indeed, Rafa seems content with the squad he’s got and their ability to challenge on three fronts.

Victory over Stoke is essential, though odds of 4/11 for that to happen are too short. Their opponents are a generous 8/1. Reira at 7/1 to be first goalscorer again and the combined bet of Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle all to win (4/1) is worth a plunge. Villa should be too strong for neighbours West Brom; Everton should have enough to account for Hull, who could be on the slide and Newcastle’s pride after their collapse against Liverpool should see them overcome West Ham.

Watch Premier Soccer Saturday from 8.00pm on Saturday, 10 January.  

The Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown is a difficult one to predict. Tony Martin always has his string well prepared these type of Handicaps and Psycho and Robin du Bois currently head the market at 7/1. Martin is hoping for rain for his pair and it looks like he will get it.

The horse I fancy is Fen Game for Edward O’Grady, with Flat jock Seamie Heffernan in the saddle. The light weight and his decent second at Limerick over Christmas should stand to him. A field of 30 makes it all a bit of a lottery, and so splurge at 14/1 and Kirbybroguelantern at 33/1 are my other selections. Good luck!

Watch Leopardstown coverage on RTE Two television and www.rte.ie/live from 1.20pm on Sunday, 11 January.

The Masters Snooker is with us again, and at the start of every tournament you expect Ronnie O’Sullivan to win. His mercurial talent, when fully expressed, is a joy to watch. Unfortunately O’Sullivan has decided he’d rather be somwehere else far too often. That doesn’t stop the bookmakers from making him the warm favourite and so he is 11/4 to take the plaudits here. 

Ricky Walden is an interesting contender. Already a winner of the Shanghai Masters this season, beating Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final, the 40/1 outisider will open up against Mark King (80/1). Walden is determined to break in to the all important top 16 in the sport. Don’t back against him having a good tournament.    

Call it the poor relation, but the Carling Cup offers a passport into Europe, and for teams like Tottenham, it is certainly worth winning. Harry’s side may find it difficult to break into the top half of the Premier League this term, but entry into next season’s Europa League would make their season a success of sorts.

If they are to retain the trophy, Manchester United are most likely to stand before them. You would have to expect Fergie’s second string to overcome Derby, who no doubt will welcome the arrival of Nigel Clough as their new manager.

Ladbrokes have quoted United at 7/1 to reach double fugures over the two legs, but the Championship side would be expected to have enough resolve to avoid a thumping. More appealing, though at less attractive odds (8/13), would be for Derby to hit the onion sack once over the two legs.

Tottenham should not count their chickens ahead of their clash with Burnley in the other semi. Own Coyle’s side currently lie seventh in the Championship and should prove doughty opponents. This tie should still be in the melting pot for the second leg.

Premier League survival in these challenging times is paramount, and Tony Adams and Mark Hughes are both priced at 6/4 to be next to walk the plank. Jermain Defoe’s leaving may be the start an exodus from Pompey, and so you may have to fear for Adams, who does not have the pot of gold at Mark Hughes’ disposal. However, can Hughes mould a successful side that will challenge for honours? With signings like Wayne Bridge and Scott Parker, you would have to doubt it.

If both men survive until the end of the season, then it’s a huge obstacle jumped. We then may look to Big Phil as having moved on at 4/1 if major trophies don’t arrive on the Stamford Bridge cupboard. Such is the pressure, as Chelsea’s owner seeks some reward to compensate for his now diminishing fortune.

A new year; a time to look forward to what the pantheon of sport has to offer in 2009. Will it be a case of all change – changed utterly? Or will the tried and trusted continute to reign supreme above the parapet – gleefully watching as their rivals fall like skittles and ponder what might have been?

Take the Six Nations, and Wales after sweeping all before them on 2008, are fancied to be top of the pile again. Ireland visit Cardiff on the last day of the tournament on 21 March, and if Declan Kidney is the miracle worker some people claim he is, then this encounter could have the Irish going for the Grand Slam.

I know its tempting faith as Ireland are coming from a mid ranking base, but the Six Nations is often an unpredictable dish. So much so, that Ireland may have to watch their stop when they visit Rome on Valentine’s Day. So many variables, you see, but Kidney’s men at best can push for second place at 5/2.  

George Hook made the announcement on New Year’s Eve that Munster would successfully defend their Heineken Cup crown on 23 May. If the force is with them they’ll be hard to stop. But the force has to be with them, and there’s no guarantee they will get out of their group. Cardiff, for me, at 8/1 are my outside bet to make a mockery of the formbook.

In the Premier League, it would appear that it is now a three-horse race. With Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all convinced they can win it. The Pool at 11/4 are the outsiders to do what they haven’t done since 1990, but if they can remain unbeaten until the end of the season (a big ask) then it will be joy unconfined by the Mersey.

The Premier League trap door has no regard for reputation this term and Newcastle (7/1) could be in trouble if Shay Given decides to join a club that can win something. Middlesborough & Bolton, both at 4/1, could also be vulnerable.

All roads lead to Rome on 27 May for the Champions League Final. The next stop is the round of 16 and we have some tasty Anglo-Italian ties to look forward to. Back an English team to reach the final with Barcelona to join them.

The Republic of Ireland have it within their grasp to at least make the play-offs for the 2010 World Cup. Under Trapattoni, the football is not pretty, but one Stephen Ireland would add some much needed polish. The goal, however, is to get to South Africa. If it remains ugly, style of play that is we’ll gladly take it.

In racing, the 13 March is Gold Cup day at Cheltenham. At this stage, you would have to fancy Kauto Star at 2/1 to regain his title, as we don’t know what shape his stablemate Denman will be in. If War Of Attrition arrives in good order at Prestbury Park, he could very well be placed at favourable odds of 20/1.

Regarding the Champion Hurdle, is Binocular too short at evens, while Sublimity, who has been there and done that, is 10/1. I still have a fancy for Punjabi at 12/1.

2009 sees the GAA marks its 125th year in existence. You will be proably get short odds on the ‘old reliables’ – Kerry & Kilkenny – lifting the big prizes come next September. The Cats’ are near certainties to lift Liam McCarthy, barring a severe dip in form, and both Tipperary and Galway raising their game considerably.

The arrival of Jack O’Connor should make Kerry an even meaner bunch in 2009. Don’t be surprised if they claim both League and championship honours. What of Tyrone I hear you say? If they can survive the minefield that is Ulster, then Kerry could very well await them in the All-Ireland semi-final. I don’t think that will phase Mickey Harte & Co. Those down in the Kingdom will also relish the challenge, as there is unfinished business from 2005 to take care off.

At this stage it is hard to make a case for the rest with regard to September glory. If Galway, can tighten up at the back; Mayo get a bit of luck; Dublin avoid the hype and Armagh stop being conservative then an interesting championship may be in the offing.

And then there is Padraig Harrington. Three Major Championships and counting. We hope! He is 3/1 to win one of the big four in ‘09, while 12/1 is his price for the Masters, and to win the ‘Race to Dubai’ 10/1 is how he stands. The Dubliner won’t be far way, however.

RTÉ Sporting Highlights 2009

29 Jan – 1 Feb: Rally of Ireland

7 Feb: Start of Six Nations

24 Feb: Champions League resumes

10-13 March: Cheltenham Festival

28 March: Ireland v Bulgaria – World Cup Qualifier

1 April: Italy v Ireland World Cup qualifier

4 April: Aintree Grand National  

13 April: Irish Grand National

17 May -20 September – GAA Championship (up to 40 matches live)

23 May: Heineken Cup Final (deferred showing)

27 May: Champions League Final

6 June: Bulgaria v Ireland – World Cup qualifier

28 June: Irish Derby

15-23 August: World Athletics Championship

5 September: Cyprus v Ireland – World Cup Qualifier

6 September: All Ireland Hurling Final

16 September: Champions League 2009-2010 coverage begins

20 September: All Ireland Football Final

10 October: Republic of Ireland v Italy – World Cup qualifier

14 October: Republic of Ireland v Montenegro – World Cup qualifier

24 October: Comprimise Rules – First Test

1 November: Comprimise Rules – Second Test

7 November: Start of Autumn Rugy internationals

13 December: – European Cross Country Championships

Christmas is nearing, and despite the recession; feelings of doom and gloom and George Lee’s economic forecasts, the traditional racing, soccer and rugby fare over the holiday season looks as competitive as ever. 

Saturday’s card at Ascot will see many of the top hurdlers in action; the King George on St Stephen’s Day is sure to be competitive, while Leopardstown is also bound to throw up some Cheltenham clues.

In soccer, Arsenal v Liverpool on Sunday 21 is the highlight, while Manchester United won’t see Premier League action again until the day after Christmas when they travel to Stoke. In rugby, the provinces will square up (Ulster v Leinster – Saturday 27 & Connacht v Munster – Sunday 28.)  Of course, one can’t forget the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship in which the defending champion John Part is priced at 50/1. It’s all about Phil ’The Power’ at 1/2.

In the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot, Take The Breeze with Ruby Walsh aboard is my fancy to figure in the shake up at 16/1, with Kybher Kim is also worth considering at 12/1. However, ignoring those two – Mamlook, with Tom Scudamore in the plate at 20/1, could cause a big surprise. This one is trained by David Pipe and the Pipe clan have a good record in this event.

The Boylesports International also at Ascot, sees the best of the hurdlers in action, and my fancy is the outsider Celestial Halo who can upstage the more illlustrious types. He can be got at around at 10/1.

As for Leopardstown next week, Natal, for Paul Nicholls, can land the Dial A Bet Chase, while in the King George at Kempton,  War Of Attrition (14/1) won’t be too far away if he runs.  

Live coverage of the Leopardstown Festival on RTÉ Two Television and www.rte.ie/live from Friday 26-Monday 29 December.  

Emirates Showdown

Arrsenal seem to perform well of late only against the big teams. So another of their top four rivals should be welcomed at the Emirates. Liverpool aren’t as pleasing on the eyes as either Chelsea or Manchester United and are well capable of blunting the Arsenal attack. In fact, the Pool have not beaten Arsenal away since February 2000. It’s gotta change soon – maybe this time. Liverpool to win 1-0 with Kuyt to hit the onion sack.  

The Harry effect worked well at Tottenham, so don’t be surprised if The Sam effect bodes well for Blackburn against Stoke. Take them to prevail at 4/5, while Sunderland’s revial, post Roy, can continue against Hull. I’ll go for a 1-1 draw at 11/2.

The Champions League Group stage has come to an end. Not terribly exciting I hear you say. You’d be right! Predictability was very much in evidence, with only the race to see who would top the respective groups being the only excitement on Match Day 6. Even that failed to set the pulses racing. The draw for the round of 16 takes place on 19 December, with matches down for decision on 24/25 February and 10/11 March. 

The RTÉ panel were of the view that Barcelona would be the most likely team to deny a Premier League side lifting the trophy again. They are the new favourites at 9/2, but the wise men also offer up the assertion will Chelsea will be difficult to beat in the round of 16 if their strongest side is available. That’s a big if, but you still would fancy Big Phil’s men to overcome the likes of Juventus or Bayern Munich in the spring. After that anything is possible.

You can also factor in a returning Fernando Torres for Liverpool, allied with Rafael Benitez’s fondness for the competition and the Reds’ could be dreaming of glory in Rome yet again. The defending champions will be involved at the business end; Fergie will want to add back to back titles. And then there’s Arsenal. Wenger is still talking a good fight, but you can’t help but think his talented group of players will get pushed around when the heat is turned up.

At the start of the competition, I had a sneaky fancy for Inter Milan and The Special one, but their form in the group phase was patchy. Surprisingly they are ahead of Liverpool in the betting at 8/1. As for Real Madrid and Roma – well they are likely to be game stayers in the race to Rome – but are expected to come up short a fence or two from home.

Stick with the quartet of Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool – with the latter nicely priced at 10/1 to land their sixth European title. If you are tempted and fancy that the Pool can be champions of England come 24 May next, then it’s about 40/1 for that particular, but yet noteworthy double.

Heineken Cup  

Munster are well capable of getting a bonus point in their return Heineken Cup against Clermont Auvergne. They may be a necessity, because qualification is by no means guaranteed. A tight scenario seems to suit defending Champions and who would bet against them.

As for Leinster, their journey so far has been a lot smoother, and even if they failed to deliver some telling blows against Castres last weekend – the important one being a bonus point – a victory on French soil in the return encounter should more or less book a quarter final place.

Watch highlights of Castres v Leinster on Friday, 12 December from 11.20pm on RTÉ Two – Clermont Auvergne v Munster on Saturday, 13 December from 8.00pm. Coverage also available on www.rte.ie/live

And so Roy Keane can spend more time walking his dog Triggs, while contemplating where his next managerial role will take him. He will be back, and no doubt his experience at the Stadium of Light will stand to him. He won’t, however, be off to Blackburn Rovers, if Paul Ince is disposed of between now and Christmas.

Ince has the look of a man who has left his house, but his constantly preturbed by the fact that he may have left the gas on. The Premier League - ’No place for worried men’ – I hear you say!  

Alan Curbishley (7/2 with Ladbrokes for the Sunderland post) recently expressed the view that management in the League is now a place for ‘Old Men.’ The word ‘Old’ should be replaced with experienced – being around the block – and so on – but with Messrs Ferguson, Redknapp, Kinnear, Scolari, and maybe Allerdyce in the immediate future – those who first saw life in the first half of the last century remain prominent in the so called best League in the world.  

As to who will be the next Sunderland manager, I think the job would certainly suit Gordon Strachan (8/1), who may have taken Celtic as far as he can. Gerard Houllier, who was born in 1947, can’t be ruled out either at 8/1. The smart money may be on Big Sam, but I feel Niall Quinn could have another surprise up his sleeve and give us much to muse about just like when he kissed and made up with Roy in August 2006.

Big Phil Scolari said that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Chelsea fail to make it to the last 16 of the Champions League. ‘Pull the other one,’ Big Phil. The blot on you copybook would be quite substantial if failure resulted from the encounter with Cluj. Chelsea to win 2-0, while on Wednesday night Porto can take full points against Arsenal at 5/4.

Manchester United v Aalborg is a match of no real importance, but United are capable of finding the net more easily than was the case against Sunderland. 4-0/4-1 at 9/1 and 11/1 respectively is worth considering.

Watch FC Porto v Arsenal on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie from 7.00pm on Wednesday, 10 December.

The Tingle Creek chase takes centre stage in Britain next weekend, and with Tony McCoy confirmed to ride Master Minded, Nicholls’ Queen Mother victor has shortened in the market to 4/7, though bearing in mind what happened to Kauto Star a fortnight ago one can never be sure of the outcome especially if the ground is testing at Sandown. 

Snoopy Loopy was a long odds winner in the Betfair Chase and German raider Fiepes Shuffle, already a third place finisher at Sandown in the Celebration Chase, is surely worth a few quid each/way at current odds of 50/1.

In the Durkan Chase at Punchestown on Sunday , War Of Attrition’s well being is bound to be tested again with Fortria Chase winner Watson Lake likely to cause him most trouble if both line up.

Live coverage of the Tingle Creek (Saturday Sport) and Durkan Chase (Sunday Sport) on RTÉ Radio 1.

Eamon Dunphy expressed the view to RTÉ Sport that Roy Keane and Sunderland will shortly part company. Keane, as much said it himself in a press conference last week that he may not be at the Stadium Of Light beyond next summer.

It’s a bit too early to write the obituary on Keane ‘the manager’ but if he were to walk out on Sunderland, his stock on the ‘Gaffer Share Index’ would take a dramtic dip. I reckon is he too proud of a man to let that happen, but with a huge outlay at Sunderland on mostly average players the notion that great players don’t necessarily make good managers is seemingly borne out again.

The Black Cats are 5/2 with Ladbrokes to be relegated, but this year’s race to survive is sure to be a scrap to the finish and Sunderland will have to improve dramatically if they are to avoid a sweaty period next spring.

The Carling Cup and UEFA Cup take precedence this week. Spurs face an away trip to Watford in their quarter-final tie and I have a feeling the Championship side, under new boss Brendan Rogers can remain at parity with Harry’s side after 90 minutes. It’s 5/2 with Ladbrokes, while Manchester United, understrength or not, can put more pressure on Paul Ince’s Blackburn at Old Trafford.

In the UEFA Cup go with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Portsmouth to all emerge victorious at just over 3.2/1. AC Milan are clear favourites to win that competition at 7/2, but one-off games later in the season are unpredictable, and the cup holders Zenit St Petersburg still represent decent vale at 20/1 even though they won’t kick a ball in the competition until the end of February.

The Champions League has reached Matchday 5 – with the teams one would expect to qualify – seemingly on course to do so. Is it all too predictable? Because many of the teams are equally matched when it comes to the round of 16 – is it that important who actually finishes top of the group? 

These questions, valid and all as they may be, seem not to have quelled interest in the competition with television viewing figures still healthy.  Indeed, twice as many people are logging to watch coverage on RTÉ.ie as was the case at this stage last season.

This week sees Manchester United take on Villarreal in Spain – with a draw good enough to see both sides through. Speaking with a keen observer of the game last week - he alluded to things not been quite right at Old Trafford this term. Of course, there is nothing castrophobic in the air – just that Fergie’s men are not moving as freely as last season.  

Villarreal will be disappointed not to have beatan Aalborg last time and the fact that they conceded six against the Danish minnows is worrying. Expect them to up it for the visit of the European Champions, with goals into the bargain. 2-2 draw is worth 14/1with Ladbrokes.

Celtic have a dreadful away record in the Champions League, and would be expected them to put that right against Aalborg. I wouldn’t put the house on it, however. In saying that, the first person from Co Cavan to play in the Champions League – Cillian Sheridan is 8/1 to score the opening goal.

Also on Tuesday evening, Arsenal face Dynamo Kiev (the team that Drogheda United nearly beat back in July) hoping to recover from their fifth defeat in 13 premier Leagues against Manchester City. All is not right under Dr Wenger at the moment. They should be good enough to account for Kiev at The Emirates, but then again with confidence low, the visitors are some value at 6/1 to come away with the victory.

On Wednesday with Steven Gerard back in the squad. Liverpool should overcome Marseille at Anfield, while Chelsea could fine life difficult in Bordeaux. Could they draw a blank again. It is 7/1 for that to happen, while the home side are 3/1 to overcome Big Phil’s side and so make it a very interesting final day for the Pensioners.

Watch Champions League coverage on RTÉ Two on Tuesday 25 – Wednesday 26 on RTÉ Two from 7.00pm.