Happy New Year To All Salmons

Apologies fish fans, it has been a long time since the Salmon has been seen in action. Find solace in the fact that had you followed Salmon tips in 2010 you would find yourself +7.75 points from the handful of suggestions given, whilst still having live bets on Arsenal to win the Prem and Birmingham City to be relegated.

With these stats in mind, lets play up our profit now, before the new year starts in earnest.

If you fancy a dabble in the Prem footy over the next couple of days, you could do a lot worse than backing Blackpool to beat Birmingham tonight and Arsenal to beat Man City tomorrow (7/5 and 10/11 with Paddy Power respectively). Birmingham have been appalling away this season and have not won at Bloomfield Road in 50 years, Blackpool on the other hand have not played at home for over a month and have won 7 of the 9 games they have taken the lead in. I fancy them to score early and see out the victory. The other game looks harder to call, but I can't understand why Arsenal aren't a little shorter. Yes, City are good away from home, but can Mancini's men step up to this difficult task knowing that the gunners knobbled them 3-0 at Eastlands in October? I don't think so, and thus suggest a small double.

Thankfully we have not got involved with the PDC Darts World Championship as it has proved as predictable as a bucket of soapy frogs. Let's focus on the BDO Championship which continues live on the BBC from the Lakeside.

The first round has seen the departure of solid Lakeside performer Daryl Fitton and former champ Ted 'The Count' Hankey. This leaves only two former winners in the draw. They face each other and I think Martin 'Wolfie' Adams can overcome John Walton in round two and go on to success. He can be backed at 7/2 and is, to my mind, in the easier half of the draw. Stan James offer half odds to reach the final, and this looks a bet to nothing at least. Go each way on the England captain, who with his experience, should be shorter than main market rival Scott Waites.

Elsewhere, I am cock-a-hoop with excitement and anticipation. Why you ask? Well Kempton's King George VI Chase (usually held on Boxing Day) is to be run on 15th January after being defeated by the Christmas weather. I always hesitate to back odds-on shots, but with the great Kauto Star in the line up attempting to win it for an inconceivable fifth time you have to be on. Back him with William Hill who guarantee best odds and best industry price up until the beginning of the race.

Blackpool & Arsenal [0.75 point double] 3.58/1 Paddy Power

Martin Adams (BDO World Darts) 7/2 Stan James [2 points each way 1,2]

Kauto Star (King George) 5/6 William Hill [3 points win]