Sunday February 15th - FA Cup 5th Round and Old Firm Derby

Its just possible that the three games left this week are even more difficult to predict than the two I had a crack at last Sunday. Still, buoyed from being only whisker away from landing an unlikely double, here we go with a chance to capitalise on some decent prices.

Celtic v Rangers (12.30pm Live on Setanta Sports)
These games are nearly always absolute crackers. Two sides that are spurred on by sets of supporters who have an incredible passion for this fixture usually go all out to win this one. Rangers have done a commendable job to close what was looking like a formidable gap at Christmas and Walter Smith's men may just have psychological edge over their Green and White hooped opponents. Celtic will be wondering how they managed to squander such a commanding lead in the SPL and will be desperate to put three points between themselves and the Ibrox men to increase their advantage to five points. Rangers won the first meeting of the season at Celtic Park 4-2 and I just fancy they may draw on this and punish Celtic to climb to the summit for now.

Rangers @ 11/5 Bet365

Everton v Aston Villa (2.30pm Live on Setanta Sports)
Setanta serve us a double helping of live top class football for a Sunday afternoon. Its exactly this kind of match which fails to inspire "the magic of the cup" in me, but, these are two very good sides and its just possible they may produce a contest to match. Not that I expect this one to be much of a spectacle - both sides are in lockdown mode currently, giving no quarter and conceding very few goals. Everton looked particularly impressive last weekend in the Premier League but the main man that day, on loan Brazilian striker Jo, is cup tied for this one. Aston Villa have now won seven consecutive away games in the Premier League and this incredible stat may help Martin O' Neil to inspire his players to reach the quarter finals. A note of caution for those tempted to back Aston Villa; O' Neil would probably be quite happy to secure a draw here and take the Toffeemen back to Villa Park in a replay in 10 days time. I really can't split these two sides and fully expect to see them squaring up again a week on Wednesday.

Draw @ 2/1 Bet365

Derby v Manchester United (4.30pm Live on ITV1)
I suppose we shouldn't be shocked to see ITV select a Manchester United game to televise, again, although to the broadcaster's defence these two sides served up a fantastic League Cup semi final in the Carling Cup a few weeks ago. Derby got a win in the corresponding fixture in that match up but Manchester United's players almost certainly had in the back of their minds the fact they got to have another go at home a fortnight later. For this one I'm struggling to see Derby repeating the feat. Nigel Clough has got this Derby team performing far better since he took charge and I expect them to give absolutely everything for this game. The United defence looks absolutely impregnable at the moment though and its on the basis of this I expect the away side to get the job done. It may not be pretty but I expect them to do the business on the night without the need for an unhelpful replay to congest the calendar. Away win.

Manchester United -1.25 on Asian Handicap @ Evens Bet365

SB