Football Tips 04/01/2014

Motherwell are on a good run of late winning their last five and improving all the time has seen them rise to second. Their opponents Inverness haven’t won in their last four and suffered a home defeat to second bottom last time out. Motherwell will be without their loan keeper Dan Twardzik who returns to Dundee after some great displays. Inverness have some injury concerns in the middle of the park which could result in them changing their shape and perhaps going a bit longer than they usually do, which may play into the hands of Motherwell. With home advantage and form on their side we can’t see Motherwell losing this one.

Everton will rest some players, but they still have good players coming in. Nikica Jelavic could make his first start since September, he’ll be looking to impress if he is to ever force his way back into the starting line-up at Goodison Park. If the Croation doesn't play then it’s likely the impressive Mirallas will take centre stage upfront and that would be just fine with us. It’s been reported that Redknapp will rest several players including Danny Simpson and Richard Dunne which will weaken the QPR back line and they haven’t exactly been banging the goals in at the other end of the pitch.

Villa have named a strong squad, but are unlikely to use their first team forwards from the start. If the players coming in can’t get the job done then the likes of Agbonlahor and Benteke will be on the bench ready to step in. Benteke is on a serious goal drought after being so impressive last season, a bit of time to find a goal against a League One side would go down a treat for the front man. Sheffield United have been less than impressive this season which sees them down in 18th spot. Villa should have enough strength to win the second half and certainly the game.

Stoke have named a full squad with the exception of injured players including Robert Huth, Stephen Ireland and Asmir Begovic. Stoke got promoted into the Premier League after a 0-0 draw with Leicester, but they will need to go one better today for this bet to land. Jack Butland was desperately unlucky not to have a clean sheet after coming on as a half-time sub against Everton only to concede an injury time penalty. Stoke don’t have a huge squad so many of their Premier League starters are expected to play in this one. Leicester are in good form and sit top of the Championship, perhaps they will remain focused on their league form to push into the promised land rather than attempt a cup run at this stage. Stoke are good side at home, if they can beat Chelsea and draw with Everton they can certainly win against the foxes.