Author: David Showell

The Champions League final between Barcelona and Man Utd is the highlight of the season and offers no end of betting opportunities. Our tipster looks at the best bets.

Another season looks set to end without silverware for Arsenal and already the blame game has begun. For perhaps the first time, manager Arsene Wenger is coming under real pressure.

Chelsea’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Manchester United was the final disappointment in a season to forget. Where Chelsea go next very much depends on owner Roman Abramovich.

In another of our Brief Encounters series, David Showell looks at the short spell Steve Coppell enjoyed as Manchester City manager. The former Crystal Palace boss looked a shrewd appointment, but it all quickly went wrong.

England manager Fabio Capello’s decision to hand the captain’s armband back to Chelsea defender John Terry is a controversial one. And David Showell argues it is a big mistake.

Crystal Palace no longer look like relegation fodder since Dougie Freedman took over as manager. And if Freedman can keep the Eagles up then their future could just be a bright one.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger usually knows just the right time to release a player, when his performances are just about to dip. It is one of the Frenchman’s greatest strengths. We look at some of those he let go.

Charlton Athletic’s decision to hand Chris Powell the managerial reigns gives the 41-year-old his coaching break. Powell could well be set for a bright future, and Charlton would surely benefit.

Fernando Torres’ move from Liverpool to Chelsea has once again thrown the question of player loyalty into the limelight. Do fans expect loyalty which was never there in the first place?

The wearing of snoods by players has become one of the talking points of the English Premier League season. But does this glorified scarf belong on a football pitch?