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Ed Chamberlin fears for Reading, but backs Cue Card in King George

Image: McDermott: tricky Christmas in store?

Get set for a brilliant sporting Christmas with a feast of football and racing, the World Darts Championship, cricket in India and lots more

Other things to look out for this weekend: under 2.5 goals could be the way to go at Anfield. Fulham's last four visits to Liverpool have produced just two goals. It's likely to be the opposite at Wigan as Arsenal have scored 20 goals in the last seven Premier League meetings and their last four games at the DW Stadium have produced 18 goals. Finally, Everton look an attractive price at 11/8 with Sky Bet to win at West Ham, who have major injury problems. Everton have won more points (58) and scored more goals (58) against West Ham than they have against any other Premier League side.

Horse racing

Racing needs a lift after the Kauto Star row and the injuries sustained by Big Bucks and Al Ferof. The next 10 days should do just that as there is brilliant racing left right and centre in England and Ireland. The centrepiece is the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. We'll be making our annual family pilgrimage to Wincanton with moaning children in the back, turkey sandwiches in the boot and anxious parents in the front as the meeting usually has to survive at least two inspections or get abandoned just as we turn off the A303. It's always colder than the North Pole and my mind is on the football and the King George but it's still a lot of fun. The crush in the Members' Bar at the Somerset track holds great memories of Desert Orchid, Barton Bank, Teeton Mill et al and most recently Kauto Star. No Kauto this year but still an intriguing renewal. I'm keen to take on Long Run again as all the same issues apply that I listed before his reappearance at Haydock. It was yet another solid performance but without the x-factor and extra gear he seemed to possess two seasons ago. The superb crop of second-season chasers look all set to take over the mantle from the more established stars and I really fancy Cue Card to lift Boxing Day's big prize. We know the Arkle form is red hot with Sprinter's Sacre's exploits, Al Ferof's Cheltenham win and Cue Card's brilliant performance in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. I thought that was one of the best performances of the season so far and I'm delighted that the Tizzards have resisted other temptations and saved him for this race. Joe Tizzard is worried about the longer trip but I reckon three miles round Kempton might be perfect for him and I've taken some of the 9/2 with Sky Bet. Elsewhere, I know AP McCoy is very keen on Teaforthree's chance in the Welsh Grand National, I fancy Oscars Well to beat Arvika Legionnaire in the big novice chase at Leopardstown and will be backing My Tent Or Yours wherever he appears next. More immediately I fancy Claret Cloak to run a big race in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday. This horse ran really well here last month when Emma Lavelle's horses were struggling for form. Her stable is now bang in form and Claret Cloak is fancied to run a big race at 14/1 with Sky Bet. Happy Christmas to you all - if Cue Card wins the King George it will be an even happier Christmas. Free £10 bet. New the Sky Bet? We're offering all new customers a free £10 bet. Claim now.

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