Newcastle are into 11/4 to finish top of the Premier League table - but without the big six - after their unimpressive win against Wigan.

Next up for Alan Pardew's side is a trip to Ewood Park in the Carling Cup on Wednesday. Steve Kean remains favourite to be the first manager to leave his post in the Premier League ahead of their home fixture with Spurs.

Neither manager would suggest the Carling Cup is a priority and, as a result, the game makes little appeal from a betting medium until the teams are announced.

Rovers are 6/4 with victorchandler.com with the Magpies 13/8 and the draw 9/4.

Manchester United who visit struggling Aldershot tomorrow are 7/2 favourites for the competition but I favour Liverpool despite their tricky visit to the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday night.

Newcastle are not back in league in action until next Monday evening when they visit Stoke with the Potters 5/4 favourites and the visitors 11/5 and the draw 23/10.

The Magpies have the physical presence to cope with the aerial assault that greets visiting teams in the Potteries and I would be disappointed if United's unbeaten record was brought to an end by Tony Pulis's side.

Sunderland really should be too good for a poor Aston Villa side at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and 11/8 looks a price that will only contract between now and Saturday.

I know Steve Bruce thought the world of Nicklas Bendtner when he had him at Birmingham City and his faith is being vindicated. I remember listening to the Sky commentary team in the recent loss to Norwich and it was obvious that those involved didn't fancy him as a player.

I think he led the line well on that occasion and will continue to be an excellent signing for the Black Cats. He will win few popularity contests but he is a good footballer and I just wonder if there are other top-flight managers who will rue not taking a chance on the Great Dane.

Boro needed the win against Derby on Saturday, which took them back into the automatic promotion places, and are 11/1 for the Championship after their games against the East Midland clubs last week.

They travel to St Mary's on Saturday to face top-of-the table Southampton who are even money to keep the points with Boro 14/5 and the draw 12/5.

The Saints will be without skipper Dean Hammond through suspension and have a 100 per cent home record. This is a vital game for Boro and I expect them to get a point.

Many of us think we saw another racing superstar at Doncaster on Saturday when Camelot trounced a substandard field in the final Group 1 contest of the British flat racing season the Racing Post Trophy.

He is 4/1 favourite for the Derby with Victor Chandler but he is not guaranteed to get 12f and didn't look short of pace to me. He is 8/1 for the Guineas and that might be the value.