As the title would suggest we're looking outside the Premier League for some more weekend bets in this blog. I've been better in general at looking at foreign leagues and the Champions League rather than the Prem so far so this might well be the place to look for better tips! I think if you show an interest in other leagues around Europe then there is some good bets to be found due to the bookies naturall focusing on matters closer to home. With that in mind, let's have a little look...
German Bundesliga
Wolfsburg v Stuttgart, Saturday 1430
Schteve McClaren has started life as a manager in Germany with mixed results so far. His German is coming on strong, but the team is brilliant one week and absolute gash the next. Stuttgart are much more predictable, they're always gash! They are having their now traditional poor start to the season and have just parted company with Christian Gross as he was seemingly unable to turn things round. Now, normally the new man will go on a run and save the Swabians, but noone has been appointed yet. For this reason I fancy the VW boys to clean up. There are some very short prices on what I'd call similar games in Germany this weekend so Victor Chandler quotes of 2.2 on the home win look value to me.
Italian Serie A
Cesena v Sampdoria, Sunday 1400
This match sees a decent home side in Cesena coming up against some of the worst travellers in Serie A so far this year in Sampdoria. Samp have definitely got the players to be doing better, with Cassano and Pazzini among others at the club. But, for whatever reason, it doesn't click away from home. They have played 4 and drawn 4 away from home and I fancy that run to continue here. My money will be on the draw at a best priced 3.2 with Ladbrokes.
Spanish Primera Liga
Malaga v Sociedad, Sunday 1600
This match sees my favourite Spanish team so far this season at home to strugglers Sociedad. Malaga looked impressive even in defeat to Real Madrid a few weeks back and have a forward 3 that are always on the front foot and very pacy to boot. Sociedad are mid-table, but their away form sees only 1 point on their travels this term and they have also leaked goals. I think Malaga are good things in this match, I'm so confident I'm going to handicap them too! Bet365 go 3.1 with a -1.0 asian handicap and I think they'll oblige on that.
Athletic Bilbao v Getafe, Sunday 2000
The last match on Sunday sees Getafe travelling to Bilbao for what will likely be a battling match. Neither team are prolific scorers and both are also not exactly 1970 Brazil. I can see this match being decided late on by a single scrappy goal and I will therefore be playing under 2.5 goals at an appealing 1.96 with Ladbrokes. It is as short as 1.8 with other firms and I'd say that's a more accurate price.
French Ligue 1
Stade Brest v St Etienne
Whilst I would never recommend watching French football, except maybe as a cure for chronic insomnia, I will bet on it. The match that takes my fancy is the amusingly named Brest (boobies you see!?) up aginst St Etienne. Both sides are riding high in the table this year and what catches my eye is Brest's 3 home matches drawn from 4. Neither side are prolific, as none of France ever are, so I'd recommend getting on under 1.5 goals at a very reasonably priced 2.75 with Stan James.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Thursday, 28 October 2010
I've had a long hard look in the mirror...
Apologies to anyone who has backed my Premier League tips over the last 2 weekends, they have been dogshit and I'm suitably embarrassed. I've been over-thinking some of them I think, convinced myself against my original thoughts on occasion, so from now on I'll be better. Promise! Without any further ado...
Arsenal v West Ham, Saturday 1500
Arsenal have been in scintillating form of late, tonking teams left, right and indeed centre. The Hammers have been looking increasingly like a team resigned to relegation. Avram Grant has all the personality of a corpse and I can't imagine that's doing much for team spirit around the place. You would think some of Parker and Noble's exuberance would rub off on their team-mates. But, one of the downsides of bringing in a load of foreign marcenaries is that they aren't going to dig in when it gets tough, they're happy to pick up their wages a la Winston Bogarde and contribute little. Marouane Chamkh has made a blistering start to his Arsenal career and seems in a hot streak in front of goal so I'll back him to score anytime. Victor Chandler are way out on a limb at 2.05 and that should be lumped on now!
Blackburn v Chelsea, Saturday 1500
I have a real feeling that Blackburn are capable of getting a point from this game. Big Fat Fergie's Bum Licking Lamb Shank Resembling Sam Allardyce has a decent record at Eewood park for Blackburn and Man City showed it is possible to make life difficult for Chelsea with a bit of muscle. Allardyce's teams have always been bullies and that hasn't changed at Blackburn. With their new Indian owners the club should be on something of a high, and I'm sure with this investment The Fat One will take them to the Champions League by next year! The fool. Chelsea are always a match for any side though so I think giving Blackburn a little help with a handicap is required for safety. Id go on the asian +1.25 Blackburn at a best priced 1.93 at Victor Chandler.
Everton v Stoke City, Saturday 1500
Everton have finally started their season now after taking an absolute age to hit their stride. Stoke are still the divisions worst team to watch, but they do make teams work for their wins and aren't afraid of getting 'stuck in'. Moyes boys are still somewhat struggling for goals and are relying on the likes of Cahill, Pienaar and Arteta to get in the box in the absence of any fit or in form strikers. Match prices of 1.6 on an Everton won don't appeal much to me so I'm going to take Cahill to again come from midfield and score, and probably do that twatty punching celebration too. Stan James are standout at 2.87 on him to come up with the goods and I'm happy with that.
Fulham v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Mark Hughes team are the divisions draw specialists and this is mainly down to having an organised backline that doesn't concede many. Add to this the fact that their 2 strikers are currently crocked and it doesn't make for much in terms of goals at Craven Cottage. Wigan are still a mystery to me. They look like the worst team in the division when I watch them, but they pick up points here and there. Saying that, I think this is the week Fulham win! Betfred are biggest on this outcome at 1.9.
Wolves v Man City, Saturday 1500
Having been turned round, bent over and made to cry by Arsenal at home last week Man City will be looking to respond here. Wolves gave Man Utd a scare in the cup in midweek, but as we all know now, Utd's backline is as leaky as a very leaky thing this season and that shouldn't be read into too much. I thought Wolves would kick on this year, but they look likely to be involved in a relegation scrap unless they improve rapidly. City had been impressive before last Sunday, and the early sending off of Boyata undoubtebly hurt them. After originally suggesting Tevez to score, the ugly little orc has cried off back to Argentina. This changes everything as City seem incapable of scoring without him. I'm struggling for a bet as under 2.5 is prohibitively priced for me. I fancy a Man City clean sheet at 2.2 with Totesport!
Man Utd v Tottenham, Saturday 1730
These games are usually entertaining affairs and that should again be the case this weekend. United look a team in decline to me, they are getting results, but scraping to them without any inspiration and with an increasingly porous backline. Jonny Evans in particular is toilet for me and has got carried away with the praise that Sir Wrigley has given him for a few years now. Sloopy Chops has got Tottenham up the table, but they are still not to be counted on and are bereft of talent at centre back. The man can moan all he wants, but he knew King and Woodgate are permanently crocked, Gallas is a tiny tears style ladyman and Bassong and Corluka are average at best. All this adds up to goals for me, possibly plenty of them! Boylesports go 2.75 on over 3.5 goals and I fancy that.
Aston Villa v Birmingham City, Sunday 1200
The first of the Sunday derbies is the Birmingham derby from Villa Park. These matches are generally pretty fiery affairs and both sides have local lads who will be keen to make a mark in a match like this. Villa have carried on under Houllier where O'Neill left off really, they're pretty dull and functional with little to offer the neutral. Brum went ahead at Arsenal before succumbing and beat the impressive Blackpool last Saturday at home. I wouldn't want to call this match really as they're both pretty tight teams. William Hill go 1.9 on both teams to score and I think that's the best bet out there.
Newcastle v Sunderland, Sunday 1330
The second of the derbies is the TyneTees affair from St James Park. Newcastle manager Chris Hughtonis under pressure, presumably for not leadin them to a 15 point lead already, and rested players in the Carling Cup for this match. This led to a 4-0 spanking by Arsenal, but there should be no problems motivating the players for this match. Sunderland are a frustrating side, they are more than capable of giving most sides in the division a game, but some weeks simply fail to turn up. Hopefully for a derby match they'll bring their best form and I think they're worth a dabble at in the draw no bet market. Odds of 2.5 are widely available and I think they're worth it.
Bolton v Liverpool, Sunday 1600
Once again it's a must get something match for Liverpool. This will be far easier said than done however, with Bolton proving many wrong by getting good results this season. Liverpool don't travel well and will look to Gerrard and Torres for inspration as usual. Torres isn't as prolific away as he is at home and looks like a man who knows he'll be leaving the club sooner rather than later. Gerrard simply looks like years of carrying Pool are catching up with him. I think Bolton can get something from this game, I'll take them draw no bet though to be safe. Bet365 go 2.37 on Bolton in that market so that's where my money is heading.
Blackpool v West Brom, Monday 2000
Two of this seasons promoted teams go into battle at BloomfieldRoad on Monday night live on Sky. Both have been suprises so far with performances far out-stripping pre-seasons gloomy predictions. West Brom are currently in a Europa League spot, and with the league pretty shit outside the Top 5 I see little reason why they can't stay there if they keep playing as well as they have. Pool have given some excellent performances, but have also looked a Championship team on occasion. West Brom ahve won from behind a couple of times of late and obviously don't let their heads go down if this happens. I think they're worth a half stakes punt at 13.0 with Boylesports to do so again.
Arsenal v West Ham, Saturday 1500
Arsenal have been in scintillating form of late, tonking teams left, right and indeed centre. The Hammers have been looking increasingly like a team resigned to relegation. Avram Grant has all the personality of a corpse and I can't imagine that's doing much for team spirit around the place. You would think some of Parker and Noble's exuberance would rub off on their team-mates. But, one of the downsides of bringing in a load of foreign marcenaries is that they aren't going to dig in when it gets tough, they're happy to pick up their wages a la Winston Bogarde and contribute little. Marouane Chamkh has made a blistering start to his Arsenal career and seems in a hot streak in front of goal so I'll back him to score anytime. Victor Chandler are way out on a limb at 2.05 and that should be lumped on now!
Blackburn v Chelsea, Saturday 1500
I have a real feeling that Blackburn are capable of getting a point from this game. Big Fat Fergie's Bum Licking Lamb Shank Resembling Sam Allardyce has a decent record at Eewood park for Blackburn and Man City showed it is possible to make life difficult for Chelsea with a bit of muscle. Allardyce's teams have always been bullies and that hasn't changed at Blackburn. With their new Indian owners the club should be on something of a high, and I'm sure with this investment The Fat One will take them to the Champions League by next year! The fool. Chelsea are always a match for any side though so I think giving Blackburn a little help with a handicap is required for safety. Id go on the asian +1.25 Blackburn at a best priced 1.93 at Victor Chandler.
Everton v Stoke City, Saturday 1500
Everton have finally started their season now after taking an absolute age to hit their stride. Stoke are still the divisions worst team to watch, but they do make teams work for their wins and aren't afraid of getting 'stuck in'. Moyes boys are still somewhat struggling for goals and are relying on the likes of Cahill, Pienaar and Arteta to get in the box in the absence of any fit or in form strikers. Match prices of 1.6 on an Everton won don't appeal much to me so I'm going to take Cahill to again come from midfield and score, and probably do that twatty punching celebration too. Stan James are standout at 2.87 on him to come up with the goods and I'm happy with that.
Fulham v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Mark Hughes team are the divisions draw specialists and this is mainly down to having an organised backline that doesn't concede many. Add to this the fact that their 2 strikers are currently crocked and it doesn't make for much in terms of goals at Craven Cottage. Wigan are still a mystery to me. They look like the worst team in the division when I watch them, but they pick up points here and there. Saying that, I think this is the week Fulham win! Betfred are biggest on this outcome at 1.9.
Wolves v Man City, Saturday 1500
Having been turned round, bent over and made to cry by Arsenal at home last week Man City will be looking to respond here. Wolves gave Man Utd a scare in the cup in midweek, but as we all know now, Utd's backline is as leaky as a very leaky thing this season and that shouldn't be read into too much. I thought Wolves would kick on this year, but they look likely to be involved in a relegation scrap unless they improve rapidly. City had been impressive before last Sunday, and the early sending off of Boyata undoubtebly hurt them. After originally suggesting Tevez to score, the ugly little orc has cried off back to Argentina. This changes everything as City seem incapable of scoring without him. I'm struggling for a bet as under 2.5 is prohibitively priced for me. I fancy a Man City clean sheet at 2.2 with Totesport!
Man Utd v Tottenham, Saturday 1730
These games are usually entertaining affairs and that should again be the case this weekend. United look a team in decline to me, they are getting results, but scraping to them without any inspiration and with an increasingly porous backline. Jonny Evans in particular is toilet for me and has got carried away with the praise that Sir Wrigley has given him for a few years now. Sloopy Chops has got Tottenham up the table, but they are still not to be counted on and are bereft of talent at centre back. The man can moan all he wants, but he knew King and Woodgate are permanently crocked, Gallas is a tiny tears style ladyman and Bassong and Corluka are average at best. All this adds up to goals for me, possibly plenty of them! Boylesports go 2.75 on over 3.5 goals and I fancy that.
Aston Villa v Birmingham City, Sunday 1200
The first of the Sunday derbies is the Birmingham derby from Villa Park. These matches are generally pretty fiery affairs and both sides have local lads who will be keen to make a mark in a match like this. Villa have carried on under Houllier where O'Neill left off really, they're pretty dull and functional with little to offer the neutral. Brum went ahead at Arsenal before succumbing and beat the impressive Blackpool last Saturday at home. I wouldn't want to call this match really as they're both pretty tight teams. William Hill go 1.9 on both teams to score and I think that's the best bet out there.
Newcastle v Sunderland, Sunday 1330
The second of the derbies is the TyneTees affair from St James Park. Newcastle manager Chris Hughtonis under pressure, presumably for not leadin them to a 15 point lead already, and rested players in the Carling Cup for this match. This led to a 4-0 spanking by Arsenal, but there should be no problems motivating the players for this match. Sunderland are a frustrating side, they are more than capable of giving most sides in the division a game, but some weeks simply fail to turn up. Hopefully for a derby match they'll bring their best form and I think they're worth a dabble at in the draw no bet market. Odds of 2.5 are widely available and I think they're worth it.
Bolton v Liverpool, Sunday 1600
Once again it's a must get something match for Liverpool. This will be far easier said than done however, with Bolton proving many wrong by getting good results this season. Liverpool don't travel well and will look to Gerrard and Torres for inspration as usual. Torres isn't as prolific away as he is at home and looks like a man who knows he'll be leaving the club sooner rather than later. Gerrard simply looks like years of carrying Pool are catching up with him. I think Bolton can get something from this game, I'll take them draw no bet though to be safe. Bet365 go 2.37 on Bolton in that market so that's where my money is heading.
Blackpool v West Brom, Monday 2000
Two of this seasons promoted teams go into battle at BloomfieldRoad on Monday night live on Sky. Both have been suprises so far with performances far out-stripping pre-seasons gloomy predictions. West Brom are currently in a Europa League spot, and with the league pretty shit outside the Top 5 I see little reason why they can't stay there if they keep playing as well as they have. Pool have given some excellent performances, but have also looked a Championship team on occasion. West Brom ahve won from behind a couple of times of late and obviously don't let their heads go down if this happens. I think they're worth a half stakes punt at 13.0 with Boylesports to do so again.
Another round-up...
Just a quick update on my tipping, don't think it'll be that great this time though!
International football is upon us again...
Austria v Azerbaijan - Backing Austria -1.5 at 1.85 - win £8.50
Republic of Ireland v Russia - Backing ROI at 2.7 - lose £10.00
Moldova v Netherlands - Backing Netherlands -1.5 at 1.83 - lose £10.00
Cyprus v Norway - Backing over 2.5 at 2.1 - win £11.00
Kazakhstan v Belgium - Backing Belgium -1.5 at 2.5 - win £15.00
Total - Win £14.50
This weekend I will mostly be betting on...
Blackburn v Sunderland - Backing Blackburn at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Blackpool v Man City - Tevez anytime at 2.0 - win £10.00
Everton v Liverpool - Backing 1-1 at half stakes - lose £5.00
Aston Villa v Chelsea - Backing Villa and the draw at 2.1 - win £11.00
Wolves v West Ham - Backing West Ham at 3.35 - lose £10.00
Newcastle v Wigan - Backing under 2.5 at 1.8 - lose £10.00
Man Utd v West Brom - Backing Draw HT/Utd FT at 4.5 - lose £10.00
Fulham v Tottenham - Backing the draw at 3.3 - lose £10.00
Bolton v Stoke - Backing Bolton at 2.25 - win £12.50
Arsenal v Birmingham - Backing Arsenal -1.75 at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Total - lose £32.50
Back to the 'Champions' League...
Real Madrid v AC Milan - Backing Madrid -1.0 at 2.05 - win £10.50
Lyon v Benfica - Backing Draw at HT at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Arsenal v Shakhtar - Backing Chamakh anytime at 2.37 - win £13.70
Inter v Tottenham - Backing Inter -1.0 - refund
Total - win £14.20
That Friday feeling...
Man City v Arsenal - Backing Man City at 2.5 - lose £10.00
Liverpool v Blackburn - Liverpool win to nil at 2.6 - lose £10.00
Stoke v Man Utd - Kenwyne Jones anytime at 3.75 - lose £10.00
West Ham v Newcastle - Backing under 2.5 at 1.9 - lose £10.00
Wigan v Bolton - Backing Bolton draw no bet - refund
West Brom v Fulham - Backing WBA at 2.2 - win £12.00
Sunderland v Villa - Second half highest scoring at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Chelsea v Wolves - Chelsea -2.5 at 2.32 - lose £10.00
Birmingham v Blackpool - Varney anytime at 4.5 - lose £10.00
Tottenham v everton - Backing over 2.5 at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Total - lose £68.00
Grand Total - lose £71.80
Overall Grand Total - £151.50
International football is upon us again...
Austria v Azerbaijan - Backing Austria -1.5 at 1.85 - win £8.50
Republic of Ireland v Russia - Backing ROI at 2.7 - lose £10.00
Moldova v Netherlands - Backing Netherlands -1.5 at 1.83 - lose £10.00
Cyprus v Norway - Backing over 2.5 at 2.1 - win £11.00
Kazakhstan v Belgium - Backing Belgium -1.5 at 2.5 - win £15.00
Total - Win £14.50
This weekend I will mostly be betting on...
Blackburn v Sunderland - Backing Blackburn at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Blackpool v Man City - Tevez anytime at 2.0 - win £10.00
Everton v Liverpool - Backing 1-1 at half stakes - lose £5.00
Aston Villa v Chelsea - Backing Villa and the draw at 2.1 - win £11.00
Wolves v West Ham - Backing West Ham at 3.35 - lose £10.00
Newcastle v Wigan - Backing under 2.5 at 1.8 - lose £10.00
Man Utd v West Brom - Backing Draw HT/Utd FT at 4.5 - lose £10.00
Fulham v Tottenham - Backing the draw at 3.3 - lose £10.00
Bolton v Stoke - Backing Bolton at 2.25 - win £12.50
Arsenal v Birmingham - Backing Arsenal -1.75 at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Total - lose £32.50
Back to the 'Champions' League...
Real Madrid v AC Milan - Backing Madrid -1.0 at 2.05 - win £10.50
Lyon v Benfica - Backing Draw at HT at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Arsenal v Shakhtar - Backing Chamakh anytime at 2.37 - win £13.70
Inter v Tottenham - Backing Inter -1.0 - refund
Total - win £14.20
That Friday feeling...
Man City v Arsenal - Backing Man City at 2.5 - lose £10.00
Liverpool v Blackburn - Liverpool win to nil at 2.6 - lose £10.00
Stoke v Man Utd - Kenwyne Jones anytime at 3.75 - lose £10.00
West Ham v Newcastle - Backing under 2.5 at 1.9 - lose £10.00
Wigan v Bolton - Backing Bolton draw no bet - refund
West Brom v Fulham - Backing WBA at 2.2 - win £12.00
Sunderland v Villa - Second half highest scoring at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Chelsea v Wolves - Chelsea -2.5 at 2.32 - lose £10.00
Birmingham v Blackpool - Varney anytime at 4.5 - lose £10.00
Tottenham v everton - Backing over 2.5 at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Total - lose £68.00
Grand Total - lose £71.80
Overall Grand Total - £151.50
Friday, 22 October 2010
2 in a day? You Sir, need to get a job...
As promised earlier I am going to provide you lucky, I repeat, lucky, people with yet another insight into the world of football betting. I have already cast an eye other the world of the overpaid, over indulged twats in the Premier League so I'll take a look around Europe and further down the ladder in England too. Here's what I've discovered...
Burnley v Reading, Saturday 1500
I'm sure you all remember Burnley? They were that lot that beat Man Utd, but were utter dross after Owen Coyle departed for Bolton? No...well they're back! They are currently unbeaten in 6 matces and Reading are in something of a slump. I'd price this match up with Burnley more like 1.9 shots so with 2.0 widely available I think they've got to be worth a punt.
Barnet v Macclesfield, Saturday 1500
Down in League 2 we've got a match between 2 perennial strugglers. Macc are 2,2,2 away from home this season and are higher in the table than Barnet, who have been very poor. Barnet are also 2,2,2 at home and I think the odds should be more like 2.4 on the home team and 2.6 away so to find them available at 2.87 at Skybet is enough to convince me.
Villarreal v Atletico Madrid, Sunday 2000
This match sees 2 teams who will be battling to finish behind Real and Barca in the most exciting league table outside of chilly Jockoland. Atleti won the Europa League last year and beat Inter in the Supercup pre-season to lift hopes they could make a real challenge this year. They started well, but have fallen away since being defeated by Barca a month ago. Villarreal are quietly racking up the victories and scoring plenty in the process with a rejuvenated Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar doing the bad thing in front of goal. You can get 2.3 at Victor Chandler and I think that's a decent bet.
Lazio v Cagliari, Sunday 1400
Now then, this is based on Paolo Bandini's blog at the Guardian more than anything else! If anyone is looking for quality football writing about European football then the articles over there by Sid Lowe, Raphael Honigstein, Paolo Bandini and Jonathan Wilson are amongst the best I've read. Lazio are currently sitting proudly on top of Serie A, mainly thanks to manager Edy Reja's disciplined tactics and the inventiveness of the Brazilian Hernanes. cagliari are struggling and have only scored 2 goals in 4 away matches whilst failing to win. I will therefore be having a few pounds at Ladbrokes quotes of 2.75 on Lazio to win to nil.
Sochaux v Toulouse, Saturday 2000
A mid-tbale match in the deadly dull Ligue Un is no-one's idea of excitement in general. However comma having looked at the table something has caught my eye. And it is that in 4 home games Sochaux have scored 12 goals and only conceded 2. I knew they had got a striker that has recently been capped by France and that they have the traditional smattering of South American flair, but I hadn't noticed these stats before. Toulouse are just above them in the table, but are not the greatest travellers going. I think Stan James have gone too far in pricing the home win at 2.37 and I'll be more than happy to teach them a lesson!
Burnley v Reading, Saturday 1500
I'm sure you all remember Burnley? They were that lot that beat Man Utd, but were utter dross after Owen Coyle departed for Bolton? No...well they're back! They are currently unbeaten in 6 matces and Reading are in something of a slump. I'd price this match up with Burnley more like 1.9 shots so with 2.0 widely available I think they've got to be worth a punt.
Barnet v Macclesfield, Saturday 1500
Down in League 2 we've got a match between 2 perennial strugglers. Macc are 2,2,2 away from home this season and are higher in the table than Barnet, who have been very poor. Barnet are also 2,2,2 at home and I think the odds should be more like 2.4 on the home team and 2.6 away so to find them available at 2.87 at Skybet is enough to convince me.
Villarreal v Atletico Madrid, Sunday 2000
This match sees 2 teams who will be battling to finish behind Real and Barca in the most exciting league table outside of chilly Jockoland. Atleti won the Europa League last year and beat Inter in the Supercup pre-season to lift hopes they could make a real challenge this year. They started well, but have fallen away since being defeated by Barca a month ago. Villarreal are quietly racking up the victories and scoring plenty in the process with a rejuvenated Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar doing the bad thing in front of goal. You can get 2.3 at Victor Chandler and I think that's a decent bet.
Lazio v Cagliari, Sunday 1400
Now then, this is based on Paolo Bandini's blog at the Guardian more than anything else! If anyone is looking for quality football writing about European football then the articles over there by Sid Lowe, Raphael Honigstein, Paolo Bandini and Jonathan Wilson are amongst the best I've read. Lazio are currently sitting proudly on top of Serie A, mainly thanks to manager Edy Reja's disciplined tactics and the inventiveness of the Brazilian Hernanes. cagliari are struggling and have only scored 2 goals in 4 away matches whilst failing to win. I will therefore be having a few pounds at Ladbrokes quotes of 2.75 on Lazio to win to nil.
Sochaux v Toulouse, Saturday 2000
A mid-tbale match in the deadly dull Ligue Un is no-one's idea of excitement in general. However comma having looked at the table something has caught my eye. And it is that in 4 home games Sochaux have scored 12 goals and only conceded 2. I knew they had got a striker that has recently been capped by France and that they have the traditional smattering of South American flair, but I hadn't noticed these stats before. Toulouse are just above them in the table, but are not the greatest travellers going. I think Stan James have gone too far in pricing the home win at 2.37 and I'll be more than happy to teach them a lesson!
That Friday feeling...
Morning all, it's tipping time again here! My Premier League tips haven't matched up to their early heights of late so I am really having a bloody good look this week in an attempt to turn things round. It's the God Damn unpredictability of some of these games that is costing me! I've also been a bit of a tease the last few weeks and haven't put out any second weekend blogs, but I'm on a 13 hour shift today so I've got plenty of time in front of a screen and no excuses for not doing it this week. With that in mind, let's get cracking...
Tottenham v Everton, Saturday 1245
Having endeavoured to come back to 4-3 and cost me my handicap bet in the week I'm desperate to take some money of the Spuds. It seems to have gone completely un-noticed in the press this week that Harry's amazing tactical nous had his boys trailing 3-0 within 15 minutes. Yes, they came back, but that owes more to Gareth Bale's continuing brilliance than that droopy faced twats doing. Utterly clueless when it comes to tactics. I also heard that they have only kept a clean sheet in 1 of their last 17 games and that has definitely influenced my punting on this. If, like me, you fancy Everton to nick one then I think sadly Sloppy Chops lot will get at least 2 with Rafa Van Der Vaart and his tidy missus returning. Over 2.5 goals is the bet for me, Hill's go 2.1 on that.
Birmingham v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Ian Holloway has been very outspoken this week, even shouting at reporters yesterday about the general crapness of FIFA, a sentiment I would echo. The men in charge of football have little interest in the game and are as bent as that Christian off Eastender's, and he loves it, really loves it! Birmingham battled hard at The Emirates last week in losing 2-1, but they are all perspiration and no inspiration at present. Noone seems to go to St Andrews and teach Brum a lesson, probably due to them playing 4 centre backs in their back 4 regularly. However, I think Ladbrokes have gone well out on a limb pricing Luke Varney at 4.5 to score anytime in this one. He is the epitome of a Championship striker, but sometimes that's what you need, he will battle and run and cause Brum problems. I'm going to have a dabble at that.
Chelsea v Wolves, Saturday 1500
Originally I went looking for a 'Which Chelsea player will have his leg broken' market for this one, but alas none were to be found. That's a long way of me saying Wolves are a fucking dirty bunch of fuckers. I like Mick McCarthy, his incredibly morose demeanour amuses me no end, he just seems to find life a chore. Chelsea have just returned from a very impressive away win in Russia whilst missing Drogba and Alex. A 2-0 scoreline might not look amazing, but few teams travel to Russia and dominate a game the way Chelsea did, credit where credit is due. I can only see this being one of those now familiar hidings Chelsea love dishing out. They can match Wolves for physicality and they can actually play football too. Victor Chandler go 2.32 on Chelsea winning with a -2.5 handicap and I think they'll cover it.
Sunderland v Aston Villa, Saturday 1500
I think this will be a fairly close match between 2 teams that should really push for Europe. Steve Bruce has spunked an awful lot of his chairman's cash on players, but somehow had the nerve to whinge about how his team relies on Darren Bent too much this week. Had he spent some of the money he wasted on players like Anton Ferdinand on another good forward maybe they wouldn't? Villa are looking a compact unit under Ged Houllier's management so far. I don't think we'll see any repeats of the hiding Newcastle gave them whilst he's at the helm. I think we will see a close encounter, probably decided by a late goal, for that reason I'm looking at Stan James going 2.1 on the second half being highest scoring.
West Brom v Fulham, Saturday 1500
Fulham finally took a break from drawing last week to lose to Sloppy Chops lot, whereas WBA were again upsetting the odds to get a draw at Old Trafford. They must be absolutely flying now having gained 4 points from their away matches at 2 of the Sky 4. Fulham's problem is goals, or the lack of them. Bobby Zamora is unarguably toilet, but he hit a run of form last season and is a miss for them. Moussa Dembele is better, in my opinion, but he too is missing and that leaves them relying on players like Clint Dempsey to step up and score. I think this is a classic case of a team high on confidence against a team struggling a bit and I think it's a home win. Odds of 2.2 are widely available and I'm happy with that.
Wigan v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Bolton are performing well currently and are well on course to get a top half finish this season. Wigan are still in danger and a couple of losses would leave them right in the shit again. I've voiced my opinions on Roberto Martinez before, I just don't think he's good enough to move Wigan any further forward and I still think they'll go down. Bolton are now a team containing a possible 2 England internationals in Gary Cahill and Kevin Davies. They have added some flair and goals to an already tough to beat team and I think they could get something here. I'm not entirely confident they'll run away with it so I'm going to take Paddy Power's 2.2 in the draw no bet market.
West Ham v Newcastle, Saturday 1730
Another hard to call match here. The Hammers are rock bottom of the league, but unbeaten in 5 matches. Newcastle are completely unpredictable, they could come here and win 4-0 as easily as they could lose 4-0. Just to add that James Perch, the Newcastle right back is one of the worst players I've ever seen at this level. I'm sure his family are ashamed to see him failing miserably every week on national TV. Newcastle are not prolific scorers, the 6 goals cored against Villa gives a flattering look to their for column, and West Ham have scored 1 goal from open play this season. This all leads me to think it might be a poor game to televise with little action and few goals. Hill's are standout at 1.9 on under 2.5 and I'll go for that.
Stoke City v Manchester United, Sunday 1330
Headlines this week have inevitabl been dominated by everyone's favourite, granny and whore shagging, world class my arse, neanderthal man Wayne Rooney. Whilst I think he's nowhere near as good as the nations press would have you believe, he is United's talisman in the line of Cantona and Keane. He is arguably their best player and if sold it looks like we could see a few barren years at the Theatre Of Dreams. For what it's worth, I agree with his assertion that the club is going backwards, and signing homeless players isn't the way to move forward. Stoke are probably the worst team to ever 'grace' the top flight in terms of actually playing football. They truly are horrible to watch, and Pulis seems unable to trust any of the players he has brought in to remedy this, choosing instead to rely on Delap's missile like throw-ins. Van Der Sar is increasingly showing his age and I think Stoke's big men can cause problems for United. Berbatov alone is good enough to beat Stoke so I wont be betting on match prices. Skybet are taking on Kenwyne Jones at 3.75 to score anytime and I'll have some of that action.
Liverpool v Blackburn, Sunday 1500
I was forced to endure Pool's trip to Naples last night in the Europa League and by christ they're shit. Utter garbage. Toilet. Just a truly horrible team to watch. Rarely have I seen a team so devoid of flair. Had Napoli had a bit of composure about them they could have got a win. In Roy Hodgson's defence he had rested Stevie Me and Fernando Torres for this match, with Liverpool second bottom they need some points fast. Blackburn are also a horrible team of cloggers and have the man who seems determined to take Redknapp's crown as the biggest prick in the game. He has got the most ridiculously over-inflated opinion of himself, he has done well with most clubs he's been at, but it's been through hard work and little flair. And he looks like a sweaty lamb shank. A horrible man. I hope he gets Capello's job as he is what most idiotic England fans deserve. Saying all this I think Pool win this one to nil, Paddy Power go 2.6 on this outcome.
Manchester City v Arsenal, Sunday 1600
This is undoubtebly the glamour match of the weekend and will go a long way to determining what we can seriously expect of these 2 teams this season. City are like an even more brutal version of Chelsea and showed this by over-powering the Blues a few weeks ago. Arsenal have as usual looked absolutely thrilling in dishing out beatings in Europe, but lost at home to West Brom, and took their ritual 2-0 loss to Chelsea. Fabregas being back for Arsenal is a huge boost, but I don't imagine City's hulk-like central midfielders will let him through easily. David Silva has been looking better in recent weeks as he settles in, Bayor, Bayor also scores a hat-trick last night and Tevez continues to prove himself better than Rooney. This is exactly the sort of game Wenger must dread, he knows City wont just foul them so he can't whinge about them only intending to hurt, but they will overpower Arsenal's miniature men. Quotes of 2.5 are widely available and I'd take that as I think it should be closer to 2.3.
Tottenham v Everton, Saturday 1245
Having endeavoured to come back to 4-3 and cost me my handicap bet in the week I'm desperate to take some money of the Spuds. It seems to have gone completely un-noticed in the press this week that Harry's amazing tactical nous had his boys trailing 3-0 within 15 minutes. Yes, they came back, but that owes more to Gareth Bale's continuing brilliance than that droopy faced twats doing. Utterly clueless when it comes to tactics. I also heard that they have only kept a clean sheet in 1 of their last 17 games and that has definitely influenced my punting on this. If, like me, you fancy Everton to nick one then I think sadly Sloppy Chops lot will get at least 2 with Rafa Van Der Vaart and his tidy missus returning. Over 2.5 goals is the bet for me, Hill's go 2.1 on that.
Birmingham v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Ian Holloway has been very outspoken this week, even shouting at reporters yesterday about the general crapness of FIFA, a sentiment I would echo. The men in charge of football have little interest in the game and are as bent as that Christian off Eastender's, and he loves it, really loves it! Birmingham battled hard at The Emirates last week in losing 2-1, but they are all perspiration and no inspiration at present. Noone seems to go to St Andrews and teach Brum a lesson, probably due to them playing 4 centre backs in their back 4 regularly. However, I think Ladbrokes have gone well out on a limb pricing Luke Varney at 4.5 to score anytime in this one. He is the epitome of a Championship striker, but sometimes that's what you need, he will battle and run and cause Brum problems. I'm going to have a dabble at that.
Chelsea v Wolves, Saturday 1500
Originally I went looking for a 'Which Chelsea player will have his leg broken' market for this one, but alas none were to be found. That's a long way of me saying Wolves are a fucking dirty bunch of fuckers. I like Mick McCarthy, his incredibly morose demeanour amuses me no end, he just seems to find life a chore. Chelsea have just returned from a very impressive away win in Russia whilst missing Drogba and Alex. A 2-0 scoreline might not look amazing, but few teams travel to Russia and dominate a game the way Chelsea did, credit where credit is due. I can only see this being one of those now familiar hidings Chelsea love dishing out. They can match Wolves for physicality and they can actually play football too. Victor Chandler go 2.32 on Chelsea winning with a -2.5 handicap and I think they'll cover it.
Sunderland v Aston Villa, Saturday 1500
I think this will be a fairly close match between 2 teams that should really push for Europe. Steve Bruce has spunked an awful lot of his chairman's cash on players, but somehow had the nerve to whinge about how his team relies on Darren Bent too much this week. Had he spent some of the money he wasted on players like Anton Ferdinand on another good forward maybe they wouldn't? Villa are looking a compact unit under Ged Houllier's management so far. I don't think we'll see any repeats of the hiding Newcastle gave them whilst he's at the helm. I think we will see a close encounter, probably decided by a late goal, for that reason I'm looking at Stan James going 2.1 on the second half being highest scoring.
West Brom v Fulham, Saturday 1500
Fulham finally took a break from drawing last week to lose to Sloppy Chops lot, whereas WBA were again upsetting the odds to get a draw at Old Trafford. They must be absolutely flying now having gained 4 points from their away matches at 2 of the Sky 4. Fulham's problem is goals, or the lack of them. Bobby Zamora is unarguably toilet, but he hit a run of form last season and is a miss for them. Moussa Dembele is better, in my opinion, but he too is missing and that leaves them relying on players like Clint Dempsey to step up and score. I think this is a classic case of a team high on confidence against a team struggling a bit and I think it's a home win. Odds of 2.2 are widely available and I'm happy with that.
Wigan v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Bolton are performing well currently and are well on course to get a top half finish this season. Wigan are still in danger and a couple of losses would leave them right in the shit again. I've voiced my opinions on Roberto Martinez before, I just don't think he's good enough to move Wigan any further forward and I still think they'll go down. Bolton are now a team containing a possible 2 England internationals in Gary Cahill and Kevin Davies. They have added some flair and goals to an already tough to beat team and I think they could get something here. I'm not entirely confident they'll run away with it so I'm going to take Paddy Power's 2.2 in the draw no bet market.
West Ham v Newcastle, Saturday 1730
Another hard to call match here. The Hammers are rock bottom of the league, but unbeaten in 5 matches. Newcastle are completely unpredictable, they could come here and win 4-0 as easily as they could lose 4-0. Just to add that James Perch, the Newcastle right back is one of the worst players I've ever seen at this level. I'm sure his family are ashamed to see him failing miserably every week on national TV. Newcastle are not prolific scorers, the 6 goals cored against Villa gives a flattering look to their for column, and West Ham have scored 1 goal from open play this season. This all leads me to think it might be a poor game to televise with little action and few goals. Hill's are standout at 1.9 on under 2.5 and I'll go for that.
Stoke City v Manchester United, Sunday 1330
Headlines this week have inevitabl been dominated by everyone's favourite, granny and whore shagging, world class my arse, neanderthal man Wayne Rooney. Whilst I think he's nowhere near as good as the nations press would have you believe, he is United's talisman in the line of Cantona and Keane. He is arguably their best player and if sold it looks like we could see a few barren years at the Theatre Of Dreams. For what it's worth, I agree with his assertion that the club is going backwards, and signing homeless players isn't the way to move forward. Stoke are probably the worst team to ever 'grace' the top flight in terms of actually playing football. They truly are horrible to watch, and Pulis seems unable to trust any of the players he has brought in to remedy this, choosing instead to rely on Delap's missile like throw-ins. Van Der Sar is increasingly showing his age and I think Stoke's big men can cause problems for United. Berbatov alone is good enough to beat Stoke so I wont be betting on match prices. Skybet are taking on Kenwyne Jones at 3.75 to score anytime and I'll have some of that action.
Liverpool v Blackburn, Sunday 1500
I was forced to endure Pool's trip to Naples last night in the Europa League and by christ they're shit. Utter garbage. Toilet. Just a truly horrible team to watch. Rarely have I seen a team so devoid of flair. Had Napoli had a bit of composure about them they could have got a win. In Roy Hodgson's defence he had rested Stevie Me and Fernando Torres for this match, with Liverpool second bottom they need some points fast. Blackburn are also a horrible team of cloggers and have the man who seems determined to take Redknapp's crown as the biggest prick in the game. He has got the most ridiculously over-inflated opinion of himself, he has done well with most clubs he's been at, but it's been through hard work and little flair. And he looks like a sweaty lamb shank. A horrible man. I hope he gets Capello's job as he is what most idiotic England fans deserve. Saying all this I think Pool win this one to nil, Paddy Power go 2.6 on this outcome.
Manchester City v Arsenal, Sunday 1600
This is undoubtebly the glamour match of the weekend and will go a long way to determining what we can seriously expect of these 2 teams this season. City are like an even more brutal version of Chelsea and showed this by over-powering the Blues a few weeks ago. Arsenal have as usual looked absolutely thrilling in dishing out beatings in Europe, but lost at home to West Brom, and took their ritual 2-0 loss to Chelsea. Fabregas being back for Arsenal is a huge boost, but I don't imagine City's hulk-like central midfielders will let him through easily. David Silva has been looking better in recent weeks as he settles in, Bayor, Bayor also scores a hat-trick last night and Tevez continues to prove himself better than Rooney. This is exactly the sort of game Wenger must dread, he knows City wont just foul them so he can't whinge about them only intending to hurt, but they will overpower Arsenal's miniature men. Quotes of 2.5 are widely available and I'd take that as I think it should be closer to 2.3.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Back to the 'Champions' League...
Midweek brings us UEFA's premier football competition, the misleadingly named Champion League. I'm pretty sure I saw Man Utd, Arsenal and Sloppy Chops boys in there didn't I? It is indeed a tournament that decides the World's best team, other than Spain and Brazil sometimes there really can't be an argument about that. However comma it is definitely not a tournament of champions. A re-branding to the Champions and Runners-Up with more teams from richer countries with bigger TV deals League might perhaps be more appropriate? Can't see the pricks in marketing going for it, but that's where I'd go with it! Anyhow, I'm sure you'd prefer tips to my ramblings so I'll try and find some value for you...
Inter v Tottenham, Wednesday 1945
I have been looking forward to this match ever since the draw. We will hopefully see where Tottenham and their droopy faced manager really fit in to the grand scheme of things. I think they are a million miles off a seasoned team like Inter with a tactical manager like Rafa Benitez. I criticised his signings at Liverpool, they were dogshit after all, but he has inherited Mourinho's European champions and hasn't had enough time to ruin them yet. Rafa Van Der Vaart has been man of the match in every match he has played for the Yids so far, but he's suspended tomorrow night and this will see Inter win comfortably. Samuel Eto'o has been absolutely on fire so far this campaign and he'll teach Tottenham's centre backs Billy 'Tiny Tears' Gallas and Sebastian Bassong a lesson. I'm so confident I'll even give the Spuds a headstart, Victor Chandler go 2.3 with a -1.0 handicap on Inter and that's where I'll be investing.
Arsenal v Shakhtar, Tuesday 1945
Arsenal have not been impressive of late, losing to WBA and narrowly beating Brum. If they were to travel to the Ukranian teams home ground I'd definitely be against them. They are good at home though, so I can't oppose them in this fixture. They do seem to be playing pretty poorly at the moment, with Alex Song now thinking he's the second coming of Maradona and trying to dictate play and Marouane Chamakh going down easier than that Jodie Marsh tart. In saying this though, the dirty diving foreign swine is a regular scorer and penalty taker and I fancy him to net tonight as he'll be up top on his own again. Betfair go 2.37 on such a thing to happen and that seems more than fair.
Lyon v Benfica, Wednesday 1945
I think this has got the makings of the most boring game of the tournament so far. Lyon have been dog shit, or merde de chien in the local dialect, and are finding scoring harder than that fella out of the basement in the Goonies. Benfica were somewhat pillaged last summer having built a successful team, with Di Maria to Madrid the biggest loss. They will not want to lose this match and I think they would very happily settle for a draw, with Lyon unable to all-out attack either due to their poorly performing players. The manager is under immense pressure and I can't see anything but a low scoring affair here with little for the neutral to enjoy. I also see a very slow, cagey start and for that reason I'll be backing the half time draw at 2.1 with Coral.
Real Madrid v AC Milan, Tuesday 1945
Jose Mourinho's men have really found their shooting boots now, racking up 10 goals in their last 2 matches. AC Milan are performing admirably in Italy, but it is a league on the decline and other than Alex Pato I fail to see any players that would make the Real Madrid starting line-up. Whilst Malaga are by no means a great team, similarly to Milan they are set up to attack and Madrid showed they can pick teams off if they play that way. Mourinho might, scratch that, is an almightily smug prat, but he knows tactics and I think he'll have his forwards swarming all over Milan's creaky backline. There is literally not a good full back in Italian football and Angel Di Maria and the cheating, poncy Ronaldo should tear them a new one. I'm again going to go to the handicap market for this one, Paddy Power go 2.05 with a -1.0 asian handicap and that's the one for me.
Inter v Tottenham, Wednesday 1945
I have been looking forward to this match ever since the draw. We will hopefully see where Tottenham and their droopy faced manager really fit in to the grand scheme of things. I think they are a million miles off a seasoned team like Inter with a tactical manager like Rafa Benitez. I criticised his signings at Liverpool, they were dogshit after all, but he has inherited Mourinho's European champions and hasn't had enough time to ruin them yet. Rafa Van Der Vaart has been man of the match in every match he has played for the Yids so far, but he's suspended tomorrow night and this will see Inter win comfortably. Samuel Eto'o has been absolutely on fire so far this campaign and he'll teach Tottenham's centre backs Billy 'Tiny Tears' Gallas and Sebastian Bassong a lesson. I'm so confident I'll even give the Spuds a headstart, Victor Chandler go 2.3 with a -1.0 handicap on Inter and that's where I'll be investing.
Arsenal v Shakhtar, Tuesday 1945
Arsenal have not been impressive of late, losing to WBA and narrowly beating Brum. If they were to travel to the Ukranian teams home ground I'd definitely be against them. They are good at home though, so I can't oppose them in this fixture. They do seem to be playing pretty poorly at the moment, with Alex Song now thinking he's the second coming of Maradona and trying to dictate play and Marouane Chamakh going down easier than that Jodie Marsh tart. In saying this though, the dirty diving foreign swine is a regular scorer and penalty taker and I fancy him to net tonight as he'll be up top on his own again. Betfair go 2.37 on such a thing to happen and that seems more than fair.
Lyon v Benfica, Wednesday 1945
I think this has got the makings of the most boring game of the tournament so far. Lyon have been dog shit, or merde de chien in the local dialect, and are finding scoring harder than that fella out of the basement in the Goonies. Benfica were somewhat pillaged last summer having built a successful team, with Di Maria to Madrid the biggest loss. They will not want to lose this match and I think they would very happily settle for a draw, with Lyon unable to all-out attack either due to their poorly performing players. The manager is under immense pressure and I can't see anything but a low scoring affair here with little for the neutral to enjoy. I also see a very slow, cagey start and for that reason I'll be backing the half time draw at 2.1 with Coral.
Real Madrid v AC Milan, Tuesday 1945
Jose Mourinho's men have really found their shooting boots now, racking up 10 goals in their last 2 matches. AC Milan are performing admirably in Italy, but it is a league on the decline and other than Alex Pato I fail to see any players that would make the Real Madrid starting line-up. Whilst Malaga are by no means a great team, similarly to Milan they are set up to attack and Madrid showed they can pick teams off if they play that way. Mourinho might, scratch that, is an almightily smug prat, but he knows tactics and I think he'll have his forwards swarming all over Milan's creaky backline. There is literally not a good full back in Italian football and Angel Di Maria and the cheating, poncy Ronaldo should tear them a new one. I'm again going to go to the handicap market for this one, Paddy Power go 2.05 with a -1.0 asian handicap and that's the one for me.
Friday, 15 October 2010
This weekend I will be mostly betting on...
Good morning followers, on this fine Friday. The weekend starts here and so on. The proper football returns this weekend, involving men who are actually paid to play it. I've got nothing against San Marino et al, I'd probably have more in common with them as individuals than those fooking prats in the England team, but they're dogshit at football and I don't want to watch them attempt to play it. I will endeavour to put out a second section this afternoon with some picks from lower leagues in this country and around Europe too. In a few weeks time I am planning on doing an In-Running betting blog with my workmate on a Saturday. We're hoping it'll give you an insight into the mind of an inveterate gambler and hopefully provide some laughs as well as some truly horrendous language! Enough of that, here's some tips...
Arsenal v Birmingham City, Saturday 1500
Now, there are those people who will point to Arsenal's loss at home to West Brom and the fact Brum were comfortably safe last year and tell you this is a tough match for the Gunners. In short, that's crap. If you take a look at Birmingham's results they have only 2 wins from their last 17 matches and they were both at home. The fans are getting on the managers back and it all adds up to a team currently low on confidence. Arsenal have come out of the international break relatively unscathed, only 90's boyband MN8 lookalike Bacary Sagna is a new injury. And he's not going to be a miss when he's been poor for a while now anyway. Arsenal don't lose at home often and are capable of blowing lesser teams out of the water at The Emirates, and that's what I think will happen here. Stan James will give you a -1.75 handicap at 2.1 and I think that's mighty generous of them.
Bolton v Stoke City, Saturday 1500
It has been a suprise to many to see Bolton doing relatively well this season, and even play some nice football. Not to me. If you go back to my Premier League preview I fancied the Trotters to improve under Owen Coyle and they have done just that. I have had a soft spot for Stoke kicking the shit out of the nancies in the Prem, but it's wearing thin when their football is so poor. Pulis has bought the odd flair player like Tuncay, but has then unfathomably benched them or let them leave. Stoke are out of the bottom 3 currently, but that owes more to a never say die attitude and Kenwyne Jones presence than any real skill. I think they'll come unstuck against a Bolton side that have plenty of battle in them too, but have players like Martin Petrov who can do major damage. The match odds seem plenty reasonable to me and I'll take William Hill's 2.25 the home win.
Fulham v Tottenham, Saturday 1500
There will only be one result in this match for me, and that is yet another draw for Mark Hughes specialists. They are the cream paint of the Prem, utterly nondescript and fairly unoffensive. They will start picking up wins at home at some point I think, but it'll be against a worse team than Harry 'Bare bones, droopy faced twat' Redknapp's outfit. They are again facing a daunting Champions League tie against Inter Milan, which they will lose and Eto'o will score, and may rest anyone who has a slight strain. Some of you might fancy Fulham to take advantage of that, and fair play if you do, but with no fit strikers I think we could see a fairly low scoring draw. Coral are the biggest price at 3.3 so I'll have that.
Manchester United v West Brom, Saturday 1500
This is an intriguing match up for me. WBA will still be on a high from their amazing win at Arsenal before the international break, and United are in something of a mess. Rooney's contradiction of Fergie's 'ankle injury' statement a few weeks back will make it very interesting to see if Red Nose still thinks no-one is bigger than the club. It should be an easy decision, I'd drop him just for being absolutely toilet for the last 6 months anyway. He has never been World Class, he's a good player in the Prem who's serious lack of touch would be shown up in 5 minutes in Spain. I think West Brom might grab a goal here, but I'd fancy United to win which means over 2.5 might be the bet here, but not at odds of 1.5! Betfred go 4.5 on a Draw HT/ Utd FT and I'd rather take a punt on that.
Newcastle v Wigan, Saturday 1500
These are my 2 teams not to bet on the match result! Both are hugely unpredictable and therefore calling a result is a minefield. A quick glance at Wigan's goals clumn reveals that away from home they're actually pretty tight at the back only conceding 2 goals in 2 games away from the DW. Maybe they like playing in front of more than 8 people? Newcastle have scored 7 in 3, but 6 of those came in one game against Villa. I think there's some value in under 2.5 goals in this. Stan James go 1.8 on that and I'm happy with that.
Wolves v West Ham, Saturday 1500
Good Lord this could be shit! Two of the bottom 4 meet at Molineux and I don't think there will be much for the neutral in this one. West Ham are without an away win since winning here on the first day of last season. Wolves have not been performing well at all so far this season and are fast gaining a reputation for being a horrendously dirty side. Their 'tough-tackling', read dirty get, Karl Henry is suspended and this should see Scotty Parker dominating midfield. He and Mark Noble have been the Irons best players so far this year and I think they can get another rare away victory because of that. Betfair are currently 3.55 on the away win and I think that's a great bet.
Aston Villa v Chelsea, Saturday 1730
If Chelsea have a bogey team then it's Villa, as strange as that may seem. They have only 1 victory against them in recent seasons and that makes this a very interesting game. If Chelsea were to lose, making it 2 losses on the spin, then we might seean uncharacteristic wobble. With John Terry still looking likely to be out and with their best centre back Alex also injured it could see 18 year old Jeffrey Bruma drafted in. Now, having seen him in action in pre-season this would worry me, because he's gash. If you throw 'Big' John Carew up against him then I think he might see the first man to shit himself live in the Premier League. This would also see Marc Albrighton up against Paulo Ferreira, another chance for Villa to take the intiative. I'd love to see them win to open up the title race again, but I'm not certain enough to back them outright. Far better to get on Villa and the Draw in the Double chance market, odds of 2.1 are widely available and that's my bet.
Everton v Liverpool, Sunday 1330
Let's all take a minute to laugh at Liverpool first. Ok? All done? The back to it. The constant 'we were great in the 80's so it's our rightful place at the top' has worn incredibly thin for me. It was 20 years ago now, it is no more significant than in the 1930's when Huddersfield dominated, and I don't hear them piping up? The court case this week has also turned into a complete farce and it must be affecting the players and management in some way. Everton finally got a win in their last match at Brum and will take some confidence from that. However, they need their strikers fit and firing to really improve. I might have acheeky bet on 1-1 for this game I think and Stan James will give you 8.0 on that, only half stakes for me though.
Blackpool v Manchester City, Sunday 1600
It shouldn't need saying, but this is the sort of game City must win if they are to seriously make a push for the title. If Chelsea do fail to get a result then they can cut the gap and Mancini should use that to fire them up. Hopefully poor little lamb Carlos Tevez will manage to get out of bed and not to retire as he is key to City. Sir Wrigley dropped a huge bollock in letting Tevez slip away as he has proved that given a run he will score plenty of goals, more than Rooney this season I'd be willing to bet. I think that as usual City wil start cagey and not to concede before going for it after the hour if they aren't yet ahead. Ian Holloways men have performed admirably this season, but City's power was too much for Chelsea and should be far too much for the men from the seaside. I can't get excited about match odds of 1.6 so I'm going to back Tevez to score anytime at 2.0 with Stan James.
Blackburn v Sunderland, Monday 2000
This match sees the 2 biggest gobshites in Prem managers go head-to-head. Big Fat Sam Allardyce literally can't keep his shut for want of self-promotion or sucking up to Fergie. And Bruce just will never accept that a match was lost because his team didn't perform. There's an argument that he is deflecting negative press from the players, but sometimes they need to hear it. Lee Cattermole is a case in point. He's a fine defensive midfielder when on the pitch, but he's not on it enough. Bruce's refusal to condemn him for being nothing short of a right dickhead means he carries on making silly challenges and berating referee's. And Allardyce is just a prick. His teams wont go down, they'll bully their way to enough victories to ensure it, but to listen to him you'd tink he'd invented total football. What a prat. Enough ranting, this has got home win written all over it for me, probably with cattermole getting sent off again as it gets 'tasty'. Willaim Hill go 2.15 on the home win so I'll take them on.
Arsenal v Birmingham City, Saturday 1500
Now, there are those people who will point to Arsenal's loss at home to West Brom and the fact Brum were comfortably safe last year and tell you this is a tough match for the Gunners. In short, that's crap. If you take a look at Birmingham's results they have only 2 wins from their last 17 matches and they were both at home. The fans are getting on the managers back and it all adds up to a team currently low on confidence. Arsenal have come out of the international break relatively unscathed, only 90's boyband MN8 lookalike Bacary Sagna is a new injury. And he's not going to be a miss when he's been poor for a while now anyway. Arsenal don't lose at home often and are capable of blowing lesser teams out of the water at The Emirates, and that's what I think will happen here. Stan James will give you a -1.75 handicap at 2.1 and I think that's mighty generous of them.
Bolton v Stoke City, Saturday 1500
It has been a suprise to many to see Bolton doing relatively well this season, and even play some nice football. Not to me. If you go back to my Premier League preview I fancied the Trotters to improve under Owen Coyle and they have done just that. I have had a soft spot for Stoke kicking the shit out of the nancies in the Prem, but it's wearing thin when their football is so poor. Pulis has bought the odd flair player like Tuncay, but has then unfathomably benched them or let them leave. Stoke are out of the bottom 3 currently, but that owes more to a never say die attitude and Kenwyne Jones presence than any real skill. I think they'll come unstuck against a Bolton side that have plenty of battle in them too, but have players like Martin Petrov who can do major damage. The match odds seem plenty reasonable to me and I'll take William Hill's 2.25 the home win.
Fulham v Tottenham, Saturday 1500
There will only be one result in this match for me, and that is yet another draw for Mark Hughes specialists. They are the cream paint of the Prem, utterly nondescript and fairly unoffensive. They will start picking up wins at home at some point I think, but it'll be against a worse team than Harry 'Bare bones, droopy faced twat' Redknapp's outfit. They are again facing a daunting Champions League tie against Inter Milan, which they will lose and Eto'o will score, and may rest anyone who has a slight strain. Some of you might fancy Fulham to take advantage of that, and fair play if you do, but with no fit strikers I think we could see a fairly low scoring draw. Coral are the biggest price at 3.3 so I'll have that.
Manchester United v West Brom, Saturday 1500
This is an intriguing match up for me. WBA will still be on a high from their amazing win at Arsenal before the international break, and United are in something of a mess. Rooney's contradiction of Fergie's 'ankle injury' statement a few weeks back will make it very interesting to see if Red Nose still thinks no-one is bigger than the club. It should be an easy decision, I'd drop him just for being absolutely toilet for the last 6 months anyway. He has never been World Class, he's a good player in the Prem who's serious lack of touch would be shown up in 5 minutes in Spain. I think West Brom might grab a goal here, but I'd fancy United to win which means over 2.5 might be the bet here, but not at odds of 1.5! Betfred go 4.5 on a Draw HT/ Utd FT and I'd rather take a punt on that.
Newcastle v Wigan, Saturday 1500
These are my 2 teams not to bet on the match result! Both are hugely unpredictable and therefore calling a result is a minefield. A quick glance at Wigan's goals clumn reveals that away from home they're actually pretty tight at the back only conceding 2 goals in 2 games away from the DW. Maybe they like playing in front of more than 8 people? Newcastle have scored 7 in 3, but 6 of those came in one game against Villa. I think there's some value in under 2.5 goals in this. Stan James go 1.8 on that and I'm happy with that.
Wolves v West Ham, Saturday 1500
Good Lord this could be shit! Two of the bottom 4 meet at Molineux and I don't think there will be much for the neutral in this one. West Ham are without an away win since winning here on the first day of last season. Wolves have not been performing well at all so far this season and are fast gaining a reputation for being a horrendously dirty side. Their 'tough-tackling', read dirty get, Karl Henry is suspended and this should see Scotty Parker dominating midfield. He and Mark Noble have been the Irons best players so far this year and I think they can get another rare away victory because of that. Betfair are currently 3.55 on the away win and I think that's a great bet.
Aston Villa v Chelsea, Saturday 1730
If Chelsea have a bogey team then it's Villa, as strange as that may seem. They have only 1 victory against them in recent seasons and that makes this a very interesting game. If Chelsea were to lose, making it 2 losses on the spin, then we might seean uncharacteristic wobble. With John Terry still looking likely to be out and with their best centre back Alex also injured it could see 18 year old Jeffrey Bruma drafted in. Now, having seen him in action in pre-season this would worry me, because he's gash. If you throw 'Big' John Carew up against him then I think he might see the first man to shit himself live in the Premier League. This would also see Marc Albrighton up against Paulo Ferreira, another chance for Villa to take the intiative. I'd love to see them win to open up the title race again, but I'm not certain enough to back them outright. Far better to get on Villa and the Draw in the Double chance market, odds of 2.1 are widely available and that's my bet.
Everton v Liverpool, Sunday 1330
Let's all take a minute to laugh at Liverpool first. Ok? All done? The back to it. The constant 'we were great in the 80's so it's our rightful place at the top' has worn incredibly thin for me. It was 20 years ago now, it is no more significant than in the 1930's when Huddersfield dominated, and I don't hear them piping up? The court case this week has also turned into a complete farce and it must be affecting the players and management in some way. Everton finally got a win in their last match at Brum and will take some confidence from that. However, they need their strikers fit and firing to really improve. I might have acheeky bet on 1-1 for this game I think and Stan James will give you 8.0 on that, only half stakes for me though.
Blackpool v Manchester City, Sunday 1600
It shouldn't need saying, but this is the sort of game City must win if they are to seriously make a push for the title. If Chelsea do fail to get a result then they can cut the gap and Mancini should use that to fire them up. Hopefully poor little lamb Carlos Tevez will manage to get out of bed and not to retire as he is key to City. Sir Wrigley dropped a huge bollock in letting Tevez slip away as he has proved that given a run he will score plenty of goals, more than Rooney this season I'd be willing to bet. I think that as usual City wil start cagey and not to concede before going for it after the hour if they aren't yet ahead. Ian Holloways men have performed admirably this season, but City's power was too much for Chelsea and should be far too much for the men from the seaside. I can't get excited about match odds of 1.6 so I'm going to back Tevez to score anytime at 2.0 with Stan James.
Blackburn v Sunderland, Monday 2000
This match sees the 2 biggest gobshites in Prem managers go head-to-head. Big Fat Sam Allardyce literally can't keep his shut for want of self-promotion or sucking up to Fergie. And Bruce just will never accept that a match was lost because his team didn't perform. There's an argument that he is deflecting negative press from the players, but sometimes they need to hear it. Lee Cattermole is a case in point. He's a fine defensive midfielder when on the pitch, but he's not on it enough. Bruce's refusal to condemn him for being nothing short of a right dickhead means he carries on making silly challenges and berating referee's. And Allardyce is just a prick. His teams wont go down, they'll bully their way to enough victories to ensure it, but to listen to him you'd tink he'd invented total football. What a prat. Enough ranting, this has got home win written all over it for me, probably with cattermole getting sent off again as it gets 'tasty'. Willaim Hill go 2.15 on the home win so I'll take them on.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
International football is upon us again...
Hello all. It is another break from domestic football action this weekend and early next week to watch the joke that is international football. No-one cares anymore about this horseshit and the pathetic excuses for teams that play it, barring 3 or 4 proper teams. To add to the hatred I have for this the Holland manager has dropped Nigel De Jong for a dirty challenge. This is the same man who picks Mark Van Bommel as his captain and sent his team out to kick the living shit out of Spain in the World Cup final, hypocrisy anyone?
Saying all this I for one am not going the weekend without having a bet so I'll try and pick out some matches for myself and my followers. Here goes nothing...
Kazakhstan v Belgium, Friday 1700
Last time we saw some international action I predicted Belgium would beat the inventors of doner kebabs and greasy mullets, Turkey, and it almost came true at around 5.5. Kazakhstan are nowhere near as good as Turkey, I hear they have one promising young player coming through, but that's literally it. I'm sure it's not a nice place to go, and they'll put up a fight, but the Belgians should have too much for them. They have some of Europe's most promising young players and this team should be one to watch by the time Euro 2012 is upon us. Hell, I like them just for bringing us Stella! I think they'll be good for a few goals in this and I'll handicap them as match odds of 1.6 aren't great. I'll take them -1.5 at 2.5 at bet365 thank you very much.
Cyprus v Norway, Friday 1900
This isn't exactly a fixture to get the pulse racing, but I think it could be a cracking game. The Cypriots seem to always be involved in high scoring games and a 4-4 draw with Portugal recently is a good example. Norway aren't exactly Total Football, but they have some inventive players and 'Big' John Carew is always a threat. I fancy some goals in this one, I'm going to go over 2.5 goals for this. Best price is a widely available 2.1 and I think that represents decent value.
Moldova v Netherlands, Friday 1915
Now then, regardless of my previous comments on the general dickheadery of their manager I'm confident Holland will smash Moldova. Dropping De Jong isn't really going to damage the Dutch when I can't name a single Moldovan player, 2 defensive midfielders is a bit un-necessary. The Dutch can also boast 2 of the most in-form players in world football in Rafael Van Der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder. Sloppy Chops might be a revolting prick, but he looks like his punt on Van Der Vaart was a good decision. Sneijder was the best player in Europe last year and with these 2 providing the bullets Holland should fill their boots. Victor Chandler have Holland at 1.83 with a -1.5 handicap and I'd happily fancy them to cover that.
Republic of Ireland v Russia, Friday 1945
The Republic of Ireland have never been good to watch whilst I've been alive and that hasn't changed under Il Trap. They are built not to concede and to try and nick a goal from Robbie Keane or a set-piece. This has been improved of late by the improvement in Aidan McGeady and Kevin Doyle. These 2 players have been doing well of late for Spartak Moscow and Wolves respectively and should go into this match full of confidence. Russia are a team in transition. They failed to qualify for the World Cup and barring Andrei Arshavin lack any real stars. They have never travelled well and that reason alone is enough to get me interested in quotes of 2.7 on Ireland to win. Betfair is the place to be for that price and it's a good bet I think.
Austria v Azerbaijan, Friday 1930
This is a gut feeling bet on my part, but with some decent reasoning behind it. Austrian teams are doing better and better in Europe and the national team has some promising youngsters and a genuine class striker in Marc Janko. Azerbaijan are shit. Utter, utter shit. If you think teams like Luxembourg are bad, well this lot are worse, second worst only because of the presence of San Marino. Playing at home and with the added fillip that brings I think Austria can grab a minimum of 2 goals against this lot. And they really shouldn't concede to a shambles like this. There are quotes of 1.85 available on Austria to cover a -1.5 goal handicap and I'll put some coin on that outcome.
Saying all this I for one am not going the weekend without having a bet so I'll try and pick out some matches for myself and my followers. Here goes nothing...
Kazakhstan v Belgium, Friday 1700
Last time we saw some international action I predicted Belgium would beat the inventors of doner kebabs and greasy mullets, Turkey, and it almost came true at around 5.5. Kazakhstan are nowhere near as good as Turkey, I hear they have one promising young player coming through, but that's literally it. I'm sure it's not a nice place to go, and they'll put up a fight, but the Belgians should have too much for them. They have some of Europe's most promising young players and this team should be one to watch by the time Euro 2012 is upon us. Hell, I like them just for bringing us Stella! I think they'll be good for a few goals in this and I'll handicap them as match odds of 1.6 aren't great. I'll take them -1.5 at 2.5 at bet365 thank you very much.
Cyprus v Norway, Friday 1900
This isn't exactly a fixture to get the pulse racing, but I think it could be a cracking game. The Cypriots seem to always be involved in high scoring games and a 4-4 draw with Portugal recently is a good example. Norway aren't exactly Total Football, but they have some inventive players and 'Big' John Carew is always a threat. I fancy some goals in this one, I'm going to go over 2.5 goals for this. Best price is a widely available 2.1 and I think that represents decent value.
Moldova v Netherlands, Friday 1915
Now then, regardless of my previous comments on the general dickheadery of their manager I'm confident Holland will smash Moldova. Dropping De Jong isn't really going to damage the Dutch when I can't name a single Moldovan player, 2 defensive midfielders is a bit un-necessary. The Dutch can also boast 2 of the most in-form players in world football in Rafael Van Der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder. Sloppy Chops might be a revolting prick, but he looks like his punt on Van Der Vaart was a good decision. Sneijder was the best player in Europe last year and with these 2 providing the bullets Holland should fill their boots. Victor Chandler have Holland at 1.83 with a -1.5 handicap and I'd happily fancy them to cover that.
Republic of Ireland v Russia, Friday 1945
The Republic of Ireland have never been good to watch whilst I've been alive and that hasn't changed under Il Trap. They are built not to concede and to try and nick a goal from Robbie Keane or a set-piece. This has been improved of late by the improvement in Aidan McGeady and Kevin Doyle. These 2 players have been doing well of late for Spartak Moscow and Wolves respectively and should go into this match full of confidence. Russia are a team in transition. They failed to qualify for the World Cup and barring Andrei Arshavin lack any real stars. They have never travelled well and that reason alone is enough to get me interested in quotes of 2.7 on Ireland to win. Betfair is the place to be for that price and it's a good bet I think.
Austria v Azerbaijan, Friday 1930
This is a gut feeling bet on my part, but with some decent reasoning behind it. Austrian teams are doing better and better in Europe and the national team has some promising youngsters and a genuine class striker in Marc Janko. Azerbaijan are shit. Utter, utter shit. If you think teams like Luxembourg are bad, well this lot are worse, second worst only because of the presence of San Marino. Playing at home and with the added fillip that brings I think Austria can grab a minimum of 2 goals against this lot. And they really shouldn't concede to a shambles like this. There are quotes of 1.85 available on Austria to cover a -1.5 goal handicap and I'll put some coin on that outcome.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
A big round-up...
It's been a while since I posted due to a break away so I'll round up my last few bets and then hopefully get some weekend tips out tomorrow.
A quick glance around Europe reveals...
Villarreal v Deportivo - Backing Villarreal -1.0asian - refund
Bilbao v Mallorca - Backing Bilbao at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Bologna v Udinese - Backing Bologna at 2.6 - £16.00 profit
Brescia v Roma - Backing Brescia at 3.5 - £25.00 profit
Mainz v Koln - Backing Mainz at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Hannover v Werder - Backing Hannover at 3.75 - £27.50 profit
Totals - £88.50 profit
Can this run possibly continue!?
Newcastle v Stoke - Carroll score first at 6.0 - lose £10.00
Wolves v Villa - Backing Wolves at 3.0 - lose £10.00
Bolton v Man Utd - Berbatov scores 2 or more - lose £10.00
West Ham v Tottenham - Backing West Ham draw no bet at 2.62 - £16.20 profit
Liverpool v Sunderland - Backing Sunderland and Draw on double chance at 2.75 - £17.50 profit
Fulham v Everton - hcap Draw - lose £10.00
Blackpool v Blackburn - Backing Blackpool at 3.25 - lose £10.00
Birmingham v Wigan - both to score - lose £10.00
Arsenal v West Brom - Arshavin to score 2.62 - lose £10.00
Man City v Chelsea - Backing Man City at 2.62 - £16.20 profit
Totals - lose £21.10
One brings Two...
Lyon v St Etienne - Backing St Etienne half stakes at 5.5 - £25.00 profit
Malaga v Villarreal - over 2.5 goals at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Sampdoria v Udinese - over 3.5 at 3.2 - lose £10.00
Stuttgart v Leverkusen - backing Stuttgart at 2.4 - lose £10.00
Bournemouth v Carlisle - Backing Bournemouth at 2.38 - £13.80 profit
Coventry v Preston - Backing Coventry at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Totals - £18.80 profit
The Champions da daaa da...
Hapoel Tel Aviv v Lyon - Backing Hapoel at 2.38 - lose £10.00
Rangers v Bursaspor - Backing Bursa at 4.0 - lose £10.00
Valencia v Man Utd - Backing Valencia at 2.75 - lose £10.00
Tottenham v Twente and Inter v Werder - over 2.5 double at 3.46 - £24.60 profit
Totals - lose £5.40
Overall from previous 4 posts - £80.80 profit
Grand Total - £223.30 profit
A quick glance around Europe reveals...
Villarreal v Deportivo - Backing Villarreal -1.0asian - refund
Bilbao v Mallorca - Backing Bilbao at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Bologna v Udinese - Backing Bologna at 2.6 - £16.00 profit
Brescia v Roma - Backing Brescia at 3.5 - £25.00 profit
Mainz v Koln - Backing Mainz at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Hannover v Werder - Backing Hannover at 3.75 - £27.50 profit
Totals - £88.50 profit
Can this run possibly continue!?
Newcastle v Stoke - Carroll score first at 6.0 - lose £10.00
Wolves v Villa - Backing Wolves at 3.0 - lose £10.00
Bolton v Man Utd - Berbatov scores 2 or more - lose £10.00
West Ham v Tottenham - Backing West Ham draw no bet at 2.62 - £16.20 profit
Liverpool v Sunderland - Backing Sunderland and Draw on double chance at 2.75 - £17.50 profit
Fulham v Everton - hcap Draw - lose £10.00
Blackpool v Blackburn - Backing Blackpool at 3.25 - lose £10.00
Birmingham v Wigan - both to score - lose £10.00
Arsenal v West Brom - Arshavin to score 2.62 - lose £10.00
Man City v Chelsea - Backing Man City at 2.62 - £16.20 profit
Totals - lose £21.10
One brings Two...
Lyon v St Etienne - Backing St Etienne half stakes at 5.5 - £25.00 profit
Malaga v Villarreal - over 2.5 goals at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Sampdoria v Udinese - over 3.5 at 3.2 - lose £10.00
Stuttgart v Leverkusen - backing Stuttgart at 2.4 - lose £10.00
Bournemouth v Carlisle - Backing Bournemouth at 2.38 - £13.80 profit
Coventry v Preston - Backing Coventry at 2.1 - lose £10.00
Totals - £18.80 profit
The Champions da daaa da...
Hapoel Tel Aviv v Lyon - Backing Hapoel at 2.38 - lose £10.00
Rangers v Bursaspor - Backing Bursa at 4.0 - lose £10.00
Valencia v Man Utd - Backing Valencia at 2.75 - lose £10.00
Tottenham v Twente and Inter v Werder - over 2.5 double at 3.46 - £24.60 profit
Totals - lose £5.40
Overall from previous 4 posts - £80.80 profit
Grand Total - £223.30 profit
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