Well, I had my most successful week in terms of tips last week when casting my eyes towards mainland Europe. However comma that did mean that I didn't really get the chance to abuse prime prats like Big Fat Sam Allardicio or Sir Wrigley quite as much as makes me happy. So I'm at a bit of a crossroads taking this blog forward. I would love to write 2 blogs every weekend, but sadly I haven't the time for it. I will try and combine both this week with a selection of some from the Prem, and also some for around Europe. Hopefully this will give a happy medium, although any feedback on which way those that read this would like it to go would be greatly received? Last weekend saw Arsenal's annual capitulation continue apace. Dominating Man Utd before neglecting to bother actually shooting straight can only go on so long before you are punished. With Djourou and Vermaaelen now ruled out for the rest of the season I am rescinding my tip of the Gunners as a good bet for the league. They've shot it. We also saw all the remaining combatants from the UK leaving the Europa League with barely a whimper. Liverpool produced another god awful display, devoid of the 'famous' Anfield atmosphere. Man City failed to push on from a 1-0 lead at HT, not helped by Mario Balotelli's rather un-necessary sending off before the break. And Rangers sent out a shadow team with the hugely important Co-Op Cup Final this weekend. Music comes from a new favourite of mine Anti-Flag with No Paradise.
West Brom v Arsenal, Saturday 1500
As I am seeing an Arsenal supporting friend on Saturday, it brings me no huge pleasure to declare the Gunners season over. But, in my opinion, that's exactly the stage they find themselves at. I have moaned before about the lack of a second voice at Arsenal, and the 'nice' culture between the players. That's all a bit old hat now. What isn't though is the return of Mad Jens! One of the biggest characters to ever grace English football in the last decade is back at 41 to cover Almunia, a man who admitted to 'hating' him only 3 years ago. This should provide some fantastic entertainment! He is also doing his coaching badges so some sort of comedy Prof Arsene and Mad Jens team might be somewhere down the line, oh fuck yes. Anyway, back to the football. I think West Brom will rarely get a better time to face the Gooners than when they're sitting licking their wounds complaining about the injustice of it all. They have been fairly poor since xmas, but I think they will definitely score in this, and that gives them a chance. Coral are still 2.1 on WBA and the Draw and I'll happily take that action.
Everton v Fulham, Saturday 1730
In one of the less inspiring late kick-offs this season on ESPN we have under-performing Everton hosting poor travellers Fulham. I think Everton had been generally underpriced for a lot of the season at home as people assumed they'd get out of their shit run, but it seems now that might have swung the other way. I think you'd have seen this game with Everton around the 1.7 mark a month ago before Fulham got their strikers back. To compound the Toffees misery they have injuries as usual, but Mikel Arteta has looked somewhere approaching what he's capable of recently. They will look to him for inspiration and flair and I think he'll provide some good performances until the end of the season before looking at the summer as his last chance for a big move. The Mark Viduka Effect as it's more commonly known. As mentioned, Fulham now have some strikers back and fit and have looked a more rounded team for it. They have also picked up a cracking 1 win away all season. They wont add to that here for my money. Betfair are still at 2.1 and it wont be above even money for long so take it whilst it's hot!
Chelsea v Man City, Sunday 1600
I'm writing about this mainly as a reason to vent my spleen at that fucking thick twat Tony Gale. I've been bombarded with his 'expert' views on Mario Balotelli on SSN all morning, and I'm at boiling point. He's a fucking clown, a dickhead of the highest order, Gale that is. Balotelli is definitely a liability, but until Man City are challenging for the title or regular 'Champions' League qualifiers, he is exactly the sort of player they will have to chance it on. He's supremely talented, but a flawed character and still worth persisting with for at least another season. Gale saying he should be bombed out immediately, that he's not that good anyway, and that the Kiev team that beat them 2-0 only a week ago were incredibly poor. I hate the man. How can someone who is so consistently wrong in his statements on national TV still be given more airtime? That'll do for now. This will be a tight match, Citeh determined not to concede and Chelsea firing as many blanks as Boycie. In my opinion Bet365 are taking a chance on 1.85 on under 2.5 and I'll happily take them on.
Bologna v Genoa, Sunday 1400
This match will probably follow most of Genoa's this season and be an incredibly dull affair. They rely on keeping it tight at the back and trying to pinch a goal here and there, and it's enough to keep them out of danger. Bologna take more chances and are being rewarded for it at home with a very impressive 7 wins at home already. They beat Juventus at Delle Alpi only 3 games ago and have picked up a draw and another away win in the intervening period. Genoa have not been great away from home and have only scored 11 in 15, but have only conceded a paltry 14. It should be a tight game, but at the odds on offer I'm willing to back Bologna. The teams are roughly similar in league position with Bologna one place above Genoa so I think Bolgna are good value slight fav's. Odds of 2.75 are still available at William Hill but they wont be for long.
Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke 04, Sunday 1430
In a suprising league table in Germany Dortmund have romped clear to an almost unassaiable lead, with Leverkusen the chasers. They are comfortable in 2nd place and are playing some very good football themselves. Schalke have fared ok in the Champions League and Germany's DFB Pokal Cup, but league form has left them struggling well off the top. This led to the sacking of their manager Felix Magath this week. Always a prickly character, Magath demands a lot of players and is not keen on the press. This very quickly makes his life difficult when results don't go his way as the press are quick to apply pressure and many players revolt. After quickly appointing ex-Hoffenheim manager Ralf Ragnick they should see a turnaround in results, but not quickly enough for this game. Bet365 go 2.5 on Leverkusen -1.0 asian and I'd fill yer boots, they'll cover it.
Gaziantepsor v Istanbul BB, Saturday 1300
On to my current favourite league, the Turkish Super Lig! I keep a very close eye on this at work, and have been doing very well personally out of it of late. Gaziantep have been a major source of income as they are very good at home, particularly in dispatching the lesser lights. Istanbul BB are constantly in the shadow of Gala and Fener in Istanbul and will be unlikely to ever set the league alight. They are comfortably mid-table this season, and have been ticking over nicley. But, all their better away performances have been against teams like Sivasspor and Kasimpasa, who are utter dogshit. Gaziantep will be a different proposition and should fancy their chances of a victory. I'm happy to take them with a -1.0 asian hcap and Bet365 go 2.32 on that.
Eskisehirspor v Karabukspor, Sunday 1200
A similar feel to this game with 2 teams that aren't a million miles apart. Eskisehir have had some goo dresults lately, unbeaten in 5 and on a 4 match winning run. Karabuk have drawn the last 2 and only won away twice all season. They score a lot at home, but they are similar to many teams in this league in that their defence would embarass an under 13's girls team at times. They have conceded 25 in 13 away and Eskisehir must be looking to gain another 3 points and try and push on from an impressive 5th position they currently occupy. Basically, take the form team against a team who are weak away. They are still 2.15 with Blue Sq and that will be below even money come kick off so get on now.
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