First of all sorry for the lateness of my blog this week. My actual job, the one that pays, has taken precedence this week. Anyway, I know most of you are stuck in the office too and get your bets on at the weekend so hopefully this wont be too late for you? So far I've done pretty well and am showing a healthy profit, as hopefully anyone who's backed my tips is too, long may it continue. I'll try and do 2 blogs today with my Premier League and then miscellaneous tips, this might not be possible though. Here are my views on the Premier League this week:
Stoke v West Ham, Saturday 1245
Until Monday night these 2 were the only teams without a point and that would have made this a fairly tough match to call with both desperate not to lose, but lacking the confidence to push for a win. As it is though, Stoke made a thrilling late comeback and beat Villa 2-1 with a last minute snatcher. To compound the misery for the Hammers manager Avram Grant and defender Tal Ben Haim are observing a Jewish holiday and will not be present. In the case of Ben Haim this can only be a good thing as he has the turning circle of a bus and makes Rik Waller look like Usain Bolt he's so slow. Much as I'd like to see the Irons grab some points it will not be in this match. Ladbrokes have still got Stoke at 2.0 and I see that being closer to 1.9 by kick-off so take it now.
Aston Villa v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Because of some hold up in France, probably another strike, they love a good strike, Gerard Houllier will still not be in charge for this match. This might not be a bad thing as he is hardly being welcomed with open arms and Kevin McDonald hasn't disgraced himself so far. He has given plenty of young players a chance, with Marc Albrighton impressing me most. As I keep saying though I think Bolton will do well under Owen Coyle and I think they have a goal in them at least in this match with Villa's previously strong defence looking vulnerable of late. Take the 1.8 at BetFred for both teams to score in this one.
Blackburn v Fulham, Saturday 1500
Big Fat Sam has been running his Big Fat Mouth this week about Arsene Wenger using the media to influence referees. This might be a reasonable point if he hadn't gathered the press round himself to put across the opposite point! What a prat. Blackburn, and Nikola Kalinic in particular have been the recipients of some right gifts this season to give them goals and their luck will run out soon I think. Mark Hughes isn't as cuddly as Woy Hodgson, but he has quietly gone about improving an already impressive Fulham side and Moussa Dmebele in particular looks a good addition. I've got a feeling that we may see one of those rarest of football sites on Saturday, a Fulham away win! Hughes isn't afraid to get his men to kick the Lamb Shank lookalike's men back and I can see this shocking them. You can pick up 4.3 on Betfair on the away win and I think it's well worth a poke.
Everton v Newcastle, Saturday 1500
Everton mounted an almost impossible last 5 minute comeback against Man Utd last week and almost snatched a win at the death. That will have felt like a win for David Moyes and his troops and that should carry over into this home match. Newcastle have started very inconsistently, beating Villa 6-0 at home and losing 2-0 at home to Blackpool giving a good idea of their unpredictability. Whilst Everton don't have any fit strikers I think Tim Cahill causes more problems than a lot of actual strikers with his amazing leap and prowess in the air. Jonny Evans was made to look like the pathetic lightweight that he is by him last week and I'd imagine the sheer girth of Steven Taylor would limit his 'leap' to around 2cm max. I think Newcastle could be in for a hiding here, and this could be the win that kickstarts Everton's stalled season. Stan James go 2.22 with a -1.0 asian handicap and that's the bet for me.
Tottenham Hotspur v Wolves, Saturday 1500
Sloppy Chops men started their maiden Champions League campaign with a creditable away point at Werder Bremen on Tuesday evening. But, they threw away a 2 goal lead and were hanging on by the end. Whilst they can undoubtebly be exciting, Redknapps tactical nous is almost non-existent. If he gets his hands on the England job, as he seems to never tire of telling his press chums he'd love, then God help England. One of my favourite managers Mick McCarthy brings his Wolves team to White Hart Lane on a good run. He doesn't have any fancy ideas about playing expansive football as he doesn't have the players to do it. They are undoubtebly a dirty bunch, the highest foul count this season backs that up, but they get the job done. And in Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher they possess a very good front pairing. I think Wolves could get something and wouldn't shy away from laying Spurs on Betfair at a very short 1.48. However comma I would again back the first half to have the most goals at 3.25 at BetFred.
West Brom v Birmingham, Saturday 1500
A midlands derby in this match, and whilst not the most feisty it will certainly be hotly contested. My view is that Birmingham are heading for a European spot this year or next and West Brom are heading for another spell in the Championship. Because WBA's defence is about as useless as a chocolate teapot I think this game has goals in it. I think West Brom might have enough for a goal, but I think Birmingham will definitely grab one or more too. Get on over 2.5 at BlueSquare at 2.15.
Sunderland v Arsenal, Saturday 1730
This is the sort of match where Arsenal have struggled in the past. A long away trip to the North after a Champions League match in midweek. But, because they won so convincingly and because in Marouane Chamakh they have finally got a target man, I think the away win is value here. That 6-0 thumping they handed out should see the players full of confidence and Cesc Fabregas was at his imperious best (a good bet at 8/1 for Player of the Year too!). Sunderland have yet to really impress and will again be missing the moron that is Lee Cattermole. Cattermole again got himself sent off having returned from a ban and is up there as the stupidest player currently in the division, a hotly contested award if ever there was one. He averages a sending off roughly once every 25 games and frankly needs a good kicking from his manager if he does it again. Stan James go 1.7 on the away win and I'd say that's brilliant value even if its below even money.
Manchester United v Liverpool, Sunday 1330
One of the Premier Leagues biggest rivalries is the clash of Man Utd and Liverpool. Currently tied on 18 titles each it is Alex Fergusons stated aim to make Man Utd the leaders in this field. Pool are in a truly dire state at the moment, completely broke and lacking any quality barring Torres and a fading Gerrard. Joe Cole was released by Chelsea for a good reason, that being that he is no longer the 17 year old boy wonder at West Ham, he is an average 29 year old with no fixed position. If he is Liverpool's saviour then they are fast heading for mediocrity. The price on Man Utd in this match is surely because of the amount of Liverpool fans backing their team and the 'derby factor'. I don't buy any of this and see a convincing United win. Paddy Power go 2.3 on Utd with a -1.0 asian handicap and I think that's the bet for me.
Wigan v Manchester City, Sunday 1500
I think Roberto Mancini may have inadvertently stumbled on his best line-up in the away match at Slazburg last night. Jo has been much maligned, and rightly so, but in pre-season he was City-s best man at being the focal point of the attack. David Silva is a lso an excellent player, but he needs a target man to hold the ball up sometimes so he can join play. With Adebayor injured I think Jo can make the strikers position his own and then we should see the usual toys out of the pram sulking routine from 'Ade' in January and hopefully we'll see the back of the over-rated tool. Wigan are as unpredictable as ever and their matches are always a no bet on the match for me. Skybet go 7.5 on Jo scoring first and I'm going to have a half stakes stab at that.
Chelsea v Blackpool, Sunday 1600
The second live match on Sunday sees Chelsea take on Blackpool at Stamford Bridge. Blackpool have started better than most people with under 7 fingers on each hand would have predicted, but Chelsea have been truly awesome so far. Much as I'd love to say that Ian Holloway can cause an upset here, he can't. Home, away, in the Premier League or Europe Chelsea are dispatching teams at will. The best price on a Chelsea win here is 1.1 and rightly so, it's as close to a dead cert as you'll ever see in football. If you want some value or haven't got a spare ten grand to make the match prices worthwhile then the asian handicaps are the place to look. Even then you're only going to get 1.42 on Chelsea -2.0. Take Chelsea to score 4+ at 2.45 at Skybet, they probably will!
Friday, 17 September 2010
Monday, 13 September 2010
Champions League, you're havin' a laff...
Righty then, it's UEFA's 'Champions' League this fine midweek. This is clearly some sort of error somewhere on UEFA's part as I'm pretty sure there is more than 1 team from the same country on a number of occasions and they can't all be 'Champions' can they? Bloody branding nonsense. I'm only going to put up a few tips for these games as I haven't caught much Ligue 1 let alone any Ukranian or Slovakian league football so far this season so I'm not really in a position of authority on some teams! That being said here's my picks:
Werder Bremen v Tottenham Hotspur, Tuesday 1945
This is Tottenham first foray into the big boys European tournament and wouldn't we all dearly love to see them and part-time 'Ohhh Yesss@ Churchill lookalike Harry 'the boys done triffic' Redknapp fall on their collective swords. I know the Premier League is, in many morons eyes, by far the biggest and best league in the whole wide world, but this simply doesn't hold true if you take a little look at the realities. None of the worlds best foreign stars play there and the national team is hopeless and England still supplies the most players, regardless of what the Daily Mail think. All this does have a point! And it is that Werder Bremen are a frankly massive price for this game. They held Bayern Munich to a draw at the Olympiastadion on Saturday and Tottenham have lost to Wigan at home and failed to beat West Brom in their last 2 games. Add this to the fact Harry's bare bones excuse is only a matter of days away and I really can't see any result but a home win. Because of far too many English idiots backing Spurs Werder are 2.2 in many places. Back them now.
Manchester United v Rangers, Tuesday 1945
Here we see United take on a Rangers team hailing from the weakest Scottish Prem in the last 30 years. Considering it's always been absolute toilet this is saying something. United might have been pegged back to a 3-3 draw late on at Everton on Saturday, but Rangers best striker is Kenny Miller and their best defender is a 86 year old David Weir. Needless to say, they aren't as good as Everton. I think Rangers could be in for an absolute tonking here and would not hesitate to grossly handicap United expecting them to fill their boots. bet365 will give you 2.0 with a -2 handicap and I'll be having some of that, I'd advise you to do the same.
Lyon v Schalke, Tuesday 1945
Neither of these 2 teams have started their domestic campaigns particularly well. French teams are notorious for their lack of high-scoring games and Schalke's new strikeforce of Raul and Huntelaar haven't gelled yet, this is added to the fact that Huntelaar's chance coversion makes Andy Cole look efficient! For me this all adds up to 2 teams not wanting to lose their first group game and a cagey affair. I fancy under 2.5 goals with 1.9 widely available.
Real Madrid v Ajax, Wednesday 1945
This will be my last tip for this weeks games. Jose Mourinho has taken over Los Merengues this season and has so far Played 2 Won 1 Drawn 1 Scored 1 and Conceded 0, as is his trademark. Mourinho teams also never, and I mean never, lose at home. The Dutch League isn't what it was 10 years ago and Ajax are just about the best of an unremarkable bunch. Whilst Madrid's fans have already booed their team off for a perceived lack of daring-do, the 'Special One' wont care as long as they keep grinding out wins. He will be aware that the tournament Madrid value like no other is the Champions League, and he will be looking to win it for a 3rd time with a 3rd team. This all adds up to a Madrid win to nil for me. The best price is 2.4 at Paddy Power.
Werder Bremen v Tottenham Hotspur, Tuesday 1945
This is Tottenham first foray into the big boys European tournament and wouldn't we all dearly love to see them and part-time 'Ohhh Yesss@ Churchill lookalike Harry 'the boys done triffic' Redknapp fall on their collective swords. I know the Premier League is, in many morons eyes, by far the biggest and best league in the whole wide world, but this simply doesn't hold true if you take a little look at the realities. None of the worlds best foreign stars play there and the national team is hopeless and England still supplies the most players, regardless of what the Daily Mail think. All this does have a point! And it is that Werder Bremen are a frankly massive price for this game. They held Bayern Munich to a draw at the Olympiastadion on Saturday and Tottenham have lost to Wigan at home and failed to beat West Brom in their last 2 games. Add this to the fact Harry's bare bones excuse is only a matter of days away and I really can't see any result but a home win. Because of far too many English idiots backing Spurs Werder are 2.2 in many places. Back them now.
Manchester United v Rangers, Tuesday 1945
Here we see United take on a Rangers team hailing from the weakest Scottish Prem in the last 30 years. Considering it's always been absolute toilet this is saying something. United might have been pegged back to a 3-3 draw late on at Everton on Saturday, but Rangers best striker is Kenny Miller and their best defender is a 86 year old David Weir. Needless to say, they aren't as good as Everton. I think Rangers could be in for an absolute tonking here and would not hesitate to grossly handicap United expecting them to fill their boots. bet365 will give you 2.0 with a -2 handicap and I'll be having some of that, I'd advise you to do the same.
Lyon v Schalke, Tuesday 1945
Neither of these 2 teams have started their domestic campaigns particularly well. French teams are notorious for their lack of high-scoring games and Schalke's new strikeforce of Raul and Huntelaar haven't gelled yet, this is added to the fact that Huntelaar's chance coversion makes Andy Cole look efficient! For me this all adds up to 2 teams not wanting to lose their first group game and a cagey affair. I fancy under 2.5 goals with 1.9 widely available.
Real Madrid v Ajax, Wednesday 1945
This will be my last tip for this weeks games. Jose Mourinho has taken over Los Merengues this season and has so far Played 2 Won 1 Drawn 1 Scored 1 and Conceded 0, as is his trademark. Mourinho teams also never, and I mean never, lose at home. The Dutch League isn't what it was 10 years ago and Ajax are just about the best of an unremarkable bunch. Whilst Madrid's fans have already booed their team off for a perceived lack of daring-do, the 'Special One' wont care as long as they keep grinding out wins. He will be aware that the tournament Madrid value like no other is the Champions League, and he will be looking to win it for a 3rd time with a 3rd team. This all adds up to a Madrid win to nil for me. The best price is 2.4 at Paddy Power.
Another quick round-up...
Well, here we are, back at work after the weekend. Well, most of you are anyway, I have been in the office most of it due to picking a career where sport dictates my shifts. Anyway, enough of my whining, I get paid to watch sport and offer my opinions on it, I truly am a winner! Here's a quick round-up of how my tips over the weekend faired:
Premier League Tips
Everton v Man Utd - Back Man Utd at 1.9 - lose £10.00
Arsenal v Bolton - Arsenal/Arsenal at 2.37 - £13.70 profit
Fulham v Wolves - Back Fulham at 1.85 or under 2.5 at 1.8 - lose £1.50
Man City v Blackburn - Under 2.5 at 2.25 - £12.50 profit
Newcastle v Blackpool - Newcastle -1.5 - lose £10.00
West Brom v Tottenham - Highest Scoring half = first at 3.25 - £22.50 profit
West Ham v Chelsea - Back Chelsea at 1.3 or Malouda or Lampard to score - £3.00 profit
Wigan v Sunderland - Bent first goal - lose £10.00
Birmingham v Liverpool - Brum Draw no Bet - refund
Stoke v Aston Villa - Backing Stoke at 2.6 - £16.00 profit
Other Tips
Luton v Cambridge and Histon v Crawley - Half stakes on away wins - lose £10.00
Crewe v Bury - Backing Crewe at 2.4 - £14.00 profit
Cardiff v Hull - Cardiff -1 at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Freiburg v Stuttgart - Backing Freiburg at 3.5 - £25.00 profit
Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid - Backing Bilbao - lose £10.00
Total profit this week of £62.20
Total profit overall £159.50
I have included all bets in the Prem as I didn't put anyone off them. I also went half stakes on the Blue Square games as I said a smaller stakes punt on both.
Premier League Tips
Everton v Man Utd - Back Man Utd at 1.9 - lose £10.00
Arsenal v Bolton - Arsenal/Arsenal at 2.37 - £13.70 profit
Fulham v Wolves - Back Fulham at 1.85 or under 2.5 at 1.8 - lose £1.50
Man City v Blackburn - Under 2.5 at 2.25 - £12.50 profit
Newcastle v Blackpool - Newcastle -1.5 - lose £10.00
West Brom v Tottenham - Highest Scoring half = first at 3.25 - £22.50 profit
West Ham v Chelsea - Back Chelsea at 1.3 or Malouda or Lampard to score - £3.00 profit
Wigan v Sunderland - Bent first goal - lose £10.00
Birmingham v Liverpool - Brum Draw no Bet - refund
Stoke v Aston Villa - Backing Stoke at 2.6 - £16.00 profit
Other Tips
Luton v Cambridge and Histon v Crawley - Half stakes on away wins - lose £10.00
Crewe v Bury - Backing Crewe at 2.4 - £14.00 profit
Cardiff v Hull - Cardiff -1 at 2.0 - £10.00 profit
Freiburg v Stuttgart - Backing Freiburg at 3.5 - £25.00 profit
Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid - Backing Bilbao - lose £10.00
Total profit this week of £62.20
Total profit overall £159.50
I have included all bets in the Prem as I didn't put anyone off them. I also went half stakes on the Blue Square games as I said a smaller stakes punt on both.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Please Sir, I want some more...
As promised I shall put up a few more tips for this weekend from the lower leagues and around Europe. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not quite as well informed on the nuances of German fussball or Italian calcio as those native to the countries, but I still like a tickle on them occasionally as I'm sure the more committed/addicted gamblers reading do! Without any further ado...
Lower League English
The Championship
Cardiff v Hull, Saturday 1500
Right then let's start things off in God's own country Wales. Having added Craig Bellamy, truly the finest man playing pro football on these shores, Cardiff are, in my opinion, the only outstanding team in a pretty open division this year. Hull are toilet away from home. You can see where this is going can't you? Take -1.0 on the Asian Handicap market at 2.0 with Bet365.
League 2
Crewe v Bury, Saturday 1500
This is based on little more than a hunch and my belief that Crewe were underperforming in the opening 2 games and that their 7-0 win against Barnet was more representative of their quality. Bury have got off to a decent start, but I think in somewhat of a local derby Crewe should have the ability and motivation to win this. The price is what really drew me in and the best offering is 2.4 at Totesport.
Blue Square Premier
Histon v Crawley Town and
Luton v Cambridge both Saturday 1500
These are both long odds shouts, and I would only put small stakes on both of these if you're going to follow. Histon should be imploding at present having been in huge debt and with John Beck walking out as manager 3 weeks ago. However, they are grinding out the odd result and for some reason I think they might beat a high-flying Crawley side. Histon are basically a village team and Crawley have invested in players unused to the tiny, cramped conditions they will encounter. I'd have a little dabble at the 6.0 at bet365.
My second long odds poke is my team, the mighty Cambridge United away at pre-season fav's Luton Town. The U's have won their last 2 games by a combined 7-0 scoreline and whilst Luton are a better team I think they are in a small rut currently. This leaves Cambridge with a chance to sneak some points that they wouldn't normally expect to get. You can take this as the mad ramblings of a deluded fan, and it just might be! Or you can snap up Betfair's 5.4 on the away win and cross your fingers come 5 o'clock Saturday and hope for a late snatcher!
German Bundesliga
Freiburg v Stuttgart, Saturday 1430
This is another one that is more because I like the odds than because it's nailed on. Stuttgart are struggling already this season and have not adequately replaced midfield orchestrator Sami Khedira after his sale to Real Madrid. They are Played 2 Lost 2 Scored 1 Conceded 5, and this is because they are hopeless and are going to need a major sort out before things improve. Freiburg won their only away game 2-1 against Nurnberg and that's enough for me to be interested in Victor Chandler quoting 3.5 on Freiburg winning.
Spanish La Liga Primera
Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Saturday 2100
The late kick-off Saturday sees the perennially unpredictable (I know it doesn't work!) Atleti travel to the Basque country to take on the local boys of Bilbao. In one of the most impressive stats in world football Bilbao only play lads with links to the Basque region and have managed to compete, and even sometimes challenge, in 1 of Europe's 3 traditional 'big' leagues. I think Atleti are best positioned to pose the only possible challenge to Barca and Real Madrid, but they don't like it up em, and the Basque bruisers like dishing it out. I would have Bilbao as marginla fav's for this, so the 3.25 at Betfair should be snapped up.
Lower League English
The Championship
Cardiff v Hull, Saturday 1500
Right then let's start things off in God's own country Wales. Having added Craig Bellamy, truly the finest man playing pro football on these shores, Cardiff are, in my opinion, the only outstanding team in a pretty open division this year. Hull are toilet away from home. You can see where this is going can't you? Take -1.0 on the Asian Handicap market at 2.0 with Bet365.
League 2
Crewe v Bury, Saturday 1500
This is based on little more than a hunch and my belief that Crewe were underperforming in the opening 2 games and that their 7-0 win against Barnet was more representative of their quality. Bury have got off to a decent start, but I think in somewhat of a local derby Crewe should have the ability and motivation to win this. The price is what really drew me in and the best offering is 2.4 at Totesport.
Blue Square Premier
Histon v Crawley Town and
Luton v Cambridge both Saturday 1500
These are both long odds shouts, and I would only put small stakes on both of these if you're going to follow. Histon should be imploding at present having been in huge debt and with John Beck walking out as manager 3 weeks ago. However, they are grinding out the odd result and for some reason I think they might beat a high-flying Crawley side. Histon are basically a village team and Crawley have invested in players unused to the tiny, cramped conditions they will encounter. I'd have a little dabble at the 6.0 at bet365.
My second long odds poke is my team, the mighty Cambridge United away at pre-season fav's Luton Town. The U's have won their last 2 games by a combined 7-0 scoreline and whilst Luton are a better team I think they are in a small rut currently. This leaves Cambridge with a chance to sneak some points that they wouldn't normally expect to get. You can take this as the mad ramblings of a deluded fan, and it just might be! Or you can snap up Betfair's 5.4 on the away win and cross your fingers come 5 o'clock Saturday and hope for a late snatcher!
German Bundesliga
Freiburg v Stuttgart, Saturday 1430
This is another one that is more because I like the odds than because it's nailed on. Stuttgart are struggling already this season and have not adequately replaced midfield orchestrator Sami Khedira after his sale to Real Madrid. They are Played 2 Lost 2 Scored 1 Conceded 5, and this is because they are hopeless and are going to need a major sort out before things improve. Freiburg won their only away game 2-1 against Nurnberg and that's enough for me to be interested in Victor Chandler quoting 3.5 on Freiburg winning.
Spanish La Liga Primera
Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Saturday 2100
The late kick-off Saturday sees the perennially unpredictable (I know it doesn't work!) Atleti travel to the Basque country to take on the local boys of Bilbao. In one of the most impressive stats in world football Bilbao only play lads with links to the Basque region and have managed to compete, and even sometimes challenge, in 1 of Europe's 3 traditional 'big' leagues. I think Atleti are best positioned to pose the only possible challenge to Barca and Real Madrid, but they don't like it up em, and the Basque bruisers like dishing it out. I would have Bilbao as marginla fav's for this, so the 3.25 at Betfair should be snapped up.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
The 'real' football is back...
Well, that was an interesting week of football wasn't it? No? You're probably right. Internationals have now lost all their shine, and it is because of these pointless teams like Luxembourg, Andorra and the like that are ruining it. Just because they are a country really shouldn't mean that a rag-tag collection of butchers, bakers and used car salesmen can compete with professionals. It's all very nice and all that, but it's a waste of everyone's time, and means slim pickings in terms of gambling outside of acca's. Put them all in their own qualifying tournament and let the winner enter into a group with the pro's for a sound hiding. At least they would have some competitive games in the qualifying tournament, Andorra haven't won in years, what's the point?
Anyway...enough of that! This weekend sees the return of professional club football and the gambling that inevitably comes with it. I will put up my Premier League tips as is now de rigeur, and I will try and put out a smaller blog with 5-10 tips from lower leagues and around Europe. I am now up to a truly massive 4 followers and would greatly appreciate regular readers adding to that number.
Let's begin with those Prem games:
Everton v Manchester United, Saturday 1245
Normally I'm not an away backer, and rarely do I see Man Utd at a price that truly appeals, but this weekend is one of those times. Everton have started off the season in shocking fashion and United have been grinding out results, as is their want. Reports this morning suggest Everton will be going with a novel 4-6-0 formation as they have no fit strikers, Cahill and part-time Screech lookalike Fellaini will be asked to push on and provide the attacking threat. United will be welcoming back a Wayne Rooney who looks like a weight has been lifted thanks to the hooker revelations now being in the public domain. Although paying a reported 200sheets for 20 fags should be the more shameful act, in my opinion. William Hill are currently 1.9 and that will be more like 1.8 come kick-off so I'd get on now. It's a steal!
Arsenal v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Arsenal have struggled in the past against Bolton and are missing both Theo Walcott and RVP for around 6 weeks now. With Nicklas Bendtner also injured that leaves Marouane Chamakh to stake a claim for being the focal point of the attack in the coming weeks. Bolton are not the 'up and at em' merchants they were under Big Fat Sam and Gary 'Boring' Megson and Owen Coyle harbours ambitions of making them attractive as a team. This is laudible, and I think he's made some good signings to do this. But, and it's a James Beattie size but, this approach will be playing into Arsenal's hands. The prices of around 1.25 on a home win are a bit prohibitive for me so I'd look elsewhere for a bit more value. William Hill are again a large price on the Arsenal/Arsenal in the HT/FT market, I'd take a bit of that at 2.37 currently.
Fulham v Wolves, Saturday 1500
Now this is a difficult one to call! Although with Wolves possibly missing Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle I would back Fulham at 1.85 with Victor Chandler if the team news on the day confirms this. Fulham have started the Mark Hughes era with some fairly steady results and he is a manager who believes in building from the back. Mich McCarthy is a man of similar beliefs, even more so away from home. If you want to bet now then I'd get on under 2.5 goals at 1.8 with bet365. If you can bare to wait though I'd see whether Fletcher and Doyle have made it to start.
Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers. Saturday 1500
The bookies are now pricing City's home games like they are members of the Sky 4 with this match seeing them a biggest price 1.38. I like the cut of their gib, but I can't be backing them at that price. Mario Balotelli is out for around 6 weeks it has been established today, and this limits City's attacking options to the elephant washers son or possibly the most over-priced striker in history Roque Santa Cruz. The word lethargic could have been invented with this pair in mind and it's enough for me not to back City. I will be backing Blackburn at home regularly this season, but Eastlands has been good to City so I can't back them either. I have seen a stat that says City have had the least shots at goal of any Prem team this season though and I think Fergie-s chief brown noser would settle for a draw so it's got to be under 2.5 again I think. Take the 2.25 at SkyBet for this.
Newcastle v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Newcastle have started their Premier League return fairly well so far and I think that will continue in this match. Andy carroll might have the worst hair in history and look like a father of 12 pikey, but he causes defenders problems. And with Blackpool having a defence even my Nan would worry this could spell disaster for Ian Holloway's men. This match looks a foregone conclusion to me, if Newcastle can beat a decent Villa side 6-0, then surely they can turn the Seasiders over? I think so and I'll be handicapping Newcastle as I'm so sure! Bet 365 go 2.38 on Newcastle -1.5 and I think they'll cover that.
West Brom v Tottenham, Saturday 1500
If Tottenham fans and ol Sloppy Chops fancy themselves as sticking around in the Top 4/Champions League then they need to win games like this. Jermaine Defoe wont be available though as he injured himself whilst excelling for England midweek (a never before used phrase that). It already seems to me that they are relying on one man this season, and that ape/man is Gareth Bale. He has been superb so far this season and the amount of dangerous crosses he puts into the box make it easy for Spurs forwards. Saying that though, They got made to wear a dress and cry by Wigan at home last time out though, proving that nothing is certain. Paddy Power are sticking their necks out with a 4.0 on this match. I can't back West Brom though, mostly due to them being utter tosh. I have been following Spurs results of late with interest since I saw that they always score early on and that often the 1st half is the highest scoring. It seems to ring true so I'll take BetFred's 3.25 on that.
West Ham v Chelsea, Saturday 1500
The Hammers haven't a hope here, there's more chance of 'celebrity' fan Danny of Dyer making an oscar worthy appearance on celluloid. Saying that though I can't back Chelsea at 1.33 as I don't have the funds to make it worthwhile. If you're in the reddies then I'd suggest a 33% rate of profit for a foregone conclusion is good value. I want a bit longer odds to make it worthwhile for me and I think they can be found in the anytime goalscorer market. 'Big Fat' Frankie Lampard will return and take an absolute barracking from the home fans for the crime of moving to their rivals. I think he'll respond with a goal and celebrate by pointing skywards in the the most boring celebration since Alan Shearer hung up his boots. Victor Chandler go 2.15 on this scenario (the goal, not the celebration!) and I'd take that. The only worry is that he might not play having sat out England's impressive (funny that) victories of late. Never fear though, you'll get your money back if he never graces the Boleyn Ground. If you don't want to risk it then substitute 'Lamps' for Florent Malouda in the same market, he likes to net in thrashings, and their should be one here. He is a slightly longer 2.5 with extrabet.com.
Wigan v Sunderland, Saturday 1500
I have said mant times that I will never back a Wigan result whilst Martinez remains in charge and I wont change that here. No-one would have said with any certainty that they would get dicked by Blackpool at home and beat Spurs away in a matter of weeks, but that is exactly what happened. Darren Bent finally got off the mark for Engalnd this week and has already been first scorer twice this season. He should be on a high because of breaking his duck for England and I fancy him to notch early on here. Wigan's defence are as accomodating as Rooney's latest lady of ill repute and I would take the 6.5 on offer at Victor Chandler's for Bent first goalscorer.
Birmingham v Liverpool, Sunday 1600
This si the game last season where many began to recognise that Liverpool were in decline. They really struggled to beat McCleish's men and only a David Ngog dive for a penalty rescued them from defeat. I think Big Eck is doing a commendable job at Brum and has made them into a solid outfit with dashes of flair too. Roy Hodgson's era at Liverpool hasn't started strongly and I can see Birmingham getting something here. Pool rely far too heavily on Fernando Torres and Stevie Me and it'll cost them a lot. Ladbrokes go 2.25 on Birmingham in the draw no bet market and that looks appealing to me.
Stoke City v Aston Villa, Monday 2000
With Gerard Houlliers appointment confirmed now this will be his first game in charge of the Villa. Some Villa fans who loved Martin O'Neill have had the bare faced cheek to accuse Houllier of playing a long-ball game, like this is something that has been unseen at Villa. O'Neills Plan A seemed to be hit it long with Plan B being hit it longer. He is a hugley enjoyable pundit, and clearly an articulate man, but to hail him as some sort of modern Ferguson is pathetic. He's an average manager who is a good motivator but a poor tactician. All this being said I like Stoke and with the upheaval at Villa I reckon they might come up roses in this. Victor Chandler go 2.6 on a home win and that's where my money will be going.
More tips to follow...
Anyway...enough of that! This weekend sees the return of professional club football and the gambling that inevitably comes with it. I will put up my Premier League tips as is now de rigeur, and I will try and put out a smaller blog with 5-10 tips from lower leagues and around Europe. I am now up to a truly massive 4 followers and would greatly appreciate regular readers adding to that number.
Let's begin with those Prem games:
Everton v Manchester United, Saturday 1245
Normally I'm not an away backer, and rarely do I see Man Utd at a price that truly appeals, but this weekend is one of those times. Everton have started off the season in shocking fashion and United have been grinding out results, as is their want. Reports this morning suggest Everton will be going with a novel 4-6-0 formation as they have no fit strikers, Cahill and part-time Screech lookalike Fellaini will be asked to push on and provide the attacking threat. United will be welcoming back a Wayne Rooney who looks like a weight has been lifted thanks to the hooker revelations now being in the public domain. Although paying a reported 200sheets for 20 fags should be the more shameful act, in my opinion. William Hill are currently 1.9 and that will be more like 1.8 come kick-off so I'd get on now. It's a steal!
Arsenal v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Arsenal have struggled in the past against Bolton and are missing both Theo Walcott and RVP for around 6 weeks now. With Nicklas Bendtner also injured that leaves Marouane Chamakh to stake a claim for being the focal point of the attack in the coming weeks. Bolton are not the 'up and at em' merchants they were under Big Fat Sam and Gary 'Boring' Megson and Owen Coyle harbours ambitions of making them attractive as a team. This is laudible, and I think he's made some good signings to do this. But, and it's a James Beattie size but, this approach will be playing into Arsenal's hands. The prices of around 1.25 on a home win are a bit prohibitive for me so I'd look elsewhere for a bit more value. William Hill are again a large price on the Arsenal/Arsenal in the HT/FT market, I'd take a bit of that at 2.37 currently.
Fulham v Wolves, Saturday 1500
Now this is a difficult one to call! Although with Wolves possibly missing Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle I would back Fulham at 1.85 with Victor Chandler if the team news on the day confirms this. Fulham have started the Mark Hughes era with some fairly steady results and he is a manager who believes in building from the back. Mich McCarthy is a man of similar beliefs, even more so away from home. If you want to bet now then I'd get on under 2.5 goals at 1.8 with bet365. If you can bare to wait though I'd see whether Fletcher and Doyle have made it to start.
Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers. Saturday 1500
The bookies are now pricing City's home games like they are members of the Sky 4 with this match seeing them a biggest price 1.38. I like the cut of their gib, but I can't be backing them at that price. Mario Balotelli is out for around 6 weeks it has been established today, and this limits City's attacking options to the elephant washers son or possibly the most over-priced striker in history Roque Santa Cruz. The word lethargic could have been invented with this pair in mind and it's enough for me not to back City. I will be backing Blackburn at home regularly this season, but Eastlands has been good to City so I can't back them either. I have seen a stat that says City have had the least shots at goal of any Prem team this season though and I think Fergie-s chief brown noser would settle for a draw so it's got to be under 2.5 again I think. Take the 2.25 at SkyBet for this.
Newcastle v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Newcastle have started their Premier League return fairly well so far and I think that will continue in this match. Andy carroll might have the worst hair in history and look like a father of 12 pikey, but he causes defenders problems. And with Blackpool having a defence even my Nan would worry this could spell disaster for Ian Holloway's men. This match looks a foregone conclusion to me, if Newcastle can beat a decent Villa side 6-0, then surely they can turn the Seasiders over? I think so and I'll be handicapping Newcastle as I'm so sure! Bet 365 go 2.38 on Newcastle -1.5 and I think they'll cover that.
West Brom v Tottenham, Saturday 1500
If Tottenham fans and ol Sloppy Chops fancy themselves as sticking around in the Top 4/Champions League then they need to win games like this. Jermaine Defoe wont be available though as he injured himself whilst excelling for England midweek (a never before used phrase that). It already seems to me that they are relying on one man this season, and that ape/man is Gareth Bale. He has been superb so far this season and the amount of dangerous crosses he puts into the box make it easy for Spurs forwards. Saying that though, They got made to wear a dress and cry by Wigan at home last time out though, proving that nothing is certain. Paddy Power are sticking their necks out with a 4.0 on this match. I can't back West Brom though, mostly due to them being utter tosh. I have been following Spurs results of late with interest since I saw that they always score early on and that often the 1st half is the highest scoring. It seems to ring true so I'll take BetFred's 3.25 on that.
West Ham v Chelsea, Saturday 1500
The Hammers haven't a hope here, there's more chance of 'celebrity' fan Danny of Dyer making an oscar worthy appearance on celluloid. Saying that though I can't back Chelsea at 1.33 as I don't have the funds to make it worthwhile. If you're in the reddies then I'd suggest a 33% rate of profit for a foregone conclusion is good value. I want a bit longer odds to make it worthwhile for me and I think they can be found in the anytime goalscorer market. 'Big Fat' Frankie Lampard will return and take an absolute barracking from the home fans for the crime of moving to their rivals. I think he'll respond with a goal and celebrate by pointing skywards in the the most boring celebration since Alan Shearer hung up his boots. Victor Chandler go 2.15 on this scenario (the goal, not the celebration!) and I'd take that. The only worry is that he might not play having sat out England's impressive (funny that) victories of late. Never fear though, you'll get your money back if he never graces the Boleyn Ground. If you don't want to risk it then substitute 'Lamps' for Florent Malouda in the same market, he likes to net in thrashings, and their should be one here. He is a slightly longer 2.5 with extrabet.com.
Wigan v Sunderland, Saturday 1500
I have said mant times that I will never back a Wigan result whilst Martinez remains in charge and I wont change that here. No-one would have said with any certainty that they would get dicked by Blackpool at home and beat Spurs away in a matter of weeks, but that is exactly what happened. Darren Bent finally got off the mark for Engalnd this week and has already been first scorer twice this season. He should be on a high because of breaking his duck for England and I fancy him to notch early on here. Wigan's defence are as accomodating as Rooney's latest lady of ill repute and I would take the 6.5 on offer at Victor Chandler's for Bent first goalscorer.
Birmingham v Liverpool, Sunday 1600
This si the game last season where many began to recognise that Liverpool were in decline. They really struggled to beat McCleish's men and only a David Ngog dive for a penalty rescued them from defeat. I think Big Eck is doing a commendable job at Brum and has made them into a solid outfit with dashes of flair too. Roy Hodgson's era at Liverpool hasn't started strongly and I can see Birmingham getting something here. Pool rely far too heavily on Fernando Torres and Stevie Me and it'll cost them a lot. Ladbrokes go 2.25 on Birmingham in the draw no bet market and that looks appealing to me.
Stoke City v Aston Villa, Monday 2000
With Gerard Houlliers appointment confirmed now this will be his first game in charge of the Villa. Some Villa fans who loved Martin O'Neill have had the bare faced cheek to accuse Houllier of playing a long-ball game, like this is something that has been unseen at Villa. O'Neills Plan A seemed to be hit it long with Plan B being hit it longer. He is a hugley enjoyable pundit, and clearly an articulate man, but to hail him as some sort of modern Ferguson is pathetic. He's an average manager who is a good motivator but a poor tactician. All this being said I like Stoke and with the upheaval at Villa I reckon they might come up roses in this. Victor Chandler go 2.6 on a home win and that's where my money will be going.
More tips to follow...
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Something a little different...
It's been over a week since I wrote a blog so I thought I'd put up some matches I fancy in the midweek Euro 2012 qualifiers. You lot might think they're obvious or not your thing, but I writes the blog so you'll have to lump it I'm afraid! Normal service will be resumed this weekend for the Premier League and I'll try to put out some lower league tips and some foreign league tips in 2 seperate blogs if possible. Here goes with the internationals...
Switzerland v England, Tuesday 1945
Well, well, well, here we go again. It looks like Fabio has got it right again for now and has England beating the teams worse than England. Contrary to what a lot of England's media seem to think this is no bad thing, England are somewhere between 8th and 15th in the world as far as I'm concerned and should not be expected to dish out beatings to those better than them. Rant over for now! Before seeing 'England's brave Lionhearted boys TM' dispatch Bulgaria I might have layed them in this. They were fairly impressive in spells though and I would expect them to again get the job done. Saying that though I wouldn't back them at odds on away to a very obdurate Swiss side that beat Spain not long ago. I think the bet is under 2.5 goals here, take the 23/20 at bet365 for that.
Belarus v Romania, Tuesday 1830
This isn't a reaction to them beating France as Belarus have been steadily improving over the last decade and should be respected. Romania are languishing at the moment and failed to beat Albania at home on Friday. Whilst they used to have players in major leagues all over Europe like Hagi and Popescu, Christian Chivu is their most famous export now. Anywhere in Eastern Europe is a hard test for an away team and on the back of a poor performance from Romania and with Belarus on a high from beating France in France I'd back them again. They are widely available at 6/4 and I'll be taking those odds.
Norway v Portugal, Tuesday 1930
The greasy, permatanned swine from Portugal failed to beat the greasy, permatanned swine from Cyprus on Friday and Norway picked up a useful win in Iceland after falling behind. Portugal have been on the slide since Euro 2004 I think and looked bereft of invention at the World Cup with the greasiest, cheating, whining twat in football looking out of sorts (a Mr C. Ronaldo for those wondering). He isn't even playing in these matches as he is nursing an injury. Carlos Queiroz has also been suspended from management too, leaving the whole set up in a bit of a pickle to say the least. Norway have beaten France recently as well as that trip to Iceland for a Scandinavian derby and a good win. They should be ready for this one as they have had a pretty settled team for years now and any team with 'Big' John Carew is always likely to be a threat to a bunch of hissy-fitting tarts like Portugal. With odds of over 2/1 still available on Norway I'd say this is the bet of the night! Bodog are best at 11/5 and I'd advise you have a bit of that action.
Turkey v Belgium, Tuesday 1900
This one is a long odds shot, but one I would say is worth considering. Here we have 2 teams that I think are moving in opposite directions. Turkey have moved backwards since their stunning 3rd place finish at the 2002 Japorea World Cup. They have no longer got any exceptional players and their national league is struggling too, no matter how much money is being thrown at it to try and entice new players in. Belgium on the other hand are moving forwards having been in the doldrums for a long time now, since the early 90's I'd say. Players like Eden Hazard of Lille and Roman Lukaklu of Anderlecht are being monitored by the biggest clubs in Europe and Standard Liege and Anderlecht are performing admirably in UEFA competitions too. They're a team on the up. Turkey laboured to a 3-0 win against Europe's second weakest team Kazakhstan on Friday and Belgium only lost 1-0 to Germany in Germany. Belgium have a solid defence and exciting attackers and the 5/1 at William Hill looks too big to me. I'd definitely take a smaller stakes punt on it.
That's it for now, these games tend to be short priced as there really is some horrendous teams these days. I would look to include Albania, Czech Republic and Austria in any acca's if that's your bag too.
Switzerland v England, Tuesday 1945
Well, well, well, here we go again. It looks like Fabio has got it right again for now and has England beating the teams worse than England. Contrary to what a lot of England's media seem to think this is no bad thing, England are somewhere between 8th and 15th in the world as far as I'm concerned and should not be expected to dish out beatings to those better than them. Rant over for now! Before seeing 'England's brave Lionhearted boys TM' dispatch Bulgaria I might have layed them in this. They were fairly impressive in spells though and I would expect them to again get the job done. Saying that though I wouldn't back them at odds on away to a very obdurate Swiss side that beat Spain not long ago. I think the bet is under 2.5 goals here, take the 23/20 at bet365 for that.
Belarus v Romania, Tuesday 1830
This isn't a reaction to them beating France as Belarus have been steadily improving over the last decade and should be respected. Romania are languishing at the moment and failed to beat Albania at home on Friday. Whilst they used to have players in major leagues all over Europe like Hagi and Popescu, Christian Chivu is their most famous export now. Anywhere in Eastern Europe is a hard test for an away team and on the back of a poor performance from Romania and with Belarus on a high from beating France in France I'd back them again. They are widely available at 6/4 and I'll be taking those odds.
Norway v Portugal, Tuesday 1930
The greasy, permatanned swine from Portugal failed to beat the greasy, permatanned swine from Cyprus on Friday and Norway picked up a useful win in Iceland after falling behind. Portugal have been on the slide since Euro 2004 I think and looked bereft of invention at the World Cup with the greasiest, cheating, whining twat in football looking out of sorts (a Mr C. Ronaldo for those wondering). He isn't even playing in these matches as he is nursing an injury. Carlos Queiroz has also been suspended from management too, leaving the whole set up in a bit of a pickle to say the least. Norway have beaten France recently as well as that trip to Iceland for a Scandinavian derby and a good win. They should be ready for this one as they have had a pretty settled team for years now and any team with 'Big' John Carew is always likely to be a threat to a bunch of hissy-fitting tarts like Portugal. With odds of over 2/1 still available on Norway I'd say this is the bet of the night! Bodog are best at 11/5 and I'd advise you have a bit of that action.
Turkey v Belgium, Tuesday 1900
This one is a long odds shot, but one I would say is worth considering. Here we have 2 teams that I think are moving in opposite directions. Turkey have moved backwards since their stunning 3rd place finish at the 2002 Japorea World Cup. They have no longer got any exceptional players and their national league is struggling too, no matter how much money is being thrown at it to try and entice new players in. Belgium on the other hand are moving forwards having been in the doldrums for a long time now, since the early 90's I'd say. Players like Eden Hazard of Lille and Roman Lukaklu of Anderlecht are being monitored by the biggest clubs in Europe and Standard Liege and Anderlecht are performing admirably in UEFA competitions too. They're a team on the up. Turkey laboured to a 3-0 win against Europe's second weakest team Kazakhstan on Friday and Belgium only lost 1-0 to Germany in Germany. Belgium have a solid defence and exciting attackers and the 5/1 at William Hill looks too big to me. I'd definitely take a smaller stakes punt on it.
That's it for now, these games tend to be short priced as there really is some horrendous teams these days. I would look to include Albania, Czech Republic and Austria in any acca's if that's your bag too.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Another quick update...
Hello avid readers! Just wanted to put an update up of this weekends tips so you don't think I'm trying to avoid the fact I'm down this week. Here we go:
Blackburn v Arsenal - Backing Blackburn at 6.5 = -10.00
Blackpool v Fulham - Dembele to score at 3.25 = -10.00
Chelsea v Stoke - Malouda to score at 2.3 = +13.00
Tottenham v Wigan - Crouch to score 2+ = -10.00
Wolves v Newcastle - Both teams to score at 1.91 = +9.10
Man Utd v West Ham - Man Utd -2 at 1.72 = +7.20
Bolton v Birmingham - Backing Bolton at 2.2 = -10.00
Liverpool v West Brom - Liverpool HT/FT at 1.76 = -10.00
Sunderland v Man City - Man City at 1.9 = -10.00
Aston Villa v Everton - Backing the draw at 3.3 = -10.00
This week = -£40.70
Overall = +£97.30
Blackburn v Arsenal - Backing Blackburn at 6.5 = -10.00
Blackpool v Fulham - Dembele to score at 3.25 = -10.00
Chelsea v Stoke - Malouda to score at 2.3 = +13.00
Tottenham v Wigan - Crouch to score 2+ = -10.00
Wolves v Newcastle - Both teams to score at 1.91 = +9.10
Man Utd v West Ham - Man Utd -2 at 1.72 = +7.20
Bolton v Birmingham - Backing Bolton at 2.2 = -10.00
Liverpool v West Brom - Liverpool HT/FT at 1.76 = -10.00
Sunderland v Man City - Man City at 1.9 = -10.00
Aston Villa v Everton - Backing the draw at 3.3 = -10.00
This week = -£40.70
Overall = +£97.30
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