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.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
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
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
The Champions da daaa da...
As I have been given a kick up the jacksie to get some bleeding midweek tips up I thought I'd rush a quick one out for tonight's matches. Quick in the sense that I'll only do 4 or 5 tips, I'll obviously have a think about what they are. I think there is some value around tonight so here we go:
Hapoel Tel Aviv v Lyon, Tonight 1945
Anyone who followed my tip of opposing Lyon on Saturday night will have been rewarded at 11/2. If they get beat tonight they may well wave au revoir to manager Claude Puel. Since his appointment their football would best be described as absolute dogshit so it'll be no great loss to the game and the fans turned on him long ago. Israeli teams don't often score a lot, but they are generally good at home as it's a fairly long trip for the opposition and the crowds can be intimidating. All this points to Claude Puel's last rites being read tonight. You can back Hapoel at a best priced 3.4 with Victor Chandler. My personal bet would be to take them draw no bet at 2.38 with the same firm as that should provide sufficient cover at appealing odds.
Rangers v Bursaspor, Tonight 1945
After predicting a landslide victory for Man Utd in the last Champions League matches against Rangers and getting burnt I'm not going to learn! I think Rangers will see this as a winnable game against a new team to Europe's premier competition. I'm going to gamble on them taking them too lightly and this would be a huge mistake. Bursa are unbeaten in their domestic league and are very tight at the back. If Rangers try and play an open match then this team could punish them over and over again. Whilst Bursa did get a sound thrashing from Valencia in matchday 1 that shouldn't put you off too much as the Scottish League is roughly equivalent to League 1 these days and Rangers best player is a toss up between Premier League rejects Kenny Miller, David Weir (now 75 I think) and Steven Davies. Depending on how confident you are Coral are a top priced 4.0 on the Bursa win and 2.75 is widely available on the draw no bet market. I'll be going on the Bursa win personally.
Valencia v Manchester United, Tonight 1945
This has got potential to be a cracking game, but for the wrong reasons for United. There defence at the moment is absolutely shocking, particularly away from home, and Jonny Evans has been doing his best to convince Sir Wrigley he is not the answer. The rumour is that Rio might start tonight, but he has had to spend the entire flight standing up so as not to aggravate his long-standing back injury. I always thought his pace was his key attribute and have never bought into him being a 'world class ball-playing defender', he's competent, but he's no Beckenbauer. Valencia have started the Spanish league well and currently sit top. They have invested well with the money received for David's Villa and Silva and have purchased Roberto Soldado and Mehmet Topal, who have particularly impressed. Topal is the sort of disciplined defensive midfielder that Arsenal or United are missing and he should negate much of United's attacking threat. When the prices were released United were fav's, but the market has now reverted to a more sensible Valencia as fav's. The price still appeals though as they can take advantage of United's weak back up and poor defence here. Bet365 are taking a stab at 2.75 and I'd take some of that.
Tottenham v Twente, Tonight 1945
This game has goals written all over it I think! Tottenham are playing Seb Bassong and Vedran Corluka at centre back and that should encourage Twente no end. Corluka might be tall, but christ he's clumsy, and Bassong is average at best with his pace covering his very poor positional sense. Twente are a fairly attacking team and I would expect them to have a go for at least the early going. I would expect them to grab a goal and Tottenham should be good for one or two themselves so I think over 2.5 is the bet here. Bet365 are biggest price at 2.0 and I'd be tempted to do it as a double with Inter Milan v Werder Bremen in the same group at 1.73 with the same firm.
Good luck to all who follow!
Hapoel Tel Aviv v Lyon, Tonight 1945
Anyone who followed my tip of opposing Lyon on Saturday night will have been rewarded at 11/2. If they get beat tonight they may well wave au revoir to manager Claude Puel. Since his appointment their football would best be described as absolute dogshit so it'll be no great loss to the game and the fans turned on him long ago. Israeli teams don't often score a lot, but they are generally good at home as it's a fairly long trip for the opposition and the crowds can be intimidating. All this points to Claude Puel's last rites being read tonight. You can back Hapoel at a best priced 3.4 with Victor Chandler. My personal bet would be to take them draw no bet at 2.38 with the same firm as that should provide sufficient cover at appealing odds.
Rangers v Bursaspor, Tonight 1945
After predicting a landslide victory for Man Utd in the last Champions League matches against Rangers and getting burnt I'm not going to learn! I think Rangers will see this as a winnable game against a new team to Europe's premier competition. I'm going to gamble on them taking them too lightly and this would be a huge mistake. Bursa are unbeaten in their domestic league and are very tight at the back. If Rangers try and play an open match then this team could punish them over and over again. Whilst Bursa did get a sound thrashing from Valencia in matchday 1 that shouldn't put you off too much as the Scottish League is roughly equivalent to League 1 these days and Rangers best player is a toss up between Premier League rejects Kenny Miller, David Weir (now 75 I think) and Steven Davies. Depending on how confident you are Coral are a top priced 4.0 on the Bursa win and 2.75 is widely available on the draw no bet market. I'll be going on the Bursa win personally.
Valencia v Manchester United, Tonight 1945
This has got potential to be a cracking game, but for the wrong reasons for United. There defence at the moment is absolutely shocking, particularly away from home, and Jonny Evans has been doing his best to convince Sir Wrigley he is not the answer. The rumour is that Rio might start tonight, but he has had to spend the entire flight standing up so as not to aggravate his long-standing back injury. I always thought his pace was his key attribute and have never bought into him being a 'world class ball-playing defender', he's competent, but he's no Beckenbauer. Valencia have started the Spanish league well and currently sit top. They have invested well with the money received for David's Villa and Silva and have purchased Roberto Soldado and Mehmet Topal, who have particularly impressed. Topal is the sort of disciplined defensive midfielder that Arsenal or United are missing and he should negate much of United's attacking threat. When the prices were released United were fav's, but the market has now reverted to a more sensible Valencia as fav's. The price still appeals though as they can take advantage of United's weak back up and poor defence here. Bet365 are taking a stab at 2.75 and I'd take some of that.
Tottenham v Twente, Tonight 1945
This game has goals written all over it I think! Tottenham are playing Seb Bassong and Vedran Corluka at centre back and that should encourage Twente no end. Corluka might be tall, but christ he's clumsy, and Bassong is average at best with his pace covering his very poor positional sense. Twente are a fairly attacking team and I would expect them to have a go for at least the early going. I would expect them to grab a goal and Tottenham should be good for one or two themselves so I think over 2.5 is the bet here. Bet365 are biggest price at 2.0 and I'd be tempted to do it as a double with Inter Milan v Werder Bremen in the same group at 1.73 with the same firm.
Good luck to all who follow!
Friday, 24 September 2010
One brings two...
As promised on the Facebook yesterday I will provide you readers with a selection of tips from leagues other than the Premier League. Whilst I thoroughly enjoy selecting tips from the self-proclaimed 'Greatest, Bestest, Most Brilliant League In The Whole Wide World Ever' I think there are often some great value bets in leagues outside of the main betting spectrum.
Lower League English
The Championship
Coventry v Preston, Saturday 1500
One level below the Premier League is the free-for-all that is the Championship and my bet of the weekend! Last season under Chris Coleman Coventry really struggled and it seems that the bookies are pricing matches up with that in mind still. Whilst their style of play is a bit more, ahem, industrial, it is certainly more effective. Preston are absolute crap at the moment to be blunt, and it looks like very little of Sir Wrigley's managerial skills have rubbed off on young Darren. He did well with pots of cash in Leagues 1 and 2, but now he has a bit of a challenge on he's drowning. Coventry are a best priced 2.1 with Hills and I'm all over that.
League One
Bournemouth v Carlisle, Saturday 1500
Bournemouth may have one of the least experienced managers in the Leagues in Eddie Howe, but he is doing a hell of a job. After guiding them up from League 2 last season he has overseen a bright start at League 1 level so far. Carlisle have also made a decent start, but this is one hell of a long journey for them down to the South Coast to Dean Court to play a team that are very good at home. I think this match is a home win all day and Hills are best priced at 2.38 which I'd say is very generous of them.
German Bundesliga
Stuttgart v Leverkusen, Saturday 1430
Stuttgart had not started their season well at all before last weeks astonishing 7-0 victory against Monchengladbach. Leverkusen had also got high hopes for this season with the signing of Michael Ballack, who has since injured himself and continued to prove he's well past his best. I'm happy to follow the form here and back the Swabians to get a home win and prolong Leverkusen's misery another week. 888sport go 2.4 on that result and I'd be happy with that.
Italian Serie A
Sampdoria v Udinese, Sunday 1400
Bologna obliged with a last minute victory for me in midweek against Udine, but Antonio Di Natale was on the scoresheet and I fancy him to carry on scoring in this. Sampdoria are one of the few Serie A teams I'd pay to watch and that's mainly to see Antonio Cassano. The man is a genius and a goal threat as well as being a generally interesting footballer. Legend has it Capello once chased him around a training session as he was so annoyed at his lack of effort. Since marrying last summer though he has knuckled down and is putting the graft in to make him a brilliant player. I think this match has got goals in it, and with the general decline of defenders in Italian football I think there's some value in the over 3.5 goals here. BWin go 3.2 on over 3.5 and I'm going to chance that.
Spanish La Liga Primera
Malaga v Villarreal, Monday 2000
Both of these teams have started the season in decent goalscoring form. Malaga have gone with a 3 pronged attack and are scoring for fun, including a good 2-0 victory at Getafe in midweek. Villarreal had faded slightly in recent years, but their strikers have found their shooting boots this season like Guiseppe Rossi. Neither team is particularly strong at the back and are both happy to go for the jugular whether in front or behind and for this reason I see goals in this game. Betfred are a best priced 2.0 on over 2.5 goals and I'd be pretty confident of that coming in.
France Ligue Un
Lyon v St Etienne, Saturday 2000
This match is a derby game and one that Lyon have had the better of in recent years. Their domination of French football seems to be coming to an end though, and manager Claude Puel has them playing a brand of football many have referred to as 'utter merde'. St Etienne are a team in the ascendency currently and are in the upper reaches of the table at this early stage. They will have the backing of a vociferous home crowd desperate to beat their local rivals, and when you add that to a Lyon team low on confidence it could be enough. Many bookies are going 5.5 on the away win and I'll have a half stakes go at those odds.
Lower League English
The Championship
Coventry v Preston, Saturday 1500
One level below the Premier League is the free-for-all that is the Championship and my bet of the weekend! Last season under Chris Coleman Coventry really struggled and it seems that the bookies are pricing matches up with that in mind still. Whilst their style of play is a bit more, ahem, industrial, it is certainly more effective. Preston are absolute crap at the moment to be blunt, and it looks like very little of Sir Wrigley's managerial skills have rubbed off on young Darren. He did well with pots of cash in Leagues 1 and 2, but now he has a bit of a challenge on he's drowning. Coventry are a best priced 2.1 with Hills and I'm all over that.
League One
Bournemouth v Carlisle, Saturday 1500
Bournemouth may have one of the least experienced managers in the Leagues in Eddie Howe, but he is doing a hell of a job. After guiding them up from League 2 last season he has overseen a bright start at League 1 level so far. Carlisle have also made a decent start, but this is one hell of a long journey for them down to the South Coast to Dean Court to play a team that are very good at home. I think this match is a home win all day and Hills are best priced at 2.38 which I'd say is very generous of them.
German Bundesliga
Stuttgart v Leverkusen, Saturday 1430
Stuttgart had not started their season well at all before last weeks astonishing 7-0 victory against Monchengladbach. Leverkusen had also got high hopes for this season with the signing of Michael Ballack, who has since injured himself and continued to prove he's well past his best. I'm happy to follow the form here and back the Swabians to get a home win and prolong Leverkusen's misery another week. 888sport go 2.4 on that result and I'd be happy with that.
Italian Serie A
Sampdoria v Udinese, Sunday 1400
Bologna obliged with a last minute victory for me in midweek against Udine, but Antonio Di Natale was on the scoresheet and I fancy him to carry on scoring in this. Sampdoria are one of the few Serie A teams I'd pay to watch and that's mainly to see Antonio Cassano. The man is a genius and a goal threat as well as being a generally interesting footballer. Legend has it Capello once chased him around a training session as he was so annoyed at his lack of effort. Since marrying last summer though he has knuckled down and is putting the graft in to make him a brilliant player. I think this match has got goals in it, and with the general decline of defenders in Italian football I think there's some value in the over 3.5 goals here. BWin go 3.2 on over 3.5 and I'm going to chance that.
Spanish La Liga Primera
Malaga v Villarreal, Monday 2000
Both of these teams have started the season in decent goalscoring form. Malaga have gone with a 3 pronged attack and are scoring for fun, including a good 2-0 victory at Getafe in midweek. Villarreal had faded slightly in recent years, but their strikers have found their shooting boots this season like Guiseppe Rossi. Neither team is particularly strong at the back and are both happy to go for the jugular whether in front or behind and for this reason I see goals in this game. Betfred are a best priced 2.0 on over 2.5 goals and I'd be pretty confident of that coming in.
France Ligue Un
Lyon v St Etienne, Saturday 2000
This match is a derby game and one that Lyon have had the better of in recent years. Their domination of French football seems to be coming to an end though, and manager Claude Puel has them playing a brand of football many have referred to as 'utter merde'. St Etienne are a team in the ascendency currently and are in the upper reaches of the table at this early stage. They will have the backing of a vociferous home crowd desperate to beat their local rivals, and when you add that to a Lyon team low on confidence it could be enough. Many bookies are going 5.5 on the away win and I'll have a half stakes go at those odds.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Can this run possibly continue!?...
As we talk my midweek tips are 5 from 5 and I'm fairly confident the Villarreal -1.0 tonight will oblige for a full house! This should go some way to making up for last weekend being the first where I lost money. With this in mind I'll be trying to make up even more by getting some Premier League tips right this weekend. Right then, less foreplay, more action, here we go!
Manchester City v Chelsea, Saturday 1245
This is the first time we will really get to see Chelsea tested and it should give us a better idea of how good they actually are. My personal opinion is that they have the best first XI, but their backup is truly horrendous. In Ross Turnbull they have the worst goalkeeper in the Premier League on the bench every week and Ancelotti must shit his pants every time Cech dives that he'll get injured. The young lads coming through look a long way from fitting in to a top 4 team too. Having said this it will be mostly their first choice starting line-up on Saturday so I've wasted your time a bit! Man City were my pre-season tip for a title tilt and I still think they might oblige, but they need to pull their preverbial socks up and fast. Eastlands has been a fortress for them in recent seasons and I think they are capable of getting something from this game. I am going to be a bit cautious and look to the draw no bet market for this one though. Man City are 2.62 at Paddy Power and I think that's the bet for me.
Arsenal v West Brom, Saturday 1500
So far this season Arsenal have given anyone not up to their standards a good hiding at home and I see no reason why this shouldn't continue. West Brom are not built to just sit back and bully someone like Arsenal and that seems the only way to avoid defeat. Roberto Di Matteo is trying to get West Brom playing 'the right way' and whilst commendable, it is incredibly stupid not to have a Plan B for games like this. Arsenal will be without RVP and Fabregas, but they should still steamroll WBA with Jack Wilshere coming into form and Marouane Chamakh looking to cement his place as the number one forward at the club. Skybet go a standout 2.25 on Arshavin to score anytime and with the lack of value in the match odds that's where I'll be punting.
Birmingham v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Birmingham lost the first of many Midlands derbies away at West Brom last weekend at that must have hurt. I wouldn't read too much into the result as derbies can throw up results like that, especially when there's only a moderate margin of difference in the sides abilities. St Andrews has been almost impenetrable in the last 2 seasons and I struggle to see an away win here when such luminaries as Liverpool and Arsenal have failed to register victories. Wigan will still go down in my opinion due to their talented but inconsistent forwards and abysmal defence. I have a rule not to bet on Wigan matches and I fancied City to beat them last week and avoided at 1.7, that's enough reason for me to back Brum in this. They aren't massive odds, with a top priced 1.83 available, but I'd be happy with that. Hills go 2.1 on Both Teams To Score and I'd advise that if match prices don't appeal.
Blackpool v Blackburn, Saturday 1500
This is a tough one to call I think. Blackburn have gained a draw away at Man City this season, and Blackpool only have one home match under their belts ending in a 2-2 draw. I'm going to have a heart over head bet on this I think. My hatred of the man who resembles a lamb shank has intensified this week with his astonishing 'I could manage Real Madrid to European glory' diatribe. What. A. Clown. Maybe he could, I doubt it hugely, but maybe. The problem lies in the fact he's an objectionable twat who's teams play the worst football the Premier League has seen and no flair player in their right mind would play under such a tool. Ian Holloway, on the other hand, is a gentleman and a legend of the game as well as being hugely likeable. On that basis alone I'll back Blackpool to win with the knowledge I'll feel brilliant if they beat Fat Sam's motley crew and I win the bet. Victor Chandler go 3.25 on the home win and that's good enough for me.
Fulham v Everton, Saturday 1500
Another one that I see promising to be a tight game. I'm sure I am not alone in thinking surely Everton will perform sooner rather than later and I'm wary of opposing them on this basis. Mark Hughes has made a good start to his Cottagers reign although with Zamora and Dembele missing we could witness the first ever Premier League match with no strikers present! As mentioned I don't see either team running away with this and I think 1 goal from either side might nick it. For that reason I'm going to look at the match handicap and go for the draw. Totesport go 4.5 on this outcome and I'm more than happy to take those odds!
Liverpool v Sunderland, Saturday 1500
I think we may see the Liverpool fans take another kick in the nuts in this fixture. Whilst I think Roy Hodgson is suffering for Rafa Benitez poor buys quite a lot, I see no reason not to make some money out of it! Having been bombed out of the cup on penalties to a Northampton side languishing in 17th in League 2 I can't be having Pool at 1.5 in this game. Darren Bent continues to prove he is the best English goalscorer in the Premier League today for me and I see him netting at least one. Steve Bruce hasn't spent wisely in general, but in Bent it almost makes up for his general crapness in the transfer market. Liverpool still have no creativity or cutting edge and I don't see them scoring more than once in this. You can get a widely available 2.75 on Sunderland and the draw on the double chance market and I think it's the only sensible thing to do.
West Ham v Tottenham, Saturday 1500
THE Big Game for Hammers fans so far is the visit of Sloppy Chops boys to the Boleyn Ground. The boys from the East End picked up their first point away at Stoke last weekend and followed up with an away victory at Sunderland in the Carling Cup. This will have the Hammers fans blowing their bubbles and hoping they'll beat those North Londoners. As good as Spurs are now this is the sort of game Redknapp must dread. He is decent at getting plenty of players in to a club, and motivating those he likes, but his tactical acumen could be written on an Oriental man's penis (they're notoriously small!). If the Hammers come out all guns blazing and get ahead then I can see Churchill coming up short again. Because of the occasion I think the Irons have got a result in them. I would take them draw no bet to be safer and at 2.62 at Paddy Power there's still plenty of money to be made.
Bolton v Manchester United, Sunday 1200
I'd love to oppose United in this match as I'm no fan of Sir Wrigley and I think they're a team in decline too. I also think Owen Coyle is building a good, solid team at Bolton with a dash of flair. Unfortunately Dimitar Berbatov is enough to put me off. With Wayne Rooney making a complete mockery of any fool who compared him to Messi when he is in reality barely playing the same sport United needed Berba to step up. And how he has! A hat-trick against Liverpool, and a brilliantly varied one at that showcased his abilities and he'll outscore Rooney with ease this season. I still see no value in quotes of 1.5 on United when Bolton could possibly force a draw so I'll be following Berba's hot streak. You can take the Bulgarian superstar to Score 2 or More Goals with 6.0 widely available.
Wolves v Aston Villa, Sunday 1400
Antoher weekend another Midlands derby! This is the biggest one in many neutrals eyes and is quite a second match for Ged Houllier in the Villa dugout. He was never an exciting manager in France or at Liverpool and I'd advise Villa fans that O'Neills industrial approach will likely continue for a long time yet. With Mick McCarthy similarly no-nonsense I don't see this being a thriller. He has built Wolves ensibly from the back forward and they are very organised with a touch of the god stuff up front in Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher. I think with the home support they can definitely get a win here and I would have them at slight favourites. Everyone else seems to be of the view it's Villa though! You can get 3.0 on Betfair and I'd get on that.
Newcastle v Stoke City, Sunday 1600
With me rescinding my never back a result in a Wigan game rule, I'm now going to apply it to Newcastle for this weekend. They have beaten Villa 6-0 at home and Everton 1-0 away, but failed to beat lowly Blackpool. I'm currently unsure which is the freak result so I will not be putting money on the unassuming Chris Hughtons men for the time being. Stoke, contrary to popular belief, are better away from home of late and that's not providing any great security for me. Since I really don't want to call this I'll have a half stakes poke on big Andy Carroll to bet first. He's got unbelievably crap hair, but he's a threat! The biggest is 6.0 available at BWIN and let's end the weekend on that.
Manchester City v Chelsea, Saturday 1245
This is the first time we will really get to see Chelsea tested and it should give us a better idea of how good they actually are. My personal opinion is that they have the best first XI, but their backup is truly horrendous. In Ross Turnbull they have the worst goalkeeper in the Premier League on the bench every week and Ancelotti must shit his pants every time Cech dives that he'll get injured. The young lads coming through look a long way from fitting in to a top 4 team too. Having said this it will be mostly their first choice starting line-up on Saturday so I've wasted your time a bit! Man City were my pre-season tip for a title tilt and I still think they might oblige, but they need to pull their preverbial socks up and fast. Eastlands has been a fortress for them in recent seasons and I think they are capable of getting something from this game. I am going to be a bit cautious and look to the draw no bet market for this one though. Man City are 2.62 at Paddy Power and I think that's the bet for me.
Arsenal v West Brom, Saturday 1500
So far this season Arsenal have given anyone not up to their standards a good hiding at home and I see no reason why this shouldn't continue. West Brom are not built to just sit back and bully someone like Arsenal and that seems the only way to avoid defeat. Roberto Di Matteo is trying to get West Brom playing 'the right way' and whilst commendable, it is incredibly stupid not to have a Plan B for games like this. Arsenal will be without RVP and Fabregas, but they should still steamroll WBA with Jack Wilshere coming into form and Marouane Chamakh looking to cement his place as the number one forward at the club. Skybet go a standout 2.25 on Arshavin to score anytime and with the lack of value in the match odds that's where I'll be punting.
Birmingham v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Birmingham lost the first of many Midlands derbies away at West Brom last weekend at that must have hurt. I wouldn't read too much into the result as derbies can throw up results like that, especially when there's only a moderate margin of difference in the sides abilities. St Andrews has been almost impenetrable in the last 2 seasons and I struggle to see an away win here when such luminaries as Liverpool and Arsenal have failed to register victories. Wigan will still go down in my opinion due to their talented but inconsistent forwards and abysmal defence. I have a rule not to bet on Wigan matches and I fancied City to beat them last week and avoided at 1.7, that's enough reason for me to back Brum in this. They aren't massive odds, with a top priced 1.83 available, but I'd be happy with that. Hills go 2.1 on Both Teams To Score and I'd advise that if match prices don't appeal.
Blackpool v Blackburn, Saturday 1500
This is a tough one to call I think. Blackburn have gained a draw away at Man City this season, and Blackpool only have one home match under their belts ending in a 2-2 draw. I'm going to have a heart over head bet on this I think. My hatred of the man who resembles a lamb shank has intensified this week with his astonishing 'I could manage Real Madrid to European glory' diatribe. What. A. Clown. Maybe he could, I doubt it hugely, but maybe. The problem lies in the fact he's an objectionable twat who's teams play the worst football the Premier League has seen and no flair player in their right mind would play under such a tool. Ian Holloway, on the other hand, is a gentleman and a legend of the game as well as being hugely likeable. On that basis alone I'll back Blackpool to win with the knowledge I'll feel brilliant if they beat Fat Sam's motley crew and I win the bet. Victor Chandler go 3.25 on the home win and that's good enough for me.
Fulham v Everton, Saturday 1500
Another one that I see promising to be a tight game. I'm sure I am not alone in thinking surely Everton will perform sooner rather than later and I'm wary of opposing them on this basis. Mark Hughes has made a good start to his Cottagers reign although with Zamora and Dembele missing we could witness the first ever Premier League match with no strikers present! As mentioned I don't see either team running away with this and I think 1 goal from either side might nick it. For that reason I'm going to look at the match handicap and go for the draw. Totesport go 4.5 on this outcome and I'm more than happy to take those odds!
Liverpool v Sunderland, Saturday 1500
I think we may see the Liverpool fans take another kick in the nuts in this fixture. Whilst I think Roy Hodgson is suffering for Rafa Benitez poor buys quite a lot, I see no reason not to make some money out of it! Having been bombed out of the cup on penalties to a Northampton side languishing in 17th in League 2 I can't be having Pool at 1.5 in this game. Darren Bent continues to prove he is the best English goalscorer in the Premier League today for me and I see him netting at least one. Steve Bruce hasn't spent wisely in general, but in Bent it almost makes up for his general crapness in the transfer market. Liverpool still have no creativity or cutting edge and I don't see them scoring more than once in this. You can get a widely available 2.75 on Sunderland and the draw on the double chance market and I think it's the only sensible thing to do.
West Ham v Tottenham, Saturday 1500
THE Big Game for Hammers fans so far is the visit of Sloppy Chops boys to the Boleyn Ground. The boys from the East End picked up their first point away at Stoke last weekend and followed up with an away victory at Sunderland in the Carling Cup. This will have the Hammers fans blowing their bubbles and hoping they'll beat those North Londoners. As good as Spurs are now this is the sort of game Redknapp must dread. He is decent at getting plenty of players in to a club, and motivating those he likes, but his tactical acumen could be written on an Oriental man's penis (they're notoriously small!). If the Hammers come out all guns blazing and get ahead then I can see Churchill coming up short again. Because of the occasion I think the Irons have got a result in them. I would take them draw no bet to be safer and at 2.62 at Paddy Power there's still plenty of money to be made.
Bolton v Manchester United, Sunday 1200
I'd love to oppose United in this match as I'm no fan of Sir Wrigley and I think they're a team in decline too. I also think Owen Coyle is building a good, solid team at Bolton with a dash of flair. Unfortunately Dimitar Berbatov is enough to put me off. With Wayne Rooney making a complete mockery of any fool who compared him to Messi when he is in reality barely playing the same sport United needed Berba to step up. And how he has! A hat-trick against Liverpool, and a brilliantly varied one at that showcased his abilities and he'll outscore Rooney with ease this season. I still see no value in quotes of 1.5 on United when Bolton could possibly force a draw so I'll be following Berba's hot streak. You can take the Bulgarian superstar to Score 2 or More Goals with 6.0 widely available.
Wolves v Aston Villa, Sunday 1400
Antoher weekend another Midlands derby! This is the biggest one in many neutrals eyes and is quite a second match for Ged Houllier in the Villa dugout. He was never an exciting manager in France or at Liverpool and I'd advise Villa fans that O'Neills industrial approach will likely continue for a long time yet. With Mick McCarthy similarly no-nonsense I don't see this being a thriller. He has built Wolves ensibly from the back forward and they are very organised with a touch of the god stuff up front in Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher. I think with the home support they can definitely get a win here and I would have them at slight favourites. Everyone else seems to be of the view it's Villa though! You can get 3.0 on Betfair and I'd get on that.
Newcastle v Stoke City, Sunday 1600
With me rescinding my never back a result in a Wigan game rule, I'm now going to apply it to Newcastle for this weekend. They have beaten Villa 6-0 at home and Everton 1-0 away, but failed to beat lowly Blackpool. I'm currently unsure which is the freak result so I will not be putting money on the unassuming Chris Hughtons men for the time being. Stoke, contrary to popular belief, are better away from home of late and that's not providing any great security for me. Since I really don't want to call this I'll have a half stakes poke on big Andy Carroll to bet first. He's got unbelievably crap hair, but he's a threat! The biggest is 6.0 available at BWIN and let's end the weekend on that.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
A quick glance around Europe reveals...
There is a full midweek programme of games in the German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and also in Spain's Primera Liga. If I were a gambler, and by christ I am, this would be where I would be looking to chance the rent money this week. The other option is Carling Cup action here in England and with no clue as to how teams will be taking the contest before line-ups are announced I wouldn't touch it. I'll try and pick a couple of bets from each of the 3 major European Leagues and you can follow or back those depending on the level of trust you place in me!?
German Bundesliga
Mainz v FC Koln, Tuesday 1900
Mainz have been the suprise story so far at this early stage of the season. They have beaten 3 of last seasons top 6 finishers and won 2-0 away at Werder Bremen on Saturday. I'm not going to claim to know a great deal about them, but they are scoring goals and doing it home and away at the moment. Koln are, as always, hovering around mid to lower table and will probably occupy that area for the majority of the season. They will do enough to stay up, but strike me as a Blackburn style team. These factors add up to a home win for me and my money is going with Totesport at a standout 2.0.
Hannover v Werder Bremen, Tuesday 1900
As mentioned above Bremen lost at home 0-2 on Saturday on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Spurs in the Champions League in midweek. The games are coming thick and fast for them at the moment and the injuries are piling up. Their 2 first choice centre backs will be missing for this match and their attack isn't firing at the moment, with the exception of Mighty Marko Marin. Hannover have made a good start, although they too lost 2-0 at the weekend to Schteve McClaren's Wolfsburg. I think Werder will come strong in a few weeks when players return and others have played themselves into better form, but the price on Hannover tonight makes them worth a punt in my opinion. William Hill go 3.75 on the home win and I think it's worth the risk.
Italian Serie A
Brescia v Roma, Wednesday 1945
Having mounted a late challenge for the title last season under Claudio Ranieri Roma have started this season horrendously. They were beaten 5-1 by Cagliari and conceded 2 late goals at home to lowly Bologna on Sunday to leave them without a win from 3 games. Brescia looked a decent side to me when beating Palermo at home last weekend and West Ham cast-off Allesandro Diamanti looked impressive. He looked the only man capable of providing any flair for West Ham last season when he played and I can't believe they let him return to Italy for a £5million loss after 1 season. Just goes some way to revealing what a mess that club is in. Roma are another team who have too many good players to be involved in a relegation battle, but they look a way off hitting their stride at the moment which makes Brescia look good value at 3.5 with Totesport to me.
Bologna v Udinese, Wednesday 1945
Bologna should still be on a high from their rousing comeback against Roma on Sunday and that should see them in good stead for this match. In Marco Di Vaio they have a striker who has always got goals in Serie A and adds useful experience. Udinese have been absolutely woeful and sit bottom of the table after 3 matches played. They weren't very good last season and got by with Gokhlan Inler booting people's shins in midfield and Antonio Di Natale scoring hatfuls to help them out of trouble. Inler has left to join Rafa's attempts to undo Mourinho and Mancini's good work at Inter and Di Natale hasn't hit his stride yet, or is possibly finally feleing his age? Unless he scores around 40 goals this year I can't see any escape for Udine and I think they're heading for Serie B. All this being said makes the 2.6 at Victor Chandler look unmissable to me.
Spanish La Liga Primera
Athletic Bilbao v Mallorca, Tuesday 1900
Mallorca are a team that massively over-achieved last year in finishing in the European spots in La Liga. They are completely broke and if they were a horse they'd have been shot in the head by now. This season should seen a return to a more reasonable mid table position as they haven;t moved forward at all due to the aforementioned conditions. Bilbao are always good at home, in no small part due to one of only 3 or 4 crowds in Spain that actually get behind the team. They are a hard tackling team with real class in players like Iker Muniain, Fernando Llorente and Toquero. You could have got 2.2 on this match at the weekend, but the best available now is 2.0 with Corals. It's still worth an investment at that price.
Villarreal v Deportivo, Thursday 1900
Villarreal haven't quite lived up to the heights of their appearance against Arsenal in the Champions League Semi-Final a few years ago. This season though they have started well and in their sole home game beat a decent Espanyol team 4-0. Deportivo managed to grind out no end of 1-0 victories last year and have drawn all 3 games this season so far only scoring in 1 of those. They are a fairly obdurate outfit, but I fancy Villarreal to break through more than once on Thursday and to reward those backing them with a -1.0 asian handicap at 2.2 with Bet365.
German Bundesliga
Mainz v FC Koln, Tuesday 1900
Mainz have been the suprise story so far at this early stage of the season. They have beaten 3 of last seasons top 6 finishers and won 2-0 away at Werder Bremen on Saturday. I'm not going to claim to know a great deal about them, but they are scoring goals and doing it home and away at the moment. Koln are, as always, hovering around mid to lower table and will probably occupy that area for the majority of the season. They will do enough to stay up, but strike me as a Blackburn style team. These factors add up to a home win for me and my money is going with Totesport at a standout 2.0.
Hannover v Werder Bremen, Tuesday 1900
As mentioned above Bremen lost at home 0-2 on Saturday on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Spurs in the Champions League in midweek. The games are coming thick and fast for them at the moment and the injuries are piling up. Their 2 first choice centre backs will be missing for this match and their attack isn't firing at the moment, with the exception of Mighty Marko Marin. Hannover have made a good start, although they too lost 2-0 at the weekend to Schteve McClaren's Wolfsburg. I think Werder will come strong in a few weeks when players return and others have played themselves into better form, but the price on Hannover tonight makes them worth a punt in my opinion. William Hill go 3.75 on the home win and I think it's worth the risk.
Italian Serie A
Brescia v Roma, Wednesday 1945
Having mounted a late challenge for the title last season under Claudio Ranieri Roma have started this season horrendously. They were beaten 5-1 by Cagliari and conceded 2 late goals at home to lowly Bologna on Sunday to leave them without a win from 3 games. Brescia looked a decent side to me when beating Palermo at home last weekend and West Ham cast-off Allesandro Diamanti looked impressive. He looked the only man capable of providing any flair for West Ham last season when he played and I can't believe they let him return to Italy for a £5million loss after 1 season. Just goes some way to revealing what a mess that club is in. Roma are another team who have too many good players to be involved in a relegation battle, but they look a way off hitting their stride at the moment which makes Brescia look good value at 3.5 with Totesport to me.
Bologna v Udinese, Wednesday 1945
Bologna should still be on a high from their rousing comeback against Roma on Sunday and that should see them in good stead for this match. In Marco Di Vaio they have a striker who has always got goals in Serie A and adds useful experience. Udinese have been absolutely woeful and sit bottom of the table after 3 matches played. They weren't very good last season and got by with Gokhlan Inler booting people's shins in midfield and Antonio Di Natale scoring hatfuls to help them out of trouble. Inler has left to join Rafa's attempts to undo Mourinho and Mancini's good work at Inter and Di Natale hasn't hit his stride yet, or is possibly finally feleing his age? Unless he scores around 40 goals this year I can't see any escape for Udine and I think they're heading for Serie B. All this being said makes the 2.6 at Victor Chandler look unmissable to me.
Spanish La Liga Primera
Athletic Bilbao v Mallorca, Tuesday 1900
Mallorca are a team that massively over-achieved last year in finishing in the European spots in La Liga. They are completely broke and if they were a horse they'd have been shot in the head by now. This season should seen a return to a more reasonable mid table position as they haven;t moved forward at all due to the aforementioned conditions. Bilbao are always good at home, in no small part due to one of only 3 or 4 crowds in Spain that actually get behind the team. They are a hard tackling team with real class in players like Iker Muniain, Fernando Llorente and Toquero. You could have got 2.2 on this match at the weekend, but the best available now is 2.0 with Corals. It's still worth an investment at that price.
Villarreal v Deportivo, Thursday 1900
Villarreal haven't quite lived up to the heights of their appearance against Arsenal in the Champions League Semi-Final a few years ago. This season though they have started well and in their sole home game beat a decent Espanyol team 4-0. Deportivo managed to grind out no end of 1-0 victories last year and have drawn all 3 games this season so far only scoring in 1 of those. They are a fairly obdurate outfit, but I fancy Villarreal to break through more than once on Thursday and to reward those backing them with a -1.0 asian handicap at 2.2 with Bet365.
Monday, 20 September 2010
A quick update...
Here is a very quick run down of how my weeks tips got on this week:
Champions League
Werder Bremen v Tottenham - Backing Werder at 2.2 - lose £10.00
Man Utd v Rangers - Backing Utd -2.0 at 2.0 - lose £10.00
Lyon v Schalke - Under 2.5 at 1.9 - £9.00 profit
Real Madrid v Ajax - Madrid win to nil at 2.4 - £14.00 profit
Total £3.00 profit
Premier League
Stoke v West Ham - Backing Stoke at 2.0 - lose £10.00
Aston Villa v Bolton - Both teams to score at 1.8 - £8.00 profit
Blackburn v Fulham - Backing Fulham at 4.3 - lose £10.00
Everton v Newcastle - Everton -1.0 at 2.22 - lose £10.00
Tottenham v Wolves - Most goals in the first half at 3.25 - lose £10.00
WBA v Birmingham - Over 2.5 at 2.15 - £11.50 profit
Sunderland v Arsenal - Backing Arsenal at 1.7 - lose £10.00
Man Utd v Liverpool - Backing Utd -1.0 asian - refund
Wigan v Man City - Jo score first - lose £5.00
Chelsea v Blackpool - Chelsea score 4+ at 2.45 - £14.50 profit
Total lose £21.00
This week lose £17.00
Overall £142.50 profit
Champions League
Werder Bremen v Tottenham - Backing Werder at 2.2 - lose £10.00
Man Utd v Rangers - Backing Utd -2.0 at 2.0 - lose £10.00
Lyon v Schalke - Under 2.5 at 1.9 - £9.00 profit
Real Madrid v Ajax - Madrid win to nil at 2.4 - £14.00 profit
Total £3.00 profit
Premier League
Stoke v West Ham - Backing Stoke at 2.0 - lose £10.00
Aston Villa v Bolton - Both teams to score at 1.8 - £8.00 profit
Blackburn v Fulham - Backing Fulham at 4.3 - lose £10.00
Everton v Newcastle - Everton -1.0 at 2.22 - lose £10.00
Tottenham v Wolves - Most goals in the first half at 3.25 - lose £10.00
WBA v Birmingham - Over 2.5 at 2.15 - £11.50 profit
Sunderland v Arsenal - Backing Arsenal at 1.7 - lose £10.00
Man Utd v Liverpool - Backing Utd -1.0 asian - refund
Wigan v Man City - Jo score first - lose £5.00
Chelsea v Blackpool - Chelsea score 4+ at 2.45 - £14.50 profit
Total lose £21.00
This week lose £17.00
Overall £142.50 profit
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