As the headline would suggest I am completing this blog from the comfort of my couch, as I sadly have very little on on my day off. But, enough of my melancholy, you're surely all waiting for this weeks batch of tips. This midweek we saw Arsenal dominate against a Stoke side again determined to prove that you can be successful without resorting to playing any actual football. We saw Man Utd again look an absolute shower in Europe, with the midfield once again looking like a complete overhaul is needed. And we saw Chelsea play a bit better and gain a decent away win against Danish side FC Kobenvahn. To my eyes Arsenal are still the bet for any of the Premier League as they look capable of turning on some style or battling, everyone else looks like Wimbledon's harder working B team. Musically I'm in a chilled out moment so I'm going to go for Television with Marquee Moon, 7 minutes of brilliance.
Aston Villa v Blackburn, 1500 Saturday
The early kick off this week comes from the Championship so we start alphabetically at Villa for the Prem. Whilst they looked much-improved after Darren Bent's move and won twice on the spin, they've been terrible since without anyone paying much attention. They are getting ever nearer the relegation spots and need to turn their form around quick sharp to pull away. Blackburn are still solid at home and capable enough away to pick up enough points to steer clear of relegation this season. This probably wont be a classic by any means, but I think Villa should have enough at home to nick this. They do need Ashley Young to pull his head out of his arse though. He seems to have been elsewhere ever since move to big clubs, and Liverpool, started last season. He's as important to them as Bent and they'll need him to supply the bullets for Bent. Anyhoo, Bent scores first at a widely available 4.5 is the one for me.
Everton v Sunderland, 1500 Saturday
An interesting match here with 2 teams capable of turning in an impressive performance, but too unpredictable to be looking at Europe. Everton are looking a bit shit again at present and the lack of a goalscorer outside of the erratic Saha is the main problem. I've already made my feelings known that Moyes should leave at the end of the season. He seems to need a new challenge and his formerly impressive side are now looking like they're on the slide. The club probably needs a fresh approach and someone who will now see the lack of finances as a challenge not a burden. Sunderland have never been shy of splashing the cash, but are not really moving much further forward at the moment. Steve Bruce has been very hit and miss, Gyan looks a great player potentially, but players like Riveros have been given little time to impress and cast aside. I think there's probably a manager who can do more for the club, but they seem perfectly happy to expensively underachieve at present. They've been generally shit away so far, and Everton's best performances have been at home, but they look short to me. Coral go 2.25 on Sunderland and the Draw and I think that's worth a punt.
Newcastle v Bolton, 1500 Saturday
Another contest that looks closely matched on paper is this one between promoted Newcastle and perennial mid to lower tablers Bolton. Both have put in some fantastic performances and some that were utter, utter dogshit. Newcastle have thrashed Villa and beaten Arsenal and Bolton were as high as 5th position at one point in the season. However comma as expected since the sale of star man and all round nutjob Andy Carroll the Geordie's have looked toothless. Strikers of the 'calibre' of Leon 'Not the' Best and Shola 'Shit' Ameobi are not going to get you out of the Championship, let alone see you up the Prem table. Bolton are also struggling for goals now that Johan Elmander has reverted to the form of his career before this season, that is to say he's useless. You can never be certain what will happen in a Newcastle game, but I think the omens point to a low scorer. Betfair go 1.88 on under 2.5 goals and that's what it all points to.
Wigan v Man Utd, 1500 Saturday
It's United's twice yearly guarantee of 3 points and a boost to goal difference at Wigan on Saturday afternoon. These are 2 of the teams I dislike most in the division for completely different reasons. The frankly embarrassing 'support' of Wigan irks me no end. When you flick on MOTD and see 6 blokes and a couple of kids cheering their 'beloved' Wigan side on it appals me. Almost as much as having to listen to Shearer and the other merry band of dickheads on the programme, the jug eared twat and the camp moron. I forget their names. There are so many sides with a brilliant support no matter the level that I would rather see in the country's top league. Man Utd annoy me as they're managed by a graceless Jock twat and that never used to bother me when they were good to watch. Now they're horrible, boring, slow, insipid, just gash. The persistence with Rooney pisses me off too, although it amuses me to know they're stuck with his £6mil a week wages or whatever stupid amount they bent over and took in negotiations. He's got the touch of a pub player and no amount of running around swearing will make me think he's anything more than a hard working, classless prole. Lets be honest, it'll be a thrashing and should really be investigated. United -1.5 is available at 2.5 at Bet365 and it's nailed on.
Wolves v Blackpool, 1500 Saturday
Having finally won a match against Spurs midweek Blackpool will be hoping for a few more to once again move away from relegation trouble. Wolves are also gaining the results their endeavour deserves, but not regularly enough. As with many sides this season, goals are a problem. The strikers are not pulling their weight and sadly it's probably going to see them relegated. I like professional Yorkshireman Mick McCarthy a lot and appreciate his brutal honesty about his sides failings and contentious issues. Much better than blaming anything but your own inadequacies like messrs Bruce and Wenger in particular. Blackpool will no doubt attack from the off and in Charlie Adam they possess a player that would improve the midfields at Man Utd, Liverpool or Chelsea. He might not be quick or athletic, but he has an eye for a pass and possesses a threat from set pieces, corner delivery stands out. It's this attacking flair that gives me enough confidence to take a chance on them this time. BlueSq go 2.25 on them Draw No Bet and that'll give a bit of cover.
West Ham v Liverpool, 1330 Sunday
Having spent almost 2 hours of my life watching Liverpool against the mighty Sparta Prague I am not in the best of moods with them at all. They were dire, devoid of invention and lacked a goal threat at all. But, what annoyed me most is listening to the commentators going on about Joe fucking Cole getting back 'to the form we know he's capable of'. Now, to me, he was shit. He's always been shit. He's a paceless attacking midfielder who can't shoot or cross. He could no doubt do some incredibly fancy tricks at 15, but he's 30 now. He wont get better. He did not fulfil his potential. Just fucking stop it. The Hammers have been impressive some matches and back to their early season crapness too often. In Robbie Keane, Demba Ba and Obinna they have the firepower ti get them out of trouble. I would imagine Liverpool themselves would take the last 2 players. It really depends on which West Ham team turns up, but I'll take a chance the strikers show up after the thrashing of Burnley. Odds of 2.62 are widely available on the home side Draw No Bet and I'm happy with that.
Man City v Fulham, 1500 Sunday
In a game that will be completely overshadowed by the Careless Cup final we see Citeh hosting Fulham. It's Mark Leslie Hughes first return to Eastlands since his sacking and a chance to gain some revenge for the 4-1 hiding he took at Craven Cottage. Whatever his apologists in the media say, Mancini has improved Citeh, they are better at the back and he has coaxed better performance out of Carlos Tevez. Which has also amusingly made him the best striker in Manchester, presumably much to Sir Wrigley's chagrin. Fulham are also still terrible away from home, crap, useless, the lot. They've won less than 10 away in 3 seasons and only once this term so far. Why this is isn't important, it helps us gamblers no end. Citeh will win this , I guarantee it. City -1.5 at 2.45 at Bet365 looks to good to be true to me.
Carling Cup Final 2011, Arsenal v Birmingham, 1500 Sunday
The first silverware of the season is up for grabs at the disappointing Wembley on Sunday. Considering it cost more than twice what the Emirates cost Arsenal and looks like a car park with a ridiculous arch over it it's a horrible waste of money. Which has also led to mental ticket prices to cover this overspend. Rant over. This can really only go one way, it's Arsenal's to lose. They'll no doubt be up against a 4-5-1 with the 1 ridiculously isolated and will need to break Brum down, but they should. The motivation for all of them will be huge, they are generally still very young and have won not a lot between them. The miss of Walcott will hurt, but they're hardly short of midfielders. If Fabregas is fit it is a foregone conclusion. Brum are obdurate and can put the yards in, but lack the skill to damage Arsenal. If Zigic plays there will probably be a set piece chance or 2, but Arsenal will have Johan Djourou back and he's actually good in the air. Get on the Gunners to end their trophy drought and start their march to the Premier League too!. Victor Chandler go 1.97 on Arsenal -1 asian and I'll be on that.
Friday, 25 February 2011
Friday, 18 February 2011
Some selected 'titbits'...
Now, usually I wouldn't bother with this FA Cup malarkey betting wise, but I've had a request for some views! I would warn you that these are not the sort of tips to be robbing your Nan's pension for, they're strictly what I'd do if I were betting on the matches, which I wont. At least I hope I wont. Who am I kidding? I'll be all over them like like an XL coat on Lionel Messi. Music wise I'll go for something leftfield for me...let's go with Dead Prez and their seminal rap BANGER Hip Hop.
Chelsea v Everton, 1230 Saturday
The weekend kicks off with a 4th Round replay between 2 teams hopelessly struggling for form. So far Fernando Torres big move has looked about as much of a success as the Sinclair C5, that is to say, utter dogshit. He's been making Wayne Rooney look good he's been that poor in his 2 matches so far, being hauled off before the finish in both. A sad state for the once just below World Class striker. However comma he is cup tied for this match so we will see the return of The Drog. The beast of a man is renowned for his epic strops when not the main man, so expect the Marseille move to be back in the papers come the summer, yawn. He should be keen to score points against Carlo Ancelotti in this though and has a good record against Everton. The Toffees themselves are forcing any pundits to bring out the old 'too good to go down' line at present. With every passing week they seem to be edging closer to the basement and are unable to follow one decent performance with another of late. Whilst they held Chelsea to a draw at home I don't see them getting much change at all in the one tournament Chelsea have a decent chance at winning. Bet365 go out on a limb at 2.6 on the inventively nicknamed Blues winning to nil and I'll be keen to test that out.
Man Utd v Crawley, 1730 Saturday
I'm sure by now those regular readers will have cottoned on to my thinly veiled disgust at Man Utd's current team and particularly midfield. If I were to say I honestly don't think it's much better than the midfield at Brum I would not be lieing to you. Workmanlike is the best description of the middle of the park. Fletcher, Gibson (Jesus bleeding wept) and Scholes as well as that fat lad Anderson are a shower, an absolute shower. I was a huge fan of the way United played around 3 or 4 years ago and to see them reduced to this saddens me a little, only a little mind. I'll not even go in to Wayne 'Wazza' Rooney's, truly horrific derby game last week before he shinned one in whilst falling on his fat arse. All this being said they are not even on the same sub-human level of scum Crawley are. The Conference big spenders have yet to reveal who is actually funding the club despite numerous questions being posed. And at the helm have World Class dickhead Steve 'Bent' Evans. A man previously convicted of fraud whilst masking his players real wages to get out of tax. Sub-human scum. I really hope they get their arses handed to them and that utter bastard Evans is struck down. Thankfully they should be. United are nothing if not consistent in thrashing the shit at home and Berbatov should get another chance to inflate his goal-tally against sub-standard opposition here. Skybet are 3.25 on the Bulgarian hitman to score 2 or more and he should oblige. I would also suggest boycotting The Sun as they are sponsoring Crawley, but I'd hope none of you read that godawful rag anyway.
Man City v Notts County, 1400 Sunday
Another replay sees Man City hosting Notts County who got a creditable draw at their home ground a few weeks back. City have struggled to break down teams, and the players coming off the bench are sadly lacking in motivation. This is the problem with signing modern day Winston Bogarde's like Emanuel Adebayor as they will happily sit like lemons picking up fat pay cheques as long as the club let them. They're not fussed about putting the effort in when given a chance as they genuinely don''t care about playing in the side. The men from Nottingham's best chance of progress should have been in the home leg and I would expect them to bow out with a scrap in the replay. It's a lot of players chance to put themselves in the shop window and they should make a game of it. Lord knows why but I expect the midget son of Ian Wright to grab one here. Extrabet go 3.75 on that eventuality.
Leyton Orient v Arsenal, 1600 Sunday
The lst match of the weekend proper sees The O's hosting this week's biggest winners Arsenal. For all those shrewdies like myself who spotted they looked excellent value at around 4.0-4.5, congratulations. You know who you are. They were always going to have a chance against Barcelona at home, they might be the best team ever, but they're not quite that good. They looked good for the first 25 minutes, but as has been pointed out elsewhere, they are used to the opposition giving up around then if they're behind in La Liga. I'm not stupid enough to call it the SPL, teams as good as Valencia and Villarreal don't deserve that, but they do have things their own way more often than not. Whether this played in their minds and they slacked off we'll never know, but the loudest roar ever heard in the Emirates gave the home side a boost that Barca seemed ill prepared for. Leyton Orient have been up and down this season in League 1 and will have to put in a superhuman effort to get anything except a fat cheque for TV rights. Arsenal's bench, reserve and youth players are all keen to impress, unlike at Citeh, and will be too good. Saying that, they're still leakier than a leaky thing at the back so Skybet's 2.0 on Both teams To Score looks reasonable for an away tie.
Chelsea v Everton, 1230 Saturday
The weekend kicks off with a 4th Round replay between 2 teams hopelessly struggling for form. So far Fernando Torres big move has looked about as much of a success as the Sinclair C5, that is to say, utter dogshit. He's been making Wayne Rooney look good he's been that poor in his 2 matches so far, being hauled off before the finish in both. A sad state for the once just below World Class striker. However comma he is cup tied for this match so we will see the return of The Drog. The beast of a man is renowned for his epic strops when not the main man, so expect the Marseille move to be back in the papers come the summer, yawn. He should be keen to score points against Carlo Ancelotti in this though and has a good record against Everton. The Toffees themselves are forcing any pundits to bring out the old 'too good to go down' line at present. With every passing week they seem to be edging closer to the basement and are unable to follow one decent performance with another of late. Whilst they held Chelsea to a draw at home I don't see them getting much change at all in the one tournament Chelsea have a decent chance at winning. Bet365 go out on a limb at 2.6 on the inventively nicknamed Blues winning to nil and I'll be keen to test that out.
Man Utd v Crawley, 1730 Saturday
I'm sure by now those regular readers will have cottoned on to my thinly veiled disgust at Man Utd's current team and particularly midfield. If I were to say I honestly don't think it's much better than the midfield at Brum I would not be lieing to you. Workmanlike is the best description of the middle of the park. Fletcher, Gibson (Jesus bleeding wept) and Scholes as well as that fat lad Anderson are a shower, an absolute shower. I was a huge fan of the way United played around 3 or 4 years ago and to see them reduced to this saddens me a little, only a little mind. I'll not even go in to Wayne 'Wazza' Rooney's, truly horrific derby game last week before he shinned one in whilst falling on his fat arse. All this being said they are not even on the same sub-human level of scum Crawley are. The Conference big spenders have yet to reveal who is actually funding the club despite numerous questions being posed. And at the helm have World Class dickhead Steve 'Bent' Evans. A man previously convicted of fraud whilst masking his players real wages to get out of tax. Sub-human scum. I really hope they get their arses handed to them and that utter bastard Evans is struck down. Thankfully they should be. United are nothing if not consistent in thrashing the shit at home and Berbatov should get another chance to inflate his goal-tally against sub-standard opposition here. Skybet are 3.25 on the Bulgarian hitman to score 2 or more and he should oblige. I would also suggest boycotting The Sun as they are sponsoring Crawley, but I'd hope none of you read that godawful rag anyway.
Man City v Notts County, 1400 Sunday
Another replay sees Man City hosting Notts County who got a creditable draw at their home ground a few weeks back. City have struggled to break down teams, and the players coming off the bench are sadly lacking in motivation. This is the problem with signing modern day Winston Bogarde's like Emanuel Adebayor as they will happily sit like lemons picking up fat pay cheques as long as the club let them. They're not fussed about putting the effort in when given a chance as they genuinely don''t care about playing in the side. The men from Nottingham's best chance of progress should have been in the home leg and I would expect them to bow out with a scrap in the replay. It's a lot of players chance to put themselves in the shop window and they should make a game of it. Lord knows why but I expect the midget son of Ian Wright to grab one here. Extrabet go 3.75 on that eventuality.
Leyton Orient v Arsenal, 1600 Sunday
The lst match of the weekend proper sees The O's hosting this week's biggest winners Arsenal. For all those shrewdies like myself who spotted they looked excellent value at around 4.0-4.5, congratulations. You know who you are. They were always going to have a chance against Barcelona at home, they might be the best team ever, but they're not quite that good. They looked good for the first 25 minutes, but as has been pointed out elsewhere, they are used to the opposition giving up around then if they're behind in La Liga. I'm not stupid enough to call it the SPL, teams as good as Valencia and Villarreal don't deserve that, but they do have things their own way more often than not. Whether this played in their minds and they slacked off we'll never know, but the loudest roar ever heard in the Emirates gave the home side a boost that Barca seemed ill prepared for. Leyton Orient have been up and down this season in League 1 and will have to put in a superhuman effort to get anything except a fat cheque for TV rights. Arsenal's bench, reserve and youth players are all keen to impress, unlike at Citeh, and will be too good. Saying that, they're still leakier than a leaky thing at the back so Skybet's 2.0 on Both teams To Score looks reasonable for an away tie.
Friday, 11 February 2011
TFIF...
That's Thank Frank It's Friday for those of you with delicate ears. After the absolute betting graveyard that is friendly football, we return to the 'proper' stuff starting at 1245 tomorrow. A quick word on the England 'performance' before we move on. Had Christian Eriksen's shot against the post gone in before England's winner we could very well have witnessed another defeat for EnGerLand and the headlines would have been very different. I realise it's all speculation as it did hit the post, but it should be taken into account. Glen Johnson is quite literally the worst right back I have ever seen. No amount of attacking prowess should ever cover up the fact he is a fucking hopeless defender. If he's good going forward then stick him on the wing, if not then drop him. Even Dalglish has put Martin Kelly in Johnson's right back slot a Pool. And being subjected to Big Fat Sam and that pair of prats Southgate and Chiles give us their 'insight' was like being taught Geography by Jade bleeding Goody. Dreadful stuff and another reminder of why ITV should just be cancelled, made by morons for morons. This weeks musical titbit comes from Bad Religion with Delirium of Disorder, a 2 minute belter of a tune.
Man Utd v Man City, 1245 Saturday
The weekend kicks off with a match that will go a long way to deciding if City will be making a title challenge this season. They have been playing not to lose against the big sides so far and those tactics would be fine if they were beating all the minnows, but they're not. If United get all 3 points in this one it will put them too far away for City to catch, and will give the Spuds another opportunity to cut City's advantage in the table. All in, it's a massive match for Mancini. His doubters, and there are many, would have you believe he's a fool for not attacking the best teams from the off. Although I'm sure they'd be equally as damning if he did and failed, he is a 'filthy foreigner' after all. He is building a team at City, and all the best teams are strong at the back. The problem comes when even his own teams fans get on his back too. They definitely have the players to give United a game, and should win the midfield battle with ease. The problem will come if Tevez is again left isolated. As brilliant as he is, he can't do it all all the time. United come into this on the back of a defeat at bottom club Wolves. This is the worst United team I can really remember, with honourable exceptions made of Rio, Vidic and Evra. The midfield is hopeless, Fletcher is being asked to do more than hassle opponents, and he can't. Giggs and Scholes can no longer do it week in week out, or at all in Scholes case of late, and Darron Gibson truly is the worst player in the entire league. I see this being a tight one with City possibly sneaking it! Coral's odds of 2.1 on City and the Draw look good to me.
Arsenal v Wolves, 1500 Saturday
Following on from their historic victory over United last week Wolves travel to the Emirates looking for more points to avoid relegation. The problem being that Arsenal have toughened up a bit this term and are looking very good outside shouts for the title if they can just keep some players fit. The latest to find themselves in the treatment room is Johan Djourou, although they say it'll only be for a couple of weeks. The long anticipated arrival of Djourou in the first team has been a revelation. Arsenal have looked very solid with him in the side and when paired with Thomas Vermaelen, if he's even still alive, they should form a cracking centre back pairing. This weekend they have all their forward players fit, and even Arshavin has been seen tracking back once or twice of late, a miracle indeed. Wolves will really struggle here I would have thought. They never lack effort, but the lack of class is really showing this season, they sadly look nailed on to drop to me. I'll happily handicap the Gunners by 1.75 at Victor Chandler's 2.02 odds.
Birmingham v Stoke, 1500 Saturday
One for the purists to avoid I'd imagine! There will be strictly no tippy tappy here, both managers will resort to some of the most turgid, uninspiring football known to man to get 3 points. And with their jobs on the line, who am I to judge. Both teams have got some decent results of late, and have actually been scoring goals, something fans of Brum in particular are really not used to. As ever set pieces will be key for both sides. Seb Larsson's deliveries make Brum a real threat with players like the man-giant Zigic in the side. And we are all aware of the threat posed by Rory Delap's superhuman throw in's for the Stokies. He is as close to a 'special teams' player in the NFL as the game has ever seen, literally better with his hands than his feet! I see this one being closely fought and I don't see either team winning by more than a single goal. I can see both teams scoring on current form, but I can't bring myself to back that for some reason. I like the look of Bet365's quotes of 8.0 on Robert Huth to score anytime, he has got more than Rooney this season after all!
Blackburn v Newcastle, 1500 Saturday
This week saw a new messiah arrive on Tyneside in the shape of Shefki Kuqi, Finlandian superstar. The beast of a man with the belly-flop celebration is the club's answer to replacing Andy Carroll for the remainder of the season. The fact he was recently released by Swansea, who are short of goals, will probably give you an idea of the likliehood of success of this one. There will probably be 3 worse teams than Newcastle this eason, and it may well save them, but major reinvestment will be needed in the summer if they plan to stick around. Blackburn have been ticking over ok under Steve Kean so far. The man that part-time Lamb Shank lookylikey Big Fat Sam said would be 'no good' as a manager has made Blackburn far more attractive to watch and a bigger threat up front. David Dunn in particular seems to be revelling in a role behind the forwards. They have always been good at home and that should continue under the new man. Betfair quotes of 2.2 on the home win look more than fair to me.
Blackpool v Aston Villa, 1500 Saturday
The resurgent Villa come up against a free-falling Blackpool in this one. Whilst they are still thrilling to watch and are always likely to score, Blackpool's ropey Championship defence is beginning to concede at an alarming rate. They are beginning to worryingly resemble Hull's spectacular 18 month fall after a great first 6 months in the top division. Rather than address the failings of his side Ian 'Olly' Holloway seems happier to play up to his Bristolian dickhead persona for the media. Gerard Houllier has rather more wisely kept a low profile and one about improving his Villa side, obviously made easier when you can spend £24mil on Darren Bent. Having been given a start up front for England, Bent got the goal that any sensible person could see he would when given a real chance. He's been the best English striker for 4 years, and whilst that might make for damning reading, it's no less true. They should beat Blackpool on current form, but a more appealing bet to me is Boylesports offer of 2.5 on over 3.5 goals.
Liverpool v Wigan, 1500 Saturday
Now I'll readily admit I was more than sceptical about Pool giving Dalglish the managers role, and was positively wetting myself after the first few results. However comma he has certainly turned a corner now. Beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend was a great result and all the more impressive for the tactics that saw them completely negate Chelsea's attacking threat. Whilst Chelsea aren't the team they were even 6 months ago, I had little faith in a Pool upset. Playing 3 at the back with Jamie 'eh, you know, eh' as a sweeper was a masterstroke. It gave them 3 players to mark Chelsea's Torres and Drogba and let Glen Johson have less defensive responsibilties, which can only be sensible. Cos hez well gash innit. Wigan look like following Wolves out of the Prem to me and I'll be happy to see them go. Shit team, twatty chairman and crap football has no place in the top flight in my opinion. Odds of 2.1 are widely available on Pool to win to nil, and with Steve Clarke coaching the defence now I'll take that.
West Brom v West Ham, 1500 Saturday
Another team dropping like Jordan's knickers are West Brom. The club parted ways with the likeable Roberto Di Matteo after another defeat last weekend and they were looking unlikely to turn a corner with him in charge. As usual the leagues managers have lined up to condemn the sacking as short-termist, but if they want to stay in the Prem then surely they have to think like that? Bringing in a proven firefighter like Woy Hodgson or even Big Fat Git would make more sense to me than gambling on Di Matteo, regardless of how nice a man he might be. The Hammers looked to have turned a corner before defeat at home to Brum last weekend set them back somewhat. I still think in Obinna and Robbie Keane they should get the goals that will keep them up this season. But, why there has not been a protest against the utter twats in charge yet is beyond my reckoning. Porn baron's Gold and Sullivan and 'feminism crusader' Karren Brady have made a complete joke of the club in only a year in charge. Brady, who has been so keen to stick up for female lino Sian Massey, has had few problems in the past decade being paid in money mostly made from young girls being paid very little to demean themselves in classy mags like Razzle. The utterly hyprocritical shitcunt. I see goals in this one with both teams leaking like drains. Get on over 3 at 2.25 with Bet365.
Sunderland v Tottenham, 1730 Saturday
The late televised match will be Spurs travelling to the Stadium Of Light to take on Steve Bruce's team. Spurs have been on a role recently, although Redknapp is still persisting with Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe even though both are doing their level best to convince us all they're utter toilet. The man who always seems to pose a threat is vodka loving hitman Roman Pavluychenko. Sloopy Chops refusal to give him more of a chance is utterly ridiculous when Crouch and Defoe combined have contributed 2 goals between them in the league. If they miss the Champions League this season it will mostly be due to the man with a face like dripping candle wax's stark refusal to rotate. Sunderland have been the same as they ever were. Much stronger at home than on their travels, capable of beating anyone when in form, but just as capable of losing to anyone when their not. Bruce has spent a lot of money to tread mid-table water and questions should be asked of why their has been no discernable improvement in the side. God knows what will happen here, it entirely depends which Mackems team shows up. The best bet I can see is Bet365' 1.8 on both teams to score.
Bolton v Everton, 1600 Sunday
The only match on Sunday sees the up and down Everton travelling to a rather abysmal lately Bolton side. With Louis Saha in form of late, Everton have shown how much better they are when there is someone around to put some chances away. They haven't played that badly most of the season, but no goals = no wins in football, and they've looked about as potent as Boycey for much of it. Bolton started off well, mostly due to the goals of Johan Elmander, but he has now reverted to the form of the rest of his career and is no longer scoring. So, really, it's a tale of 2 strikers. If Saha can continue his form then Everton should win this easy, especially with Gary Cahill also looking less and less like an international defender with every match. I'm willing to take a punt on the Toffees and Boylesports are standout at 2.75 on an away win.
Fulham v Chelsea, 2000 Monday
Monday night football returns, minus the 2 stooges Gray and Keys obviously. This can only be a good thing. I've never seen the importance of Keys at all, he offers nothing except bumming up to Gray at all. This seems to in turn led to Gray going from being mildly interesting a few years back to just being a parody of himself now. He'd become stale and this excuse for Sky to sack him should freshen the channel up with any luck. Although not if Droopy Chops lad is allowed anywhere near the slot. The fooking tosser. back to the match and it's the West London derby with interlopers Chelsea taking on the team bearing their boroughs name, Fulham. The Cottagers have a decent record in this derby in recent years and with Torres still adapting and the rest of team looking like they need to be taken out back and shot they must fancy their chances. With Danny Murphy back to pulling the strings and Moussa Dembele adding some more attacking thrust along with the hugely under-rated Clint Dempsey, they've got a chance here. Take Fulahm and the Draw Double Chance at Coral at odds of 2.1 and thank me later!
Man Utd v Man City, 1245 Saturday
The weekend kicks off with a match that will go a long way to deciding if City will be making a title challenge this season. They have been playing not to lose against the big sides so far and those tactics would be fine if they were beating all the minnows, but they're not. If United get all 3 points in this one it will put them too far away for City to catch, and will give the Spuds another opportunity to cut City's advantage in the table. All in, it's a massive match for Mancini. His doubters, and there are many, would have you believe he's a fool for not attacking the best teams from the off. Although I'm sure they'd be equally as damning if he did and failed, he is a 'filthy foreigner' after all. He is building a team at City, and all the best teams are strong at the back. The problem comes when even his own teams fans get on his back too. They definitely have the players to give United a game, and should win the midfield battle with ease. The problem will come if Tevez is again left isolated. As brilliant as he is, he can't do it all all the time. United come into this on the back of a defeat at bottom club Wolves. This is the worst United team I can really remember, with honourable exceptions made of Rio, Vidic and Evra. The midfield is hopeless, Fletcher is being asked to do more than hassle opponents, and he can't. Giggs and Scholes can no longer do it week in week out, or at all in Scholes case of late, and Darron Gibson truly is the worst player in the entire league. I see this being a tight one with City possibly sneaking it! Coral's odds of 2.1 on City and the Draw look good to me.
Arsenal v Wolves, 1500 Saturday
Following on from their historic victory over United last week Wolves travel to the Emirates looking for more points to avoid relegation. The problem being that Arsenal have toughened up a bit this term and are looking very good outside shouts for the title if they can just keep some players fit. The latest to find themselves in the treatment room is Johan Djourou, although they say it'll only be for a couple of weeks. The long anticipated arrival of Djourou in the first team has been a revelation. Arsenal have looked very solid with him in the side and when paired with Thomas Vermaelen, if he's even still alive, they should form a cracking centre back pairing. This weekend they have all their forward players fit, and even Arshavin has been seen tracking back once or twice of late, a miracle indeed. Wolves will really struggle here I would have thought. They never lack effort, but the lack of class is really showing this season, they sadly look nailed on to drop to me. I'll happily handicap the Gunners by 1.75 at Victor Chandler's 2.02 odds.
Birmingham v Stoke, 1500 Saturday
One for the purists to avoid I'd imagine! There will be strictly no tippy tappy here, both managers will resort to some of the most turgid, uninspiring football known to man to get 3 points. And with their jobs on the line, who am I to judge. Both teams have got some decent results of late, and have actually been scoring goals, something fans of Brum in particular are really not used to. As ever set pieces will be key for both sides. Seb Larsson's deliveries make Brum a real threat with players like the man-giant Zigic in the side. And we are all aware of the threat posed by Rory Delap's superhuman throw in's for the Stokies. He is as close to a 'special teams' player in the NFL as the game has ever seen, literally better with his hands than his feet! I see this one being closely fought and I don't see either team winning by more than a single goal. I can see both teams scoring on current form, but I can't bring myself to back that for some reason. I like the look of Bet365's quotes of 8.0 on Robert Huth to score anytime, he has got more than Rooney this season after all!
Blackburn v Newcastle, 1500 Saturday
This week saw a new messiah arrive on Tyneside in the shape of Shefki Kuqi, Finlandian superstar. The beast of a man with the belly-flop celebration is the club's answer to replacing Andy Carroll for the remainder of the season. The fact he was recently released by Swansea, who are short of goals, will probably give you an idea of the likliehood of success of this one. There will probably be 3 worse teams than Newcastle this eason, and it may well save them, but major reinvestment will be needed in the summer if they plan to stick around. Blackburn have been ticking over ok under Steve Kean so far. The man that part-time Lamb Shank lookylikey Big Fat Sam said would be 'no good' as a manager has made Blackburn far more attractive to watch and a bigger threat up front. David Dunn in particular seems to be revelling in a role behind the forwards. They have always been good at home and that should continue under the new man. Betfair quotes of 2.2 on the home win look more than fair to me.
Blackpool v Aston Villa, 1500 Saturday
The resurgent Villa come up against a free-falling Blackpool in this one. Whilst they are still thrilling to watch and are always likely to score, Blackpool's ropey Championship defence is beginning to concede at an alarming rate. They are beginning to worryingly resemble Hull's spectacular 18 month fall after a great first 6 months in the top division. Rather than address the failings of his side Ian 'Olly' Holloway seems happier to play up to his Bristolian dickhead persona for the media. Gerard Houllier has rather more wisely kept a low profile and one about improving his Villa side, obviously made easier when you can spend £24mil on Darren Bent. Having been given a start up front for England, Bent got the goal that any sensible person could see he would when given a real chance. He's been the best English striker for 4 years, and whilst that might make for damning reading, it's no less true. They should beat Blackpool on current form, but a more appealing bet to me is Boylesports offer of 2.5 on over 3.5 goals.
Liverpool v Wigan, 1500 Saturday
Now I'll readily admit I was more than sceptical about Pool giving Dalglish the managers role, and was positively wetting myself after the first few results. However comma he has certainly turned a corner now. Beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend was a great result and all the more impressive for the tactics that saw them completely negate Chelsea's attacking threat. Whilst Chelsea aren't the team they were even 6 months ago, I had little faith in a Pool upset. Playing 3 at the back with Jamie 'eh, you know, eh' as a sweeper was a masterstroke. It gave them 3 players to mark Chelsea's Torres and Drogba and let Glen Johson have less defensive responsibilties, which can only be sensible. Cos hez well gash innit. Wigan look like following Wolves out of the Prem to me and I'll be happy to see them go. Shit team, twatty chairman and crap football has no place in the top flight in my opinion. Odds of 2.1 are widely available on Pool to win to nil, and with Steve Clarke coaching the defence now I'll take that.
West Brom v West Ham, 1500 Saturday
Another team dropping like Jordan's knickers are West Brom. The club parted ways with the likeable Roberto Di Matteo after another defeat last weekend and they were looking unlikely to turn a corner with him in charge. As usual the leagues managers have lined up to condemn the sacking as short-termist, but if they want to stay in the Prem then surely they have to think like that? Bringing in a proven firefighter like Woy Hodgson or even Big Fat Git would make more sense to me than gambling on Di Matteo, regardless of how nice a man he might be. The Hammers looked to have turned a corner before defeat at home to Brum last weekend set them back somewhat. I still think in Obinna and Robbie Keane they should get the goals that will keep them up this season. But, why there has not been a protest against the utter twats in charge yet is beyond my reckoning. Porn baron's Gold and Sullivan and 'feminism crusader' Karren Brady have made a complete joke of the club in only a year in charge. Brady, who has been so keen to stick up for female lino Sian Massey, has had few problems in the past decade being paid in money mostly made from young girls being paid very little to demean themselves in classy mags like Razzle. The utterly hyprocritical shitcunt. I see goals in this one with both teams leaking like drains. Get on over 3 at 2.25 with Bet365.
Sunderland v Tottenham, 1730 Saturday
The late televised match will be Spurs travelling to the Stadium Of Light to take on Steve Bruce's team. Spurs have been on a role recently, although Redknapp is still persisting with Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe even though both are doing their level best to convince us all they're utter toilet. The man who always seems to pose a threat is vodka loving hitman Roman Pavluychenko. Sloopy Chops refusal to give him more of a chance is utterly ridiculous when Crouch and Defoe combined have contributed 2 goals between them in the league. If they miss the Champions League this season it will mostly be due to the man with a face like dripping candle wax's stark refusal to rotate. Sunderland have been the same as they ever were. Much stronger at home than on their travels, capable of beating anyone when in form, but just as capable of losing to anyone when their not. Bruce has spent a lot of money to tread mid-table water and questions should be asked of why their has been no discernable improvement in the side. God knows what will happen here, it entirely depends which Mackems team shows up. The best bet I can see is Bet365' 1.8 on both teams to score.
Bolton v Everton, 1600 Sunday
The only match on Sunday sees the up and down Everton travelling to a rather abysmal lately Bolton side. With Louis Saha in form of late, Everton have shown how much better they are when there is someone around to put some chances away. They haven't played that badly most of the season, but no goals = no wins in football, and they've looked about as potent as Boycey for much of it. Bolton started off well, mostly due to the goals of Johan Elmander, but he has now reverted to the form of the rest of his career and is no longer scoring. So, really, it's a tale of 2 strikers. If Saha can continue his form then Everton should win this easy, especially with Gary Cahill also looking less and less like an international defender with every match. I'm willing to take a punt on the Toffees and Boylesports are standout at 2.75 on an away win.
Fulham v Chelsea, 2000 Monday
Monday night football returns, minus the 2 stooges Gray and Keys obviously. This can only be a good thing. I've never seen the importance of Keys at all, he offers nothing except bumming up to Gray at all. This seems to in turn led to Gray going from being mildly interesting a few years back to just being a parody of himself now. He'd become stale and this excuse for Sky to sack him should freshen the channel up with any luck. Although not if Droopy Chops lad is allowed anywhere near the slot. The fooking tosser. back to the match and it's the West London derby with interlopers Chelsea taking on the team bearing their boroughs name, Fulham. The Cottagers have a decent record in this derby in recent years and with Torres still adapting and the rest of team looking like they need to be taken out back and shot they must fancy their chances. With Danny Murphy back to pulling the strings and Moussa Dembele adding some more attacking thrust along with the hugely under-rated Clint Dempsey, they've got a chance here. Take Fulahm and the Draw Double Chance at Coral at odds of 2.1 and thank me later!
Friday, 4 February 2011
The one stop shop for punters...
Good morning all and sorry for not putting a blog up last week. I was very busy at work and also only an addict bets on cup matches! Just so you can all now self-diagnose! This weekend sees a return to the Premier League and then a break for some international friendlies, where England can once again marvel at such things as possession football and tactics. This week has seen the huge drama that is the January Transfer Window, dun dun dun. Sky Sports News would have you believe this is some sort of world altering time period such is the hype and ecstasy on display on that channel on the last day. Presenters are dispatched all over the country to stand outside training grounds in the cold to be lied to by sloppy faced tools like 'Arry Redknapp, and they believe him! The man with a face like a lava slide was telling SSN in the morning that no business would be done. He then seemingly sent out his 'crack' team to make ridiculous bids for anyone who has scored a goal in La Liga this season, and Charlie Adam. But, topping all that was the news that an injury prone, shadow his former self striker who doesn't always start for his national team is worth £50mil. And even more startling is that a man who was 2nd top scorer for his side in his country's second tier competition behind Michael Chopra is worth £35mil 8 months later. Sweet fucking christ. This weeks recommended music comes from the old school, it's The Undertones with Teenage Kicks.
Stoke v Sunderland, Saturday 1245
We start the weekend off just down the road from where I'll be spending my weekend in glorious Stoke. It's a common misconception that Stoke are formidable at home, they're actually no better than they are away. This is probably due to the same reason as Blackpool's stellar away form, they don't alter their tactics at all. Most teams will sit on the back foot for a while when away and are therefore better staffed to cope with the aerial, physical bombardment you get from Tony Pulis' men. Having let go of Tuncay and Gudjohnsen recently I think it is safe to assume Total Football is off the menu. Sunderland have actually looked better more often than not in the absence of Darren Bent this season, good job since they've flogged him. If you are desperate for goals and are happy for one man to get them then Bent's your man. Sadly most teams endeavour to move on from that after a season or 2 which is why we will see Bent moving on. All this being said, I think this is a hard match to call. God only knows why, but I think there might be goals in this! Victor Chandler are top price on over 2.5 at 2.37.
Aston Villa v Fulham, Saturday 1500
talking of yer man Bent, it's his lot up first alphabetically at 3pm. They take on a rejuvenated Fulham who have been pulling away from the relegation places of late. Moussa Dembele's return to fitness has been a huge factor, as has Danny Murphy's return to form. The loan signing of Gael Kakuta from neighbours Chelsea seems a good move to me. He's a tricky wee get with plenty of pace. Villa's main business was obviously the signing of Bent, and he's already notched 2 goals for his new team. He'll thrive in a system set up to supply a lone forward with plenty of chances and should get 10 goals easily by seasons end. I also fancy him to open the scoring in this one. Fulham's form might have improved, but they'll get sod all at Villa Park. Betfred are largest on Mr D Bent scoring first, I'll have some of that.
Everton v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Ah, the curious case of Everton...David Moyes has undoubtebly worked miracles on a small budget at the Toffees, but this season something has gone awry. Whether it's just that he's taken the team as far as he can or not is open to debate, but I think he's lost motivation. Last season saw Steven Pienaar playing well above himself, same for Louis Saha, and Mikel Arteta looks to have peaked last term too. This leaves them very short of inspiration. I think Moyes knows his spine is potentially getting weaker and also that he hasn't got the funds to buy ready made replacements for any of them. I would not be at all suprised to see him walk away at season's end. Blackpool managed to keep hold of star man Charlie Adam, and I think it'll serve him well to be playing rather than warming Spurs bench. He scored against West Ham in their midweek defeat and his reaction looked like a man with a point to prove. He'll know he needs to maintain his form to get a move to Liverpool or Man Utd at the end of the season and that should be enough for him. I think you've got to oppose Everton at under 1.5, get on Blackpool and the Draw at 2.67 with Coral.
Manchester City v West Brom, Saturday 1500
Now, I tuned in to the Baggies match against Wigan midweek and I have to say I was pleasantly suprised by the entertainment on offer. Neither team was outstanding, but both were committed to winning and it made for good end to end stuff. Since gaining all manner of plaudits around mid-December WBA's form has dipped dramatically and with only the loan signing of Carlos Vela in the window, they might get pulled further into the relegation struggle. Citeh have made extremely hard work of limited opponents of late, Notts County and Birmingham should not be a challenge to a team with title aspirations. Edin Dzeko has looked lively, if not particularly graceful so far, and that bodes well. If they can get him to show the form that made him a star in the Bundesliga it'll add another dimension to their attack. Back them to win this match to nil and you shouldn't be disappointed. Coral are again standout at 2.5.
Newcastle v Arsenal, Saturday 1500
Whilst Andy Carroll was without a shadow of a doubt hugely overpriced by Liverpool, his value to Newcastle was huge. They have been left to choose between the striking prowess of messrs Shola Ameobi, Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands. Dogshit one and all. The offer was too good to turn down, but they need to find one of these players in some sort of form or the rest of the season is going to be an uphill struggle. They looked absolutely toothless against Fulham in midweek, in a match they'd have fancied with Carroll in the side. Arsenal might have had to come behind against Everton, but they were much the better side and the goal should never have been given to Saha. I have also seen a lot of criticism in the press of Cesc Fabregas for 'gobbing off' at the referee. Now, as with Phil Brown not too long ago, these accusations by David Moyes have been proven completely unfounded. It's a disgusting slur on one of the very few truly World Class players in the league, and the press should be made to wear the stocks if he ends up leaving soon. He is merely showing the fight and captains spirit that the team and Fabregas personally are constantly accused of lacking. Why he is picked on and Wayne 'Facking shit ref, you facking cunt' Rooney and John 'Tiny Tears' Terry are lauded for similar actions can only be xenophobia. I see a comfortable Arse win here. Totesport go 1.75 on that outcome and that's enough for me.
Tottenham v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Having been soundly thrashed by Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend, Spurs put in one of their best performances of the season to beat Blackburn away. Shorn of nearly all centre halves they repelled Rovers for 87 minutes after Peter Crouch nodded them in front. No mean feat. They will fall short this season though and I would aim a lot of criticism at Harry 'Droopy Jowls' Redknapp for this. The clown must have known his strikers were shit before the window opened, I did, and he must have also known his injury prone defence was an accident waiting to happen, again I did. If he didn't he's incompetent, and if he did and chose to not bid for any defenders and to go whoring his club round Spain on the last day for a striker, then he's a tool. But, you already knew that. Bolton are another team who were lauded pre-xmas, by me included, who have fallen away a bit since. I can't see that changing here. if Spurs had enough to beat an in-form Rovers away, they'll win this. Hills go 2.4 on them leading at HT and FT and that interests me.
Wigan v Blackburn, Saturday 1500
A borefest waiting to happen it would seem. Wigan might have been involved in a thriller with WBA in midweek, but their form would suggest that was a blip on the path to the Championship. Thank fuck. Blackburn have been ticking along nicely under Steve Kean and have made a couple of interesting signings in Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina. Formica is an Argentinian playmaker and was attracting interest from France and Rochina is a Spanish striker who had been impressing in the Segunda in Spain for Barcelona B. A couple of signings that show he's a manager far removed from Big Fat Bastard Allardyce. The Lamb Shank lookalike had stated that Kean wouldn't be cut out for management, but so far he's already improved the Fat One's boring outfit inot a team with a lot more flair. And he's shipped out permanent dickhead El Hadij Diouf, the awful spitting shitbag. I think they could do this, but I'm not exactly confident enough to put the holiday funds on it! Victor Chandler go 2.1 on Balckburn in the Draw No Bet market and that's the one for me.
Wolves v Man Utd, Saturday 1730
The late kick off sees now bottom Wolves taking on still unbeaten United at Molineux. The sports writers in this country have been appallingly keen to inform all those listening that after 2 goals against Aston Villa at hoem that Wayne Rooney is probably the best player the world has ever seen, ever. He's not. He's an above average player who would be shown up by most players in La Liga for the hard toiling troll that he is. Saying this he was always a player that scored in spurts, as that filthy prossie will no doubt confirm. Boom Boom. Wolves have been grafting all season, but lack that bit of quality or presence that would see them from relegation battlers to comfortable mid-table a la Stoke. United have drawn plenty on their travels so far, and Wolves will hope to ad to that list. I do think United are coming into their traditional post-xmas form though, and that will be far too much for Wolves. Nani in particular has impressed me, and has picked up his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo's habit of shooting from anywhere within 30 yards out. This makes Boylesports quotes of 3.0 on him to score anytime look worth a poke.
West Ham v Birmingham, Sunday 1330
Two of the most disappointing sides so far this season meet around lunchtime on Sunday. Both have picked up a bit of late, in no small part down to rejuvenated strikers. The Hammers have seen Victor Obinna in scintillating form and Nikola Zigic is looking more like he's played football before every match. Away from home Brum tend to be very workmanlike and happy to hold out for a draw most of the time whilst tyring to nick one from a set piece. Zigic gives them hope that against a leaky Hammers defnece they might just do it. However comma With the partnership of Keane and Obinna already seeing both score away at Blackpool, Hammers fans must be optimistic. All it really takes to survive in this league is a glut of goals. Get on the Irons at the still widely available 2.1.
Chelsea v Liverpool, Sunday 1600
The weekend ends with a huge match for numerous reasons. Fernando Torres has joined Chelsea for an astonishing £50mil and the fans of his new club will be looking for a huge effort to score against his former employees. After seeing the usual parade of knuckle-draggers on SSN burning his shirt in Scouseland, it'd serve the tools write too. Liverpool also have a new striker on show, man-biting Luis Suarez. He has been given the goal on his debut against Stoke, and it was heading in however slowly, and that has led to all sorts of wild claims of his ability from Merseyside. Having watched a bit of the Eredivisie as well as the World Cup I can confirm he should adapt better than other imports from that league like Afonso Alves and Mateja Kezman. He is more than just a goalscorer and is happy to be a link man as well as being quick enough to get in behind defences. I think Chelsea are still light years in front of Pool currently and couldn't back the Scousers to leave with anything. I think Chelsea will come haring out and should lead at HT and FT. 888sport go 2.5 on that outcome and that will conclude my weekend's punting.
Stoke v Sunderland, Saturday 1245
We start the weekend off just down the road from where I'll be spending my weekend in glorious Stoke. It's a common misconception that Stoke are formidable at home, they're actually no better than they are away. This is probably due to the same reason as Blackpool's stellar away form, they don't alter their tactics at all. Most teams will sit on the back foot for a while when away and are therefore better staffed to cope with the aerial, physical bombardment you get from Tony Pulis' men. Having let go of Tuncay and Gudjohnsen recently I think it is safe to assume Total Football is off the menu. Sunderland have actually looked better more often than not in the absence of Darren Bent this season, good job since they've flogged him. If you are desperate for goals and are happy for one man to get them then Bent's your man. Sadly most teams endeavour to move on from that after a season or 2 which is why we will see Bent moving on. All this being said, I think this is a hard match to call. God only knows why, but I think there might be goals in this! Victor Chandler are top price on over 2.5 at 2.37.
Aston Villa v Fulham, Saturday 1500
talking of yer man Bent, it's his lot up first alphabetically at 3pm. They take on a rejuvenated Fulham who have been pulling away from the relegation places of late. Moussa Dembele's return to fitness has been a huge factor, as has Danny Murphy's return to form. The loan signing of Gael Kakuta from neighbours Chelsea seems a good move to me. He's a tricky wee get with plenty of pace. Villa's main business was obviously the signing of Bent, and he's already notched 2 goals for his new team. He'll thrive in a system set up to supply a lone forward with plenty of chances and should get 10 goals easily by seasons end. I also fancy him to open the scoring in this one. Fulham's form might have improved, but they'll get sod all at Villa Park. Betfred are largest on Mr D Bent scoring first, I'll have some of that.
Everton v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Ah, the curious case of Everton...David Moyes has undoubtebly worked miracles on a small budget at the Toffees, but this season something has gone awry. Whether it's just that he's taken the team as far as he can or not is open to debate, but I think he's lost motivation. Last season saw Steven Pienaar playing well above himself, same for Louis Saha, and Mikel Arteta looks to have peaked last term too. This leaves them very short of inspiration. I think Moyes knows his spine is potentially getting weaker and also that he hasn't got the funds to buy ready made replacements for any of them. I would not be at all suprised to see him walk away at season's end. Blackpool managed to keep hold of star man Charlie Adam, and I think it'll serve him well to be playing rather than warming Spurs bench. He scored against West Ham in their midweek defeat and his reaction looked like a man with a point to prove. He'll know he needs to maintain his form to get a move to Liverpool or Man Utd at the end of the season and that should be enough for him. I think you've got to oppose Everton at under 1.5, get on Blackpool and the Draw at 2.67 with Coral.
Manchester City v West Brom, Saturday 1500
Now, I tuned in to the Baggies match against Wigan midweek and I have to say I was pleasantly suprised by the entertainment on offer. Neither team was outstanding, but both were committed to winning and it made for good end to end stuff. Since gaining all manner of plaudits around mid-December WBA's form has dipped dramatically and with only the loan signing of Carlos Vela in the window, they might get pulled further into the relegation struggle. Citeh have made extremely hard work of limited opponents of late, Notts County and Birmingham should not be a challenge to a team with title aspirations. Edin Dzeko has looked lively, if not particularly graceful so far, and that bodes well. If they can get him to show the form that made him a star in the Bundesliga it'll add another dimension to their attack. Back them to win this match to nil and you shouldn't be disappointed. Coral are again standout at 2.5.
Newcastle v Arsenal, Saturday 1500
Whilst Andy Carroll was without a shadow of a doubt hugely overpriced by Liverpool, his value to Newcastle was huge. They have been left to choose between the striking prowess of messrs Shola Ameobi, Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands. Dogshit one and all. The offer was too good to turn down, but they need to find one of these players in some sort of form or the rest of the season is going to be an uphill struggle. They looked absolutely toothless against Fulham in midweek, in a match they'd have fancied with Carroll in the side. Arsenal might have had to come behind against Everton, but they were much the better side and the goal should never have been given to Saha. I have also seen a lot of criticism in the press of Cesc Fabregas for 'gobbing off' at the referee. Now, as with Phil Brown not too long ago, these accusations by David Moyes have been proven completely unfounded. It's a disgusting slur on one of the very few truly World Class players in the league, and the press should be made to wear the stocks if he ends up leaving soon. He is merely showing the fight and captains spirit that the team and Fabregas personally are constantly accused of lacking. Why he is picked on and Wayne 'Facking shit ref, you facking cunt' Rooney and John 'Tiny Tears' Terry are lauded for similar actions can only be xenophobia. I see a comfortable Arse win here. Totesport go 1.75 on that outcome and that's enough for me.
Tottenham v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Having been soundly thrashed by Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend, Spurs put in one of their best performances of the season to beat Blackburn away. Shorn of nearly all centre halves they repelled Rovers for 87 minutes after Peter Crouch nodded them in front. No mean feat. They will fall short this season though and I would aim a lot of criticism at Harry 'Droopy Jowls' Redknapp for this. The clown must have known his strikers were shit before the window opened, I did, and he must have also known his injury prone defence was an accident waiting to happen, again I did. If he didn't he's incompetent, and if he did and chose to not bid for any defenders and to go whoring his club round Spain on the last day for a striker, then he's a tool. But, you already knew that. Bolton are another team who were lauded pre-xmas, by me included, who have fallen away a bit since. I can't see that changing here. if Spurs had enough to beat an in-form Rovers away, they'll win this. Hills go 2.4 on them leading at HT and FT and that interests me.
Wigan v Blackburn, Saturday 1500
A borefest waiting to happen it would seem. Wigan might have been involved in a thriller with WBA in midweek, but their form would suggest that was a blip on the path to the Championship. Thank fuck. Blackburn have been ticking along nicely under Steve Kean and have made a couple of interesting signings in Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina. Formica is an Argentinian playmaker and was attracting interest from France and Rochina is a Spanish striker who had been impressing in the Segunda in Spain for Barcelona B. A couple of signings that show he's a manager far removed from Big Fat Bastard Allardyce. The Lamb Shank lookalike had stated that Kean wouldn't be cut out for management, but so far he's already improved the Fat One's boring outfit inot a team with a lot more flair. And he's shipped out permanent dickhead El Hadij Diouf, the awful spitting shitbag. I think they could do this, but I'm not exactly confident enough to put the holiday funds on it! Victor Chandler go 2.1 on Balckburn in the Draw No Bet market and that's the one for me.
Wolves v Man Utd, Saturday 1730
The late kick off sees now bottom Wolves taking on still unbeaten United at Molineux. The sports writers in this country have been appallingly keen to inform all those listening that after 2 goals against Aston Villa at hoem that Wayne Rooney is probably the best player the world has ever seen, ever. He's not. He's an above average player who would be shown up by most players in La Liga for the hard toiling troll that he is. Saying this he was always a player that scored in spurts, as that filthy prossie will no doubt confirm. Boom Boom. Wolves have been grafting all season, but lack that bit of quality or presence that would see them from relegation battlers to comfortable mid-table a la Stoke. United have drawn plenty on their travels so far, and Wolves will hope to ad to that list. I do think United are coming into their traditional post-xmas form though, and that will be far too much for Wolves. Nani in particular has impressed me, and has picked up his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo's habit of shooting from anywhere within 30 yards out. This makes Boylesports quotes of 3.0 on him to score anytime look worth a poke.
West Ham v Birmingham, Sunday 1330
Two of the most disappointing sides so far this season meet around lunchtime on Sunday. Both have picked up a bit of late, in no small part down to rejuvenated strikers. The Hammers have seen Victor Obinna in scintillating form and Nikola Zigic is looking more like he's played football before every match. Away from home Brum tend to be very workmanlike and happy to hold out for a draw most of the time whilst tyring to nick one from a set piece. Zigic gives them hope that against a leaky Hammers defnece they might just do it. However comma With the partnership of Keane and Obinna already seeing both score away at Blackpool, Hammers fans must be optimistic. All it really takes to survive in this league is a glut of goals. Get on the Irons at the still widely available 2.1.
Chelsea v Liverpool, Sunday 1600
The weekend ends with a huge match for numerous reasons. Fernando Torres has joined Chelsea for an astonishing £50mil and the fans of his new club will be looking for a huge effort to score against his former employees. After seeing the usual parade of knuckle-draggers on SSN burning his shirt in Scouseland, it'd serve the tools write too. Liverpool also have a new striker on show, man-biting Luis Suarez. He has been given the goal on his debut against Stoke, and it was heading in however slowly, and that has led to all sorts of wild claims of his ability from Merseyside. Having watched a bit of the Eredivisie as well as the World Cup I can confirm he should adapt better than other imports from that league like Afonso Alves and Mateja Kezman. He is more than just a goalscorer and is happy to be a link man as well as being quick enough to get in behind defences. I think Chelsea are still light years in front of Pool currently and couldn't back the Scousers to leave with anything. I think Chelsea will come haring out and should lead at HT and FT. 888sport go 2.5 on that outcome and that will conclude my weekend's punting.
Friday, 21 January 2011
Punters rejoice, Liverpool are away form home...
So here we are, on the anniversary of my birth, looking where I can spend those 2 pounds taped inside my card this weekend? It's been a good week for me personally in terms of seeing some utterly deserving people getting it right in mush. First off we have the ever hilarious goings on at the biggest club of the 80's, Liverpool. The more ascerbic of their fans managed to get Woy the chop for the seemingly difficult task of polishing a turd. Also, we got to see Real Madrid as good as throw away the La Liga title and Mourinho making noises suggesting he's going to throw his toys out and quit too. Poor little lamb. Only being given £100mil to improve a team that was 2 points from the title last season, it's just not fair. And finally, my personal favourite, Big Enormously Fat Sam seemingly whoreing himself to West Ham. And them even more hilariously preferring having the grim reaper himself in charge. If only he was called Allaricio! This week's musical recommendation is Poison by Hot Water Music.
Wolves v Liverpool, Saturday 1245
Ah Liverpool not at Anfield, it's the gift that keeps on giving! Whilst they're not bad at home, they are the very definition of toilet away, and have made me many pounds this year with some frankly silly prices on offer for them. Wolves are a side beginning to finally get the results their endeavour and work rate are deserving of. This will spell trouble for Pool. The one thing they hate is a team battling against them, the lack of pride in the shirt at times has been disgraceful. Wolves have been known to sit back too much against the better sides, but it is a mark of how far Pool have fallen that I would expect McCarthy to go for a win from the off in this. He has rested some key players midweek and also saw Stevie Fletcher score and generally impress too. Every week the bookies are getting closer to the right price for Liverpool, but they're still off this week having them as short as 2.1 in some places. Victor Chandler go 2.37 on Wolves in the Draw No Bet market, lump on!
Arsenal v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Having watched the Gooners dispatch Leeds with relative ease in their FA Cup replay, it again begs the question of why they are so much better away? I think the answer probably lies somewhere starting with the fact the opposition are a bit more open when at home, and this benefits the pacey Arsenal team. There will naturally be a little more room and it means they can make more clinical passes and open teams up better. This being said, they're only at the bleedin Emirates this week. However comma they are up against a piss-poor Wigan side who are destined to find their more natural level at League 1 soon. The hopelessness of West Ham is somewhat shifting the gaze from sides like Wigan and Fulham who as well as just generally being crap, are also mind-numbingly dull to watch. They actually haven't been horrific at the back, but with Fabregas having had a bit of a rest, Nasri running the Leeds game, and RVP coming back into ominous form, I'll be all over the king's of North London in this. I think the Gunners are good to at least cover the handicaps, but the prices are still a bit short for all but the big hitters. Boylesports have gone a frankly massive 2.37 on Samir Nasri finding the net, that's the bet for me.
Blackpool v Sunderland, Saturday 1500
This should be an interesting match. Blackpool have turned up a number of shocks this year, and under Ian Holloway seemingly never settle for less than a win. This has made them incredibly watchable and popular with the neutral fan. Doing the double over Liverpool helped with me too! Their away form has actually been the most impressive though, presumably as teams are ignoring the evidence and not expecting the full assault. Sunderland will line-up sans Darren Bent this weekend. Aston Villa have stumped up a gargantuan £20 odd million for the man Sloopy Chops thought shit, even though he was Spurs top scorer the season before he left. The silly droopy faced twat. He's no Messi, but in Premier League football he knows where the goal is. To those saying he's a waste, if he keeps Villa up, and even helps them push on, then he's a fucking steal. Anyway, Sunderland seemed to have taken measures to cope without him when buying Asamoah Gyan in the summer. He has acclimatised to the English game very quickly and has formed a good partnership of his own with Danny Welbeck. The problem lies in that Welbeck is out too. This lack of firepower is enough for me to back the Seasiders. Victor Chandler are again standout at 3.0.
Everton v West Ham, Saturday 1500
Another week and more misery seemingly lies in store for West Ham's intrepid followers. They always take a good number away and I personally thoroughly enjoyed their company at the home game with Stoke last season. A real community atmosphere often lacking at the pinnacle of the game. This wont save them though. The players are in parts terrible, in parts lazy and then there's Scott Parker. A man amongst boys this lad. God knows how far adrift they'd be without him, but adrift they are anyway, and they look doomed to me. Everton have been very Jeckyll and Hyde so far this season. Capable of beating most teams when on form, this hasn't been the case nearly often enough. The lack of a striker who can score has been the problem, and they are also missing midfield goal-grabber Tim Cahill at the moment as he takes part in the Asian Cup with Australia. They'll not get a better chance to score a hatful than in this, but I still see it being a low scorer. Under 2.5 goals at around 1.95 with a number of firms for me.
Fulham v Stoke, Saturday 1500
As mentioned previously, Fulham have been dire for most of this season. Mark Hughes has never set the world alight as a manager for me. He's been good for spells, he's no clown, but he comes up short on a number of occasions too. Stoke are still a good team on the road and are close to finalising a deal for the inventively nicknamed 'Big' John Carew. Pulis seems to love buying strikers and then not playing them, and it seems hard to figure out how he and Kenwyne Jones would play together. Both thrive on being the target and having other play off them. I assume he'll be back-up. Whatever criticism you level at the Potters, they will stay in the Prem as long as they play as they do. The lesser lights can't cope with the physical battling that Pulis demands of his team and all credit to him. I think they're backable here too. Fulham love a draw so I'll go Draw No Bet just in case. Coral are best price at 2.5 for an away win in that market.
Man Utd v Birmingham, Saturday 1500
Another weekend and probably another thoroughly underwhelming win for Sir Wrigley's side. They are a team built on the brilliant defence of Vidic and Ferdinand and the occasional flair of Berbatov and Nani. Wayne 'Wazza' Rooney can fuck off. He has reverted to being a useless gobby scrote this season and I'd love to see him relegated to the bench with the promising Hernandez given more game time. For all the press and pundits, as well as his moronic manager, might say, he has not been good for almost a calendar year now. He's been terrible for most of that and it no longer counts as a slump. How the Glazers must wish they'd have waved 'Adios' when the awful looking twat tried to force a transfer now. They're stuck with him as no fool would take him on on his current wage now. Brum are still mired in the relegation mix-up at present. They need a striker desperately if they are to get out of trouble and I think they have the perfect man on the bench. My campaign to give Matt Derbyshire a chance hasn't really picked up yet, but he's a man who scores when playing and he surely can't be worse than Big Bird look-e-likey Nikola Zigic, can he? I fancy a win to nil for United here again, Paddy Power are 1.8 on that.
Newcastle v Spurs, Saturday 1500
The unpredictable Geordie's take on Spurs at St James Park this Saturday knowing they should have beat arch-rivals Sunderland last Sunday. Spurs also had a fine chance to beat Man Utd and managed to royally blow it by playing Peter Crouch. The beanpole hitman has a solitary goal this year and it is another mark against 'Top, top' manager Sloppy Chops that Roman Pavluychenko is not given more of a chance. The vodka loving striker might not be the hardest worker, but he's infintely more likely to score than Crouch. It'll be the same story this week I think and if Andy Carroll is fully recovered then it'll be another example of why Spurs will not be making a title tilt any time soon. They can beat your mid-table teams by 2 or 3 sometimes, but their lack of tactics leaves them hopelessly exposed when the team is not on top of it's collective game. Once again Victor Chandler provide the best price for the non-favs with a 3.5 quote for a home win.
Aston Villa v Man City, Saturday 1500
Darren Bent will be the focus of attention for this match, and rightly so. Villa's new record signing is the man Ged Houllier has pinned both this season's hopes and presumably the future of the club on. Whilst they are struggling, Villa boast quite a good set of wide players, they were lacking a man to find the net. With Heskey to do the grunt work and Albrighton, Young or Agbonlahor whipping balls in, Bent should thrive on this kind of service. It looks a very astute, if expensive, signing. Man City have risen to the very top of the table at points even though to believe some 'experts' you'd think they were struggling in mid-table. Carlos Tevez again scored last weekend, and he should be right up there for player of the year. David Silva also returned to action and should be part of a 3 pronged attack with Edin Dzeko and the unfortunately faced Argie this weekend. Whilst I think Villa will pull clear eventually, I think it will be asking a lot to compete with this City side. I think we'll see some late goals in this for some reason! Best price is Betfair at 2.1 on the second half having most goals, I'll have a bit on that.
Blackburn v West Brom, Sunday 1600
The only match on Sunday, and I'm struggling to get that excited about it. West Brom travel to the arse end of Lancashire to take on a Blackburn team ticking over nicely under Steve Kean's management. Argentinian playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has been in town for talks this week, and he fits the bill for the club. He's past his best, but capable of magic, cheap to buy, and also a bit of a gamble. He isn't a worker or a particularly quick player, he will try and dictate a match from in between midifeld and strikers. An interesting signing if they pull it off. WBA managed to end their awful streak of losses with a 3-2 home win over Blackpool last weekend. It again showed though that they are heavily reliant on Peter Odemwingie putting on a good display for them to triumph. Without his invention and goals they often look very much a Championship side. He's not an away performer normally so I'm happy to take quotes of around 2.2 on a home victory.
Bolton v Chelsea, Monday 2000
The last match of the weekend is a Monday night match from the Reebok, with Ancelotti's Chelsea the visitors. Whilst they have now picked up a couple of wins on the spin, they were at home to mid-table Blackburn and away at Championship strugglers Ipswich. It doesn't fill me with any confidence on backing them at odds on in this. Bolton were as high as 5th in the table at one point and are a perfectly decent side under Owen Coyle after years of shit football or mediocrity under Big Fat Sam and Gary 'Boring' Megson respectively. Back to Chelsea and in particular Didier Drogba. He looks an absolute shadow of the man who has terrorised Prem defences for the past few seasons and at the age of 33 it is debatable whether he will redispver this sort of form or whether to look to someone like Daniel Sturridge being given a chance before dipping into the transfer market. Coral are standout on Bolton and the Draw in the Double Chance market and I'm happy to take Chelsea on.
Wolves v Liverpool, Saturday 1245
Ah Liverpool not at Anfield, it's the gift that keeps on giving! Whilst they're not bad at home, they are the very definition of toilet away, and have made me many pounds this year with some frankly silly prices on offer for them. Wolves are a side beginning to finally get the results their endeavour and work rate are deserving of. This will spell trouble for Pool. The one thing they hate is a team battling against them, the lack of pride in the shirt at times has been disgraceful. Wolves have been known to sit back too much against the better sides, but it is a mark of how far Pool have fallen that I would expect McCarthy to go for a win from the off in this. He has rested some key players midweek and also saw Stevie Fletcher score and generally impress too. Every week the bookies are getting closer to the right price for Liverpool, but they're still off this week having them as short as 2.1 in some places. Victor Chandler go 2.37 on Wolves in the Draw No Bet market, lump on!
Arsenal v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Having watched the Gooners dispatch Leeds with relative ease in their FA Cup replay, it again begs the question of why they are so much better away? I think the answer probably lies somewhere starting with the fact the opposition are a bit more open when at home, and this benefits the pacey Arsenal team. There will naturally be a little more room and it means they can make more clinical passes and open teams up better. This being said, they're only at the bleedin Emirates this week. However comma they are up against a piss-poor Wigan side who are destined to find their more natural level at League 1 soon. The hopelessness of West Ham is somewhat shifting the gaze from sides like Wigan and Fulham who as well as just generally being crap, are also mind-numbingly dull to watch. They actually haven't been horrific at the back, but with Fabregas having had a bit of a rest, Nasri running the Leeds game, and RVP coming back into ominous form, I'll be all over the king's of North London in this. I think the Gunners are good to at least cover the handicaps, but the prices are still a bit short for all but the big hitters. Boylesports have gone a frankly massive 2.37 on Samir Nasri finding the net, that's the bet for me.
Blackpool v Sunderland, Saturday 1500
This should be an interesting match. Blackpool have turned up a number of shocks this year, and under Ian Holloway seemingly never settle for less than a win. This has made them incredibly watchable and popular with the neutral fan. Doing the double over Liverpool helped with me too! Their away form has actually been the most impressive though, presumably as teams are ignoring the evidence and not expecting the full assault. Sunderland will line-up sans Darren Bent this weekend. Aston Villa have stumped up a gargantuan £20 odd million for the man Sloopy Chops thought shit, even though he was Spurs top scorer the season before he left. The silly droopy faced twat. He's no Messi, but in Premier League football he knows where the goal is. To those saying he's a waste, if he keeps Villa up, and even helps them push on, then he's a fucking steal. Anyway, Sunderland seemed to have taken measures to cope without him when buying Asamoah Gyan in the summer. He has acclimatised to the English game very quickly and has formed a good partnership of his own with Danny Welbeck. The problem lies in that Welbeck is out too. This lack of firepower is enough for me to back the Seasiders. Victor Chandler are again standout at 3.0.
Everton v West Ham, Saturday 1500
Another week and more misery seemingly lies in store for West Ham's intrepid followers. They always take a good number away and I personally thoroughly enjoyed their company at the home game with Stoke last season. A real community atmosphere often lacking at the pinnacle of the game. This wont save them though. The players are in parts terrible, in parts lazy and then there's Scott Parker. A man amongst boys this lad. God knows how far adrift they'd be without him, but adrift they are anyway, and they look doomed to me. Everton have been very Jeckyll and Hyde so far this season. Capable of beating most teams when on form, this hasn't been the case nearly often enough. The lack of a striker who can score has been the problem, and they are also missing midfield goal-grabber Tim Cahill at the moment as he takes part in the Asian Cup with Australia. They'll not get a better chance to score a hatful than in this, but I still see it being a low scorer. Under 2.5 goals at around 1.95 with a number of firms for me.
Fulham v Stoke, Saturday 1500
As mentioned previously, Fulham have been dire for most of this season. Mark Hughes has never set the world alight as a manager for me. He's been good for spells, he's no clown, but he comes up short on a number of occasions too. Stoke are still a good team on the road and are close to finalising a deal for the inventively nicknamed 'Big' John Carew. Pulis seems to love buying strikers and then not playing them, and it seems hard to figure out how he and Kenwyne Jones would play together. Both thrive on being the target and having other play off them. I assume he'll be back-up. Whatever criticism you level at the Potters, they will stay in the Prem as long as they play as they do. The lesser lights can't cope with the physical battling that Pulis demands of his team and all credit to him. I think they're backable here too. Fulham love a draw so I'll go Draw No Bet just in case. Coral are best price at 2.5 for an away win in that market.
Man Utd v Birmingham, Saturday 1500
Another weekend and probably another thoroughly underwhelming win for Sir Wrigley's side. They are a team built on the brilliant defence of Vidic and Ferdinand and the occasional flair of Berbatov and Nani. Wayne 'Wazza' Rooney can fuck off. He has reverted to being a useless gobby scrote this season and I'd love to see him relegated to the bench with the promising Hernandez given more game time. For all the press and pundits, as well as his moronic manager, might say, he has not been good for almost a calendar year now. He's been terrible for most of that and it no longer counts as a slump. How the Glazers must wish they'd have waved 'Adios' when the awful looking twat tried to force a transfer now. They're stuck with him as no fool would take him on on his current wage now. Brum are still mired in the relegation mix-up at present. They need a striker desperately if they are to get out of trouble and I think they have the perfect man on the bench. My campaign to give Matt Derbyshire a chance hasn't really picked up yet, but he's a man who scores when playing and he surely can't be worse than Big Bird look-e-likey Nikola Zigic, can he? I fancy a win to nil for United here again, Paddy Power are 1.8 on that.
Newcastle v Spurs, Saturday 1500
The unpredictable Geordie's take on Spurs at St James Park this Saturday knowing they should have beat arch-rivals Sunderland last Sunday. Spurs also had a fine chance to beat Man Utd and managed to royally blow it by playing Peter Crouch. The beanpole hitman has a solitary goal this year and it is another mark against 'Top, top' manager Sloppy Chops that Roman Pavluychenko is not given more of a chance. The vodka loving striker might not be the hardest worker, but he's infintely more likely to score than Crouch. It'll be the same story this week I think and if Andy Carroll is fully recovered then it'll be another example of why Spurs will not be making a title tilt any time soon. They can beat your mid-table teams by 2 or 3 sometimes, but their lack of tactics leaves them hopelessly exposed when the team is not on top of it's collective game. Once again Victor Chandler provide the best price for the non-favs with a 3.5 quote for a home win.
Aston Villa v Man City, Saturday 1500
Darren Bent will be the focus of attention for this match, and rightly so. Villa's new record signing is the man Ged Houllier has pinned both this season's hopes and presumably the future of the club on. Whilst they are struggling, Villa boast quite a good set of wide players, they were lacking a man to find the net. With Heskey to do the grunt work and Albrighton, Young or Agbonlahor whipping balls in, Bent should thrive on this kind of service. It looks a very astute, if expensive, signing. Man City have risen to the very top of the table at points even though to believe some 'experts' you'd think they were struggling in mid-table. Carlos Tevez again scored last weekend, and he should be right up there for player of the year. David Silva also returned to action and should be part of a 3 pronged attack with Edin Dzeko and the unfortunately faced Argie this weekend. Whilst I think Villa will pull clear eventually, I think it will be asking a lot to compete with this City side. I think we'll see some late goals in this for some reason! Best price is Betfair at 2.1 on the second half having most goals, I'll have a bit on that.
Blackburn v West Brom, Sunday 1600
The only match on Sunday, and I'm struggling to get that excited about it. West Brom travel to the arse end of Lancashire to take on a Blackburn team ticking over nicely under Steve Kean's management. Argentinian playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has been in town for talks this week, and he fits the bill for the club. He's past his best, but capable of magic, cheap to buy, and also a bit of a gamble. He isn't a worker or a particularly quick player, he will try and dictate a match from in between midifeld and strikers. An interesting signing if they pull it off. WBA managed to end their awful streak of losses with a 3-2 home win over Blackpool last weekend. It again showed though that they are heavily reliant on Peter Odemwingie putting on a good display for them to triumph. Without his invention and goals they often look very much a Championship side. He's not an away performer normally so I'm happy to take quotes of around 2.2 on a home victory.
Bolton v Chelsea, Monday 2000
The last match of the weekend is a Monday night match from the Reebok, with Ancelotti's Chelsea the visitors. Whilst they have now picked up a couple of wins on the spin, they were at home to mid-table Blackburn and away at Championship strugglers Ipswich. It doesn't fill me with any confidence on backing them at odds on in this. Bolton were as high as 5th in the table at one point and are a perfectly decent side under Owen Coyle after years of shit football or mediocrity under Big Fat Sam and Gary 'Boring' Megson respectively. Back to Chelsea and in particular Didier Drogba. He looks an absolute shadow of the man who has terrorised Prem defences for the past few seasons and at the age of 33 it is debatable whether he will redispver this sort of form or whether to look to someone like Daniel Sturridge being given a chance before dipping into the transfer market. Coral are standout on Bolton and the Draw in the Double Chance market and I'm happy to take Chelsea on.
Friday, 14 January 2011
The Premier League reconvenes...
Here we are then. The FA Cup and Carling Cup out of the way and staring down the barrel of a return to matters in the Premier League. Having seen Arsenal struggling to dispatch Championship sides Leeds and Ipswich, I am left wondering whether we truly are watching the 'bestest League anyone's ever seen...ever' over here? Or is it, as I suspect, a massive crock o' horseshit? Having also tuned on to some Copa Del Rey action from Spain and seen Barcelona and Real Madrid in action, I can confirm they would both walk away with the Prem this season. I can't think of more than 2 or 3 players given the choice of the entire Premier Leagues players that either side would want. I have also seen the tired argument that La Liga is another SPL and that the sides who are not Real or Barca are simply crap. This too is crap. Villarreal would give any side in the Prem a match, and would beat the vast majority at home. Valencia are still a class side, even having had to sell most of their best players. And even Atletico Madrid, La Liga's very own Man City in terms of madness, have players like Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan that most teams over here would chew their arms off for. Rant over this weeks musical recommendation again comes from Scandinavia. I am picking out Turbonegro and the foot tapper Gimme Some.
Chelsea v Blackburn, Saturday 1500
No early kick-offs on Saturday this week so, alphabetically-speaking, first up is Chelsea hosting Blackburn. Chelsea saw off Ipswich 7-0 in the FA Cup last Sunday and will be hoping this is a sign of a return to their all-conquering early season form. They have drifted as far as 9-1 for the title now on a back of a horrendous run, which sees them with 1 win since November 10th in the league. It has also been revealed that Frank Lampard will never fully recover from the hamstring strain that has been haunting him all season. Whilst I think he's a glorified second striker and not a midfielder at all, this will hurt Chelsea. It's also another reminder of the age this side is creeping towards. Injuries will carry on for longer and linger as the team's average age rises. Blackburn this week failed in their audacious attempts to bring the Brazilian Bucky O'Hare to the grim north. My parents like the north and can find something nice to say about nearly everywhere they've ever visited. However comma they described Blackburn variously as soulless, dark, sad and dreary. Needless to say they were not involved in the Samba star's negotiations. Having instead chosen to go back to Brazil (who'd have thought!?), Rovers will have to rely on what they've got. In this run of form I can't back Chelsea. Coral have a frankly ludicrous 4.33 on Blackburn and the Draw in the Double Chance market and I'll be on that.
Man City v Wolves, Saturday 1500
This match could give us a first glimpse of new Citeh signing Edin Dzeko (Jekko for you pedants of pronunciation) in action. I am of the opinion that he's another excellent signing by Mancini and exactly the sort of player that is both needed for the team and atmosphere. He's young enough to be ambitious and he's a big man who can play as a focal point of a forward line. This will free up Carlos Tevez to roam from a wing or central role and should see him flourish even more. This is also another game where Citeh need to prove they can break down a team who sets up not to concede as their priority. This being said, at Eastlands Citeh have been very impressive so far. Wolves were involved in what my Gran might call 'a right humdinger' against Championship Doncaster, finishing up in a 2-2 draw. Mick McCarthy always prioritises the league though, so there were players rested. As impressed as I have been with the men from the Black Country of late, I can only see a convincing Citeh win in this. Odds of 2.05 are widely available on the home team -1.5 and I'm happy enough with that.
Stoke v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Two teams that look destined to be around mid-table, with a possible push for Europe occasionally for the next few seasons. Bolton have been as high as 4th so far, but have been pegged back a bit since then, with clean sheets about as rare as they are in a Czech brothel. Stoke are a formidable team. They don't get bogged down in the task of actually passing the ball between 5 players when a fucking good hoof to Kenwyne Jones will do perfectly well. To say they aren't easy on the eye is an understatement to rival calling Javier Mascherano a bit shit. He's the worst player I've ever seen, and his complete lack of ability is seeing him getting splinters on the Barcelona bench. This seems a hard one to call, and I'm going to hedge my bets a bit. William Hill are a standout 1.95 for both teams to score, and Bolton's forwards and dodgy backline encourage me there.
West Brom v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Two of the promoted sides this year meet and with Blackpool currently threatening to become a top half side! West Brom caught the eye early in the season with results like the win at the Emirates particularly impressive. They are currently in a rotten run with no wins in 6 matches now though and goals proving hard to come by. Blackpool went behind to Liverpool on Wednesday, but still came back to win 2-1. I'll get into Liverpool in more depth in their write up, but suffice to say, King Kenny has not turned things round and looks as clueless as Woy currently. Most forms have WBA as odds-on in this and I think that gives punters the opportunity to clean up. Most of Blackpool's best results have been on their travels and I'll be backing another such result in this. Best price on the away win is 4.6 with Victor Chandler and I'd make that a must-back this weekend.
Wigan v Fulham, Saturday 1500
This match has little to offer the neutral. Both teams have struggled for wins this term and will regard this as a must-not-lose rather than a must-win. Fulham's problems on the road are well known now and against a Wigan team that doesn't concede many in front of their 7 fans they'll struggle. Wigan are utter dross too though and it would be with no confidence at all I'd back them on match prices. With Hugo Rodallega and Charles Insomnia in the side they do have some class, but scoring has been a problem. Fulham are still without Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele still looks rusty so I think Wigan could keep them at bay. Skybet go 2.87 on a Wigan clean sheet and that's the one for me here.
West Ham v Arsenal, Saturday 1730
The late kick-off sees Avram Grant again looking likely to lose his job if he loses another match. The poor sod should really just quit and tell the David's and Brady what a truly useless bunch of owners they are. Whilst the Hammers poor start is still hampering them, they have been looking a lot better in the last month and are above Chelsea in 9th in the current form table. I am aware he is seen as some sort of chancer who just gets jobs from his mates, but a look at Grant's CV will reveal that, whilst not one of the greats, he's no fool. Arsenal travel on the back of failing to beat 2 Championship sides in the cups in the last week. Particular scorn should be reserved for Andrey Arshavin, in my opinion, as he looks completely disinterested this season. When he decides to make some effort he undoubtebly possesses an ability to open a defence, but he looks like he needs a move to give him a kick up the arse. Wenger is not renowned as a motivator and it seems he is not the man to raise Arshavin out of his current malaise. It's not just the meerkat alike that is struggling though, Nicklas Bendtner was horrible in both matches. I'm not so sure he's as bad as a lot of people would have you believe, but he isn't as good as he himself believes either. RVP should be back for this and that should see a more clinical edge returning. I think this could be one of those matches where Arsenal hit their stride so I'll handicap them by a goal on the asian handicap at a widely available 2.0.
Birmingham v Aston Villa, Sunday 1200
To kick-off a jam-packed, derby-filled Sunday it's the second city derby with Villa making the short trip to St Andrews. Both teams have not been firing recently and are struggling for goals. Matt Derbyshire has always looked a good player not getting a run to me, and that seems set to continue at the Blues. He scored 2 goals in their away win at Millwall in the FA Cup, before returning to the bench for their 2-1 Shit Beer Cup at West Ham. I think he could be an answer to their chronic lack of goals, but Big Eck seems reluctant to start him as the Fat One did at Blackburn. The horrible Fat Man. Villa have been absolutely useless under Ged Houllier for the most part. They have had players retuning from injury now and this has seen a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge followed by a 3-1 away win at Scunny in the FA Cup. The fans will hope this marks a return to the form they showed when playing hoofball under Martin O'Neill. I think they'll be lucky to win this though. Brum fans are putting pressure on McCleish to start with more than just the dreadful Zigic up front and I think he'll start this derby by attacking Villa's porous backline. Ladbrokes are 2.5 on a home win and that's good enough for me.
Sunderland v Newcastle, Sunday 1200
The second of the day's 3 derbies sees Sunderland seeking revenge on Newcastle at the Stadium Of Light. The undoubted highlight of the Geordie's season so far was the 5-1 mauling they gave their neighbours at St James Park and will live long in the memory of those who saw it. Steve Bruce has been given plenty of money at Sunderland and it is beginning to finally look like it has been well spent with their home form being superb in the main. If they could replicate some of their home performances on the road they'd be certainties for Europa League. Lee Cattermole seems to have curbed his early season bout of dickheadery which led to 2 red cards in quick succession. Asamoah Gyan has looked a good buy and Danny Welbeck has also looked an inspired loan signing. They actually look a much better side on paper than Liverpool, and who'd have thought that 2 years ago? Newcastle are capable of upsetting the odds, as they've proved a few times already, but they need Andy Carroll playing well generally to do so. He is still nursing a thigh strain after reportedly falling off his stool after 3 or 4 too many Jagerbombs on a night out. What. A. Man. Dirty shit that stuff, but we need more characters in the sport I think. This has seen him out of action for a while and he will at best be a bit rusty for this match. A few firms are still out at 2.2 on a home win and I'd take that before it settles around 2.1 on match day.
Liverpool v Everton, Sunday 1405
And so we finally arrive at this, King Kenny's return to derby action on Merseyside. Having been variously hailed as some sort of Messiah by certain parts of the Pool support, he has so far got a record of played 2, lost 2. Had Woy Hodgson lost to Blackpool after leading, and playing shit right back with no left foot Glen Johnson at left back, he would have come in for a roasting. So far this seems to have been glossed over by the 'best fans in the world'TM, in all the fawning over how good Pool were 20 years ago when he was last in charge. The fact they have steadily declined and barring Torres and Gerrard the current side would barely make that teams reserve side, is also a seldom heard thought on the red half of the divide. Everton are barely doing better. They seem to be having one of their season's of struggle and it has coincided with a complete loss of form from all their strikers. They desperately need some attacking impetus in this window or the season is in danger of becoming a complete write off. The motivation for both sides in this will be huge, and their will be the lesser spotted Anfield roar present. I think this might lead to some 'over-enthusiastic' challenges as players try to prove what 'men' they are. A sending off is priced up at 2.95 with Betfair and I think it's worth a tickle in a game that could go either way.
Tottenham v Man Utd, Sunday 1610
The last match of the weekend sees the still underwhelming United travelling to Shite Fart Lane to take on Twitchy Chops men. Spurs have struggled against the top 4 in recent years and need to improve that record if they are serious about breaking regularly into the Champions League and making a league challenge. They will rarely get a better chance to beat United. Away from home they have been particularly poor, and it is a damning indictment on the league that they are somehow still unbeaten. I suspect that the 'new Messi' as Bale seems to have been dubbed by Sky Sports, will struggle against the young and quick Rafael for United. They will be more likely to have success playing through the excellent Luka Modric and Rafa Van Der Vaart in the middle. Carrick and Fletcher in particular have looked like a pair of sluggish cloggers this term and if Spuds men perform they could be over-run. I would expect Rooney to return to the team, but possibly given a more withdrawn role to help the midfield. I personally think his new contract will go down as one of the biggest mistakes in football when Hernandez takes his starting role next season, but that's for another time. I will be all over Spurs like an Essex girl round a footballers appendage at 3.0 at Paddy Power.
Chelsea v Blackburn, Saturday 1500
No early kick-offs on Saturday this week so, alphabetically-speaking, first up is Chelsea hosting Blackburn. Chelsea saw off Ipswich 7-0 in the FA Cup last Sunday and will be hoping this is a sign of a return to their all-conquering early season form. They have drifted as far as 9-1 for the title now on a back of a horrendous run, which sees them with 1 win since November 10th in the league. It has also been revealed that Frank Lampard will never fully recover from the hamstring strain that has been haunting him all season. Whilst I think he's a glorified second striker and not a midfielder at all, this will hurt Chelsea. It's also another reminder of the age this side is creeping towards. Injuries will carry on for longer and linger as the team's average age rises. Blackburn this week failed in their audacious attempts to bring the Brazilian Bucky O'Hare to the grim north. My parents like the north and can find something nice to say about nearly everywhere they've ever visited. However comma they described Blackburn variously as soulless, dark, sad and dreary. Needless to say they were not involved in the Samba star's negotiations. Having instead chosen to go back to Brazil (who'd have thought!?), Rovers will have to rely on what they've got. In this run of form I can't back Chelsea. Coral have a frankly ludicrous 4.33 on Blackburn and the Draw in the Double Chance market and I'll be on that.
Man City v Wolves, Saturday 1500
This match could give us a first glimpse of new Citeh signing Edin Dzeko (Jekko for you pedants of pronunciation) in action. I am of the opinion that he's another excellent signing by Mancini and exactly the sort of player that is both needed for the team and atmosphere. He's young enough to be ambitious and he's a big man who can play as a focal point of a forward line. This will free up Carlos Tevez to roam from a wing or central role and should see him flourish even more. This is also another game where Citeh need to prove they can break down a team who sets up not to concede as their priority. This being said, at Eastlands Citeh have been very impressive so far. Wolves were involved in what my Gran might call 'a right humdinger' against Championship Doncaster, finishing up in a 2-2 draw. Mick McCarthy always prioritises the league though, so there were players rested. As impressed as I have been with the men from the Black Country of late, I can only see a convincing Citeh win in this. Odds of 2.05 are widely available on the home team -1.5 and I'm happy enough with that.
Stoke v Bolton, Saturday 1500
Two teams that look destined to be around mid-table, with a possible push for Europe occasionally for the next few seasons. Bolton have been as high as 4th so far, but have been pegged back a bit since then, with clean sheets about as rare as they are in a Czech brothel. Stoke are a formidable team. They don't get bogged down in the task of actually passing the ball between 5 players when a fucking good hoof to Kenwyne Jones will do perfectly well. To say they aren't easy on the eye is an understatement to rival calling Javier Mascherano a bit shit. He's the worst player I've ever seen, and his complete lack of ability is seeing him getting splinters on the Barcelona bench. This seems a hard one to call, and I'm going to hedge my bets a bit. William Hill are a standout 1.95 for both teams to score, and Bolton's forwards and dodgy backline encourage me there.
West Brom v Blackpool, Saturday 1500
Two of the promoted sides this year meet and with Blackpool currently threatening to become a top half side! West Brom caught the eye early in the season with results like the win at the Emirates particularly impressive. They are currently in a rotten run with no wins in 6 matches now though and goals proving hard to come by. Blackpool went behind to Liverpool on Wednesday, but still came back to win 2-1. I'll get into Liverpool in more depth in their write up, but suffice to say, King Kenny has not turned things round and looks as clueless as Woy currently. Most forms have WBA as odds-on in this and I think that gives punters the opportunity to clean up. Most of Blackpool's best results have been on their travels and I'll be backing another such result in this. Best price on the away win is 4.6 with Victor Chandler and I'd make that a must-back this weekend.
Wigan v Fulham, Saturday 1500
This match has little to offer the neutral. Both teams have struggled for wins this term and will regard this as a must-not-lose rather than a must-win. Fulham's problems on the road are well known now and against a Wigan team that doesn't concede many in front of their 7 fans they'll struggle. Wigan are utter dross too though and it would be with no confidence at all I'd back them on match prices. With Hugo Rodallega and Charles Insomnia in the side they do have some class, but scoring has been a problem. Fulham are still without Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele still looks rusty so I think Wigan could keep them at bay. Skybet go 2.87 on a Wigan clean sheet and that's the one for me here.
West Ham v Arsenal, Saturday 1730
The late kick-off sees Avram Grant again looking likely to lose his job if he loses another match. The poor sod should really just quit and tell the David's and Brady what a truly useless bunch of owners they are. Whilst the Hammers poor start is still hampering them, they have been looking a lot better in the last month and are above Chelsea in 9th in the current form table. I am aware he is seen as some sort of chancer who just gets jobs from his mates, but a look at Grant's CV will reveal that, whilst not one of the greats, he's no fool. Arsenal travel on the back of failing to beat 2 Championship sides in the cups in the last week. Particular scorn should be reserved for Andrey Arshavin, in my opinion, as he looks completely disinterested this season. When he decides to make some effort he undoubtebly possesses an ability to open a defence, but he looks like he needs a move to give him a kick up the arse. Wenger is not renowned as a motivator and it seems he is not the man to raise Arshavin out of his current malaise. It's not just the meerkat alike that is struggling though, Nicklas Bendtner was horrible in both matches. I'm not so sure he's as bad as a lot of people would have you believe, but he isn't as good as he himself believes either. RVP should be back for this and that should see a more clinical edge returning. I think this could be one of those matches where Arsenal hit their stride so I'll handicap them by a goal on the asian handicap at a widely available 2.0.
Birmingham v Aston Villa, Sunday 1200
To kick-off a jam-packed, derby-filled Sunday it's the second city derby with Villa making the short trip to St Andrews. Both teams have not been firing recently and are struggling for goals. Matt Derbyshire has always looked a good player not getting a run to me, and that seems set to continue at the Blues. He scored 2 goals in their away win at Millwall in the FA Cup, before returning to the bench for their 2-1 Shit Beer Cup at West Ham. I think he could be an answer to their chronic lack of goals, but Big Eck seems reluctant to start him as the Fat One did at Blackburn. The horrible Fat Man. Villa have been absolutely useless under Ged Houllier for the most part. They have had players retuning from injury now and this has seen a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge followed by a 3-1 away win at Scunny in the FA Cup. The fans will hope this marks a return to the form they showed when playing hoofball under Martin O'Neill. I think they'll be lucky to win this though. Brum fans are putting pressure on McCleish to start with more than just the dreadful Zigic up front and I think he'll start this derby by attacking Villa's porous backline. Ladbrokes are 2.5 on a home win and that's good enough for me.
Sunderland v Newcastle, Sunday 1200
The second of the day's 3 derbies sees Sunderland seeking revenge on Newcastle at the Stadium Of Light. The undoubted highlight of the Geordie's season so far was the 5-1 mauling they gave their neighbours at St James Park and will live long in the memory of those who saw it. Steve Bruce has been given plenty of money at Sunderland and it is beginning to finally look like it has been well spent with their home form being superb in the main. If they could replicate some of their home performances on the road they'd be certainties for Europa League. Lee Cattermole seems to have curbed his early season bout of dickheadery which led to 2 red cards in quick succession. Asamoah Gyan has looked a good buy and Danny Welbeck has also looked an inspired loan signing. They actually look a much better side on paper than Liverpool, and who'd have thought that 2 years ago? Newcastle are capable of upsetting the odds, as they've proved a few times already, but they need Andy Carroll playing well generally to do so. He is still nursing a thigh strain after reportedly falling off his stool after 3 or 4 too many Jagerbombs on a night out. What. A. Man. Dirty shit that stuff, but we need more characters in the sport I think. This has seen him out of action for a while and he will at best be a bit rusty for this match. A few firms are still out at 2.2 on a home win and I'd take that before it settles around 2.1 on match day.
Liverpool v Everton, Sunday 1405
And so we finally arrive at this, King Kenny's return to derby action on Merseyside. Having been variously hailed as some sort of Messiah by certain parts of the Pool support, he has so far got a record of played 2, lost 2. Had Woy Hodgson lost to Blackpool after leading, and playing shit right back with no left foot Glen Johnson at left back, he would have come in for a roasting. So far this seems to have been glossed over by the 'best fans in the world'TM, in all the fawning over how good Pool were 20 years ago when he was last in charge. The fact they have steadily declined and barring Torres and Gerrard the current side would barely make that teams reserve side, is also a seldom heard thought on the red half of the divide. Everton are barely doing better. They seem to be having one of their season's of struggle and it has coincided with a complete loss of form from all their strikers. They desperately need some attacking impetus in this window or the season is in danger of becoming a complete write off. The motivation for both sides in this will be huge, and their will be the lesser spotted Anfield roar present. I think this might lead to some 'over-enthusiastic' challenges as players try to prove what 'men' they are. A sending off is priced up at 2.95 with Betfair and I think it's worth a tickle in a game that could go either way.
Tottenham v Man Utd, Sunday 1610
The last match of the weekend sees the still underwhelming United travelling to Shite Fart Lane to take on Twitchy Chops men. Spurs have struggled against the top 4 in recent years and need to improve that record if they are serious about breaking regularly into the Champions League and making a league challenge. They will rarely get a better chance to beat United. Away from home they have been particularly poor, and it is a damning indictment on the league that they are somehow still unbeaten. I suspect that the 'new Messi' as Bale seems to have been dubbed by Sky Sports, will struggle against the young and quick Rafael for United. They will be more likely to have success playing through the excellent Luka Modric and Rafa Van Der Vaart in the middle. Carrick and Fletcher in particular have looked like a pair of sluggish cloggers this term and if Spuds men perform they could be over-run. I would expect Rooney to return to the team, but possibly given a more withdrawn role to help the midfield. I personally think his new contract will go down as one of the biggest mistakes in football when Hernandez takes his starting role next season, but that's for another time. I will be all over Spurs like an Essex girl round a footballers appendage at 3.0 at Paddy Power.
Friday, 7 January 2011
New Year, same old shhhh...
Welcome to 2011 followers. I'm sure we're all wishing for a lot of positive changes to football in 2011, but much as I hate to disappoint...FIFA will still be a corrupt bunch of clowns, the FA will still be a spineless load of old twats and Big Fat Sam will get another job. The awful fat tosser. Nani will still go down like a sack of shite whenever anyone has the audacity to attempt to take the ball off him, Glen Johnson will still be linked with moves upwards of £15mil even though he's utter gash. The more that changes, the more stays the same. I will compile my own irreverent review of last year's events, as well as a preview of what can be expected in 2011 in the next week or two. Something for you all to get excited about I'm sure! My musical recommendation to welcome this 2011 in is Rotting Out by Descendents, a 2 minute beauty.
As it's FA Cup weekend this week I'll try and pick out a couple of possible upsets and do some tips for the 'Big' games.
Arsenal v Leeds, Saturday 1245
The weekend kicks off with former greats, Leeds, Leeds, Leeds travelling to The Emirates to take on The Gunners. Arsenal once again showed on Wednesday night why they frustrate punters and neutral fans alike. They tore Man City apart for large spells before fart-arsing around in front of the 18 yard line and generally refusing to lower themselves to shooting. When they did let fly, they hit the post a couple of times through Van the Man, but rather than this being an example to others, the rest of his team-mates continued pissing about. All masturbation and no ejaculation, in my opinion. Leeds have been something of a suprise in The Championship this season. They only came up this season, but along with the mighty Norwich City, have immediately made themselves known at the top end of the table. They get plenty of goals, but their problem comes in keeping them out. This should see Arsenal taking advantage if wenger puts anything resembling a proper team out. Hopes of a repeat of last season's cup heroics will be extinguished early for those wonderful Yorkshiremen making the trip. Ladbrokes go 2.1 on Arsenal -1.75 on the asians and I'd recommend that.
Millwall v Birmingham, Saturday 1330
Second game in and my first possible upset. Birmingham are absolute gash at present. Toothless up front and beginning to wobble at the back. Millwall have had a mixed season, but have been good at home and in Steve Morison they have a striker that will surely get a chance in the rem sooner or later. He's a big, strong lad, who has got goals at every level so far and is continuing in the 2nd tier. I think Birmingham might rest players for this one as staying in the Prem will surely be the priority for Alex McCleish. The first team is bad enough, so Millwall should really fancy their chances of gaining an upset in this. Best price is 2.5 and it's still pretty easy to find.
Doncaster v Wolves, Saturday 1500
In amongst the 3pm kick offs we find this potential banana skin! Donny have been nicknamed 'the Arsenal of the Championship' for the way they go about their football, and when on song they can be a tremendous side. Whilst Wolves have been much improved of late in the league, we have all seen in previous season's how Mick McCarthy treats matches/competitions he isn't fussed about. I would expect wholesale changes to the team from the win over Chelsea. because Doncaster itself is a bit of a dump, with very little to attract people too the place, they struggle to compete financially with their Championship rivals. This is a chance to shine for the team and possibly to put themselves in the shop window for a move to a bigger side. Motivation enough for me to back them at 2.8 with Stan James.
Hull v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Another Champo v Prem match up in this one. Hull started the season in the form they were in for around 18 months, in a word, dogshit. However comma they have turned things around a bit of late to record some points and begin to move away from the basement. Wigan are shit. I would not be suprised to see a record low away attendance for this, maybe only 100 or so. They have about as many fans as Austrian DIY entusiast Joseph Fritzl and deserve to be in League 1 or 2 for me. I can't stand their chairman Dave Whelan and how he thinks his opinion is wanted on every-bloody-thing that comes up in football. He's a no mark, bald twat, and I'd rather he just pissed off back to running chav clothing specialists JJB. I fancy Hull to get through to Round 4 in this and Betfred are a best priced 2.75.
Stevenage v Newcastle, Saturday 1730
the late game on TV is self proclaimed 'massive club' (but with sod all trophies, ever) travelling to League 2 Boro. Stevenage have performed well in their first season back in the League proper, and home form has been a large part of that. They have a fairly small, compact ground, that makes it a less than favoured trip for most sides. Newcastle will make the trip buoyed by their victory over a piss-poor West Ham side in midweek. Having played better over the xmas period, The Irons reverted to type with a truly insipid display. It's easy to make the foreigners don't fancy it assessment, but from what I've seen that is the problem. The English lads are trying, but their doesn't appear to be any team spirit and that makes them seem lost at times. Back to Newcastle, Leon Best made his return to first team action with a hat-trick and I'd expect him to start here too. Goals often come in gluts, so I'll be a backer at 2.87 with Boylesports on him finding the onion bag at some stage.
Man Utd v Liverpool, Sunday 1330
This will in all likelihood be Woy Hodgson's farewell to the Anfield hotseat. His position has surely become untenable with yet another pathetic away surrender, this time at Blackburn Rovers. Rovers couldn't even field more than 7 of their regular starters, yet Pool contrived to make them look like Barcelona. It is clear from Torres body language and Reina's regression that something isn't right in the dressing room and whether that's Hodgson's fault or not, he has to go for the club to move forward. I personally think that barring Torres being on fire, they have no better a squad than someone like Everton or Bolton, so their league position isn't a huge shock. But, the fact that they rarely even look bothered is reason enough to try a different approach. United continued their run of mediocre performances somehow garnering points with Victory at West Brom. With WBA now without a win in 5 it isn't as impressive as it might have been 2 months ago. Rooney still looks like his goal filled season was the blip, not the norm to me. He's a good player, sometimes very good, but no better than that. More fool Red Nose and the Glazers for caving in to his ridiculous wage demands. He'll be Hernandez understudy in a year if they carry on their respective trajectories. All being said, you can be sure Fergie will want to inflict more pain on Pool, this should see a strong side out. If Blackburn can beat them by 2 I'm going to handicap Utd by 1.0 on the asian at an appealing 2.07 with VCBet.
Tottenham v Charlton, Sunday 1330
The other early match on Sunday sees a London derby with Sloppy Chops men welcoming former Prem regulars Charlton to Shite Fart Lane. The Spuds continued to make Redknapp and Defoe look like the morns they are in losing 2-1 away at Everton this week. Both had claimed they would be in the title fight, not a flaming chance. They're far too inconsistent and look like Ossie Ardiles much-maligned side with all round better players to me. There are no tactics outside of 'score more than them', and this will make sure they never challenge for a league title with 'Arry at the helm. Charlton are pushing for promotion at the top of League 1 having experienced a few years of poor management. Even Spurs bench is good these days, and I would expect them to win this comfortably even if a reserve side is fielded. The pace they are capable of attacking at should see off a League 1 side with ease. Paddy Power qoutes of 2.5 on the Yids to win both halves seems a decent bet to me.
Chelsea v Ipswich, Sunday 1500
As I write this, I am seeing reports Roy Keane has been given more time to spend walking his dog. Much as he was a truly excellent player, and spoke the truth a lot of the time about the modern girly footballer, he was ill suited to management. Especially at a lower level. It's all very well recognising players now are pathetic, stupid creatures ruled by their agents and wives. But, if you then shout and scream and try intimidating them then how can you expect a performance, they'll sulk. This is no way for a grown man to behave, but this is what you supporters of Prem and Champo clubs are largely cheering on. Chelsea have also been on a horrendous run, and were they to lose this then Ancelotti would surely be heading back to Italy. It looks like age has caught up with most of the Chelsea side at the same time, and the lack of planning for the future means that no-one is coming through to replace them. Josh McEachran excepted, he looks a class act. I can only see them heading backwards form here on in. The vicious circle will see Abramovich putting less money in and the team getting worse. This will see him getting bored and eventually pulling out. Whereby a Leeds style fall would not be out of the question. This wont happen Sunday though! Frank Lampard returned to action scoring a penalty on Saturday and will take them all again now. He seems a very good price at 2.0 with a number of firms to score anytime.
Leicester v Man City, Sunday 1600
The last game on Sunday sees Sven hosting his former employers at the Walkers Stadium. Since going to Leicester all sorts of big name sin the latter stages of their careers have been linked with the club. This to me just shows how very ill-suited Sven is to managing without significant cash. Players like David Beckham will not be turning out for his new side, they would do better to look at promising players in lower leagues, but Sven has zero knowledge of this. Expect a couple of seasons of mid-table mediocrity before a parting of ways. City should view this competition as a chance to win some silverware and get in the habit of doing so. One brings two and all that. I can't see Mancini fielding his real stars for this one though, expect Adam Johnson to be given a rare start as well as fringe players like Jo and possibly Adebayor, the lazy twat. This should be more than enough to see off Leicester. Bet365 go 2.2 on the -1.0 asian and I think City can cover it.
As it's FA Cup weekend this week I'll try and pick out a couple of possible upsets and do some tips for the 'Big' games.
Arsenal v Leeds, Saturday 1245
The weekend kicks off with former greats, Leeds, Leeds, Leeds travelling to The Emirates to take on The Gunners. Arsenal once again showed on Wednesday night why they frustrate punters and neutral fans alike. They tore Man City apart for large spells before fart-arsing around in front of the 18 yard line and generally refusing to lower themselves to shooting. When they did let fly, they hit the post a couple of times through Van the Man, but rather than this being an example to others, the rest of his team-mates continued pissing about. All masturbation and no ejaculation, in my opinion. Leeds have been something of a suprise in The Championship this season. They only came up this season, but along with the mighty Norwich City, have immediately made themselves known at the top end of the table. They get plenty of goals, but their problem comes in keeping them out. This should see Arsenal taking advantage if wenger puts anything resembling a proper team out. Hopes of a repeat of last season's cup heroics will be extinguished early for those wonderful Yorkshiremen making the trip. Ladbrokes go 2.1 on Arsenal -1.75 on the asians and I'd recommend that.
Millwall v Birmingham, Saturday 1330
Second game in and my first possible upset. Birmingham are absolute gash at present. Toothless up front and beginning to wobble at the back. Millwall have had a mixed season, but have been good at home and in Steve Morison they have a striker that will surely get a chance in the rem sooner or later. He's a big, strong lad, who has got goals at every level so far and is continuing in the 2nd tier. I think Birmingham might rest players for this one as staying in the Prem will surely be the priority for Alex McCleish. The first team is bad enough, so Millwall should really fancy their chances of gaining an upset in this. Best price is 2.5 and it's still pretty easy to find.
Doncaster v Wolves, Saturday 1500
In amongst the 3pm kick offs we find this potential banana skin! Donny have been nicknamed 'the Arsenal of the Championship' for the way they go about their football, and when on song they can be a tremendous side. Whilst Wolves have been much improved of late in the league, we have all seen in previous season's how Mick McCarthy treats matches/competitions he isn't fussed about. I would expect wholesale changes to the team from the win over Chelsea. because Doncaster itself is a bit of a dump, with very little to attract people too the place, they struggle to compete financially with their Championship rivals. This is a chance to shine for the team and possibly to put themselves in the shop window for a move to a bigger side. Motivation enough for me to back them at 2.8 with Stan James.
Hull v Wigan, Saturday 1500
Another Champo v Prem match up in this one. Hull started the season in the form they were in for around 18 months, in a word, dogshit. However comma they have turned things around a bit of late to record some points and begin to move away from the basement. Wigan are shit. I would not be suprised to see a record low away attendance for this, maybe only 100 or so. They have about as many fans as Austrian DIY entusiast Joseph Fritzl and deserve to be in League 1 or 2 for me. I can't stand their chairman Dave Whelan and how he thinks his opinion is wanted on every-bloody-thing that comes up in football. He's a no mark, bald twat, and I'd rather he just pissed off back to running chav clothing specialists JJB. I fancy Hull to get through to Round 4 in this and Betfred are a best priced 2.75.
Stevenage v Newcastle, Saturday 1730
the late game on TV is self proclaimed 'massive club' (but with sod all trophies, ever) travelling to League 2 Boro. Stevenage have performed well in their first season back in the League proper, and home form has been a large part of that. They have a fairly small, compact ground, that makes it a less than favoured trip for most sides. Newcastle will make the trip buoyed by their victory over a piss-poor West Ham side in midweek. Having played better over the xmas period, The Irons reverted to type with a truly insipid display. It's easy to make the foreigners don't fancy it assessment, but from what I've seen that is the problem. The English lads are trying, but their doesn't appear to be any team spirit and that makes them seem lost at times. Back to Newcastle, Leon Best made his return to first team action with a hat-trick and I'd expect him to start here too. Goals often come in gluts, so I'll be a backer at 2.87 with Boylesports on him finding the onion bag at some stage.
Man Utd v Liverpool, Sunday 1330
This will in all likelihood be Woy Hodgson's farewell to the Anfield hotseat. His position has surely become untenable with yet another pathetic away surrender, this time at Blackburn Rovers. Rovers couldn't even field more than 7 of their regular starters, yet Pool contrived to make them look like Barcelona. It is clear from Torres body language and Reina's regression that something isn't right in the dressing room and whether that's Hodgson's fault or not, he has to go for the club to move forward. I personally think that barring Torres being on fire, they have no better a squad than someone like Everton or Bolton, so their league position isn't a huge shock. But, the fact that they rarely even look bothered is reason enough to try a different approach. United continued their run of mediocre performances somehow garnering points with Victory at West Brom. With WBA now without a win in 5 it isn't as impressive as it might have been 2 months ago. Rooney still looks like his goal filled season was the blip, not the norm to me. He's a good player, sometimes very good, but no better than that. More fool Red Nose and the Glazers for caving in to his ridiculous wage demands. He'll be Hernandez understudy in a year if they carry on their respective trajectories. All being said, you can be sure Fergie will want to inflict more pain on Pool, this should see a strong side out. If Blackburn can beat them by 2 I'm going to handicap Utd by 1.0 on the asian at an appealing 2.07 with VCBet.
Tottenham v Charlton, Sunday 1330
The other early match on Sunday sees a London derby with Sloppy Chops men welcoming former Prem regulars Charlton to Shite Fart Lane. The Spuds continued to make Redknapp and Defoe look like the morns they are in losing 2-1 away at Everton this week. Both had claimed they would be in the title fight, not a flaming chance. They're far too inconsistent and look like Ossie Ardiles much-maligned side with all round better players to me. There are no tactics outside of 'score more than them', and this will make sure they never challenge for a league title with 'Arry at the helm. Charlton are pushing for promotion at the top of League 1 having experienced a few years of poor management. Even Spurs bench is good these days, and I would expect them to win this comfortably even if a reserve side is fielded. The pace they are capable of attacking at should see off a League 1 side with ease. Paddy Power qoutes of 2.5 on the Yids to win both halves seems a decent bet to me.
Chelsea v Ipswich, Sunday 1500
As I write this, I am seeing reports Roy Keane has been given more time to spend walking his dog. Much as he was a truly excellent player, and spoke the truth a lot of the time about the modern girly footballer, he was ill suited to management. Especially at a lower level. It's all very well recognising players now are pathetic, stupid creatures ruled by their agents and wives. But, if you then shout and scream and try intimidating them then how can you expect a performance, they'll sulk. This is no way for a grown man to behave, but this is what you supporters of Prem and Champo clubs are largely cheering on. Chelsea have also been on a horrendous run, and were they to lose this then Ancelotti would surely be heading back to Italy. It looks like age has caught up with most of the Chelsea side at the same time, and the lack of planning for the future means that no-one is coming through to replace them. Josh McEachran excepted, he looks a class act. I can only see them heading backwards form here on in. The vicious circle will see Abramovich putting less money in and the team getting worse. This will see him getting bored and eventually pulling out. Whereby a Leeds style fall would not be out of the question. This wont happen Sunday though! Frank Lampard returned to action scoring a penalty on Saturday and will take them all again now. He seems a very good price at 2.0 with a number of firms to score anytime.
Leicester v Man City, Sunday 1600
The last game on Sunday sees Sven hosting his former employers at the Walkers Stadium. Since going to Leicester all sorts of big name sin the latter stages of their careers have been linked with the club. This to me just shows how very ill-suited Sven is to managing without significant cash. Players like David Beckham will not be turning out for his new side, they would do better to look at promising players in lower leagues, but Sven has zero knowledge of this. Expect a couple of seasons of mid-table mediocrity before a parting of ways. City should view this competition as a chance to win some silverware and get in the habit of doing so. One brings two and all that. I can't see Mancini fielding his real stars for this one though, expect Adam Johnson to be given a rare start as well as fringe players like Jo and possibly Adebayor, the lazy twat. This should be more than enough to see off Leicester. Bet365 go 2.2 on the -1.0 asian and I think City can cover it.
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