Im not a big fan of betting on cup matches but there is a small bit worthwhile tonight in my opinion.
Tottenham V Blackpool is a game which has attracted a lot of interest for obvious reasons. The appointment of ex-Sevilla boss Ramos should give many spurs players the chance to prove themselves and where better to start than at home against a "weaker" outfit. Competition for places will be the new objective amongst Spurs players and i think we will see a much better performance from them tonight than they have shown in recent times.
Scoring goals this year hasnt been a problem, but conceding them has, but tonight sees them up against a team that has lost its way a bit since their opening start to the season. They have lost their last three away games and in my opinion i just don't see anything changing for this challenge. They have only achieved the one win away so far this season and that was way back on the opening day and since then have shown very little to suggest that they are a good away team.
Tottenham should be far too motivated and should get Ramos off to a good start this evening.
The second pick is one that i dont really have much to say about but the odds appeal greatly to me.
Dundee Utd V Hamilton
Dundee are very strong at home and have faced much better opposition than what they are facing tonight. This competition represents the best chance for silverware for Dundee and they should be good enough to get through to the next round tonight at the expense of Hamilton. They should win by at least one, so il try them - 1 on the asian handicap. at worst im expecting a money back decision.
PICK
Tottenham -1.5 Asian hdcp (1.72 @ gamebookers) 6 points
Dundee Utd - 1 asian hdcp (2.04 @ canbet) 6 points
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Liverpool V Arsenal
The countdown is on to one of the most eagerly anticipated games so far this season. As a gunner I may be a little biased in my preview but I wont be wasting my cash on any bets that I don’t think are worthwhile.
In my opinion this is as good a time as ever to be playing Liverpool at Anfield. Their current form is terrible and the poor showing midweek in the champion’s league has cast serious doubt over whether they will progress beyond the group stages.
Their home form this season has not been as good as they would like. Still undefeated yes but only the one home win, which was a 6 – 0 win against the whipping boys Derby.
Rafa Benitez employs a rotation policy, but on current form it doesn’t seem to be working. There are calls for a more settled Liverpool line-up to try and settle the players a bit better but theres no sign of it happening.
Xabi Alonso is back for this game, Daniel Agger is one week away from returning and Fernando Torres who is also back for this game which will boost the team.
Arsene Wenger saw his side thrash Sparta Prague 7-0 midweek and they played excellent free flowing football, albeit against a weak team but they could easily have scored three or four more. The confidence is sky high at Arsenal and they are looking for a, while Rafa Benitez was again left frustrated as Liverpool lost 2-1 in Istanbul.
Arsene Wenger again looks to have moulded another young squad that looks ready to bring more silverware to London in the next few years if the early signs are anything to go by. Cesc Fabregas is in the form of his life and has also been hitting the net on a more consistent level this year.
The departure of Henry doesn’t seem to have affected them as much as people thought it would and they are playing with style and confidence.
There is a consensus out there that today will be the first real “big team” that the gunners have had to face so far but I don’t agree. Liverpool are certainly not playing like contenders and have only showed small glimpses of what they are capable of. Things will eventually come right for them but I don’t think today is that day.
The smart money might be on the draw here as Liverpool have drawn 3 of their 4 home Premiership games so far at home. But I think Arsenal will be looking for the three points here. Anfield is not the fortress it once was and Arsenal will come to the game with no fear and attack from the first whistle.
These two teams are the only two unbeaten teams so far this season, will the record be intact this evening? I hope Arsenals is anyway!
Arsenal to sneak it 1 – 0 or 2 – 1 for me. Im taking Arsenal DNB in the event of a draw.
PICK
Arsenal - 0 AH ( 2.19 @ Pinnacle) 4 points
In my opinion this is as good a time as ever to be playing Liverpool at Anfield. Their current form is terrible and the poor showing midweek in the champion’s league has cast serious doubt over whether they will progress beyond the group stages.
Their home form this season has not been as good as they would like. Still undefeated yes but only the one home win, which was a 6 – 0 win against the whipping boys Derby.
Rafa Benitez employs a rotation policy, but on current form it doesn’t seem to be working. There are calls for a more settled Liverpool line-up to try and settle the players a bit better but theres no sign of it happening.
Xabi Alonso is back for this game, Daniel Agger is one week away from returning and Fernando Torres who is also back for this game which will boost the team.
Arsene Wenger saw his side thrash Sparta Prague 7-0 midweek and they played excellent free flowing football, albeit against a weak team but they could easily have scored three or four more. The confidence is sky high at Arsenal and they are looking for a, while Rafa Benitez was again left frustrated as Liverpool lost 2-1 in Istanbul.
Arsene Wenger again looks to have moulded another young squad that looks ready to bring more silverware to London in the next few years if the early signs are anything to go by. Cesc Fabregas is in the form of his life and has also been hitting the net on a more consistent level this year.
The departure of Henry doesn’t seem to have affected them as much as people thought it would and they are playing with style and confidence.
There is a consensus out there that today will be the first real “big team” that the gunners have had to face so far but I don’t agree. Liverpool are certainly not playing like contenders and have only showed small glimpses of what they are capable of. Things will eventually come right for them but I don’t think today is that day.
The smart money might be on the draw here as Liverpool have drawn 3 of their 4 home Premiership games so far at home. But I think Arsenal will be looking for the three points here. Anfield is not the fortress it once was and Arsenal will come to the game with no fear and attack from the first whistle.
These two teams are the only two unbeaten teams so far this season, will the record be intact this evening? I hope Arsenals is anyway!
Arsenal to sneak it 1 – 0 or 2 – 1 for me. Im taking Arsenal DNB in the event of a draw.
PICK
Arsenal - 0 AH ( 2.19 @ Pinnacle) 4 points
Friday, October 26, 2007
Football picks 26th October weekend
West Brom V Norwich
This one should be fairly straightforward to be fair, West Brom are currently sitting in 4th place, 9 points off the pacesetters Watford. This game is extremely important to them because the teams above them are picking up points thick and fast and they cant to afford to drop points, especially at home and more importantly against teams that are struggling as bad as the Canaries.
West Broms home records is impressive and have only dropped two points so far this season. Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem either, with 16 scored and only 3 conceded.
On the contrary, Norwich’s form couldn’t be any more different. Home or away they are in terrible form and are going to be in big trouble come the end of the season.
Their away record speaks for itself, (0-1-5) and only 2 goals scored and 9 conceded.
Coming to West Brom is not something that the Norwich team or their fans will be looking forward to.
With Watford starting to pull away at the top it’s vital for West Brom to pick up three points.
Norwich will huff and puff and look to keep it tight but the Baggies have way too much firepower and a full strength team to chose from.
West Brom should be good enough to win by two or three goals.
Sunderland V Fulham
Dare I say it, I’m backing Sunderland to get the three points here.
I was very impressed with the way they played against West Ham, and despite losing 3 – 1 looked like they could trouble many other teams. Kenwyne Jones was brilliant and this can only of helped his confidence. They played with a positive attitude in a fairly tough environment at Upton Park. So far at home they have been tough to play against and have kept most game tight at the back and this is reflected in the fact that there has been an average of about two goals in each home game. They seem to have finally found their feet in the premiership and have improved a good bit in the last few games. They gave Arsenal a lot of trouble at the Emirates and probably deserved something from the game.
Fulham have struggled this year. They sit in thirteenth position, but only due to goal difference. They have the same number of points as Sunderland who sit exactly three places below them. Last season in the Premiership they relied on their home form and once again how they perform at Craven Cottage is important. So far they have played six games at home, winning just the one of them, but managing three draws and two defeats. From their four away games they have just the two points. Looks like business as usual then for Fulham fans!
They are infuriating to watch at times, because they always play good against the top teams but often struggle against the lesser teams.
Konchesky is ruled out after his red card last week, whilst Bouazza joins Keller, McBride, Bullard, Christanval, Volz, Elliot, Pearce and Cook also out.
Sunderland should get a hard fought, but nonetheless vital three points against a poor travelling injury ravaged team.
PICK
Sunderland win (2.10) 3 points
West Brom –1.5 goals ( 2.21 @ pinnacle) 5 points
This one should be fairly straightforward to be fair, West Brom are currently sitting in 4th place, 9 points off the pacesetters Watford. This game is extremely important to them because the teams above them are picking up points thick and fast and they cant to afford to drop points, especially at home and more importantly against teams that are struggling as bad as the Canaries.
West Broms home records is impressive and have only dropped two points so far this season. Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem either, with 16 scored and only 3 conceded.
On the contrary, Norwich’s form couldn’t be any more different. Home or away they are in terrible form and are going to be in big trouble come the end of the season.
Their away record speaks for itself, (0-1-5) and only 2 goals scored and 9 conceded.
Coming to West Brom is not something that the Norwich team or their fans will be looking forward to.
With Watford starting to pull away at the top it’s vital for West Brom to pick up three points.
Norwich will huff and puff and look to keep it tight but the Baggies have way too much firepower and a full strength team to chose from.
West Brom should be good enough to win by two or three goals.
Sunderland V Fulham
Dare I say it, I’m backing Sunderland to get the three points here.
I was very impressed with the way they played against West Ham, and despite losing 3 – 1 looked like they could trouble many other teams. Kenwyne Jones was brilliant and this can only of helped his confidence. They played with a positive attitude in a fairly tough environment at Upton Park. So far at home they have been tough to play against and have kept most game tight at the back and this is reflected in the fact that there has been an average of about two goals in each home game. They seem to have finally found their feet in the premiership and have improved a good bit in the last few games. They gave Arsenal a lot of trouble at the Emirates and probably deserved something from the game.
Fulham have struggled this year. They sit in thirteenth position, but only due to goal difference. They have the same number of points as Sunderland who sit exactly three places below them. Last season in the Premiership they relied on their home form and once again how they perform at Craven Cottage is important. So far they have played six games at home, winning just the one of them, but managing three draws and two defeats. From their four away games they have just the two points. Looks like business as usual then for Fulham fans!
They are infuriating to watch at times, because they always play good against the top teams but often struggle against the lesser teams.
Konchesky is ruled out after his red card last week, whilst Bouazza joins Keller, McBride, Bullard, Christanval, Volz, Elliot, Pearce and Cook also out.
Sunderland should get a hard fought, but nonetheless vital three points against a poor travelling injury ravaged team.
PICK
Sunderland win (2.10) 3 points
West Brom –1.5 goals ( 2.21 @ pinnacle) 5 points
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Uefa cup this thursday
Tottenham look like they are capable of getting back on track here tonight.
Martin Jol is under big big pressure and if the players have any sort of confidence and ability then tonight is the night to prove it. Its amazing to think that many tipped Spurs to grab 4th ahead of Arsenal this year but so far its their North London neighbours that are playing like champions.
White harte lane used to be a tough place to go but no teams are afraid so far this year, however i believe they are capable of upping the performance at home tonight and getting an important win. Paul Robinson is out, which gives Spurs an adge in my opinion.
Getafe are no pushovers but a bit like tottenham are playing poor so far this year and not in any kind of impressive form. Away from home in La Liga they have lost all 4 games, scored 4 and conceded 11.
This is possibly the top two teams of this group playing tonight and i think Getafe will have one eye on the weekend fixtures as they desperately want to get out of the bottom 3 in their league.
Given the fact that both Getafe and Tottenham are both well able to score but neither can defend with any great success overs here has a great chance. In fact i wouldnt rule out four or five goals.
Tottenham to win 3 - 1 or so in my opinion
Picks
Tottenham - 1 AH (2.06 @ pinnacle) 4 points
Over 2.5 goals (1.8 @ gamebookers) 4 points
Martin Jol is under big big pressure and if the players have any sort of confidence and ability then tonight is the night to prove it. Its amazing to think that many tipped Spurs to grab 4th ahead of Arsenal this year but so far its their North London neighbours that are playing like champions.
White harte lane used to be a tough place to go but no teams are afraid so far this year, however i believe they are capable of upping the performance at home tonight and getting an important win. Paul Robinson is out, which gives Spurs an adge in my opinion.
Getafe are no pushovers but a bit like tottenham are playing poor so far this year and not in any kind of impressive form. Away from home in La Liga they have lost all 4 games, scored 4 and conceded 11.
This is possibly the top two teams of this group playing tonight and i think Getafe will have one eye on the weekend fixtures as they desperately want to get out of the bottom 3 in their league.
Given the fact that both Getafe and Tottenham are both well able to score but neither can defend with any great success overs here has a great chance. In fact i wouldnt rule out four or five goals.
Tottenham to win 3 - 1 or so in my opinion
Picks
Tottenham - 1 AH (2.06 @ pinnacle) 4 points
Over 2.5 goals (1.8 @ gamebookers) 4 points
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
24th October picks
Planty of action to chose from tonight.
Benfica V Celtic
Not much info from me here. Celtic unfortunately are gash away from home in Europe. They are coming off the back of a terrible old firm defeat at the weekend losing 3 - 0 to Rangers. European nights are often memorable occasions for them but not away from home. They lost to Shaktar in the first round and despite beating Ac in the last round havent convinced me yet.
These two were in the same group last season and this fixture finished 3 - 0 to Benfica on that night. Something the same is how tonight will go i feel. Fairly confident on this bet.
Last but not least.
Real Madrid will win comfortably tonight. Olympiakos, despite winning away last time out are notoriously bad on the road.
Real at home, in form and will have far too much firepower tonight.
PICKS
Benfica - 0.5 (2 @gamebookers) 6 points
Real Madrid -1.5 goals (2.05 @ canbet) 6 points
Benfica V Celtic
Not much info from me here. Celtic unfortunately are gash away from home in Europe. They are coming off the back of a terrible old firm defeat at the weekend losing 3 - 0 to Rangers. European nights are often memorable occasions for them but not away from home. They lost to Shaktar in the first round and despite beating Ac in the last round havent convinced me yet.
These two were in the same group last season and this fixture finished 3 - 0 to Benfica on that night. Something the same is how tonight will go i feel. Fairly confident on this bet.
Last but not least.
Real Madrid will win comfortably tonight. Olympiakos, despite winning away last time out are notoriously bad on the road.
Real at home, in form and will have far too much firepower tonight.
PICKS
Benfica - 0.5 (2 @gamebookers) 6 points
Real Madrid -1.5 goals (2.05 @ canbet) 6 points
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Apologies Gents
I didnt get near a pc today to post my bets. I wont post up what i had planned to take but lets just say i would have been very happy if i had got my bets off.
Ah well, onwards and upwards, tomorrows another day and theres plenty to chose from to boost the profits.
Im very impressed with the 7 - 0 win for the Gunners tonight, and all this missing Van Persie too!
Hope ye all done well tonight! I should have a post up tomorrow evening sometime about 6 pm. Just a little bit of homework to get through on some teams yet.
Ah well, onwards and upwards, tomorrows another day and theres plenty to chose from to boost the profits.
Im very impressed with the 7 - 0 win for the Gunners tonight, and all this missing Van Persie too!
Hope ye all done well tonight! I should have a post up tomorrow evening sometime about 6 pm. Just a little bit of homework to get through on some teams yet.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
21st October picks
***See yesterdays post for the overs pick in the southampton game***
The only other pick for me today is also an overs bet in the West Ham V Sunderland game.
Not much to say on this one really, I think West Brom will win it 2 - 1 or so. Sunderland are more than capable of scoring away from home as demonstrated at the Emirates a few weeks back.
PICKS
West Ham V Sunderland over 2.5 (2.14 @ pinnacle) 4 points
The only other pick for me today is also an overs bet in the West Ham V Sunderland game.
Not much to say on this one really, I think West Brom will win it 2 - 1 or so. Sunderland are more than capable of scoring away from home as demonstrated at the Emirates a few weeks back.
PICKS
West Ham V Sunderland over 2.5 (2.14 @ pinnacle) 4 points
Saturday, October 20, 2007
20th October weekend picks
Another fresh menu to chose from today. The midweek results were simply awful for me and set the bank back a good bit. However theres 10 days left in the month to turn things around and get back on track and hopefully no more bogey picks from me.
Its a big day for me, serious effort been put in too, i hate losing, especially when i was so confident that i had good picks. Dont like losing others money either. A more aggressive staking plan for me today too...
Arsenal V Bolton
Van Persie is out for the gunners which isnt a help but that still should not stop them taking 3 easy points here today.
Every time Arsenal have played this season they have displayed awesome maturity and composure and made other teams looks ordinary.
Bolton on the other hand have struggled and home or away hasnt brought much luck. In the days of Sam Allardyce, Bolton would cause Arsenal big problems home and away but since his departure its all changed. Sammy Lee was fired midweek and things dont look like improving for the care taker Knox today. Anelka is a major doubt and without him Bolton lack any cutting edge.
Arsenal are 100 % at home and have scored 14 and conceded only 4 in the 5 home games to date.
I fancy another clean sheet against toothless Bolton and a comfortable win.
Carlisle V Gillingham
No rocket science here, Gillingham are simply awful on the road, having scored 1 and conceded 16 says it all really. Throw in the fact they at time of writing have no manager, and a long trip to in form Carlisle is not whats needed at this moment.
Carlisle at home are usually dependable, demonstrated by their 4 - 0 thumping of Millwall last time out. Only once have Carlisle been kept scoreless this season and with 16 away conceded from the Gills then its very hard to see them keeping the hosts out. Carlisle have some tricky fixtures in the next few weeks so 3 points here is a must to keep pace at the top. Hard to imagine Gillingham travelling with much hope.
easy 2 - 0 win for the hosts.
Southampton V Cardiff
Overs here looks mighty tempting.
Both teams like to play very attacking football and if you only look through some of the results so far then its not hard to see why i think this will go over 2.5
Southamptons last 4 games
Southampton 3 2 W.B.A.
Preston 5 1 Southampton
Sheff.Utd 1 2 Southampton
Southampton 2 3 Barnsley
Cardiffs last 6 games
Cardiff 2 1 Burnley
Sheff.Utd 3 3 Cardiff
Barnsley 1 1 Cardiff
Cardiff 2 2 Preston
Cardiff 1 2 Watford
Plymouth 2 2 Cardiff
Now does it look like a good call?
Southampton have averaged just over 4 goals a game at home and about 4 a game in the away fixtures also,
Cardiff games have averaged just over 3 a game away from home and almost 3 a game all the fixtures so far.
Since Hasselbaink and Fowler became match fit it, it seems like Cardiff cannot avoid scoring 2-3 goals in their matches. Unbeaten away from home is also an impressive stat to have.
Southampton love to play open attacking football, Both Rasiak and Wright-Phillips are fit again, and Burley have plenty of options up front
overs is the call
St Johnstone V Queen of the south
Another stats based pick here. The saints are finally delivering the goods after so much expectation was placed on them at seasons beginning. They have won the last few on the trot and are unbeaten at home so far. Kenny Deuchar and Andy Jackson are on fire with 13 goals between them in 7 starts.
Past meeting dont make pretty reading for away fans , Queen of the South have scored only once in the last 6 visits here, losing 5 of them with a 1-17 goal difference.
Hamilton and Dundee are the early pace setters in this division and St Johnstone need the 3 points to keep in touch at the top.
Easy home win for me.
PICKS
Arsenal - 2 (2.45 @ betsson) 3 points
Arsenal clean sheet (1.91 @ betfair) 5 points
Arsenal 3 - 0 correct score (15 @ paddy power) 1/2 a point
Carlisle - 0.75 ( 1.93 @ pinnacle) 6 points
Southampton V Cardiff over 2.5 goals (1.95 @ betsense) 4 points
St Johnstone - 1 goal AH (1.80 @ bet365) 5 points
Its a big day for me, serious effort been put in too, i hate losing, especially when i was so confident that i had good picks. Dont like losing others money either. A more aggressive staking plan for me today too...
Arsenal V Bolton
Van Persie is out for the gunners which isnt a help but that still should not stop them taking 3 easy points here today.
Every time Arsenal have played this season they have displayed awesome maturity and composure and made other teams looks ordinary.
Bolton on the other hand have struggled and home or away hasnt brought much luck. In the days of Sam Allardyce, Bolton would cause Arsenal big problems home and away but since his departure its all changed. Sammy Lee was fired midweek and things dont look like improving for the care taker Knox today. Anelka is a major doubt and without him Bolton lack any cutting edge.
Arsenal are 100 % at home and have scored 14 and conceded only 4 in the 5 home games to date.
I fancy another clean sheet against toothless Bolton and a comfortable win.
Carlisle V Gillingham
No rocket science here, Gillingham are simply awful on the road, having scored 1 and conceded 16 says it all really. Throw in the fact they at time of writing have no manager, and a long trip to in form Carlisle is not whats needed at this moment.
Carlisle at home are usually dependable, demonstrated by their 4 - 0 thumping of Millwall last time out. Only once have Carlisle been kept scoreless this season and with 16 away conceded from the Gills then its very hard to see them keeping the hosts out. Carlisle have some tricky fixtures in the next few weeks so 3 points here is a must to keep pace at the top. Hard to imagine Gillingham travelling with much hope.
easy 2 - 0 win for the hosts.
Southampton V Cardiff
Overs here looks mighty tempting.
Both teams like to play very attacking football and if you only look through some of the results so far then its not hard to see why i think this will go over 2.5
Southamptons last 4 games
Southampton 3 2 W.B.A.
Preston 5 1 Southampton
Sheff.Utd 1 2 Southampton
Southampton 2 3 Barnsley
Cardiffs last 6 games
Cardiff 2 1 Burnley
Sheff.Utd 3 3 Cardiff
Barnsley 1 1 Cardiff
Cardiff 2 2 Preston
Cardiff 1 2 Watford
Plymouth 2 2 Cardiff
Now does it look like a good call?
Southampton have averaged just over 4 goals a game at home and about 4 a game in the away fixtures also,
Cardiff games have averaged just over 3 a game away from home and almost 3 a game all the fixtures so far.
Since Hasselbaink and Fowler became match fit it, it seems like Cardiff cannot avoid scoring 2-3 goals in their matches. Unbeaten away from home is also an impressive stat to have.
Southampton love to play open attacking football, Both Rasiak and Wright-Phillips are fit again, and Burley have plenty of options up front
overs is the call
St Johnstone V Queen of the south
Another stats based pick here. The saints are finally delivering the goods after so much expectation was placed on them at seasons beginning. They have won the last few on the trot and are unbeaten at home so far. Kenny Deuchar and Andy Jackson are on fire with 13 goals between them in 7 starts.
Past meeting dont make pretty reading for away fans , Queen of the South have scored only once in the last 6 visits here, losing 5 of them with a 1-17 goal difference.
Hamilton and Dundee are the early pace setters in this division and St Johnstone need the 3 points to keep in touch at the top.
Easy home win for me.
PICKS
Arsenal - 2 (2.45 @ betsson) 3 points
Arsenal clean sheet (1.91 @ betfair) 5 points
Arsenal 3 - 0 correct score (15 @ paddy power) 1/2 a point
Carlisle - 0.75 ( 1.93 @ pinnacle) 6 points
Southampton V Cardiff over 2.5 goals (1.95 @ betsense) 4 points
St Johnstone - 1 goal AH (1.80 @ bet365) 5 points
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thursday 18th October NCAA pick
il admit it freely, yesterday stung badly. Octobers bank took a huge dive but its been a long long time since i had a month finish in the minus figures and il be damned if its going to happen this month.
Now il also admit that when it comes to the American sports such as the NFL, NCAA or the NHL, im a complete amatuer. Dont watch it on tv and quite frankly dont have any real desire to.
However i do have a mate who makes quite a decent return from the NFL and NCAA in particular, he doesnt punt very often but when he does its usually on something that he is supremely confidenty in and tonights pick is South Florida to beat Rutgers comfortably. The line is set at 2.5 and he has assured me that it should be much higher, somewhere in the region of 10 - 15. To cut a long story short it will be the only bet of today for me.
PICK
(NCAA)S Florida -3.5 (2.25 @ pinnacle) 3 points
Now il also admit that when it comes to the American sports such as the NFL, NCAA or the NHL, im a complete amatuer. Dont watch it on tv and quite frankly dont have any real desire to.
However i do have a mate who makes quite a decent return from the NFL and NCAA in particular, he doesnt punt very often but when he does its usually on something that he is supremely confidenty in and tonights pick is South Florida to beat Rutgers comfortably. The line is set at 2.5 and he has assured me that it should be much higher, somewhere in the region of 10 - 15. To cut a long story short it will be the only bet of today for me.
PICK
(NCAA)S Florida -3.5 (2.25 @ pinnacle) 3 points
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday Euro qualifiers - part two
Sweden V Northern Ireland
Its crunch time at the top of group F and Sweden have a great chance to guarantee qualification with a home win over Northern Ireland.
It seems like a long time ago since these two met and Northern Ireland claimed a great 2 – 1 victory. Things have changed in a big way though and Sweden can almost wrap up 1st place if they win here.
A win is essential if they intend to hold off Spain and keep top spot as a win against Northern Ireland will give them a three point cushion at the top.
With a tricky away tie yet to come in Spain, Sweden should be well focused and have enough motivation to record an easy win.
Their home form has been impressive with the only points dropped back in a 0 – 0 draw with Denmark in September.
Along the way they have recorded some excellent results, most notably the 2 – 0 defeat of Spain and the 5 – 0 thumping of Iceland.
They have scored 10 goals from the 4 home games to date and only conceded 1.
Northern Ireland still have a mathematical chance of progression but in reality need a miracle at this stage. Three regular defenders are missing for this match , M Duff, C Baird and J Evans will not be able to play, and also missing are Keith Gillespie, W Feeney and D Johnson.
Northern Irelands last away game, a 2 – 1 defeat to Iceland was the real nail in their coffin, if they had won that day then they might have came to Sweden fighting for the points but now I cant see that happening. On the flight home from Iceland a fight broke out between some of the players, which doesn’t indicate a great team spirit.
Third place in this group would have been a good achievement but taking into account that their final fixtures are away to Sweden and Spain with a home tie to Denmark between them, I think they will find it hard to pick up any more points.
Sweden are far more motivated and have Ibrahimovic back. They have too much class and finesse in their ranks and at home should have far too much firepower.
Easy home win for me, 2 or 3 – 0 .
PICK
Sweden –1.5 goals (1.76 @ canbet) 5 points
Its crunch time at the top of group F and Sweden have a great chance to guarantee qualification with a home win over Northern Ireland.
It seems like a long time ago since these two met and Northern Ireland claimed a great 2 – 1 victory. Things have changed in a big way though and Sweden can almost wrap up 1st place if they win here.
A win is essential if they intend to hold off Spain and keep top spot as a win against Northern Ireland will give them a three point cushion at the top.
With a tricky away tie yet to come in Spain, Sweden should be well focused and have enough motivation to record an easy win.
Their home form has been impressive with the only points dropped back in a 0 – 0 draw with Denmark in September.
Along the way they have recorded some excellent results, most notably the 2 – 0 defeat of Spain and the 5 – 0 thumping of Iceland.
They have scored 10 goals from the 4 home games to date and only conceded 1.
Northern Ireland still have a mathematical chance of progression but in reality need a miracle at this stage. Three regular defenders are missing for this match , M Duff, C Baird and J Evans will not be able to play, and also missing are Keith Gillespie, W Feeney and D Johnson.
Northern Irelands last away game, a 2 – 1 defeat to Iceland was the real nail in their coffin, if they had won that day then they might have came to Sweden fighting for the points but now I cant see that happening. On the flight home from Iceland a fight broke out between some of the players, which doesn’t indicate a great team spirit.
Third place in this group would have been a good achievement but taking into account that their final fixtures are away to Sweden and Spain with a home tie to Denmark between them, I think they will find it hard to pick up any more points.
Sweden are far more motivated and have Ibrahimovic back. They have too much class and finesse in their ranks and at home should have far too much firepower.
Easy home win for me, 2 or 3 – 0 .
PICK
Sweden –1.5 goals (1.76 @ canbet) 5 points
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Wednesday Euro qualifiers
Ireland V Cyprus
Ireland have a very small chance of qualification mathematically but realistically they are playing for pride at this stage. There was such hope and expectation going into the qualifying process but any chances of progressing were dashed after match day 2 in which Ireland were walloped 5 – 2 in Nicosia at the hands of Cyprus. Since then the Irish attempt has been very poor and only for Richard Dunne playing some excellent stuff in defence things would have been much worse.
Home form has been Irelands only bright spot. Undefeated so far at home, they are coming off the back of a tough 0 – 0 draw with Germany last Saturday evening. There were little chances either way but one could say the Irish had the slightly better chances to break the deadlock as Robbie Keane was guilty of one very bad miss. After the game he Keane talked about the upcoming Cyprus game and said how low the moral was in the camp after the previous meeting between the two. He gave the impression that the team were very fired up for this one.
Cyprus on the other hand had a great 3 – 1 victory at home over Wales. However having watched the game I would say it was more a case of Wales being very poor on the day than the Cypriots playing great stuff. On opening day they were thumped 6 – 1 away to Slovakia but bounced back with a 5 – 2 win over the Irish. They are very similar to the Irish team in that they are reasonably capable of competing with the best at home but put them away from home and they struggle. This is reflected in the fact that despite scoring 3 goals in their away games, they have also conceded 10 in the same 4 games. The only away points came at lowly San Marino in a 1 – 0 win.
Team news
Ireland – John O Shea and Darren Potter are available for selection as is Paul Mcshane and Stephen Hunt who are back from suspension. Richard Dunne and Lee Carsley are out suspended and Shane Long is also out injured.
Cyprus – Have no injury worries that I could find out about.
Verdict
The Irish team are hell bent on revenge and despite not playing too impressive so far should have far too much for Cyprus at home. I considered the overs bet but Ireland are not the best at giving teams a good beating and odds of 1.5 – 1.6 don’t appeal. However I do think Ireland will win by at least two clear goals so the recommended bet is a punt on Ireland –1.5 goals, odds of 1.85 are generally available and it appeals much more to me that over 2.5 goals bet.
PICKS
Im confident that Ireland can beat the 1.5 goal handicap here and am going for a max 10 point stake on this one.
Ireland -1.5 goals (1.9 @ betdirect) 10 points
Ireland have a very small chance of qualification mathematically but realistically they are playing for pride at this stage. There was such hope and expectation going into the qualifying process but any chances of progressing were dashed after match day 2 in which Ireland were walloped 5 – 2 in Nicosia at the hands of Cyprus. Since then the Irish attempt has been very poor and only for Richard Dunne playing some excellent stuff in defence things would have been much worse.
Home form has been Irelands only bright spot. Undefeated so far at home, they are coming off the back of a tough 0 – 0 draw with Germany last Saturday evening. There were little chances either way but one could say the Irish had the slightly better chances to break the deadlock as Robbie Keane was guilty of one very bad miss. After the game he Keane talked about the upcoming Cyprus game and said how low the moral was in the camp after the previous meeting between the two. He gave the impression that the team were very fired up for this one.
Cyprus on the other hand had a great 3 – 1 victory at home over Wales. However having watched the game I would say it was more a case of Wales being very poor on the day than the Cypriots playing great stuff. On opening day they were thumped 6 – 1 away to Slovakia but bounced back with a 5 – 2 win over the Irish. They are very similar to the Irish team in that they are reasonably capable of competing with the best at home but put them away from home and they struggle. This is reflected in the fact that despite scoring 3 goals in their away games, they have also conceded 10 in the same 4 games. The only away points came at lowly San Marino in a 1 – 0 win.
Team news
Ireland – John O Shea and Darren Potter are available for selection as is Paul Mcshane and Stephen Hunt who are back from suspension. Richard Dunne and Lee Carsley are out suspended and Shane Long is also out injured.
Cyprus – Have no injury worries that I could find out about.
Verdict
The Irish team are hell bent on revenge and despite not playing too impressive so far should have far too much for Cyprus at home. I considered the overs bet but Ireland are not the best at giving teams a good beating and odds of 1.5 – 1.6 don’t appeal. However I do think Ireland will win by at least two clear goals so the recommended bet is a punt on Ireland –1.5 goals, odds of 1.85 are generally available and it appeals much more to me that over 2.5 goals bet.
PICKS
Im confident that Ireland can beat the 1.5 goal handicap here and am going for a max 10 point stake on this one.
Ireland -1.5 goals (1.9 @ betdirect) 10 points
Sunday, October 14, 2007
League 1 this sunday
Doncaster sit in 16th place and have had a topsy turvy year so far. Expectation was high at the seasons beginning and despite a few good results so far, luck hasnt really favoured them to date. Home wins against Cheltenham and Crewe were followed by an agonising 3 - 2 defeat to Walsall just over a week ago.
Its make or break for them at this stage as defeat today will see them fall further behind the pace setters of the league and for a team with such high hopes, this wont suffice.
With some tough games to come in the not too distant future such as a trip to Nottingham, its time to lay down a marker and take the 3 points on offer.
Huddersfield sit in 10 th position and have also had an up and down start to the season, Their away form in recent times has been very poor with defeats to Crewe, Northampton and a 4 - 0 thumping away to Walsall last time out.
They have been struggling to hit the net recently, especially away from home and wont have it easy today.
Doncaster to get the season back on track with a win is the call
PICK
Doncaster (1.91 @ skybet) 4 points
Its make or break for them at this stage as defeat today will see them fall further behind the pace setters of the league and for a team with such high hopes, this wont suffice.
With some tough games to come in the not too distant future such as a trip to Nottingham, its time to lay down a marker and take the 3 points on offer.
Huddersfield sit in 10 th position and have also had an up and down start to the season, Their away form in recent times has been very poor with defeats to Crewe, Northampton and a 4 - 0 thumping away to Walsall last time out.
They have been struggling to hit the net recently, especially away from home and wont have it easy today.
Doncaster to get the season back on track with a win is the call
PICK
Doncaster (1.91 @ skybet) 4 points
League 2 this sunday
Its slim pickings out there but ive had a good look around and came up with the following
Milton Keynes Donc V Lincoln City
Milton Keynes Dons have an excellent chance to extend their lead at the top of the table today with a home win against Lincoln.
They are also coming into the game with an impressive 6 wins on the trot and it’s hard to see Lincoln stopping that run.
At home MKD have a healthy goal difference (+7) and have won comfortably against the lower ranked sides such as Notts County and Bradford.
Lincoln have had a disastrous start to the year and results need to pick up and fast if they are to pull themselves out of a relegation battle, even at this early stage. Their away record reads at (1-1-3) with few goals in each of their away fixtures. They have gone to away fixtures trying to keep it tight at the back and not to concede and today should be no different. They will be hoping to nick a point but it’s hard to see them keeping MKD out for ninety minutes.
Milton Keynes Dons are on the verge of a club record 7 consecutive wins and this should provide enough motivation for a good solid home performance.
Milton Keynes to win 2 or 3 – 0 for me.
PICKS
Milton Keynes Dons win (1.5 @ betsense) 5 points
Milton Keynes Donc V Lincoln City
Milton Keynes Dons have an excellent chance to extend their lead at the top of the table today with a home win against Lincoln.
They are also coming into the game with an impressive 6 wins on the trot and it’s hard to see Lincoln stopping that run.
At home MKD have a healthy goal difference (+7) and have won comfortably against the lower ranked sides such as Notts County and Bradford.
Lincoln have had a disastrous start to the year and results need to pick up and fast if they are to pull themselves out of a relegation battle, even at this early stage. Their away record reads at (1-1-3) with few goals in each of their away fixtures. They have gone to away fixtures trying to keep it tight at the back and not to concede and today should be no different. They will be hoping to nick a point but it’s hard to see them keeping MKD out for ninety minutes.
Milton Keynes Dons are on the verge of a club record 7 consecutive wins and this should provide enough motivation for a good solid home performance.
Milton Keynes to win 2 or 3 – 0 for me.
PICKS
Milton Keynes Dons win (1.5 @ betsense) 5 points
Friday, October 12, 2007
13th October weekend pick
Theres a round of international games to chose from this weekend. As usual most games are too one-sided or too unpredictable for my liking.
Instead ive gone with a pick in the wales game
Qualification is gone for both sides here but results are still important to get better seeding for the world cup draw.
Wales are travelling on the back of a most impressive 5 - 2 thrashing of Slovakia in the last game. Almost a year ago to the day Wales won the reverse fixture comfortably 3 - 1.
At odds of about 2.5 for the away win i think may be worth a punt but instead im going with over 2.5 goals and the reasons are,
Despite holding Germany to a 1 - 1 draw all the other Cyprus home games have all gone overs with results such as the impressive 5 - 2 win over Ireland, 3 - 0 win over San Marino and the 3 - 1 defeat to Slovakia.
Wales with Bellamy in the starting 11 always look dangerous, and this was duly proved with his inspirational performance last time out against Slovakia.
Welsh games have also tended to go over the 2.5 mark with high scoring games such as the 2 games with Slovakia where there was an amazing 13 goals in 2 games. Not to mention overs in games against the Czechs, san marino and Cyprus.
In a nutshell the result is important to both teams so im expecting an open attacking style of game. The only defence that Cyprus have failed to breach is the Czechs away from home which is hardly surprising, Likewise Wales have been able to hit the net in most matches and any team capable of putting 5 past Slovakia should be able to at least get 2 against Cyprus.
Both teams are too unpredictable so i cant be forced into backing Wales, my preferred choice, instead il go with over 2.5 goals.
good luck.
PICKS
Cyprus V Wales over 2.5 goals ( 1.9 @ betsense) 4 points
Instead ive gone with a pick in the wales game
Qualification is gone for both sides here but results are still important to get better seeding for the world cup draw.
Wales are travelling on the back of a most impressive 5 - 2 thrashing of Slovakia in the last game. Almost a year ago to the day Wales won the reverse fixture comfortably 3 - 1.
At odds of about 2.5 for the away win i think may be worth a punt but instead im going with over 2.5 goals and the reasons are,
Despite holding Germany to a 1 - 1 draw all the other Cyprus home games have all gone overs with results such as the impressive 5 - 2 win over Ireland, 3 - 0 win over San Marino and the 3 - 1 defeat to Slovakia.
Wales with Bellamy in the starting 11 always look dangerous, and this was duly proved with his inspirational performance last time out against Slovakia.
Welsh games have also tended to go over the 2.5 mark with high scoring games such as the 2 games with Slovakia where there was an amazing 13 goals in 2 games. Not to mention overs in games against the Czechs, san marino and Cyprus.
In a nutshell the result is important to both teams so im expecting an open attacking style of game. The only defence that Cyprus have failed to breach is the Czechs away from home which is hardly surprising, Likewise Wales have been able to hit the net in most matches and any team capable of putting 5 past Slovakia should be able to at least get 2 against Cyprus.
Both teams are too unpredictable so i cant be forced into backing Wales, my preferred choice, instead il go with over 2.5 goals.
good luck.
PICKS
Cyprus V Wales over 2.5 goals ( 1.9 @ betsense) 4 points
Sunday, October 7, 2007
7th October Picks
After the two results in the RWC yesterday im not so sure about betting on it again today. Argentina - 12 was a banker for me a few days ago, now im not so sure. Theres just too many doubts at this moment but i still have a few things to check on so i may go with it yet.
Lots of soccer action today to chose from. Dont have much to say in the lines of a preview but im going with
Man City V Middlesboro
Boro are poor on the road and wont have any joy today against a solid back line of Dunne and Richards. 2 away goals and 7 conceded says it all about Boro on the road. Man city on the other hand have scored 6 and only conceded 1 at home this season and wont be afraid of a poor Boro attack. IL be taking them to win and keep their solid home record up and also to keep a clean sheet
Fulham V Portsmouth
Overs is calling out to be backed here, Fulham home games have averaged just over 4 goals a game and Portsmouth away are no slouches either, scoring 4 and conceding 6 along the way. Both teams can score, neither are so hot at defending so overs looks like a good call here.
Reading V Derby
Reading are not playing as well as they did last year but can get back on track here against Derby. Derby's away record is shocking though, scored none and conceded 16! Reading despite not playing with any great confidence so far should still have too much class. Kevin Doyle is sure to start scoring at some stage, why not today?
Bolton V Chelsea
1 year ago, this would have been a good shout for a home win, now? i wouldn't back Bolton at the moment or even consider it. Sammy Lee is finding the going tough to say the least and a relegation dogfight is looming unless they get their act together.
Chelsea are no great shakes either but had a fantastic 2 - 1 away win midweek V Valencia and this will have the confidence up. Man Utd won yesterday, Arsenal are 2 - 0 up as i write and the pressure is on Chelsea to keep up with the leaders.
They were never afraid of visiting here before and have won the last 4 game at the Reebok against much better Bolton sides. Chelsea to win 1 or 2 - 0 here.
PICKS
Man City - 0.75 (1.89 @ stan james) 5 points
Man City clean sheet ( 2.22 @ betfair) 3 points
Fulham V Portsmouth over 2.5 goals ( 2 @ bodog) 3 points
Reading -0.75 ( 1.9 @ bet 365) 3 points
Chelsea - 0.75 ( 1.92 @ VC) 3 points
Lots of soccer action today to chose from. Dont have much to say in the lines of a preview but im going with
Man City V Middlesboro
Boro are poor on the road and wont have any joy today against a solid back line of Dunne and Richards. 2 away goals and 7 conceded says it all about Boro on the road. Man city on the other hand have scored 6 and only conceded 1 at home this season and wont be afraid of a poor Boro attack. IL be taking them to win and keep their solid home record up and also to keep a clean sheet
Fulham V Portsmouth
Overs is calling out to be backed here, Fulham home games have averaged just over 4 goals a game and Portsmouth away are no slouches either, scoring 4 and conceding 6 along the way. Both teams can score, neither are so hot at defending so overs looks like a good call here.
Reading V Derby
Reading are not playing as well as they did last year but can get back on track here against Derby. Derby's away record is shocking though, scored none and conceded 16! Reading despite not playing with any great confidence so far should still have too much class. Kevin Doyle is sure to start scoring at some stage, why not today?
Bolton V Chelsea
1 year ago, this would have been a good shout for a home win, now? i wouldn't back Bolton at the moment or even consider it. Sammy Lee is finding the going tough to say the least and a relegation dogfight is looming unless they get their act together.
Chelsea are no great shakes either but had a fantastic 2 - 1 away win midweek V Valencia and this will have the confidence up. Man Utd won yesterday, Arsenal are 2 - 0 up as i write and the pressure is on Chelsea to keep up with the leaders.
They were never afraid of visiting here before and have won the last 4 game at the Reebok against much better Bolton sides. Chelsea to win 1 or 2 - 0 here.
PICKS
Man City - 0.75 (1.89 @ stan james) 5 points
Man City clean sheet ( 2.22 @ betfair) 3 points
Fulham V Portsmouth over 2.5 goals ( 2 @ bodog) 3 points
Reading -0.75 ( 1.9 @ bet 365) 3 points
Chelsea - 0.75 ( 1.92 @ VC) 3 points
Saturday, October 6, 2007
And finally for now
France V New Zealand
Ive been looking forward to this game for a while. Amazinly the game will take place in Wales which is a strange aspect to the game. So far its been very easy to pick out the differences between the southern and northern hemisphere teams, southern have played the wings and ran in some great scores, whereas northern teams have been playing more tactfully, kicking style of game. The french have been poor so far, losing to Argentina and though beating Ireland, this wasnt much to shout about as Ireland were unbelievably poor at this tourney. Sivivatu, Rokocoko, Mulliaina, Robinson, the list goes on, the All Blacks ooze class and wont have much problem scoring tries against the French. The French gameplan will not work out too well for them and coupled with the fact that they are playing away from home i see an easy 18 point cushion minimum in favour of the All Blacks come FT.
PICKS
New Zealand -14 points (2 @ bet365) 4 points
Will have a short preview of the Scots V Argentina tonight or tomorrow morning
Ive been looking forward to this game for a while. Amazinly the game will take place in Wales which is a strange aspect to the game. So far its been very easy to pick out the differences between the southern and northern hemisphere teams, southern have played the wings and ran in some great scores, whereas northern teams have been playing more tactfully, kicking style of game. The french have been poor so far, losing to Argentina and though beating Ireland, this wasnt much to shout about as Ireland were unbelievably poor at this tourney. Sivivatu, Rokocoko, Mulliaina, Robinson, the list goes on, the All Blacks ooze class and wont have much problem scoring tries against the French. The French gameplan will not work out too well for them and coupled with the fact that they are playing away from home i see an easy 18 point cushion minimum in favour of the All Blacks come FT.
PICKS
New Zealand -14 points (2 @ bet365) 4 points
Will have a short preview of the Scots V Argentina tonight or tomorrow morning
Saturday 6th October weekend picks
Theres lots of ground to make up after the disastrous midweek results. Ive been mulling over the league table and have came up with a few picks. The premiership is a quiet place Saturday as most games will take place on Sunday.
First off is
Southampton V West Brom
Despite drawing midweek at home, im still convinced that West Brom are the team to beat this season. They have strength all over the pitch and have good strikers in Kevin Phillips and on loan signing Ishamel Miller. They currently lie in third place 3 points behind Watford. Away from home they got off to a bad start defeated by Burnley and Sheff Utd in the opening weeks. However they seem to have stopped the rot in the last two away fixtures and will look to extend that today.
Southampton have fallen big time from the big days of being a premiership club. They are no longer considered a hard team to beat on their own patch and have lost 2 and conceded 10 at home in 4 games to date. Their defence is poor and this is reflected by the fact that they have shipped 21 goals in the 9 games to date.
Both teams need the point here today and im expecting plenty of open attacking football. Both teams are well able to get goals so im expecting overs to be the most sensible pick here. I also think West Brom are good enough to scrape a win too so il take them Draw no bet at nice price of 2 @ bluesq
Nottingham forest V Hartlepool
Forest to me are a good shout to take all 3 points here. They don’t concede many at home and will have a big home crowd cheering them on. With Leeds making progress up the table all the genuine title contenders have to start taking all the points on offer and despite Hartlepools good start so far I think they will come away empty handed today. It’s a tight call but I simply think Forest have a good defence and should be able to score at least twice here
Leeds V Yeovil
Leeds have Kandol and Beckford back after suspension and this will add greatly to their firepower. They were denied the 3 points last week after some dodgy refereeing decisions but bounced back with a good 1 – 0 win over Oldham midweek. At home they are near on unbeatable in this league and most teams wont fancy playing at Elland road this year. So far they have won 4/4 and scored 9 conceding just one. Yeovil are no slouches away though and have got some good away results to show for themselves so far beating Brighton and Swindon along the way. Still, a trip to Elland road isn’t appealing and Leeds should be more than capable of winning here,
PICKS
Southampton V West Brom over 2.5 goals (1.8 @ paddy power) 4 points
West Brom DNB (2 @ bluesq) 2 points
Nottm Forest- 0.75 (2.14 @ betfred) 4 points
Leeds –0.75 (1.8 @ bet365) 5 points
More to follow
First off is
Southampton V West Brom
Despite drawing midweek at home, im still convinced that West Brom are the team to beat this season. They have strength all over the pitch and have good strikers in Kevin Phillips and on loan signing Ishamel Miller. They currently lie in third place 3 points behind Watford. Away from home they got off to a bad start defeated by Burnley and Sheff Utd in the opening weeks. However they seem to have stopped the rot in the last two away fixtures and will look to extend that today.
Southampton have fallen big time from the big days of being a premiership club. They are no longer considered a hard team to beat on their own patch and have lost 2 and conceded 10 at home in 4 games to date. Their defence is poor and this is reflected by the fact that they have shipped 21 goals in the 9 games to date.
Both teams need the point here today and im expecting plenty of open attacking football. Both teams are well able to get goals so im expecting overs to be the most sensible pick here. I also think West Brom are good enough to scrape a win too so il take them Draw no bet at nice price of 2 @ bluesq
Nottingham forest V Hartlepool
Forest to me are a good shout to take all 3 points here. They don’t concede many at home and will have a big home crowd cheering them on. With Leeds making progress up the table all the genuine title contenders have to start taking all the points on offer and despite Hartlepools good start so far I think they will come away empty handed today. It’s a tight call but I simply think Forest have a good defence and should be able to score at least twice here
Leeds V Yeovil
Leeds have Kandol and Beckford back after suspension and this will add greatly to their firepower. They were denied the 3 points last week after some dodgy refereeing decisions but bounced back with a good 1 – 0 win over Oldham midweek. At home they are near on unbeatable in this league and most teams wont fancy playing at Elland road this year. So far they have won 4/4 and scored 9 conceding just one. Yeovil are no slouches away though and have got some good away results to show for themselves so far beating Brighton and Swindon along the way. Still, a trip to Elland road isn’t appealing and Leeds should be more than capable of winning here,
PICKS
Southampton V West Brom over 2.5 goals (1.8 @ paddy power) 4 points
West Brom DNB (2 @ bluesq) 2 points
Nottm Forest- 0.75 (2.14 @ betfred) 4 points
Leeds –0.75 (1.8 @ bet365) 5 points
More to follow
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
3rd October picks
Lyon ruined my bets last night but I think I can get back on track tonight.
First up im going with West Brom to get a win at home against Stoke.
West Brom have been excellent at home so far scoring a highly impressive 13 goals at home from 4 matches and only conceding one. Stoke on the road have been mediocre so far. They usually play it tight and hope to catch teams on the counter attack but I don’t think they will have much success against a strong Baggies outfit. West Brom are one of the best sides around on their own patch and i just don't see anything other than 3 points for them from this game.
I think Lyon proved last night how poor French league football is at the moment. Liverpool havent set the world alight so far but should have far too much quality all over the pitch for Marseille. Whatever about league form, Liverpool always seem to give their best in the champions league and tonight should be no different. Marseille are probably one of the poorest sides in this competition this season despite their win on match day one and they will not get a result from this match. They lost their best player in the summer in Ribery and have started the French League very poorly, especially away from home where they have recorded just the one win so far. Cisse and Zenden are back to face their old club but I don’t see them having much joy.
Liverpool to win 2 or 3 – 0 easy for me.
PICKS
West Brom win (1.8 @ Paddy power) 4 points
Liverpool – 1.5 (2 @bet365) 4 points
First up im going with West Brom to get a win at home against Stoke.
West Brom have been excellent at home so far scoring a highly impressive 13 goals at home from 4 matches and only conceding one. Stoke on the road have been mediocre so far. They usually play it tight and hope to catch teams on the counter attack but I don’t think they will have much success against a strong Baggies outfit. West Brom are one of the best sides around on their own patch and i just don't see anything other than 3 points for them from this game.
I think Lyon proved last night how poor French league football is at the moment. Liverpool havent set the world alight so far but should have far too much quality all over the pitch for Marseille. Whatever about league form, Liverpool always seem to give their best in the champions league and tonight should be no different. Marseille are probably one of the poorest sides in this competition this season despite their win on match day one and they will not get a result from this match. They lost their best player in the summer in Ribery and have started the French League very poorly, especially away from home where they have recorded just the one win so far. Cisse and Zenden are back to face their old club but I don’t see them having much joy.
Liverpool to win 2 or 3 – 0 easy for me.
PICKS
West Brom win (1.8 @ Paddy power) 4 points
Liverpool – 1.5 (2 @bet365) 4 points
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
2nd October picks
Theres loads of Champions league football on offer tonight but first im looking to the championship and Watford.
Watford V Sheff Wed
I know they let me down last Saturday but I cant see the Watford slipping up twice in a row at home against a poor Sheff Wed side. They are strong at home and last Saturdays draw against Ipswich was the first points dropped at Vicarage road. Sheff Wed have lost 6 from 8 on the road so far leaking 14 goals in the process. West Broms convincing win on Sunday has left Watford under no illusions as to what they need to do to keep top place in the league. Its Watford to bounce back with a comfortable win for me.
Lyon V Rangers
Lyon’s wobbly start to the season seems to have passed and they are good value to get a win over Rangers tonight. Rangers season has started well but I think they are being over rated slightly because people tend to to compare their from with an out of sorts Celtic in the league. Rangers got off to a great start beating Stuttgart 2 – 1 but the score doesn’t reflect the fact that they were lucky to get the win at all. On the other hand Lyon were well beaten 3 –0 at the Nou camp but since have got a bit of a pattern to their play. They should be well motivated for this clash and anything other than a comfortable win will be viewed as a poor result for a team that so many fancied to go far.
PICKS
Watford – 1 AH (2.05 @ betfred) 4 points
Lyon –1 AH (1.77 @ betfred) 4 point
Watford & Lyon win double (2.26 @ paddy power) 3 points
I expect both teams to win easy and at worst by a one goal winning margin meaning my money back
Watford V Sheff Wed
I know they let me down last Saturday but I cant see the Watford slipping up twice in a row at home against a poor Sheff Wed side. They are strong at home and last Saturdays draw against Ipswich was the first points dropped at Vicarage road. Sheff Wed have lost 6 from 8 on the road so far leaking 14 goals in the process. West Broms convincing win on Sunday has left Watford under no illusions as to what they need to do to keep top place in the league. Its Watford to bounce back with a comfortable win for me.
Lyon V Rangers
Lyon’s wobbly start to the season seems to have passed and they are good value to get a win over Rangers tonight. Rangers season has started well but I think they are being over rated slightly because people tend to to compare their from with an out of sorts Celtic in the league. Rangers got off to a great start beating Stuttgart 2 – 1 but the score doesn’t reflect the fact that they were lucky to get the win at all. On the other hand Lyon were well beaten 3 –0 at the Nou camp but since have got a bit of a pattern to their play. They should be well motivated for this clash and anything other than a comfortable win will be viewed as a poor result for a team that so many fancied to go far.
PICKS
Watford – 1 AH (2.05 @ betfred) 4 points
Lyon –1 AH (1.77 @ betfred) 4 point
Watford & Lyon win double (2.26 @ paddy power) 3 points
I expect both teams to win easy and at worst by a one goal winning margin meaning my money back
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