Chelsea V Tottenham
Nothing really appealed to me over the weekend as i would rather to let another round or two passing before having a better idea of what level some teams are at.
However there is a huge gulf in class here as i feel Chelsea have the better players in almost every area on the field. Drogba is still out for Chelsea and Ballack and Essien are rated as 50/50 shots. These players are big losses to the team no doubt but Deco has settled into life here very well and should be able to dictate the play around the middle. Two wins from two with 5 goals scored and none conceded is the perfect start that Scolari was looking for. Also they are unbeaten at Stamford bridge for an astonishing 84 games now.
Spurs have been on the end of two 2 - 1 defeats now and theres already talks of a crisis albeit very early in the season for that kind of talk. Selling Keane was a strange move as he scored so often for them yet at the money they got you could hardly blame them. It will be interesting to see how new £14 million signing Roman Pavlyuchenko fits in to things as the season progresses. New signings Luka Modric, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes and Giovani Dos Santos will all be keen to impress too.
Verdict
To date there have been two very different styles of play evident and i think that Chelsea have too much for Spurs today. It should be a decent game with plenty of goal chances for both sides but i think Chelsea have the better firepower and will take advantage of the chances they are given
PICK
Chelsea - 1 (1.69 @ pinnacle) 5 points
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturdays picks
Coventry V Bristol City
Two teams that have started well to the season and Coventry will be eager to keep their 100% record going. For me Freddy Eastwood has and will prove to be a big hit here over the course of the coming year. His strikerate is prolific and alongside Clinton Morrison could well be a great partnership. In this fixture last year Bristol ran out easy 3 - 0 winners and that started a very bad run for Coventry so they will be eager not to let that happen again.
The visitors have a lot to live up to if they hope to achieve as much as they did last season. They are also unbeaten this year and will give a good account of themselves but the loss of centre back Jamie McCombe will be a big loss to them if they hope to keep Eastwood and Morrison under wraps.
Their defence will need to be on top form today and they have struggle to keep clean sheets in the past on the road.
Coventry to win 2 – 0 here as I feel home advantage coupled with their stronger options going forward will be the difference
PICK
Coventry 2.3 @ 188bet (5 points)
Two teams that have started well to the season and Coventry will be eager to keep their 100% record going. For me Freddy Eastwood has and will prove to be a big hit here over the course of the coming year. His strikerate is prolific and alongside Clinton Morrison could well be a great partnership. In this fixture last year Bristol ran out easy 3 - 0 winners and that started a very bad run for Coventry so they will be eager not to let that happen again.
The visitors have a lot to live up to if they hope to achieve as much as they did last season. They are also unbeaten this year and will give a good account of themselves but the loss of centre back Jamie McCombe will be a big loss to them if they hope to keep Eastwood and Morrison under wraps.
Their defence will need to be on top form today and they have struggle to keep clean sheets in the past on the road.
Coventry to win 2 – 0 here as I feel home advantage coupled with their stronger options going forward will be the difference
PICK
Coventry 2.3 @ 188bet (5 points)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday action
SPL
Dundee United V Celtic
Time to dip my feet into the SPL for a change and im going with Celtic to beat Dundee Utd today.
Utd have a truly awful record against Celtic and after their display last Monday against new boys Hamilton theres obviously not much confidence in the team. Nakamura is back for Celtic and they will be glad to have him back as they need a bit of creativity and he is sure to get the ball into the right positions going forward. Dundee are missing a few and realistically they needed all options available for this clash. Going back to the history of the two teams, Celtic have won 11 of the last 12 games here and with Rangers winning yesterday 3 points are crucial for Celtic.
Celtic have too many options going forward and this will prove the difference against a suspect looking Utd defence which struggles especially from set pieces. Celtic to win 2 - 0
PICK
Celtic - 1 ( 2.15 @ bet365) 5 points
Dundee United V Celtic
Time to dip my feet into the SPL for a change and im going with Celtic to beat Dundee Utd today.
Utd have a truly awful record against Celtic and after their display last Monday against new boys Hamilton theres obviously not much confidence in the team. Nakamura is back for Celtic and they will be glad to have him back as they need a bit of creativity and he is sure to get the ball into the right positions going forward. Dundee are missing a few and realistically they needed all options available for this clash. Going back to the history of the two teams, Celtic have won 11 of the last 12 games here and with Rangers winning yesterday 3 points are crucial for Celtic.
Celtic have too many options going forward and this will prove the difference against a suspect looking Utd defence which struggles especially from set pieces. Celtic to win 2 - 0
PICK
Celtic - 1 ( 2.15 @ bet365) 5 points
Saturday, August 16, 2008
English football
The English leagues got under way last saturday but in truth i would rather let a few rounds be played before i jump in head first. It often takes a team 3 or 4 games to get settled and we saw that especially with Man Utd last season. So for today, no Premiership bets but i will be keeping a close eye on things
Championship
Norwich V Blackpool
Norwich have hardly set the world alight so far but have just been lacking a little luck in front of goal. They have been creating plenty of chances and having a decent say in the possession stakes at their recent games but just lacking that little spark up front. Of course it could go on for a while but i think they might have better fortune today. Last season was a bit of a struggle and they need to pick up early points and this is the kind of game they should be winning.
Blackpool in truth were lucky to survive last season and their chances are looking slim this year. They sold on some of their better players and really look like a club that will struggle financially to replace them. Lacking the players from last year indicates that this will be a long tough year for them and i cant see them getting anything today. Betsson make Norwich an evens money shot and thats more than generous to me
PICK
Norwich -0.5 ( 2.01 @ betsson) 4 points
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Wolves V Sheffield Wednesday
What are the Molineux faithful to expect this season? Wolves missed out on the championship playoffs on goal difference last year and the start of the season will be vital to their chances of promotion. They always flatter to deceive but i think this could be they year where they finally do what they have threatened for the last few seasons. They have plenty of options going forward in Kightly, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo. This is where i give them the major advantage today as Wednesday have often been weak at the back. Sheffield Wednesday were excellent in their 4 - 1 win against Burnley but it came at a cost, Sam Sodje who had bagged two goals was forced off through injury and it will be very interesting to see how they cope without him in the next few weeks. Up front his absence will be a huge blow and he's a loss mentally to the team also as they will struggle for goals without him.
Wolves haven't set the world alight just yet but should start off their home campaign with 3 points.
PICK
Wolves win (1.9 @ expect) 6 points
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Reading V Plymouth
To be honest its always hard to know how a team will react when they have been relegated. Some will show determination and resolve and make a dam good attempt to bounce back whereas others struggle as they lose too many games that their heads have already won. So where do Reading fit in? I would have liked to see them stay in the premiership last year but things went horribly wrong for them. Doyle had a terrible year and they lacked goal power to threaten some of the bigger teams. But back in the championship they might be a little too strong for some teams. They have kept the most of their squad together and look determined to bounce back at the first attempt.
Plymouth did enough to earn a 2 - 2 draw at home to Wolves last week but on the road they might struggle, in fact i think its going to be tough for them to survive and games like this will probably be better for them to get out of the way early on. The lack creativity which is their main problem and against opponents like today chances are you will have to score at least once to have any chance of taking something from the game. I just cant see them scoring at the Madjeski. Reading to win 2 - 0 comfortably
PICK
Reading - 1 ( 2.22 @ betsson) 5 points
Championship
Norwich V Blackpool
Norwich have hardly set the world alight so far but have just been lacking a little luck in front of goal. They have been creating plenty of chances and having a decent say in the possession stakes at their recent games but just lacking that little spark up front. Of course it could go on for a while but i think they might have better fortune today. Last season was a bit of a struggle and they need to pick up early points and this is the kind of game they should be winning.
Blackpool in truth were lucky to survive last season and their chances are looking slim this year. They sold on some of their better players and really look like a club that will struggle financially to replace them. Lacking the players from last year indicates that this will be a long tough year for them and i cant see them getting anything today. Betsson make Norwich an evens money shot and thats more than generous to me
PICK
Norwich -0.5 ( 2.01 @ betsson) 4 points
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Wolves V Sheffield Wednesday
What are the Molineux faithful to expect this season? Wolves missed out on the championship playoffs on goal difference last year and the start of the season will be vital to their chances of promotion. They always flatter to deceive but i think this could be they year where they finally do what they have threatened for the last few seasons. They have plenty of options going forward in Kightly, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo. This is where i give them the major advantage today as Wednesday have often been weak at the back. Sheffield Wednesday were excellent in their 4 - 1 win against Burnley but it came at a cost, Sam Sodje who had bagged two goals was forced off through injury and it will be very interesting to see how they cope without him in the next few weeks. Up front his absence will be a huge blow and he's a loss mentally to the team also as they will struggle for goals without him.
Wolves haven't set the world alight just yet but should start off their home campaign with 3 points.
PICK
Wolves win (1.9 @ expect) 6 points
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Reading V Plymouth
To be honest its always hard to know how a team will react when they have been relegated. Some will show determination and resolve and make a dam good attempt to bounce back whereas others struggle as they lose too many games that their heads have already won. So where do Reading fit in? I would have liked to see them stay in the premiership last year but things went horribly wrong for them. Doyle had a terrible year and they lacked goal power to threaten some of the bigger teams. But back in the championship they might be a little too strong for some teams. They have kept the most of their squad together and look determined to bounce back at the first attempt.
Plymouth did enough to earn a 2 - 2 draw at home to Wolves last week but on the road they might struggle, in fact i think its going to be tough for them to survive and games like this will probably be better for them to get out of the way early on. The lack creativity which is their main problem and against opponents like today chances are you will have to score at least once to have any chance of taking something from the game. I just cant see them scoring at the Madjeski. Reading to win 2 - 0 comfortably
PICK
Reading - 1 ( 2.22 @ betsson) 5 points
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Champions league qualifying
SHAKHTAR DONETSK - DINAMO ZAGREB
Shakhtar are a very good team and really should have done better than they did at last years champions league. They have some quality players in their ranks and have taken over from Kiev as the nations top domestic side. They have started off their league campaign a little slowly but this is the tie that will define their season so its fair to say that they will be a lot more motivated tonight. At home they have a decent record in Europe as teams like Celtic found out last year.
Dinamo have a great history and will be no pushovers but history also says that it is nearly 10 years since they reached the knockout stages. They have lost out a couple of times at this stage and really were up against it from the moment the draw was made. They have to start their second choice goalkeeper, a 20 year old and tonight will be a huge test of his character. Their best chance is to keep it as tight as possible and to give themselves a chance in the return leg but for me the hosts have a little quality all over the field and should do enough tonight to give themselves some breathing space for the away leg
PICK
Shakhtar Donetsk – 1 asian (2.08 @ mansion) 5 points
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GALATASARAY- STEAUA BUCHAREST
Two teams with experience and history. Financially this game means a lot to both sides and im expecting a tight clash here. Galatasaray missed out last year so will be keen to get back into the group stages where they have been a tough side to beat, especially at home. They have a fantastic record in these qualifying rounds and despite winning the Turkish league last year, brought in German coach Michael Skibbe to help them out for occasions specifically like this.
Steaua are no mugs either but had a disappointing campaign last year where they only recorded 1 point, a 1 – 1 draw at home to Slavia Prague. Goals remain to be their biggest problem and they could only manage one goal in their three home games last year in the group stages. Janos Szekely is their winger and he is missing tonight and his absence will limit their creativity going forward.
All in all I see Gala taking a lead to the away leg, and most likely a clean sheet as well.
PICK
Galatasaray –0.75 ( 2 @ bet365) 5 points
Shakhtar are a very good team and really should have done better than they did at last years champions league. They have some quality players in their ranks and have taken over from Kiev as the nations top domestic side. They have started off their league campaign a little slowly but this is the tie that will define their season so its fair to say that they will be a lot more motivated tonight. At home they have a decent record in Europe as teams like Celtic found out last year.
Dinamo have a great history and will be no pushovers but history also says that it is nearly 10 years since they reached the knockout stages. They have lost out a couple of times at this stage and really were up against it from the moment the draw was made. They have to start their second choice goalkeeper, a 20 year old and tonight will be a huge test of his character. Their best chance is to keep it as tight as possible and to give themselves a chance in the return leg but for me the hosts have a little quality all over the field and should do enough tonight to give themselves some breathing space for the away leg
PICK
Shakhtar Donetsk – 1 asian (2.08 @ mansion) 5 points
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GALATASARAY- STEAUA BUCHAREST
Two teams with experience and history. Financially this game means a lot to both sides and im expecting a tight clash here. Galatasaray missed out last year so will be keen to get back into the group stages where they have been a tough side to beat, especially at home. They have a fantastic record in these qualifying rounds and despite winning the Turkish league last year, brought in German coach Michael Skibbe to help them out for occasions specifically like this.
Steaua are no mugs either but had a disappointing campaign last year where they only recorded 1 point, a 1 – 1 draw at home to Slavia Prague. Goals remain to be their biggest problem and they could only manage one goal in their three home games last year in the group stages. Janos Szekely is their winger and he is missing tonight and his absence will limit their creativity going forward.
All in all I see Gala taking a lead to the away leg, and most likely a clean sheet as well.
PICK
Galatasaray –0.75 ( 2 @ bet365) 5 points
Saturday, August 2, 2008
GAA on Saturday
Tyrone V Mayo
This is a very hard one to call and no matter what i do im going to have a little saver on the draw as i see this being very tight. Neither have really impressed to date and poor shooting cost Mayo another Connaught crown. Tyrone had a decent win over Westmeath but that kind of game suited them as Westmeath play a similar style of football. Sean Cavanagh took a serious tumble in that game and though he is due to start here i would have serious doubts about his fitness after such an injury. If he has a poor game then its the end of the road for Mickey Harte's men.
This is very even and not reflected in the prices offered by the bookies. Reputation has made Tyrone favourites here and i simply have to back Mayo as they offer far better value, with a small saver on the draw.
Pick
Mayo win (2.75 @ bet365) 3 points
Draw ( 8.5 @ bet365) 1 point
Down V Wexford
Another tough game to call and its hard to know if Wexford have got over that humiliating defeat to Dublin at Croker aa few weeks back. If they show any sign of weakness then Down will destroy them as they are a good team to rack up big scores. Wexfords weakness is in the middle where they lack mobility. Both have suspect defenses and good scoring forwards so i would imagine this should be a good open match with plenty of scores. I went with Benny coulter last week to score first and will try again, he always seems to get into great positions.
I think Down will shade this one
PICK
Race to 10 points - Down ( 1.8 @ bet365) 4 points
1st goalscorer - Benny Coulter ( 7 @ bet365) 1 point
This is a very hard one to call and no matter what i do im going to have a little saver on the draw as i see this being very tight. Neither have really impressed to date and poor shooting cost Mayo another Connaught crown. Tyrone had a decent win over Westmeath but that kind of game suited them as Westmeath play a similar style of football. Sean Cavanagh took a serious tumble in that game and though he is due to start here i would have serious doubts about his fitness after such an injury. If he has a poor game then its the end of the road for Mickey Harte's men.
This is very even and not reflected in the prices offered by the bookies. Reputation has made Tyrone favourites here and i simply have to back Mayo as they offer far better value, with a small saver on the draw.
Pick
Mayo win (2.75 @ bet365) 3 points
Draw ( 8.5 @ bet365) 1 point
Down V Wexford
Another tough game to call and its hard to know if Wexford have got over that humiliating defeat to Dublin at Croker aa few weeks back. If they show any sign of weakness then Down will destroy them as they are a good team to rack up big scores. Wexfords weakness is in the middle where they lack mobility. Both have suspect defenses and good scoring forwards so i would imagine this should be a good open match with plenty of scores. I went with Benny coulter last week to score first and will try again, he always seems to get into great positions.
I think Down will shade this one
PICK
Race to 10 points - Down ( 1.8 @ bet365) 4 points
1st goalscorer - Benny Coulter ( 7 @ bet365) 1 point
Friday, August 1, 2008
Shelbourne V Athlone Town
Just a quick look at the stats on this meeting points towards under 2.5 goals. The Irish leagues are not too well known for large scoring games where defensive minded play is the first train of thought. Shelbourne sit in 4th and really need the three points tonight to put them back into the top 2. However they have not won at home in three and are finding goals hard to come by and have been shut out in 3 of the last 4 games. In fact of the 10 home games they have played this season 9 have finished under 2.5 goals.
Athlone also are in need of points tonight to try and distance themselves from the bottom two at the bottom of the table. Goals are also their downfall and they have not scored in their last three games. Much like Shels here, Athlone have a very similar record as far as goals per game go. 10 played away from home and 8 finished under.
Verdict
A narrow 1 - 0 win for the home side here but unders looks to be the best bet
PICK
Under 2.5 goals (1.72 @ paddy power) 4 points
Athlone also are in need of points tonight to try and distance themselves from the bottom two at the bottom of the table. Goals are also their downfall and they have not scored in their last three games. Much like Shels here, Athlone have a very similar record as far as goals per game go. 10 played away from home and 8 finished under.
Verdict
A narrow 1 - 0 win for the home side here but unders looks to be the best bet
PICK
Under 2.5 goals (1.72 @ paddy power) 4 points
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