Liverpool V Bolton
I can’t believe the odds on offer here. Sure, Bolton may not be many peoples pick to win this one but Liverpool at odds of 1.3 – 1.4 are not to be taken in my opinion. Bolton are only in 9th position and have got 4 wins away from home, admittedly none were against top opposition but Liverpool at home are not the dominant force they once were and I can only presume that Liverpool have been heavily backed due to the return of Torres. Liverpool haven’t won in 3 at Anfield and they were games against Hull, West Ham and Fulham. Bolton are a much better opposition than all 3 of them and il be having a bit of the 12 available on the visitors. Bolton are not goal shy on the road and have scored 9 times in the last 3 games, Elmander looks a real threat and with Davies and Gardner to back him up there is always a real threat when they go forward.
Verdict
Apologies about the shortness but Liverpool have not done enough for me to even consider backing at these odds. Bolton are a tough organised team and have been creating lots of goal scoring chances lately. The so called big teams always struggle to play against them so its Bolton to snatch a draw for me with a tickle on them grabbing all three points
PICK
Bolton win ( 12 @ skybet) 2 points
Draw ( 4.5 @ bet365) 4 points
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Unfortunately yesterday i had too much beer so previews are at a minimum today.
Instead il just list the picks im taking instead
Manchester City V Hull City over 2.5 goals (1.83 @ betdirect) 5 points
Hull win (5 @ skybet) 2 points
Aston Villa V Arsenal - Draw ( 3.4 @ boylesports) 4 points
Burnley -1 (2.12 @ canbet) 5 points
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Happy Holidays
I know not everyone celebrates Christmas but for those of you that do, have a nice few days off and make the most of it.
I have some notes ready for the English programme on Friday, just to throw them together so hopefully i will have some picks up early the day after tomorrow.
Happy holidays!
I have some notes ready for the English programme on Friday, just to throw them together so hopefully i will have some picks up early the day after tomorrow.
Happy holidays!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday Picks
Arsenal V Liverpool
You just don’t know what to expect from Arsenal at all this season. They seem to keep their best for the big games and have fallen flat on their faces against some of the lesser teams. Nevertheless this is a game that’s suite perfectly for them and their preparations have gone just right. Ok so there are still a few casualties but Van Persie and Adebayor will lead the line and this is where they might have the advantage over Liverpool. Liverpool’s attack has been a cause of great debate in recent times and it has been strongly rumoured that Robbie Keane could be on his way out in the January transfer window. Whether that will happen or not there is one thing for sure and that is that Liverpool really need Torres fit and he is out today.
Kuyt is a workhorse and has chipped in with a few goals so far but is not really a player to grab the game by the scruff of the neck which is what Liverpool need today. Instead they will need Steven Gerrard to be on his best form.
Theres a lot of factors to consider in this game and for Arsenal one of them is revenge. Some are still hurting after a dramatic exit in the champions league quarter final last April and there has been a few jibes from the Arsenal camp this week about Babel taking a dive and Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor have both suggested this is the game to exact some revenge.
Arsenal, as I said have been fairly erratic at home with 2 defeats to Hull and Aston Villa. From the outside it looks that complacency is the problem as they don’t look up for it at times and only play their best against the best teams.
Liverpool have been impressive away from home with 6 wins and the only defeat was when they were unlucky to go down 2 – 1 at White Hart Lane. Torres is their main absentee.
Verdict
Should be a tight cagey affair here and there wont be much between the teams. Arsenal are eager to win this one but they might have to be happy with a point. Liverpool will look to attack at every chance but much will depend on Steven Gerrard and whether or not he can make some use of his long distance shooting. On the whole I cant see Liverpool taking the three points but think that they will do enough to frustrate the gunners. Not a huge fan of backing the draw but this has 1 – 1 written all over it.
PICK
Draw ( 3.3 @ pinnacle) 3 points
Correct score 1 - 1 ( 7 @ canbet) 1 point
Hows this for cheek?
Adebayor to score first and the game to finish 1 - 1! (31 @ bet365 and i just cant resist having a unit on it)
You just don’t know what to expect from Arsenal at all this season. They seem to keep their best for the big games and have fallen flat on their faces against some of the lesser teams. Nevertheless this is a game that’s suite perfectly for them and their preparations have gone just right. Ok so there are still a few casualties but Van Persie and Adebayor will lead the line and this is where they might have the advantage over Liverpool. Liverpool’s attack has been a cause of great debate in recent times and it has been strongly rumoured that Robbie Keane could be on his way out in the January transfer window. Whether that will happen or not there is one thing for sure and that is that Liverpool really need Torres fit and he is out today.
Kuyt is a workhorse and has chipped in with a few goals so far but is not really a player to grab the game by the scruff of the neck which is what Liverpool need today. Instead they will need Steven Gerrard to be on his best form.
Theres a lot of factors to consider in this game and for Arsenal one of them is revenge. Some are still hurting after a dramatic exit in the champions league quarter final last April and there has been a few jibes from the Arsenal camp this week about Babel taking a dive and Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor have both suggested this is the game to exact some revenge.
Arsenal, as I said have been fairly erratic at home with 2 defeats to Hull and Aston Villa. From the outside it looks that complacency is the problem as they don’t look up for it at times and only play their best against the best teams.
Liverpool have been impressive away from home with 6 wins and the only defeat was when they were unlucky to go down 2 – 1 at White Hart Lane. Torres is their main absentee.
Verdict
Should be a tight cagey affair here and there wont be much between the teams. Arsenal are eager to win this one but they might have to be happy with a point. Liverpool will look to attack at every chance but much will depend on Steven Gerrard and whether or not he can make some use of his long distance shooting. On the whole I cant see Liverpool taking the three points but think that they will do enough to frustrate the gunners. Not a huge fan of backing the draw but this has 1 – 1 written all over it.
PICK
Draw ( 3.3 @ pinnacle) 3 points
Correct score 1 - 1 ( 7 @ canbet) 1 point
Hows this for cheek?
Adebayor to score first and the game to finish 1 - 1! (31 @ bet365 and i just cant resist having a unit on it)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday picks
Hull V Sunderland
Interesting game this. Two weeks ago id have jumped at the odds on a Hull win but now im not so sure. Im still not convinced that Sunderland are that good but in last weeks 4 – 0 win against West Brom they at least showed that they are capable of putting a good performance together from time to time. It was inevitable that there would be an improved performance after the departure of Roy Keane as teams always but o don’t think many saw the 4 – 0 coming.
Hull are just outside the European spots approaching the halfway mark and this is a remarkable achievement for them. They have impressed playing against all the big teams and havent looked out of their dept apart from a 3 – 0 defeat to Chelsea and a blip against Wigan. This will be Phil Brown’s 100th game in charge of Hull and how they must be eager to please him as he has done a terrific job with them.
In general Hull have adopted an attacking attitude which has been pleasing to watch as they like to get forward and score goals, At home though they have only kept the one clean sheet, a with Sunderland goal hungry at the moment I would expect another few conceded today.
Sunderland are in the bottom 3 and games like todays are crucial so I would be expecting a hugely committed performance from them today.
Verdict
Too hard to predict as I think both are capable of doing anything on the day. Hull seem to save their best performances for the big guns and Sunderland players are playing for their future at the club. We should see a few goals in this one and I might have a few small bob on the 2 – 2 scoreline too.
PICK
Over 2.5 goals ( 2.05 @ pinnacle) 5 points
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Blackburn V Stoke
One of my only rules when it comes to gambling is the new manager rule. Never ever back against a team that has just lost their manager, no matter how big or small the club is, and no matter who the opposition.
We saw it last week where Sunderland were transformed and have also seen it recently with Redknapp’s appointment at Tottenham.
However long the honeymoon period lasts for is another question but for now, expect a hugely improved attitude and performance from Blackburn.
After losing the last six League games in a row and falling to 19th in the table, five points from safety and 11 games without a win, its crisis time at Ewood park. Sam Allardyce is the right man for the job though as he has a knack of getting the best out of a limited squad, as he showed at Bolton. One home win is a damming stat and one he will be keen to improve that, starting today.
Stoke will be no pushovers but with Delap not 100% fit they will miss his long throw ins. Tony Pulis will hand fitness tests to five players ahead of this game. Rory Delap ,Andy Griffin,Salif Diao,Leon Cort and Dave Kitson, who is close to returning from a knee injury, will all take late tests before Pulis decides on his final selection.
Pulis will be happy with the way things have gone so far but a defeat today and they will be close to the drop spots. They are a bit of a mixed bag but have generally disappointed on the road with 5 defeats and failed to score in 3 of the last 4.
Verdict
New manager means improved display as players will try to play their way into the new mans plans. I firmly believe that Blackburn are a top 10 team and just need fresh face and some new ideas to inspire them.
Home win
PICK
Home win (1.9 @ betsense) 5 points
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League one
Cheltenham V Walsall
At first glance you might think im mad here but ive been doing a bit of research and it appears that the visitors are having a bit of a crisis at the moment. They are missing some key players and there have been reports of a virus in the camp midweek to stretch their squad to the max.
Cheltenham may be in the bottom 4 but have improve their performances of late winning the last 3 including a morale boosting win over Leyton Orient last weekend. They are a tough side to break down and Martin Allen could prove to be a shrewd boss.
Verdict
This is one of my shortest previews but based on what ive been reading it would be a crime not to have a few bob on the home win. They have improved lately and would be a great bet but in the circumstances they are an even better shout.
PICK
Cheltenham win ( 2.4 @ ladbrokes) 4 points
Cheltenham win 2 – 0 ( 13 @ skybet) 2 points
Cheltenham win 3 – 0 ( 26 @ skybet) 1 point
Cheltenham win 4 – 0 ( 81 @ bet365) 1 point
Interesting game this. Two weeks ago id have jumped at the odds on a Hull win but now im not so sure. Im still not convinced that Sunderland are that good but in last weeks 4 – 0 win against West Brom they at least showed that they are capable of putting a good performance together from time to time. It was inevitable that there would be an improved performance after the departure of Roy Keane as teams always but o don’t think many saw the 4 – 0 coming.
Hull are just outside the European spots approaching the halfway mark and this is a remarkable achievement for them. They have impressed playing against all the big teams and havent looked out of their dept apart from a 3 – 0 defeat to Chelsea and a blip against Wigan. This will be Phil Brown’s 100th game in charge of Hull and how they must be eager to please him as he has done a terrific job with them.
In general Hull have adopted an attacking attitude which has been pleasing to watch as they like to get forward and score goals, At home though they have only kept the one clean sheet, a with Sunderland goal hungry at the moment I would expect another few conceded today.
Sunderland are in the bottom 3 and games like todays are crucial so I would be expecting a hugely committed performance from them today.
Verdict
Too hard to predict as I think both are capable of doing anything on the day. Hull seem to save their best performances for the big guns and Sunderland players are playing for their future at the club. We should see a few goals in this one and I might have a few small bob on the 2 – 2 scoreline too.
PICK
Over 2.5 goals ( 2.05 @ pinnacle) 5 points
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Blackburn V Stoke
One of my only rules when it comes to gambling is the new manager rule. Never ever back against a team that has just lost their manager, no matter how big or small the club is, and no matter who the opposition.
We saw it last week where Sunderland were transformed and have also seen it recently with Redknapp’s appointment at Tottenham.
However long the honeymoon period lasts for is another question but for now, expect a hugely improved attitude and performance from Blackburn.
After losing the last six League games in a row and falling to 19th in the table, five points from safety and 11 games without a win, its crisis time at Ewood park. Sam Allardyce is the right man for the job though as he has a knack of getting the best out of a limited squad, as he showed at Bolton. One home win is a damming stat and one he will be keen to improve that, starting today.
Stoke will be no pushovers but with Delap not 100% fit they will miss his long throw ins. Tony Pulis will hand fitness tests to five players ahead of this game. Rory Delap ,Andy Griffin,Salif Diao,Leon Cort and Dave Kitson, who is close to returning from a knee injury, will all take late tests before Pulis decides on his final selection.
Pulis will be happy with the way things have gone so far but a defeat today and they will be close to the drop spots. They are a bit of a mixed bag but have generally disappointed on the road with 5 defeats and failed to score in 3 of the last 4.
Verdict
New manager means improved display as players will try to play their way into the new mans plans. I firmly believe that Blackburn are a top 10 team and just need fresh face and some new ideas to inspire them.
Home win
PICK
Home win (1.9 @ betsense) 5 points
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League one
Cheltenham V Walsall
At first glance you might think im mad here but ive been doing a bit of research and it appears that the visitors are having a bit of a crisis at the moment. They are missing some key players and there have been reports of a virus in the camp midweek to stretch their squad to the max.
Cheltenham may be in the bottom 4 but have improve their performances of late winning the last 3 including a morale boosting win over Leyton Orient last weekend. They are a tough side to break down and Martin Allen could prove to be a shrewd boss.
Verdict
This is one of my shortest previews but based on what ive been reading it would be a crime not to have a few bob on the home win. They have improved lately and would be a great bet but in the circumstances they are an even better shout.
PICK
Cheltenham win ( 2.4 @ ladbrokes) 4 points
Cheltenham win 2 – 0 ( 13 @ skybet) 2 points
Cheltenham win 3 – 0 ( 26 @ skybet) 1 point
Cheltenham win 4 – 0 ( 81 @ bet365) 1 point
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Saturday's football
Wolves V Barsnley
At the risk or repeating myself I find myself once again backing Wolves at home. Its simple really, they have looked a class apart when facing the lesser opposition and their problem area of goals has been cleared up this season. Iwelumo and Ebanks-Blake are sticking them in for fun and at the moment the only thing that I can see getting in their way is complacency. A defeat last week to Qpr might have been a blessing in disguise though to keep them focused and they look very very comfortable at home where they have collected 28 points from a possible 33. Wolves also have had the benefit of resting players recently showing their strength in dept.
Barnsley are one of those sides that will be happy with mid table this year. Their away form has seen them lose 7 times and their squad is hit with injuries. 17 players were declared fit for their midweek trip to Swansea. On saying that, they were unlucky to come away from Swansea without the 3 points after conceding a 94th minute goal to tie things up at 2 – 2.
Verdict
Barnsley’s midweek effort at Swansea will have alerted Mick McCarthy’s men and there will be no complacency from them today. The manner in which Barnsley threw away the 3 points was disheartening and it might be a long tough afternoon for them.
PICK
Wolves –1 ( 1.74 @ ladbrokes) 5 points
Wolves win 2 – 0 (7 @ladbrokes) 1 point
Wolves win 3 – 0 (10 @ladbrokes) 1 point
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Reading v Norwich
Like Wolves, Reading are one of those sides that always look the business at home in the championship, and once again I find myself backing them to win today. They are putting goals away for fun and look set for a quick return to the premiership where lets face it, they deserve to be.
Keeper Marcus Hahnemann picked up a knock midweek and looks set to miss but I don’t think his absence will be critical. Reading strolled to a 1 – 0 win over Blackpool on Tuesday night, an Ingimarsson goal enough to separate the sides but in truth it was never in doubt as Reading played against 10 men a long time. They even had the luxury of missing a penalty when Hunts shot was saved by Paul Rachubka.
That win made it 9 wins from 11 at home and they look set to extend that with victory today.
Norwich face another tough away assignment after being leapfrogged by Waterford in their 2 – 1 defeat to the same club on Tuesday night. Goals have been an issue and Glen Roeder has signed injury-prone striker Carl Cort until the end of the season though the jury is out on that one.
Norwich have only kept a clean sheet once this season on the road and that was way back in September.
Verdict
It should be another routine 3 points for the home side here and anything but would be a shock as they bid to overtake Wolves. Home points are critical over the xmas period.
PICK
Reading – 1 (1.72 @ ladbrokes) 5 points
At the risk or repeating myself I find myself once again backing Wolves at home. Its simple really, they have looked a class apart when facing the lesser opposition and their problem area of goals has been cleared up this season. Iwelumo and Ebanks-Blake are sticking them in for fun and at the moment the only thing that I can see getting in their way is complacency. A defeat last week to Qpr might have been a blessing in disguise though to keep them focused and they look very very comfortable at home where they have collected 28 points from a possible 33. Wolves also have had the benefit of resting players recently showing their strength in dept.
Barnsley are one of those sides that will be happy with mid table this year. Their away form has seen them lose 7 times and their squad is hit with injuries. 17 players were declared fit for their midweek trip to Swansea. On saying that, they were unlucky to come away from Swansea without the 3 points after conceding a 94th minute goal to tie things up at 2 – 2.
Verdict
Barnsley’s midweek effort at Swansea will have alerted Mick McCarthy’s men and there will be no complacency from them today. The manner in which Barnsley threw away the 3 points was disheartening and it might be a long tough afternoon for them.
PICK
Wolves –1 ( 1.74 @ ladbrokes) 5 points
Wolves win 2 – 0 (7 @ladbrokes) 1 point
Wolves win 3 – 0 (10 @ladbrokes) 1 point
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Reading v Norwich
Like Wolves, Reading are one of those sides that always look the business at home in the championship, and once again I find myself backing them to win today. They are putting goals away for fun and look set for a quick return to the premiership where lets face it, they deserve to be.
Keeper Marcus Hahnemann picked up a knock midweek and looks set to miss but I don’t think his absence will be critical. Reading strolled to a 1 – 0 win over Blackpool on Tuesday night, an Ingimarsson goal enough to separate the sides but in truth it was never in doubt as Reading played against 10 men a long time. They even had the luxury of missing a penalty when Hunts shot was saved by Paul Rachubka.
That win made it 9 wins from 11 at home and they look set to extend that with victory today.
Norwich face another tough away assignment after being leapfrogged by Waterford in their 2 – 1 defeat to the same club on Tuesday night. Goals have been an issue and Glen Roeder has signed injury-prone striker Carl Cort until the end of the season though the jury is out on that one.
Norwich have only kept a clean sheet once this season on the road and that was way back in September.
Verdict
It should be another routine 3 points for the home side here and anything but would be a shock as they bid to overtake Wolves. Home points are critical over the xmas period.
PICK
Reading – 1 (1.72 @ ladbrokes) 5 points
Heineken Cup Saturday
Munster V Clermont Auvergne
This is a huge game for both sides and could be potentially classed as a make or break game. Last weeks win for Clermont has really stirred things up and made things interesting. As defending champions Munster have not reached the heights that they are capable of getting to and should know by now that every team wants to beat the best so they can expect no easy ride They have struggled to get any rhythm going and as usual a lot today will hinge on O Gara and his boot. Clermont’s 6 point win last week was a surprise to some but in reality they have some excellent players and at odds of 26 outright could give you a good run for your money.
Their biggest disadvantage is that there are doubts about their fitness levels as they were visibly tiring towards the end of last week’s class. Hooker Ledesma has been resigned to the bench and it is likely that he will be used as an impact sub in the course of the final 20 minutes when his teammates might need a boost. They are tough in the tackle and at times brushed some of the Munster player’s aside and were able to register some easy scores.
Munster always seem to need a bit of danger in their play. It’s at this stage every season that they look like a spent force and almost always stick in a poor performance along the way. But they always seem to bounce back and they will be glad to be back at Thomand Park where they look most comfortable. With only a losing bonus point from last week’s encounter another defeat is unthinkable and the crowd will need to get behind them from the very start.
Clermonts strengths are similar to Munster in that they hold on to possession and look to stretch the opposition and Brock James will be crucial. One poor kick and the crowd will be on his back and he could be in for a tough afternoon. As I said O Gara needs to have his kicking boots on and O Callaghan and O Connell will be crucial in the lineout.
Verdict
I see this being very tight but I think Munster’s experience and that remarkable home record will see them through but only just by a few. Theres a couple of hours to kick off yet but it is pelting rain outside and this could be a low scoring tie settled by a few points
PICK
Munster win by 1 – 12 points (2.88 @ bluesq) 4 points
Munster win by 1 – 5 points (8.5 @ skybet) 1 point
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Harlequins v Stade Francais Paris
I very nearly missed this one but im very surprised at the odds on the away win here. Harlequins won last week in France but to my mind it was more down to poor play from the French who never stamped their authority on the game. Defeat for the French side last week came as a big surprise to many and Im sure that todays odds are a reflection of that game rather than the current strengths and weaknesses of both sides. They had not been defeated at home since 2002 in this competition so theres a little revenge planned for Quins today. Man for man Stade Francais are a better outfit and are very much fancied to be in the shake up at the end and it would be an even bigger surprise if they didn’t at least reach the semis. Some poor handling will need to be improved and their decision making was also very questionable the last evening as they didn’t look up for a fight at all.
Dean Richards Harlequins side sit n pole position and have given themselves a great chance of progressing to the next round. Today’s game will be a huge test of their character though as they aim to show that last weeks result wasn’t a fluke. They had the advantage mentally last week as they made a lot more use of possession and clearly rattled their opponents with their determination. Danny Care and Nick Evans are the pivotal players for them and they both need to be on top form to reproduce another win.
Verdict
This ones a little short but I can’t pass up Stade at those odds. Another defeat today will be a serious blow to them and they wont be as laid back as last week where I think a little complacency had crept in. Its do or die for them and I expect a hugely improved performance. The pressure is now on the home side to reproduce the form they showed last week and that might prove too much for them. If Stade get in front early on then this could be over in no time.
PICK
Stade Francais Paris ( 2.2 @ ladbrokes) 5 points
This is a huge game for both sides and could be potentially classed as a make or break game. Last weeks win for Clermont has really stirred things up and made things interesting. As defending champions Munster have not reached the heights that they are capable of getting to and should know by now that every team wants to beat the best so they can expect no easy ride They have struggled to get any rhythm going and as usual a lot today will hinge on O Gara and his boot. Clermont’s 6 point win last week was a surprise to some but in reality they have some excellent players and at odds of 26 outright could give you a good run for your money.
Their biggest disadvantage is that there are doubts about their fitness levels as they were visibly tiring towards the end of last week’s class. Hooker Ledesma has been resigned to the bench and it is likely that he will be used as an impact sub in the course of the final 20 minutes when his teammates might need a boost. They are tough in the tackle and at times brushed some of the Munster player’s aside and were able to register some easy scores.
Munster always seem to need a bit of danger in their play. It’s at this stage every season that they look like a spent force and almost always stick in a poor performance along the way. But they always seem to bounce back and they will be glad to be back at Thomand Park where they look most comfortable. With only a losing bonus point from last week’s encounter another defeat is unthinkable and the crowd will need to get behind them from the very start.
Clermonts strengths are similar to Munster in that they hold on to possession and look to stretch the opposition and Brock James will be crucial. One poor kick and the crowd will be on his back and he could be in for a tough afternoon. As I said O Gara needs to have his kicking boots on and O Callaghan and O Connell will be crucial in the lineout.
Verdict
I see this being very tight but I think Munster’s experience and that remarkable home record will see them through but only just by a few. Theres a couple of hours to kick off yet but it is pelting rain outside and this could be a low scoring tie settled by a few points
PICK
Munster win by 1 – 12 points (2.88 @ bluesq) 4 points
Munster win by 1 – 5 points (8.5 @ skybet) 1 point
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Harlequins v Stade Francais Paris
I very nearly missed this one but im very surprised at the odds on the away win here. Harlequins won last week in France but to my mind it was more down to poor play from the French who never stamped their authority on the game. Defeat for the French side last week came as a big surprise to many and Im sure that todays odds are a reflection of that game rather than the current strengths and weaknesses of both sides. They had not been defeated at home since 2002 in this competition so theres a little revenge planned for Quins today. Man for man Stade Francais are a better outfit and are very much fancied to be in the shake up at the end and it would be an even bigger surprise if they didn’t at least reach the semis. Some poor handling will need to be improved and their decision making was also very questionable the last evening as they didn’t look up for a fight at all.
Dean Richards Harlequins side sit n pole position and have given themselves a great chance of progressing to the next round. Today’s game will be a huge test of their character though as they aim to show that last weeks result wasn’t a fluke. They had the advantage mentally last week as they made a lot more use of possession and clearly rattled their opponents with their determination. Danny Care and Nick Evans are the pivotal players for them and they both need to be on top form to reproduce another win.
Verdict
This ones a little short but I can’t pass up Stade at those odds. Another defeat today will be a serious blow to them and they wont be as laid back as last week where I think a little complacency had crept in. Its do or die for them and I expect a hugely improved performance. The pressure is now on the home side to reproduce the form they showed last week and that might prove too much for them. If Stade get in front early on then this could be over in no time.
PICK
Stade Francais Paris ( 2.2 @ ladbrokes) 5 points
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tuesday night
Roma V Bordeaux
This is not normally a night i get involved as many teams already know their fate and dont send out their strongest sides. However i like the look of this game as both still have a lot to play for and both need a win to be sure of progressing to the knock out stages. Roma have overcame a poor start to lead the group from Chelsea by 1 point. This in no small way has been down to the recovery of injuries and the return to form of Totti. A draw would be good enough for Roma but in order to finish first they need to win which means they will avoid drawing the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United.
Probable Starting Team – Doni; Cicinho, Juan, Mexes, Riise; Brighi, De Rossi, Perrotta; Menez, Baptista; Totti
Bordeaux need the win full stop. Anything less and they are looking at Uefa Cup for the rest of the season. Laurent Blanc's side need to show the same desire that they did against Chelsea last time out and definately have what it takes to get on the scoresheet and make this one interesting. Roma won the reverse fixture 3 - 1 in Bordeaux so a little payback should be in order. They have a few injury problems though and Valverde will be trying to prove himself in goal and they will look to Diarra and Gourcuff in midfield for some creativity
Probable Starting Team РValverde; Jurietti, Diawara, Chalm̩, Planus; Diarra; Fernando, Wendel, Gourcuff; Cavenaghi, Chamakh
Verdict
Both need the win so we should see some good open football. Roma have been playing well of late and i expect them to win but they do look dodgy at the back sometimes and i expect to see Bordeaux get on the scoresheet at some stage. A 2 - 1 or 3 -1 home win is my call but i prefer to go with the overs bet hers and hopefully we dont have to wait to long for it to come in. There were plenty of goals and chances for more in the first clash between these two and im looking for the same tonight.
PICK
Roma V Bordeaux 0ver 2.5 goals ( 1.99 @ canbet) 5 points
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Championship football
Wolves V Derby
1st against 16th here and im fully expecting Wolves to bounce back from a dissapointing 1 - 0 defeat to QPR at the weekend. In that game Wolves looked surprisingly disjointed and didnt look like the side that has been banging in goals for fun since the season started. To top off that bad result, Reading and Birmingham both won to cut Wolves lead to just 3 points at the top. At home Wolves have been generally solid with 8 wins from 10 and 22 goals scored. Molineaux is usually a tough place to go, especially midweek when not so many away fans ten to make the journey.
Derby were beaten 2 -1 at the weekend by Palace and really need to get a few points together to avoid being dragged near the bottom and the christmas period is going to be a busy one for them. They have only taken 1 points from the last 4 games and have looked very poor in their last 3 away games losing Reading Ipswich and Burnley failing to score in these games.
Verdict
Wolves need 3 points here and its important for the teams confidence that they bounce back with a win. They have thrown away big leads at the top of this league before and they will hope not to do so again this year. They are a good side at home and i dont see that Derby have enough up front to trouble them.
Wolves -1 asian (1.98 @ canbet) 5 points
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Burnley V Cardiff
This one is based on the strengths and weaknesses of two sides. Burnley are a very good outfit on their own turf and look to extend a 12 game unbeaten run tonight.
Burnley are full of confidence at home and have sent Premiership big boys Arsenal and Chelsea crashing from the Carling Cup at Turf Moor. They have not conceded in the last 4 at home and in just over 9 hours in all competitions, a remarkable achievement.
Last 4 home
Cardiff on the other hand have been reliant on their home form and have only won once in the last 8 on their travels, that coming against strugglers Nottingham Forest. They have drawn a good share of away game but have yet to face any real quality and still face trips to the top 3.Tonight will be a big test of their credentials.
Cardiff have the division’s second top scorer, Ross McCormack but unfortunately for them he is injured tonight and with his absence goes the only real threat they had coming into this game. Skipper Stephen McPhail is still suspended and Michael Chopra is expected to lead the line in attack.
Last 4 away
Verdict
Burnley are on fire at home at the moment and why not jump on board. Cardiff are not the best visiting side and have a poor record in midweek games. I really like the odds on the home win here and cant help having a bit o Burnley to win to nil prices up at 3.6 at Paddy power, a feat that has happened in their last 4 home games
PICK
Burnley win ( 2.15 @ canbet) 4 points
Burnley win to nil ( 3.6 @ paddy Power) 3 points
This is not normally a night i get involved as many teams already know their fate and dont send out their strongest sides. However i like the look of this game as both still have a lot to play for and both need a win to be sure of progressing to the knock out stages. Roma have overcame a poor start to lead the group from Chelsea by 1 point. This in no small way has been down to the recovery of injuries and the return to form of Totti. A draw would be good enough for Roma but in order to finish first they need to win which means they will avoid drawing the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United.
Probable Starting Team – Doni; Cicinho, Juan, Mexes, Riise; Brighi, De Rossi, Perrotta; Menez, Baptista; Totti
Bordeaux need the win full stop. Anything less and they are looking at Uefa Cup for the rest of the season. Laurent Blanc's side need to show the same desire that they did against Chelsea last time out and definately have what it takes to get on the scoresheet and make this one interesting. Roma won the reverse fixture 3 - 1 in Bordeaux so a little payback should be in order. They have a few injury problems though and Valverde will be trying to prove himself in goal and they will look to Diarra and Gourcuff in midfield for some creativity
Probable Starting Team РValverde; Jurietti, Diawara, Chalm̩, Planus; Diarra; Fernando, Wendel, Gourcuff; Cavenaghi, Chamakh
Verdict
Both need the win so we should see some good open football. Roma have been playing well of late and i expect them to win but they do look dodgy at the back sometimes and i expect to see Bordeaux get on the scoresheet at some stage. A 2 - 1 or 3 -1 home win is my call but i prefer to go with the overs bet hers and hopefully we dont have to wait to long for it to come in. There were plenty of goals and chances for more in the first clash between these two and im looking for the same tonight.
PICK
Roma V Bordeaux 0ver 2.5 goals ( 1.99 @ canbet) 5 points
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Championship football
Wolves V Derby
1st against 16th here and im fully expecting Wolves to bounce back from a dissapointing 1 - 0 defeat to QPR at the weekend. In that game Wolves looked surprisingly disjointed and didnt look like the side that has been banging in goals for fun since the season started. To top off that bad result, Reading and Birmingham both won to cut Wolves lead to just 3 points at the top. At home Wolves have been generally solid with 8 wins from 10 and 22 goals scored. Molineaux is usually a tough place to go, especially midweek when not so many away fans ten to make the journey.
Derby were beaten 2 -1 at the weekend by Palace and really need to get a few points together to avoid being dragged near the bottom and the christmas period is going to be a busy one for them. They have only taken 1 points from the last 4 games and have looked very poor in their last 3 away games losing Reading Ipswich and Burnley failing to score in these games.
Verdict
Wolves need 3 points here and its important for the teams confidence that they bounce back with a win. They have thrown away big leads at the top of this league before and they will hope not to do so again this year. They are a good side at home and i dont see that Derby have enough up front to trouble them.
Wolves -1 asian (1.98 @ canbet) 5 points
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Burnley V Cardiff
This one is based on the strengths and weaknesses of two sides. Burnley are a very good outfit on their own turf and look to extend a 12 game unbeaten run tonight.
Burnley are full of confidence at home and have sent Premiership big boys Arsenal and Chelsea crashing from the Carling Cup at Turf Moor. They have not conceded in the last 4 at home and in just over 9 hours in all competitions, a remarkable achievement.
Last 4 home
| Burnley | 1 | 0 | Reading | 28/10/2008 |
| Burnley | 2 | 0 | Norwich | 01/11/2008 |
| Burnley | 0 | 0 | Doncaster | 22/11/2008 |
| Burnley | 3 | 0 | Derby | 29/11/2008 |
Cardiff on the other hand have been reliant on their home form and have only won once in the last 8 on their travels, that coming against strugglers Nottingham Forest. They have drawn a good share of away game but have yet to face any real quality and still face trips to the top 3.Tonight will be a big test of their credentials.
Cardiff have the division’s second top scorer, Ross McCormack but unfortunately for them he is injured tonight and with his absence goes the only real threat they had coming into this game. Skipper Stephen McPhail is still suspended and Michael Chopra is expected to lead the line in attack.
Last 4 away
| Nott'm Forest | 0 | 1 | Cardiff | 25/10/2008 |
| Q.P.R. | 1 | 0 | Cardiff | 08/11/2008 |
| Plymouth | 2 | 1 | Cardiff | 22/11/2008 |
| Swansea | 2 | 2 | Cardiff | 30/11/2008 |
Verdict
Burnley are on fire at home at the moment and why not jump on board. Cardiff are not the best visiting side and have a poor record in midweek games. I really like the odds on the home win here and cant help having a bit o Burnley to win to nil prices up at 3.6 at Paddy power, a feat that has happened in their last 4 home games
PICK
Burnley win ( 2.15 @ canbet) 4 points
Burnley win to nil ( 3.6 @ paddy Power) 3 points
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday's bets
Time is not on my side today jut just a few brief notes on my picks.
Chelsea look more comfortable on the road away from “fortress” Stamford bridge and should probably pick up another 3 points today at Bolton, another team who are not playing so well in front of their home support. Chelsea’s away record is pretty special with 7 wins from 7 so that is a stat that they would like to keep going.
Chelsea have a huge pick of players and after defeat to Arsenal last time out will be keen to get back on track
Chelsea to win to nil is 2.4 at Paddy Power and il have some of that.
Manchester United are facing a club in crisis at the moment. Sunderland have dropped down to the bottom 3 after a poor run and are now managerless too. Should be cakewalk for United who need to win to close the gap at the top. Il be having a small punt on 3 and 4 nil wins for United as well as laying no hat trick at betfair.
Out side of the premiership there should be wins for Birmingham at home to Waterford in the championship and Leicester at home to Southend should also be too strong.
PICKS
Chelsea win to nil (2.4 @ paddy power) 4 points
Manchester United to win 3 - 0 (8 @ skybet) 1 point
Manchester United to win 4 - 0 (11 @ bluesq) 1 point
Lay no hat trick (betfair 1.12) liability 1 point- profit = 8.3 points
Birmingham – 1 ( 2.13 @ bet365) 4 points
Leicester - 0.75 ( 1.85 @ bet365) 4 points
Chelsea look more comfortable on the road away from “fortress” Stamford bridge and should probably pick up another 3 points today at Bolton, another team who are not playing so well in front of their home support. Chelsea’s away record is pretty special with 7 wins from 7 so that is a stat that they would like to keep going.
Chelsea have a huge pick of players and after defeat to Arsenal last time out will be keen to get back on track
Chelsea to win to nil is 2.4 at Paddy Power and il have some of that.
Manchester United are facing a club in crisis at the moment. Sunderland have dropped down to the bottom 3 after a poor run and are now managerless too. Should be cakewalk for United who need to win to close the gap at the top. Il be having a small punt on 3 and 4 nil wins for United as well as laying no hat trick at betfair.
Out side of the premiership there should be wins for Birmingham at home to Waterford in the championship and Leicester at home to Southend should also be too strong.
PICKS
Chelsea win to nil (2.4 @ paddy power) 4 points
Manchester United to win 3 - 0 (8 @ skybet) 1 point
Manchester United to win 4 - 0 (11 @ bluesq) 1 point
Lay no hat trick (betfair 1.12) liability 1 point- profit = 8.3 points
Birmingham – 1 ( 2.13 @ bet365) 4 points
Leicester - 0.75 ( 1.85 @ bet365) 4 points
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Uefa cup Wednesday
Sevilla FC v FK Partizan Belgrade
This one is a bit of a no brainer and really it should only be a case of how many the home side will win by. It might not be so straightforward though but after a dismal showing in the 3 – 0 defeat at home to Barcelona on Saturday night there is no doubt that the home side are out to restore a bit of pride. Mathematically this game is a must win for Sevilla as they need the 3 points to give themselves a better shot at the top 3 in the group and qualification to the next round. Fabiano will be suspended for Sevilla this coming weekend and should be a starter tomorrow. Navas will return from his suspension and Squilacci is back and should be fit to play.
Partizan have little to play for but pride. 0 points to date and no chance of qualifying begs the question if they will send a full strength squad to Spain. A surprise defeat at the weekend has cut their lead at the top of the Serbian league to 5 points. Admittedly there is a long way to go in their domestic league but that is now the priority as European dreams will have to wait until next year.
Verdict
Home side needing the points versus a poor travelling side that don’t need the points. Should be a routine home win but it’s a little hard to find any real value as the odds on the home win are too low and the asian handicap levels are set about right. Nonetheless Sevilla on their day are capable of mixing it with the best and should win this game by at least a two goal margin.
Good luck
Pick
Sevilla –1.5 (1.7 @bet365) 6 points
This one is a bit of a no brainer and really it should only be a case of how many the home side will win by. It might not be so straightforward though but after a dismal showing in the 3 – 0 defeat at home to Barcelona on Saturday night there is no doubt that the home side are out to restore a bit of pride. Mathematically this game is a must win for Sevilla as they need the 3 points to give themselves a better shot at the top 3 in the group and qualification to the next round. Fabiano will be suspended for Sevilla this coming weekend and should be a starter tomorrow. Navas will return from his suspension and Squilacci is back and should be fit to play.
Partizan have little to play for but pride. 0 points to date and no chance of qualifying begs the question if they will send a full strength squad to Spain. A surprise defeat at the weekend has cut their lead at the top of the Serbian league to 5 points. Admittedly there is a long way to go in their domestic league but that is now the priority as European dreams will have to wait until next year.
Verdict
Home side needing the points versus a poor travelling side that don’t need the points. Should be a routine home win but it’s a little hard to find any real value as the odds on the home win are too low and the asian handicap levels are set about right. Nonetheless Sevilla on their day are capable of mixing it with the best and should win this game by at least a two goal margin.
Good luck
Pick
Sevilla –1.5 (1.7 @bet365) 6 points
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