How did I do last week!?
My Picks: Actual Results:
Arsenal 1-3 Middlesboro'; Arsenal 1-1 Middleboro'
Aston Villa 0-0 Bolton; Aston Villa 4-1 Bolton
Liverpool 2-0 Hull; Liverpool 2-2 Hull
Man City 1-0 Everton; Man City 0-1 Everton
Stoke 0-1 Fulham; Stoke 0-0 Fulham
Sunderland 2-0 West Brom; Sunderland 4-0 West Brom
Wigan 1-2 Blackburn; Wigan 3-0 Blackburn
Spurs 0-1 Man Utd; Spurs 0-0 Man Utd
Pompey 2-4 Newcastle; Pompey 0-3 Newcastle
Chelsea 2-0 West Ham; Chelsea 1-1 West Ham
F***ing awful men, another terrible week. Its not been plain sailing so far has it!? It can only get better, keep the faith!
Saturday
Blackburn vs Stoke
Big Sam has landed at Ewood and I expect an immediate impact. Sometimes, as we have seen at Tottenham with Harry Redknapp's arrival, a change in the managerial hot seat can totally revatilise the club; before the manager has lifted a finger.
I dont expect a dramatic turn around in the fortunes at Ewood park; Blackburn will still be fighting against relegation in May because the league is so tight; but things will definately improve.
Stoke have been doggid so far, but they lack quality. Its a perfect opening game for Allardyce. Home win.
Verdict: 2-0
Bolton vs Pompey
Both these teams have been inconsistent this season and seem to be in need of a win every week. And this week is no exception; both teams suffered heavy defeats last Saturday.
This game will be tight, neither Megson or Adams will want to lose this one. Draw.
Verdict: 1-1
Fulham vs Boro
These two teams are experiencing contrasting fortunes; Fulham are without a loss in seven whilst Boro are without a win in five.
Southgate will be hoping to get back to winning ways after a promising start to the season. Hodgson will be asking more of his strikers in order to turn good form into red hot form; a succession of goaless draws could have been much more fruitful.
However I feel the news that Bullard may be shown the door in January will upset the applecart; he is a very popular man at Craven Cottage.
I feel Boro might just sneak this one.
Verdict: 0-1
Hull vs Sunderland
This one will be close; both clubs will be looking to build on positive results last week.
Ricky Sbragia is making a good impression as caretaker on Weirside and I expect another good display here.
I'm still waiting for the Cisse and Jones strike partnership to explode and I think this might be the week.
Hull are looking to extend their unbeaten run to six but I dont see it. Away win.
Verdict: 0-2
West Ham vs Aston Villa
Interesting one this, the difficulty in calling it reflects the competetiveness of the league this year. The Hammers and The Villains lay in 16th and 4th respectively but its sure to be a close tie!
West Ham are starting to play well under Zola, they look comfortable in posession, resolute at the back and are starting to look threatening in attack.
Villa have been impressive all season and are arguably better away from home with their dynamic counter attacks.
However I'm going for a West Ham win here. I feel despite their problems off the pitch their luck is about to change on it. Key players like Parker and Bellamy are starting to impose themselves in matches; I think the East Londoners will start to climb the table.
Verdict: 2-1
Sunday
West Brom vs Man City
City are awful at the moment. They look disjointed, they cant defend and are worse in possession (unless its at the feet opf Robinho). Mark Hughes hasnt spent any of the Arab millions yet and will profess that he hasnt put his imprint on the squad; regardless of that fact, he's still doing a terrible job at the Eastland Club.
I really feel for Mowbray and West Brom. They try and play nice football but they just dont get any luck.
Something has got to give this week, both teams cannot go on without a win. Albion will feel they can get soemthing here; and I think they will.
Verdict: 1-0
Newcastle vs Tottenham
I expect an open game here, like most at St James. Both teams are vulnerable in defence, although Newcastle's is getting better of late, and leak goals. Both teams have other things in common such as fine attacking options. This one promises to be exciting.
Both teams are improving but with Owen in the goals again and Martins in fine form, I think kinnear's men will have the edge.
Tottenham head to the North East with fitness concerns over various key players. A game on Thursday in Europe will not have been ideal for preparation either. Home Win.
Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Liverpool's form concerns me at the moment, they are not playing like title contenders. A victory here would leave the Reds top of the pile for Christmas; a gift that was undoubtedly at the top of Rafa's wish list.
Arsenal are the embodiement of inconsistency; Wenger's rotation policy this season rivals that of Benitez in the early days. However Arsenal on their day are as good as anybody; Chelsea found that out the hard way a few weeks ago.
I expect a solid display from the Gunners but Liverpool will be as efficient and as organised as ever.
Verdict; 1-1
*****Top of the Class******
The favourites let me down last time out; the weekend was a dream for the bookie. Shite for most of us punters!
This week I fancy Boro to get something at Fulham. Betting on Boro +1 Goal on the Handicap, effectively covers the draw and the win. 8/13 with most bookies; well worth inclusion in any coupon your going to do.
I also fancy West ham to beat Villa on home soil, an awesome 11/5 with Skybet. 17/20 (Bluesquare) is a massive price for Blackburn at home to Stoke as well; they have got to win at some point.
And finally, Bolton vs Pourtsmouth has a draw written all over it; 12/5 in most bookies. Nice.
My bet this weekend will be a £2 Yankee (which is a £24 bet in total); this is because I'm largely betting on outsiders (Boro Win, Bolton draw, West Ham win, Blackburn win).
The Yankee consists of six £2 doubles, four £2 trebles and a £2 four fold. Its eleven bets in one.
If all the results come in, drinks are on me over Christmas because I will be rolling in it! Your talking about a couple of grand. But if 2 or 3 results come in, you still win, just a smaller amount. The Yankee really is a fantastic football bet if you fancy outsiders.
Ask a worker for assistance in the bookmakers if you want to put it on.
Good luck again and seasons greetings.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Friday, 12 December 2008
Weeked Tips; December 13th, 2008
Last Weeks Results (My Picks, Actual Results)
Fulham 1-1 Man City, Fulham 1-1 Man City
Arsenal 2-0 Wigan, Arsenal 1-0 Wigan
Blackburn 1-0 Liverpool, Blackburn 1-3 Liverpool
Bolton 0-2 Chelsea, Bolton 0-4 Chelsea
Hull 0-0 Middlesboro', Hull 2-1 Middlesboro'
Newcastle 2-0 Stoke, Newcastle 2-2 Stoke
Man Utd 2-0 Sunderland, Man Utd 1-0 Sunderland
West Brom 2-1 Pompey, West Brom 1-1 Pompey
Everton 1-1 Villa, Everton 2-3 Villa
4 correct picks and 1 perfect score. A few late goals around the country turned a good week into a decent one. Lets go again!
Saturday
Middlesboro vs Arsenal
Its sure to be an entertaining, open game at the Riverside as both teams will try to impose their attractive football upon the opposition.
Boro have been doing okay of late, they were very unlucky last week at Hull, whilst Arsenal's form has been patchy at best. This one is there for the taking, for whoever wants it most.
I think Arsenal will have too much quality here. Boro have injury concerns in defence and will most probably rush Huth and Riggot back into the fold. I expect Arsenal to capitalise.
Verdict: 1-3
Aston Villa vs Bolton
Bolton have always known how to get a point away from home. They are again resillient like when allardyce was at the helm and difficult to play.
If Villa seriously want to penetrate the top four they need to be winning fixtures like this. However without Carew in the starting line-up they may well struggle to break down the door.
I'm predicting a frustrating day for O'Neils men.
Verdict: 0-0
Liverpool vs Hull
Hull are relentless this season. They keep churning the results out when nobody expects them to. However Phil Brown's positive approach away from home will play right into Liverpool's hands.
The Reds have struggled against teams who play with eleven men behind the ball; The Tiger's attacking gameplan will be welcomed by Rafa and his men.
Verdict: 2-0
Man City vs Everton
Everton are seriously handicapped through injury at the moment, especially upfront. Its difficult to see where goals will come from?
However this will be close as Everton rarely give up points easily.
The game will be tight, played largely in midfield. I think City's prowess in attack will just edge it.
Verdict: 1-0
Stoke vs Fulham
Difficult one to predict this, both are enjoying fine form of late and are therefore both due a slip up!
Fulham are pretty much at full strength in comparison to Pulis' weakened squad which may have a bearing on things; especially so considering Rory Delap is expected to be abscent with an injured arm. Hardly suprising!
Stoke have been excellent at home this season whilst Fulham are notoriously poor away from The Cottage; I'm going for a reverse in fortunes here. Away win.
Verdict: 0-1
Sunderland vs West Brom
Sunderland are a better team than the table suggests and deserved a little more faith than ex-manager Roy Keane afforded them. I'm expecting The Black Cats to respond here.
I imagine confidence in The Baggies camp is low right now; they have failed to win numerous games they have dominated. Although the league is close this year, you get the feeling its just not going to be their season.
West Brom have also lost Ishmail Miller to a long term knee injury, and in losing him they have lost their only player who looks likely to score.
Verdict: 2-0
Wigan vs Blackburn
Paul Ince cannot afford to lose this match; and I dont think he will. Despite losing, Rovers showed signs of improvement against Liverpool last week. I expect an equally spirited performance from the Lancashire outfit this week.
Wigan are looking up the league as opposed to down this season, they have a good squad, a good manager and funds. They may even have a cheeky eye on a European place.
However they're going to come up against a difficult Balckburn team desperate for a result here. Away win.
Verdict: 1-2
Spurs vs Man Utd
The outcome of this game depends on the United starting eleven; the champions are sweating over the fitness of important players.
Fully fit, Ferguson and his team would stroll to victory here. Although Spurs have enjoyed two consecutive wins, Redknapp needs to strengthen in all departments if he wants to realistically challenge the likes of Manchester United.
All things considered I think The Red Devils will have enough to get the win here. Although it will be difficult without the likes of Rooney, Berbatov, Evra and Ferdinand, If, they dont make trip.
Verdict: 0-1
Pompey vs Newcastle
Intriguing one this. Both teams are are unbeaten in a few and playing reasonably well; something has got to give.
Newcastle travel poorly, they have won one away fixture in their last nineteen. However I think they will get a result here.
Portsmouth are short in midfield, both Diarra and Diop miss out. They are also leaking goals at home and in Owen and Martins, Newcastle have strikers who will punish sloppy defending. High scoring away win.
Verdict: 2-4
Chelsea vs West ham
What a bad time for The Hammers to face their arch rivals. Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Zola.
The Italian Icon's return to Stamford Bridge should have been the spectacle here, however there are more significant sub plots surrounding this fixture, such as West Ham's financial crisis.
The East Londoners were awful at home last week against Tottenham, there is no evidence to suggest it will be different here, whilst Chelsea recorded a good win in midweek.
Verdict: 2-0
*****Top Of The Class*****
Altough 4 of last weeks 5 top bets were realised, my treble was ruined by a late goal at St James Park. How exactly did Newcastle let that lead slip by the way!? Absolute sickner.
Anyone who backed Anelka to score against his old club with me will have been happy, it was a nap though wasnt it!? I fancy history to repeat itself at the staduim of light with Keiran Richardson scoring anytime against The Baggies. 5/1 with William Hill that one. Beautiful.
There are a couple of bankers on show this week. I fully expect Chelsea, Sunderland, Liverpool and Arsenal to pick up wins. That combination makes for a promising, potentially lucrative 4-fold.
I also Fully expect Blackburn to get something at the JJB, they really cannot afford to lose this game. They are an inviting 4/5 with Stan James. Massive that. Well worth including in anyone's accumalator.
Best of luck folks.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Weekend Tips; December 6th, 2008
Last weeks results
My picks: Actual results:
Villa 1-0 Fulham, Villa 0-0 Fulham
Boro 1-2 Newcastle, Boro 0-0 Newcastle
Stoke 0-1 Hull, Stoke 1-1 Hull
Sunderland 3-0, Bolton Sunderland 1-4 Bolton
Wigan 0-0 West Brom, Wigan 2-1 West Brom
Man City 0-2 Man Utd, Man City 0- 1 Man Utd
Pompey 1-1 Blackburn, Pompey 2-0 Blackburn
Tottenham 2-3 Everton, Tottenham 0-1 Everton
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal, Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
Last week I got 2 correct picks and no correct scores. Simply Awful! keep the faith though, its going to be different this week.
Saturday
Fulham vs Man City (12:45)
The days early kick-off sees Mark Hughes' men travel to Craven Cottage which has become somewhat of a fortress for Fulham this season; they have won five of their last seven home games. Roy Hodgson would be stroking his moustache if he had one.
Man City have been consistently inconsistent all season and have been terrible on the road; their one victory coming at Sunderland in August.
Its difficult to predict what City team will show up, especially this week, as the Manchester outfit are sweating over the fitness of key players including Richards and SWP (both sat out of the midweek european tie).
Probably not the best match to include in your coupon but im going for a draw.
Verdict: 1-1
Arsenal vs Wigan
This one will not be straightforward for Arsenal; Steve Bruce will have undoubtedly told his frontmen to ruffle a Gunners defence which counts William Gallas, and possibly Kolo Toure, as absentees. The Arsenal defence is weak at the best of times.
However Arsenal are back in the title race after last week's win at Stamford Bridge and will be up for this one themselves. They cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to challenge for championship honours this season.
It will be a close run affair as Wigan are enjoying afine run of form at the minute but it has to come to an end at some point doesnt it? Home win.
Verdict: 2-0
Blackburn vs Liverpool
Both teams are desperate for a win here although for very different reasons. Underfire Blackburn manager Paul Ince and his team are struggling to get out the relegation zone whilst Liverpool are looking to cement their place at the top after two lacklustre league performances.
On paper Liverpool should win this at a stroll, but my instinct tells me Blackburn will get something. After a succession of nine games without a win they have to win one at some point and Ince will have his men fired up for this as his neck is on the line.
Liverpool have looked pretty average of late; goaless draws at home against Fulham and West ham is not Championship form.
Although an inability to score goals is obviously an issue, Liverpool's biggest problem is that they are not creating opportunities. The balance they seemed to have found earlier in the season seems to have been lost and they now struggle to break down organised defences.
I'm touting Blackburn to nick it; home win.
Verdict: 1-0
Bolton vs Chelsea
Bolton have won four out their last five in the league notching up impressive scalps on their way; that all ends here.
In all honesty, I dont know were the form has come from, Megson hasnt made any monumental changes in tactics or personel. I still expect Bolton to be in the relegation dogfight come May.
Chelsea will have the bit between their teeth at the Reebok, they turned ina poor performance last week against Arsenal and are without a win in three.
This one wont even be close.
Verdict: 0-4
Hull City vs Middlesboro'
I've looked over all the statistics for this one, right through the lot, and I just cant make my mind up.
Hull are due a win, their dry spell is turning into something of a rut.
However Boro have a solid squad and are playing good football this season, and with their big, strong defence, they are also equipped to deal with the physical aspects of Hull's game.
I'm predicting a stalemate.
Verdict: 0-0
Newcastle vs Stoke
A close to full strength Stoke were rocked by Championship side Derby in the Carling Cup in midweek and I expect the result to have a bearing on this week's fixture.
With only one loss in six Pulis' men have been doing well recently but a loss like that can really damage confidence, especially that of a newly promoted team.
Joe Kinnear's resurgence continues; Newcastle look organised, balanced and strong at the back. Bassong looks to be a revelation in the heart of their defence; a defence which has been notorioulsy shakey in recent years.
I think this one is a home banker.
Verdict: 2-0
Man Utd vs Sunderland (5:30)
Poor Sunderland. Manager Keane resigns in midweek after recording five losses in their last six matches and it doesnt get any better; they have to travel to Old Trafford the following Saturday.
Sometimes the departure of a manager has an adverse effect on players and they perform, but i dont see that happening here.
The game will not be a white wash but United are gathering momentum and will be looking to obtain maximum points before they jet off to the World Club Cup.
Verdict: 2-0
Sunday
West Brom vs Pompey
After last weeks hearty performance at Wigan, Tony Mowbray will be enthusiastic about getting something here, on home soil. West Brom are not playing as bad as form suggests and are due a victory.
Pourtsmouth have played a lot of games lately and it may well take its toll come Sunday. Being dumped out of the UEFA Cup on Thursday will hardly have been morale boosting for the big name players at the club.
Home win.
Verdict: 2-1
Everton vs Aston Villa
Everton at home are gritty, hard working and difficult to play against but without a recognisable centre forward due to a plethora of injuries, they have nothing to offer going forward.
On the other hand Martin O'neill has various attacking options at his disposal and after resting most of them in midweek, you would expect them to be firing on all cylinders.
Villa have been good on the road this season and have the firepower to win this game; but i expect Everton to grind out a point.
Verdict: 1-1
Monday
West Ham vs Tottenham
It will be an intriguing contest at Upton park on Monday night with both managers asking questions of their players after recent breaks in form. Tottenham have suffered two losses in their last three after Redknapp's tremendous start whilst Zola appears to have stopped the rot with a win and a draw in the last two away fixtures.
I expect it to be a cautious affair with neither team wanting to lose it; a game played out in midfield.
Verdict: 1-1
****Top Of The Class****
I'm confident with my choices this week after a nightmare last time out. Newscastle are a massive 5/6 with Coral to beat Stoke at home, whilst Chelsea also look a very big price, 8/13 with Ladbrokes to defeat Bolton.
United and Arsenal look like home bankers but my pick of the week is a Chelsea, Newcasle and United treble. Its looks every inch a Saturday afternoon winner.
Another nice one is Nicolas Anelka to score anytime on his old stomping ground against Bolton. He is firing at the minute and strikers always seem to score against their former clubs. 6/4 with Coral; get involved.
My picks: Actual results:
Villa 1-0 Fulham, Villa 0-0 Fulham
Boro 1-2 Newcastle, Boro 0-0 Newcastle
Stoke 0-1 Hull, Stoke 1-1 Hull
Sunderland 3-0, Bolton Sunderland 1-4 Bolton
Wigan 0-0 West Brom, Wigan 2-1 West Brom
Man City 0-2 Man Utd, Man City 0- 1 Man Utd
Pompey 1-1 Blackburn, Pompey 2-0 Blackburn
Tottenham 2-3 Everton, Tottenham 0-1 Everton
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal, Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
Last week I got 2 correct picks and no correct scores. Simply Awful! keep the faith though, its going to be different this week.
Saturday
Fulham vs Man City (12:45)
The days early kick-off sees Mark Hughes' men travel to Craven Cottage which has become somewhat of a fortress for Fulham this season; they have won five of their last seven home games. Roy Hodgson would be stroking his moustache if he had one.
Man City have been consistently inconsistent all season and have been terrible on the road; their one victory coming at Sunderland in August.
Its difficult to predict what City team will show up, especially this week, as the Manchester outfit are sweating over the fitness of key players including Richards and SWP (both sat out of the midweek european tie).
Probably not the best match to include in your coupon but im going for a draw.
Verdict: 1-1
Arsenal vs Wigan
This one will not be straightforward for Arsenal; Steve Bruce will have undoubtedly told his frontmen to ruffle a Gunners defence which counts William Gallas, and possibly Kolo Toure, as absentees. The Arsenal defence is weak at the best of times.
However Arsenal are back in the title race after last week's win at Stamford Bridge and will be up for this one themselves. They cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to challenge for championship honours this season.
It will be a close run affair as Wigan are enjoying afine run of form at the minute but it has to come to an end at some point doesnt it? Home win.
Verdict: 2-0
Blackburn vs Liverpool
Both teams are desperate for a win here although for very different reasons. Underfire Blackburn manager Paul Ince and his team are struggling to get out the relegation zone whilst Liverpool are looking to cement their place at the top after two lacklustre league performances.
On paper Liverpool should win this at a stroll, but my instinct tells me Blackburn will get something. After a succession of nine games without a win they have to win one at some point and Ince will have his men fired up for this as his neck is on the line.
Liverpool have looked pretty average of late; goaless draws at home against Fulham and West ham is not Championship form.
Although an inability to score goals is obviously an issue, Liverpool's biggest problem is that they are not creating opportunities. The balance they seemed to have found earlier in the season seems to have been lost and they now struggle to break down organised defences.
I'm touting Blackburn to nick it; home win.
Verdict: 1-0
Bolton vs Chelsea
Bolton have won four out their last five in the league notching up impressive scalps on their way; that all ends here.
In all honesty, I dont know were the form has come from, Megson hasnt made any monumental changes in tactics or personel. I still expect Bolton to be in the relegation dogfight come May.
Chelsea will have the bit between their teeth at the Reebok, they turned ina poor performance last week against Arsenal and are without a win in three.
This one wont even be close.
Verdict: 0-4
Hull City vs Middlesboro'
I've looked over all the statistics for this one, right through the lot, and I just cant make my mind up.
Hull are due a win, their dry spell is turning into something of a rut.
However Boro have a solid squad and are playing good football this season, and with their big, strong defence, they are also equipped to deal with the physical aspects of Hull's game.
I'm predicting a stalemate.
Verdict: 0-0
Newcastle vs Stoke
A close to full strength Stoke were rocked by Championship side Derby in the Carling Cup in midweek and I expect the result to have a bearing on this week's fixture.
With only one loss in six Pulis' men have been doing well recently but a loss like that can really damage confidence, especially that of a newly promoted team.
Joe Kinnear's resurgence continues; Newcastle look organised, balanced and strong at the back. Bassong looks to be a revelation in the heart of their defence; a defence which has been notorioulsy shakey in recent years.
I think this one is a home banker.
Verdict: 2-0
Man Utd vs Sunderland (5:30)
Poor Sunderland. Manager Keane resigns in midweek after recording five losses in their last six matches and it doesnt get any better; they have to travel to Old Trafford the following Saturday.
Sometimes the departure of a manager has an adverse effect on players and they perform, but i dont see that happening here.
The game will not be a white wash but United are gathering momentum and will be looking to obtain maximum points before they jet off to the World Club Cup.
Verdict: 2-0
Sunday
West Brom vs Pompey
After last weeks hearty performance at Wigan, Tony Mowbray will be enthusiastic about getting something here, on home soil. West Brom are not playing as bad as form suggests and are due a victory.
Pourtsmouth have played a lot of games lately and it may well take its toll come Sunday. Being dumped out of the UEFA Cup on Thursday will hardly have been morale boosting for the big name players at the club.
Home win.
Verdict: 2-1
Everton vs Aston Villa
Everton at home are gritty, hard working and difficult to play against but without a recognisable centre forward due to a plethora of injuries, they have nothing to offer going forward.
On the other hand Martin O'neill has various attacking options at his disposal and after resting most of them in midweek, you would expect them to be firing on all cylinders.
Villa have been good on the road this season and have the firepower to win this game; but i expect Everton to grind out a point.
Verdict: 1-1
Monday
West Ham vs Tottenham
It will be an intriguing contest at Upton park on Monday night with both managers asking questions of their players after recent breaks in form. Tottenham have suffered two losses in their last three after Redknapp's tremendous start whilst Zola appears to have stopped the rot with a win and a draw in the last two away fixtures.
I expect it to be a cautious affair with neither team wanting to lose it; a game played out in midfield.
Verdict: 1-1
****Top Of The Class****
I'm confident with my choices this week after a nightmare last time out. Newscastle are a massive 5/6 with Coral to beat Stoke at home, whilst Chelsea also look a very big price, 8/13 with Ladbrokes to defeat Bolton.
United and Arsenal look like home bankers but my pick of the week is a Chelsea, Newcasle and United treble. Its looks every inch a Saturday afternoon winner.
Another nice one is Nicolas Anelka to score anytime on his old stomping ground against Bolton. He is firing at the minute and strikers always seem to score against their former clubs. 6/4 with Coral; get involved.
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