Weekend Tips; December 19th, 2008

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.