Monthly Archives: February 2011

Gunners can add to Toon fears

Posted on by
Reply

There’s another busy day of Premier League action on Saturday, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all looking for big results in the title race, while the Gunners could also put more pressure on Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Newcastle v Arsenal (Sat 3pm)

The Gunners have already won 4-0 on Tyneside this season, with a crushing Carling Cup victory, and Arsene Wenger’s men can torment the Magpies again on Saturday. Newcastle, just six points outside the drop zone, may have won at the Emirates earlier in the season, but the now-departed Andy Carroll scored that day and, with a lack of striking options, Arsenal’s normally shaky backline could have a trouble-free afternoon.

Match Bet – Arsenal to score in both halves @ 7/4.

Wolves v Man Utd (Sat 5:30pm)

Mick McCarthy’s men have beaten Manchester City and Chelsea at Molineux and will pose a real threat to United’s unbeaten league run. There has been only one goal in it when the two teams have gone head-to-head at Molineux in the Premier League, with Utd 1-0 winners last season and Wolves victorious by the same margin in 2004. Individual mistakes have cost the home side recently, but a solid display can see them earn a point, against a United team who have been less than impressive on the road.

Match Bet – Draw @ 10/3.

Man City v West Brom (Sat 3pm)

City have slipped off the pace in recent weeks and desperately need a big win to show their rivals and fans that they can still claim the title. A stuttering Baggies outfit may prove the type of opponents that City will relish, as they look to collect their eighth home win of the season. Carlos Tevez has already bagged five goals since the turn of the year – West Brom defenders beware!

Match Bet – Tevez to score 2 or more @ 11/4.

Tottenham v Bolton (Sat 3pm)

Spurs have struggled for goals in recent weeks and they strike force will be put to the test against a stubborn Bolton defence. Tottenham have won five of the last six meetings between the sides at White Hart Lane and now they need a win to keep in touch with the top four.

Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11.

Everton v Blackpool (Sat 3pm)

The Tagerines appear to be on a slippery slope with four consecutive defeats and Ian Holloway admits they need to stop the rot soon. They may well do that at Goodison Park this weekend, as they look to take advantage of Everton’s poor home form. David Moyes’ men have won just three of their 11 home games this term and the pressure from the home fans will make it a tense affair.

Match Bet -  Blackpool to win @ 6/1.

Stoke v Sunderland (Sat 12:45pm)

Both of these teams have aspirations of a top-six finish this season, with Sunderland looking to more likely to challenge for Europe. They will find it tough at though at fortress Britannia, with Tony Pulis describing Saturday’s match as a game his side “need to win”. The Black Cats lack of strike power is a concern against a strong Stoke backline as the Potters look to make it four games unbeaten at home.

Match Bet – Stoke to win 2-0 @ 8/1.

Aston Villa v Fulham (Sat 3pm)

Villa appear to have turned the corner since the arrival of Darren Bent, although that theory will be put to the test against an in-form Fulham outfit. Mark Hughes’ men have lost just one of their last seven games and are slowly pulling clear of trouble. On paper these two teams look evenly matched, although Villa’s attacking threat may just give them the edge.

Match Bet – Darren Bent to score first @ 7/2.

Wigan v Blackburn (Sat 3pm)

A Lancashire derby at the DW Stadium is another tough one to call, with both sides suffering from erratic form. Blackburn on paper look the paper side, but Wigan have the attacking flair that can break down any team in the league. Hugo Rodallega is the key man for Latics, a good performance from him and the points will go Wigan’s way.

Match Bet – Wigan to win @ 7/5.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Five Championship Selections

Posted on by
Reply

As everyone knows, the Championship always throws up plenty of thrills and spills and this weekend will be no different as sides jockey for position up and down the table.

Just ten points separate the teams currently occupying the crucial top-six places and the ball gets rolling at the Madejski Stadium with current leaders Queens Park Rangers making the trip to Reading.

READING v QPR (Friday)
Rangers have a five-point gap over Norwich in second spot although their humongous goal difference could well be worth another point on the day of reckoning in the second tier of English football.
Neil Warnock’s side have conceded fewer goals on their travels than at home this season but the Royals have lost just twice on their own patch so far and will be a tough nut to crack for the west Londoners.
Reading’s last home league defeat was back in October and they are bidding to avenge November’s 3-1 defeat at Loftus Road.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score @ 8/11

BURNLEY v NORWICH
Any QPR slip-up will allow Norwich to reel them in and while Burnley’s unbeaten run on home soil has now ground to something of a halt, the Clarets need something from the game to stay in the play-off place hunt.
The Canaries are one of only three sides to beat QPR this season, but that was at Carrow Road and they will need to be on their mettle to take all three points at Turf Moor.
Prediction: Draw @ 23/10

NOTTINGHAM FOREST v WATFORD
Forest are coming on strong after five straight wins in the Championship and if they win their games in hand would storm into the automatic promotion places.
The division’s form team entertain a Watford side who, like Norwich, have also beaten QPR – this time at Loftus Road – so a trip up the M1 is unlikely to faze the Hornets who have not won in three matches.
Prediction: Forest Half-time/Full-time @ 2/1

LEEDS v COVENTRY
Leeds occupy the final play-off place going into the weekend and one thing is guaranteed at Elland Road – goals, with 14 games producing 53 so far this term.
The Sky Blues’ form has been patchy at best over recent weeks while Leeds have drawn their last two league games 2-2 but this is a game Simon Grayson will know his men need to win.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 @ 7/1

SWANSEA v CARDIFF (Sunday)
Cardiff briefly topped the table earlier in the season but after 28 games they find themselves in fifth spot and trailing arch-rivals Swansea, who are third, by two points.
The Swans were 1-0 winners at Cardiff City Stadium earlier in the season and are unbeaten in the last five on home soil against the Bluebirds.
Prediction: Swansea @ 6/5

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Best five bets this weekend

Posted on by
Reply

The weekend is rapidly approaching with a full Premier League progrmme, plus plenty more sporting action to get stuck into. Betting opportunities are wide and varied and we will have a look at some of the best bets that could help boost the bank balance.

- Fulham to beat Aston Villa

These two sides have spent the majority of the season in the wrong half of the table but there are signs of improvement in both camps. Villa’s capture of Darren Bent has clearly given the Midlanders a shot in the arm, while Andy Johnson;s return for the Cottagers increases their goal threat. The duo are separated by just one point and both could yet be pulled into the relegation dog fight but, with sides below them struggling for consistency,  they should both escape the drop this term. Fulham have looked better than results suggest and they are now starting to reap the rewards, with 10 points from a possible 15, and are tipped to take this one by the odd goal at Villa Park.

Odds: Fulham 11/4 to win

- Liverpool to beat Chelsea

Three of the Premier League’s January signings scored on their debut, with Robbie Keane (West Ham), Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Daniel Sturridge (Bolton) all on target on Wednesday night. But it is the fixture on Sunday that immediately catches the eye as Fernando Torres is set to make his Blues debut against the side he left just six days earlier. The Spain international has not enjoyed his best season but had started to show glimpses of his undoubted talent prior to jumping ship at Anfield. But the Reds have won three in a row and beat Chelsea earlier in the campaign and, with the confidence gained from reaching the giddy heights of seventh in the table they are tipped to take all three points in west London.

Odds: Liverpool 9/2 to beat Chelsea

- Newcastle to draw with Arsenal

The Magpies’ faithful are still reeling from the departure of local hero Andy Carroll and the fact that nobody was brought in to replace him. With Shola Ameobi now out injured, Alan Pardew’s striking options are limited to say the least. The Geordies have already banked 30 points this term but will need to find goals from somewhere to reach the ‘magic’ 40 which normally keeps a club in the top flight. With that in mind, it would be no surprise if Pardew sets out to get just a point right from the start against the bigger clubs and Arsenal certainly fall into that category. It could be a case of ‘all hands to the pump’ for the home side but they are tipped to hang on for a draw.

Odds: Draw 5/2

- Blackpool to beat Everton

The Seasiders have been the surprise team of the season to date with 28 points from their first 24 games but have found it tough going since the turn of the year and have taken just one point from their last five games. But Everton have not fared much better with five from 15 and they are still below Ian Holloway’s side in the standings. Games involving Blackpool rarely fail to excite and they continue to entertain despite slipping down the table. This one has all the hallmarks of a cracking match-up with the away side a great price to hang on for the win in a high-scoring encounter at Goodison Park.

Odds: Blackpool 6/1 to win

- England to beat Australia 7th ODI

It has been a woeful display by England in the one-dayers and they deserve to be 5-1 behind in the series but this final encounter between the two old enemies gives Andrew Strauss?s men a chance to end what had been a highly-successful tour up until he start of the 50-over contests on a high. They are not as bad as the scoreline suggests and will surely lift themselves for one final push, with Australia now also suffering with injuries, as players on both sides continue to drop like flies.

Odds: England 5/6 to beat Australia.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Top Ten January deals

Posted on by
Reply

It was the busiest January transfer window since its inception, with a mixture of big-money deals, loan switches and free transfer moves. Here’s who we think are the top ten signings during the month…….

1 Fernando Torres (Chelsea – £50m)

He may have cost Chelsea £50m, but the Premier League champions are guaranteed goals from one of the world’s top strikers. Torres (20/1 Top Premier League 2010-11 Goalscorer) is still only 26 and his goalscoring record of 65 goals in 102 appearances for Liverpool highlights just what Roman Abramovich is buying.

2  Luis Suarez (Liverpool – £23m)

Liverpool (14/1 Top Four Finish) may have sold Torres and brought in Andy Carroll as his replacement, but Suarez looks set to be the man to deliver goals for the Reds. Ok, the Dutch league is not as strong as the Premier League, but 81 goals in 110 starts for Ajax proves he is deadly in and around the area.

3 Daniel Sturridge (Bolton – Loan)

Bolton have pulled off a coup with the loan capture of Chelsea youngster, who needs regular action under his belt. The former Manchester City man is still only 21 and with a run in the team, Sturridge could fire Bolton (20/23 to beat Wolves) into the European frame this season.

4 Darren Bent (Aston Villa – £24m)

It may have caused a war-of-words between Villa and Sunderland, but already Bent’s arrival at Villa Park seems to have galvanised Gerard Houllier’s men. A goal on his debut gave Villa (12/1 to be relegated) victory over Man City and they have won all three games since his arrival from Wearside.

5 Mark van Bommel (AC Milan – Free Transfer)

The Dutch midfielder was release from his contract at Bayern Munich and has joined Milan on a six-month deal. Van Bommel is another experienced name to add to the Milan (7/10 to win 2010-11 Serie A title) ranks and he will go in search for a fourth league title in a different country.

6 El Hadji Diouf (Rangers – Loan)

It’s fair to say the Senegalese international is not the most popular player with opposing fans, but the 30-year-old has the ability to be a big success in Scotland. Diouf had been a regular under Sam Allardyce but has been allowed to leave under new Blackburn boss Steve Kean, with Rangers (23/20 to win 2010-11 SPL title) likely to hand him a more attacking role.

7 Jamie O’Hara (Wolves – Loan)

The Spurs midfielder has moved to Molineux until the end of the season and could provie the guile that Wanderers (6/5 to stay up) need to avoid the drop. O’Hara has not played this term due to injury so will be fresh and has the experience of a relegation scrap under his belt after a spell with Portsmouth last season.

8 Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff – Loan)

The Welsh youngster returns to his former club in an attempt to bolster his match sharpness and he could get the Bluebirds’ promotion push (Cardiff 7/5 to be promoted) back on track. Ramsey is expected to be a Premier League star of the future and he will add much needed midfield options for Dave Jones.

9 Curtis Davies (Birmingham – Undisclosed)

The former West Brom man makes another Midlands switch, with a controversial move between big rivals Villa and Birmingham (2/7 to stay up). Davies showed his quality whilst on loan at Leicester this season and Blues need defensive reinforcements with Scott Dann out for the rest of the campaign.

10 Kris Commons (Celtic – £300,000)

The Scotland international has already shown he could be a snip, making an inspired debut in Celtic’s 4-1 crushing of Aberdeen in the CIS Cup semi-final. Commons scored in that game and his goal threat, as well as quality from set pieces, could be a key factor for the Bhoys (9/4 to win Scottish FA Cup).

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Tuesday’s EPL best bets

Posted on by
Reply

There are a full set of fixtures in the Premier League in midweek, with four matches taking place on Tuesday evening, and here is a look at the pick of the betting (Premier League outright and match betting).

Arsenal v Everton

Everton have a good record against the title chasing sides away from home this season having drawn at Chelsea and beaten Manchester City at Eastlands. However, Arsenal are already five points behind leaders Manchester United in the standings and know they cannot afford to slip up against the Toffees.

Arsenal won 2-1 at Goodison Park back in November and will be buoyed by the fact that Everton have a particularly poor record when playing the north London side away from home. Arsenal are also the form team coming into this fixture, having won their last five games in all competitions.

Robin van Persie has spearheaded this run having scored six goals in his last four appearances. He has also scored four goals in six games against Everton so get on him to score 2 or more at 4/1.

Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland provided one of the shocks of the season by beating Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in November and they can push the Blues close at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.

The defeat started Chelsea’s poor run of form but they have won their last two Premier League games to break this hoodoo. They have only won one of their last six on the road but this was a 4-0 mauling of Bolton, which suggests their troubles are now behind them.

Chelsea will be aiming to get back in the title race but Sunderland have top-six aspirations and will be hoping to consolidate their position of sixth in the standings. The Black Cats have only lost one of their 12 league games at The Stadium of Light this season and they are more than capable of picking up a draw (11/4) in this one.

Man Utd v Aston Villa

Aston Villa may be in resurgent form – and they may have won at Old Trafford last season – but don’t expect history to repeat itself this time around.

United have been almost unstoppable this season and are yet to succumb to defeat in the league. They will be searching for a ninth straight Premier League win at home and with Dimitar Berbatov having scored five goals in his last two league games, the Bulgarian poses a huge threat to Villa’s backline (Berbatov 9/2 – 2 or More goals).

Villa’s resurgence has corresponded with the arrival of Darren Bent and Jean Makoun, and they will be searching for their fourth successive victory in all competitions. Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored in three of his last four league matches against United and so 12/1 in the enhanced goalscorer market is definitely worth a nibble.

Villa and United drew 2-2 at Villa Park earlier in the season, with United needing two late goals to secure a point.

United have also won their last two games, against Blackpool and Southampton, despite trailing at half-time and with Villa’s new prowess in front of goal, this could happen a third time. Back Villa/United in the HT/FT market at 28/1.

West Brom v Wigan

This is a vital relegation battle at The Hawthorns as Wigan will aim to draw level on points with the Baggies at the bottom of the table.

West Brom are just three points off the bottom three after a run of six defeats in seven league games but they have won five of their 12 home games in the top flight this season and this could prove to be the difference.

The Baggies’ problems have been in defence – they have the joint-worst record in the league and have only kept one clean sheet all season – but Wigan have only scored eight times in 11 away games in the Premier League.

The signing of Carlos Vela on loan until the end of the season could be crucial for the Baggies’ chances of survival and he will be desperate to impress on his West Brom debut. He could act as a good foil for Peter Odemwingie so back him at 9/2 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.