Showing posts with label Newcastle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newcastle. Show all posts
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Premier League Tips: Newcastle to struggle in London
"Alan Pardew managed to lift his players to earn a point at West Ham following the embarrassing 6-0 thrashing by Liverpool at St James’ Park, but they still only have a three point cushion over Wigan."
Back a QPR v Newcastle draw @ 3.4 (12/5)
It's the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season and Paul Robinson casts his eye over some crucial fixtures that affect both the top and bottom of the table. Here are his selections from Betfair's Sportsbook:
Norwich v West Brom
Back the draw @ 3.4 (12/5)
Back a 1-1 correct score @ 6.5 (11/2)
Norwich and West Brom come into this match on the back of successive defeats and I can see the spoils being shared on Sunday afternoon.
Chris Hughton will have breathed a huge sigh of relief after Wigan threw away victory against Swansea on Wednesday. The Canaries still have a three point cushion to the relegation zone and as they have to travel to Man City on the final day, they won't want to have to go into that match needing a result.
Norwich are going to find it tough against West Brom though and I think their win price of a shade above evens is just too short to back. They've only won twice since the 15th of December and they've drawn five of their last eight at Carrow Road.
The Baggies put up a creditable performance at the Etihad on Tuesday but they lost 1-0 and that follows on from the disappointing home defeat to Wigan at the weekend. Prior to that, Steve Clarke's side had thrashed Southampton at St Mary's to end a four match winless run, and I think they should have enough about them to cause Norwich plenty of problems.
Romelu Lukaku is proving a handful against any opposition and he has scored 14 Premier League goals this term. Defensively, aside from the three they conceded at Upton Park, WBA have conceded no more than one in their last half dozen away from the Hawthorns so as well as backing the draw, I think backing a 1-1 correct score at 6.5 (11/2) would be a sensible bet.
Sunderland v Southampton
Back Sunderland @ 2.7 (17/10)
Back Sunderland to win 2-1 @ 9.5 (17/2)
Sunderland have a suspension and injury crisis heading into their match with Southampton on Sunday but their match odds of 2.7 (17/10) simply can't be ignored against a Saints team who have picked up just two points from a possible 12.
Paulo Di Canio's side earned a much needed point at home to Stoke on Monday but it came at a cost as Craig Gardner was sent off and he now joins Stephane Sessegnon on the suspended list. The Black Cats are also missing the likes of Steven Fletcher and Wes Brown through injury so the Italian manager doesn't have many options to choose from.
Sunderland do have one thing in their favour though and that is their goal difference. As it is so superior to their relegation rivals, they know that victory at the weekend will almost certainly see them safe for another year. That should prove a huge motivation for the fans and players alike and The Stadium Of Light will be rocking.
Southampton had looked set for a mid-table finish but two draws followed by two defeats has left them on the edge of a relegation scrap. Mauricio Pochettino also has suspensions to worry about as both Danny Fox and Gaston Ramirez are out following red cards against West Brom.
Rickie Lambert has 14 goals to his name this season but he hasn't scored in five and his goals are vital to The Saints' success. They've won just once on the road in their last eight and failed to score in three of the last four.
A home win is a great value bet at 2.7 (17/10) although I can see Southampton scoring a goal, so a 2-1 correct score at 9.5 (17/2) is my other selection.
QPR v Newcastle
Back the draw @ 3.4 (12/5)
Back a 1-1 correct score @ 6.5 (11/2)
Newcastle are another team in the relegation mix and I can seem them only being able to get a point at rock bottom QPR.
Harry Redknapp's side look set to finish bottom of the pile after picking up just two points from a possible 21. They haven't been thrashed in any of their recent matches but their lack of quality, especially in front of goal, has been there for all to see.
Rangers haven't scored in over 360 minutes of football and the likes of Loic Remy almost seem a touch disinterested now that their fate has been sealed.
Newcastle have had an appalling campaign, domestically at least, and while there have been mitigating circumstances - European football and terrible luck with injuries - they simply haven't been good enough.
Alan Pardew managed to lift his players to earn a point at West Ham following the embarrassing 6-0 thrashing by Liverpool at St James' Park, but they still only have a three point cushion over Wigan.
Victory at Loftus Road should see them safe but they haven't won away since January and the draw seems the value bet here at 3.4 (12/5). QPR may be struggling in front of goal but the Magpies have shipped an astonishing 66 goals this season so a 1-1 correct score looks good at odds of 6.5 (11/2).
Recommended Bets
Back a Norwich v West Brom draw @ 3.4 (12/5)
Back a 1-1 correct score in Norwich v West Brom @ 6.5 (11/2)
Back Sunderland @ 2.7 (17/10)
Back Sunderland to win 2-1 @ 9.5 (17/2)
Back a QPR v Newcastle draw @ 3.4 (12/5)
Back a 1-1 correct score in QPR v Newcastle @ 6.5 (11/2)
Prices are based on our Sportsbook product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Premier League: Newcastle should stay loyal to Pardew
"While Pardew is far from beyond criticism for the Magpies' miserable league campaign, certain circumstances out of his control have contributed heavily to it."
After a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Liverpool, the knives are out for Alan Pardew but this is no time to give up on their boss writes Christian Crowther...
Newcastle's second embarrassing home defeat on the spin, in which they were smashed for six by Liverpool, has seen the Toon dip their toe into Premier League relegation quicksand.
However, although the Magpies are now back in danger of the plunge - rated at 12.011/1 to go down - owner Mike Ashley should not be tempted into a reactionary squeeze on the trigger.
The man he would be firing, Alan Pardew, signed an eight-year contract off the back of Newcastle's best finish in the Premier League since 2003/04 last campaign, so it would make owner and club the laughing stock should he cast his man aside now.
It's no coincidence that Newcastle's wildly differing fortunes over recent years have been underpinned by one of the hottest managerial seats in the land.
Inadvertently, Pardew's biggest mistake at Newcastle so far was probably leading the Toon to that fifth-place finish last season. This highly commendable achievement has actually ended up causing Pardew a painful headache.
He's not only raised the bar of expectation to an unsustainable height, but with such a tight squad at his disposal, their resulting Europa League commitments have stretched things to breaking point.
While Pardew is far from beyond criticism for the Magpies' miserable league campaign, certain circumstances out of his control have contributed heavily to it.
For a start, his squad has been ravaged by injury since the very beginning of this campaign, especially in those vital defensive positions.
Ryan Taylor, Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Danny Simpson and latterly David Santon have all missed many games due to injury.
Meanwhile, two of their most creative talents in French duo Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa were sidelined for lengthy spells, adding to the inconsistency of team selection.
Although Pardew targeted certain players in the summer, it wasn't until January - after the gruelling group stages of the Europa League had already taken place and ground had been lost in the Premier League - that he was able to capture the likes of Mathieu Debuchy.
He was also helpless in losing his top scorer Demba Ba to Chelsea in the same month and, while Papiss Cisse has notched a few latterly, Ba's compatriot is nothing like as reliable a source of goals.
For a while, the influx of French talent in January looked like it would turn the Toon's season around but they have since dropped off, something Pardew must shoulder some blame for.
Still, it would be foolish to sack the man who bought all these players to the club. Pardew must be backed not sacked and, if they stay up by the skin of their teeth, then next season should be much better for Newcastle.
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Saturday, April 27, 2013
Lee Dixon: Newcastle to inch towards safety with Saturday stalemate against Liverpool
"Like Newcastle, Liverpool sit below their local rivals in the table and it's hard to see how Brendan Rodgers is going to motivate his men for the final four games.
Back the draw @ 3.613/5
Liverpool go to St James' Park without their talisman and Newcastle have a good chance of securing the points they need for survival - but will a faltering Toon produce a winning performance?
The threat of relegation continues to haunt Newcastle - from a distance admittedly - but they have a big chance to banish those fears for good on Saturday evening against a Liverpool side lacking their talisman, Luis Suarez.
Any team would miss a 30-goal striker, but Suarez has made so many vital interventions in Liverpool's season that they will be significantly weakened by his absence. The furore over Suarez's actions at Anfield last Sunday and the accompanying reaction from the club threatens to overshadow the entire season. For me, Liverpool must take the punishment and move on. Ten games is an entirely appropriate penalty for what was a piece of utterly outrageous behaviour which has no place in the game.
The most amazing thing for me was how Branislav Ivanovic took it without retaliating. I think the surprise took him more than anything. If it had happened against Martin Keown I doubt Suarez would have been around to score a 96th minute equaliser anyway!
So will Newcastle take advantage of an under strength Liverpool? Doubtful, I'm afraid.
The Toon's home record isn't particularly special, having suffered seven league defeats at St James's Park this season, while current form is nothing to write home about either with seven points from the last 18 available. Alan Pardew's men looked nervous at WBA last time out despite taking the lead and they need to conquer that during the run-in.
Going deep in the Europa League clearly affected Newcastle this season and the absence of midweek games will surely help on the closing stretch. With six points between the Toon and 18th placed Wigan (though the Latics have a game in hand) I ultimately expect Pardew to lead his team to safety, but they will want to get to 40 points as soon as possible. Nevertheless, odds of 23.022/1 are a true representation of Newcastle's relegation chances.
Liverpool's season is fading to an inglorious end - three draws in recent weeks have taken the wind out of their sails and has as good as finished their unlikely dream of a top four finish. Like Newcastle they sit below their local rivals in the table and it's hard to see how Brendan Rodgers is going to motivate his men for the final four games.
Strangely enough they might find some encouragement upfront where goalscoring responsibilities will fall on Daniel Sturridge. The England man must use the next few games to send Rodgers a clear message about his claims for a first XI role next season. I do like Sturridge, but he is inconsistent. Liverpool will hope he shows his best during the run-in.
Though Newcastle are not in a great state, I don't foresee Sturridge - or any of his team-mates - scoring a winner at St James'. I really don't see much between these two outfits and I fancy a draw on Saturday, and not a particularly entertaining one at that. A goal apiece looks the likely scoreline but I'll play it safe by restricting my bet to the match odds market.
Recommended Bets
Back the draw @ 3.613/5
Prior to the shocking display against Sunderland, Newcastle had won their previous four at St James' and were looking like they would be safe for another season. However, as Lee says a nervy away draw at WBA and Newcastle are right in this relegation battle. With only one away win this season and their last home game against Arsenal on the final day of the season they must be looking to take something out of this game.
Without Luis Suarez this could be a good time to be facing the Reds, but Liverpool are resilient, suffering only one defeat in their last eight (away Southampton), their last three games all ended as draws. I think Newcastle will get something out of this game and I will be backing them with a bit of safety in the DRAW NO BET market at around 2.2.
As Lee mentions, without Luis Suarez, the goalscoring burden will fall on Daniel Sturridge, who was impressive against both Reading and Chelsea in Liverpool’s previous two fixtures. But so much of his good play has been because of fantastic interplay with Suarez – and without that link-up play, I’m not convinced he’ll be a significant goalscoring threat. I can see Liverpool dominating without penetrating, and I like the look of under 2.5 goals at 2.04.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Timeform Daily: Monday, Newcastle 15:00
The well-bred Almost Gemini is a potential blot on the handicap back from a break and gets the vote...
Timeform take a runner-by-runner look at a staying handicap at Newcastle on Monday...
Petella won twice last season and now back on her last winning mark. Not seen to best effect when fifth at Musselburgh recently (sent off favourite) and better expected on this stiffer course.
Descaro won twice in 2011 but has left the impression he's merely been going through the motions of late. Is potentially well handicapped if a first-time hood helps get his mind back on job, though.
Jawaab is potentially well treated and promise when placed on both starts for new yard in recent weeks, second to Looks Like Rain over 2m at Wolverhampton last time. Obvious chance off same mark.
Grand Art was twice successful over hurdles in 2011 and back to winning ways on Flat when scoring by 5 lengths at Musselburgh (2m) last week. Player under penalty if turning up here in similar form.
Hi Dancer got back to best when winning twice over hurdles in the spring and run respectably on Flat since, second to Dr Irv at Redcar (1¾m) last month. Return to 2m should suit and needs considering.
Pegasus Prince is a 3-time winner at Southwell and won over hurdles/fences for Keith Reveley. Potentially well treated back on Flat but new yard hasn't had a winner since May 2011.
Spiders Star was a fair staying handicapper at her best but not been anywhere near the top of her game so far this term, running no sort of race at Ripon last time. Cheekpieces refitted now.
Manager Mick ran just about his best race to date when fifth in a C&D handicap in May but well held at Carlisle since and refitted visor needs to spark improvement for him to get heavily involved here.
Pugnacious ran best to date when plugging-on second in first-time blinkers at Catterick (1½m) last time. Shapes as if well worth this try up in trip and less exposed than most here.
Almost Gemini was no better than mid-field in 3 1¼m maidens this spring but related to some smart sorts and could prove a totally different proposition upped in trip on return from break (has been gelded).
Asteroid Belt put up just about his best effort for new yard when staying-on third to Sweet Fairnando over 1¾m at Redcar last time. Step up to 2m should suit and can't rule out with cheekpieces now back on.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Almost Gemini
2. Jawaab
3. Hi Dancer
Timeform Verdict: The likes of Jawaab and Hi Dancer look sure to go well, but the well-bred Almost Gemini is a potential blot on the handicap back from a break and gets the vote.
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Premier League: Are Sunderland the new Newcastle?
Sunderland look big at 3.45n/a against Liverpool.
Recommended Bets
Sunderland to beat Liverpool at 3.45n/a
West Ham off 0 on Asian handicap v Norwich
Swansea off 0 on Asian handicap v Aston Villa
Andrew Atherley has been impressed by Sunderland's start to the season, he holds their manager in high esteem and reckons the Black Cats are value to pile more misery on Liverpool this Saturday...
Sunderland, like neighbours Newcastle last season, could be surprise high achievers this season and they look capable of proving the point at home to Liverpool on Saturday. There are interesting parallels between Sunderland's form under Martin O'Neill and how Newcastle stood at this time last season. Like O'Neill now, Alan Pardew was starting his first full season as Newcastle boss having taken charge early the previous December and stabilised their results.
Both managers had achieved flashes of even better form with good results against top-six sides, pointing to further improvement with a summer of preparation and squad-building behind them. O'Neill did even better than Pardew in his first part-season, with an average of 1.42 points per game (Pardew's was 1.23). Without any improvement in that points average, Sunderland would finish this season in the top half of the table.
But the underlying form indicates Sunderland might be able to aim towards the top six. There was a big split in their form last season, which appears to have been caused by their FA Cup quarter-final exit against Everton in March. Prior to that, Sunderland had been flying under O'Neill with a Premier League points average of 1.81 per game.
Afterwards, however, Sunderland were caught in the classic trap of a mid-table side with nothing tangible to play for and they appeared to ease off, failing to win in the eight Premier League games that followed their FA Cup exit. The late-season slump dragged down their points average and a return to their previous higher level would make them dangerous opponents for any team, as they lost only five of O'Neill's first 16 Premier League games.
Having started with away draws at Arsenal and Swansea, Sunderland look just as solid this season and they have added quality in attack with the signings of Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson. On their form under O'Neill, and with the prospect of further improvement, Sunderland look big at 3.45n/a against Liverpool.
Liverpool's players know as well as anyone how tough Sunderland have become under O'Neill, as they lost 1-0 at the Stadium of Light shortly before the Black Cats played that crunch FA Cup tie against Everton. That victory is part of a home league record of six wins, four draws and just two defeats for O'Neill's Sunderland (the two losses coming against Manchester United and Arsenal). Liverpool may well have to play like a potential top-four side to beat Sunderland and, given their sticky start under Brendan Rodgers, they look a considerable way from that standard at the moment.
Liverpool, in fact, have lost eight out of 11 on the road in the Premier League in 2012. They won the other three but only against Wolves, Blackburn and Norwich (two of whom were relegated last season). Backing them at 2.3411/8 against a potential top-half side looks risky.
One option is Sunderland off 0 & +0.5 on the Asian handicap at 1.9210/11, which offers insurance against Sunderland's high draw rate, but the win odds look worth chancing.
Pick of the stats
Norwich v West Ham
Norwich have kept just three clean sheets in 41 Premier League games since promotion and have won only five out of 17 when conceding at home
Aston Villa v Swansea
Villa have won only two of their 22 league games in 2012, with 10 defeats
Stoke v Manchester City
Stoke are unbeaten in five home games in league and cup against City since promotion. Four of the five have been draws
Recommended Bets
Sunderland to beat Liverpool at 3.45n/a
West Ham off 0 on Asian handicap v Norwich
Swansea off 0 on Asian handicap v Aston Villa
Monday, July 16, 2012
Friendlies: Newcastle and Manchester City on the box
"Despite starting Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez, the Premier League champions were beaten 1-0 by Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in their first friendly."
Two of the Premier League's biggest success stories in 2011/12 are in pre-season action this week, with odds offered on Betfair...
The transfer window hasn't quite provided the demanded excitement yet this summer, but fear not because there's actual action to enjoy again. Newcastle, Manchester City and Manchester United are among those advancing their preparations for the new campaign over the next few days...
Newcastle v Monaco (Monday, 18:00, ESPN)
Newcastle's opening match in Germany ended in a 1-0 defeat to third division team Chemnitzer FC as Alan Pardew picked players that he is expecting to step up next season with more fixtures to negotiate. Their latest lower-league obstacle are far more high-profile: 2003/04 Champions League finalists Monaco, who are desperate to return to Ligue 1 at the second attempt and have tasked Claudio Ranieri with achieving that target. Newcastle are 2.141/1 favourites, with Monaco 3.62/1.
Manchester City v Dynamo Dresden (Tuesday, 18:00, ESPN)
Despite starting Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez, the Premier League champions were beaten 1-0 by Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in their first friendly on Saturday. They are staying in Innsbruck for this latest test and are 1.27n/a favourites to triumph despite their weekend struggle. Their German opponents are far more advanced in their pre-season program and have won all nine of their games over the duration, admittedly none as illustrious as this - yet are 7.26/1 outsiders.
Amazulu FC v Manchester United (Wednesday, 19:00, MUTV)
The first stop on a summer tour that will also take Manchester United to China, Norway, Sweden and Germany is Durban in South Africa, where Sir Alex Ferguson's men will meet Premier Soccer League side AmaZulu. The Red Devils have taken 22 players with them for the non-European stops, with Rio Ferdinand selected as captain, new signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell included and loan returnees Bebe and Federico Macheda also travelling. They are strong odds-on favourites here.
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Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Swansea's home record too good for Newcastle
Premier League 
/ Andrew Atherley / 04 April 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Danny Graham and Swansea can cause Newcastle plenty of problems this Friday
"The standout results for Swansea have been at their Liberty stronghold, where they have lost just three of their 15 matches (one of which was against leaders Manchester United). Manchester City and Arsenal both lost there, while Chelsea and Tottenham escaped with draws."
The stats suggest another strong performance from the home side when Swans host Magpies. Elsewhere, an ever-improving Sunderland should give also give Tottenham plenty of problems, says Andrew Atherley.
Swansea and Newcastle, two of the surprise high achievers of the season, go head to head in the live TV match on Good Friday and there are strong stats on both sides that point to the home team.
The standout results for Swansea have been at their Liberty stronghold, where they have lost just three of their 15 matches (one of which was against leaders Manchester United). Manchester City and Arsenal both lost there, while Chelsea and Tottenham escaped with draws.
Ball possession and a mean defence are the cornerstones of Swansea's impressive record - only the two Manchester clubs have kept more home clean sheets and the Swans have the joint-second-lowest goals-against at home, behind United - and their style of play continues to win admirers.
The only poor result at home - and even that description is debatable - was the 3-2 defeat by Norwich in February and another minor quibble is that the draw rate is high (six out of 15, or 40 per cent).
But the possibility of a draw can be covered to some extent on the Asian handicap in Friday's game, where Newcastle are priced on their solid overall form but may be vulnerable judged by their away record against the strongest home teams.
This is the area where Alan Pardew's team have been weakest - they have played seven of the top 10 home teams and their record is one win, one draw and five defeats. Even the win is open to question, as it came early in the season against Sunderland before Martin O'Neill engineered such improvement at the Stadium of Light.
That record gives Swansea, who rank ninth on home form, a decent win chance at [2.48] but they look most solid off -0&-0.5 on the Asian handicap at [2.12]
This season's showdowns between the top five have been enjoyable to watch - as well as hugely profitable for goals backers - and Arsenal v Manchester City on Sunday could follow the same pattern.
Fourteen of the 17 matches in that category have had over 2.5 goals, including both of Arsenal's at home and all three of City's on the road. Both teams rank in the top six overall for matches with over 2.5 goals, which appeals at [1.84].
City have won five out of six (with one defeat) against the rest of the top five, which indicates a good win chance at [3.0] but nearly all their good results on the road were in the first three months of the season.
Since the fireworks display of their 3-2 win at QPR on November 5, City have won only two of their nine away games in the Premier League. In the same period they won 1-0 at Arsenal in the Carling Cup and it's possible to make a case for them on the overall stats, but the win is a risk even at seemingly attractive odds.
A mini-system that's working is a plus, which means that once again the Premier League's recent improvers are worth highlighting.
The improvers are the teams who have averaged more points in the second half of the season than up to halfway, with Manchester United clearly leading that group.
In the past two weeks, three of the improvers have played at home to regressive teams (those whose points average has declined since the halfway point) and all three have won.
The only team that falls into that category this weekend is Sunderland, who host Tottenham on Saturday. The visitors appear to be on the up again, so perhaps the safety net of the Asian handicap is worth having. Sunderland, who have lost only one of their eight home league games under Martin O'Neill, are [3.3] for the win and [1.96] off +0&+0.5 on the Asian handicap.
Recommendations
Swansea off -0&-0.5 on the Asian handicap v Newcastle at [2.12]
Over 2.5 goals in Arsenal v Manchester City at [1.84]
Sunderland off +0&+0.5 on the Asian handicap v Tottenham at [1.96]
Antonio Valencia might struggle to steal the limelight from Wayne Rooney and co, but the former Wigan winger is fast becoming every bit as important......
Arsene Wenger are very wisely attempting to do their business before transfer deadline day dawns this year and Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila is making all the right noises......
Manchester United's late salvo at Blackburn extended their lead at the top to five points and with just seven games to play, Manchester City are now [7.0] to overhaul the leaders. There is however no shortage of hope in the...
Friday, March 30, 2012
Opta Stats: Newcastle v Liverpool
Opta / Richard / 29 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
/ Richard / 29 March 2012 / Leave a Comment Papiss Cisse has already netted five league goals for Newcastle
Liverpool head to Tyneside on the back of desperate defeats to QPR and latterly Wigan...
Liverpool have drawn 99 Premier League games away from home and scored 498 goals on the road. Match odds
Only Wolves (5) have picked up fewer points than Liverpool (8) in the Premier league in 2012. Match odds
Papiss Demba Cisse has scored five goals in his six Premier League appearances for Newcastle.
Dirk Kuyt has scored in five of his seven Premier League starts against Newcastle, including the last three in a row.
Liverpool have won six of their last seven Premier League games against the Magpies, losing the other. Match odds
Newcastle's last victory in this meeting came last season against Liverpool at St James Park when Andy Carroll scored in the 90th minute for the Magpies. Match odds
The Reds have lost five of their last six Premier League matches, including their last three on the road. Match odds
Steven Gerrard has assisted a goal in each of his last four Premier League starts against Newcastle.
Gerrard has also netted five goals in his last five league appearances against the Magpies.
Alan Pardew's side are unbeaten in their last six matches at the Sports Direct Arena, winning four of those. Match odds
Blackburn might have won at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign but they won't repeat the feat this time round......
Tottenham are in desperate need of three points if they are to hold on to fourth spot......
Time is running out for rock-bottom Wolves and a win against fellow strugglers Bolton is an absolute must......
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Lee Dixon: Newcastle can hold Tottenham
Premier League / Lee Dixon / 11 February 2012 / 4 Comments 
Senegal duo Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse can form a formidable partnership for Newcastle
"All these factors mean the draw has appeal at [4.6] but I actually prefer the lay of Spurs. I wouldn’t be that surprised if Newcastle actually won the match so I’d rather cover that eventuality too."
Newcastle keep on improving and in Papiss Cisse they've recruited a dangerous attacker who can form a super partnership with Demba Ba. The former can score at White Hart Lane and help Newcastle to earn at least a draw.
We'll have to wait and see whether Harry Redknapp takes the England job or not. For all we know, he doesn't want it at this moment in time. But all the speculation about it won't be doing him or Tottenham any good at the moment when they have an in-form Newcastle making the trip to White Hart Lane.
Tottenham's match away at Liverpool wasn't exactly a classic but Redknapp will have seen it as a good point earned at a ground where the home side very seldom gets beaten. This match is a different story though and the Spurs boss will be seeing it as one that he really needs to win if his side are to stay in the title race.
The Betfair market makes them [1.53] to do just that but I'm not so sure about that price. Newcastle may be missing Cheick Tiote (international duty), Johan Cabaye (suspension) and probably Ryan Taylor as well for this match (injury) but they've done well in their absences and, in Demba Ba, they have their star and talisman back and in-form, not to mention his mate Papiss Cisse. More on him later. Opta tell us that Spurs have won only two of their last 10 games against Newcastle but on the other hand they've lost just one of their last 29 home matches in the league.
All these factors mean the draw has appeal at [4.6] but I actually prefer the lay of Spurs. I wouldn't be that surprised if Newcastle actually won the match so I'd rather cover that eventuality too.
The over/under 2.5 goals market looks a tough one to call. My preference would just about be for over 2.5 goals but then again 1-1 is a lively runner ahead of this match, too. Confused? Let me try and explain and find the better bet then. We'll leave the 1-1 alone because that scoreline would already be a winner with our lay of Spurs and instead back 'yes' on the 'both teams to score' market. Newcastle have some serious firepower with that duo I've already mentioned and I'd be absolutely amazed if Spurs don't get at least one playing at home. So that looks the call at [1.9].
To Score
It always takes time to adapt when you start playing in a new league but one of the advantages of being new to it are that opposing players may not know so much about you. Papiss Cisse is a good example of that. Premier League defenders probably won't have seen much of him so far given he hasn't featured in the Champions League and didn't really catch the eye at the African Cup of Nations. It's one thing having a plan of how to mark a Robin van Persie or a Darren Bent whose games you're so familiar with, even if they end up scoring anyway, it's another to have a plan for one whose strengths and weaknesses you don't know so much about.
Cisse looked good last Sunday, coming short to receive the ball, moving well when not in possession of it and scoring a cracking goal. I was watching the game with former England international Dion Dublin who said that his gangly running style and the way he controls the ball and shoots reminded him of Nwankwo Kanu. I can see where he's coming from and if he ends up being as good as my former Arsenal team-mate then Newcastle have some player on their hands. Demba Ba is the one with the amazing scoring record - 16 goals in his last 16 matches in the league - but my money is on Cisse to get a goal for Newcastle on Saturday.
2 pts Lay Spurs @ [1.53]
3 pts Back both teams to score @[1.9]
Back Papiss Cisse to score @ [4.2]
Michael Cox says
There will probably be goals in this game, but [2.32] for 'Under 2.5 goals' seems a little overpriced. Spurs weren't much of a goal threat away at Anfield on Monday night, and Emmanuel Adebayor is having a mid-season slump - he hasn't scored for eight games. Newcastle, meanwhile, can be a little too cautious on the road, and with Yohan Cabaye and Ryan Taylor likely to be out, they lack long-range goal threats. They depend too much on their Senegalese duo upfront and, with Michael Dawson superb at Anfield and probably able to keep them quiet, I'll be on unders at that price.
Recommended Bet
Back under 2.5 goals @ [2.32]
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Lee Dixon's Fantastic Five
Get up to £50 back if one leg of Ambassador Dixon's Premier League fivefold lets you down! See this weekend's selection here.
This may not be the best match you'll see all weekend in terms of quality but these are desperate times for these two sides and it's Wolves who get the nod to win it, says Lee Dixon....
Two huge relegation battles are amongst the games Feizal Rahman has previewed this weekend, and it's not good news for Blackburn and Wigan if our man is correct....
Jaymes Monte takes you through the team news, Opta stats and betting markets for three of Saturday's Premier League games......
Friday, February 10, 2012
Opta Stats: Tottenham v Newcastle
Opta / Michael Lintorn / 08 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
New Newcastle number nine Papiss Cisse got off to a great start last week
Two of the most impressive teams in the country this season meet on Saturday teatime looking to continue their unlikely respective title and top-four charges...
Spurs have won only two of their last 10 games against Newcastle (W2 D2 L6), but are unbeaten in their last four and have won the last two at White Hart Lane.
Newcastle have won six times away from home at White Hart Lane, the joint-most times against any opponent on the road in Premier League history.
Tottenham have lost just one of their last 29 Premier League home games, winning nine and losing none of the last 11.
Demba Ba has now scored 16 goals in his last 16 Premier League appearances for Newcastle.
Newcastle have conceded the highest percentage of goals from set pieces (48%).
Danny Simpson has made more clearances off the goalline than any other player (5).
The Magpies have won four of their last five Premier League games (W4 L1).
Tottenham have drawn 99 games at White Hart Lane in Premier League history.
Spurs have lost just two of their last 22 Premier League matches (W15 D5 L2).
The Lilywhites have fired in more shots on target than any other side in the Premier League (155).
Tottenham have picked up fewer cards than any other side in the top flight (27 yellow, one red).
Aston Villa don't win at home, while Manchester City haven't been winning on the road of late, so something has to give at Villa Park on Sunday......
Wolves head into Sunday's Black Country derby on a high, but the statistics suggest that they will do well to claim victory over neighbours West Brom......
The Premier League's overachieving newcomers collide, with Swansea's magnificent home record giving them a clear edge......
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Premier League Betting: Cisse and Ba let Newcastle aim high
Premier League / Michael Lintorn / 07 February 2012 / 2 Comments 
Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse both scored in the win against Aston Villa
"Odds of [2.7] on a top-six finish look increasingly attractive, while the ever ambitious Alan Pardew is keen to fight for fourth [15.0]."
Michael Lintorn reflects on a glorious start for the Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse pairing and other duos who worked together up front for club and country...
After first seeing their exciting new strike force in action during Senegal's awful African Nations Cup campaign, Newcastle fans had any worries that the Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse partnership wouldn't live up to its billing drastically eased against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Given an unexpected 76-minute window to impress together following an early injury to Leon Best, things went better than either could have imagined, both netting in a 2-1 victory.
Ba's goal was his 16th in 18 starts and leaves him second in the scorer standings despite his recent absence, and [13.5] to overtake Robin van Persie before the season is over.
Cisse firing on his debut is arguably even more encouraging for Magpies supporters though, affording the £10 million man an instant and spectacular impact, whereas it took Ba six matches to break his duck, leading some to misguidedly write him off.
And on a weekend where Chelsea and Liverpool were held by top-three opposition, the result is that Newcastle are fifth, a point off the Champions League pace and three clear of Champions League chasing Liverpool.
The idea of European qualification no longer appears fanciful and fears of a complete collapse after their dip in form before Christmas have been soothed, so odds of [2.7] on a top-six finish look increasingly attractive, while the ever ambitious Alan Pardew is keen to fight for fourth at [15.0].
Ba and Cisse are likely to prove pivotal to any success that they enjoy over the next few months, but their unusual situation of linking up in attack both domestically and internationally got this writer thinking of other examples in the Premier League.
It was harder work than anticipated, and required a bit of counting attacking midfielder/winger-forward pairings, however here are six for starters:
Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp - Arsenal and Netherlands
Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka - Leeds and Australia
Sylvain Wiltord and Thierry Henry - Arsenal and France
John Utaka and Nwankwo Kanu - Portsmouth and Nigeria
Elano, Jo and Robinho - Manchester City and Brazil
Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba - Chelsea and Ivory Coast
Feel free to chip in with some of your own in the box below...
Spurs are the better side at the moment but home advantage should provide a good leveller again and the smart money is on a result that would please both managers. A draw it is, says Lee Dixon....
They may have taken just a point, but it was the manner of Manchester United's comeback that should warn Man City that the title race is still wide open. Ralph Ellis reviews the weekend action....
The matches involving the Premier League's three newest clubs - QPR, Swansea and Norwich - presented opportunities to land large sums on Betfair this weekend......
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Opta Stats: Newcastle v Aston Villa
Opta / Michael Lintorn / 02 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Newcastle should have Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse available for this game
Aston Villa were humiliated on their last visit to Tyneside, but will have an opportunity to claim revenge in front of the cameras on Sunday lunchtime...
Alex McLeish has won none and lost three of his five matches as a Premier League coach against Newcastle.
This fixture ended 6-0 to the Magpies last season
Aston Villa have lost just two of their last 12 Premier League away games (W4 D6 L2) and none of the last five (W3 D2).
None of the last nine Premier League meetings between Newcastle and Aston Villa have been away wins.
Newcastle have lost just two of their last 15 Premier League home matches (W8 D5 L2).
Aston Villa have recovered more points from losing positions than any other team in the top flight (11).
Villa have conceded 55% of their goals in the first half, a league-high proportion.
Darren Bent has score in four of his last five Premier League appearances and now has 100 Premier League goals.
Aston Villa are the only team in the Premier League without a goal from a corner this season.
Aston Villa have conceded more goals from corners than any other team in the top flight this season (10).
Liverpool have hit form recently and are even able to welcome Luis Suarez back on Monday night - will they halt Tottenham's title bid?...
Chelsea's home record hasn't been great this season, however after tripping up leaders Manchester City in December, they will be hopeful of causing Manchester United trouble......
Fulham have been a bit of a bogey team for Manchester City in recent seasons - will they be the ones to end the Premier League leaders' perfect home record?...
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Follow The Money: Two Newcastle backs, one Down Royal lay
Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 01 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
/ Follow The Money / 01 February 2012 / Leave a Comment Following the money?
"If Mica Mika continues his steady improvement shown so far, he should still be right in the finish today.
Today's Follow The Money comes from the meetings at Newcastle and Down Royal.
We start at Newcastle in 13:20 Novice Hurdle, where Mica Mika has seen some support coming in from [5.5] into [4.4]. Richard Fahey's runner was a fairly useful runner on the Flat, and his switch to the jumping game has shown signs of promise. He ran second on debut before going one better in a fair event at Wetherby last start. Although the form from that race looks nothing spectacular, if he continues his steady improvement shown so far, he should still be right in the finish today.
We move across the water to Down Royal for 14:35, where Quaquo De Flotte has been slowly drifting from [2.8] out to [3.25]. Although it takes a brave person to bet against a Willie Mullins runner with Ruby Walsh on board, you can see the reasons for the drift. He made few errors when second at Thurles last start, and his head carriage that day gives worries about his attitude. The drop in trip is not ideal, and with him also giving weight all round to his 19 rivals, the odds seem to be too short for the punters to take with confidence today.
Finally we head back to Newcastle for the 15:20 where Tap Night has been backed heavily from [2.40] in to [1.85]. Lucinda Russell's US import confirmed the promise he'd shown during the summer jumps season when winning easily after a break at Carlisle in November. The form of that race has worked out well, so with the money down it looks like a repeat of that run will be more than enough to defy the penalty today.
Recommended Bets
Back Mica Mika @ [4.4] Newcastle 13:20
Lay Quaquo De Flotte @ [3.25] Down Royal 14:35
Back Tap Night @ [1.85] Newcastle 15:20
Today's Follow The Money comes from the meetings at Southwell and Taunton....
Two backs and one lay based on price movements on Betfair's racing markets. The reasons and the reasoning are explained by the Follow The Money crew......
Today's Follow The Money comes from the meetings at Ffos Las and Leopardstown....
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Lee Dixon: Backing Newcastle to beat Chelsea is Best
Premier League / Lee Dixon / 02 December 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Leon Best hasn't scored too many lately but can get on the scoresheet again on Saturday
"This market has been priced up based on name and reputation rather than facts and recent performances and Newcastle are a great value bet to win at 3.95."
Forget the hype, reputation and star names in Chelsea's line-up. It is Newcastle who are at home, look the more organised side and are carrying the greater momentum, says Lee Dixon.
There's that famous story about Nikita Kruschev's last days in power. I don't know if it's 100% true but it goes something like this.
When he was being removed from power in the USSR, Kruschev handed Leonid Brezhnev two sealed envelopes marked '1' and '2' and instructed him not to open them until things were going badly and he found himself in a political situation that he was unable to get out of. If he did, he should open the first letter. Some years later, the time came and Brezhnev opened the first envelope. Inside was a letter that simply stated "Blame everything on me." - he did and it saved his political career for a while. A few years later he was faced with further problems that he didn't know how to solve. He then opened the second one - which read "Sit down. Write two letters.".
I'm not sure Carlo Ancelotti handed Andre Villas-Boas any letters before clearing his desk at Stamford Bridge and the young Chelsea boss has so far resisted the temptation to blame others rather than himself but I suspect that at the moment he'd welcome some advice as to how to find a solution to Chelsea's problems. Back-to-back defeats to Liverpool in the space of a couple of weeks were sandwiched by a loss away at Bayer Leverkusen that has put them in serious danger of crashing out of the Champions League.
And things may be about to get worse this weekend.
Match Odds
We've waited and waited for Chelsea's fortunes to change but that simply hasn't happened so far. Fernando Torres is yet to find anything like his best form, Didier Drogba hasn't looked his old self either and though John Terry has been making some headlines by scoring goals, neither his performances nor those of David Luiz have impressed when it comes to basic defending.
But let's not make this all about Chelsea. We've also all waited for Newcastle's fortunes to take a turn for the worse but that hasn't happened either. Yes they were out-played away at Manchester City (who hasn't been this season?) but they went to Old Trafford last week and got a draw. Yes, it was a dubious decision for the penalty but these things happen and I think they deserved a point.
This market has been priced up based on name and reputation rather than facts and recent performances and Newcastle are a great value bet to win at [3.95].
Over/Under 2.5 Goals/Correct Score
Opta tell us that Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine Premier League matches whilst Chelsea have kept just two in their last nine matches in all competitions. The difference between the two sets of defences is that Newcastle have fielded virtually the same back five all season and don't look like conceding. Chelsea's defenders look like they don't know each other, let alone played with each other and always look like conceding. Either way, the stats suggest we'll have goals here so I'm backing 2-1 Newcastle at [15.0] and over 2.5 goals at [2.06] are the way to go.
To Score
Demba Ba has been the main man for Alan Pardew when it comes to scoring goals. Opta tell us that he's scored 16 goals so far in 2011 and that only Robin van Persie (31) and Wayne Rooney (19) have scored more. I wouldn't put anyone off backing him again but I'm actually going to side with Leon Best on this occasion. He's going through something of a barren spell at the moment but he could be the man to get on the scoresheet here with Chelsea more worried about Ba.
3 pts Back Newcastle to win @ [3.9]
1 pts Back Newcastle to win 2-1 @ [15.0]
2 pts Back Over 2.5 goals @ [2.06]
1 pt back Leon Best to score at anytime @ [4.0]
Michael Cox says:
Daniel Sturridge has scored almost identical goals in Chelsea's last two Premier League matches - moving from a right-wing position into a goalscoring zone to meet a cross from the opposite flank.
I think this is the main area of danger for Newcastle, and the stats back it up - Chelsea attempt 26% of their shots from the right, a higher percentage than any other club. Newcastle are without the suspended Jonas Gutierrez down that side, who does a great defensive job, and with Ryan Taylor very poor against Manchester City a fortnight ago, I think Chelsea will prosper down the right - so Sturridge to open the scoring at [7.5] looks good to me.
Feizal Rahman previews three of Saturday's Premier League fixtures using the Opta stats, and believes goals will be the order of the day as Manchester City look to extend their lead at the top of the table....
After a tricky week with indifferent results in three different competitions, Manchester United should return to winning ways when they travel to Villa Park, a venue that has proved to be a happy hunting ground in recent years......
Gareth Purnell can't make any case for Aston Villa beating Manchester United on Saturday and believes a lay on the home side is a banker selection....
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Opta Stats: Newcastle v Tottenham
Opta / Michael Lintorn / 12 October 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Steven Taylor has been a constant feature of a defence which has conceded just four in seven games
Newcastle's stingy defence meets Tottenham's prolific attack on Sunday. Here's Opta's take on how that battle will unfold...
This is the first time that Newcastle have gone 10 games unbeaten in the top flight since August 1997. (W5 D5)
Spurs have scored exactly one goal on each of their last six visits to St James Park in the Premier League.
Newcastle have won four and lost none of their last five Premier League matches against Tottenham at St James Park.
If Spurs win this match, they will equal their best ever run of successive victories in the Premier League era (five), which they have done four times before.
Aaron Lennon scored in both meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League last season.
Demba Ba has scored 11 goals in 14 Premier League starts.
Newcastle are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League matches at home to London sides, but five of those games have been draws.
Spurs have won only one of their last nine trips to play teams from the north east in the Premier League (W1 D3 L5).
Only the top three sides in the Premier League have scored more goals than Tottenham this season, despite the fact that Spurs have played one game fewer than most teams.
Newcastle have conceded fewer goals than any other side in the Premier League this season and the fewest after seven games of any previous season in the top flight other than 1995-96 and 1900-01, where they had shipped just three.
The Opta trends indicate that Arsenal will begin climbing the table with three points against Sunderland on Sunday, but don't expect a big scoreline......
The first few minutes could prove decisive in Sunday's grudge match at The Hawthorns, with the Baggies frequently flying out of the blocks of late......
Everton have a fine recent record against Chelsea, who have been uncharacteristically leaky at the back. Could there be a shock at Stamford Bridge?...
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sky Dogs Tips: Newcastle can steal Sunderland's big prizes
Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 13 July 2011 / Leave a Comment "In Nyla Fantasy Michael Walsh has a rapidly improving greyhound. Coming into the event as a first-timer over six bends, she has quickly made a big impression, clocking the fastest time in what was undoubtedly the toughest of the semi-finals, and from her handy trap one draw is taken to claim the big prize"
Sunderland's Greyhound Festival concludes live on Sky Sports this Thursday evening with both feature Classic and Grand Prix finals wide open - but Darrell Williams believes both prizes could be heading to Newcastle!
Sunderland's big night of the year looks a belter with four finals up for decision, but solving the two major puzzles, the Classic and Grand Prix, is far from easy with both races overloaded with in-form greyhounds.
Undoubtedly a victory for Blonde Snapper in the feature Classic final (21:45) would be the 'fairytale' result with Mark Wallis' charge having fought back from a lengthy injury to reach this stage unbeaten. His credentials look spot on, having clocked the fastest semi-final time, and having reached the Puppy Plate final over the CD last season, the track certainly plays to his strengths. But with early speed, in the shape of sprinter Lampard on his immediate inside, and the unthinkable threat of a further setback - as his trainer has stated 'we have to manage him' I am reluctantly forced to pass him by.
Newcastle based Jimmy Wright is chasing a third consecutive Grand Prix victory and with two representatives will fancy his chances, but it's his Magna Buddy that makes most appeal in the Classic. Having enjoyed an excellent early season sprinting campaign, which included victory in the Northern Sprint at Sheffield, he has taken the step back up to four bends in his stride, and can utilise his excellent early speed to claim the big prize.
A winner of 11 of his 16 races this season, Magna Buddy looks well drawn inside the speed in trap three and can dominate over the 450m trip where he boasts a four from five record. Strong running Derby runner-up Westmead Guru looks well housed in trap one, but may find reeling in the speedy Magna Buddy beyond him.
Both Wright and Wallis also hold strong chances in the Grand Prix (21:25), with the former dually represented with Droopys Hester and the more obvious claims of Droopys Luisao. Runner-up in the Northern Puppy Derby, Luisao is one of three unbeaten finalists, further illustrating the strength of the race, and having only stepped up to six bends for this event looks open to ample further improvement.
Wallis' Blonde Fletch has been setting the standard over six bends this summer, most notably when winning the Regency back in May, and his versatile style has helped him to win 13 of his 18 starts over six bends. In a red-hot final, Regency and Leger runner-up Bower Hawk's strong running style also makes him a threat in a race packed full of early paced types.
However, in Nyla Fantasy, Newcastle handler Michael Walsh has a rapidly improving greyhound taken to beat them all. Also coming into the event as a first-timer over six bends, she has quickly made a big impression, clocking the fastest time in what was undoubtedly the toughest of the semi-finals, and from her handy trap one draw is taken to claim the big prize.
There would be no more popular winner on the support card than reigning Greyhound of the Year Jimmy Lollie, who rates the nap in the Festival Flyer final (20:45). Returning from a three month injury with victory in the heats, Seamus Cahill's charge can successfully defend his crown, as well as his unblemished 5/5 record over the 261m trip.
The Puppy Plate final (21:05) looks wide-open, and a race I'd be quite happy to swerve, but for those looking for a play I'd recommend Skywalker Teddy, who despite having been a beaten favourite in each of his last three outings, looks well-berthed as the only railer in trap one.
Cloncunny Magic, just outside the sprint clock the other week, is fancied to spring a surprise in the supporting sprint (20:15) for local handler Ann Lagan, where big names Rotar Wing and Fifis Rocket are amongst the opposition. Both however can be opposed, with 'Wing' having won just one of his last five outings, while 'Rocket's previous Sunderland form has been woeful.
Yahoo Jamie looks solid in the opener (19:40), but I'm struggling to split Head Iton Jason and Anfi Gem in the 20:00.
Selections (in preference order)
Jimmy Lollie 20:45
Cloncunny Magic 20:15
Nyla Fantasy 21:25
Yahoo Jamie 19:40
Magna Buddy 21:45
The Lord has two dogs to get against in tonight's Sky-televised action from Oxford...
Loughview Gem's Northern Irish Derby victory was hailed as a shock by many - but not to Darrell Williams - whose six Sky selections at Drumbo on Saturday all won. But the top tipster is expecting few surprises in the...
A fortnight after Taylors Sky's riveting Derby victory, Sky Sports cameras pay a first visit to Belfast for the Northern Irish Derby where Darrell Williams thinks Loughview Gem offers a value alternative to hot favourite Leeview Jet....
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