Fulham v Manchester United: Red Devils to move 10 points clear at the top

"Throw in the fact that Fulham’s home games have averaged over three goals per game this term, and that United have averaged three goals scored against Saturday’s opponents in recent years, then it’s a straightforward task to recommend Over 3.5 Goals at 2.68/5."

Fulham are out to gain quick compensation for their defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup last Saturday, but Mike Norman believes the Cottagers will be left disappointed...

Fulham v Manchester United
Kick-off Saturday 17:30, live on ESPN

Just a week after Manchester United handed out a 4-1 thrashing to Fulham in the FA Cup the two sides meet again, this time in the Premier League and this time at Craven Cottage. But don't expect the outcome to be any different.

Sir Alex Ferguson has exactly the same squad of players now as he had before the January Transfer Window - even £15m capture Wilfried Zaha is back at Crystal Palace on loan - and few can blame the United boss for putting his faith in the same group of players that have taken the club seven points clear at the top of the table.

Fulham however did make some Deadline Day signings. Martin Jol has brought in Dutch international midfielder Urby Emanuelson, Bulgarian defender Stanislav Manolev, and Cameroonian defensive midfielder Eyong Enoh, all on loan.

All three of the Cottagers' new boys could play a part in the game against United, but one man who is unlikely to figure is ex-Red Devil Dimitar Berbatov after he pulled a hamstring in his side's 3-1 win over West Ham in midweek.

United's form leading up to the game is sold, Fulham's is patchy at best (just three league wins from their last 16 outings), and with Opta pointing out that Man Utd have won six and drawn one of their last seven meetings with the London club then it's easy to understand why the league leaders are strong favourites to collect another three points.

Match Odds

United took full advantage of Manchester City's failure to beat QPR on Tuesday night with an unimpressive 2-1 win over Southampton at Old Trafford 24 hours later. But we're getting to the business end of the season now, and unimpressive victories, especially when your main title rivals fail to win, are just as welcome as any other victory.

On that performance alone however some may view the 1.664/6 on offer for a United win a little on the skinny side - Fulham can be backed at 6.05/1 with the Draw at 4.3100/30.

But it's unlikely that United will play as poor again, and with five straight victories over Fulham, scoring 15 goals in the process, Ferguson's men will be extremely confident of extending their lead at the top of the table to 10 points.

United put four past the Cottagers just seven days ago in the cup, and with a stronger line-up expected for this encounter, and their ability to score goals away from home not in any doubt, then it's easy to envisage them scoring three or four again. An away win has to be the call.

Over/Under 3.5 Goals

Just because this fixture is at Craven Cottage and not at Old Trafford doesn't mean we shouldn't expect as many goals as we saw last weekend. United are by far the highest scoring side in the Premier League away from home, and the 27 goals that they have scored on their travels is just five short of the number of home league goals they've scored this season.

Throw in the fact that Fulham's home games have averaged over three goals per game this term, and that United have averaged three goals scored against Saturday's opponents in recent years, then it's a straightforward task to recommend Over 3.5 Goals at 2.68/5.

Other Markets

Slightly contradictory to the above, backing the No option in the Both teams to Score market at 2.3811/8 is certainly something to think about. With Nemanja Vidic back to full fitness, and Berbatov expected to miss the game, it's possible that United could win this in easy fashion without conceding a goal.

Preference however is to have a small wager on Any Unquoted in the Correct Score market at 6.05/1. I really do fancy some goals in this game so there's no need for me to concern myself debating whether the home side will score or not. If United score three or four as I expect them too then there'll be plenty of opportunity for me to lock in some profits on my recommended bets.

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.68/5
Back Any Unquoted Correct Score @ 6.05/1
Back Man Utd to win @ 1.664/6

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Watches Center

Premier League Stats: Liverpool's tough double header to result in nil points

"City have scored in their last 43 Premier League home games, winning 37 (86%), and it would be a surprise if Liverpool were strong enough to shut them out."

Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool @ 1.910/11

After Liverpool's shock loss to Oldham in the FA Cup they now face a tough double header in the Premier League, starting with tonight's trip to Arsenal. Andrew Atherley assesses their chances...

Brendan Rodgers questioned the mental strength of his young Liverpool players following the FA Cup defeat at Oldham and it is something that may be asked again if they come away empty-handed from this week's away double-header at Arsenal and Manchester City.

The signs are not promising for an immediate pick-me-up. Whether it's in the mind or simply a case of a lack of class, Liverpool's players have had particular difficulty in this type of fixture this season. They have the third-worst record against top-half opponents (based on the table prior to this week's fixtures) with no win out of 11 - only Wigan and Southampton have done worse in terms of points per game, and even then only marginally.

On the road Liverpool have drawn three and lost four against top-half teams, but a more telling statistic is that they have kept only one clean sheet in those seven matches, which backs up the argumenr that there is a lack of resolve in Rodgers' team. It is notable also that only West Brom in the top half have conceded more away goals than Liverpool's 18.

Arsenal, Liverpool's first hosts of the week, have a good chance of exploiting that weakness. While they haven't been as strong at home as usual, Arsene Wenger's team still have a good record when scoring at the Emirates (six wins out of eight in the Premier League) and look a decent win bet at 2.47/5 .

Manchester City are shorter, of course, at 1.910/11 for Sunday's home match against Liverpool but they are no less appealing.

City have scored in their last 43 Premier League home games, winning 37 (86%), and it would be a surprise if Liverpool were strong enough to shut them out.

On the other side of the coin, Liverpool have lost half of the 14 Premier League games in which they have conceded under Rodgers. Although both wins in that scenario came on the road, those were against bottom-half sides Norwich and West Ham and Liverpool have lost three of the last four away league games in which they have conceded.

If the premise is correct that both City and Arsenal will score against Liverpool, goals-related bets are worth considering too.

City have had 67% over 2.5 goals in those last 43 home games in which they have scored, but it is worth noting that both teams have scored in just 42% (a figure that rises only slightly with the quality of opposition).

Both outcomes seem more likely judging by Liverpool's figures. Of the nine away games in which Liverpool have conceded, seven (78%) have had over 2.5 goals and both teams have scored in eight (89%).

Clashes between the Premier League big six have continued to be high-scoring this season - 67% over 2.5 goals with both sides scoring in 84%. Last season both of those figures were 67%, which seems a good indication of where the true average might be at the moment.

Like Manchester City, Arsenal tend to hit higher scores once the opposition's barricades have been breached. Six of the eight home games in which they have scored this season have gone over 2.5 goals (both sides have scored in those same six games).

The odds seem in the backer's favour for Over 2.5 Goals in Arsenal v Liverpool at 1.738/11 and even on Both teams to Score at 1.68/13 .

Both outcomes are similarly priced for Manchester City v Liverpool at 1.748/11 for Over 2.5 Goals and 1.625/8 for Both teams to Score.

Recommended Bets

Back Arsenal to beat Liverpool @ 2.47/5
Back Arsenal v Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.738/11
Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool @ 1.910/11
Back Manchester City v Liverpool Over 2.5 goals @ 1.748/11

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Watches Center

League One Betting: Tranmere to take the points

The market seems to have underplayed Tranmere's excellent start to the season, and I would make them slightly odds-on for this weekend's League One clash at Prenton Park. Remember, Rovers are still unbeaten this term, and have won both their matches at home.

Harry Redknapp is back at Bournemouth, whilst Graham Westley is still building at Preston. League One expert Alan Dudman is back to view their chances, and a decent bet at Prenton Park.

Tranmere Rovers v Coventry City, Saturday 15:00

Tranmere Rovers 2.1411/10 v Coventry City 3.90n/a, the draw 3.55n/a

The market seems to have underplayed Tranmere's excellent start to the season, and I would make them slightly odds-on for this weekend's League One clash at Prenton Park. Remember, Rovers are still unbeaten this term, and have won both their matches at home.

Saturday's 0-0 at Crewe was a decent game between two attacking sides, but Tranmere lacked a clinical touch despite pressing forward. I have often spoke in glowing terms of their manager Ronnie Moore, who has created a really good counter-attacking side with loads of pace. Their 4-0 win over Colchester this season highlighted their strength in wide areas, as well as the talent of 19-year-old striker Jake Cassidy - who bagged a hat-trick in that encounter.

The hosts have conceded just one goal in two games at Prenton Park, which sets a fairly tough task for Coventry City, who have managed just three points thus far. Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Stevenage once again showcased their ability to switch off defensively and the second-half goals conceded are becoming a recurring theme. And they are still to finalise a new permanent manager.

To me, the Sky Blues and their current squad look a bit short in this division, and short for these types
of games against hard-nosed, quick teams that will ask plenty of questions. That makes them too difficult to side with for the weekend, and Tranmere look a bet.

Recommended bets:
Back Tranmere to win @ 2.1411/10

Bournemouth v Hartlepool, Saturday 15:00

Bournemouth 1.784/5 v Hartlepool 5.309/2, the draw 3.505/2

If the news passed you by, former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has returned to Bournemouth in some
kind of advisory capacity. Whether his influence was crucial in their 1-0 victory at Yeovil last week will be open to debate, but the three points were thoroughly deserved against an in-form team.

The Cherries have been a bit unlucky this season, having played some good football whilst dominating quite
a few games, perhaps their points tally of six hasn't quite matched their efforts. Manager Paul Groves has got them playing, and they really bossed Yeovil last weekend and kept the ball for long periods. The arrival of experienced midfielder Richard Hughes has been inspired, as the veteran brings intelligence and a calming influence where it is needed.

Bournemouth look good when playing a diamond formation - which allows their full-backs to push on and whip balls into the box. Both their home matches have been under 2.5 goals this season however, and their plan will be to control the match and limit Hartlepool's chances.

Pool were a bit naive last Saturday (and a blow for this column in nearly bagging the correct score), and
conceded a late goal having chased the game rather than protect, and I think Bournemouth might just start
finding their mojo to gain another win.

Recommended bets:
Back Bournemouth to win @ 1.784/5

Preston North End v Crawley Town, Saturday 15:00

Preston North End 2.285/4 v Crawley Town 3.45n/a, the draw 3.505/2

It's time I looked at one of my ante-post bets, and a chance to assess 'Project Graham Westley'. And it looks fairly healthy, with the Whites sitting in eighth with eight points and GW still striving for more.

His new squad are still evolving, but striker Akpo Sodje has made a big impact with four goals in six appearances, whilst recent signing Stuart Beavon from Wycombe fits Westley's mould as a hard-working forward with a terrific work-rate.

Crawley had a blip last weekend, simple as that. More so the referee having a blip during that nightmare 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth, a game they dominated for good periods but were reduced to nine-men, with the defeat ended an excellent opening run to their campaign.

The hosts are a big threat from set-pieces, with Scott Laird's wand of a left-foot providing much of the ammunition this term, and it might be a game where both will be good defensively. Laird provided two of the assists for the goals against Bury, and I think set-pieces will be the overriding factor here.

Recommended bets:
Back-to-lay correct scores 0-0 and 1-1
Back Preston to win @ 2.285/4

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Watches Center

Lee Dixon: Struggling sides to share the points at Ewood Park

Premier League / Lee Dixon / 09 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Luis Suarez rues yet another missed chance, the story of Liverpool's season

"I don’t think this will be a goalless draw because I’m not sure either defence is good enough to keep a clean sheet. A Blackburn one is a rare sight indeed at Ewood Park with Opta telling us Steve Kean’s men have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League games."

Two teams who have seriously under-achieved this campaign meet on Tueday night and it's hard to pick a winner. The draw is over-priced anyway so it makes sense to think a share of the spoils is on the cards, says Lee Dixon.

A match between two sides who really need a win for very different reasons. Blackburn were extremely poor at the weekend and let indiscipline get the better of them both in terms of poor defending and a late red card. As for Liverpool, by hook or by crook, they need to start winning league matches.

Match Odds

You could almost blindly lay Liverpool for every Premier League match they're involved in. They continue to be under-priced both home and away and the odds on offer about them winning games are based solely on reputation and some of the names in that squad. Ten days ago we took a huge price on Newcastle to beat them and they duly obliged in a game they pretty much dominated throughout.

You can probably see where I'm going with this! I simply can't have Liverpool at [2.16] to win a tricky away game against a side fighting for their lives. Ewood Park is a tough place to go and we saw how much Manchester United struggled to break them down last Monday.

The defending champions needed a moment of brilliance from Antonio Valencia and a late second from Ashley Young to put the game to bed and the way the United players celebrated at the end was a good indication of just how tough it was for them.

A few weeks ago I thought the goals of Yakubu would save Blackburn from the drop but he's been a bit quiet over the last few games and they really need him to start firing. He actually seems to save his best for the bigger games so I wouldn't be too surprised if he does a good job of leading the line against a Liverpool defence who seems a shadow of the stingy one that started the season so well.

I think Blackburn are over-priced at [3.9] but the stats don't lie. Opta tell us Rovers have won just two of the last 26 Premier League games against Liverpool so they obviously struggle for some reason against them. But having watched how dogged they were against Manchester United and having said Liverpol were far too short, that means there's definitely value in the draw price at [3.6]

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

I don't think this will be a goalless draw because I'm not sure either defence is good enough to keep a clean sheet. A Blackburn one is a rare sight indeed at Ewood Park with Opta telling us Steve Kean's men have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League games.

But neither side is exactly prolific either and in Liverpool's case a clue for that may be in the fact they keep hitting the frame of the goal rather the goal itself. As Opta reveal: the Reds have hit the woodwork 28 times this season. If all their woodwork strikes (and the oppositions') had gone in, they'd be 13 points better off. Other reasons include the fact that no-one has made a good fist of giving Luis Suarez good support and the fact the service to the Uruguyan has often been poor.

1-1 would be my idea of a scoreline but under [2.5] goals is probably the best way to play this.

Bookings Odds

Don't underestimate the importance of such things as the time when a match is played. Night matches can often create a more electric atmosphere, certainly more so than those 12:45 kick-offs we see these days because of TV scheduling. A night game is also more likely to have dew on the grass and that leads to the ball zipping around nicely but also the odd mist-timed tackle.

It's the teams who are playing poorly who often get players booked and let's face it, not many sides in the division are struggling as much as these two.

Frustration boils over because you're not executing game-plans or individuals aren't doing things with the ball that they know they're capable of in training.

This match has the makings of a fiery contest and we should get at least five bookings so nine points and above at around [2.6] appeals.

2pts Back the draw @ [3.6]
2 pts Back under 2.5 goals @ [2.04]
1 pt Back nine points and above in the bookings odds market @ [2.6]

Norwich stun Tottenham, Newcastle record a fifth successive win, and Everton thrash Sunderland on an afternoon of Premier League action....

After Mario Balotelli's red card yesterday, and Wayne Rooney's extended run without a yellow card, Ralph Ellis makes a case for discipline being a vital factor in this season's title race....

Followers of Lee Dixon's column would have enjoyed a great day if backing all his selections on Easter Sunday. Mike Norman explains......

Amazon Watches Center

The Boat Race 2012: Des points way to Cambridge super-heavyweights

Other / Jack Houghton / 04 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Des Lynam: the Google Scholar of his day

"Years of watching Des Lynam front the BBC coverage had turned me into a rowing expert and, if Des had taught me anything in that time, it was that, when it came to Boat Race glory, the heavier crew always had the advantage."

Even after a morning spent with Google Scholar and his trusted spreadsheet, Jack Houghton is still more inclined to rely on the wisdom of Des Lynam when selecting his Boat Race bets.

When I was woken this morning - by my two-year-old son shouting "Up!", whilst thrusting a book about a penguin in my face - I had no clue how fascinating the world of rowing physiology was.

Stay with me.

It all started when I was perusing my Boat Race spreadsheet. That's right ladies, a Boat Race spreadsheet... please form an orderly queue. But more of that in a minute.

Years of watching Des Lynam front the BBC coverage had turned me - as well millions of others - into a once-a-year rowing expert and, if Des had taught me anything in that time, it was that, when it came to Boat Race glory, the heavier crew always had the advantage.

Why was it, then, that this year's Cambridge eight, at an average of around one-and-a-quarter stones heavier a man than their Oxford counterparts, were the outsiders in the Betfair market at [3.35]? Is it that weight is no longer considered the key determiner of Boat Race success? After all, the lighter and less-experienced Oxford crew had crushed the Cambridge boat last year. Or were there other factors influencing those odds?

My Boat Race spreadsheet told me a lot. Despite the weigh-in being viewed as a key psychological event - with crews reportedly drink excess amounts of water beforehand to bulk up by a few pounds - since 1980, the heavier boat has only gone on to win around 60 per cent of the time. That's hardly any more significant than a coin toss.

So should we ignore crew weight?

After a morning spent on Google Scholar, I think the answer is "yes". As far as I can make out, it all comes down to two key variables: propulsion and drag. Heavier rowers are generally more powerful, meaning they can generate more propulsion, but they also submerge the boat more, creating increased drag. In tests, the increased power was more than enough to compensate for the increased drag. In analysis conducted by Niels Secher in Physiology of Sports, heavier rowers typically had an advantage of 2.6 per cent over lighter rowers. Here's the crunch point though: for Secher, "heavier" meant, on average, 23kgs heavier. And he found that, as race distance increases, weight advantage decreases.

For Boat Race participants then, racing over nearly 7,000m, and rarely having more than a few kilograms a man between each boat, it is of little surprise that crew weight seems to have such a limited affect on the results.

Unfortunately, the spreadsheet then confuses things again. Looking at the last 18 occasions when one crew has significantly outweighed its opponent - "significant" defined as an average difference of more than 4kg a man - shows that the super-heavyweight crews win 88 per cent of the time. It also shows, though, that those super-heavyweights rarely go on to win by large margins. Perhaps this demonstrates that bigger, more powerful crews are able to dominate the first part of the race, gaining an unassailable tactical advantage, but then rarely have the required endurance to completely row away from their opponents.

So where does this all leave us in our analysis?

Perhaps nowhere. Oxford, at [1.41], are likely favourites because they've looked more impressive in their warm-up races. They spanked Leander by 20 seconds a fortnight ago, and managed to win both parts of a double-header against Molesey. Cambridge, on the other hand, had to work harder to despatch Leander, and were only able to share the spoils with Molesey. Maybe this should be guiding our punting?

Well, maybe, but then years of compiling my Boat Race spreadsheet has shown me that warm-up performances seem to have little bearing on the result of the big one.

All things considered then, I'm going in on Cambridge at [3.35]. They'll use their greater power to get out to an early lead, and then it will all be over.

At least that's what my spreadsheet tells me. And Des wouldn't have lied to me for all those years, would he?

The Contrarian is determined to make 2012 his most profitable year yet, and as a sign of intent he is kicking it off with a whopping five separate suggestions......

There are twelve months in a year and each one represents a good chance to make some money on Betfair in 2012. Eliot Pollak talks us through them....

Lionel Galea looks forward to another intriguing bout of UFC as plucky Jake Shields aims to cause an upset by beating the current champion into submission....

Amazon Watches Center

Rugby League Tips: Untested defences = big points scored

Rugby League / Stuart Jones / 10 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

Brett Hodgson adds attacking glitz to the Exiles

"I expect the Exiles to come out on top, but a handicap of six points isn’t far off the mark in my book, so given the limited time the sides’ have had to prepare their defence, combined with the attacking talent on display, over 46.5 points at [2.0] looks the call."

Stuart Jones looks at the Friday night special between England and Exiles as well as Bradford's Super League test against St Helens

The inaugural match-up between England and the Exiles takes place at Headingley on Friday evening and, with the RL marketing team on overtime since February, they will be bitterly disappointed if it's not close to a sell-out.

England have been rocked by injuries to two of their key playmakers, with James Roby (fractured eye-socket) and Danny Brough (ankle) both forced out of Steve McNamara's plans late on. Roby and Brough have been two of Super League's standout performers this season and both will be sorely missed, Brough's kicking game way ahead of anybody else's in the England ranks.

The concept of the Exiles is basically to pick the crème-de-la-crème of foreign Super League talent to provide a sterner test of our International side than the previous friendlies against France.

Brian McClennan has returned to coach the side and he has been able to pick a very strong 18-man squad, though it is a shame that the maximum three players from any one club rule has meant that Michael Monaghan was left out.

It's hard to pick too many weaknesses in the Exiles squad. Tony Puletua, David Faalago and Kylie Leulaui provide plenty of bulk in the forwards, and with Brett Hodgson and Rangi Chase in the backline, they won't lack for creativity.

I expect the Exiles to come out on top, but a handicap of six points isn't far off the mark in my book, so given the limited time the sides' have had to prepare their defence, combined with the attacking talent on display, over 46.5 points at [2.0] looks the call.

Not having a single player in the England squad speaks volumes about the downturn in the Bradford Bulls' fortunes over the last few seasons, though they are lucky to be facing an in-form St Helens side on the same weekend that the majority of their stars are involved in the International fixture.

How many players that backup from Friday's game will have a huge impact on the current handicap line of eight points, as will the participation of James Roby, who faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday afternoon.

The Bulls have managed to string a couple of wins together in recent weeks and put up a gutsy display as they lost narrowly to Wigan in the Challenge Cup despite being reduced to 12 men in the first half. Their defence looking more assured than it did earlier in the year.

Even if all of the Saints players involved in the Exiles game do figure at Odsal, it's hard to imagine that they will play that much of a part, or be at the top of their game, so the Bulls in the outright market is the best bet.

Recommended Bets
Back over 46.5 points in the England vs Exiles game @ [2.0]
Back Bradford Bulls in the outright market @ [2.7]

Stuart Jones has a value pick when FC play KR plus selections for two other Super League games...

Stuart Jones believes that the Tigers can hit the road to recovery against their neighbours while Bradford could be in for a torrid time against Wigan on Challenge Cup weekend....

Round four of the Challenge Cup sees teams from the top flight enter the competition and there are two live games on BBC this weekend. Leeds host the Crusaders on Saturday afternoon, whilst on Sunday, Bradford travel to Halifax. Stuart...

Play Casino & Poker here

Betfair punter scoops £100,000 after Meehan points to 6070/1 four-timer

Trainer Talk / Dan Thomas / 06 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

All four of Brian Meehan's weekend runners won their races - landing one Betfair punter nearly £100,000

"We knew that Brian Meehan and Michael Bell would provide great insight when we signed them up, but for all four picks on one day to come home, landing a punter £100,000, was beyond all our expectations."

A Betfair punter won almost £100,000 after reading Brian Meehan's column on betting.betfair and backing the trainer's four runners in a £10 a line Yankee on Friday evening.

All four horses - Canaveral ([3.888] on Betfair vs Industry SP of [4.0]), Aciano ([7.156] vs [7.5]), Bea Remembered ([9.55] vs [8.5])
and Lhermitagewere ([22.85] vs [17.0]) - were highlighted out by Meehan in his Friday column for Betfair.

Meehan was confident on all his four runners that night and pointed our readers in the right direction to his 6070/1 Betfair SP four timer.

Stephen Kennelly, Racing Marketing Manager at Betfair, said: "We knew that Brian Meehan and Michael Bell would provide great insight when we signed them up, but for all four picks on one day to come home, landing a Betfair punter nearly £100,000, was beyond all our expectations.

"It was a good thing he did the Multiple on Betfair. He was 32% better off against an Industry SP Multiple; in fact he had over £20,000 more in his back pocket."

Key Facts:

The punter's Yankee was 32% better off with Betfair SP Multiples vs Industry SP (including 5% Betfair commission applied to each leg)

A single four timer was 40% better off with Betfair SP vs Industry SP Multiple (including commission)

Betfair SP after 5% commission vs Industry SP

Canaveral [3.888] vs [4.0]
Aciano [7.156] vs [7.5]
Bea Remembered [9.55] vs [8.5]
Lhermitage [22.85] vs [17.0]

Every weekend Brian Meehan and Michael Bell will give you their honest thoughts and opinion on all their runners chances in our Trainer Talk column.

Michael Bell talks us through the respective chances of all his horses who will be in action on Friday and Saturday. Look out for a video showing what goes on behind the scenes in his yard at the end of the piece....

It's a busy couple of days for Brian who sends horses to Doncaster, Bath and Lingfield - read his thoughts on all of them here......

Brian Meehan provides the lowdown on his weekend runners as they bid for glory at HQ and Haydock......

Play Casino & Poker here

League Two Betting: Stockport to pick up a rare three points?

English Football League / Ian Lamont / 24 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

"Stockport almost gained a point at Aldershot last weekend and caretaker boss Ray Mathias is understood to have restored calm in the dressing room after a chaotic period following the departure of boss Peter Ward."

They may be struggling at the bottom, but can Stockport achieve just their third victory of the season this weekend? Meanwhile, the battle for the play-off positions is hotting up with Stevenage, Gillingham and Oxford all in need of points. Ian Lamont picks the best League Two bets.

Stockport [3.35] draw [3.55] Southend [2.28]

Things might be getting a little desperate for Stockport at the bottom, but it is important for punters to remember that they do actually win occasionally. This looks like a chance. Their previous two wins have come at home, against the varying qualities of Oxford and Bury. Southend have lost three in a row away, drawing the one before that, and have won just once in seven games. Their brief flirtation with a play-off chance seems to be over. Stockport almost gained a point at Aldershot last weekend and caretaker boss Ray Mathias is understood to have restored calm in the dressing room after a chaotic period following the departure of boss Peter Ward. Like Accrington, a poor home surface must be to their advantage because at least they know about it. Practically a last hurrah at good odds. A decent value bet.

Macclesfield [3.4] draw [3.45] Stevenage [2.38]

The visitors, under Graham Westley, have found a tremendous late burst as the season reaches its climax. Tuesday's victory at Burton was a fourth in a row and leaves them fifth. The trick is to hold onto a play-off spot after reaching such heady heights for the first time. Many teams fall straight out again. It would seem unlikely that Westley would allow Stevenage to drop their guard. John Mousinho continues to supply goals from midfield, while if centre-backs win leagues - for which it is a bit late - then you will find few better partnerships than Jon Ashton and Mark Roberts. The lack of a focal main striker to bang in goals and build around is undoubtedly why they come up short among the best, but Macclesfield are not in that category. And yet, the Silkmen have only been beaten twice in 11 games, winning at Morecambe in midweek at 3.0 to cement their fine recent form. Hamza Bencherif scored twice, adding to one last Saturday, surely securing League Two football for another season. It is hard to go against Macclesfield, yet hard to see either side ceding easily. The draw at [3.45] seems the best option.

Cheltenham [3.35] draw [3.45] Gillingham [2.35]

Win your home games and draw away for title-winning form, they say. It took a while, but that statistical pendulum has got the Gills into the play-off picture, although they appear to have started their run too late to be title contenders. However, a top three place is very much still up for grabs, given Wycombe and Bury's proclivity for self-combustion. Andy Hessenthaler's team face three winnable games, starting with this one, to possibly propel them into the top three. Two defeats in 22 would seem to suggest they have a chance; however nine of those have been draws. Not all have been on their travels, where they have 10 draws, joint highest with Accrington. But Gillingham have more quality than Stanley to press their advantage for wins on the road and their current position of seventh is the minimum they should be achieving. Cheltenham, in contrast, seem to have gone into freefall. It is a toss up between a draw and away win, with the latter just prevailing, Cody McDonald to keep firing the goals.

Oxford [1.87] draw [3.55] Burton [4.7]

Inevitably, when one points out a pattern it will be broken. But a rare foray into the exact score market is in order after Oxford's last four games have ended 2-1, either to them or their opponents. Another tight game is certainly in prospect, with Chris Wilder's men having just that outside chance of reaching the play-offs while Burton really must start picking up more than draws. Yes, they have games in hand, but these have to be translated into points, even though the two teams below them look particularly poor. The respective odds on 2-1 are [8.8] for Oxford and [17.0] for the visitors. A side dish of the former should accompany a bet on the hosts.

Recommended Bets
Back Stockport at home to Southend at [3.35]
Back Macclesfield to draw with Stevenage at [3.45]
Back Gillingham to win at Cheltenham at [2.35]
Back Oxford to beat Burton at 1.87 and to win 2-1 at 8.8

Alan Dudman returns to League One tipping duties with a look at three matches on international weekend...

We went out and spoke to former betting.betfair columnist Gary Speed on life without Ryan Giggs, where Gareth Bale ranks amongst the best in the world and gunning for a big scalp on Saturday....

Ian Lamont identifies the best betting opportunities in another ever-competitive weekend of League Two action....

Play Casino & Poker here

Premier League Results: Arsenal drop crucial points in title race

Premier League / Maxliu / 05 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Arsene Wenger shows his frustration as Arsenal waste another chance

"The Gunners' ttile odds are out to [3.6] following the draw, which traded at [5.8], and if they do fail to win the league they may look back on the chances they spurned today and wince."

Wenger left to rue missed chances as Arsenal blow opportunity to close gap. Meanwhile, Hammers happy for second time in a week and Duff leaves Blackburn's safety looking dodgy...

Arsenal missed the chance to make ground on Manchester United at the top of the Premier League as they drew 0-0 with Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners' title odds are out to [3.6] following the draw, which traded at [5.8], and if they do fail to win the league they may look back on the chances they spurned today and wince.

West Ham are out of the relegation zone after they traded at [2.58] on their way to a consecutive win at home ton Stoke. The Hammers were 2-0 at half-time before Thomas Hitzlsperger rewarded over 2.5 goal backers late on to make it 3-0.

Blackburn could soon be replacing the Hammers in the drop zone after they lost again, going down 3-2 away to Fulham. In a lively, hard fought contest, Damien Duff was twice on target for the Cottagers against his old club.

Bolton beat Aston Villa by the same scoreline at the Reebok Stadium where Ashley Young missed a crucial second-hald penalty. Gary Cahill scored twice for Wanderers before Ivan Klasnic came off the bench to get the winner late on. Bolton were backed at 21.0.

Everton picked up a valuable three points away to Newcastle. Leon Best gave the Geordies the lead in the first half but the Toffees hit back through Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka put them ahead. That's how the scores remained and 2-1 was matched at [16.0].

In the day's early kick-off, West Brom stunned Birmingam with a ferocious second half performance. The teams went in 0-0 at half-time but Roy Hodgson rallied his men and the Baggies, who touched [4.5], took the intiative, winning 3-1. James Morrison's 20-yard thunderbolt was the pick of the goals.

The two most successful football teams in England go head-to-head this Sunday lunchtime as Liverpool take on Manchester United at Anfield. Feizal Rahman selects the best bets....

Wenger left to rue missed chances as Arsenal blow opportunity to close gap. Meanwhile, Hammers happy for second time in a week and Duff leaves Blackburn's safety looking dodgy......

With AC Milan looming in the rear-view mirror, Spurs may not have their eye on the ball here - can Wolves profit? Joe Dyer may have the answers...

Play Casino & Poker here

Ten to Follow Leaderboard: Double points Donald does the business

Ten to Follow Tipping Comp / Paul Krishnamurty / 28 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Staying out of these helped Luke Donald win the WGC Matchplay

Following the first WGC event of the season, for which double points were on offer, we have big changes on the leaderboard, including a new leader. The 122 points earned by Luke Donald propelled Paul McGlinchey to pole position, and his side also contains the top scoring player so far, Bubba Watson. There's another chance for bumper scoring next week in the form of the next WGC event, but first we've got the Honda Classic.

Paul McGlinchey 417
Kendolph Express 382
EME15 371
wedge1 371
Duncan 364
Joe Dyer 363
Holly Stott 351
Sam Harrop 346
Adi Crow 343
Ontheteeee 328
TopDollar1 323
Sportsman 323
Mark Peters 309
Lochinvar 309
Steve 301
Martyns23 298
Louie Mendoza 293
Feizal Rahman 292
Richard Ball 289
Steven Rawlings 288
Gary Binosh 283
stonecolds 282
Lee Adamson 278
Chris Doppler 277
Alan Vye 273
Mike Rangecroft 269
Hoof Hearted 268
Silk Success 268
USNA1964 266
ReaseHeath 264
Stan Oentoe 263
golfvet 260
Justahunch 257
Team Bunkered 251
Martys Men 248
Ben 245
Mick Hoy 242
Rachel Labo 242
Barracuda59 242
Dave Harding 241
Deportivo la Combo 241
Buck Ashcraft 240
wowiezowiee 237
Ian KP 227
niknak 227
the loonatic 226
doubling 226
Playoff Sunday 221
InstaScud 221
Better lucky than good 217
Golfnut 217
DJSavedmylife 216
Barrowboy 216
Paul Krishnamurty 216
Linda Angell 212
Iain Hendy 211
ElBandido 211
EME19 211
Danny Knight 211
Mr Stupid 207
Julie Connor 206
EME14 206
willieb83 206
Aidan14 202
Spursboy 201
5 Penalty Stroke 201
Just Someone 201
Matthew Taylor 201
Gingermoff 197
Mahseer 197
Hestias Putter 196
EME20 196
EME8 196
EME6 195
Andrew Gyton 193
Ronsk 192
Aberdonia 192
Macca Maclean 191
Carsten Lymann 191
Steve Bovey 191
AJM2011 191
Dave Dunning 191
Perfect Potential 190
Peter Sonnenburg 187
Team Hulmes 186
Royal Smudge 186
Mighty Whites 2008 186
James Voortman 185
Matthew Gibbons 183
Cherio 182
No Hookers, please 182
Aussie Warriors 181
Rich 181
Andjay 181
Bramblyhedge 181
Humbert The Priest 181
Tony Buck 176
jaytay2 176
Milners 176
Daniel Lambert 175
Anonymous30 172
Mascherano 172
Stroke of Luck 171
Shot 2 from the Native Area 171
Paul Dean 171
Feeling Better 171
Eriskaybet 170
Stuart Glover 167
bowmak316 166
The Shepherds Crook 166
Niall Duggan 166
Ronan McCarthy 166
Slim Tim Herron 166
EME9 166
Neil Bartlett 165
Ken Melton 165
Kieran Aherne 161
Bunyip 161
FCTwisters 161
jamie glowacki 160
Dan Geraghty 158
webuyanypar.com 157
parorbetter 157
Anonymous24 156
MaldenGolfClub 156
EME4 156
Double D 156
Stewart Davidson 156
JAMPOT 156
Greelo 155
EME3 153
Dean Broughton 151
Convo 150
Keith Murphy 146
EME22 146
Tigers 19 Holes 146
GreenArmy 145
Andrew Livermore 145
LoudmouthPants 142
Tony Pickett 142
Simon Frederick 141
Steven Barrett 141
Figjam 140
Neil Spencer 140
Llamedos 136
Corey De Bruyn 136
BJG 136
Dazmac 135
James Pacheco 135
Matts Caddies 135
Lucky Sod 131
Michael 130
Hodges Hawks 130
Towser 130
Tight Lines 127
jjlaff 126
A whales vagina 126
demoncleaners 125
Mavericks Boys 125
Stephen Crowson 121
Dan Chipowski 121
KangaMick 120
Lee Wallis 120
Super Hans 117
Easy Tiger 116
Terry 116
Agro 115
Drew the Tipster 115
Donny Osmond 111
Timcaznat 110
Drew J 110
Clonmullin 105
EME1 105
Simon 96
Nathan Whitbread 95
EME13 80
Nigel Robson 80
LEEDSLEEEDSLEEDSLEEEDS 80
Greig Steele 80
EME5 75
Kevin 70
Fredhed Barnrat 70
Tom A 65
Mike Norman 55

Following the first WGC event of the season, for which double points were on offer, we have big changes on the leaderboard, including a new leader. The 122 points earned by Luke Donald propelled Paul McGlinchey to pole position, and...

There's very little change on the leaderboard to report after a very difficult weekend for golf punters. No team included either winner, SSP Chowrasia or Aaron Baddeley, and only six players earned any points for their team....

We have a new leader, with Kendolph Express becoming the first team to top 300 points. In keeping with the rest of the golf season to date, most of the points were earned on the European Tour. Dubai Desert Classic...

Play Casino & Poker here