Ajaccio - Marseille 3.81 - 2.20
I am not trusting Marseille at all at the moment and this price on the home win is well worth backing. Ajaccio remain unbeaten at Corsica and they have yet to concede a single goal in their home fixtures. They were 4-1 up away to Lorient last week in a crazy game with the match ending in a 4-4 draw. Ajaccio really should have scored more goals. They missed several great scoring opportunities. Mutu scored his first goal for the club playing alongside Eduardo in their front line.
Marseille have lost their last three away games, vs. Troyes in the league, vs. Borussia M. in Europe and in midweek against PSG in the domestic cup. They have looked too predictable, too slow lately. Both their strikers Gignac and A Ayew will miss this game. Fanni, defender, will be suspended and fit again Diawara could replace him, or L Mendez will. Backing the outsider.
Marseille have lost their last three away games, vs. Troyes in the league, vs. Borussia M. in Europe and in midweek against PSG in the domestic cup. They have looked too predictable, too slow lately. Both their strikers Gignac and A Ayew will miss this game. Fanni, defender, will be suspended and fit again Diawara could replace him, or L Mendez will. Backing the outsider.
Brest - Lorient 2.94 - 2.66
Derby game tonight and I like the odds on the home win. Brest are 3-1-0 in their home fixtures and for this match they will be able to call on their striker Ben Basat again along with defender I Traore. No Chafni.
Defender Le Lan will be available again for Lorient, but Emeghara is suspended also this week. L Kone is new on their injury list joining among others Ecuele Mange. Lorient have struggled a bit of late and away from home they are 1-3-1. The home win is over priced in my opinion and Brest will get my vote.
Defender Le Lan will be available again for Lorient, but Emeghara is suspended also this week. L Kone is new on their injury list joining among others Ecuele Mange. Lorient have struggled a bit of late and away from home they are 1-3-1. The home win is over priced in my opinion and Brest will get my vote.
Fulham - Everton 2.78 - 2.67
Who is missing Clint Dempsey these days? I for one thought that Fulham would struggle without the American, but so far, no problems. Jol’s Fulham have become one of the most entertaining sides in the Premiership. I missed the new Swedish star Kacaniklic last week when Fulham drew 3-3 at Reading, but he should be back for this match.
Everton will be able to call on S Pienaar again. D Gibson will be missing and probably K Mirallas as well. D Berbatov is a case of concern for Fulham and I need him playing to actually back the home win. In that case, decent odds on the Fulham home win.
Everton will be able to call on S Pienaar again. D Gibson will be missing and probably K Mirallas as well. D Berbatov is a case of concern for Fulham and I need him playing to actually back the home win. In that case, decent odds on the Fulham home win.
Liverpool - Newcastle 1.61 - 6.90
One thing you can always rely upon. Liverpool continue to be underpriced in their home fixtures. It has always been like that and the odds on display this time certainly prove my thesis. Liverpool are heading in the right direction, no doubt about that, but so far they have not played any cracking home games.
Newcastle are certainly no pushovers, although they were plain lucky last week winning against WBA after a below par display. There has been some great games between these two sides and I will never forget when Keegan’s Newcastle were beaten 3-4 at Anfield and losing the title to Man United. No bet game for this writer, or something on the away win.
Newcastle are certainly no pushovers, although they were plain lucky last week winning against WBA after a below par display. There has been some great games between these two sides and I will never forget when Keegan’s Newcastle were beaten 3-4 at Anfield and losing the title to Man United. No bet game for this writer, or something on the away win.
Manchester Utd - Arsenal 1.73 - 5.50
I would love to back my team Arsenal in this match. United on the other side and the juicy price on the outsider, but I cannot do it. Gervinho has joined Diaby, Gibbs and Szczesny on the sidelines. Wilshere, Sagna and Walcott could all feature tomorrow and Oxlade-Chamberlain will have a late fitness test.
It seems like the United coach Ferguson has at last found his team. With A Young and Valencia on the two flanks United have a very effective midfield again and you cannot better their offensive duo, can you?
Arsenal got their all important win against QPR, but they are not playing like a top side for the time being. Hopefully they will relish this moment, facing United as big outsiders, and produce a classical Arsenal display with the emphasis on speedy counter attacks. That is what I hope, but at the end of the day I expect United to be the winners. The odds on the home win, however, are the worst for a long time.
It seems like the United coach Ferguson has at last found his team. With A Young and Valencia on the two flanks United have a very effective midfield again and you cannot better their offensive duo, can you?
Arsenal got their all important win against QPR, but they are not playing like a top side for the time being. Hopefully they will relish this moment, facing United as big outsiders, and produce a classical Arsenal display with the emphasis on speedy counter attacks. That is what I hope, but at the end of the day I expect United to be the winners. The odds on the home win, however, are the worst for a long time.
Norwich - Stoke 2.76 - 2.82
Better looking Norwich side these last two weeks. They just look more confident, more likely to score goals and G Holt is slowly finding his form again. R Snodgrass is fit again and he played most of the second half against Aston Villa.
I will not start criticizing Stoke after their 0-0 game against Sunderland. You know what to expect from Stoke and everything pointed to a drab non football affair vs. a Sunderland team lacking constructive ideas. Stoke lost M Wilson to an injury and he will be missing for a while. G Whelan could return for tomorrow’s game. Norwich need fresh legs to defeat Stoke and they may suffer a bit after their midweek cup game against Tottenham.
I will not start criticizing Stoke after their 0-0 game against Sunderland. You know what to expect from Stoke and everything pointed to a drab non football affair vs. a Sunderland team lacking constructive ideas. Stoke lost M Wilson to an injury and he will be missing for a while. G Whelan could return for tomorrow’s game. Norwich need fresh legs to defeat Stoke and they may suffer a bit after their midweek cup game against Tottenham.
Q P R - Reading 1.95 - 4.65
Too many QPR players are sent off and their poor discipline has become costly. The one to blame must be their coach. It started with J Barton and D Cisse and last week it was M’Bia who was shown the red card and his stupidity cost QPR a valuable point. QPR were 2-1 up at home to Reading in a cup game earlier this season, but they ended up losing the match 2-3.
What will be the Reading confidence and self esteem be like on Sunday after their extraordinary topsy turvy game against the Arsenal reserves. They were 4-0 up playing some great stuff, but ended up losing the match 5-7. I will back QPR to win their first league game of the season.
What will be the Reading confidence and self esteem be like on Sunday after their extraordinary topsy turvy game against the Arsenal reserves. They were 4-0 up playing some great stuff, but ended up losing the match 5-7. I will back QPR to win their first league game of the season.
Sunderland - Aston Villa 2.12 - 4.00
Six goals in their eight league games and five of them scored by S Fletcher, that is Sunderland(1-6-1 this far) Why they have become such a low scoring team I cannot say, but could be that their wing play is not working like before. Yes and Sessegnon has not been close to his best form from last season. Sunderland fired blanks again in midweek at home to Middlesbrough in the cup (0-1 loss) and then you should know that they started with practically their strongest side, only missing Seb Larsson.
Villa have similar problems having scored one more goal than Sunderland, but they have played one game more in the league. Villa, at least, found the net against Swindon in the cup, scoring three goals. J Bennett will be back from his suspension for this game, but they lose their midfielder El Ahmadi to a suspension. Will we have another sleeping pill at the Stadium of Light?
Villa have similar problems having scored one more goal than Sunderland, but they have played one game more in the league. Villa, at least, found the net against Swindon in the cup, scoring three goals. J Bennett will be back from his suspension for this game, but they lose their midfielder El Ahmadi to a suspension. Will we have another sleeping pill at the Stadium of Light?
Swansea - Chelsea 5.01 - 1.80
This Swansea side holds their own against any side, at least in Wales, and I smell difficulties for Chelsea. It is about efficiency in the final third for Swansea. Passing the ball, getting in good positions, that is usually no problems for Swansea, but they lack a real number nine, if you know what I mean. Their great keeper Vorm is sidelined at the moment. Chico, defender, will be assessed ahead of this game.
Both Ivanovic and Torres will be back for Chelsea, but they will miss J Terry and F Lampard again this week. Ashley Cole is also in danger of missing this game. Chelsea had to use quite a few regulars against Man United in the cup (5-4 win) and this game may prove more than awkward or Chelsea. Their squad is a bit stretched at the moment and they will play the all important match against Shaktar in just a few days. The odds on the away win are way too short, unbackable in my opinion.
Both Ivanovic and Torres will be back for Chelsea, but they will miss J Terry and F Lampard again this week. Ashley Cole is also in danger of missing this game. Chelsea had to use quite a few regulars against Man United in the cup (5-4 win) and this game may prove more than awkward or Chelsea. Their squad is a bit stretched at the moment and they will play the all important match against Shaktar in just a few days. The odds on the away win are way too short, unbackable in my opinion.
Tottenham - Wigan 1.51 - 7.50
Typical Tottenham against Southampton. Quite superior in the first half they lost their ways in the second half and could barely hold on to their 2-1 lead. What about playing with passion for the whole of 90 minutes! They were also cruising against Norwich in the cup, but conceded two late goals, missed a penalty and ended up losing the match. That is Tottenham this season, strong in patches, but too unstable. Dembele will not be fit to play, but maybe Adebayor will.
Wigan played a good game at home to West Ham absolutely deserving their three points. A committed Tottenham side will win this game, but should they offer a half hearted display there is every risk that they will be punished. You do what you like with this 1.51 on the home win, but it’s not for me.
Wigan played a good game at home to West Ham absolutely deserving their three points. A committed Tottenham side will win this game, but should they offer a half hearted display there is every risk that they will be punished. You do what you like with this 1.51 on the home win, but it’s not for me.
W B A - Southampton 1.75 - 5.06
I talk about luck every now and then, but do not take it too literally. WBA deserved more from their visit to St James last week and they probably also deserved something from their home game against Man City the week before. So it has not been going the WBA way lately, although they have played some decent football. This they have done from day one this season.
Southampton as expected fielded reserves against Leeds in the cup and we will see a well rested and well prepared Saints squad for this match. Home win, I guess.
Southampton as expected fielded reserves against Leeds in the cup and we will see a well rested and well prepared Saints squad for this match. Home win, I guess.
West Ham - Manchester City 5.25 - 1.74
There are almost always two versions after a match and the West Ham coach had the opinion that his side under performed against Wigan and that is why his side lost the match. You know the coaches, one is more one sided than the other, but the Leeds coach Warnock can never be beaten. West Ham have so far looked good in their home fixtures and this I state although they went down to Arsenal 1-3.
Man City hope to include Javi Garcia for this game, but definitely out is the injured M Richards. Fit again Zabaleta will cover for Richards. D Silva? Not ready, or I have not heard anything else. I do not know what to think really, but I cannot accept this 1.74 on the away win.
Man City hope to include Javi Garcia for this game, but definitely out is the injured M Richards. Fit again Zabaleta will cover for Richards. D Silva? Not ready, or I have not heard anything else. I do not know what to think really, but I cannot accept this 1.74 on the away win.
Bolton - Cardiff 2.38 - 3.15
I will back Bolton against the league leaders. It will be the first game for the new Bolton manager D Freedman and I suggest he will make an instant impact. Bolton have one of the strongest side in this division, but so far they have not lived up to expectations, far from that. OK, they have been relatively strong in their home games (3-2-1 this far).
Lee is back playing for Bolton and he scored their goal against Middlesbrough last week.
Cardiff are topping the table thanks to their 100% home record. Away from home they are more human with 2-1-3 this far. S McPhail is fit again and he should be in contention for this match. C Bellamy is always touch and go. You never really know if he will play or not.
I expect a great game from Freedman’s Bolton and I will back the home win.
Lee is back playing for Bolton and he scored their goal against Middlesbrough last week.
Cardiff are topping the table thanks to their 100% home record. Away from home they are more human with 2-1-3 this far. S McPhail is fit again and he should be in contention for this match. C Bellamy is always touch and go. You never really know if he will play or not.
I expect a great game from Freedman’s Bolton and I will back the home win.
Brighton - Leeds 2.05 - 4.02
Tonight Leeds will play again and I think they will suffer at Brighton.
Plenty of action lately for Leeds. After two disappointing home games in the league they expectedly defeated the Southampton reserves in midweek. Leeds basically fielded their first strings again and the way I see it the Leeds squad has been a bit overworked these last two weeks. Not many options either for coach Warnock and he has to go around with the same group of players. Becchio will start tomorrow and P Kenny will stand between the sticks.
Brighton are winless in six games and their previously hot striker Mackail-Smith, recently back from injury, has yet to find his early season scoring form. Brighton picked up a valuable, morale boosting point away to Blackpool last week and I predict that they will start winning matches again, starting with this one. Brighton are a quality side. Backing Brighton.
Plenty of action lately for Leeds. After two disappointing home games in the league they expectedly defeated the Southampton reserves in midweek. Leeds basically fielded their first strings again and the way I see it the Leeds squad has been a bit overworked these last two weeks. Not many options either for coach Warnock and he has to go around with the same group of players. Becchio will start tomorrow and P Kenny will stand between the sticks.
Brighton are winless in six games and their previously hot striker Mackail-Smith, recently back from injury, has yet to find his early season scoring form. Brighton picked up a valuable, morale boosting point away to Blackpool last week and I predict that they will start winning matches again, starting with this one. Brighton are a quality side. Backing Brighton.
Bologna - Udinese 2.50 - 3.23
It is getting tough for Bologna. Pogba’s last minute goal for Juventus in midweek resulted in their fourth loss on the bounce. Three of those losses have been by the odd goal and Bologna are rarely outplayed in their matches.
Important Diamanti will return for this game and their midfielder Perez will also be back.
Di Natale scored twice for his Udinese at home to Catania once again saving his side (2-2). It looks like Di Natale will miss this match. He will have a late fitness test. Defence man Danilo will sit out a suspension. I am prepared to back a highly motivated home side in this game.
Important Diamanti will return for this game and their midfielder Perez will also be back.
Di Natale scored twice for his Udinese at home to Catania once again saving his side (2-2). It looks like Di Natale will miss this match. He will have a late fitness test. Defence man Danilo will sit out a suspension. I am prepared to back a highly motivated home side in this game.
Catania - Lazio 2.63 - 3.20
My choice will be the home win. Both Marchese and Legrottaglie will be back for the home side. Barrientos will most likely be back to play in their front line.
Lazio will have important Hernanes available again, Ledesma as well, but they lose their front man Klose to a suspension. Marchetti, their first choice keeper, remains sidelined. Maybe T Rocchi will start upfront. It is almost always a natural choice for this writer backing Catania in their home games. So be it.
Lazio will have important Hernanes available again, Ledesma as well, but they lose their front man Klose to a suspension. Marchetti, their first choice keeper, remains sidelined. Maybe T Rocchi will start upfront. It is almost always a natural choice for this writer backing Catania in their home games. So be it.
Fiorentina - Cagliari 1.65 - 7.24
Four straight wins for Cagliari. When did this happen before? OK, they have not played against any of the top sides, but it is still a fantastic achievement and I guess their new coach will be declared a saint any of these days.
Conti and Nainggolan will be suspended for Cagliari and A Ekdal will probably start again. Both Cossu and Pinilla are playing again, but Nene and Sau did a great job in midweek and there is healthy competition in their offensive line at the moment.
Aquilani made his come back last night, coming on as a second half substitute, when Fiorentina won their first away game of the season, 1-0 vs. Genoa. At home Fiorentina are 4-1-0 and they are motivated favourites in this match, but they have become too big favourites.
Conti and Nainggolan will be suspended for Cagliari and A Ekdal will probably start again. Both Cossu and Pinilla are playing again, but Nene and Sau did a great job in midweek and there is healthy competition in their offensive line at the moment.
Aquilani made his come back last night, coming on as a second half substitute, when Fiorentina won their first away game of the season, 1-0 vs. Genoa. At home Fiorentina are 4-1-0 and they are motivated favourites in this match, but they have become too big favourites.
Juventus - Inter 1.73 - 5.55
The bookmakers obviously want us to back Inter in this match. I mean, backing Juventus as 1.73 favourites in this top of the table clash is close to impossible. It is not like Inter are in poor form, no, they have won their last seven league games.
I have to say something about the new Juventus star Pogba. He is reminding of Balotelli, but I assure you, Pogba is already better than him. Pogba was man of the match in mid week.
Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Asamoah, Vidal and Vucinic will all be back for this match. None of these Juventus profiles played against Bologna.
Juan Jesus will be available again for Inter. Cambiasso from the start this time, I guess.
Inter have won all their away games this far and if I choose to be involved in this match I will back the outsider. It is only about the odds, you know.
I have to say something about the new Juventus star Pogba. He is reminding of Balotelli, but I assure you, Pogba is already better than him. Pogba was man of the match in mid week.
Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Asamoah, Vidal and Vucinic will all be back for this match. None of these Juventus profiles played against Bologna.
Juan Jesus will be available again for Inter. Cambiasso from the start this time, I guess.
Inter have won all their away games this far and if I choose to be involved in this match I will back the outsider. It is only about the odds, you know.
Milan - Chievo 1.50 - 8.20
Down 0-2 away to Palermo the Milan coach went for broke and it paid off. A very offensive Milan side managed to draw the match and there for once was a positive feeling in the Milan camp after the game. For this match Milan have to manage without their suspended defender Bonera. Milan will have a very offensive line up tomorrow.
Chievo won their all important home game against Pescara 2-0. They did not have an easy ride, but with Pescara down to ten men in the second half, the Chievo goals had to come. Their injury list remains the same. Di Michele could be involved tomorrow. Chievo are 0-0-4 in their away games and this looks like loss number five. Home winner.
Chievo won their all important home game against Pescara 2-0. They did not have an easy ride, but with Pescara down to ten men in the second half, the Chievo goals had to come. Their injury list remains the same. Di Michele could be involved tomorrow. Chievo are 0-0-4 in their away games and this looks like loss number five. Home winner.
Napoli - Torino 1.56 - 7.50
Saying that Napoli are Cavani dependant is certainly not saying too much.
He will probably be missing again.
Drawing rather deservedly with Lazio meant that Torino remain unbeaten on their travels (1-4-0). Obviously they play some clever football away from home, hard to break down, not necessarily the most entertaining stuff. They will be able to call on Sansone again and Ogbonna could also be ready for this fixture.
No bet on the Napoli win as long as Cavani is missing.
He will probably be missing again.
Drawing rather deservedly with Lazio meant that Torino remain unbeaten on their travels (1-4-0). Obviously they play some clever football away from home, hard to break down, not necessarily the most entertaining stuff. They will be able to call on Sansone again and Ogbonna could also be ready for this fixture.
No bet on the Napoli win as long as Cavani is missing.
Pescara - Parma 3.38 - 2.40
Backing the away win. The Pescara coach is hanging on the ropes, but what about their players? What to do with a very limited squad? Defence man Romagnoli and Colucci will be suspended for the home side and still no Terlizzi. Last chance saloon for the Pescara coach this weekend.
Parma will be without their suspended striker Belfodil, who scored one of their goals against Roma. Hopefully Amauri will be fit to play, but this I doubt. We may see Pabon and Biabiany in the Parma front line. Not ideal, I have to say, but I will go opposing Pescara.
Parma will be without their suspended striker Belfodil, who scored one of their goals against Roma. Hopefully Amauri will be fit to play, but this I doubt. We may see Pabon and Biabiany in the Parma front line. Not ideal, I have to say, but I will go opposing Pescara.
Roma - Palermo 1.57 - 6.48
Too bad that I did not follow my own suggestion. Roma went down 2-3 away to Parma, but I completely forgot about it. I was happy to see Parma winning the match. Balzaretti, the Roma defender, former Palermo man, is expected back for this game and also Taddei will be available again. Tachtsidis will return from his suspension. Their keeper Stekelenburg risks missing this game.
Who wants this 1.57 on the home win? There is every chance that Palermo’s only dangerous weapon, Miccoli will score a brace in this game. Who will stop him? Forget about the Roma defenders, because they are nowhere to be found.
No Donati for Palermo. As I said earlier this week Roma have to score three goals to win any match these days. Another 3-2 home win.
Who wants this 1.57 on the home win? There is every chance that Palermo’s only dangerous weapon, Miccoli will score a brace in this game. Who will stop him? Forget about the Roma defenders, because they are nowhere to be found.
No Donati for Palermo. As I said earlier this week Roma have to score three goals to win any match these days. Another 3-2 home win.
Sampdoria - Atalanta 2.35 - 3.62
As long as Sampdoria had eleven players on the pitch they matched Inter on a rainy evening and the Costa dismissal proved costly. Anyway Sampdoria made a good impression on this writer and it is difficult to understand that they have lost their last five games. No Costa tomorrow, no Munari, and both Obiang and Maresca are serious injury doubts again. I should think that Maxi Lopez will play from the start upfront this time.
The Atalanta keeper Consigli was man of the match when his side win 1-0 at home to Napoli. Both Cigarini and Peluso will return for this game, but Cazzola will sit out a suspension. Raimondi will replace Bellini as right back. I would have hoped for a fitter home squad, but my vote still goes to the home win alternative.
The Atalanta keeper Consigli was man of the match when his side win 1-0 at home to Napoli. Both Cigarini and Peluso will return for this game, but Cazzola will sit out a suspension. Raimondi will replace Bellini as right back. I would have hoped for a fitter home squad, but my vote still goes to the home win alternative.
Siena - Genoa 2.26 - 3.70
Important game for Siena in midweek, away to Cagliari, but it did not show. They were 0-3 down after half an hour. Bogdani started instead of Ze Eduardo. Why I do not know. Both their defenders Neto and Felipe will be suspended for this game. The Siena president has called a meeting. Something has to be done to stop the rot and he is right of course.
Genoa are toothless at the moment. They did not create much at home to Fiorentina (0-1 loss). Nothing wrong with their attitude, but like Siena they lack quality players. Jankovic was not fit to play against Fiorentina and I doubt that he will be ready for this fixture. Still no Borriello and Rossi. Two big time strugglers but I do not think that the home side will be on the losing side.
Genoa are toothless at the moment. They did not create much at home to Fiorentina (0-1 loss). Nothing wrong with their attitude, but like Siena they lack quality players. Jankovic was not fit to play against Fiorentina and I doubt that he will be ready for this fixture. Still no Borriello and Rossi. Two big time strugglers but I do not think that the home side will be on the losing side.
No comments:
Post a Comment