Bolton vs Liverpool, Premiership, 12:45pm

Bolton vs Liverpool, Premiership, 12:45pm

Liverpool are heading into this game with a record of not losing 2 successive away games for the last 18 months. Last away visit to Tottenham they struggled and lost by a 2-1 margin to the Harry mania power. This time around, they are playing much better along with a crushing victory over Bolton in the last round, they look to be more confident.

Bolton have been a bit lucky in recent weeks, picking up 2 wins on the trot and will be looking to pick up another victory in this one against second placed Liverpool but a show of struggle in their last game against Hull probably will be a sign of things to come tonight.

Liverpool are particularly boosted by the appearance of Torres in mid-week in the Carling Cup and he could start in this game along with Kuyt and Keane which will give Liverpool a solid set up for this one.

There are some really good odds, so grab this one, as Liverpool should win by a 2-0 or even 3-0 scoreline.

Pick : Liverpool AH: -0.75
Odds : 1.89
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : 188bet

EPL Gameday 7: 04/10/2008

Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United, 17:30

Manchester United have come up with 2 solid performances in a row and the best news of all, their new hitman Berbatov has finally struck the duck with 2 beautiful goals in midweek.
People might think oh the injuries for United are a lot, how can you back them. Yes its true, the missing players include: Scholes, Carrick, Hargreaves, Rooney. 4 important players that really are the backbone of Manchester United's team but with the depth and class of the squad at the back available, why would you even worry.

Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs, Anderson, Nani and Berbatov are all available to take the place of those 4, and with the experience that each one of them provide, it could prove to be a long night for Blackburn. On the back of all, Ronaldo has shown over the last week, that he is getting back to the Ronaldo of last season which had been deadly for every single team in the league, and on his day, he can take care of the game himself.

Blackburn have been doing alright, but last week showed on several ocassions that they could leak goals at any moment and are weak at the back. While Nelsen and Samba have proven to be good on ocassions, they have proven to drop the ball and with the midfield not capable enough to help them out, it doesn't look like Robinson is going to have a good evening.

Pick : Man Utd
Odds : 2.02
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Pinnacle

Sunderland vs Arsenal, 15:00

Arsene Wenger made some very strong statements after the game against Porto in mid-week saying, only half the job is done as he has to still recover form last week's shock defeat against Hull City.

Wenger will enter into this game with plenty of confidence with a solid compelling performance with Van Persie and Adabeyor hitting the net twice.

Adabeyor in particular has looked the dominating presence that he was last season and is looking to bang in goals even with a whisper of an opportunity.

Sunderland have struggled this season with only 2 wins from their opening 6 games, but the shamble part about it is that they have had 2 losses at home from 3 games. Pressure is clearly getting to Roy Keane who needs to perform under the home turf to ensure some credibility to the team.

Keane has plenty of injuries to contend with such as Tainio, Miller, Leadbitter, Jones and Bardsley, whereas Wenger has almost a full squad to choose from other than the usual suspects of injury Rosciky and Eduardo.

Pick : Arsenal (AH: -0.75)
Odds : 1.71
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Canbet

Arsenal have been playing some pretty attacking football in the last few weeks. Despite having some mixed results, the nature of the way they are playing the football has clearly led them to get these main shots on goal.Denilson, Adabeyor, Walcott and Sagna have been the primary people who have gained the corners for Arsenal due to them playing wide and even riding up the byline near the corners which has given lot of these set piece opportunities for Arsenal and they will want to get more to give opportunities for Adabeyor, Gallas and Toure to get their head to a goal.To help secure this bet, Sunderland have also been averaging about 11 corners this season due to their strugglign to score goals, relying on these set pieces to put pressure on the opposition

Pick : Over 11 corners
Odds : 1.91
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Stan James

UEFA Champions League

Arsenal vs Porto, 19:45

Pick: Arsenal
Odds: 1.86
Stake: 7/10
Bookmaker: Bet365
Profit: +6.02

Weekend Soccer 27/09 and 28/09

Reading vs Swansea, 15:00

Reading and Steve Coppell have made a slow and steady approach to regain their position back in the top tier of the English League. One of the top ways of beginning that process is creating their home ground as a fortress and they have done that so far. Kevin Doyle has been the man for them up front banging in 6 goals in almost as many games and that easily makes them favorites.Swansea on the other hand is playing quite well and has been able to grab a victory on the road as well along with 2 draw in their last 2 matches.Reading's odds for playing a game at the Madjeski is quite high and this is something that is really worth for the taking today.

Pick : Reading
Odds : 1.77
Stake : 5 / 10
Bookmaker : Sports Interaction
Profit: +3.85

Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich Albion, 15:00

Middlesbrough look the best pick of the weekend's games with the return of Mido and with Alfonso Alves up front as a strike force, they should run ragged against West Brom today.Boro have been strong at home with 2 victories straight while West Brom had a draw and a loss, which shows that they are interested in going and digging it out to get the draw.Captain Pogatez is suspended due to the rough tackle in midweek as he starts a 3 game suspension. While Ross Turnbull should be back in goal, Southgate should be highly confident of his midfield with Johnson, Aliadeire and Downing, he should look to grab all 3 points today.

Pick : Boro
Odds : 1.84
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Loss: -6.00

Wigan vs Manchester City, 16:00

Manchester City showed last week what a team that they expect to be by the end of this season after a crushing victory against FA Cup holders Portsmouth.

City ran ragged on David James and the experience Pompey back line by smashing 6 including goals for their 34.5 million pound Robinho and City Star boy Shaun Wright Phillips.With one of the most cracking midfield in the Premiership this season with Phillips, Robinho, Elano, Ireland and Johnson; expect a lot of counter attacking football and width on the pitch which will give them plenty of opportunities to crack against a weak Wigan defense this week.

Amr Zaki has been the only soul of hope for Wigan this season as he is tied joint top scorer and with no injury concerns Bruce will have a full squad to choose from, but none of them look to cause any threat to this rejuvenated City side who will be out for revenge after their Carling Cup exit in midweek.

The odds for this game are too good to refuse even if City's form is poor away from home.

Pick : Manchester City (AH:-0.25)
Odds : 2.07
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Loss: -7.00

Sporting Gijon vs Villareal, 19:00

This definitely has to be the punt of the weekend. After losing 5-0 and 7-1, I dont know how Villareal have been given such generous odds for this game.This team is clearly doomed for relegation and without a strong defence presence, they can't expect to win any games this season. Facing the team lying second in the table after four games and having a goal difference of +4, they could easily move to the top of the table with a convincing victory in this game against the home side.

Pick : Villareal (AH:-0.75)
Odds : 1.88
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Profit: +3.52

Serie A Gameday 3: 21/09/08

Torino vs Inter Milan, 15:00

Inter Milan and the Special One continue their march towards the Serie A. Inter were able to get their first victory last week against Catania and now look to build on that with another away win against Torino.

Unfortunately, Sulley Muntari will not be a part of the plans of Mourinho as his 3 match suspension wasn't overturned and will sit this one out, but nonetheless Inter's form continues to be good as they build on the 2-0 win in midweek in the Champions League.

A stat which plays in favor of Inter is that they have never been beaten by Torino away from home and with Mourinho at the helm, expect that Inter will chase nothing but victory.

With a strong midfield in Jose's ranks and playing a 4-3-2-1 much like he did with Chelsea, its proving to be a strong point. Quaresma's presence up front gives Inter the pace they need to support Ibrahimovic with some deliveries up front and with Viera sitting in front of the back line, this team is going to be pretty difficult to dislodge from the top of the table this season.

Pick : Inter

Odds : 1.73

Stake : 5 / 10

Bookmaker : Betway

PROFIT: +3.65

EPL Gameday 5: 21/09/08

West Bromwich vs Aston Villa, 12:00

Aston Villa have been playing some sexy football off late beating Tottenham and also winning in UEFA Cup in midweek. They could have also grabbed a point at Liverpool a week ago, but were unlucky there.

John Carew and Ashley Young were both injured in the game last week against Tottenham. Both are facing late fitness tests but Martin O'Neill is confident to expect 2 of his front 3 to be fit in time.

They are currently 4th in the table and taking on a side like Albion that has been leaking a lot of goals so far doesn't bode well for them with a quick paced and counter attacking side like Aston Villa.

The odds provide tremendous value in the early kick-off on Sunday, and we should expect at least a 1-0 win for Aston Villa.

Pick : Aston Villa (AH:-0.25)

Odds : 2.01

Stake : 7 / 10

Bookmaker : Pinnacle
PROFIT: +7.07

Hull City vs Everton, 15:00

Everton looked good last week with Yakubu scoring once again and the return of Tim Cahill that proved to be the decisive measure when it came to Everton sealing the victory.

The funny thing when it is come to Everton's results this season is that they won 2 games and both of them were away and lost their 2 home games, so as things stand Everton should win this game.

Felliani will be returning in this game and along with Arteta, Cahill, and a fitness doubtful Anichebe, should provide Hull City a tough challenge with one of the most attacking midfield lineup in the Premier League.

Everton really need to win this game to show that they can challenge the top teams by winning against lower opposition, and with the odds so tempting, eat it up while you can.

Pick : Everton AH:-0.25

Odds : 2.00

Stake : 7 / 10

Bookmaker : Canbet

LOSS: -3.50

Championship Gameday 7: 20/09/08

Birmingham vs Blackpool, 15:00

Birmingham is looking a strong squad early on in the season, and can be easily seen by the strong position that they have moved their selves into early on in the season.

With Kevin Phillips, McFadden and Jerome up front, it should really give the Championship teams a Premiership feel with a good strike force like Cities.

McLeish is leading the squad and is confident that he will get his team promoted for next season, and thats why he hasn't left the squad yet.

Blackpool on the other hand are in a disasterous position sitting in 17th after 6 games. Top Striker Kabba is doubtful due to injury and faces a late fitness test to see if he can be fit, but it looks doubtful.

Birmingham should take this game easily and with a 1 goal Asian Handicap looks like good value to gain some profit on a confident squad.

Pick : Birmingham (AH:-1)
Odds : 1.83
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : StanJames

LOSS: -7.00

EPL Gameday 5: 20/09/08

West Ham vs Newcastle United, 15:00

West Ham are looking good after getting their new manager Gianfranco Zola, who is now ready to grab the Hammers by their horns and turn things around starting with a visit from fellow strugglers Newcastle United.

While Newcastle have some decent players due to their numerous injuries, and abscences they don't look like in any situation to trouble West Ham. Danny Guthrie, Joey Barton, Viduka, Beye, Jose Enrique, Alan Smith and Gutierrez are all missing, while Martins and Duff face late fitness tests to participate in this game.

West Ham on the other hand are at home and have put on some decent performances and have been especially strong to hold Upton Park as fortress and been undefeated this season.

Zola will be keen to help show the London faithful that he can do the job and secure a victory in his first game in charge of the Hammers.

Pick : West Ham
Odds : 2.12
Stake : 5 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
WIN: +5.60

Bolton vs Arsenal, 17:30

Arsenal are heading into this game with a bit of confidence of thrashing Blackburn last week and also after Bolton lost to Fulham last week.

Arsenal didn't have such a great performance in Kiev but should be looking forward to have their attacking line up go and smash to an early lead in this game. With Adebeyor, Van Persie and Walcott in cracking form for the Gunners, doesn't look like any Bolton have the quality to win this one.

Arsenal leaked only one goal this season and since the return of Toure, things have looked pretty solid at the back for Arsenal and this gives them the stability to go ahead and not worry about the back line.

A victory in this game could have Arsenal overtake Chelsea as they take on Manchester United and with a good handicap of half ball, one ball, it could be some good money for the Gunners.

Pick : Arsenal (AH:-0.75)
Odds : 1.85
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Centrebet

WIN: +6.80

Championship Gameday 5: 13/09/08

Birmingham vs Doncaster, Championship, 15:00

Birmingham has been very strong on at home and Alex McLeish has been very confident that his team can easily bounce back to the Premier League.

With the firepower of Cameron Jerome, Kevin Phillips and McFadden they have been in good scoring form. Sebastian Larsson also has come of good standing and looking forward to making a start here and try to support his front line.

Doncaster on the other hand have had a mixed bag this season they have had 2 wins, a draw and a loss that makes them sit in 10th. The numerous injuries that they have may not be good news, but still they have managed to hold their own after getting promoted this season.

This game should clearly be in the bag towards Birmingham as McLeish aims to make St. Andrews a fortress this year.

Pick : Birmingham (AH:-0.5,-1)
Odds : 1.73
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Canbet

Profit: +2.56

EPL Gameday 2: 23/08/2008

Stoke City vs Aston Villa, 15:00

Like I picked last week, Aston Villa are the team to watch out for this season, with a solid set up and solid foundation in pre-season, things are definitely going on. Agbonlahor, showed us last week, that he is definitely the next no.10 for England, if Fabio Capello can open his eyes. Gabby let out his frustration on Manchester City last week after not getting selected for England by smashing in a hat-trick in 8 minutes time, if that isn’t good enough to get in the England side, what is???

Stoke City is definitely heading for the barrels of the Premier League, they are ready to go down back to the Championship after failing to impress in their opening encounter against Bolton. Faye could be expected to make his debut, as well as Dramani. But with players of no class of the Premier League in those 2, I don’t expect anything short of a beating of Stoke City by Aston Villa.

Pick: Aston Villa (AH:-0.5,-1)
Odds: 2.00
Stake: 7/10
Bookmaker: Ladbrokes
LOSS: -7.00

Fulham vs Arsenal, 17:30

As we are looking at the London derby, Arsenal put on a solid performance last weekend, but looked lackluster at times, where they good have created more opportunities and scored more at the Emirates. When Robin van Persie came on the pitch it looked like a much improved performance for Arsenal, and this week expect him to start and help continue to beat Fulham as they have on several occasions in the past. Cesc Fabregas is faces a late fitness test, and may make the squad this week, but even if he doesn’t with Walcott and Nasri impressing last week, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern for Arsene Wenger.

Fulham have shown us last week what a disastrous team that they can be after a bad loss to Hull City, things don’t look too good for the Cottagers. Things done seem to be getting any better as they sold David Healy in mid week and Andy Johnson is still not fit to participate in this game, which means Zamora will be partnering Seol up front, which is not the best that they would be looking forward to.

Should be an easy Arsenal victory on the Asian line, and are easily one of the best backed teams of the weekend.

Tip: Arsenal (AH:-0.5,-1)
Odds: 1.83
Stake: 7/10
Bookmaker: Bet365
LOSS: -7.00

EPL Gameday 1: 17/08/2008

Aston Villa vs Manchester City, 15:00

Both teams are going to be a bit tired following their UEFA Cup matches in mid-week. While Aston Villa will have some adrenaline to keep them going through this match following the 4-1 thumping, Manchester City have got their second leg on their mind after losing 1-0.

I even mentioned several times last year, I heavily favor Aston Villa to break into the top 5, and unfortunately last year was a disappointment and this year. But now the squad is reinforced and with a whole attacking lineup, I am sure they can crack Manchester City this year.

Agbonlahor is the top forward for the team and along with Carew, Harewood, Young, Barry, Petrov, it surely leaves a very fast attacking lineup that can break even before the City midfield have a chance to settle down.

For Manchester City, Benjani, Vassell and Jo, are all missing which gives them short firepower up front. The backline Corluka, Ben Haim and Richards can put up a tough test for Aston Villa, but with the motivation down a bit from the loss, it should be a comfortable victory for Villa at home.

Pick : Aston Villa
Odds : 2.05
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Sports Interaction

WIN: +8.40

EPL Gameday 1: 16/08/2008

Arsenal vs West Bromwich Albion, 12:30

The opening fixture of the Premiership should see a Arsenal going all out for a cut throat victory against the newly promoted West Brom side.

Samir Nasri is expected to make his debut for the Gunners along with new teenage sensation Aaron Ramsey in the midfield which gives Arsenal younger legs to have more energy for the whole 90 minutes. Wenger’s team has already shown that they can play with the best after a 2-0 victory in their first leg of the Champions League against FC Twente.

Emanuel Adabeyor and Robin Van Persie are in prime fitness and are expected to blow the Premiership wide open this season along with Eduardo and Fabregas who are yet to return to full fitness.

Last year’s Championship winners are beginning life in the top tier of English football with a tough assignment against the 3rd place Gunners away from home. But they will have to do it without some of their important players in Luke Moore, Robert Koren and Neil Clement.

The Gunners will want to show that their youthful squad can live up to the expectations of the Premiership and nothing can be better than giving a whipping to the newly promoted Baggies.

Pick : Arsenal AH:-1.5
Odds : 1.86
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Canbet

LOSS: -6.00

Middlesbrough vs Tottenham, 15:00

Tottenham enter this season as me and many other people expect them to crack the top 4 owing to the solid spells of brilliance that they have shown under Juande Ramos last season. While Berbatov’s departure to Manchester United seems quite likely, but nonetheless for the time being he seems committed to the Spurs and along with the pre season brilliance shown by Bent, things look promising for them.

Skipper Ledley King is finally fit for the first game of the season and along with arrival of Bentley, and the new custodian Gomes between the sticks, it looks like a more aggressive Tottenham side is be built by Ramos to give it their all against the big guns of the Premier League this season.

Boro and Southgate have had their far share of ups and down last year, but definitely showed some hope towards the end of season with Alfonso Alves showing what only a Brazilian can sometimes do and that is score and score with some flair.

However the defence has looked shaky since the departure of Woodgate to Tottenham in mid season, and Luke Young to Aston Villa, and that could be their Achilles Heel as they welcome the Londoners home.

Expect Tottenham to take this game but we'll take some protection just to be sure.

Pick : Tottenham Draw No Bet
Odds : 1.67
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365

LOSS: -6.00

Sunderland vs Liverpool, 17:15

Liverpool are entering this season expected to do great things as they are every year, but this year I think they finally got the combination right. While Roy Keane has surely bolstered his squad with the likes of Diouf, Tainio, Malbranque and Chimbonda, he is still missing his star hit man Kenwyne Jones, who is out with injury for some more time.

Rafa Benitez’s top signing Robbie Keane is expected to make his premiership debut alongside Fernando Torres, in what promises to be an explosive a combination as with Berbatov. The two have said to combined really well leading up this game, and there will be lots of critics viewing to see whether Liverpool can make quick work of Sunderland as they had struggled in this same fixture last year.

Steven Gerrard is expected to be fit and would support the attacking presence of Keane and Torres, however doubts still arise over Alonso and Benayoun. Liverpool have generally gotten off to good starts in the Premier League year in and year out, and should make quick work of them.

Pick : Liverpool
Odds : 1.73
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Ladbrokes

WIN: +4.38

Welcome Back!

After a few months of inactivity, my blog is back with tips and hope to make profit for everyone. We shall have picks coming here. Whiel they may not be as frequent as possible as I have changed my style of tipping looking for profit and solid tips rather than random stuff.