Everton v Villa

Everton go into the game with 3 of their 4 strikers injured, Anichebe being the only one fit, while Villa also have their talisman John Carew out injured.  Villa’s last 2 matches have been 0-0 in the league, while Everton have had 1-0’s go either way. The Toffees have only scored 7 at home all season, and after shipping goals at the start of the campaign, they have tightened up and conceded just 4 in the last 7. Expect it to be a tight affair.

Under 2.5 goals = 4-6 Bet 365

0-0 at Half Time = 6-4 @ Bet 365, Blue Square

No Goalscorer = 17-2 @ Victor Chandler, Sportinglife, Skybet

Blackburn v Liverpool

Rovers are on a terrible run at present, they have lost 4 of their last 5 and not won since the 27th September. Liverpool despite going top of the league have let things slip with two 0-0 home games on the bounce, but while scoring is proving troublesome, clean sheets are not; they have kept 5 in the last 6 games.

Under 2.5 goals = 8-11 @ Bet 365

Liverpool to win 1-0 or 2-0 = 6-1 and 7-1 respectively @ Betfred

No Goalscorer = 10-1 @ Bet 365

Manchester United v Sunderland

Keane’s inevitable departure this week leaves Sunderland’s season up in the air. However, some of the broadsheets are reporting that the players celebrated his exit, so subsequently, it might pick up the moral in the squad. Either way it’s not the best preparation going to Old Trafford and i expect United to ease past a defence with only 2 clean sheets all season.

United -1 = 8-15 @ Bet365

Ronaldo First Goal = 7-2 @ Coral (Back Each Way 1-2-3)

 Manchester City v Manchester United

After the 6 points taken from them last season it’s fair to say the blue half of Manchester have rattled the cage of the avid Jospeh Stalin fan who manages the red side of Manchester. City fans are still awaiting an after match comment from Ferguson after last season’s 2-1 defeat of his team at Old Trafford, as he convienently had to catch a flight to South Africa straight after the game.  The comments this week from himself and that dyed in the wool Mancunian Wayne Rooney, tell us all we need to know; that they are a little perturbed by the goings on at City, and their comments may have done Mark Hughes’ team talk for him. No doubt they will get a welcome reception at Eastlands on Sunday.

Man City rattled Fegies' cage last season, taking 6 points off Man Utd

As for betting prospects, its probably best to not go heavy on anything due to the unpredictability of derby matches; however, there’s no harm in a small interest. City’s WLWLWLW sequence at home in the league suggests a loss is next, which further out lines their inconsistency. However, the 2 results this week have shown that Hughes has instilled a sense of balance in his side, with the midfield in particular being very compact but retaining the ability to counter-attack at speed. Steven Ireland and Robinho have been City’s most prolific scorers, and there are some big prices available on them to find the net on Sunday.  United come into the game with 2 days extra rest and a sense of revenge in their camp, yet they are arriving off two goalless away draws. Ronaldo has been on fire at home but is yet to score away from Old Trafford, and it looks likely he will come up against Micheal Ball at left back, who has history with him in this fixture, which could be interesting.

Steven Ireland First Goal = 14-1 EW (1-2-3) @ Bet 365 - has scored 4 in his last 3

Robinho First Goal = 9-1 EW (1-2-3) Bet 365 - has 8 in 8 at home

United to win from behind = 9-1 @ Boylesports (all 3 of City’s home losses have come after leading)

United to win 2-1 = 15-2 @ Skybet, BlueSquare and SportingBet

Manchester City V Arsenal

Goals look on the agenda at Eastlands on Saturday, as two of the most offensive teams in the league do battle. Arsenal arrive in a bit of turmoil, with no Gallas, Toure and Fabregas…but they do have RVP and Adebayor back up top. City meanwhile have conceded 2 goals in each of their last 5 games! and every league game on home soil has had over 2 goals. So with Arsenals defence depleted and City scoring and leaking goals at home the bet has to be over 2.5 goals and maybe more…

Over 2.5 goals = 4-6 @ generally available Maximum Bet

Over 3.5 goals = 2-1 Victor Chandler

Arsenal to win from behind = 10-1 @ Victor Chandler (Each time City have lost at home, they have took the lead first)

First & Last Goalscorers Selections

Torres 3-1 @ Coral - scored in midweek for Spain and will be relishing to play again at Anfield after injury

Anelka 7-2 @ Skybet - has scored first goal once and last goal 6 times out of 13 games played

Doyle 9-2 @ Skybet - has scored first goal twice and last goal 5 times out of 17 games played

In Form Home Side 5 Timer Accy

Chelsea, Liverpool, Burnley, Reading, Wolves = 4-1 @ Bet 365

British Big Four

United (Stoke h), Chelsea (West Brom a), Celtic (Hamilton a), Rangers (St Mirren h)

All 4 games are potential goal fests for the big sides and possible clean sheets. Bookies always tend to be saved by one game when the calender throws up a bulk of easy fixtures. Hull’s win at the Emirates saved them around £10 million across the firms it was reported. Lets hope we have found an accumulator to beat them.

Straight win accy gives you 1.22-1 @ Bet365

All to win -1 = 6.83-1 @ Bet365

All to win to nil = 6.90@ Bet365

Blackburn v Sunderland

With the rumours flying around tonight that the lovely gentlemen Roy Keane has had bust up with the Mackem board (i know….that’s so out of character!) i am confident that a Blackburn win is on the cards here . They won in midweek in the reverse fixture and with Santa Cruz now fit again (and in the shop window) then Rovers can triumph again.

Blackburn win = 6-5 @ Victor Chandler

Santa Cruz to score anytime = 7-4 @ Skybet

Manchester City v Spurs

This would have been a different fixture altogether a week or two ago, with City clear favourites, now it is much more even. City have stuttered of late but have been excellent at home banging in goals for fun (15 in 5 is the highest in the prem), while Tottenham have scored 12 in there last 4 games. So both sides averaging 3 a game must mean goals!

Over 2.5 goals = 8-11 most firms Maximum Bet

Over 3.5 goals = 2-1 @ victor chandler

2-2 and 3-3 correct score = 14-1 @ Coral, Ladbrokes and others and 66-1 @ Bet365, Coral, Boylesports

Arsenal v Manchester United

The Gunners have a severely depleted side for this game, while United could afford to rest some players midweek. The missing Adebayor, Walcott and Van Persie are huge blows and i feel they will struggle to score, therefore i believe United look a sound bet to beat their depleted rivals on this occasion.

United to win 13-10 @ Bet365

Hertha Berlin v Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim are the story of the season in Germany, newly promoted to the Budesliga for the first time, they sit of the league after 11 games, scoring 31 goals in the process! they also have the top scorer in Bosnian striker Vedad Ibisevic. They take on a Hertha Berlin outfit who are a very inconsistent outfit, there last 2 results have been a 3-0 home win and 5-1 away defeat. The visitors are more than capable of a win here, but I’m going to opt for the overs this time.

Over 2.5 = 8-15 @ Betfred, PaddyPower and BlueSquare

Den Haag v Heerenveen

The Dutch league is full of goals, and Heerenveen have been consistent high scorers for the past few seasons. Its no different this season, with 8 out of their 9 league games having over 2.5 goals, scoring 21 and conceding 20. Den Haag are 3 points behind them in the league and though they tend to have less goals in their games they have still have had 5 of their 9 games go over 2.5.

Over 2.5 = 1-2 @ Blue Square

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Over 2.5 treble on City, Hertha Berlin, Den Haag games = 2.87-1 @ Bet365

Away win treble United, Chelsea, Leverkusen, @ 4.97-1 @ Bet 365

Hope you were on midweek, as all tips came in at 11-2 correct score, 4-1 treble ,9-5 single and a 1-2 single.  Lets hope we can carry it on…..

Manchester United v Hull

After their reality check in midweek, the tigers face the league champions and i expect a similar result here. They were guilty of errors against Chelsea and they were punished, though Chelsea could and should have had more. United may rotate and rest players again like midweek, but they should easily come out on top. Ferguson wasn’t happy that more goals weren’t added after the break against West Ham, so i expect to see a reaction.

United to win (-1) = 4-7 @ Sportingbet

United to win (-2) = 7-5 @ Paddypower

United to win 3-0 (15-2 @ VCBet) and 4-0 (10-1 Bluesquare, Betfred, Skybet, Boylsports)

Chelsea v Sunderland

The Mackems had a poor result on Wednesday at Stoke and it won’t get much better for them here. Chelsea showed their class on Wednesday and i expect them to be too strong here, despite the absence of Carvalho due to injury. The returning Joe Cole only adds to the strength of the bet.

Chelsea to win -1 = 8-13 @ Bet365

Chelsea to win -2 = 13-8 @ Paddypower

Chelsea to win 2-0 (11-2) and 3-0 (7-1) @ Skybet, Boylesports, Coral, Stan James, Bet Direct

-2 Handicap win Double (United, Chelsea) @ Paadypower = 5.3-1

More to follow tomorrow…..

Bolton v Everton

Buoyed by their result on Saturday, I expect Moyes’s men to follow it up with a win at the Reebok. Everton’s form on the road has been good this season with a 2-1-1 record, and they looked tighter at the back at the weekend, while they are boosted by the return of Tim Cahill. Bolton, however, look short of ideas up front, and any team not scoring against Spurs this season, rings the alarm bells. They are a difficult side to break down, but the Toffees can nick one and win this.

Everton to win = 9-5 @ Ladbrokes and Boylesports

Hull v Chelsea

This run has to come to an end sometime doesn’t it?… and their next two fixtures are as tough as it gets. Chelsea simply don’t lose two on the bounce nowadays and i expect them to take the 3 points here. Hull will afford them more room than Liverpool did at the weekend, and despite the Tigers winning at Arsenal and Tottenham, they were second best on the day and they will be again but the result will be different this time.

Chelsea to win = 1-2 @ Boylesport & VC Bet

Manchester United V West Ham

The Hammers arrive at Old Trafford on the back of 3 straight defeats and without their main striker in Carlton Cole. United will be looking to bounce back after dropping points at the weekend and this looks like a routine home win.

United to win 2-0 (11-2) and 3-0 (7-1) @ Boylesports, Skybet, Coral and others

Treble Chance

Everton, Chelsea, United to win = 4-1 @ Boylesports

Good Luck!

Man Utd V Celtic

Celtic are without both strikers who hold up the ball in Vennegoor of Hesselink and Samaras, while 2 of there better defenders in Hinkel and Caldwell are very doubtful. United on the other hand have all their attacking options at full fitness.

United -1 @ 4-6 Bet 365

United to Win to Nil @ 11-10 Blue Square

Chelsea v Roma

The Italians come to Stamford Bridge on the back of a 4-0 home defeat to Inter, despite the talismanic Totti returning from Injury. They are struggling in Serie A this season, currently 14th, and i don’t expect there season to turn around here. Chelsea, despite some injuries to key players, are in winning mode right now, nothing but a home win here.

Chelsea -1 @ 5-4 Bet 365

Chelsea to win to Nil @ 6-5 Paddy Power

Villareal V Aalborg

The Danes look a very weak side for Champions League standards, and don’t pose much of an attacking threat.  Villareal have 2 clean sheets (one at Old Trafford) and know that this is a must win for them if they are to progress. They have won all 3 La liga games at home, conceding once, while they also beat Celtic 1-0 last round.

Villareal -1 @ 4-6 Bet 365

Villareal to win to Nil @ 4-6 Blue Square

Treble on -1 Handicap @  5.24-1 @ Bet 365

Treble on win to nil @ 6.70-1 @ Blue Square

 Brazil v Colombia

The Seleção were back to their attacking best on Sunday night. The combination play of Kaka, Robinho, Adriano (suspended) and Elano posed too many questions for Venezuala, and i expect the same will be true for Colombia. Despite drawing 4 matches so far, Brazil have scored 15 and conceded only 4, meaning when they win they win convincingly (5-0, 3-0, 3-0 in  3 of the 4 games). While Colombia have scored just 4 times while conceding 8, though that stat is slightly off kilter due to them losing v Chile 4-0.  A year to the date, Colombia held Brazil to a 0-0 at home, since then they have change coach and are short on confidence, while the boys from Brazil look like they are improving.

 Paraguay v Peru

On a high and top of the group the home side will be looking to cement there 1st place, knowing Argentina and Brazil are coming back to form. Peru are bottom and can’t buy a win away from home (tempting fate, i know). They are unbeaten at home with 1 win and 4 draws, but away they have lost all four by more than 2 goals (0-2, 1-5, 0-6, 0-3). Paraguay meanwhile have won 4 from 4 at home, 3 of them by a 2 goal margin (2-1, 5-1, 2-0, 2-0).

Main Bet: Handicap Double, Brazil -1.5 + Paraguay -1.5 = Roughly 5-2 with most firms

Side Bet: Brazil to win 2-0 (6-1) and Paraguay to win 2-0 (6-1) Back 2 singles and a double (49-1)

Value Bet: Pato 5-1 First goalscorer Each Way (1-2-3) - Adriano is suspended (though most bookies have him as favourite!) and Pato is most likely to get the nod ahead of Jo.

 England V Belerus

Two out of the three qualifiers have seen England drawing at half time and win at full time, but for a fortunate ricochet in Croatia it probably would be three out of three. I believe there’s still value in it at 7-2 with a number of firms.

Draw HT - Eng FT = 7-2 with Coral, Ladbrokes, Skybet, VC and Totesport

England to win 1-0 (11-2), 2-0 (11-2) with Ladbrokes

Well, the column is back, and hopefully it will be here for the remainder of the season.  A multitude of time and personal circumstances, led to it being absent for the opening few months, so apologies for that.  Anyway .. enough of the chit chat, lets get stuck into this week’s international games!

Banker Bet

Germany V Russia 

What a game we have in prospect here! The Russians were the neutral’s favourites in the later stages of the Euro’s, where they won many off with their attacking brand of football, sadly they fell flat in the semi’s against the Spanish, but they showed the rest of europe they are a force. Last time out they beat Wales in Moscow 2-1, who were unlucky not to come away with a point, while the German’s showed their defence frailties in a 3-3 draw with Finland. The injured Pavlyuchenko will be replaced upfront by Pogbreynak, the Zenit forward, who scored the winner against the Welsh, while Germany have been dealt a blow with their new No 1, Robert Enke,  breaking his hand in training, so, either Rene Adler or Tim Wiese will earn their first cap in goal. With both sides looking better at going forward than defending, the preference is for goals, and while the over 2.5 market is normally the route i would take (17/20 @ Bet365), the 4-5 on both teams to score looks a better bet, as it gives you the cushion of the game throwing up a 1-1 draw.

Tip = Both teams to score 4-5 @ Bet 365

England V Kazakhstan

Last time out we were treated to the Theo show in Zagreb and that performance has the nation on the team’s side again, this has been reflected with Saturdays game being a sell out.

However, i believe a more straight forward victory will occur on Saturday, as Kazakhstan will be more or less 10 men behind the ball, in stark contrast to the Croatians who set up to win the game and were exposed through Walcotts pace getting behind the full back. His pace will be a danger no doubt, but the room will not be there this time.

Kazakhstan have lost 3-0 to Croatia (a) and suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Ukraine last time out at home, and I expect a similar scoreline here, with England looking to keep something in reserve for Wednesday’s difficult trip to Belarus.

Tip = England to win 3-0 @ 5-1 with most firms

More to follow………….