Stoke- WBA

Stoke have lost four of last five games in Premier, but at home have three wins in a row (Everton, Bolton and Sunderland), scoring seven goals in those. Although being far from a John Carew fan, I think he’s fitting very well in Pulis’ style of play. Matthew Etherington is in doubt for the game. Stoke have won seven of last eight games against West Brom (both at home and away).

The Baggies are a point above the bottom, have lost last five on the road and conceded total of 52 goals. Roy Hodgson took the charge and they avoided defeats in last two league games, draws at home vs. West Ham and Wolves. However, I think he won’t be able to make a fast impact to the squad. His football philosophy is defence while most of the players are attacking minded (Di Matteo’s legacy). In such occasions (the last was Sousa, Swansea to Leicester), teams don’t defend better at first period just stop scoring goals. And yes, West Brom haven’t defeat Stoke on the road in past 29 years (never on Britannia).

Etherington is key player for Pulis and I wanted to hear some news about his condition. If he’s ready to play their chances will be significantly bigger, but in that case odds would significantly drop. So, I’ll exclude him from my consideration and am going to take Stoke as they simply should be too much for West Brom.

Bet: Stoke -0.5
Odd: 1.93 Bet365
Stake: 7/10
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Man City - Fulham

Don't think the fatigue is a significant factor here, as their mid week game looked like a stronger training session. Price on City is too good to be refused.

Bet: Man City -0.75
Odd: 1.90 188bet, Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10
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West Ham - Liverpool

Ok, here me going on Liverpool once again.
No time for a deeper analyze, just a pick.
Odds on City are raising, maybe a bet later.

Bet: Liverpool -0.25
Odd: 1.85 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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Aston Villa - Blackburn

Villa are doing pretty good at the moment, but have to keep it up since they’re just three points above the relegation line. They have scored and conceded in each of last five competitive games and kept the clean sheet just once in last 17. Bent, Agbonlahor and Ashley Young will be serious attacking threat and every of them have great scoring record against Blackburn. However, there’re some real problems for Houllier. Midfielder Makoun is suspended, while defender duo Cuellar - Collins will also miss the game.

Blackburn are just two points above Villa, lost two of last three and have terrible record on the road (3W-1D-9L). They have lost seven of last eight away games, also in seven conceded two or more goals and nine of ten away went in over. Total of conceded goals on the road is 31 which is the highest number in Premiership (same as Villa). They have their own problems in defence line. Samba had a virus but he’s expected to play. Skipper Nielsen insisted to be in a squad despite the earthquake in his birth town at New Zealand and his focus today could be questionable.

I think over is better choice than home win. Last six games of these teams at Villa Park have produced 28 goals(!), both sides have significant defensive problems and despite big Villa’s attacking potential, I think Blackburn will be able to hurt them and to score at least once. I’m on over.

 Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.93 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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Sheff Utd - Derby

The Blades find themselves in a deep mud at 23rd place which is, at least for me, completely unexpected. Micky Adams is their fourth manager this season(!) and they’re without a win in 12 games. United lost their midweek six pointer at Scunthorpe on a shocking way after they had 2-0 lead. Adams’ storming after the game is probably a (final) try to wake up the squad and Derby should be the best possible opportunity for three points. 

The Rams are facing the plenty of problems on and off the pitch and are in a free fall. They are winless in last eight games losing five of them and haven’t scored in last three. Defender Roberts and midfielder Bailey are in doubt, while striker Jammie Ward cannot play against his parent club. But real trouble is a place goalkeeper. Stephen Bywater is out, as well as his substitution Saul Deeney (shoulder), so young Frank Fielding will step in and face lots of pressure. Derby are winless in last four meetings with the Blades (both home and away), losing three of them.

After stayed empty handed at Scunny, this is definitely make or break for United. Another defeat would likely send them in League One. I think they’ll have enough to pass the visitors, but wouldn’t exclude the possibility of a draw and take -0.25 at very nice odd.

Bet: Sheff Utd
Odd: 2.00 Stan James
Stake: 7/10
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Barnsley - Norwich

Barnsley are a decent host at Oakwell, with 8 wins, five draws and three defeats against top sides Burnley, Cardiff and Leicester. However, they’re in the middle with same distance from play-off and relegation zone and very likely will finish at the same place. Despite their good result at Leeds for the weekend, their recent shape isn’t something special (two points of possible 12). Just two wins out of last eight games in the league, against poor Preston and Donny. Skipper Foster and midfielder Colace will remain sidelined. Another two midfielders, Doyle and Mellis will face a fitness test.

Norwich are flying high at 5th position, they lost just one game of last 12 and their play-off ambitions looks reasonable. However, they only drew at home in midweek encounter against Donny which was everything but expected. Seventh Leicester have an easy game against Coventry at home and Norwich needs the points to keep the distance. They haven’t lost against Barnsley in last 10 occasions (both at home and away) and despite I don’t pay too much attention on history results, this record could have a serious affect on the self-confidence (of both sides). No injury worries for Paul Lambert.

Usually I have some problems to opposite Barnsley at Oakwell, but this time really fancy Norwich to bounce back and win. Bigger ambitions, more motivation, better shape and surely better squad. I’m pretty sure they won’t lose.

Bet: Norwich 0.0
Odd: 1.88 Canbet
Stake: 8/10
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Championship - Feb 22

I'm very busy, so just a pick. Tomorrow, maybe one more.
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Championship 

Norwich - Doncaster

Bet: Norwich -1ah
Odd: 1.85 Pinnacle
Stake: 9/10

Championship

Derby - Hull

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Two teams going in opposite directions. Derby are winless in last seven games, one win of last 13 (against bottom side Preston), nine defeats in those 13 and somehow managed to lose at Crawley in FA Cup. Hull are without a defeat in last eight, Matty Fryatt is top class signing in my opinion and I can see them extending this good run of results.

Bet: Hull 0.0
Odd: 2.11 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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Nottingham Forest - Cardiff

Forest ended their run of six consecutive league wins with hard fought draw vs QPR, and then made everything but expected slip at Scunthorpe. They haven’t lost at home for 34 encounters, but have a tendency to make draws against top half sides. QPR 0-0, Norwich 1-1, Leeds 1-1, Millwall 1-1 and this season defeated only Swansea 3-1. Majewski is still suspended.

Cardiff are second and are undefeated in last nine competitive games (five draws). They have best record against top-half sides with seven wins and four draws out of 16 matches. They also have a nice record at City, haven’t suffered a defeat in last six visits (last time at 1975). Defender Paul Quinn is in doubt, Chopra and Bellamy should start.

Usually I don’t even look on that market, but I’m going for a draw here.

Bet: Draw
Odd: 3.40 various
Stake: 3/10

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Reading - Watford

Before couple of weeks, Reading looked like a serious play-off contender. But the winless run of five games (3D-2L) moved them down to 12th place. However, I have impression their performances are a quite better than last results. In the previous round they conceded a late equalizer at Sheffield, before that lost in additional time at Norwich, then unlucky lost vs. 10 men QPR and before that again conceded an injury time goal at Cardiff for a draw. Midfielder Karacan is still serving a ban, defender Pearce is injured, but Mikele Leigertwood is back after served his three-game suspension.

Watford are also winless in last five (six including Cup). Two noticed points came from games against bottom sides Preston and Palace and they conceded five goals in last two games (both at home). Differently from Reading, I can’t see any possible improvement and would predict their slump will continue. Defender Lloyd Doyley will face a late fitness test, striker Buckley is out.

I think it’s a matter of time when Reading will start to climb on table again and sinking Watford should be a nice chance for the recovering of play-off hopes. Home win.

Bet: Reading -0.5
Odd: 1.85 (Gamebookers)
Stake: 8/10
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More to follow...
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Birmingham - Sheff Wed

Brum are quite impressive in Cup competitions this year, have already secured a Wembley final in Carling and perform very well in FA Cup. They scored a lot against lower division sides, four in previous round at Millwall, three against MK Dons, Rochdale and Coventry. Birmingham don’t have a midweek game and Alex McLeish could name a strong squad. However, he’s facing some problems in the back line since defenders Jiranek, Ridgewell and Davies are all rated as doubtful.

Wednesday are a real mystery for me. They have enough quality to, at least, fight for a play-off spot, but they currently hold a miserable 16th place with 10 points less than 6th Posh. They haven’t won in nine league games and lost seven away games in a row (in those seven, goal diff 6-22). Mandaric appointed Gary Megson as a manager and I expect some improvement. Striker Medine is cup tied, midfielder Coke suspended, mid Miller and def Buxton are in doubt.

Birmingham are strong favourites in my opinion, they have a habit to score a lot against teams from lower divisions and Wednesday’s defence is just terrible at the moment. On the other hand, this will be the first game after a while that visitors will play without any pressure. Goals should be the better option than home win.

Bet: over 2.5
Odd: 1.96 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Scunthorpe - Nottingham Forest

At the first glance, Nott Forest look like an obvious choice. Both sides are going in the opposite directions and their recent forms leave no doubt.
But, first I was struggling to find any value in the offered price. 1.70-1.80 for away win in Championship? Then realized Forest actually have Cardiff on the corner in, which I assume, will be a game of the season for them. So, I don’t think they’ll push till their limits tonight, in their minds they will probably be somewhere else, Billy Davies wouldn’t certainly like to see some injuries in the mud of Glanford Park and Forest defeated Scunthorpe just once in last six occasions, both at home and away.
I don’t have any problem to leave this game alone. No bet.

Pity for Cardiff last night...
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Cardiff - Burnley

Cardiff are holding a position for direct promotion, but have four clubs that are breathing on their neck (from those, Forest have a game in hand). They’re in a decent shape, won three of last four games, undefeated in six and have dropped only two points out of the last 15 at home. Whittingham and McNaughton should both return.

Since Eddie Howe took a charge, Burnley have made a decent run of results with three wins, draw and one defeat out of last five. Striker Charlie Austin will have a late fitness test, while midfielder Chris McCann stays sidelined. Burnley have conceded one goal in each of their last five matches and have six consecutive defeats at Cardiff.

At home, Cardiff are usually struggling against bottom sides. They hardly defeated miserable Scunny in previous round and noticed only draws against rest three of bottom four (Preston, Palace and Sheff Utd). Burnley will be confident and not so defensive, approach that absolutely suits to Cardiff. Home win. 2-0 correct score.   

Bet: Cardiff -0.5
Odd: 2.05 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

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Derby - Leicester, 17:20cet

These are two teams in the opposite shapes. Derby have dropped from 4th in November to 17th place, winning just once of last eleven games (losing eight of them). Adding on that a shocking defeat at Crawley in FA Cup, selling Kris Commons to Celtic and the fact they’re without a win at home in five games, their confidence cannot be too high. It seems Nigel Clough will face the axe very soon.

I’m far from being a fan of SGE but since he became a manager at Walkers, Leicester moved up from 15th position to 8th and are in a play-off race. They’re undefeated in last six games (five wins) and have three victories in a row (scoring nine in those). They got a decent quality signing Yakubu and Soll Bamba (scored three goals as defender since the arrival).

The Foxes are not scoring on the road that much as at home, but I think they’ll be anyway too much for uninspired Rams and will continue a great run. 0-2 correct score.

Bet: Leicester -0.25
Odd: 1.88 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

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Liverpool - Wigan

There’re finally some smiles at Anfield. They’re in the run of four consecutive wins without conceding and I’m sure they haven’t given up from the idea about Champions League next year (currently six points far from 4th spot). Liverpool have been playing much better at home and have scored two or more goals in seven of last nine games at home. Gerrard and Skrtel are rated as in doubt, while Martin Kelly should be fit.

Wigan will definitely be struggling till the last round. Their win in the previous round over Blackburn was their first of last 16 games and they’re currently first under the relegation line. They have never won at Anfield, losing five of last six competitive games. Defender Gary Caldwell should play with the mask.

Confidence at Eland is sky high after a great win over Chelsea. I expect a more attacking approach and victory with at least two goals margin (with one, half stake is back). Suarez should score. First bet on Liverpool after a while, a year or so.

Bet: Liverpool -1.25
Odd: 1.91 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10
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One more...
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Charlton - Peterborough

Since Chris Powell took a charge at Valley, Charlton have noticed all three wins (Argyle, Colchester and Yeovil) with three clean sheets. They’re again contenders for direct promotion (played three games less than 2nd Bournemouth). Defender Bessone is fit and will replace Matt Fry who returned to West Ham. Midfielder Alan McCormack’s appearance is a doubt.

Peterborough are the best scorers in the league with 60 (sixty!) goals in 27 seven games, but they also concede a plenty (55, only B.Rovers are worse). However, Posh are not as efficient on their travels as at home. Just three wins of twelve encounters and total of eleven points (just Swindon are worse than that). Midfielder Frecklington returns, defender Zakuani is in doubt, while striker Hibbert is out.

I think Charlton have enough attacking power to score at least twice, while their recent defensive displays give me hope the visitors could be hold. Home win before goals.

Bet: Charlton -0.5
Odd: 2.13 188bet
Stake: 7/10

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Blackpool - Aston Villa

The Seasiders are sinking without a trace. Seven defeats of last eight Premiership games and five in a row. They’re scoring a lot, but are open at the back and have conceded a total of 49 goals (most in the league), 16 in last five games. Every game at Bloomfield Road this season produced three goals or more with both sides scoring. Goalie Rachubka suffered a knee injury in training and will be replaced with Richard Kingson (which shouldn’t be bad, actually).

Villa have been showing some improvement under Houllier with one defeat of last five and started to climb on the table. However as Blackpool have the worst home record in Premier - eleven points of eleven games, Villa are terrible (third worst in league) on the road with 9 of 13. They have kept only one clean sheet in last 16 encounters. Bent and Ashley Young are fit for the game, as well as Agbonlahor.

Blackpool will be attacking minded as always, Villa have to fancy their chances at Bloomfield. I think goals are a logic choice. Asian handicap, with three the stake is back.

Bet: Over 3ah
Odd: 1.91 Pinnacle
Stake: 9/10

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Peterborough - Southampton (18:20h)

I’ve just checked, Peterborough’s every home game this season included Cup ended in over 2.5 (18 games)! Twelve of those produced four or more goals. They play with diamond formation in midfield that guarantees goals and entertainment. Defender Zakuani and striker Hibbert are out, but loan Man City striker - David Ball will have his debut.

S’ton are strong promotion contender sitting fourth, five points far from second place. In previous round, Saints took all three points at hard trip to Exeter coming from behind to 2-1 in additional time (both goals by Rickie Lambert). Skipper Hammond should return, new striker Jonathan Forte should be in the team, while Lallana is in doubt.

Goals are pure logic for me. Additionally, these sides are rivals for promotion, don’t lack in confidence and will go for all three points.

Bet: Over 3ah
Odd: 1.80 188bet
Stake: 9/10

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Millwall - Doncaster

Millwall have noticed five home wins in a row, scored 12 in those and conceded only once. Despite the injury time defeat at Norwich, they’re still at the top side of the table with four points far from a play-off spot. Kenny Jackett is without striker Steve Morison.

Home victory over Burnley in previous round ended Donny’s poor run of three consecutive defeats in league (conceded eight in those). They also conceded 10 goals in last three on the road in league (and five in Cup defeat vs. Wolves). Certainly the biggest threat at the Den will be striker Billy Sharp who scored all five goals in their three away defeats.

No big philosophy here. I’m little late since odds are dropped from 1.92 to 1.80, but I’ll take it as a handicap with hope for two goals margin. 3-1 correct score.

 One more...

Bet: Millwall -0.75
Odd: 2.00 Stan James
Stake: 7/10

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Sheff Wed - MK Dons

It’s finally happened, Alan Irvine got fired from a position of manager after 3-5 defeat at Posh.  New boss is Mandaric’s man of trust - Gary Megson (interesting, he has signed a contract on 3.5 years). He will have to wake the squad as it’s obvious they have enough quality for serious battle for promotion. First problem is their recent disgusting run of results. They’ve noticed only one win out of last eight in league (poor B.Rovers at home, 6-2) and conceded too much lately. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in last nine games, in those nine conceded shocking 25 goals (scored 18) and eight of those went in over.

Second problem is MK Dons are on fire. They have three wins of last five and are undefeated on the road in last four (two wins, two draws). They’re sixth, playing very well and won’t be lacking in self confidence at Hillsborough.  Home side will miss suspended midfielder Darren Potter, Dons defender defender Sean O'Hanlon.

Long waited Irvine’s departure delighted fans and motivated the players. Adding on that home ground and bigger quality, the Owls should be strong favourites here. However, the Dons will see their chance in Wednesday’s poor defending and they don’t have a problem to score lately. I’m going on goals.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.91 William Hill
Stake: 8/10

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188bet - betting review

I wrote a 188bet review for superbetting.com and am posting here since it should be useful for every punter.

Original address of the article:

http://superbetting.com/bookmakers/188bet-review-r21.html 

188bet

188bet is fairly new bookmaker (in business since 2006.), based in Asia with a tendency to spread over the Europe. They’re owned by Cube Limited, licensed and regulated on the Isle of Man. 188bet has great football (soccer) odds, they’re proud on the live betting offer and financial security, while sponsorship deals with Premier League clubs guarantee an increase in the popularity worldwide. 

Votes for

The popularity of Asian books was crushed after Pointbet affair (in 2007.) when many customers were robbed and company just vanished after that. To gain the trust, 188bet is paying big attention to the financial security. They are holding all clients’ funds (deposits plus winnings) in account at The Royal Bank of Scotland International. Which practically means the clients’ money is always safe.

If we talk about the advantages and reasons why average punter should choose them instead some European book, their great odds should be pointed. They are almost the same as at exchanges (but you don’t need to wait for offer to match). Their odds on even games are 1.935 up to incredible 1.98! 188bet opens the market earlier than other bookmakers which gives the opportunity to punters to make some “better deals”. For those who prefer less popular leagues, good news is bookie  covers more than 400 football leagues worldwide which should satisfy the appetites even of the most demanding customers.

188bet likes to be called "In-Play Specialist" as they live betting offer includes at least 2200 events every month. There is some form of in-play betting for nearly every event they cover. In-play is possible on football, NFL, basketball or tennis.

Another strong point is high limits. This attracts the serious players from whole world. At the same time, 188bet is also available for the “small fishes”. Minimal deposit is only 10EUR and minimal bet is 1EUR. 

Their dedication to the clients is also reflected in customer support.  Their department is available 24/7 and can be contacted by phone, fax, email, or their live chat feature. Chat is available even without making an account which gives the opportunity to gather more information before joining.

The website  has a modern and easily navigable look, players can place their bets and move around the website without confusion and distraction.

Bookmaker is very well known for its high profile football partnership  deals. 188bet is proud sponsor of Premier League clubs, Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wonderers (shirt advertising). They are also a betting partner of Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Other partnerships include Sheffield United, Everton and rugby teams Newcastle Falcons, Wigan Warriors and London Wasps RFC.

Beside the list of 28 sports, 188Bet.com additionally offers  gaming in form of casino (about 20 games), live casino, financials and mobile service.

There are also many other benefits to their customers. Live streaming of 16 leagues and competitions (registration is required), 13 deposit options, nine currencies, statistics, results, odds calculator... 

Votes against

Those punters who prefer other sports more than football won’t spend too much time before facing the first drawback.188bets offers events in 28 sports, but coverage of sports other than football is only mediocre. Offer is limited and live streaming almost doesn’t exist. Also, some lack of sense for these sports is always present. Book had one ridiculous rule about voiding bets on tennis matches interrupted for more than 12 hours. For example, this overlooks the possibility of rain on Wimbledon! There’re no poker and horse racing in offer as well.

When you try to get the winnings, it’s possible sometimes that the bookmaker will apply higher withdrawal charges in case of higher wins.

Despite their strong dedication about spreading on European market, languages are limited only to English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. Which is nothing else than giving up from the clients and countries that have animosity to English language like Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland or Scandinavia. Odds are decimal, Hong Kong , Indonesian, Malaysian, but no UK format!

In 2010., 188bet required from some of European players to enclose their sources of income by providing salary statements or income tax assessments. Explanation was the documents are required by the licensing regulator in the Isle of Man as part of money laundering checks. Players were frustrated as they understood it as a try for identifying the professional gamblers. 

188bet also closed the doors for the residents of the following countries and regions: USA, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Closure

If you are English speaking, football bettor, this bookmaker is a must have for you. They have some business related problems, but from my point of view (as bettor) they’re top class. Nine stars of ten!

If you still don't have account at 188bet, support the blog and open it from this link:

http://www.sbbanner.com/newmedia/index.html?vendorid=6179&vendortype=3&lang=ENUK 

Blackpool - West Ham

Obvious reasons, here. The Seasiders went in over in every home game (scored and conceded every time). My initial thoughts were to back them on -0.25ah, but they lost five of last six games in league (six of seven including Cup). Also, they’re worst hosts in Premier. New signings Reid and Beattie will be in contention.

After Wolves, The Hammers are worst travellers in league (8 points of 12 games) and they’re on the bottom. West Ham haven’t kept a clean sheet away in last 20 games. Keano will probably have his debut (I can’t see any sense in bringing him tbh), another striker Demba Ba could also be in the team.

Both defences are simply horrible and both sides are desperate for three points. Odds on goals maybe look little skinny, but it worth of a shot I’d say.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 1.83 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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WBA - Wigan

Six pointer. Still 15 rounds left, but who lose tonight will pave the road to Championship. The Baggies have a single win and six defeats in last seven league games (one and seven including Cup). They brought Carlos Vela from Arsenal (I’m not really sure how they can pay his wages) and improve the front line. But, real problem is defence. WBA have the worst defensive record in Premier (43 goals conceded), they haven’t kept a clean sheet in last 21 occasions and have conceded two or more in last seven!

The Latics won only once of their last eleven league games (with five draws and five defeats). Martinez will be without defender Alcaraz and Man Utd’s midfielder Cleverley. But, key players were rested in Cup and Al Habsi, Rodallega and N'Zogbia will start the game. Wigan usually play defensive football and they’re worst scorers in league (20 goals in 19 games), but I don’t think they’ll just sit back tonight. WBA’s defence is terrible and I think Martinez fancies their chances to score. Also, not sure they would accept only a point.

WBA and Wigan have never produced a goalless draw (15 games) and I don’t think they’ll be playing “not to lose game”. Both sides would hardly find a better opportunity for three points and I will go for goals here.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.88 bet365
Stake: 7/10

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Sunderland - Chelsea

Sunderland perhaps made a great deal selling Bent for 24mill, but on the other hand that left them without too much options in attack. For tonight’s game, Danny Welbeck is sidelined which should mean Asamoah Gyan will be alone in front line (new signing Muntari isn’t available). Without intention to put his qualities in doubt, he’s best as support forward and don’t think he alone is capable to seriously harm Chelsea’s back four. Sunderland have very good home record with just one defeat (Blackpool 0-2) out of 11 games. They stayed undefeated against Gunners (1-1) and Man Utd (0-0). However, against Chelsea they have unreal stats. 3-0 won at Stamford ended a run of 11 consecutive defeats (last five at home).

Chelsea started to show some signs of waking up with two league wins against Blackburn at home 2-0 and Bolton away 4-0. Torres won’t be in a team tonight, but his arrival (as well as capture of David Luiz) should be a real boost and recover of title hopes. On the other hand, failure at the Stadium of Light would end it very fast. Chelsea have the best defensive record (19 goals conceded) with Cech impressing lately, Drogba has returned something of his old shape, Anelka scored 6 goals in last 5 league games against Sunderland and I believe in their good display tonight.

Despite that very good record against Sunderland, Chelsea won four of mentioned five at Stadium of Light by one. Bearing in mind their humiliation in reverse fixture, I think it could be something more.

Bet: Chelsea -0.75
Odd: 1.98 Pinnacle, bet365
Stake: 8/10

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