Middlesbrough - Blackpool, 29 Dec

I am little opposing the market, here. ‘Boro are great at home with nine wins out of 12 and three out of last four (all three against bottom half sides, though).

But, here’re some facts about Blackpool. They’re undefeated in last five away matches and have only one defeat out of last ten. They’ve scored 14 goals in last five matches against ‘Boro and are undefeated against them for 39 years! Interesting fact is in their last three draws away, they avoided defeats in the dying seconds. My initial thought was they couldn’t be that lucky all the time. But, dug a bit deeper and found they’ve actually scored between 80-90min 10 goals in last ten matches - which was probably all but the luck.

My bet is Blackpool to win 2^nd half, odd is tasty.

Bet: Second half result - Blackpool

Odd: 3.60 (Ladbrokes)
Stake: 6/10

Happy holidays, lads! 

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Premier League and Championship betting - 8 Dec

Premier League, Swansea - Norwich

Swansea have been doing great recently, three wins out of last four and in previous round they knocked Arsenal away. On the other hand, Norwich are undefeated in eight! Michu has scored four out of club’s last seven goals and he’s been outstanding. I go for him to score anytime, odd is just fine.

Bet: Michu to score

Odd: 2.60 (bet365)

Stake: 4/10

Championship, Leicester City - Barnsley

The Foxes are in the run for direct promotion, currently third. They have terrific home record, with eight wins out of ten matches and in the last three home games they scored not least than 24 goals!

Barnsley have been struggling, they’re first above the relegation line with nine matches without a win. They scored in each of their last four games.

Probably an easy win for Leicester, but I go for goals. Ladbrokes jumped out with this price.

Bet: Over 2.75

Odd: 1.97 (Ladbrokes)

Stake: 8/10

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Premier League betting 17 November

Odds on Newcastle look very appealing and worth of a shot, I reckon.

Reading simply don’t have a squad for Premier League and am taking Everton.

Newcastle United - Swansea City

Bet: Newcastle

Odd: 2.08 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

Reading - Everton

Bet: Everton -0.5

Odd: 1.83 (188bet)

Stake: 8/10

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Premier League Betting 10 November

Two bets for today.

There were incredible 27 goals on 5 matches that Reading have played at home - average of 5.4 goals per a game!

And Man Utd will be too much for Aston Villa, despite hosts might have worked on self confidence lately.

So...

Reading - Norwich City

Bet: Over 3.0

Odd: 2.11 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 9/10

Aston Villa - Manchester United

Bet: Man Utd -1 ah

Odd: 1.82 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 8/10

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Premier League betting 3-4 November

No previews, just picks.

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Sunderland - Aston Villa

Bet: Sunderland

Odd: 2.18 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

QPR - Reading

Bet: Over 2.5

Odd: 1.84 (188bet)

Stake: 9/10

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Championship betting 6 October

Two same bets, for today. At the very same odds.

Blackpool - Charlton Athletic

Blackpool are free scoring and conceding side, at their four home games there was a total of 18(!) goals, or 4.5 per match in average. Last two matches in the league they played away and eight goals were seen in those. Charlton have been struggling in the league but it doesn’t stop them from making a show, their last three games away produced 11 goals. And after all, last four meetings of these two sides produced as much as 19 goals!

Bet: Over 3.0

Odd: 2.10 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 8/10

Leeds United - Barnsley

Pretty the same story here. There were 15 goals at Leeds’ four home matches and no less than 18 on Barnsley’s away. Leeds are in the streak of 10 games with three or more goals, while Barnsley’s last five matches on the road produced 22 goals! And again, I took a quick glance at their previous meeting and faced the total of 30 goals in their last six matches!

Bet: Over 3.0

Odd: 2.10 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 10/10

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Premier League and Championship betting 29th September

Morning chaps!

Apologize for not posting more regularly, hope I'll have more time in the coming days. Have two picks for today, no previews. 

Reading - Newcastle United

Bet: Newcastle -0.25

Odd: 2.19 (188bet)

Stake: 7/10

Burnley - Millwall

Bet: Over 2.75

Odd: 2.05 (BetVictor)

Stake: 8/10

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League One betting, Crawley - Portsmouth

Crawley are on top of their confidence, they won second promotion in a row, have noticed three wins out of opening four league matches, then eliminated Millwall and Bolton from the Cup! Their results are a bit better at home where they score plenty (last season 2^nd scorers in 3^rd division, season before 1^st in 4^th). Key players were rested in midweek win against Gillingham.

Pompey are going in the opposite direction and without money they’re again top candidates for relegation. However, they’ve been putting decent fights in each of their games and their two travels produced as much as 10 goals. They’ll be missing four first teamers, midfielder Lee Williamson is a doubt.

Going to back goals in this one, rather than home win.

Bet: Over 2.5

Odd: 1.91 (WilliamHill)

Stake: 7/10

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League One betting, Hartlepool United - Carlisle United

No time for reasoning since email for subscribers is going out for few minutes.

Bet: Over 2.5

Odd: 2.10 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

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Championship betting 1st September

Crystal Palace - Sheffield Wednesday

Palace have been shipping goals for fun, recently. They conceded nine goals in three league games, plus another four at Tuesday against Preston in Cup (all four defeats), with Julian Speroni in quite a bad form. They looked for some instant solution, signed Darcy Blake, Welsh international from Cardiff and he’ll start the game.

The Owls are pretty opposite, have a draw and two wins in league with a total of 14 goals in those! They’re in a great mood and must be liking the prospect of three points today.

Going for goals, rather than away win.

Bet: Over 2.5

Odd: 1.96 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

Leicester City - Blackpool

The Foxes like to think they have chances for promotion. But, started with a home win against poor old Posh, then lost three on the trot - including embarrassing 2-4 at home vs. Burton in Cup. Nigel Pearson has been rotating a lot, but it’s pretty obvious their defence is the worst line in the team. They look better at home however, in their last 13 games at King Power Stadium ten times they scored two or more goals.

On the other hand, Blackpool finished previous three seasons in top-six, this one started with all three wins and ten goals scored in those! Even more, they’ve signed two strikers Eccleston (Liverpool) and Delfouneso (Aston Villa).

Goals, again.

Bet: Over 2.75

Odd: 1.96 (Ladbrokes)

Stake: 7/10

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Southampton - Wigan Athletic, 25th August

Southampton put a decent fight against champions and Wigan are probably the best possible rival for the first home match. Wigan did score in 13 out of their last 14 travels, but they also conceded total of 62 goals last season and Moses is in Chelsea already. And after all, they favourite period is last third of season when they start to play and somehow avoid relegation. S’ton were the best scorers in Championship last season and Lambert (will start, this time) scored 12 goals out of last 14 matches. Home win.

Bet 2: Southampton -0.5

Odd: 2.16 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

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Championship and League One betting - 25th August

Sheffield Wednesday - Millwall

The Owls started their debut season in a great manner, taking a point away at Derby and defeating Birmingham at home. As every newly promoted site, they probably have great morale in the dressing room. There’s also a winning mentality, since Dave Jones took the charge Wednesday have been undefeated in 17 matches (14 wins, 3 draws)!

Millwall did survive previous season thankfully to strong league finish, but recent one should be new struggling. They won at Peterborough, at the opening day lost at home against Blackpool.

Let’s hope that Hillsborough confidence will last for a while, home win.

Bet: Sheff Wed -0.5

Odd: 2.07 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

Notts County - Walsall, Notts County -0.75

The Magpies made a perfect start of the campaign with two wins, defeated Crewe away and Hartlepool at home. They have more than a decent squad (maybe not too big, though) and are fourth favorites to win the league. Ivorian striker Francois Zoko is in doubt for the game, forward Yoann Arquin is suspended which means Lee Hughes will lead their attack.

Walsall suffered an easy defeat at the opening day against Donny, then grabbed a point at Oldham. They have very young team, but unfortunately for them not too bright future is predicted - as they’re second contenders for relegation (after Pompey).

If they want promotion, County must win games like this.

Bet 1: Notts County -0.75

Odd: 1.98 (188bet)

Stake: 8/10

Bet 2: Lee Hughes to score 1st

Odd: 5.00 (Various)

Stake: 1/10

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Championship betting 21st Aug, Watford - Ipswich

Watford opened the campaign with an unimpressive away win at Palace. They were behind 1-2, but scored two goals in the closing minutes (Speroni wasn’t on his best, as well). Squad probably has potential for the top half of the table, but trouble is decent amount of new players and Zola certainly needs some time to put it all together.

Ipswich also made a decent start, stayed undefeated against ex-Premier Blackburn. And also survived in the last stage of the match, by own goal in 83th min. On their travels last season, they conceded 45 goals (biggest number in the league).

My impression is both attacks are best lines the teams and both sides will be in the good mood for the match and trying to take all three points. I will go for goals. And interesting thing is from their last 14 encounters, 8 of them and last four at this place ended with 2-1 to Watford. So...

Bet: Over 2.5

Odd: 1.88 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

Bet: Correct score 2-1

Odd: 9.00 (William Hill)

Stake: 1/10

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League One betting 18 Aug, Hartlepool - Swindon

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Hartlepool haven’t made any significant signing so far, they finished previous season in not so good manner (two wins out of 13 matches), have been destroyed in the midweek Cup visit to Crew and future doesn’t seem so bright.

On the other hand, Di Canio has been very active in the transfer market and Swindon are third favourite to win the league. Gary Roberts, Jay McEveley and Alan Navarro are some of new faces. They had some good friendlies and seem to enter the season in a very good mood.

First round is obviously step in the dark, but I think we won’t find such price on Swindon through the season.

Bet: Swindon -0.25

Odd: 1.98 (BetVictor)

Stake: 7/10

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Championship betting, Leeds - Wolverhampton

Ok, let’s kick off the season with the most unpredictable league.

Lots of euphoria about Leeds and their expected fight for promotion. They lost Snodgrass, but actually they’ve strengthened all team lines. Last season defence made the worst defensive record in the league. Now there is Paddy Kenny (in my opinion, great choice for a goalie) and two experienced defenders,  Rodolph Austin and Lee Peltier. Attacking options are improved with Luke Varney and El Hadji Diouf, there’s still Bechio and Ross McCormack has just signed new deal. And the most important, Neil Warnock who had the whole summer to put it all together.

A pretty opposite situation at Wolves. They are natural favorites in this league after dropping from Premier, but they have plenty of transfer listed (and unsatisfied) players and new manager. Norwegian, Stale Solbakken, apparently likes to apply more passing style than previous managers preferred and obviously, it would need some time for players to adjust. Wolves have won only two visits to Leeds in the past 50 years!

I think it’s a good chance for Leeds to make a good start of the campaign and get Wolves on the wrong foot. However, some limitation in case of a draw.

Bet: Leeds -0.25

Odd: 1.92 (188bet)

Stake: 7/10

More to follow...

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Ykkonen betting, 4.7.

Viikingit - JIPPO Joensuu

Looking around, this seems to be a popular bet. Never mind. Viikingit have four straight home wins. In the past two away rounds, they lost versus a team with the highest budget in the league (SJP 1-3), but before that they totally outclassed 3rd Vanta 4-0 - which only confirms their good shape.

JIPPO are very poor travellers, they have one win and a draw of six away games and have conceded 16 goals in those (scored 6). Now I see their last eight matches in the league ended with three or more goals and in fact, seven of those eight with four or more!

I will stick to my initial thoughts (although goals can’t be a bad call) and go for a home win.

Bet: Viikingit -0.5

Odd: 1.90 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 8/10

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Sweden betting 03.07.

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Djurgarden - IFK Goteborg

Those sides are of approximately of same quality and both sides will be struggling to avoid relegation. Again, both sides have scored and conceded nearly the same number of goals (15 and 16). Djurgarden have played five draws in a row, IFK have drawn four! The hosts’ last nine league ended with both sides scoring, visitors’ 11 of last 12!

I guess a draw wouldn’t be so bad call, but I’ll just rely on other trend and take both to score. Unfortunately, too late for better odd.

Bet: Both to score

Odd: 1.80 (WilliamHill)

Stake: 8/10

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Premier League and League One betting, 28 April

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Everton - Fulham

Everton are in a great run of results, despite not having much to play for. Four wins and two draws out of last six and one of those two draws was that one at Old Trafford. They have won last 18 competitive matches against Fulham at Goodison Park (since 1959)!

Fulham are typical home side, for years. This season, they’ve noticed only three wins away from Craven Cottage and all three came against bottom sides - Wigan, QPR and Bolton.

Backing home side to continue their great run.

Bet: Everton -0.5
Odd: 1.90 (188bet)
Stake: 9/10

Brentford - Sheff Wed

The Bees need three points to stay in contention for the play-off, but actually it’s hard to believe they could leapfrog three clubs and overcome the deficit of five points. Against top-six (beside Sheff Wed), they have drawn vs. MK Dons and lost other four. Brentford will have to cope without few first teamers, goalie and skipper among them.

Wednesday are in a photo finish against their neighbours, for a direct promotion spot. They’re in a great shape and have won nine out of last 12 in the league (three draws).

Taking away win and expect Wednesday to finish second eventually.

Bet: Sheff Wed -0.5

Odd: 1.96 (188bet)
Stake: 8/10
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Premier League betting, 21st April

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Bolton - Swansea 

The Trotters are first below the line, but with two games in hand. Two defeats in a row, Fulham and Newcastle, but before that defeated direct rivals from the bottom QPR and Blackburn.

Before demolishing Rovers, Swans had noticed four straight defeats with only one goal scoring. Rodgers said that he wanted to “involve” players in last four games. With their minds, they’re probably on summer holidays.

I think Bolton have enough strength for a crucial win, here. Rumoured appearance of Fabrice Muamba at the crowds, would only help their cause.

Bet: Bolton -0.25
Odd: 2.08 (Bet365)
Stake: 9/10

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Blackburn - Norwich

The Rovers are one point behind Bolton, have a streak of five consecutive defeats and this is do or die for them. Interesting is both clubs are best scorers outside the top six (Blackburn 45 goals, Norwich 47), while Blackburn have conceded the most goals in Premier.

Norwich have been showing no respect or calculation, they had three away defeats in a row, then defeated Spurs! The Canaries haven’t kept a single clean sheet away (15 games) and they haven’t defeated Blackburn in last eight matches (all competitions.

Blackburn have nothing to wait for, a point would send them down as well. I would predict an open game and goals on both sides.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 1.90 (Bet365)
Stake: 9/10
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Champions League betting, Chelsea - Barcelona

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Nothing much to say about these teams, except there will be a decent amount of pressure (mainly on Chelsea’s side).

Referee of this game is Felix Brych, an interesting lad. In his 20 Champions League matches, he’s shown a decent inclination to yellow and red cards, averaging 41.5 points per a game (yellow - 10 points, red - 25). He had pretty quiet game Benfica - Twente (last this season), but in four previous games he showed 24 yellow and 4 reds (average of 85 points!). 

Big pressure, tight game and nervous referee forced me to go to the booking market.

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Bet: Over 45 booking points
Odd: 1.98 (BetVictor)
Stake: 7/10

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Saturday 14th April

No picks today...

Happy Easter to all Orthodox people worldwide and to my Red Star family.
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Premier League and League One betting, 9 Apr

Newcastle - Bolton

The Toon have four league wins on a trot, thankfully to Papiss Cisse who has scored 7 (seven) goals in previous four matches! If Chelsea don’t win at Fulham tonight, Newcastle will occupy a spot for Europa League.

Bolton are feeling the fire under the feet. They were outclassed by Fulham at home, in previous away game won against hopeless Wolves, but before that they had noticed four consecutive defeats on the road. All four were with two or three goals margin and without scoring. They also have one day less from preparation.

Backing Toon here, with asian handicap.

Bet: Newcastle -1ah

Odd: 1.88 (bet365)

Stake: 9/10

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Notts County - Yeovil Town

County are two points far from play-off and have been playing pretty well at home. Beside two defeats against Sheffiled clubs, they have five wins out of last seven matches. They made a confident win at Friday against Orient away, in a game where boss Keith Curle was even resting some of his key players.

Yeovil are in the middle of the table, they’re safe from both - relegation and play-off. They played (and won) against Rochdale at Saturday. They could be a tough nut to crack on the road, but against top sides only positive result came against MK Dons.

Beside quality, I expect motivation and fresher legs to decide a winner.

Bet: Notts County -0.75

Odd: 2.04 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 8/10

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Premier League and League One betting, 7 Apr

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Stoke - Wolverhampton

The Potters are having a decent season despite four league games without a win. They put a problematic display last week, at the defeat from Wigan and Pulis will probably demand reaction from players. They lost the reputation of typical home side, but still have very good record against bottom sides.

Wolves look hopeless at the bottom place. Since Terry Connor took the charge, they have taken only a point (from possible 18). They also have scored only five goals in those six matches, while conceded 19 (3.17 average)! Some calculations say they will need five more wins to stay in league. Hardly to imagine, since they have a total of five wins in past 31 matches!

Wolves did create some chances and scored lately, but their defending is still horrible. With Stoke’s physical domination, every attack, free or corner kick will be a problem. I am on home side.

Bet: Stoke -0.75
Odd: 1.98 (bet365)
Stake: 9/10

Oldham Athletic - Charlton Athletic

Oldham look pretty safe from relegation and their results look like the players are already on the summer holidays. They’ve collected seven defeats out of last nine matches in league and on last three haven’t even scored.

The Addicks are the far best away team in the league, with again far best defence. Recently they’ve brought on loan two very good players for this level, midfielders Lee Cook (QPR) and Dany N'Guessan (Millwall), who should bring more attacking power.

I am going to back Charlton with very good odds.

Bet: Charlton
Odd: 2.25 (Unibet)
Stake: 7/10

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Premier League and Championship betting, 31 March

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QPR - Arsenal, over

Queens Park have noticed just one win out of last eight matches in the league and all of sudden, they dropped under the relegation line. They are also without a clean sheet in 21 Premier League games.

Arsenal have made seven league wins in a row and they surprisingly appeared at the third place. No pressure as the title is lost long time ago, but very good reason to play.

QPR will put some serious fight on their smaller pitch and I cannot completely exclude the possibility of a surprise. I will back goals, rather than Arsenal.

Bet: Over 2.75

Odd: 1.98 (bet365)

Stake: 8/10

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Portsmouth - Burnley, Portsmouth

Pompey haven’t given up after points deduction and with three points today, they could be above the line. They took seven out of possible nine points from last three at home, defeating Hull and Birmingham.

Burnley are safe from relegation and too far from play-off. They made four defeats and a draw out of last five on the road, today will be probably without top striker Jay Rodriguez. They’ve lost six out of last eight competitive matches against Pompey (both home and away).

Pompey are in a very good momentum, while Burnley are probably far from standards of Hull and Brum who already lost at Fratton Park. Some limitation in case of a draw.

Bet: Portsmouth -0.25

Odd: 1.98 (Ladbrokes)

Stake: 9/10

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Premier League and Championship betting, 24 March

Norwich City - Wolverhampton
Norwich are in a sort of downtrend with three defeats and one draw out of last four in the league. However, their season looks absolutely fine (their last three seasons, actually) and they still have a chance to finish in the top-half (8th Swans have just three points more). Good news is Anthony Pilkington is back.
Wolves’ board probably had different plans with sacking McCarthy, but after they didn’t attract any serious name Terry Connor was a forced solution. In his four games in charge, Wolves have conceded 14 goals and looked pretty clueless in front (scored 2). Their confidence is certainly not a sky high, they remind me on Pompey few seasons ago and I wouldn’t be surprised if their free fall continues and just stay at the bottom.

Bet: Norwich -0.75

Odd: 2.06 (Ladbrokes)
Stake: 7/10

Reading - Blackpool
Reading noticed a shocking midweek defeat at the hands of Posh, but at Madejski have five consecutive wins and nine out of last ten with goal diff. 18-4! They will miss striker, Jason Roberts (B’pool will miss Roman Bednar).
The Seasiders have only one win out of last five in the league and lost on their last two trips against not so impressive sides - Derby and Peterborough.
Backing a winning horse, here.

Bet: Reading
Odd: 1.95 (888sport)
Stake: 8/10

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