England: Premier Aug 30-31

[WHUPUNTER]

Welcome to Punters Lounge Theliverpoolway

[Theliverpoolway]

Thank you Hope I can contribute with something useful in the forums here.

[Jonesy Knows]

theliverpoolway to PL - nice to see a fellow fan!

[Mr Intensity]

LAY WIGAN @ 2.92 Betfair. This looks like a very reasonable price to lay at, especially with Boylesports going 3.00. Hull have started really well with a win at home against Fulham then a very good draw @ Blackburn. They’ve played some decent football, and I think they’ll do at least OK at home this season. Wigan have started with a couple of loss against West Ham and Chelsea, they’ve looked OK but I think it’ll be tough to get a win here.

LAY WEST HAM @ 2.7 Betfair. West Ham look to be in a bit of turmoil with a beating off Man City last weekend then struggling through against Macclesfield in the Cup. Calls for the head of Curbishley and can’t be sure of the reaction they’ll receive from the home fans. Blackburn disappointed a lot of punters last weekend failing to beat Hull at home, but I still think they look a decent side. Beat Everton away first day of the season and the way they play could be very solid on the road and I think they’ll get something here.

[SloppyJ]

Not sure about those two Mr.I.

For a start I've been impressed with Wigan so far this season, they havn't won but they've played well so far and Zaki and Palacios are good skillfull players.

West Ham I can see where your coming from, but they're just too unpredictable at the moment and there's no need to be risking your money at that sort of price.

If you've got money on them then I wish you all the best, but if you havn't I wouldnt advise it.

[meatman]

Middlesbrough -1 AH @ 2.15 Bet365


I'm another who agrees with Boro for Saturday. It looked as if they were on their way to a famous 3 points away at Liverpool last week, but somehow they managed to self destruct in the last few minutes of the match and ended up losing 1-2. Still, it must be remembered that Boro have started the season in a very impressive way and have played some good football. Manager, Gareth Southgate will be delighted with the progress so far and it looks as if they’ll have a very strong chance of picking up all 3 points against Stoke this weekend.

The Potters claimed a shock win 3-2 facing Villa last week, and that result is sure to have lifted their confidence, but its possible that this was a bit of a flash in the pan. They might prove to be useful at home, but on the road it’s a completely different kettle of fish. Thy looked clueless at Bolton on the opening day and defensively were a shambles for most of that match. Middlesbrough have sometimes slipped up in these sort of matches, but surely with their useful attack force and current confidence, they should have too much for Stoke. I can see them ease to victory by a comfortable margin, so there appears to be some decent value on this AH line.

[blackcrow]

Middlesbrough -1.5
Boro have been impressive in their first two games where they beat Spurs at home 2-1 and then were a bit unlcuky to lose 2-1 away to Liverpool. Now they greet Stoke who even though they won surprisingly 3-2 at home to Villa, they got thumped 3-1 at Bolton, and Boro are a better side then Bolton. While Stoke showed they will be competitive at home, they will struggle away from home and especially at the Riverside, things won't get any easier

Arsenal -1 (EH)
The return of Fabregas to the Arsenal lineup should see them rebound from their upset loss to Fulham last week. They could have beaten West Brom by more than the 1-0 scoreline with a bit more composure in front of goals and the Fabregas should give them that bit of class here and beat Newcastle who have started the season well, but their squad is starting to get thin. Arsenal have won 5 and drawn 1 of their last 6 clashes with Arsenal at home, and last season beat them 3-0 in the corresponding fixture.

[Leicester Bangs]

Originally Posted by meatman

Middlesbrough -1 AH @ 2.15 Bet365


I'm another who agrees with Boro for Saturday. It looked as if they were on their way to a famous 3 points away at Liverpool last week, but somehow they managed to self destruct in the last few minutes of the match and ended up losing 1-2. Still, it must be remembered that Boro have started the season in a very impressive way and have played some good football. Manager, Gareth Southgate will be delighted with the progress so far and it looks as if they’ll have a very strong chance of picking up all 3 points against Stoke this weekend.

The Potters claimed a shock win 3-2 facing Villa last week, and that result is sure to have lifted their confidence, but its possible that this was a bit of a flash in the pan. They might prove to be useful at home, but on the road it’s a completely different kettle of fish. Thy looked clueless at Bolton on the opening day and defensively were a shambles for most of that match. Middlesbrough have sometimes slipped up in these sort of matches, but surely with their useful attack force and current confidence, they should have too much for Stoke. I can see them ease to victory by a comfortable margin, so there appears to be some decent value on this AH line.

It seems to me that people are reading far too much into a Prem season that is only two - let me stress that: TWO - games' old. Stoke's away record last season was a not-too-shabby 9-9-5. So how can anyone say on the road it's a different kettle of fish? Yes, they were shambolic against Bolton, it doesn't mean they're going to be shambolic every week. Middlesbrough are the stronger team and should win, sure, but please don't draw such general conclusions from one away game.

[play2win]

Am mostly a cricket punter since long, and pretty new to soccer. Still getting used to my bets blowing on my face in the 93rd & 94th minute. Hardly any chance to trade, as there are 1 or 2 match changing moments in all of 90 minutes. Whereas in cricket u do get a chance to trade and take home ur profit. Been following the posts on soccer since a year now and am yet to find someone hitting bullseye consistently. Dont really know if there is a sure shot strategy to win in soccer, but i do like laying a result more than backing one result. That much i have learnt.

Have betted the top 4 odds on at 1.40 at home and waited 60 impatient minutes, only to then see a goal and the odds still 1.18 or 1.19, whats to make there ?

Neways.... not the right place to say all this, but really cant get myself to bet big on soccer. Being a layer, spanish soccer is still my favourite place. Its too volatile and if u wait u get a chance to trade.

Three bets for me this weekend. All linked.

Lay Arsenal @ 1.47 (10 points)

Everybody is probably just going by the first two games and so no one knows whats gonna happen. In such a scenario, arsenal at these odds defi look like a great lay. Also the way fulham got an early lead in the last match and held on for the whole game, tells me something is wrong there. Newcastle will defi be boosted by their 1-1 against MAN-UTD to whom they lost i think 6-0 last season ? And when a team team is confident, they always defend better and thats good enough for me, if i am an arsenal layer. Also for the same reasons above, my second bet is

Lay +2.5 GOALS @ 1.98 (5 points)

Arsenal were 0-1 down when they failed to come up with a goal. They had time and motivation. New Castle will be defensive as away team.

And as a cover for these 2 bets,

Correct Score 2-1 @ 9.4 (1 Point)

Dont see arsenal scoring 3 and the only way both the above bets get beaten is likely to be a 2-1, so the bet.

Theres every chance my bets would have loop holes, so please let me know if there are. Comments more than welcome.

[Carl]

We ( Blackburn ) do have a poor record at Upton Park

West Ham 2 1 Blackburn 15/03/2008
Blackburn 0 1 West Ham 09/12/2007
Blackburn 1 2 West Ham 17/03/2007
West Ham 2 1 Blackburn 29/10/2006
Blackburn 3 2 West Ham 10/12/2005
West Ham 3 1 Blackburn 13/08/2005

but I do think with West Hams current problems and the pressure from the fans for Curbs job I think we will get a result today. But what Im looking at is the overs, I think all this season we will leak goals until the team is settled and Robbo gets his confidence back.

My bets :
OVER 2.5 GOALS with Bet365 @ 2.10
CS: 2-3 @ 33/1 Bet365
Blackburn win @ 2/1 StanJames

[NIGWAFC]

First report of the season now that were two games in. I've been suitably impressed with the squad that Bruce has assembled, especially up front where we look much more of an attacking threat. Zaki looks a great acquisition - his hunger for the game is great to see, he looks comfortable on either foot, has a bit of build about him, and can also move a bit. I've no doubt that his goal at West Ham was the first of many and predict he will be a big hit in the Prem. Also returning from the wilderness is Henri Camara. After falling out with Paul Jewell and being loaned to West Ham where he had a torrid time, Bruce has given him a clean slate. He played mid week scoring two - granted it was Notts County (no disrespect meant there) but he looked very sharp and since Bruce has said he has been impressed with his attitude. Camara was one of the reasons we did so well back in our first season and he certainly knows how to score in the Prem. Backed up with the versatile Palacios, Valencia, and the battling Cottermole we also have a strong midfield. Granted we have no points on the board yet, but both games have seen us lose by the odd goal and in both we merited at least a draw. I'm confident that its only a matter of time before we pick up 3 points and believe were going to have a half decent season, which if were gonna have will have to start today. I know Hull have started well and will be buoyed by their recent success but Im sure we wont be taking them for granted. Ive noticed a few folk are suggesting a Hull win, but this appears to be based on results after just 2 games, not playing form. Remember after 3 games last season we were top of the Prem - by November we were bottom with Derby! 2 games dont make a season.

[SaberBlade83]

ASTON VILLA-LIVERPOOL

Taking this early as I'm not around tomorrow. Villa haven't got of to a brilliant start. They won at home against Manchester C 4-2 but lost late away at Stoke, not what they had in mind I can imagine. Still I belive Villa to be a solid home side and can beat anyone on a good day. Liverpool have failed to impress me at all so far. They have been lucky so far, didn't play well in the CL qualifiers but managed a very late goal in extra time to go through and avoid a penalty shoot-out. They scored a late winner at Sunderland, and had all the luck on their side to make a late turnaround at home against Middlesbrough.

It is, in a way, a strenght to be able to win while playing poor. But things has to start to get better, cause I can't see the luck holding on. Like I said, Villa can beat anyone on a good day and unless Liverpool improve they could find this trip very difficult.

Score prediction: 1-0

Pick 1: Aston Villa (0 AH) - 1,96 @ Unibet (4/10)

[Jonesy Knows]

ASTON VILLA v LIVERPOOL - 16:00 BST Sunday 31st August 2008

Head 2 head

Jan 21, 2008 Premiership Liverpool FC 2 - 2 Aston Villa FC +i Loading... Aug 11, 2007 Premiership Aston Villa FC 1 - 2 Liverpool FC +i Loading... Mar 18, 2007 Premiership Aston Villa FC 0 - 0 Liverpool FC +i Loading... Oct 28, 2006 Premiership Liverpool FC 3 - 1 Aston Villa FC +i Loading... Apr 29, 2006 Premiership Liverpool FC 3 - 1 Aston Villa FC i Nov 5, 2005 Premiership Aston Villa FC 0 - 2 Liverpool FC i May 15, 2005 Premiership Liverpool FC 2 - 1 Aston Villa FC i Dec 4, 2004 Premiership Aston Villa FC 1 - 1 Liverpool FC i Jan 10, 2004 Premiership Liverpool FC 1 - 0 Aston Villa FC i Aug 24, 2003 Premiership Aston Villa FC 0 - 0 Liverpool FC i Jan 11, 2003 Premiership Liverpool FC 1 - 1 Aston Villa FC i Aug 18, 2002 Premiership Aston Villa FC 0 - 1 Liverpool FC i Dec 26, 2001 Premiership Aston Villa FC 1 - 2 Liverpool FC i Sep 8, 2001 Premiership Liverpool FC 1 - 3 Aston Villa FC i Jan 13, 2001 Premiership Aston Villa FC 0 - 3 Liverpool FC i Sep 6, 2000 Premiership Liverpool FC 3 - 1 Aston Villa FC i

1 win in last 16 games for Villa

10 wins in last 16 games for Liverpool

5 draws

A lot of people think Liverpool are going to get beaten this weekend just purely because Steven Gerrard is injured and has had a groin operation which will keep him out of the Liverpool line up for the next few games!
Oddly enough Liverpool have always performed well in Gerrards' absence in competitive games.
Liverpool will welcome back Mascherano into the middle alongside Alonso and this should only bolster Liverpool and allow Alonso more freedom to control the middle of the park with his incisive passing and giving him more and more freedom to manouvre further up the field and add more options with his dangerous cultured feet.
Alonso is probably the best passer of the ball in the Liverpool team possibly in the premiership and he can feed Torres and Keane with his incisive passes, thus giving a very thin Villa defence problems.
Villa have been letting goals in pretty easily lately and they will have not come up against a more dangerous combination strikeforce so far in Torres & Keane!

My advice for betting purposes would be to not take it as a gimme that Liverpool without Gerrard will get beaten!
Villa have a dreadful record v Liverpool and the bet here has to be a
LAY - Aston Villa.

[botakbear]

Middlesbrough vs Stoke City

Statistical Analysis

Both teams are tied on points in this new season with 3 points each, taken at their respective home grounds. Boro won at home against spurs with a 2-1 score line, whereas stoke city lost their opening game at Bolton by 3 goals to 1. Since the start of preseason friendlies to their last game played in the carling cup, both teams have played 10 games. Coincidentally, both teams recorded 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 loses. However, the difference between the sides as observed from their games played is in their goal difference. Boro has a superior goal difference of +15 compared to Stoke’s +4. Boro scored 27 goals in total averaging 2.7 goals per game whereas Stoke achieved a total of 17 goals averaging 1.7 goals per game. The ratio of goals conceded is therefore 12:13. It has been noted that Boro has solved their goal scoring difficulties encountered last season with a talented front line featuring goal scoring machine Alves, hardworking Tuncay and the excellent Mido from the bench. 3 games played since the opening day of the season has saw Boro scoring 7 goals at home, 2 against spurs and 5 against midweek carling cup tie against Yeovil Town. Stoke themselves have shown their scoring power too with 7 goals in total and 4 away from home. However, Stoke’s defence is their weakest department having conceded an equal number of 7 goals in total, 3 against Bolton, 2 against Aston Villa and 2 against midweek carling cup opponent, Cheltenham Town. Statistically, Boro is more than capable of obtaining one goal more than Stoke whichever the score line.

Team Analysis
Boro has started this season with flair, determination and confidence. Their star player Steward Downing has kept faith in Southgate’s ability and remained at the club. We can see why with the displays by the team’s play in the first 3 games of the new campaign. They are playing with rejuvenated confidence and attacking their opponents with flair, scoring 8 goals thus far this season. Even the meanest defence of Liverpool were unable to prevent Boro from scoring let alone Stoke City’s fragile defence which has conceded 7 goals in their 3 competitive games this season averaging of more than 2 goals a game. Boro boasting a strong strike force of Alves, Tuncay and Mido will no doubt be looking to split open Stoke’s poor defence. With Downing providing the crosses from the left and Aliadiere pace on the right, there will be plenty of support for goals. Stoke’s strength is in their direct style of attack with Ricardo Fuller providing the physical strength upfront. Southgate has long observed that and has mentioned in their pre match preparation that they have been conducting the necessary defending training to cope with Stoke’s attack of long balls into the box. As observed in their two games against Spurs and Liverpool, Boro’s defence marshalled by captain Pogatetz together with Robert Huth, David Wheater and new signing Justin Hoyte, are more than capable of keeping dangerous attacking teams at bay. Although they will be without their first team goal keeper Brad Jones, his deputy Turnbull has showed he is capable of stepping up to the task after his fine display at Anfield. Moreover, Boro will enjoy the strong support of their home fans who are loving the way Boro are playing at the moment. Stoke will face the mental difficulty of all promoted teams to obtain a result without their home fans support which they have already failed to do so on their opening game away at Bolton, losing by 3 goals and only obtaining a consolation goal towards the end. Therefore should everything turns out right, Boro will split open Stoke’s defence and keep Stoke’s attack at bay, therefore obtaining a comfortable victory at home.

Recommendation: Middlesbrough -1 AH

[Jonesy Knows]

I agree about Boro v Stoke

2 quite physical teams however Boro like to play the ball along the ground whereas Stoke have a typical long ball game for a newly promoted team.
Boro have played well so far this season and if they can continue to grow together as a team and put behind their indifferent displays of previous seasons they should be a top 10 team.

I can see Boro putting a few past Stoke today and the recommendations for betting value:

Boro -2 HCP @5.50 Paddypower

Half Time - Boro / Full Time - Boro @2.40 Paddypower

Number of goals 4 or more @3.00 Paddypower

To score a hat-trick
A Alves @29.00
Tuncay @34.00
Mido @34.00
J Aliadiere @41.00 Paddypower

Boro to win by 4 or more goals @13.00 Paddypower

[SloppyJ]

Originally Posted by play2win

Lay Arsenal @ 1.47 (10 points)
Correct Score 2-1 @ 9.4 (1 Point)
Lay +2.5 GOALS @ 1.98 (5 points)


Everybody is probably just going by the first two games and so no one knows whats gonna happen. In such a scenario, arsenal at these odds defi look like a great lay. Also the way fulham got an early lead in the last match and held on for the whole game, tells me something is wrong there. Newcastle will defi be boosted by their 1-1 against MAN-UTD to whom they lost i think 6-0 last season ? And when a team team is confident, they always defend better and thats good enough for me, if i am an arsenal layer. Also for the same reasons above, my second bet is

Different story today though. We've (Arsenal) pretty much got a full strength team now, minus a new defensive midfielder and Rosicky. Fabregas is back and that is massive.

We were creating chances for fun against Twente, and it should only take a goal for Van Persie to find his shooting boots. Adebayor was rested during the week so will be more than up for this as he continues to try and win back the fans.

Obviously I could be totally wrong, but it just doesnt seem worth the risk to me and 2-1 is more than a possible scoreline in my eyes.

Take into account Newcastle had a long game against Coventry midweek and they're also missing several key players and it leads me to think Arsenal will take this game quite easily.

Arsenal -1 would be my bet at 5/4.

[play2win]

Originally Posted by botakbear

Middlesbrough vs Stoke City

Statistical Analysis

Both teams are tied on points in this new season with 3 points each, taken at their respective home grounds. Boro won at home against spurs with a 2-1 score line, whereas stoke city lost their opening game at Bolton by 3 goals to 1. Since the start of preseason friendlies to their last game played in the carling cup, both teams have played 10 games. Coincidentally, both teams recorded 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 loses. However, the difference between the sides as observed from their games played is in their goal difference. Boro has a superior goal difference of +15 compared to Stoke’s +4. Boro scored 27 goals in total averaging 2.7 goals per game whereas Stoke achieved a total of 17 goals averaging 1.7 goals per game. The ratio of goals conceded is therefore 12:13. It has been noted that Boro has solved their goal scoring difficulties encountered last season with a talented front line featuring goal scoring machine Alves, hardworking Tuncay and the excellent Mido from the bench. 3 games played since the opening day of the season has saw Boro scoring 7 goals at home, 2 against spurs and 5 against midweek carling cup tie against Yeovil Town. Stoke themselves have shown their scoring power too with 7 goals in total and 4 away from home. However, Stoke’s defence is their weakest department having conceded an equal number of 7 goals in total, 3 against Bolton, 2 against Aston Villa and 2 against midweek carling cup opponent, Cheltenham Town. Statistically, Boro is more than capable of obtaining one goal more than Stoke whichever the score line.

Team Analysis
Boro has started this season with flair, determination and confidence. Their star player Steward Downing has kept faith in Southgate’s ability and remained at the club. We can see why with the displays by the team’s play in the first 3 games of the new campaign. They are playing with rejuvenated confidence and attacking their opponents with flair, scoring 8 goals thus far this season. Even the meanest defence of Liverpool were unable to prevent Boro from scoring let alone Stoke City’s fragile defence which has conceded 7 goals in their 3 competitive games this season averaging of more than 2 goals a game. Boro boasting a strong strike force of Alves, Tuncay and Mido will no doubt be looking to split open Stoke’s poor defence. With Downing providing the crosses from the left and Aliadiere pace on the right, there will be plenty of support for goals. Stoke’s strength is in their direct style of attack with Ricardo Fuller providing the physical strength upfront. Southgate has long observed that and has mentioned in their pre match preparation that they have been conducting the necessary defending training to cope with Stoke’s attack of long balls into the box. As observed in their two games against Spurs and Liverpool, Boro’s defence marshalled by captain Pogatetz together with Robert Huth, David Wheater and new signing Justin Hoyte, are more than capable of keeping dangerous attacking teams at bay. Although they will be without their first team goal keeper Brad Jones, his deputy Turnbull has showed he is capable of stepping up to the task after his fine display at Anfield. Moreover, Boro will enjoy the strong support of their home fans who are loving the way Boro are playing at the moment. Stoke will face the mental difficulty of all promoted teams to obtain a result without their home fans support which they have already failed to do so on their opening game away at Bolton, losing by 3 goals and only obtaining a consolation goal towards the end. Therefore should everything turns out right, Boro will split open Stoke’s defence and keep Stoke’s attack at bay, therefore obtaining a comfortable victory at home.

Recommendation: Middlesbrough -1 AH

excellent right up mate. keep it up.
results will come sooner or later. sooner rather than later i hope coz am putting money on it today

[JCtips]

My picks in the EPL today:

Bolton-W. Bromwich
Bolton had a great start and seem to be in good form while as Bromwich started the season with 2 defeats in 2 games and it sure looks like they're gonna struggle all season in order to avoid relegation.
Bolton is also much more experienced at this level and I see them getting a win today.
My pick: Bolton -0.5AH (1.98);

Hull City-Wigan
Hull is doing well so far and surely not many people expected them to get a positive result as they did last week.
Wigan has started the season in a horrible form with 2 defeats in 2 games.
Small clubs know that in order to stay clear of the relegation zone they must win this sort of home games and I see Hull getting a result today.
My pick: Hull PK;

Good luck!

JC