as great as we are, we tipsters gotta eat too

Saturday, November 8, 2008

NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs BIRMINGHAM (COCA-COLA CHAMPIONSHIP)

birmingham have lost two on the trot, to coventry and wolves, and find themselves 4 points behind wolves currently. they can ill-afford another loss, and even a draw would be an unsatisfactory result given their ambitions of promotion. good news for them as seb larsson and radhi jaidi slowly regain match fitness, while the addition of nicky hunt on loan from bolton might help to stem the leak of goals at the back. i fancy birmingham to win this one, as nottingham forest are quite crap, and were lucky to SOMEHOW get a point against derby when the referee inexplicably disallowed two derby goals.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on birmingham -0/0.5 @ 1.800 = $9.00

BLACKPOOL vs IPSWICH (COCA-COLA CHAMPIONSHIP)

ipswich head into this game after a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over promotion contenders q.p.r and face a blackpool side that astonishingly went to watford and came away 4-3 winners. both teams will be high on confidence, but i expect ipswich to be able to bring blackpool down to earth, with the quality in their side proving the difference. the likes of moritz volz and owen garvan are quality and will be able to punish blackpool.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on ipswich level @ 2.01 = $10.05

TORINO vs PALERMO (SERIE A)

Palermo have been suffering from their loss of striker Amauri this season. Torino, however, are on an even worse run - scoring just 2 goals in their last 5 games and losing 4 of them. While the loss of Amauri is taking its toll, Palermo still have attacking pedigree with Edison Cavani, Fabio Simplicio and Fabrizio Miccoli. Also, their next 3 matches will have Inter, Bologna and AC Milan, thus 3 points for this match is crucial for Palermo and I think they will at least get something out of this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Palermo +0/0.5 @ 1.790 = $8.95

NAPOLI vs SAMPDORIA (SERIE A)

Sampdoria have won their last 3 games - Torino, Bologna and Partizan Belgrade. However, they haven't been great opposition. Napoli, on the other hand, just had a great 3 win run against much better opposition (Juve, Lazio, Reggina (okay, they are shit too)) ended with an unlucky loss to AC Milan, a match in which they had 1 man sent off but defended well until they unfortunately conceded an own goal. Denis has been great for Napoli, and they have great youngsters in Hamsik and Lavezzi. Napoli have won all games at home and I don't think their run will stop here.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Napoli -0.5 @ 1.840 = $9.20

FULHAM vs NEWCASTLE (EPL)

Newcastle have posted back to back wins at St James Park and it looks like their revival is on course under Joe Kinnear. Fulham, on the other hand, have had a very bad run - 3 straight losses, 2 draws, a lucky win over Wigan, then another loss to Everton. I think that Newcastle will probably nick this as they have belief going back into their side. With Gutierrez, Duff and Martins terrorizing the Fulham defence, I think Newcastle can at least draw this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Newcastle +0/0.5 @ 1.880 = $9.40

LIVERPOOL vs WEST BROM (EPL)

My last 2 bets involving Liverpool matches have been spot on, and both have been against Liverpool. This won't happen for 3 matches running and Liverpool will get their season back on track against West Brom, who might have been unlucky but definitely lack the quality to hold a Torres boosted Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool's last 9 matches against West Brom have all been wins, so I guess this match is about how much they will win by. My guess is that they will win by a lot, as they look to erase their disappointment from being held to a draw against Atletico and losing to Spurs. Even if they can't score, they still have Stevie G to dive and win them a penalty, so bet on Liverpool this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Liverpool -1.5/2 @ 1.850 = $9.25

SUNDERLAND vs PORTSMOUTH (EPL)

Sunderland and Portsmouth will head into this match looking to avoid their third consecutive defeat. My logic in these matches is that since both teams need the points, it is always advisable to back the home team. While Kranjcar's return might be great news for Portsmouth, I doubt the players' loyalties to new manager Tony Adams. Hell, I don't even know if he's fit or experienced to be a Premiership manager. Sunderland are strong at home and I think they are worth backing for this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Sunderland -0/0.5 @ 2.050 = $10.25

HULL CITY vs BOLTON WANDERERS (EPL)

Hull City are THE surprise package of the season. They are high on confidence, and their bubble did not burst like I predicted. Instead, they will be even more confident after scoring 3 goals at Old Trafford, albeit they were mostly fortuitous (imo!). Captain Ian Ashbee returns from suspension, while Bolton's Kevin Nolan is suspended for this match. I think Hull will probably win this match as Bolton are shite, and Hull should be more than able to deal with Bolton's physical approach as they are able to "rough it out" as well.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Hull -0/0.5 @ 1.925 = $9.625

WIGAN vs STOKE (EPL)

Wigan have finally turned around their bad form of 4 losses in a row with a win over Portsmouth, but they still sit precariously at 17th position, just above the relegation zone. Wigan will be definitely desperate for points and Steve Bruce will ensure that they get them. They have a huge backline - Bramble, Boyce, Melchiot, Figueroa - that will ensure that they are capable of dealing with Rory Delap's artillery attacks. Kirkland is a class act playing for a decent-ish side and should be able to keep out most of Stoke's attacks. Amir Zaki is in great form and is the top scorer in the league at the moment, so I think Wigan will get maximum points at the JJB.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Wigan -0.5 @ 1.800 = $9.00

agree with roland here. wigan are a good side and with their ability to grind results out, they should be able to just edge stoke here. and i hope they do it, to erase the painful memories of stoke 2 arsenal 1 a little. haha

Eddy's prediction: $5 on wigan -0.5 @ 1.800 = $9.00

ARSENAL vs MANCHESTER UNITED (EPL)

Battle of the titans! No points for guessing who I'm going for here.. United, obviously! Everything points towards an Arsenal demise - their depleted strikeforce (Van Persie banned, Adebayor injured), injury problems (Eboue out, Walcott/Gallas doubtful, Silvestre broken nose), and bad form (conceded 2 late goals to draw 4-4 with arch-rivals Spurs, loss against Stoke, goalless draw at home to Fenerbahce). Do I need to justify my case any more? United might be the heavy boat on this one but I really don't see Arsenal getting anything out of this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Man United -0/0.5 @ 1.960 = $9.80

it all seems to point to a manu win doesn't it? injury news, current form, confidence, past results...etc. everything would point you to a man utd win, if logic is used. however, we've all been here before, if you fancy a punt every weekend on your football matches. walcott, gallas and silvestre are "doubtful". now, "doubtful" is a word often used to mislead people into thinking they won't play, to encourage a flurry of betting for the other team, leading to a heavy boat. and you know what often happens to heavy boats. yup, they sink. in this case, however, it really looks like man utd are strong favourites for this one, but considering the fact that arsenal are at home, and have not won in like 3 matches, i think they will dig deep and at least hold out for a draw.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on arsenal +0/0.5 @ 2.00 = $10.00

Friday, November 7, 2008

KASHIWA REYSOL vs NAGOYA GRAMPUS EIGHT (J LEAGUE)

nagoya have gone on a 4-match winless streak in the j league, where they scraped to draws in each and every single one of those games. their cup win over fc gifu will perhaps help to restore confidence for nagoya, and bring back the winning touch for them against a reysol side who are not very good at defending. nagoya are still in the title hunt, and a win here would help them keep up the pressure on kashima antlers.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on nagoya grampus level ball @ 1.90 = $9.50

ATLANTA HAWKS vs TORONTO RAPTORS (NBA)

this is a historic moment for us here at thetipsters.blogspot.com, as i bring to you the very first NBA tip here, considering how it's been largely successful for me. the atlanta hawks are 3-0 so far this season, with their most impressive win being the most recent one where they went to new orleans and somehow managed to achieve an away win there. the raptors have also impressed, but their most recent game saw them lose to the pistons. considering the fact that the pistons are a well-drilled outfit, that shouldn't be too much of a concern for raptors fans. i think the hawks have over-achieved in the games they've played so far, and i think the time is right for the raptors to end their winning streak, as bosh and calderon have looked really menacing. should jermaine o'neal get back to anything resembling his true form, the hawks could really suffer.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on toronto raptors +3 @ 1.90 = $9.50

CLERMONT FOOT vs FC METZ (FRENCH LIGUE 2)

prior to last weekend, metz endured a bad run of 3 games where they were held by sedan, chateauroux, and beaten by brest. they are, however, a quality side, and i expect them to be able to push clermont foot, despite being the away team. the likes of babacar gueye and cyril chapuis should be able to stretch the clermont foot defence. their good form at home is something to take note of though, losing only once in 7 games. this stat is rather surprising considering the lack of quality in their squad, and i expect them to lose at home for only the second time this season.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on fc metz level ball @ 1.88 = $9.40

ALBIREX NIIGATA vs TAMPINES ROVERS (S-LEAGUE)

both teams are capable of scoring lots of goals with their free-flowing attacking football, so whatever the result, tune in tonight to watch both teams carve out patterns with their passing moves on the jalan besar pitch. one might expect loads of goals in this one, but i think that with both sides wary of each other's attacking prowess, this might actually turn out to be quite cagey, with neither team willing to throw too many players forward. also, the jalan besar artificial turf takes a little getting used to, and this is why i think it might actually be a low-scoring affair.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on total goals under 3/3.5 @ 1.90 = $9.50

Thursday, November 6, 2008

STANDARD LIEGE vs SEVILLA (UEFA CUP)

Sevilla started their season off with 8 wins and 2 draws in 10 games before slumping to a string of 3 defeats. I don't see Sevilla losing here as they do have quality in their side and will not lose 3 games in a row. Nevertheless, Standard Liege have proven their worth against bigger teams - holding Liverpool to a 0-0 draw and beating Everton 2-1 at home. However, do remember that they were against a Liverpool that had not clicked into gear, and an Everton who had suffered a long string of defeats that left them demoralized and low on confidence. I fancy the quality of Luis Fabiano and Jesus Navas to bring Sevilla a much needed victory.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Sevilla -0/0.5 @ 1.950 = $9.75

LECH POZNAN vs AS NANCY (UEFA CUP)

lech poznan is an unknown team from poland. they are so unknown that i don't know shit about them. my theory is: if they were any good, we'd have heard about them. as such, i'm backing nancy in this one, as i think despite being the away team, they will not lose.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on nancy +0/0.5 @ 1.73 = $8.65

FEYENOORD vs CSKA MOSCOW (UEFA CUP)

cska moscow will focus all their attention to the uefa cup now, given that rubin kazan have already sewn up the russian league title. as such, i expect them to be able to see off the challenge of feyenoord, who have struggled all season. at level ball, cska is a brilliant bet, as i really can't see feyenoord getting a win, despite the fact that they are at home.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on cska moscow level @ 1.75 = $8.75

I agree with Eddy, as CSKA Moscow has tonnes of quality, like Vagner Love who is banging in goals for fun.

Roland's prediction: $5 on CSKA Moscow level @ 1.75 = $8.75

METALIST KHARKIV vs HERTHA BERLIN (UEFA CUP)

hertha berlin go into this game after a 5-1 drubbing by werder bremen at the weekend, which was kinda unexpected. metalist kharkiv, on the other hand, are flying high in the ukrainian league and their weekend win over chernomorets has led to them being favourites in this match. however, i feel that being the away team actually suits hertha berlin in this case, as their forwards have the pace to really trouble kharkiv on the counter-attack. pantelic and voronin have been in good form, and i think hertha berlin at level ball is a good bet.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on hertha berlin level @ 2.15 = $10.75

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

CELTIC vs MANCHESTER UNITED (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Celtic will attack in this game, as they are desperate for points. A loss here would leave them at the bottom of the table with a point and 2 games remaining, which means that they are likely to be knocked out. This should ensure a great match as United are known for their counterattacking prowess, while Celtic do have the ability to play football too. United's defence has been slightly shaky of late, and with the absence of Van der Sar, Ben Foster/PIG will start and they might be tested by Celtic. However, Celtic pushing forward seeking the goal would render them extremely vulnerable to the counter, which has been very lethal for United. I see United winning this in a free flowing contest with many goals, much unlike the previous fixture 2 seasons ago.

Roland's prediction: $5 on United @ 1.55 = $7.75
$5 on Over 2.5 @ 1.95 = $9.75

AAB AALBORG vs VILLAREAL (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Villareal are definitely the form team heading into this match, being unbeaten in their domestic league and are top on level points in their Champions League group. A win here would ensure that they would almost certainly qualify for the knockout stages. The only notable absentee for Villareal would be Nihat Kahveci, but keep in mind that Villareal's resounding 6-3 win over Aalborg was without Nihat as well. Villareal is a side that can keep the ball and carve opponents up with slick passing, and are able to defend well too. I don't see why Villareal won't win this one.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Villareal @ 1.40 = $7.00

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

LIVERPOOL vs ATLETICO MADRID (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

After accurately predicting Liverpool's downfall last match, I'm going to predict another loss for the Scousers. Liverpool have a shit home record against Spanish opposition, never winning any out of the 5 and not scoring in the previous 4. Torres is rated at a 70% chance to start the match, so basically he's ready but probably not match fit, which means Atletico have every chance to draw or even win this match. I feel that the ex-scousers Luis Garcia and Sinama Pongolle will raise their game at Anfield, and Forlan has a great record against Liverpool anyway, so Atletico might sneak this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Atletico +0.5/1 @ 2.090 = $10.45

BARCELONA vs BASEL (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Barca have won their last 11 games. Impressive, huh? They are on form and their previous match against Basel was a 5-0 trashing. Now, back at Camp Nou, Barca are definitely going to win big again. A win here would see them qualify should Shakhtar lose to Sporting, and I fancy Barca's possession football to be too much to handle for Basel. An attacking lineup with Messi and Eto'o will definitely bring you goals, and even if Barca rotate and start Henry / Bojan Krkic, they are quality and should be able to score more than 2 past Basel.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Barcelona -2.5 @ 1.810 = $9.05

ANORTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA vs INTER (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

A win for Inter would mean that they would qualify for the next round, so I think it's worthwhile to back Inter here, even though all the random teams that have emerged have been giving their bigger opponents a run for their money and upsetting many bets. Especially since Inter has Jose Mourinho, who is a winner and will ensure that his team wins important matches like these. Adriano has been excluded from the squad, but that mean Inter are less lethal as they still have Ibrahimovic who can change games single handedly.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Inter @ 1.50 = $7.50

Sunday, November 2, 2008

REAL MADRID vs JUVENTUS (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

juventus were very lucky to have won against real a few weeks back, but i'm sure they won't get another fluke win again. real madrid will want a win to get their challenge back on track, and they will get it.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on real madrid to win @ 1.53 = $7.65

CFR CLUJ vs BORDEAUX (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

cluj come into this game as favourites, probably because of home advantage and also because they managed to hold chelsea here. however, bordeaux looked a class above cluj in france, and i think bordeaux will look at this game as the best chance to rack up more points in a bid to finish in the top 2 spots, or even to make the uefa cup slot. i do not see bordeaux losing this, and in fact, i can see the likes of chamakh, jussie and the impressive gourcuff slaying cluj.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on bordeaux +0/0.5 @ 1.95 = $9.75

RECREATIVO HUELVA vs GETAFE (LA LIGA)

both teams have turned in uninspiring performances for much of the season so far. for recreativo, last week's battling performance against valencia at home will have encouraged many, as they managed to come away with a draw against a very in-form team riding high on confidence. getafe also managed their first home win last week, and both these sides know that the game tonight is crucial. recre are the favourites for this one, as they have home advantage, but i think uche's return for getafe could be crucial, as he will provide the pace in attack that is currently sorely missed, as they struggle to get the goals to win them games. uche and soldado could form a partnership to really trouble recreativo, and i don't see getafe losing this.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on getafe level @ 2.010 = $10.05

VALLADOLID vs SEVILLA (LA LIGA)

sevilla have fallen to back-to-back defeats in spain, first to malaga in the league, and then to minnows ponferradina in the copa del rey. however, many of the first-team regulars were rested, and as such, will be fresh for this clash against goal-shy valladolid. i think sevilla should get back to winning ways here, and the handicap is worth a bet.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on sevilla -0/0.5 @ 1.95 = $9.75

ALMERIA vs REAL MADRID (LA LIGA)

i think real madrid have too much quality for almeria to handle, despite almeria being a rather resilient outfit. last week, they were spanked 5-0 by barcelona, and i think they will close up much more in this game, but i still fancy real madrid to have the quality to beat them.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on real madrid -0.5/1 @ 1.81 = $9.05

LYON vs LE MANS (LIGUE 1)

lyon snapped a non-winning streak on wednesday with an away win at sochaux. benzema and delgado were the scorers, and i fancy the tricky pair to cause trouble for a le mans defence that is not exactly the tightest. gervinho will look to trouble lyon, but i think lyon have too much quality for le mans, who lost at home to auxerre in their last match.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on lyon to win @ 1.44 = $7.20

UDINESE vs GENOA (SERIE A)

udinese is the in-form team going into this one, and currently sit second in the table with a game in hand. they have also been playing some attractive football, and are favourites going into the game with genoa, who have not managed a win away from their home turf. however, i think genoa will be able to frustrate udinese by sneaking a draw at least, as they do have the personnel to do that. diego milito and giuseppe sculli look like they could be a good partnership, and with the likes of gasbarroni and motta supplying them, udinese could be in for a frustrating night.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on genoa +0.5 @ 2.020 = $10.10