as great as we are, we tipsters gotta eat too

Saturday, August 22, 2009

HULL vs BOLTON (EPL)

Hull City started the season promisingly enough, showing lots of spirit in an unlucky 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A large part of the performance was due to Stephen Hunt having a big impact on the side, and having scored both of Hull's goals already this season, Phil Brown can be reasonably pleased that his new signing has made an impact. However, tonight will be the first time Hunt comes up against a proper right-back in Gretar Steinsson, and i predict that he will have a tough time against one of the league's best old-fashioned right-backs. Bolton, despite their poor performance against Sunderland, do have a good set of hardworking players, and I fancy this to be enough to at least grab a point against a Hull City side that looks set for the drop this season.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on Bolton +0.5 @ 1.53 = $7.65

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs MANCHESTER UNITED (EPL)

Well, everyone thinks that Manchester United are now suddenly an ordinary club with no ambition and no title winning credentials after their shock 1-0 loss to Burnley. Which is why this bet is so hard to resist. I don't think that Manchester United will drop points two games in a row, however notoriously slow to start the season they are. A 1 goal win will even the handicap, which is good anyway because no money is lost, and any more means a great return of 2.07. I fancy United to win anyway, because the Serbinator is back.

Roland's tip: $5 on Manchester United -1 @ 2.07 = $10.35

WEST HAM vs TOTTENHAM (EPL)

Bad news for West Ham - Herita Ilunga is out for this match, which means that Jonathan Spector has to step in to cover at left back. I see him getting skinned many times by Aaron Lennon (good fantasy football pick I think!) and Spurs will win this match. Spurs finally look like the contenders that everyone thought they were when Martin Jol brought them to 5th for two consecutive seasons. After a nightmare with Juande Ramos, Harry Redknapp has rejuvenated them (also oweing to a huge transfer budget) and they look like a very strong side on their day. Bassong looks to have strengthened the Spurs defence and with Ledley King's return, I think Spurs can win this, especially when key men for West Ham like Behrami and Ashton are still out injured.

Roland's tip: $5 on Tottenham -0/0.5 @ 2.025 = $10.12

Friday, August 21, 2009

SUNDERLAND vs BLACKBURN (EPL)

Sunderland will look to pick themselves up after getting beaten at home 1-3 by Chelsea, and they face considerably weaker opponents this time. Sunderland have a very solid side as they have a very strong midfield with Cana and Cattermole, which will dominate an injury-ridden Blackburn midfield that is missing Reid, Dunn and Emerton. I see Sunderland picking up 3 points here, even though they may have played a midweek game and be slightly fatigued, as it is at the stadium of light and Sunderland are very strong at home.

Roland's tip: $5 on Sunderland -0/0.5 @ 1.825 = $9.12

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

BIRMINGHAM vs PORTSMOUTH (EPL)

Birmingham put up a very gutsy performance over the weekend against Manchester United, and I think this match will spark off another good performance from the blues at St Andrews. Christian Benitez looks likely to start and he showed off his pace on a couple of occasions, and he will definitely trouble a less than mobile Pompey defence. Pompey, on the other hand, turned in a lacklustre performance at Fratton Park - although admittedly they did create chances, but poor finishing let them down - and I don't see them getting anything out of this match. I fancy Birmingham to win this one.

Roland's tip: $5 on Birmingham -0/0.5 @ 1.775 = $8.87