<3.00> <3.00> <2.17>
just like china, iran face a must-win match, after drawing their first 3 matches. they have a good team with players like ali karimi, vahid hashemian and mehdi mahdavikia having european experience to boot. they haven't won in 3, meaning they will win here, as the rot has to end somewhere.
-Eddy's prediction: $5 on iran @ 2.17 = $10.85
Friday, June 6, 2008
JORDAN vs SOUTH KOREA (AFC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER)
<3.75> <3.10> <1.85>
south korea managed to throw away a two-goal lead when they last met jordan to end up with a 2-2 draw. jordan are really not a very good team, and south korea will be looking to make amends for their loss of concentration, by beating jordan away from home. if north korea could do it, why not south korea?
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on south korea @ 1.85 = $9.25
south korea managed to throw away a two-goal lead when they last met jordan to end up with a 2-2 draw. jordan are really not a very good team, and south korea will be looking to make amends for their loss of concentration, by beating jordan away from home. if north korea could do it, why not south korea?
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on south korea @ 1.85 = $9.25
CHINA vs QATAR (AFC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS)
<1.65> <3.35> <4.45>
china head into this game on the back of 3 draws, which has left them in 3rd place, and perilously close to failing to qualify for the world cup. they HAVE to win this game, and i think they will do it. zheng zhi's niggling injuries has resulted in his play being a little subdued, but i think china should win this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on china @ 1.65 = $8.25
china head into this game on the back of 3 draws, which has left them in 3rd place, and perilously close to failing to qualify for the world cup. they HAVE to win this game, and i think they will do it. zheng zhi's niggling injuries has resulted in his play being a little subdued, but i think china should win this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on china @ 1.65 = $8.25
IRAQ vs AUSTRALIA (AFC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS)
<3.40> <3.05> <1.97>
australia head into this game days after defeating the iraqis 1-0 with a harry kewell goal. iraq has "home" advantage in this one, although with the match not allowed to be played in iraq itself, that advantage is reduced. it is a must-win match for iraq, but i see the quality of the aussies shining through here. nashat akram is an injury doubt for iraq as well, which will be a huge blow to them.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on australia @ 1.97 = $9.85
australia head into this game days after defeating the iraqis 1-0 with a harry kewell goal. iraq has "home" advantage in this one, although with the match not allowed to be played in iraq itself, that advantage is reduced. it is a must-win match for iraq, but i see the quality of the aussies shining through here. nashat akram is an injury doubt for iraq as well, which will be a huge blow to them.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on australia @ 1.97 = $9.85
PORTUGAL vs TURKEY (EURO 2008)
<1.52> <3.40> <5.65>
Portugal's first match will be against Turkey. Portugal have a fully fit side going into this game. I'll just keep it short and simple. Ronaldo, Quaresma, Moutinho, Deco, Veloso, Simao, Nani. Portugal have too much class in the midfield and will breeze past Turkey easily, hoping to put away the disappointment of losing against Greece in 2004 in the finals and crashing out in the semis during World Cup 2006. Turkey just don't have enough to match the Portugese, who are one of the favourites to win this tournament.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on Portugal @ 1.52 = $15.20
$5 on Portugal H-H @ 2.50 = $12.50
i can see why roland is so confident about portugal, the form of ronaldo, the quality of the rest of the team really makes one drool. HOWEVER, it's the first game and i urge all punters to be cautious. pre-tournament friendlies are generally useless in predicting when the real tournament swings by, and it's a potential minefield out there, so don't go in too heavy. i think portugal will win this one, but i'm preferring to be a little more cautious.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on portugal @ 1.52 = $7.60
Portugal's first match will be against Turkey. Portugal have a fully fit side going into this game. I'll just keep it short and simple. Ronaldo, Quaresma, Moutinho, Deco, Veloso, Simao, Nani. Portugal have too much class in the midfield and will breeze past Turkey easily, hoping to put away the disappointment of losing against Greece in 2004 in the finals and crashing out in the semis during World Cup 2006. Turkey just don't have enough to match the Portugese, who are one of the favourites to win this tournament.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on Portugal @ 1.52 = $15.20
$5 on Portugal H-H @ 2.50 = $12.50
i can see why roland is so confident about portugal, the form of ronaldo, the quality of the rest of the team really makes one drool. HOWEVER, it's the first game and i urge all punters to be cautious. pre-tournament friendlies are generally useless in predicting when the real tournament swings by, and it's a potential minefield out there, so don't go in too heavy. i think portugal will win this one, but i'm preferring to be a little more cautious.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on portugal @ 1.52 = $7.60
SWITZERLAND vs CZECH REPUBLIC (EURO 2008)
<2.65> <2.78> <2.55>
Co-hosts Switzerland will kick off Eur02008 with the first match against Czech Republic. I would feel that these two teams are very evenly matched, so I'm backing Switzerland because they have the home team advantage. Just look back at Euro2004. If Greece can win the Euro being massive underdogs, Switzerland can beat the Czechs. Furthermore, Tranquillo Barnetta will be fit for this match and his supply to Alexander Frei, the all time top goalscorer for Switzerland, will prove vital in this match. However, the Swiss have to get past one of the world's best goalkeepers, Cech, and so if you play handicap and can place a level ball on Switzerland, go for it.
- Roland's prediction: $5 on Switzerland @ 2.65 = $13.25
i would agree with roland here. i really do not see the swiss losing this one. so level ball is the way to go. BUT singapore pools doesn't offer level ball, so i'm tipping home advantage to lift the swiss to a crucial first victory here. barnetta and behrami will give the ageing czech defence a lot to think about. The experience of seasoned campaigners like hakan yakin and alexander frei, coupled with the youthful exuberance of players like degen, senderos, djourou and gelson fernandes, makes this swiss side a surprisingly balanced team. the czechs, besides their goalkeeper are seriously lacking in quality. swiss win.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on switzerland @ 2.65 = $13.25
$5 on switzerland -1.5 @ 5.70 = $28.50
Co-hosts Switzerland will kick off Eur02008 with the first match against Czech Republic. I would feel that these two teams are very evenly matched, so I'm backing Switzerland because they have the home team advantage. Just look back at Euro2004. If Greece can win the Euro being massive underdogs, Switzerland can beat the Czechs. Furthermore, Tranquillo Barnetta will be fit for this match and his supply to Alexander Frei, the all time top goalscorer for Switzerland, will prove vital in this match. However, the Swiss have to get past one of the world's best goalkeepers, Cech, and so if you play handicap and can place a level ball on Switzerland, go for it.
- Roland's prediction: $5 on Switzerland @ 2.65 = $13.25
i would agree with roland here. i really do not see the swiss losing this one. so level ball is the way to go. BUT singapore pools doesn't offer level ball, so i'm tipping home advantage to lift the swiss to a crucial first victory here. barnetta and behrami will give the ageing czech defence a lot to think about. The experience of seasoned campaigners like hakan yakin and alexander frei, coupled with the youthful exuberance of players like degen, senderos, djourou and gelson fernandes, makes this swiss side a surprisingly balanced team. the czechs, besides their goalkeeper are seriously lacking in quality. swiss win.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on switzerland @ 2.65 = $13.25
$5 on switzerland -1.5 @ 5.70 = $28.50
KENYA vs GUINEA (WC AFRICAN QUALIFIERS)
<2.90> <3.10> <2.17>
well i have to be honest here. i don't know shit about kenya's footballers. and i know very little about guinea's footballers. however, i think guinea have enough quality to beat kenya, as i know more players from there, meaning they are a better team. guinea have the likes of pascal feindouno, dianbobo balde, and bangoura, and i think the european experience in their ranks should be enough to hand them a win against unheard-of kenya.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on guinea @ 2.17 = $10.85
well i have to be honest here. i don't know shit about kenya's footballers. and i know very little about guinea's footballers. however, i think guinea have enough quality to beat kenya, as i know more players from there, meaning they are a better team. guinea have the likes of pascal feindouno, dianbobo balde, and bangoura, and i think the european experience in their ranks should be enough to hand them a win against unheard-of kenya.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on guinea @ 2.17 = $10.85
THE PRE-EURO POST
well, after all the anticipation, it is finally starting tomorrow. the euros, that is. singapore pools has installed the usual suspects germany, italy, spain, france, portugal, holland as the pre-tournament favourites, and honestly, i'd be shocked if none of these 6 win it. so now, the big question is, who to back? i'm going for SPAIN, and HOLLAND, the two sleeping giants of world football, to finally wake up and show the rest of europe what they are made of. if i were to go into player analysis, then surely, these two teams would not be the favourites to win. HOWEVER, it's not often that the overwhelming favourites go on to win international tournaments. usually, teams that win it, come from around the top bracket, but are not the leaders of the pack. on a separate market, you can opt for top-scorer in the championships, and i'm gunning for Ruud Van Nistelrooy, despite him having a very very tough group to contend with. I just think that his scrappiness is essential in such a tight group, and the odds on him to emerge with the golden boot are very high.
- Eddy's predictions: $5 on HOLLAND @ 10.00 = $50.00
$5 on SPAIN @ 6.00 = $30.00
$5 on RUUD VAN NISTELROOY TOP-SCORER @ 14.00 = $70.00
I agree with Eddy. And this doesn't mean we're collaborating. It's just a coincidence of genius opinion. Anyway as what Eddy had already mentioned, Spain and Holland are both underachievers. And as what Eddy has always said, "The rot has to stop". Both play good football, both have enough quality to win this one, but they have not delivered, and it's time for them to do so. Especially since France are pretty shitty at the moment - they're a team in transition. Italy have lost out Cannavaro who was the heart and soul of their defence. Portugal, for all their brilliant midfielders, lack a semi-decent front man and I expect their failure to be precisely because of that. And Germany.. Their first team keeper is Lehmann who has hardly had a game in the past few months. So Spain and Holland have a really good chance this time, and I hope they prove us right. For the top scorer, I'd go with Klose because Germany have a really easy group. Then they'll meet Group A runners up which is most probably Switzerland, who boast of 3 outstanding EPL defenders - Djourou, Senderos and Degen. Go figure.
- Roland's Predictions: $5 on HOLLAND @ 10.00 = $50.00
$5 on SPAIN @ 6.00 = $30.00
$5 on MIROSLAV KLOSE TOP-SCORER @ 9.00 = $45.00
- Eddy's predictions: $5 on HOLLAND @ 10.00 = $50.00
$5 on SPAIN @ 6.00 = $30.00
$5 on RUUD VAN NISTELROOY TOP-SCORER @ 14.00 = $70.00
I agree with Eddy. And this doesn't mean we're collaborating. It's just a coincidence of genius opinion. Anyway as what Eddy had already mentioned, Spain and Holland are both underachievers. And as what Eddy has always said, "The rot has to stop". Both play good football, both have enough quality to win this one, but they have not delivered, and it's time for them to do so. Especially since France are pretty shitty at the moment - they're a team in transition. Italy have lost out Cannavaro who was the heart and soul of their defence. Portugal, for all their brilliant midfielders, lack a semi-decent front man and I expect their failure to be precisely because of that. And Germany.. Their first team keeper is Lehmann who has hardly had a game in the past few months. So Spain and Holland have a really good chance this time, and I hope they prove us right. For the top scorer, I'd go with Klose because Germany have a really easy group. Then they'll meet Group A runners up which is most probably Switzerland, who boast of 3 outstanding EPL defenders - Djourou, Senderos and Degen. Go figure.
- Roland's Predictions: $5 on HOLLAND @ 10.00 = $50.00
$5 on SPAIN @ 6.00 = $30.00
$5 on MIROSLAV KLOSE TOP-SCORER @ 9.00 = $45.00
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
SPAIN vs USA (INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY)
<1.28> <4.20> <9.20>
Spain's final friendly before Euro2008 is against USA, who were pretty bad against England in their previous friendly. Good news for Spain, Fernando Torres won't be out for this match. While Luis Aragones will not play his full strength first team, Reina is a more than capable stand in for Casillas and Raul Albiol is an upcoming star in the defensive lineup for Spain. Expect Spain to win comfortably in this one.
- Roland's predictions: $10 on Spain @ 1.28 = $12.80
$5 on Spain first goal @ 1.22 = $6.10
Spain's final friendly before Euro2008 is against USA, who were pretty bad against England in their previous friendly. Good news for Spain, Fernando Torres won't be out for this match. While Luis Aragones will not play his full strength first team, Reina is a more than capable stand in for Casillas and Raul Albiol is an upcoming star in the defensive lineup for Spain. Expect Spain to win comfortably in this one.
- Roland's predictions: $10 on Spain @ 1.28 = $12.80
$5 on Spain first goal @ 1.22 = $6.10
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
GOMBAK vs HOME UTD (SINGAPORE LEAGUE CUP)
<3.60> <3.38> <1.80>
home utd have only won twice in their last 7 games, with one of the games being a 1-0 defeat at the hands of gombak, lionel lewis presenting gabriel obatola with an open goal after fumbling the ball. with players such as kengne ludovick leading the line, it's just impossible for them to be suffering such poor form. home will be severely hit by the international fixtures, much more so than gombak, who only "miss" precious emuejeraye. home utd will miss the creative influence of shi jiayi, and the heroics of OUSTANDING keeper lionel lewis, who had a hand in an incredible SEVEN goals when singapore met uzbekistan last night. gut feel says home utd to win though.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on home utd @ 1.80 = $9.00
$5 on home utd A-A at HT-FT @ 3.10 = $15.50
home utd have only won twice in their last 7 games, with one of the games being a 1-0 defeat at the hands of gombak, lionel lewis presenting gabriel obatola with an open goal after fumbling the ball. with players such as kengne ludovick leading the line, it's just impossible for them to be suffering such poor form. home will be severely hit by the international fixtures, much more so than gombak, who only "miss" precious emuejeraye. home utd will miss the creative influence of shi jiayi, and the heroics of OUSTANDING keeper lionel lewis, who had a hand in an incredible SEVEN goals when singapore met uzbekistan last night. gut feel says home utd to win though.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on home utd @ 1.80 = $9.00
$5 on home utd A-A at HT-FT @ 3.10 = $15.50
YOUNG LIONS vs TAMPINES (SINGAPORE LEAGUE CUP)
<4.50> <3.45> <1.62>
tampines miss a host of players for this one to international commitments, sutee suksomkit playing for thailand, and mustafic, muhd ridhuan and qiu li off to play for our very own national team. oh in case you're reading this and you're not singaporean, i'm very surprised you found our tiny blog, so please leave a comment to say hi to us. if you're singaporean, please leave a comment as well! we need to know if people are actually reading our genius tips. anyway young lions are missing hariss harun and khairul amri, which is essentially, their whole team. they managed to scrap their way to an unlikely victory over woodlands last time out, and the scale of the upset is magnified several times when you take into account park tae won giving woodlands a 2-0 lead in the 90th minute. so what's the tip for this one, some impatient people might already be asking. well, i say go with tampines. i just think despite the fact that so many senior tampines players are away, the young lions are a poor team, and without khairul amri and hariss harun, i do not see how they'll get anything from this. aliff shaffaein of tampines to star in this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on tampines @ 1.62 = $8.10
tampines miss a host of players for this one to international commitments, sutee suksomkit playing for thailand, and mustafic, muhd ridhuan and qiu li off to play for our very own national team. oh in case you're reading this and you're not singaporean, i'm very surprised you found our tiny blog, so please leave a comment to say hi to us. if you're singaporean, please leave a comment as well! we need to know if people are actually reading our genius tips. anyway young lions are missing hariss harun and khairul amri, which is essentially, their whole team. they managed to scrap their way to an unlikely victory over woodlands last time out, and the scale of the upset is magnified several times when you take into account park tae won giving woodlands a 2-0 lead in the 90th minute. so what's the tip for this one, some impatient people might already be asking. well, i say go with tampines. i just think despite the fact that so many senior tampines players are away, the young lions are a poor team, and without khairul amri and hariss harun, i do not see how they'll get anything from this. aliff shaffaein of tampines to star in this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on tampines @ 1.62 = $8.10
Friday, May 30, 2008
CZECH REPUBLIC vs SCOTLAND (INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY)
<1.47> <3.55> <6.00>
Team news: Scotland won't have James McFadden, Alan Hutton, Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch and David Weir. Czech Republic won't have Rosicky. So the Scotland first team looks really depleted and I doubt they will be able to trouble Petr Cech. Czech Republic have a great big man - small man partnership in the form of Jans Koller and Milan Baros. With the supply from Marek Jankulovski, they can score goals. With Cech in goal, they have one of the world's best keepers. Czech Republic to win.
- Roland's Prediction: $10 on Czech Republic @ 1.47 = $14.70
$5 on SPECIAL Czech Republic 1st Goal @ 1.42 = $7.10
I agree with roland. with such a depleted squad, it's unlikely czech republic will come away with anything at all. however, scotland are likely to play very defensive and make life hard for the czechs. so its a czech win, but not as confident as roland.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on czech republic @ 1.47 = $7.35
Team news: Scotland won't have James McFadden, Alan Hutton, Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch and David Weir. Czech Republic won't have Rosicky. So the Scotland first team looks really depleted and I doubt they will be able to trouble Petr Cech. Czech Republic have a great big man - small man partnership in the form of Jans Koller and Milan Baros. With the supply from Marek Jankulovski, they can score goals. With Cech in goal, they have one of the world's best keepers. Czech Republic to win.
- Roland's Prediction: $10 on Czech Republic @ 1.47 = $14.70
$5 on SPECIAL Czech Republic 1st Goal @ 1.42 = $7.10
I agree with roland. with such a depleted squad, it's unlikely czech republic will come away with anything at all. however, scotland are likely to play very defensive and make life hard for the czechs. so its a czech win, but not as confident as roland.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on czech republic @ 1.47 = $7.35
DALIAN SHIDE vs ALBIREX NIIGATA (SINGAPORE LEAGUE CUP)
<2.45> <3.10> <2.52>
albirex and dalian have not won for so so long. albirex's last victory was a 2-1 defeat of dalian, and dalian's last win was 3-1 against geylang. both sides haven't won for like 7-8 games, so it might be easy to predict a draw against two fairly even sides here. however, i think that ryota doi and akira takase have too much firepower in them not to trouble dalian, and as such, i'm predicting albirex to finally win again after so long, and i'm pretty confident. note: this is where i sometimes shoot myself in the foot, betting too much on one team cos of gut feel, but ah heck i'll stick with my choice.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on albirex @ 2.52 = $25.20
$5 on albirex +1.5 @ 1.11 = $5.55
$5 on albirex to win A-A on HT-FT @ 4.70 = $23.50
albirex and dalian have not won for so so long. albirex's last victory was a 2-1 defeat of dalian, and dalian's last win was 3-1 against geylang. both sides haven't won for like 7-8 games, so it might be easy to predict a draw against two fairly even sides here. however, i think that ryota doi and akira takase have too much firepower in them not to trouble dalian, and as such, i'm predicting albirex to finally win again after so long, and i'm pretty confident. note: this is where i sometimes shoot myself in the foot, betting too much on one team cos of gut feel, but ah heck i'll stick with my choice.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on albirex @ 2.52 = $25.20
$5 on albirex +1.5 @ 1.11 = $5.55
$5 on albirex to win A-A on HT-FT @ 4.70 = $23.50
Thursday, May 29, 2008
HOLLAND vs DENMARK (INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY)
<1.45> <3.60> <6.20>
Holland's friendly in preparation for Euro2008 is against Denmark, who have not even qualified for Euro2008. This speaks of the disparity between both teams. Holland played brilliantly against Ukraine and won 3-0 while missing several stars in the likes of Robben, Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and Van Der Sar. Good news for me in the fact that Van Basten has confirmed that they will play against Denmark. I'm backing Holland all the way, as Denmark's last game was a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic, who aren't really highly rated. Denmark's strike duo of Jon Dahl Tomasson and Nicklas Bendtner might cause some trouble for the Holland defence, but I'm pretty sure that great attacking football will prevail.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on Holland @ 1.45 = $14.50
$5 on Holland -1.5 @ 2.20 = $ 11
Holland's friendly in preparation for Euro2008 is against Denmark, who have not even qualified for Euro2008. This speaks of the disparity between both teams. Holland played brilliantly against Ukraine and won 3-0 while missing several stars in the likes of Robben, Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and Van Der Sar. Good news for me in the fact that Van Basten has confirmed that they will play against Denmark. I'm backing Holland all the way, as Denmark's last game was a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic, who aren't really highly rated. Denmark's strike duo of Jon Dahl Tomasson and Nicklas Bendtner might cause some trouble for the Holland defence, but I'm pretty sure that great attacking football will prevail.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on Holland @ 1.45 = $14.50
$5 on Holland -1.5 @ 2.20 = $ 11
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
RUSSIA vs SERBIA (INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY)
<2.00> <3.10> <3.85>
russia continue their preparations for euro 2008 with a match against serbia, who should prove much tougher opponents compared to kazakhstan, who they thrashed 6-0. the presence of the talented midfielders arshavin, torbinsky, zhirkov, coupled with the defensive balance provided by smertin, has made them a more complete team than most people give them credit for. i think russia should win this one, provided they start their stars.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on russia @ 2.00 = $10.00
$5 on russia scoring 1st goal @ 1.70 = $8.50
russia continue their preparations for euro 2008 with a match against serbia, who should prove much tougher opponents compared to kazakhstan, who they thrashed 6-0. the presence of the talented midfielders arshavin, torbinsky, zhirkov, coupled with the defensive balance provided by smertin, has made them a more complete team than most people give them credit for. i think russia should win this one, provided they start their stars.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on russia @ 2.00 = $10.00
$5 on russia scoring 1st goal @ 1.70 = $8.50
ENGLAND vs USA (International Friendly)
<1.38> <3.80> <7.10>
Well. England are favourites to win this one, and rightly so. With "cabbage man" Capello in charge, everyone has been talking about how he's a strict manager who does not place importance in off pitch relationships with the players, drawing a clear distinction between manager and player. This will make the English players play to impress their new manager and they will raise their game for this. Thus I'm backing England. Furthermore, the USA team comprises of many players who haven't impressed in the premiership - DaMarcus Beasley sucked for ManCity, Clint Dempsey hasn't scored for Fulham in ages, Carlos Bocanegra was just released by Fulham... All of which points towards 1 fact: these players can't do it in the premiership. And they are up against the precise same opponents - English Premiership players. So England to win. By a mile. Oh and Capello has promised a strike partner for Rooney, who will play a second striker role, so expect an attacking 4-4-2 line up which will result in goals.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on England @ 1.38 = $13.80
$5 on England -1.5 @ 2.15 = $10.75
and i have to agree with roland. england shouldn't have any trouble at all overcoming usa here, but whether it's gonna be quite as comfortable as he suggests, i'm not too sure. usa, after all, have a very fit side, and on fitness alone, they probably are equals with england. usa have quality in their ranks though, players like clint dempsey will ensure england's midfield have little time to play around, while landon donovan and brian mcbride will not be the easiest guys to mark. and roland says in the epl, usa players come up short, but the reason for me thinking this might not be so easy is the form of the players between the sticks. whether it's friedel, hahnemann, howard or keller, they're one of the best in the league. in any case, england win, but i'm not confident enough to back them on the handicap.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on england @ 1.38 = $13.80
Well. England are favourites to win this one, and rightly so. With "cabbage man" Capello in charge, everyone has been talking about how he's a strict manager who does not place importance in off pitch relationships with the players, drawing a clear distinction between manager and player. This will make the English players play to impress their new manager and they will raise their game for this. Thus I'm backing England. Furthermore, the USA team comprises of many players who haven't impressed in the premiership - DaMarcus Beasley sucked for ManCity, Clint Dempsey hasn't scored for Fulham in ages, Carlos Bocanegra was just released by Fulham... All of which points towards 1 fact: these players can't do it in the premiership. And they are up against the precise same opponents - English Premiership players. So England to win. By a mile. Oh and Capello has promised a strike partner for Rooney, who will play a second striker role, so expect an attacking 4-4-2 line up which will result in goals.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on England @ 1.38 = $13.80
$5 on England -1.5 @ 2.15 = $10.75
and i have to agree with roland. england shouldn't have any trouble at all overcoming usa here, but whether it's gonna be quite as comfortable as he suggests, i'm not too sure. usa, after all, have a very fit side, and on fitness alone, they probably are equals with england. usa have quality in their ranks though, players like clint dempsey will ensure england's midfield have little time to play around, while landon donovan and brian mcbride will not be the easiest guys to mark. and roland says in the epl, usa players come up short, but the reason for me thinking this might not be so easy is the form of the players between the sticks. whether it's friedel, hahnemann, howard or keller, they're one of the best in the league. in any case, england win, but i'm not confident enough to back them on the handicap.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on england @ 1.38 = $13.80
Monday, May 26, 2008
BALESTIER KHALSA vs SENGKANG PUNGGOL (S-LEAGUE)
<2.10> <2.95> <3.20>
both teams, amazingly, have identical records in terms of points, since they last met in a dour 0-0 draw few months back. they have only managed one win each, with balestier overcoming home 2-1, while sengkang defeated the young lions in the last match 3-2. despite sengkang ruining my bet last week, i feel balestier's attacking prowess (relative to low-scoring sengkang) should be enough to get at least one goal in against sengkang. han yiguang is back, and they missed his urgency against tampines rovers, finally succumbing to a 2-0 defeat. they'll want to pick themselves up for this one quickly, so i'm going for a balestier win, to put some daylight between themselves and sengkang. it must be said though, that sengkang has shown improvement in their previous two matches, but why i'm so confident is borne more out of gut feel than anything.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on balestier @ 2.10 = $21.00
both teams, amazingly, have identical records in terms of points, since they last met in a dour 0-0 draw few months back. they have only managed one win each, with balestier overcoming home 2-1, while sengkang defeated the young lions in the last match 3-2. despite sengkang ruining my bet last week, i feel balestier's attacking prowess (relative to low-scoring sengkang) should be enough to get at least one goal in against sengkang. han yiguang is back, and they missed his urgency against tampines rovers, finally succumbing to a 2-0 defeat. they'll want to pick themselves up for this one quickly, so i'm going for a balestier win, to put some daylight between themselves and sengkang. it must be said though, that sengkang has shown improvement in their previous two matches, but why i'm so confident is borne more out of gut feel than anything.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on balestier @ 2.10 = $21.00
SUPER REDS vs YOUNG LIONS (S-LEAGUE)
<1.45> <3.60> <6.20>
super reds head into this match with a mini injury crisis, seo su jong the most notable absence. they were unlucky to draw 2-2 against woodlands on friday, as woodlands staged a classic smash-and-grab effort, going up 2-0 in the first half. however, i do see super reds trimphing here to get over the unnecessary dropped points, as at the end of the day, they have a very good side. i'm backing them on all fronts, and i hope my gamble pays off.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on super reds @ 1.45 = $14.50
$5 on SPECIAL super reds to lead at halftime @ 1.95 = $9.75
$5 on super reds -1.5 @ 2.20 = $11.00
super reds head into this match with a mini injury crisis, seo su jong the most notable absence. they were unlucky to draw 2-2 against woodlands on friday, as woodlands staged a classic smash-and-grab effort, going up 2-0 in the first half. however, i do see super reds trimphing here to get over the unnecessary dropped points, as at the end of the day, they have a very good side. i'm backing them on all fronts, and i hope my gamble pays off.
- Eddy's prediction: $10 on super reds @ 1.45 = $14.50
$5 on SPECIAL super reds to lead at halftime @ 1.95 = $9.75
$5 on super reds -1.5 @ 2.20 = $11.00
Saturday, May 24, 2008
ROMA vs INTER (COPPA ITALIA)
<2.25> <2.88> <2.98>
simply put. you don't often get 2.98 for inter milan to win. why it's so high, is primarily because roma are at home, with the game being held at stadio olimpico. BUT they are without francesco totti, cancelling out the mini-injury crisis at inter. ibrahimovic is back, and ibrahimovic will score.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on inter @ 2.98 = $14.90
Sorry Eddy, I'll disagree. Apparently, Ibrahimovic is definitely out of this match, and Inter will be without Materazzi and Julio Cruz who are suspended, adding to Inter's long injury list. Roma don't have many injury problems other than Totti. I'd back Roma to win because they triumphed 6-2 over Inter last season at Stadio Olimpico, and I fully expect Roma to do the same this time round.
- Roland's prediction: $5 on Roma @ 2.25 = $11.25
simply put. you don't often get 2.98 for inter milan to win. why it's so high, is primarily because roma are at home, with the game being held at stadio olimpico. BUT they are without francesco totti, cancelling out the mini-injury crisis at inter. ibrahimovic is back, and ibrahimovic will score.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on inter @ 2.98 = $14.90
Sorry Eddy, I'll disagree. Apparently, Ibrahimovic is definitely out of this match, and Inter will be without Materazzi and Julio Cruz who are suspended, adding to Inter's long injury list. Roma don't have many injury problems other than Totti. I'd back Roma to win because they triumphed 6-2 over Inter last season at Stadio Olimpico, and I fully expect Roma to do the same this time round.
- Roland's prediction: $5 on Roma @ 2.25 = $11.25
BALESTIER KHALSA vs TAMPINES ROVERS (S-LEAGUE)
<4.55> <3.30> <1.65>
balestier head into this game on the back of a very encouraging run, holding teams like geylang, gombak and super reds to draws, while the outstanding win against home united will probably live long in the memory. tampines seem to have recovered well from the 5-0 thumping dished out by the super reds, beating home united and gombak. i see tampines having the edge here, even if a defensive crisis has forced singaporean international mustafic fahrudin into central defence. rafi ali is a seasoned campaigner, and i see him utilising his guile to full effect here, against a willing but naive balestier khalsa defence.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on tampines @ 1.65 = $8.25
balestier head into this game on the back of a very encouraging run, holding teams like geylang, gombak and super reds to draws, while the outstanding win against home united will probably live long in the memory. tampines seem to have recovered well from the 5-0 thumping dished out by the super reds, beating home united and gombak. i see tampines having the edge here, even if a defensive crisis has forced singaporean international mustafic fahrudin into central defence. rafi ali is a seasoned campaigner, and i see him utilising his guile to full effect here, against a willing but naive balestier khalsa defence.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on tampines @ 1.65 = $8.25
BRISTOL vs HULL (CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFFS)
<2.77> <3.10> <2.25>
both teams have defied all the odds to reach this stage, disposing of watford and crystal palace, way more established sides. hull have never been in the premiership, and they won't get a better chance. in this match-up i just feel, quality will shine through, and hull have the better side, i reckon. they boast the likes of the evergreen dean windass, frazier campbell, caleb folan, and nick barmby. bristol probably only have mcindoe to boast about. hull to win, cos i believe in fairy tale endings, and what better way for it to happen than for dean windass to win promotion at 39 years old, for his hometown club?
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on hull @ 2.25 = $11.25
Both teams have no injury concerns and will be at full strength. However, what I feel will be the deciding factors would be: 1) Man Utd loanee Fraizer Campbell has really impressed and done very well in the championship. He's quick, fast and two footed and will really trouble the Bristol City defence. 2) Hull City have never ever been in the premiership and will be more amped up for this match than Bristol City are. 3) Hull City have been the better side compared to Bristol City.
- Roland's prediction: $5 on Hull City @ 2.25 = $11.25
both teams have defied all the odds to reach this stage, disposing of watford and crystal palace, way more established sides. hull have never been in the premiership, and they won't get a better chance. in this match-up i just feel, quality will shine through, and hull have the better side, i reckon. they boast the likes of the evergreen dean windass, frazier campbell, caleb folan, and nick barmby. bristol probably only have mcindoe to boast about. hull to win, cos i believe in fairy tale endings, and what better way for it to happen than for dean windass to win promotion at 39 years old, for his hometown club?
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on hull @ 2.25 = $11.25
Both teams have no injury concerns and will be at full strength. However, what I feel will be the deciding factors would be: 1) Man Utd loanee Fraizer Campbell has really impressed and done very well in the championship. He's quick, fast and two footed and will really trouble the Bristol City defence. 2) Hull City have never ever been in the premiership and will be more amped up for this match than Bristol City are. 3) Hull City have been the better side compared to Bristol City.
- Roland's prediction: $5 on Hull City @ 2.25 = $11.25
Friday, May 23, 2008
WOODLANDS vs SUPER REDS (S-LEAGUE)
<4.60> <3.50> <1.60>
frankly, this is a game pitting two very good sides together, and i would normally not bet on such games, given their unpredictability. however, as this game will be shown live on channel 5 tonight, it is always fun to have a little wager on the game, to enhance the watching experience. super reds are the arsenal of the s-league, playing quick one-two football, and dazzling fans with their athleticism and flair. woodlands boast a potentially devastating strikeforce which is surprisingly muted this season, mainly due to laakkad being off-form. park tae won is still brilliant though, and i rate him as one of the stars of the s-league. in this game though, i'm going for a super reds victory, even if the opinion on the betting floor is that woodlands should be backed here. the odds are tempting, but i think super reds have too much quality to not win this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on super reds @ 1.60 = $8.00
frankly, this is a game pitting two very good sides together, and i would normally not bet on such games, given their unpredictability. however, as this game will be shown live on channel 5 tonight, it is always fun to have a little wager on the game, to enhance the watching experience. super reds are the arsenal of the s-league, playing quick one-two football, and dazzling fans with their athleticism and flair. woodlands boast a potentially devastating strikeforce which is surprisingly muted this season, mainly due to laakkad being off-form. park tae won is still brilliant though, and i rate him as one of the stars of the s-league. in this game though, i'm going for a super reds victory, even if the opinion on the betting floor is that woodlands should be backed here. the odds are tempting, but i think super reds have too much quality to not win this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on super reds @ 1.60 = $8.00
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
MANCHESTER UNITED vs CHELSEA (UEFA CL)
<2.30> <2.70> <3.10>
manu should be on a high heading into this one, considering they have after all, just won the epl for the second time in a row. however, i think that at the back of their heads, they fear chelsea. with most of the squad heading off in different directions, i see this as being the last hurrah for chelsea. in any case, both teams are very even, and any of the three outcomes (manu win, chelsea win, draw) could happen. as such, i see 3.10 being outstanding value for chelsea to triumph in 90min. also, everyone has predicted this as a tight game with few goals. however, i think that this match has the potential to be a firecracker, with goals from both sides, as the quality on show is truly amazing. over 2.5 is a good shot, especially considering the odds. another bet u can try is ronaldo notching the first goal in the game. he is an oustanding and very selfish goalscorer, and as such, odds of 5.oo are unignorable for him.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on chelsea @ 3.10 = $15.50
$5 on SPECIAL total goals over 2.5 @ 2.55 = $12.75
$5 on SPECIAL ronaldo to be first goalscorer @ 5.00 = $25.00
I think that I'll have to disagree with Eddy on this one. Sir Alex Ferguson will want to secure a second Champions League trophy and will play it cagey in this one. Chelsea's players will be slightly overawed by the occasion, but still very amped up for this one as it's the first time that Chelsea is in the Champions League final. I expect a very cagey match from both teams as both do not want to lose. I think experience counts a lot in this one and I think Man Utd just have the edge and will win in the end. Ronaldo @ 5.00 is also unignorable as Cashley Cole seems to have been injured by Makelele during training, and we all know how Cashley Cole has stopped Ronaldo in recent matches. Without Cashley Cole, I doubt Bridge can handle Ronnie well.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on Man Utd eventual champions @ 1.75 = $17.50
$5 on SPECIAL Ronaldo first goalscorer @ 5.00 = $25.00
manu should be on a high heading into this one, considering they have after all, just won the epl for the second time in a row. however, i think that at the back of their heads, they fear chelsea. with most of the squad heading off in different directions, i see this as being the last hurrah for chelsea. in any case, both teams are very even, and any of the three outcomes (manu win, chelsea win, draw) could happen. as such, i see 3.10 being outstanding value for chelsea to triumph in 90min. also, everyone has predicted this as a tight game with few goals. however, i think that this match has the potential to be a firecracker, with goals from both sides, as the quality on show is truly amazing. over 2.5 is a good shot, especially considering the odds. another bet u can try is ronaldo notching the first goal in the game. he is an oustanding and very selfish goalscorer, and as such, odds of 5.oo are unignorable for him.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on chelsea @ 3.10 = $15.50
$5 on SPECIAL total goals over 2.5 @ 2.55 = $12.75
$5 on SPECIAL ronaldo to be first goalscorer @ 5.00 = $25.00
I think that I'll have to disagree with Eddy on this one. Sir Alex Ferguson will want to secure a second Champions League trophy and will play it cagey in this one. Chelsea's players will be slightly overawed by the occasion, but still very amped up for this one as it's the first time that Chelsea is in the Champions League final. I expect a very cagey match from both teams as both do not want to lose. I think experience counts a lot in this one and I think Man Utd just have the edge and will win in the end. Ronaldo @ 5.00 is also unignorable as Cashley Cole seems to have been injured by Makelele during training, and we all know how Cashley Cole has stopped Ronaldo in recent matches. Without Cashley Cole, I doubt Bridge can handle Ronnie well.
- Roland's prediction: $10 on Man Utd eventual champions @ 1.75 = $17.50
$5 on SPECIAL Ronaldo first goalscorer @ 5.00 = $25.00
SENGKANG vs YOUNG LIONS (S-LEAGUE)
<4.20> <3.15> <1.75>
sengkang, as usual, are underdogs for this one. they have only scored two goals all season, a shocking statistic, considering s-league defences are not the tightest. the young lions still have possession of khairul amri, who is vital to their chances in any game. firdaus salleh is suspended for this match, meaning sengkang will have to battle really hard in the middle, without his commanding (relative to rest of team) presence. i see lions doing it.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on young lions @ 1.75 = $8.75
sengkang, as usual, are underdogs for this one. they have only scored two goals all season, a shocking statistic, considering s-league defences are not the tightest. the young lions still have possession of khairul amri, who is vital to their chances in any game. firdaus salleh is suspended for this match, meaning sengkang will have to battle really hard in the middle, without his commanding (relative to rest of team) presence. i see lions doing it.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on young lions @ 1.75 = $8.75
Monday, May 19, 2008
BALESTIER KHALSA vs GEYLANG UNITED (S-LEAGUE)
<3.60> <3.15> <1.87>
both teams head into this one after being knocked out of the singapore cup by the two favourites, geylang and saffc. prior to cup games, balestier were on a 3-match unbeaten run, drawing with gombak and super reds, while sensationally beating home united. that set of results is fantastic for a side battling not to finish last. geylang, on the other hand, were unlucky in their last league outing to lose 3-2 to saffc, while their cup exit was also a painful one, where they fought hard against super reds, but ultimately lost in extra time. in truth, this could go either way, but i see geylang's quality telling in the end, so i'm rooting for geylang in this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on geylang @ 1.87 = $9.35
both teams head into this one after being knocked out of the singapore cup by the two favourites, geylang and saffc. prior to cup games, balestier were on a 3-match unbeaten run, drawing with gombak and super reds, while sensationally beating home united. that set of results is fantastic for a side battling not to finish last. geylang, on the other hand, were unlucky in their last league outing to lose 3-2 to saffc, while their cup exit was also a painful one, where they fought hard against super reds, but ultimately lost in extra time. in truth, this could go either way, but i see geylang's quality telling in the end, so i'm rooting for geylang in this one.
- Eddy's prediction: $5 on geylang @ 1.87 = $9.35
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