<4.15> <3.35> <1.70>
werder bremen and mochengladbach have something in common this season - both sides yet to register their first wins. i fancy werder to win this one though. their lack of fluency in the first game is understandable, while a 2-2 draw with a schalke side strengthened over the summer is a good result. in further good news, influential playmaker diego is back for them, and his presence alone should guarantee victory for werder.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on werder bremen @ 1.70 = $8.50
Saturday, August 30, 2008
WEST HAM vs BLACKBURN (EPL)
<2.25> <3.20> <2.70>
blackburn look kinda shitty this season. i predicted that they will hover around the relegation zone, and if so, these are the sort of matches they will lose. west ham, i feel, can ride on dean ashton this season, and with quality service from the wings in the likes of etherington/mccartney and faubert/behrami, west ham are gonna win.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on west ham @ 2.25 = $11.25
Blackburn haven't been by any means bad. They may have lost Bentley, but still have a decent team. They do miss Bentley's creativity and will look to Gamst Pedersen to provide some spark to their attack. West Ham will be without Mark Noble, and their usual host of mass injuries. They slumped to a 3-0 defeat away to Man City and barely scraped past Macclesfield Town in the Carling Cup (don't let the 4-1 trick you, it was just 3 goals in extra time). Both teams are in a bad patch and I don't think there will be a clear winner tonight. If you can, take Blackburn at a handicap of +0.5 or 0.25.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Draw @ 3.20 = $16
blackburn look kinda shitty this season. i predicted that they will hover around the relegation zone, and if so, these are the sort of matches they will lose. west ham, i feel, can ride on dean ashton this season, and with quality service from the wings in the likes of etherington/mccartney and faubert/behrami, west ham are gonna win.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on west ham @ 2.25 = $11.25
Blackburn haven't been by any means bad. They may have lost Bentley, but still have a decent team. They do miss Bentley's creativity and will look to Gamst Pedersen to provide some spark to their attack. West Ham will be without Mark Noble, and their usual host of mass injuries. They slumped to a 3-0 defeat away to Man City and barely scraped past Macclesfield Town in the Carling Cup (don't let the 4-1 trick you, it was just 3 goals in extra time). Both teams are in a bad patch and I don't think there will be a clear winner tonight. If you can, take Blackburn at a handicap of +0.5 or 0.25.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Draw @ 3.20 = $16
Friday, August 29, 2008
HULL CITY vs WIGAN (EPL)
<2.42> <3.20> <2.48>
Don't be fooled by Hull being in 4th place. They beat Fulham at home with the promoted-club-first-game-frenzy, then drew at Ewood Park against a Bentley-less Blackburn. Their "good form" will end soon, and I think Wigan at 2.48 to win is good value, as they were brilliant against Chelsea and deserved a draw at Stamford Bridge. Kirkland should be back so I'm backing Wigan.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Wigan @ 2.48 = $12.40
Got to agree with roland. wigan haven't played badly at all in the first two matches. west ham looked like they were gonna collpase despite taking a 2-goal lead. and amr zaki is looking quite classy. with heskey they can form a decent partnership, and i think hull's honeymoon period will have to be over for the time being. wigan desperately need these points, and i think they will get it.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on wigan @ 2.48 = $12.40
Don't be fooled by Hull being in 4th place. They beat Fulham at home with the promoted-club-first-game-frenzy, then drew at Ewood Park against a Bentley-less Blackburn. Their "good form" will end soon, and I think Wigan at 2.48 to win is good value, as they were brilliant against Chelsea and deserved a draw at Stamford Bridge. Kirkland should be back so I'm backing Wigan.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Wigan @ 2.48 = $12.40
Got to agree with roland. wigan haven't played badly at all in the first two matches. west ham looked like they were gonna collpase despite taking a 2-goal lead. and amr zaki is looking quite classy. with heskey they can form a decent partnership, and i think hull's honeymoon period will have to be over for the time being. wigan desperately need these points, and i think they will get it.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on wigan @ 2.48 = $12.40
EVERTON vs PORTSMOUTH (EPL)
<1.95> <3.20> <3.30>
Everton haven't hit top gear but turned in a decent performance against West Brom last week. Portsmouth aren't by any means shitty, but Kranjcar's absense for 3 months will be sorely missed by them. Defoe has a virus apparently and Pompey look really short on numbers, as I did predict in my pre-season review :D Campbell and Distin look like age has finally caught up on them and I'd expect Yakubu trouble them, but don't expect it to be high scoring so go for under if you can.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton @ 1.95 = $9.90
Everton haven't hit top gear but turned in a decent performance against West Brom last week. Portsmouth aren't by any means shitty, but Kranjcar's absense for 3 months will be sorely missed by them. Defoe has a virus apparently and Pompey look really short on numbers, as I did predict in my pre-season review :D Campbell and Distin look like age has finally caught up on them and I'd expect Yakubu trouble them, but don't expect it to be high scoring so go for under if you can.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton @ 1.95 = $9.90
Thursday, August 28, 2008
FC MIDTJYLLAND vs MANCHESTER CITY
<3.90> <3.52> <1.70>
manchester city fell to a surprising home defeat last time out when the danish side visited them, but they did create chances, which were not taken. this time around, jo is back for manchester city, and what better way to kick off his career at city than to score the goals here? it is an away match, but i think city should have enough to at least force extra time, and so i'm going for a city win here.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on manchester city @ 1.70 = $8.50
manchester city fell to a surprising home defeat last time out when the danish side visited them, but they did create chances, which were not taken. this time around, jo is back for manchester city, and what better way to kick off his career at city than to score the goals here? it is an away match, but i think city should have enough to at least force extra time, and so i'm going for a city win here.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on manchester city @ 1.70 = $8.50
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
COVENTRY vs NEWCASTLE (LEAGUE CUP)
<3.65> <3.35> <1.80>
newcastle are going through an injury crisis of sorts, with martins, ameobi, viduka all out. owen and alan smith are both not near full fitness, and as such, attacking options are very limited. however, i still think newcastle can record a win, as freddy eastwood is injured for coventry, and he is a huge miss, considering his goalscoring prowess. kevin keegan has also mentioned the league cup as a possible route for newcastle into the uefa cup, and i think he will want to do well in this competition. win for the magpies.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on newcastle @ 1.80 = $9.00
newcastle are going through an injury crisis of sorts, with martins, ameobi, viduka all out. owen and alan smith are both not near full fitness, and as such, attacking options are very limited. however, i still think newcastle can record a win, as freddy eastwood is injured for coventry, and he is a huge miss, considering his goalscoring prowess. kevin keegan has also mentioned the league cup as a possible route for newcastle into the uefa cup, and i think he will want to do well in this competition. win for the magpies.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on newcastle @ 1.80 = $9.00
Sunday, August 24, 2008
YOUNG LIONS vs WOODLANDS (SINGAPORE CUP)
<3.37> <2.87> <2.07>
young lions is a shitkicker team that do not deserve to win ANY football matches. how they won 2-1 over woodlands last time out is beyond me. woodlands' last win came in june. do you think that's right? hell no. young lions actually won a game or two. shocking. guys if you're reading this, check to see if there are pigs flying outside or see if your mum suddenly turned into jessica alba. SURELY, young lions have to lose this one? i'm gonna tip against them once again, and i think they will lose. besides, although the young lions have home advantage in this one, the fact that the jalan besar pitch is actually level and smooth might mean that their rough-and-tumble style of football will not be as effective.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on woodlands @ 2.07 = $10.35
young lions is a shitkicker team that do not deserve to win ANY football matches. how they won 2-1 over woodlands last time out is beyond me. woodlands' last win came in june. do you think that's right? hell no. young lions actually won a game or two. shocking. guys if you're reading this, check to see if there are pigs flying outside or see if your mum suddenly turned into jessica alba. SURELY, young lions have to lose this one? i'm gonna tip against them once again, and i think they will lose. besides, although the young lions have home advantage in this one, the fact that the jalan besar pitch is actually level and smooth might mean that their rough-and-tumble style of football will not be as effective.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on woodlands @ 2.07 = $10.35
Saturday, August 23, 2008
FULHAM vs ARSENAL (EPL)
<6.40> <3.65> <1.43>
arsenal come into this match after a not-too-convincing display against the baggies. samir nasri though, looks like absolute quality, and i think the match rests on his performance tonight. cesc fabregas is still out, which is bad news, but i still think arsenal have enough in their tank to see off fulham, who are still missing andrew johnson, meaning they'll rely on the likes of erik nevland and seol ki-hyeon, which is kinda sad. an arsenal win, and i think the -1.5 is not very worth it.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on arsenal @ 1.43 = $7.15
arsenal come into this match after a not-too-convincing display against the baggies. samir nasri though, looks like absolute quality, and i think the match rests on his performance tonight. cesc fabregas is still out, which is bad news, but i still think arsenal have enough in their tank to see off fulham, who are still missing andrew johnson, meaning they'll rely on the likes of erik nevland and seol ki-hyeon, which is kinda sad. an arsenal win, and i think the -1.5 is not very worth it.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on arsenal @ 1.43 = $7.15
MANCHESTER CITY vs WEST HAM (EPL)
<2.18> <3.10> <2.87>
Which team is more depleted? City have Dunne out through suspension and a host of strikers missing (Benjani, Vassell, Bojinov and Jo @ Olympics). West Ham have even more people who are out - Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney, Jonathan Spector, James Collins, Kieron Dyer, AH SO MANY INJURIES KNN. Dean Ashton injured himself while taking a free kick last week and won't be at full fitness. City are very strong at home and I'm backing them to win tonight.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Manchester City @ 2.18 = $10.90
Which team is more depleted? City have Dunne out through suspension and a host of strikers missing (Benjani, Vassell, Bojinov and Jo @ Olympics). West Ham have even more people who are out - Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney, Jonathan Spector, James Collins, Kieron Dyer, AH SO MANY INJURIES KNN. Dean Ashton injured himself while taking a free kick last week and won't be at full fitness. City are very strong at home and I'm backing them to win tonight.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Manchester City @ 2.18 = $10.90
STOKE CITY vs ASTON VILLA (EPL)
<4.85> <3.45> <1.58>
If I had to support another team, it would be Aston Villa. They play great exciting football with Ashley Young and Agbonlahor's electrifying pace down the flanks with Carew as a focal point in attack. Their movement and lethal set pieces will definitely tear apart Stoke's defense, which was totally raped by Bolton last week.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Aston Villa @ 1.58 = $7.90
If I had to support another team, it would be Aston Villa. They play great exciting football with Ashley Young and Agbonlahor's electrifying pace down the flanks with Carew as a focal point in attack. Their movement and lethal set pieces will definitely tear apart Stoke's defense, which was totally raped by Bolton last week.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Aston Villa @ 1.58 = $7.90
WEST BROMWICH vs EVERTON (EPL)
<3.00> <3.15> <2.10>
West Brom showed that they like to pass the ball around, something that you hardly see relegation tipped teams do, which is why I'm supporting them and backing their cause to stay up. West Brom play against an injury ravaged Everton side which has Cahill, Neville, Hibbert, Van der Meyde, Pienaar out and Anichebe still in the olympics and they should have a great chance of clinching a crucial home victory. Kim Do Heon was really impressive and Luke Moore is back in contention, which is good news for West Brom.
Roland's prediction: $5 on West Brom @ 3.00 = $15.00
West Brom showed that they like to pass the ball around, something that you hardly see relegation tipped teams do, which is why I'm supporting them and backing their cause to stay up. West Brom play against an injury ravaged Everton side which has Cahill, Neville, Hibbert, Van der Meyde, Pienaar out and Anichebe still in the olympics and they should have a great chance of clinching a crucial home victory. Kim Do Heon was really impressive and Luke Moore is back in contention, which is good news for West Brom.
Roland's prediction: $5 on West Brom @ 3.00 = $15.00
NEWCASTLE vs BOLTON (EPL)
<1.70> <3.30> <4.20>
After working their socks off and holding United to a draw last week, everyone's going to be betting on Newcastle winning, which is why I'm going to tip a draw. Bolton are by no means a shitty side, with new signings Elmander and Muamba impressing last week. Newcastle look a totally different side with their new fitness program, but I believe they were able to eke out a draw with United because United like to pass it around and their extra fitness helped in tracking back and getting numbers back, but the physical Bolton style of football should cause them some problems at the back. Owen could be back but he's not close to match fitness and will be manhandled by Bolton.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Draw @ 3.30 = $16.50
newcastle are a good side, but so are bolton. however, with the game being at st james, i think that newcastle hold the advantage, especially as they hold the creative edge in midfield. kevin nolan and fabrice muamba are solid, but they surely cannot compare with the guile of duff and gutierrez, both of whom i tip to shine this season. james milner's direct running will also cause all sorts of problems, while obafemi martins will be his usual explosive self. newcastle to win. (edit: changed this post to newcastle to score first, cos i felt it was a safer bet. but newcastle won anw, so..no problems)
Eddy's prediction: $5 on newcastle to score first @ 1.65 = $8.25
After working their socks off and holding United to a draw last week, everyone's going to be betting on Newcastle winning, which is why I'm going to tip a draw. Bolton are by no means a shitty side, with new signings Elmander and Muamba impressing last week. Newcastle look a totally different side with their new fitness program, but I believe they were able to eke out a draw with United because United like to pass it around and their extra fitness helped in tracking back and getting numbers back, but the physical Bolton style of football should cause them some problems at the back. Owen could be back but he's not close to match fitness and will be manhandled by Bolton.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Draw @ 3.30 = $16.50
newcastle are a good side, but so are bolton. however, with the game being at st james, i think that newcastle hold the advantage, especially as they hold the creative edge in midfield. kevin nolan and fabrice muamba are solid, but they surely cannot compare with the guile of duff and gutierrez, both of whom i tip to shine this season. james milner's direct running will also cause all sorts of problems, while obafemi martins will be his usual explosive self. newcastle to win. (edit: changed this post to newcastle to score first, cos i felt it was a safer bet. but newcastle won anw, so..no problems)
Eddy's prediction: $5 on newcastle to score first @ 1.65 = $8.25
Friday, August 22, 2008
SAFFC vs TAMPINES (SINGAPORE CUP)
<1.65> <3.25> <4.65>
with this being the first leg of a tight semi-final, i expect both teams to be really cautious, and as such, i'll do something that i really seldom do. i'm gonna tip a draw here, especially cos both teams recorded impressive wins last time out. tampines beat home utd 2-0, while saffc sensationally overturned super reds 3-0.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on draw @ 3.25 = $16.25
with this being the first leg of a tight semi-final, i expect both teams to be really cautious, and as such, i'll do something that i really seldom do. i'm gonna tip a draw here, especially cos both teams recorded impressive wins last time out. tampines beat home utd 2-0, while saffc sensationally overturned super reds 3-0.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on draw @ 3.25 = $16.25
Thursday, August 21, 2008
WOODLANDS vs YOUNG LIONS (SINGAPORE CUP)
<1.77> <3.03> <4.25>
woodlands have not had the best of games in recent matches, but they will have to turn the corner someday, surely. young lions, on the other hand, recently won 2-0, and that is why they will lose today, because shitster teams like young lions are not meant to win relatively bigger teams like woodlands wellington. hasrin jailani and ismadi mukhtar are finally back for the rams, and this will no doubt strengthen their side, which has been losing its feet recently.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on woodlands @ 1.77 = $8.85
$5 on woodlands to score first @ 1.70 = $8.50
woodlands have not had the best of games in recent matches, but they will have to turn the corner someday, surely. young lions, on the other hand, recently won 2-0, and that is why they will lose today, because shitster teams like young lions are not meant to win relatively bigger teams like woodlands wellington. hasrin jailani and ismadi mukhtar are finally back for the rams, and this will no doubt strengthen their side, which has been losing its feet recently.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on woodlands @ 1.77 = $8.85
$5 on woodlands to score first @ 1.70 = $8.50
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
ARGENTINA OLYM vs BRAZIL OLYM (OLYMPICS)
<2.50> <2.70> <2.80>
clash of the titans! well well. i think everyone was looking forward to this matchup since day one. i think brazil will be the team that advances to the final, because they have never won the olympics before, and i think this is their best chance. argentina have looked far from convincing in this tournament, but neither have brazil. it's a tough call, but i'll go for brazil through to the final. as for a straight brazil win, i think it's risky, and as such, i'll go for a combo with the nigeria win as well.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on brazil to qualify @ 1.90 = $9.50
$5 on BOTH nigeria and brazil to win @ 6.10 = $30.50
clash of the titans! well well. i think everyone was looking forward to this matchup since day one. i think brazil will be the team that advances to the final, because they have never won the olympics before, and i think this is their best chance. argentina have looked far from convincing in this tournament, but neither have brazil. it's a tough call, but i'll go for brazil through to the final. as for a straight brazil win, i think it's risky, and as such, i'll go for a combo with the nigeria win as well.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on brazil to qualify @ 1.90 = $9.50
$5 on BOTH nigeria and brazil to win @ 6.10 = $30.50
NIGERIA OLYM vs BELGIUM OLYM (OLYMPICS)
<2.10> <2.98> <3.15>
i'd like to thank the african nations for helping me during this olympics. ivory coast and nigeria have contributed to some serious earnings during this tournament. but looking at current matchups, i think nigeria has the quality to bring an over-achieving belgium back down to earth. belgium might have impressed many with their 3-2 win over italy despite having vermaelen sent off early on. however, therein lies the key. vermaelen will be suspended for this match, and coupled with vincent kompany already being called back by hamburg, i feel a place in the final will be one step too far for belgium. i'm tipping nigeria, as i feel the likes of odemwingie and anichebe will have too much for a belgian defence missing their two top-class defenders.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on nigeria @ 2.10 = $10.50
$5 on nigeria -1.5 @ 4.85 = $24.25
$5 on nigeria to qualify @ 1.60 = $8.00
i'd like to thank the african nations for helping me during this olympics. ivory coast and nigeria have contributed to some serious earnings during this tournament. but looking at current matchups, i think nigeria has the quality to bring an over-achieving belgium back down to earth. belgium might have impressed many with their 3-2 win over italy despite having vermaelen sent off early on. however, therein lies the key. vermaelen will be suspended for this match, and coupled with vincent kompany already being called back by hamburg, i feel a place in the final will be one step too far for belgium. i'm tipping nigeria, as i feel the likes of odemwingie and anichebe will have too much for a belgian defence missing their two top-class defenders.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on nigeria @ 2.10 = $10.50
$5 on nigeria -1.5 @ 4.85 = $24.25
$5 on nigeria to qualify @ 1.60 = $8.00
Monday, August 18, 2008
SAFFC vs SUPER REDS (SINGAPORE CUP)
<2.05> <3.00> <3.25>
clash of the titans, as saffc look to arrest a three-game winless streak. however, facing the super reds, it's hard to predict a clear-cut win for saffc. as such, my tip shall be taking saffc to score first.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on saffc to score first @ 1.88 = $9.40
clash of the titans, as saffc look to arrest a three-game winless streak. however, facing the super reds, it's hard to predict a clear-cut win for saffc. as such, my tip shall be taking saffc to score first.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on saffc to score first @ 1.88 = $9.40
Saturday, August 16, 2008
BOLTON vs STOKE (EPL)
<1.65> <3.30> <4.55>
the battle of the shitkickers. its bolton wanderers vs bolton wannabes. both teams punt it long, kick the shit out of their opponents, and generally bore the shit out of any idiot who actually bothered to watch this game. however, i see bolton winning this game, as ricardo fuller is out injured, meaning that stoke's chances of actually scoring a goal (that's scoring, as in a proper shot, not bundling the ball over the line after a corner kick where the centreback flattens the goalie and the ball takes 47 deflections) is now ZERO. dave kitson is pretty good, but does he strike you as the type who scores on his debut? bolton on the other hand, have signed johan elmander, and fabrice muamba, two very good signings, in my opinion. dan shittu is likely to be useful too, and really, i don't see stoke getting a point in this.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on bolton @ 1.65 = $8.25
the battle of the shitkickers. its bolton wanderers vs bolton wannabes. both teams punt it long, kick the shit out of their opponents, and generally bore the shit out of any idiot who actually bothered to watch this game. however, i see bolton winning this game, as ricardo fuller is out injured, meaning that stoke's chances of actually scoring a goal (that's scoring, as in a proper shot, not bundling the ball over the line after a corner kick where the centreback flattens the goalie and the ball takes 47 deflections) is now ZERO. dave kitson is pretty good, but does he strike you as the type who scores on his debut? bolton on the other hand, have signed johan elmander, and fabrice muamba, two very good signings, in my opinion. dan shittu is likely to be useful too, and really, i don't see stoke getting a point in this.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on bolton @ 1.65 = $8.25
MIDDLESBROUGH vs TOTTENHAM (EPL)
<3.35> <3.30> <1.90>
Arca and Riggott are out, Pogatetz is slightly doubtful, meaning Rhys Williams may deputise at right back following the departure of Luke Young. Spurs will feature their new signings Bentley and Modric, and with Darren Bent + Berbatov (who might not start.. hmm) in attack, it promises to be devastating. Bent has been scoring for free and Spurs have been generally great in their pre-season friendlies, so I'll expect them to carry their form into this match and defeat a lacklustre Middlesbrough. King and Woodgate will start in defence, and Heurelho Gomes should prove to be more reliable than Paul Robinson, so go for Spurs.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Spurs @ 1.90 = $9.50
I've gotta agree with roland. i think spurs should be able to win this one, as middlesbrough are trusting their youngsters a touch too much in my opinion. middlesbrough's attack is good though, with players like afonso alves, stewart downing and jeremie aliadiere definitely possessing the quality to tear spurs apart. boro have lost luke young though, which means their defence could be a little creaky, which is bad news when you play a team like spurs.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on spurs @ 1.90 = $9.50
Arca and Riggott are out, Pogatetz is slightly doubtful, meaning Rhys Williams may deputise at right back following the departure of Luke Young. Spurs will feature their new signings Bentley and Modric, and with Darren Bent + Berbatov (who might not start.. hmm) in attack, it promises to be devastating. Bent has been scoring for free and Spurs have been generally great in their pre-season friendlies, so I'll expect them to carry their form into this match and defeat a lacklustre Middlesbrough. King and Woodgate will start in defence, and Heurelho Gomes should prove to be more reliable than Paul Robinson, so go for Spurs.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Spurs @ 1.90 = $9.50
I've gotta agree with roland. i think spurs should be able to win this one, as middlesbrough are trusting their youngsters a touch too much in my opinion. middlesbrough's attack is good though, with players like afonso alves, stewart downing and jeremie aliadiere definitely possessing the quality to tear spurs apart. boro have lost luke young though, which means their defence could be a little creaky, which is bad news when you play a team like spurs.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on spurs @ 1.90 = $9.50
ASTON VILLA vs MANCHESTER CITY (EPL)
<1.80> <3.25> <3.75>
Bouma is out, Cuellar is doubtful. In comes Shorey, who is proven in the EPL, as well as Curtis Davies to partner Laursen. Man City have striking problems with Jo at the Olympics, Vassell out for 10 weeks, Benjani mysteriously injured, and a semi unfit Bojinov, leaving Felipe Caicedo (who has been REALLY shite) as the only fully fit striker. I'm very confident of Laursen dealing with the killer balls of Martin Petrov, as well as Reo-Coker snuffing out Elano. With Dunne out for City, expect Villa (or rather Carew) to wreck havoc in the City defence.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Villa @ 1.80 = $9
Bouma is out, Cuellar is doubtful. In comes Shorey, who is proven in the EPL, as well as Curtis Davies to partner Laursen. Man City have striking problems with Jo at the Olympics, Vassell out for 10 weeks, Benjani mysteriously injured, and a semi unfit Bojinov, leaving Felipe Caicedo (who has been REALLY shite) as the only fully fit striker. I'm very confident of Laursen dealing with the killer balls of Martin Petrov, as well as Reo-Coker snuffing out Elano. With Dunne out for City, expect Villa (or rather Carew) to wreck havoc in the City defence.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Villa @ 1.80 = $9
SUNDERLAND vs LIVERPOOL (EPL)
<5.30> <3.40> <1.55>
Well well, Liverpool let me down the last time I bet on them, but I'm going to risk it again. Gerrard is back in the squad, so odds of 1.55 to beat Sunderland is amazingly decent. I dare to place this bet because Kenwyne Jones is out for Sunderland, and Liverpool have a full strength squad available for this game. They are a "big club" and cannot afford to lose this one, can they?
Roland's prediction: $5 on Liverpool @ 1.55 = $7.75
Well well, Liverpool let me down the last time I bet on them, but I'm going to risk it again. Gerrard is back in the squad, so odds of 1.55 to beat Sunderland is amazingly decent. I dare to place this bet because Kenwyne Jones is out for Sunderland, and Liverpool have a full strength squad available for this game. They are a "big club" and cannot afford to lose this one, can they?
Roland's prediction: $5 on Liverpool @ 1.55 = $7.75
EVERTON vs BLACKBURN (EPL)
<1.88> <3.20> <3.50>
Pienaar, Cahill, Hibbert, Vaughan, van der Meyde are all injured, Anichebe is in Beijing. Blackburn don't have many injury problems with Santa Cruz just picking up a knock, but I think he'll be fit to play. I think the loss of Bentley will really take its toll in this game and I doubt Blackburn will be able to create much against a solid Everton backline. Paul Robinson will probably debut and score an own goal so go for an Everton win.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton @ 1.88 = $9.40
i agree that everton should win this one. blackburn tended to rely on bentley for their spark for much of last season, and with roque santa cruz the target of much transfer talk, this hasn't been the best pre-season for paul ince and his boys. the signing of robbie fowler also goes to show how naive and inexperienced paul ince is. i fancy blackburn to be flirting with relegation this season, and everton should really be beating blackburn, especially at home.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on everton @ 1.88 = $9.40
Pienaar, Cahill, Hibbert, Vaughan, van der Meyde are all injured, Anichebe is in Beijing. Blackburn don't have many injury problems with Santa Cruz just picking up a knock, but I think he'll be fit to play. I think the loss of Bentley will really take its toll in this game and I doubt Blackburn will be able to create much against a solid Everton backline. Paul Robinson will probably debut and score an own goal so go for an Everton win.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton @ 1.88 = $9.40
i agree that everton should win this one. blackburn tended to rely on bentley for their spark for much of last season, and with roque santa cruz the target of much transfer talk, this hasn't been the best pre-season for paul ince and his boys. the signing of robbie fowler also goes to show how naive and inexperienced paul ince is. i fancy blackburn to be flirting with relegation this season, and everton should really be beating blackburn, especially at home.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on everton @ 1.88 = $9.40
HULL CITY vs FULHAM (EPL)
<2.47> <3.05> <2.52>
I see odds of 2.52 for Fulham to beat Hull as incredible odds, given that Hull have a shite team and Fulham are at nearly full strength, with the exception of Andy Johnson being out injured. However, never underestimate the start-of-the-season-craziness where we might see Hull go crazy all out. Go for Fulham +1.5 @ 1.11 if you want to play it safe and earn a measly 10 cents, but I think it'll be a Fulham win in the end.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Fulham @ 2.52 = $12.60
hmm, roland may be wrong here. hull city are not exactly THAT shite. marlon king was an accomplished finisher, and if given the right chances here, he might cause some trouble for mark schwarzer, who's not the best goalkeeper in the world. besides, geovanni is likely to be given a free role in this hull side, and his performance here will be critical to their performance. another new signing, george boateng, should be able to put the shackles on jimmy bullard, who is fulham's only threat, considering that andrew johnson and diomansy kamara are injured. i don't see fulham winning this one, especially with the game being at the kc stadium. remember, fulham are not good travellers, their end-of-season form last season was spurred only be the threat of relegation.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on draw @ 3.05 = $15.25
I see odds of 2.52 for Fulham to beat Hull as incredible odds, given that Hull have a shite team and Fulham are at nearly full strength, with the exception of Andy Johnson being out injured. However, never underestimate the start-of-the-season-craziness where we might see Hull go crazy all out. Go for Fulham +1.5 @ 1.11 if you want to play it safe and earn a measly 10 cents, but I think it'll be a Fulham win in the end.
Roland's prediction: $5 on Fulham @ 2.52 = $12.60
hmm, roland may be wrong here. hull city are not exactly THAT shite. marlon king was an accomplished finisher, and if given the right chances here, he might cause some trouble for mark schwarzer, who's not the best goalkeeper in the world. besides, geovanni is likely to be given a free role in this hull side, and his performance here will be critical to their performance. another new signing, george boateng, should be able to put the shackles on jimmy bullard, who is fulham's only threat, considering that andrew johnson and diomansy kamara are injured. i don't see fulham winning this one, especially with the game being at the kc stadium. remember, fulham are not good travellers, their end-of-season form last season was spurred only be the threat of relegation.
Eddy's prediction: $5 on draw @ 3.05 = $15.25
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Pre-Season EPL Post!
Okay, I'm feeling a little bored right now, so I'm just going to post my thoughts on how the EPL will shape out last season.
The Top 4
It's all about who has weakened less, not who has strengthened. Arsenal have lost Hleb and Flamini - both crucial in their lineup last season. They have also lost Gilberto Silva, a good backup in the midfield. Replacing them are Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, you get the idea. United were close to losing Ronaldo, Chelsea were close to losing both Drogba and Lampard. How next season's top 4 shapes up will be mostly dependant on how Drogba/Lampard/Ronaldo, after not securing their intended move, perform for their team. Liverpool look to have strengthened the most by securing Robbie Keane, but they were lucky to draw against Standard Liege yesterday and I wonder if Benitez's other signings, Degen Ngog and Dossena, will be enough to overcome a 10+ point deficit last season. They still have not improved on their biggest weakness - the left midfield. I think that United will retain the title because I'm a fan, but don't count out Chelsea as they have signed Deco and Bosingwa. Arsenal to finish 4th as they have young and promising youngsters, but not the cutting edge quality that a Championship winning team needs.
The Top Half
Last season, Everton, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Portsmouth Manchester City, Westham made up the rest of the top 10.
Everton haven't been great in the transfer market and have lost Andy Johnson. With Anichebe at the Olympics, it's all up to Yakubu to do the scoring as Tim Cahill is out too. They've had a bad run in their friendlies and I think they won't do too well at the start, but they still have enough quality for 7th or 8th. A secret weapon could be Joleon Lescott, who terrorizes defences with his hideous looks and scored like 10 goals. But I wouldn't count on him to repeat that feat.
Aston Villa have gotten good replacements for Mellberg and Carson and the injured Bouma in Cuellar and Friedel + Brad Guzan + Shorey. Sidwell will provide some good midfield cover and with Barry confirmed staying, and seeing him play his heart out for them, I think they should be able to secure a 6th spot finish.
For Blackburn, I forsee them dropping into the bottom half with the loss of David Bentley, their creative outlet whose great partnership with Roque Santa Cruz led a mediocre side to 7th place. Pedersen cannot fill Bentley's shoes as he's been off form for the entire last season, and Paul Ince is an unknown when it comes to the Premiership.
Portsmouth have signed Crouch and I think the Crouch/Defoe partnership should blossom and reward them with goals. I'll expect them to maintain their position as they've lost Muntari and Mendes, and their midfield looks short on quality cover. A few unfortunate injuries and Redknapp's shrewdness won't be able to save them.
City have had striking woes, and with Jo at the Olympics, they won't solve them any time soon. Bojinov had shown some glimpses of talent but he is still far from match fitness. With the 10 week injury to Vassell, and the Thaksin saga unsettling the club, Mark Hughes has an uphill task and I think he'll be lucky to keep them in the top 10.
West Ham are another club who will remain in their mid table position. Their signing of Valon Behrami, an extremely explosive and versatile winger, will definitely add more squad depth to their permanently injury ravaged squad. If they can get their players out of the treatment room, then they might have some room for improvement.
The Bottom Half
It was Spurs, Newcastle, Boro, Wigan, Sunderland, Bolton, Fulham who survived last season.
Spurs have definitely strengthened with a lot of quality signings - Luka Modric, Giovanni Dos Santos, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes and potentially Arshavin. They look very well equipped in the midfield department, but should Berbatov leave for Man Utd they will be short in the striking department. Bent isn't a shitkicker but to rely on him to score 30+ goals for them to truly compete with the top 4 isn't an easy task, but with Juande Ramos around don't bet against Spurs getting 5th.
Newcastle look to have some debt issues but have signed Coloccini, who will definitely help out in their leaky defence, as well as Jonas Gutierrez who is a decent pacy winger who can help them get goals. I don't see them improving much, they will linger as a mid table team.
On to Boro, Didier Digard? Marvin Emnes? WTF? No replacement for Schwarzer? Ross Turnbull in goal? Boro will probably win like half their games against the big teams, but lose the rest and escape relegation by the skin of their teeth.
Wigan will probably fall into 13th-16th place again as they have a brilliant Steve Bruce managing them, as well as exciting youngsters like Palacios and Valencia going forward. Kapo, De Ridder and Cattermole will give the midfield some depth and not make them rely on Koumas, who is slower than my grandmother, and Michael Brown, who plays "Kick The Leg" instead of football. Their back 4 still looks short on cover and I think that might be their weakness next season.
Roy Keane has been active in the transfer "from spurs" market, signing Chimbonda, Malbranque and Tainio. They have Premiership pedigree and will help strengthen a Sunderland side which, in their first season, signed Championship quality players and still stayed up. Diouf will add some flair to their attack and could prove to be an excellent second striker behind Kenwyne Jones (who is unfortunately injured ATM). It should not be too hard for Sunderland to survive comfortably, probably in the 13th-15th position.
Bolton are a team that I truly hate to the core, and they have undergone a complete overhaul. The key man is Johan Elmander, who I think might be able to save them from relegation. I hope not though, and I wish that they go down.
Last on the list is Fulham, and they actually play much better football than Bolton do. With Andy Johnson leading the attack, and Schwarzer to replace Kasey Keller who left, as well as the tactical mastery of Roy Hodgson (well, he DID manage Inter, Switzerland and Finland..), I think they can survive. It all depends on whether Johnson can keep fit, as they will sorely miss Brian Mcbride.
The Promotees
I'm banking on West Brom to stay up, solely based on the fact that in the history of the Premiership, only in 1 instance has the 3 promoted teams been relegated in the following season. So the stats speak for itself. West Brom are the best out of the 3, as they play decent attacking football. The loss of Kevin Phillips to Birmingham won't hit them hard as they have gotten Ishmael Miller, Roman Bednar and Luke Moore. They WILL miss Zoltan Gera who went off to Fulham, but with Carson in goal, I think they can survive and finish probably 16th.
Stoke are a very physical and direct team. They are like Sam Allardyce's Bolton. They will go down. Dave Kitson will not score the 20+ goals that they will need for them to stay up. Thomas Sorensen will not keep out the 90 goals that they will concede.
Hull City probably had 0.1% chance of staying up. With the lack of strikers at Man Utd and Fergie's reluctance to let Fraizer Campbell stay for another season, they have 0.01% chance of staying up, as it was Campbell's 15 goals in 30+ appearances that led them to that playoff spot. Dean Windass is turning 70 soon and the signings of Geovanni, Bernard Mendy and George Boateng do not look convincing enough. It's a fairytale come true, but one that will probably end come next May.
Roland
well, i'm WAAAYYY too lazy to post something of that length. what i'm gonna do is predict the winner, the relegated teams, and the over/underachievers.
Winner: Liverpool
Few teams actually manage winning the EPL 3 times in a row, and i do not think the current United team are good enough. ronaldo might be distracted, gary neville is back (great news for rival fans), they haven't signed anyone, and in case you were about to say berbatov, i feel berbatov is nowhere near the right signing for utd, and should they get him, i'm pretty sure they will find it hard to accomodate him should everyone be fit. vidic and ferdinand are one injury away from becoming vidic and brown or ferdinand and brown, and one further injury away from being o'shea and brown, which erm sux. manu have been very lucky with injuries the past two seasons, and i see that luck running out. CHELSEA, have been tipped to win it, but i feel they have too many midfielders for their own good, and i don't think scolari is the right man to manage them. he adds practicality to flair sides (eg brazil and portugal), but with a practical side, he might not know how to manage them. ARSENAL, much as i love them, look really inexperienced and understaffed, especially in centre-midfield. LIVERPOOL are being written off by everyone, and i think this will help them as teams might underestimate them. everyone seems to forget that they had agger out for the whole of last season, while they have a worldclass midfield of alonso, gerrard and mascherano. the likes of babel and torres will leave defenders quaking in their boots, while carragher, skrtel and agger will be solid as ever. should dossena and degen prove to be fullbacks in the class of sagna, the rest of the league should really watch out. and let's not forget robbie keane. his energy and creativity will help to lessen some of the load on stevie g. besides, they haven't won the league in so long, i think they're due it.
Relegated teams: Stoke, West Brom, Hull
Stoke play like Bolton, and look where Bolton got last season. bolton has superior quality and just escaped relegation, so a team playing similarly with shittier players will go down, surely.
West Brom like to play an open attacking game. End of story. Enough said. I'm sorry, boys, you're going down if you play good quality football with a bunch of shitkickers. besides, scott carson being there will not make that big a difference. teams like watford and charlton have gone down with keepers like carson and foster.
Hull have tried their best to strengthen, but i don't think they have done enough in the transfer market, and i think they will enjoy their ride.
Over-achievers: West Ham, Arsenal
West Ham have a good squad, plus Dean Ashton ended last season playing quite well. i expect him to explode this season, along with bellamy when he comes back from injury. the signing of valon behrami looks to be shrewd, considering how his pace and trickery should be adequate to dispose of most of the leftbacks in the league.
Arsenal have been tipped to be overtaken by spurs in the top 4 after a spending spree at white hart lane, but i think arsenal will overachieve, by actually finishing in the top 2 this season. arsenal have missed the likes of van persie, rosicky, and eduardo, and if all 3 are fit by october, i think arsenal have a realistic shot at the title.
Under-achievers: Blackburn, Chelsea
Blackburn will probably finish near the relegation zone this season. an over-reliance on david bentley was obvious last season, and now that he's gone, they are really gonna struggle. ryan nelsen isn't getting any younger, and roque santa cruz is an unhappy man. paul ince is a useless manager, looking at his signings so far. they'll really struggle this term.
Chelsea being tipped as champions, will probably end up behind Arsenal and Liverpool. I just have this feeling something will go wrong. they have a very good team on paper, though, so i might be completely wrong. however, i feel scolari will screw it up for them, get sacked midway through the season, and then be replaced by some complete useless bugger.
Eddy
The Top 4
It's all about who has weakened less, not who has strengthened. Arsenal have lost Hleb and Flamini - both crucial in their lineup last season. They have also lost Gilberto Silva, a good backup in the midfield. Replacing them are Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, you get the idea. United were close to losing Ronaldo, Chelsea were close to losing both Drogba and Lampard. How next season's top 4 shapes up will be mostly dependant on how Drogba/Lampard/Ronaldo, after not securing their intended move, perform for their team. Liverpool look to have strengthened the most by securing Robbie Keane, but they were lucky to draw against Standard Liege yesterday and I wonder if Benitez's other signings, Degen Ngog and Dossena, will be enough to overcome a 10+ point deficit last season. They still have not improved on their biggest weakness - the left midfield. I think that United will retain the title because I'm a fan, but don't count out Chelsea as they have signed Deco and Bosingwa. Arsenal to finish 4th as they have young and promising youngsters, but not the cutting edge quality that a Championship winning team needs.
The Top Half
Last season, Everton, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Portsmouth Manchester City, Westham made up the rest of the top 10.
Everton haven't been great in the transfer market and have lost Andy Johnson. With Anichebe at the Olympics, it's all up to Yakubu to do the scoring as Tim Cahill is out too. They've had a bad run in their friendlies and I think they won't do too well at the start, but they still have enough quality for 7th or 8th. A secret weapon could be Joleon Lescott, who terrorizes defences with his hideous looks and scored like 10 goals. But I wouldn't count on him to repeat that feat.
Aston Villa have gotten good replacements for Mellberg and Carson and the injured Bouma in Cuellar and Friedel + Brad Guzan + Shorey. Sidwell will provide some good midfield cover and with Barry confirmed staying, and seeing him play his heart out for them, I think they should be able to secure a 6th spot finish.
For Blackburn, I forsee them dropping into the bottom half with the loss of David Bentley, their creative outlet whose great partnership with Roque Santa Cruz led a mediocre side to 7th place. Pedersen cannot fill Bentley's shoes as he's been off form for the entire last season, and Paul Ince is an unknown when it comes to the Premiership.
Portsmouth have signed Crouch and I think the Crouch/Defoe partnership should blossom and reward them with goals. I'll expect them to maintain their position as they've lost Muntari and Mendes, and their midfield looks short on quality cover. A few unfortunate injuries and Redknapp's shrewdness won't be able to save them.
City have had striking woes, and with Jo at the Olympics, they won't solve them any time soon. Bojinov had shown some glimpses of talent but he is still far from match fitness. With the 10 week injury to Vassell, and the Thaksin saga unsettling the club, Mark Hughes has an uphill task and I think he'll be lucky to keep them in the top 10.
West Ham are another club who will remain in their mid table position. Their signing of Valon Behrami, an extremely explosive and versatile winger, will definitely add more squad depth to their permanently injury ravaged squad. If they can get their players out of the treatment room, then they might have some room for improvement.
The Bottom Half
It was Spurs, Newcastle, Boro, Wigan, Sunderland, Bolton, Fulham who survived last season.
Spurs have definitely strengthened with a lot of quality signings - Luka Modric, Giovanni Dos Santos, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes and potentially Arshavin. They look very well equipped in the midfield department, but should Berbatov leave for Man Utd they will be short in the striking department. Bent isn't a shitkicker but to rely on him to score 30+ goals for them to truly compete with the top 4 isn't an easy task, but with Juande Ramos around don't bet against Spurs getting 5th.
Newcastle look to have some debt issues but have signed Coloccini, who will definitely help out in their leaky defence, as well as Jonas Gutierrez who is a decent pacy winger who can help them get goals. I don't see them improving much, they will linger as a mid table team.
On to Boro, Didier Digard? Marvin Emnes? WTF? No replacement for Schwarzer? Ross Turnbull in goal? Boro will probably win like half their games against the big teams, but lose the rest and escape relegation by the skin of their teeth.
Wigan will probably fall into 13th-16th place again as they have a brilliant Steve Bruce managing them, as well as exciting youngsters like Palacios and Valencia going forward. Kapo, De Ridder and Cattermole will give the midfield some depth and not make them rely on Koumas, who is slower than my grandmother, and Michael Brown, who plays "Kick The Leg" instead of football. Their back 4 still looks short on cover and I think that might be their weakness next season.
Roy Keane has been active in the transfer "from spurs" market, signing Chimbonda, Malbranque and Tainio. They have Premiership pedigree and will help strengthen a Sunderland side which, in their first season, signed Championship quality players and still stayed up. Diouf will add some flair to their attack and could prove to be an excellent second striker behind Kenwyne Jones (who is unfortunately injured ATM). It should not be too hard for Sunderland to survive comfortably, probably in the 13th-15th position.
Bolton are a team that I truly hate to the core, and they have undergone a complete overhaul. The key man is Johan Elmander, who I think might be able to save them from relegation. I hope not though, and I wish that they go down.
Last on the list is Fulham, and they actually play much better football than Bolton do. With Andy Johnson leading the attack, and Schwarzer to replace Kasey Keller who left, as well as the tactical mastery of Roy Hodgson (well, he DID manage Inter, Switzerland and Finland..), I think they can survive. It all depends on whether Johnson can keep fit, as they will sorely miss Brian Mcbride.
The Promotees
I'm banking on West Brom to stay up, solely based on the fact that in the history of the Premiership, only in 1 instance has the 3 promoted teams been relegated in the following season. So the stats speak for itself. West Brom are the best out of the 3, as they play decent attacking football. The loss of Kevin Phillips to Birmingham won't hit them hard as they have gotten Ishmael Miller, Roman Bednar and Luke Moore. They WILL miss Zoltan Gera who went off to Fulham, but with Carson in goal, I think they can survive and finish probably 16th.
Stoke are a very physical and direct team. They are like Sam Allardyce's Bolton. They will go down. Dave Kitson will not score the 20+ goals that they will need for them to stay up. Thomas Sorensen will not keep out the 90 goals that they will concede.
Hull City probably had 0.1% chance of staying up. With the lack of strikers at Man Utd and Fergie's reluctance to let Fraizer Campbell stay for another season, they have 0.01% chance of staying up, as it was Campbell's 15 goals in 30+ appearances that led them to that playoff spot. Dean Windass is turning 70 soon and the signings of Geovanni, Bernard Mendy and George Boateng do not look convincing enough. It's a fairytale come true, but one that will probably end come next May.
Roland
well, i'm WAAAYYY too lazy to post something of that length. what i'm gonna do is predict the winner, the relegated teams, and the over/underachievers.
Winner: Liverpool
Few teams actually manage winning the EPL 3 times in a row, and i do not think the current United team are good enough. ronaldo might be distracted, gary neville is back (great news for rival fans), they haven't signed anyone, and in case you were about to say berbatov, i feel berbatov is nowhere near the right signing for utd, and should they get him, i'm pretty sure they will find it hard to accomodate him should everyone be fit. vidic and ferdinand are one injury away from becoming vidic and brown or ferdinand and brown, and one further injury away from being o'shea and brown, which erm sux. manu have been very lucky with injuries the past two seasons, and i see that luck running out. CHELSEA, have been tipped to win it, but i feel they have too many midfielders for their own good, and i don't think scolari is the right man to manage them. he adds practicality to flair sides (eg brazil and portugal), but with a practical side, he might not know how to manage them. ARSENAL, much as i love them, look really inexperienced and understaffed, especially in centre-midfield. LIVERPOOL are being written off by everyone, and i think this will help them as teams might underestimate them. everyone seems to forget that they had agger out for the whole of last season, while they have a worldclass midfield of alonso, gerrard and mascherano. the likes of babel and torres will leave defenders quaking in their boots, while carragher, skrtel and agger will be solid as ever. should dossena and degen prove to be fullbacks in the class of sagna, the rest of the league should really watch out. and let's not forget robbie keane. his energy and creativity will help to lessen some of the load on stevie g. besides, they haven't won the league in so long, i think they're due it.
Relegated teams: Stoke, West Brom, Hull
Stoke play like Bolton, and look where Bolton got last season. bolton has superior quality and just escaped relegation, so a team playing similarly with shittier players will go down, surely.
West Brom like to play an open attacking game. End of story. Enough said. I'm sorry, boys, you're going down if you play good quality football with a bunch of shitkickers. besides, scott carson being there will not make that big a difference. teams like watford and charlton have gone down with keepers like carson and foster.
Hull have tried their best to strengthen, but i don't think they have done enough in the transfer market, and i think they will enjoy their ride.
Over-achievers: West Ham, Arsenal
West Ham have a good squad, plus Dean Ashton ended last season playing quite well. i expect him to explode this season, along with bellamy when he comes back from injury. the signing of valon behrami looks to be shrewd, considering how his pace and trickery should be adequate to dispose of most of the leftbacks in the league.
Arsenal have been tipped to be overtaken by spurs in the top 4 after a spending spree at white hart lane, but i think arsenal will overachieve, by actually finishing in the top 2 this season. arsenal have missed the likes of van persie, rosicky, and eduardo, and if all 3 are fit by october, i think arsenal have a realistic shot at the title.
Under-achievers: Blackburn, Chelsea
Blackburn will probably finish near the relegation zone this season. an over-reliance on david bentley was obvious last season, and now that he's gone, they are really gonna struggle. ryan nelsen isn't getting any younger, and roque santa cruz is an unhappy man. paul ince is a useless manager, looking at his signings so far. they'll really struggle this term.
Chelsea being tipped as champions, will probably end up behind Arsenal and Liverpool. I just have this feeling something will go wrong. they have a very good team on paper, though, so i might be completely wrong. however, i feel scolari will screw it up for them, get sacked midway through the season, and then be replaced by some complete useless bugger.
Eddy
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
STANDARD LIEGE vs LIVERPOOL (CHAMPS LEAGUE)
<7.35> <3.95> <1.35>
Liverpool don't have many injury concerns, with Steven Gerrard topping the list but he's probably going to play anyway, having travelled to Belgium and trained with the team. The only absentee is Finnan. I won't claim to know much about Standard Liege but with a full strength Liverpool squad, FURTHERMORE in a Champions League match, it would be dumb to bet against them. I'm also taking Robbie Keane as first scorer because I think he'll be keen to impress on his debut. But I can't find that bet on SGPools so :)
Roland's prediction: $5 on Liverpool @ 1.35 = $6.75
Liverpool don't have many injury concerns, with Steven Gerrard topping the list but he's probably going to play anyway, having travelled to Belgium and trained with the team. The only absentee is Finnan. I won't claim to know much about Standard Liege but with a full strength Liverpool squad, FURTHERMORE in a Champions League match, it would be dumb to bet against them. I'm also taking Robbie Keane as first scorer because I think he'll be keen to impress on his debut. But I can't find that bet on SGPools so :)
Roland's prediction: $5 on Liverpool @ 1.35 = $6.75
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