NEWCASTLE vs BLACKBURN (EPL)

Joke-of-the-year Newcastle play host to Blackburn, who have been Eddy's nemesis. Chris Hughton will select the side against Blackburn and he hasn't won a game yet, and I doubt his barren streak will end here. Obafemi Martins is out, along with a long list of other injuries which include Viduka, Gutierrez, Ignacio Gonzalez and Jose Enrique. Barton and Guthrie will be suspended for this match too. So, it will be a depleted Newcastle side against a slightly depleted Blackburn side with Benni McCarthy, Paul Robinson, David Dunn and Steven Reid out. I wouldn't bet too heavily on Blackburn, but seeing as Newcastle are in shambles at the moment, at home with half emptied stadiums, Blackburn level seems a wise choice.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Blackburn level @ 1.975 = $9.875

newcastle have been in poor form of late, with kevin keegan's departure obviously a big factor in the way they're playing. however, there have been a few bright sparks. charles n'zogbia has been good going forward, while michael owen has shown he still has goals in him. it's only a matter of time before newcastle get a win, and with blackburn having won their last two, surely they cannot win at st james park? also, with a new manager in, the players will be looking to impress, and i think the least newcastle will get is a point.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on newcastle level @ 1.875 = $9.375

ASTON VILLA vs SUNDERLAND (EPL)

Sunderland are no pushovers, but their away record is not all that impressive. At the Stadium of Light they do defend well, but away from home they aren't as good. Lets look at their away fixtures so far - 2-1 win over shittiest Spurs ever, and a 1-1 draw with Wigan. Villa will revert to their starting 11 which has been consistent over the past 4 EPL matches. They will want to bounce back after an unfortunate loss to QPR which saw them squander a host of chances to win the game, and what better place than to do it at home?

Roland's prediction: $5 on Aston Villa -0.5/1 @ 1.825 = $9.125

MIDDLSBROUGH vs WEST BROM (EPL)

In form Mido should return to a Middlesbrough side desperate to get points. After a bright start to their season, they've lost 3 games in a row, although all have been away fixtures. Returning back home, with top scorer Mido back, and against newly promoted opposition, I'd expect Middlesbrough to truimph. Just pray hard that Middlesbrough don't get a penalty as their only chance of the match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Middlesbrough -0.5 @ 1.83 = $9.15

FC COLOGNE vs SCHALKE 04 (GERMAN BUNDESLIGA)

captain umit ozat is still out for cologne, and that is a huge factor in explaining their poor recent form. schalke 04 are in good form though, at least in terms of results, with a victory in the cup in midweek after a lucky 1-0 victory over eintracht frankfurt. remember though, that this is the team that stormed into a 3-0 lead against borussia dortmund two weeks back. schalke have great quality, and i think their offensive prowess will be too much for cologne to handle. the likes of rakitic, farfan and kuranyi (who hasn't scored), should do enough.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on schalke 04 -0.5 @ 1.81 = $9.05

SUPER REDS vs GOMBAK UNITED (S LEAGUE)

super reds are favourites to win this one, with them looking to secure the first title ever by a foreign team in the s-league. moon soon ho and oh ddog yi should have no trouble beating a defence missing experienced defender jaslee hatta. i expect korean super reds to win here, to finally break my claypot.

Eddy's prediction: $10 on super reds to win @ (roland please help me put odds)

DALIAN SHIDE vs BALESTIER KHALSA (S LEAGUE)

dalian and balestier must have forgotten the feeling of winning, only managing losses and draws for a long long run. however, balestier khalsa showed signs of improvement in their game against woodlands, and the form of hironori saruta should be enough to trouble a leaky dalian defence. faizal amir and mba vitus onyekachi are suspended for the balestier side though, so you can decide how much of an impact that has. i think balestier will win though. using sheer grit with the likes of han yiguang and poh yifeng who are really tigerish.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on balestier level @ 1.97 = $9.85

GEYLANG UNITED vs WOODLANDS WELLINGTON (S-LEAGUE)

the eagles from geylang are favourites for this one, as they have had the better recent form, woodlands going on a horrible losing/drawing run. however, woodlands finally broke that run with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over balestier khalsa, and i think that both teams are actually quite good. woodlands will want to at least get a draw in this game, to make sure they go into the cup final with a healthy run behind them.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on woodlands +0.5/1 @ 1.97 = $9.85

BLACKBURN ROVERS vs EVERTON (CARLING CUP)

blackburn were lucky to win their last match, while everton were unlucky not to beat hull last time out. i think blackburn are a shite team, and they really shouldn't be favourites in this game, but they are. take everton on handicap.

Eddy's prediction: everton +0/0.5 @ 1.84 = $9.20

NAPOLI vs PALERMO (SERIE A)

Napoli have had a bright start to this season, maintaining their unbeaten streak of 6 games with a draw away at Udinese last weekend. Palermo have a shitty away record, whereas Napoli have won all home games this season. Go figure. Palermo also lost star striker Amauri to Juve this season (he bagged 23 goals in 52 games for them), so no prizes for guessing who I'm going for this week.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Napoli -0.5 @ 2.04 = $10.20

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs MANCHESTER CITY (CARLING CUP)

the following tips will be quite short, cos in a rush. take man city on the handicap, cos i really think they're still on a high, and even their reserves should be able to knock a few past brighton.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on man city -1 @ 1.88 = $9.40

Brighton have lost 2 and drawn 2 in their last 4 games. City have enjoyed a revival since SWP and Robinho joined the club, and just trashed Portsmouth 6-0. The Brazillian trio of Robinho, Elano and Jo might not necessarily start, meaning that promising players like Ched Evans might get a run out. The new City owners want to start a new 10-year "dynasty". Well, what better way to start a dynasty than to win a cup? City will win this, and I think they'll win big with Stephen Ireland putting in another MOM performance. After all, they did put 6 past a previously miserly Portsmouth defence.

Roland's prediction: $5 on City -1 @ 1.880 = $9.40

ASTON VILLA vs QPR (CARLING CUP)

The best part about Aston Villa having a small squad? They can't rotate like Rafa does. Meaning that there won't be any very surprising lineups. Perhaps the only change will be Isaiah Osbourne featuring, or Zat Knight in defence. Well, they will still possess quality. QPR are contenders for promotion but I think that Aston Villa have too much quality for them. Their lack of squad size means that regulars like Young and Carew will play, as they did not play the previous midweek match against Litex Lovech.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Aston Villa @ 1.44 = $7.20

ENERGIE COTTBUS vs BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH

borussia monchengladbach and cottbus are both on bad runs of form. however, marko marin is a genius, and he'll pull gladbach to a win here. there you have it, short and sweet. just like marko marin.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on gladbach level @ 2.040 = $10.20

and let's not forget, multiplier of the day:
1) gladbach level
2) everton +0/0.5
3) milan win
4) atletico madrid -0/0.5
5) wigan -0/0.5
6) man city -1
7) fiorentina +0/0.5
8) cardiff +0/0.5
9) fulham -0/0.5

$1 pays $315

SWANSEA CITY vs CARDIFF CITY (CARLING CUP)

cardiff city have been quite decent in the championship, unbeaten so far, with 2 wins, and 5 draws. they have a decent team, and will be remembered for their fa cup run last season. i think they will dispose of swansea here, and the least they should get is a draw, with swansea perhaps gonna have their attention diverted towards the big game at the weekend. also, swansea were poor in their game against burnley, and were lucky to steal an injury-time equaliser. cardiff have also hinted that eddie johnson might be given a start here, and with his freshness and his blistering pace, i expect him to give the swansea defence a torrid time.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on cardiff +0/0.5 @ 1.800 = $9.00

BURNLEY v FULHAM (CARLING CUP)

fulham look to rotate their squad in this game, but i think they should have too much for burnley. what's more, fulham lost their last game, and i reckon they'll be looking to bounce right back. a draw would mean a half-loss, and that's a good enough risk for me to take here. fulham haven't won away this season, and there will be no better chance.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on fulham -0/0.5 @ 2.050 = $10.25

WATFORD vs WEST HAM (CARLING CUP)

For the first time in probably 2 years, West Ham meet a side that are even more depleted than they are. Mart Poom, Jobi McAnuff, Lloyd Doyley, Tamas Priskin, Grzegorz Rasiak, Mat Sadler are all out for this match. West Ham have a similarly long list with Dean Ashton, Bellamy, Carlton Cole all not involved for this match. However, West Ham have better strength in depth, and Freddie Sears was really impressive last season and should provide an attacking threat. Di Michele was incredibly lucky to score the two goals against Newcastle but he showed that he can be dangerous with the ball at his feet. West Ham will be still on their new-manager high, whereas Watford have had a bad run that looks set to continue.

Roland's prediction: $5 on West Ham -0.5 @ 2.00 = $10.00

For the other matches, I've got a multiplier as they're all low odds and risky on the singles, because the Carling Cup does tend to have its fair share of upsets because small teams sometimes do rise up to the occasion, as well as big teams resting their key players. The big teams do, however, still have quality within their reserves, so it's quite difficult to call sometimes.

1) Arsenal @ 1.30
2) Sunderland @ 1.30
3) Liverpool @ 1.12
4) Man Utd @ 1.55
5) Aston Villa @ 1.44

$5 on above multiplier pays $21.28

LEEDS vs HARTLEPOOL (CARLING CUP)

Leeds come into this game on the back of 3 impressive wins, beating Crewe 5-2, Swindon away 3-1 and Carlsile away 2-0. They are good in attack with the very pacy Jermaine Beckford, who has 6 goals to his name in 7 matches. Hartlepool, however, are no pushovers, beating West Brom in the previous round 3-1 with 2 extra time goals, and holding current league one leaders to a 3-3 draw over the weekend. However, I feel that Leeds have had the better form of late, and with it being at Elland road, they should be able to triumph. After all, Leeds don't belong to League One, as they would have automatically qualified for Championship football if not for the 15 point deduction imposed on them, and thus Leeds should have too much quality for Hartlepool.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Leeds -0.5/1 @ 1.79 = $8.95

JEF UTD CHIBA vs NAGOYA GRAMPUS EIGHT (J-LEAGUE)

both jef utd and nagoya go into this game on the back of two morale-boosting victories. jef utd need the victories to escape the relegation battle, while nagoya grampus eight are hitting form at the right moment, and look like good bets for the title. and if you're gonna win the title, you're gonna have to beat jef utd chiba. i cant see jef utd dealing adequately with the threat of frode johnsen in the air, and keiji tamada on the deck. magnum is also proving to be quite good in attacking midfield, and i don't quite mean the chocolate-coated icecream with my girlfriend starring in the ad. it's gonna be tough for jef utd, and i see a nagoya win here.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on nagoya -0.5 @ 2.05 = $10.25

for a little added kick to your bet, i'm throwing in a fun $1 multiplier to consider.
1) nagoya -0.5 (2.05)
2) guillermo garcia lopez v tommy robredo (robredo @ 1.28)
3) sam querrey vs jesse levine (querrey @ 1.30)
4) fernando verdasco vs bobby reynolds (verdasco @ 1.28)
5) juan carlos ferrero vs alexandre kudryatsev (ferrero @ 1.28)
6) yokohama f marinos v kawasaki frontale (ksaki -0/0.5 @ 1.975)

$1 on above multiplier pays $11.18

Spring Cleaning

Hey guys, some spring cleaning. As Eddy and I have discussed, the tables to the side are awfully inaccurate as we refer to SingaporePools odds, but bet with other bookmakers. SingaporePools also does not offer the handicap, which we use often as it is generally safer most of the time, and nets a better profit in the long run (in our opinions). Hence, we're going to transfer all the current stats into 1 post, and then wipe all of the other stats clean. From this point onwards, we will be referring to betinternet.com's (great ad for them eh?) odds and start including the asian handicap in our tips.

Total

Tipster	Bets Placed	Bets Won	Win %	Money Placed	Money Won	Profits
Eddy	285	155	54.4	$1650	$1860.55	$210.55
Roland	157	77	49.0	$990	$1053.20	$63.20

EPL 08/09

Tipster	Bets Placed	Bets Won	Win %	Money Placed	Money Won	Profits
Eddy	21	11	52.4	$105	$106.55	$1.55
Roland	23	11	50	$115	$111.75	$-3.75

S-League/Singapore Cup

Tipster	Bets Placed	Bets Won	Win %	Money Placed	Money Won	Profits
Eddy	100	53	53	$595	$679.55	$84.55
Roland	0	0	0	0	0	0

UEFA Champions League / UEFA Cup

Tipster	Bets Placed	Bets Won	Win %	Money Placed	Money Won	Profits
Eddy	6	3	50	$35	$29.5	$-5.50
Roland	10	6	60	$60	$58.45	-$1.55

World Cup Qualifiers/Friendlies

Tipster	Bets Placed	Bets Won	Win %	Money Placed	Money Won	Profits
Eddy	4	3	75	$20	$35.85	$15.85
Roland	6	2	33.3	$35	$24.85	$-10.15

NUMANCIA vs VILLARREAL (LA LIGA)

<2.98> <3.15> <2.10>

villarreal have been given a boost by the return to fitness of talented turk nihat kahveci, who travelled with the squad and should be starting against numancia, who have already beaten barcelona and almost held real madrid, losing 4-3. numancia's confidence will be high, but i'm sure villarreal's will be even higher, having held manu at old trafford, and securing a vital 1-0 win last week against deportivo. influential midfielder marcos senna was rested in midweek, and his return, coupled with that of nihat's, should combine well with the dazzling form of santi cazorla to give villarreal a win.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on villarreal @ 2.10 = $10.50

CHELSEA vs MANCHESTER UTD (EPL)

<2.05> <3.02> <3.22>

the big one. the one we've all been waiting for after liverpool-man u ended last week. everything points to a chelsea win in this one. cuntbag john terry had his red card rescinded SOMEHOW, while nemanja vidic, who is such an integral part of the united defence, is suspended for tonight's match. 1 point for chelsea. chelsea have not lost at stamford bridge since the PAP took over Singapore. 2 points for chelsea. chelsea have made a flying start in the league, while united have been made to look rather ordinary. 3 points for chelsea. so, for united to win here would be kinda impossible, it seems. but THAT is exactly what i'm gonna tip. i'd prefer to take manu on +0/0.5 on the asian handicap, because i really do not see united losing this one, but given singapore pools' insistence on 1x2, i am going for a united win here. manu are not a team that go 4 matches without a win, and they have lost at zenit, liverpool and drawn in midweek at home against the yellow submarines of villarreal. this situation somewhat reminds me of arsenal a few seasons back making a wretched start, drawing at villa, losing at man city, but travelling to old trafford to face an in-form united team, they managed to grab all 3 points with adebayor's late late goal. odds of 3.22 don't come often, so you could try backing manu to be the team that breaks chelsea's long-standing undefeated home record.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on manchester utd @ 3.22 = $16.10

I have money on United with the handicap. On the blog I'm going for a win. United will bounce back after 2 sorry performances, and Anderson will eat up Deco.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Manchester United @ 3.22 = $16.10

HULL CITY vs EVERTON (EPL)

<3.20> <3.15> <2.00>

Everton ruined my multiplier, so they'll make up for it by winning me some well deserved cash. Fellaini will return for Everton and bring some sorely missed energy into the Everton midfield. Everton have no problems going forward and getting goals. Their key problem is at the back, and Fellaini's energy and shielding the defence should help out a lot. Hull haven't been very impressive in attack and I think Everton will register a win.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton @ 2.00 = $10.00

everton are leagues ahead of hull in terms of quality, but what might be a factor in this one, are the tired legs that everton might suffer, considering their midweek battle with standard liege. what's comforting is the fact that hull already won last weekend, and relegation-threatened teams just DO NOT win two in a row, unless it's the tail-end of the season. everton on the asian handicap of -0/0.5 looks a handy bet, and bearing in mind that wigan demolished hull 5-0 at this very same stadium, everton at 2.00 for a win is actually quite a fair bet. hopefully, as i said, the tiredness doesn't affect them too much.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on everton @ 2.00 = $10.00

WEST BROMWICH vs ASTON VILLA (EPL)

<2.90> <3.15> <2.15>

I usually support teams that love to move the ball around and play fluid, attacking football. That will be, however, West Brom's demise. Villa might be slightly fatigued after their UEFA cup game against Litex Lovech, but I fancy their quick attacks to exploit the gaps left by West Brom when they move forward. Ashley Young and Carew are doubtful, but they are likely to be replaced by Milner and Harewood, who aren't too bad themselves. Agbonlahor's pace upfront will be immense in Villa's counter attacks, and I don't think Villa will have too much trouble seeing off West Brom.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Aston Villa @ 2.15 = $10.75

aston villa are a good team, no doubt, but seriously, they are no supermen, and they will be physically tired after two tough away trips to spurs and litex. west brom's brand of passing football, while foolhardy, will be ideal in this instance, as they will force the villans to keep chasing. the villans also break down their opponents with searing pace from the likes of young and agbonlahor, but they too will not be at their best physical state. however, i can't see west brom winning this one, as they have already won last weekend, and promoted teams just don't win that many games. a draw then. worth a shot.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on draw @ 3.15 = $15.75

BLACKBURN vs FULHAM (EPL)

<1.95> <3.20> <3.30>

The last 3 meetings between these sides have been draws, so there will be a clear victor this time. I'm going with Fulham because Dunn is out for Blackburn, which will leave lots of space for Bullard and Gera to run the show. Andy Johnson and Zamora look to have a great partnership going, and Johnson's sheer pace might pose Ryan Nelsen some trouble. I think that Blackburn seriously lack creativity and this might be a low scoring one, so go for total goals under 2.5, as well as a Fulham win. Well, if you lack balls, Fulham on the handicap is decently priced too.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Fulham @ 3.30 = $16.50

sometimes, i feel, roland is a kind man. "i think that blackburn seriously lack creativity". well i'm not so kind. blackburn are shitkickers with ZERO creativity. morten gamst pedersen used to be a creative spark, but that was two seasons ago. last season, they relied on david "i was brought up at arsenal but i'm still a cunt" bentley to provide quality service, and he did so very well. now he's gone and joined up with the people at shite hart lane, blackburn have become relegation fodder, and they will struggle among the lower reaches of the table. also, paul robinson as a replacement for brad friedel is hardly gonna inspire confidence in your defenders. david dunn has also been ruled out, leaving them with even less of an attacking threat. fulham's away form has been rather woeful, but if they're gonna win a game away, it has to be this one.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on fulham @ 3.30 = $16.50

UDINESE vs NAPOLI (SERIE A)

<2.05> <3.00> <3.25>

This will be a key theme in the upcoming weeks - bet on the team at home against Napoli. Why? Their away form is shite. Also, their fans have been banned from all away matches until the end of the season. Both teams registered wins a couple of days back in the UEFA cup and should be coming into this match with confidence, but I'm backing the home team because of home ground advantage (and in the Serie A, it counts for A LOT), and the fact that Napoli have no supporting fans. Gokhan Inler, Quagliarella and Di Natale will give lots of firepower to the Udinese team.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Udinese @ 2.05 = $10.25

WEST HAM vs NEWCASTLE (EPL)

<1.95> <3.20> <3.30>

Well, this is the battle between the two clubs who had the first managerial casualties. West Ham have lost Ashton to an injury.. in TRAINING. He needs a new physio. Carlton Cole and Di Michele up front could pose the Newcastle defence some trouble, but I think the key area of weakness for Newcastle is N'Zogbia at left back. He loves to go forward and it will leave a lot of space in behind for Behrami to exploit (so get Behrami in fantasy football, that's my tip too). West Ham will have the new manager syndrome and Newcastle fans will boycott the match anyway, and their bright spark Jonas Gutierrez is out injured, so West Ham win.

Roland's prediction: $5 on West Ham @ 1.95 = $9.75