LUTON TOWN - CARDIFF CITY

Town were very impressive in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham on Friday and looked easily the better side.

Of course, I am prepared to accept that City had an off night, but Luton looked a very talented, well organised, hard working team, that is a credit to manager,Mike Newell.

Cardiff are in poor form and after leading the Championship for some time, have now slipped out of the play-off zone. The goals have dried up and they were booed off Ninian Park on Saturday, after another lack lustre display. They are ready to flash the cheque book in the transfer window, but that will not help them today.

Luton have seen off Coventry (3-1) and Preston (2-0) in their most recent starts at Kenilworth Road and can make it three wins today.

They have the bonus and it is a real benefit at this time of year, especially given the underfoot conditions, of having an extra days rest and are my confident selection.

5 points Luton level ball asian line 1.82.

Good Luck.

YEOVIL TOWN .........

Northampton are one of my hopes to get involved in the relegation battle and save my beloved Brentford from the drop.

They travel west to Yeovil, who have rediscovered some form and have scored six goals in winning their last two starts. This is never an easy place to get a result and I am a little surprised at the odds on offer, which are very attractive.

The visitors recent performances have been very poor, as outlined in a recent post
http://ubet2win.blogspot.com/2006/12/northampton-town-leyton-orient.html
and they will do well, to come away with anything today.

4 points Yeovil -1/2 ball asian line 1.87.

Good Luck.

FULHAM - WATFORD

I like the "over" here, as detailed in a recent post, Fulham are conceding an incredible amount of chances, averaging 20 or so per game at present.

Watford, due to their precarious position are forced to "go for it", they have had little luck this season and played better than their bare results would suggest.

Likewise, Fulham will see 3 points here as almost securing their Premiership survival for another year. Think we will see an open game with chances at both ends, an away win is not a forlorn hope, but I prefer the "over" option.

3 points over 2.25 goals Fulham-Watford asian line 1.98.

Good Luck.

NEW YEAR'S DAY ..........

I will type quietly in case any of you are nursing hangovers !

Actually I am writing this on Sunday( yesterday), there will be 4 selections posted today, with very brief comments and all odds were correct, at the time of writing, they might be even better today !

My first selection is Dagenham and Redbridge in the Conference, who make the shortish trip to Crawley, looking to cement their position as league leaders, having finally passed Oxford United.

Boss John Still has done a fantastic job with his young squad and has not let the grass grow under his feet, signing Ben Strevens over the Christmas period. He will be a big help today, having spent a few months at Crawley, earlier in the season.

Everything is geared up for a big push to get into the Football League and they are looking for the 3 points today, think they will get them.

4 points Dagenham -1/4 asian line 2.075.

Good Luck.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

I would like to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.


Thank you for reading the blog and the kind words of support throughout the year, let's hope that 2007 is even more successful.


Back tomorrow.

EAGLES- FALCONS

Jeff Garcia is having fun !

Since taking over from Donovan McNabb, he has led a Philadelphia team, going nowhere fast, into the play-offs and on the verge of a 5th Divisional title in six seasons. Garcia is reminding everyone how very good he was at the 49ers.

As a starter he is 4-1, with 9 touchdowns and just two interceptions, the most important stat, is that they have won three on the road against divisional opponents, which is incredibly tough.

Garcia is a true leader and the Eagles look a real "team" with him at the helm, they are looking for their 4th straight win over Atlanta, for whom the season can't end quickly enough. The Falcons are in poor form, have lost 6/8 and are out of the play-off picture.

Eagles should collect the win, the title and cover the spread in the process.

4 points Philadelphia -8.5 points 1.92 general/ vegas line, the -9 points @ circa 2.04 is also acceptable.

Good Luck.

AZ ALKMAAR - RODA KERKRADE

I think we have two very tired teams meeting here and the goal line appears to have been set too high, in my opinion.

AZ have not scored in two games, are without between 4 and 7 players today and freely admit that they are desperate for the Winter Break to begin.

Roda are also without 4 regulars and will be looking to pack the defence, they are pretty tight at the back and have conceded fewer goals than any other team, in the lower half of the table.

They have a good record in Alkmaar, losing on only 2 of 7 visits, most of these have been low ( for Dutch football) scoring affairs, with 4 of the last 5 producing 3 goals or less. Unusually for me, I am taking the "under", the first 10-15 minutes will be vital, if we survive these without a goal, this bet should be plain sailing...... famous last words, which I already regret.

3 points "under" 3.25 goals AZ-Alkmaar asian line 1.90.

Back shortly.

Good luck.

SUNDAY MORNING ..........

We had a good day yesterday, with four winners from six selections.

One of our losers, Dumbarton, should have won comfortably, they dominated the game and were denied time after time, by some goalkeeping heroics from David Crawford. Some days you could stay on the pitch all day and you will never score, that is football.

Brentford finally broke their duck, beating Chesterfield, after 22 games without a win, cue major celebrations in my household. As I told you earlier in the week, recent performances have showm signs of improvement, not going to suggest that you back The Bees blindly, just think twice before opposing them at the moment.

I am going to post at least two bets today and will have the first online shortly after 12.00 cet.

Please check back.

CHAMPIONSHIP ...........

I like three homes in the Championship today, will keep the stakes smallish, as we are already involved in three matches and there is not enough time to write proper previews.

No surprise that I am sticking with WBA, they have a good chance to close the gap on the top 2, are strong (9-2-1) at the Hawthorns and have scored 11 goals in their last 3 starts. Today they host Ipswich, who are talented on their day, but can leak goals at times. Albion have won the last 3 h2h meetings, scoring 12.

Sunderland are closing in on a play-off place and will be facing a Preston side, that have lost their way, when leaving their Deepdale home, losing the last 3 and conceding 9 goals in the process. Another massive crowd at the Stadium of Light, will be trying to suck the ball into the net. Vital game for Roy Keane's side, 3 points will really set up a promotion push.

Finally, Norwich are my choice to see off QPR at Carrow Road.
Rangers excellent start under John Gregory is now a distant memory and they have beaten only a weak looking Barnsley side in 6 starts, losing the other 5. They have lost on their last 4 trips here, concededing 10 goals. The Canaries have developed a troubling habit of throwing away leads and that is a concern, but they should have too much for QPR today.

3 points WBA -1/2 ball asian line 1.70.
3 points Sunderland -1/4 ball asian line 2.02.
3 points Norwich -1/4 ball asian line 1.72.

Good Luck.

LOOKALIKE !

I never thought that Simon Cowell would feature in my blog, but Brian Laws could always have a career as a lookey likey, if football doesn't work out.

This is Cowell by the way, Laws is below.

Back later.

BARNSLEY- SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

I think the goal line has been set too low for this local derby.

The three previous, all Yorkshire Championship matches this season have been "over", including this reverse fixture, at an average of 4.0 per game.

Given their lowly league position, Barnsley create an awful lot of chances, 295 attempts at goal put them 6th in the "table" and the woodwork has denied them 10 times. Their 25 matches this season are producing an average of 2.84 goals.

Wednesday are on fire and Brian Laws is quckly establishing himself, as one of the hottest managerial prospects in the country. They are scoring for fun, are "over" in their last 6, averaging 4.0 and 3.2 for their last 10.

Both sides will be looking for the 3 points and I make this a strong selection.

4 points Barnsley-Sheffield Wednesday over 2.25 goals 1.78 asian line.

Back later.

Good Luck.

WHAT TO DO !

I have so much to pass on today, that we will have to do things a little differently. Going to quickly discuss yesterday's events in this post and give two bets, where I think the odds are unlikely to last long.

The SFL allowed Partick to postpone their match with St Johnstone, wonder how Forfar feel about that, having been refused under similar circumstances, just a couple of months ago. There is just no consistency with these governing bodies.

Two winners yesterday, Luton outplayed Birmingham in a 2-2 draw, Golden State won by 10 points, York City couldn't break down the Woking defence, although they had chances.

In Scotland, we have to back Dumbarton, who are second in the table and looking to close the gap on leaders East Fife. Today they host Queens Park, who have a host of problems, 3 suspended, 3 injured and two big doubts.

Dumbarton have won 3/4, scoring 11 in the process and are 7-0-1 at home, the visitor's form has tailed off a little, with just one win in their last 4. A very attractive price on the home team.

We must also back resurgent Macclesfield, who make the long trip to Torquay, who have replaced them at the foot of the table. Paul Ince and his backroom staff, have really got the Silkmen flying and what looked like a season long battle with relegation, now looks like a mid table finish.

An 8 match unbeaten run, has taken them off the bottom of the Football League and into within three wins of eight clubs. They have a massive, 3rd round FA Cup tie at Chelsea to look forward to, a week is a long time in football, two months is a lifetime and a club that looked dead and buried just a short time ago, can now look ahead with optimism.

Torquay are in dire form and have some severe injury problems to contend with, they must start with an untried goalkeeper today and have several other key players missing. I have to side with the Guv'nors men.

4 points Dumbarton -1/2 ball asian line 2.135.
4 points Macclesfield level ball asian line 2.06.

Good Luck.

NBA ..........

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS- BOSTON CELTICS

The Celtics are on a four game losing streak, a run that started with the 96-95 loss to the Warriors a week ago in Boston, despite Paul Pierce scoring 27 points .

He has not started in the three, double digit defeats since and will be missing and missed tonight.

Golden State embark on a 3 game road trip tomorrow, so will be ultra keen to record their 5th straight home win, in this, their final start at the Oracle Arena, for 2006. The handicap is a little steep, but less than the margin by which the Celtics have lost their last 3.

So, the Warriors to cover.

3 points Golden State -9.5 points 1.96 pinnacle // a little 2.0 available on the exchanges.

Good Luck.

YORK CITY - WOKING

Woking played at Oxford on Boxing Day, in front of the biggest crowd in Conference history.

It was very much a "backs to the wall" performance, for the visitors with stand in goalkeeper, Shawn Jalal, earning all the plaudits with a string of fine saves.

Due to the continued absence of Alex Howe, he will again start tonight and is likely to face an equally torrid time. Especially from the Conference's leading scorer, York's Clayton Donaldson, who is on fire, with 7 goals in 8 starts.

Woking are struggling at the moment, with just two wins and eight losses in 12 starts. Goals have been a major worry with just 7 in 10, the same number as Donaldson has managed on his own, in two fewer games !

York are looking to push on and put some pressure on the top two, especially with a very tough trip, to strong home side and promotion rivals, Morecambe, on New Year's Day. They have not conceded in 3 matches and their inform striker, will be looking to fire them to victory and three very welcome points.

4 points York City -3/4 ball asian line 2.04.

Good Luck.

PARTICK-ST JOHNSTONE

Massive problems for Partick, who are down to just 7 fit players, including two goalkeepers, for tomorrow's fixture.

They have asked the SFL to postpone the match, but such appeals, have always been turned down in the past.

Odds have been slashed pretty much across the board, the early 2.60/ 2.50 has long since gone. There is still 2.14 offered on Betfair, which is comfortably, the best quote currently available.

If you are based in the UK, Ladbrokes (2.50) and Paddy Power (2.60) were still accepting nominal bets, on coupons, in their shops this morning, maximum £50 single with Ladbrokes.

Not sure if it will go ahead, if called off, the SFL will have some explaining to do and once again will be accused of favouring Glasgow clubs.

Saints have a wonderful record in this fixture, scoring 17 goals on their last 4 visits to Firhill.

Hard to get away from them, under the circumstances.

4 points St Johnstone -1/2 ball 2.14 betfair.

Good Luck.

UPDATE .............

Almost as soon as I posted my "over" bet on the Sky TV match, the odds fell from 1.98 to 1.93.

Sometimes this happens and there is nothing I can do about that, anything over 1.90 seems excellent value to me, so the current quotes are perfectly acceptable.

Market moves ......... surprisingly enough LUTON TOWN have been well supported on the asian line this morning, their handicap odds of + 1.25 goals tumbling from 2.0 to 1.77.

Back Later.

Good Luck.

BIRMINGHAM CITY - LUTON TOWN .........

Steve Bruce's City are in fine form, have won 5 straight games, scoring 15 goals in the process.

They have notched 2 or more, in each of their last 7 starts, 3 or more on 5 occasions. A win tonight will take them 11 points clear at the top of the table and in pole position for a quick return to the Premiership and all the riches, promotion brings with it.

Bruce will take the opprtunity to rotate his squad and has plenty of options at his disposal. Matthew Upson, who is being chased by half the clubs in the Premiership, is a doubt and unlikely to be risked.

No such luxury for Luton, who are without 3 players and have major doubts concerning the midfield trio of Bell, Brkovic and Robinson. Mike Newell's team, will pick itself, depending upon who is available come kick off.

Following an early mid season slump, during which they lost 8 in a row, Luton have stopped the rot, collecting 7 points from a possible 15 and playing fairly well in the process. They create plenty of chances and their total of 282 attempts on goal, is superior to Birmingham's.

Town are "over" in 3/4 starts, only Barnsley have conceded more on the road, where Luton matches average just shy of 3.0 per game.

Think we will see plenty of chances tonight and the "over", which is very fairly priced, is my selection.

4 points Birmingham-Luton over 2.5 goals asian line 1.98.

Back later.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY MORNING ..........

A little more action today, I will be putting three selections online, two football bets and one for the NBA.

The first will be online at 13.00 cet.

Please check back.

GOOD AFTERNOON .....

I was going to get involved in the NHL games tonight, but have decided to pass.

Spent an hour on the phone and twice as long on the internet, trying to check out some information I had received, but did not feel completely happy passing it on to you.

We can wait for better opportunities tomorrow, so goodbye until then.

Graham "Three Yellow Cards" Poll ......

Yet more controversy followed the Premiership referee last night. OK, the result changing decision was given by his assistant, but Poll allowed it to stand.

Deep into injury time, Tomasz Radzinski and Djimi Traore challenged for a ball, which clearly came off the Fulham player and out for a Charlton throw. Somehow, the referee's assistant, standing only a few metres away, gave a free kick for hand ball, from which Fulham equalised.
Over 25,000 people attending and millions on television saw one thing, one man saw another and Charlton lost two vital points.

The decision was so very hard to explain, firstly because just two players were involved, secondly, that one was wearing red the other white and finally, that one was black and one white. My point is this was not a hard decision to make and one which a "top class" official, should not get wrong.

Of course I am talking through my pocket, as Charlton were my selection, but the standard of officiating in England is dire and must be improved. At the lower levels, it is even worse.

Time to get off the soap box.

I will be back later with some information for today's events.

Good Luck.

NEC NIJMEGEN - HEERENVEEN

My secend selection of the day, is the "over" in this Eredivisie fixture.


Heerenveen have something of a cavalier approach on their travels, where their matches have produced goals at the rate of 3.56 per game.


NEC have a more cautious attitude, but still score 1.3 per game at home, where they are over in 3 of the last 4, at an average of 3.25.


History firmly favours us, with 10/11 h2h meetings ending "over", at a very healthy average of 3.73 per start.

I expect both teams to seek maximum points and an open encounter.

4 points NEC-Heereveen over 2.5 goals asian line 1.87.

Good Luck.

MARKET MOVES ..............

Two Dutch teams have come in for support on the asian lines today ..............

RKC WAALWIJK + 1/2 ball 1.91 ......... down to 1.78
TWENTE + 1/4 ball 1.92 ............... 1.78.

Back shortly.

CHARLTON - FULHAM

Early Christmas present for Alan Pardew when, after just two weeks out of work, he was appointed to the post of Charlton manager. Replacing Les Reed, who was in charge for only 41 days.

The former West Ham boss, has little time to settle into the job, as he faces two home games before the New Year, with Aston Villa visiting the Vallley on Saturday.

Charlton simply have to find a way to win, at least one of these matches, if Premiership survival is to become a reality.

We all know the effect a new coach can have on a team and Pardew will be looking for a flying start tonight.

Surely he will not be too disappointed that Fulham are the visitors, as the West Londoners have given up a host of chances in recent starts.

In a heavy loss at Liverpool and home games with Middlesbrough and West Ham, Chris Coleman's side have conceded over 60 attempts at goal. They collected 4 points from these matches, a total that could just have easily, have been zero.

They travel without the injured Zat Knight and the suspended Heidar Helguson, who will both be missed. Charlton know that chances will come their way, their new coach will be demanding they are converted.

Dream start for Pardew.

4 points Charlton Athletic level ball asian line 1.82.

Back later.

Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY MORNING .............

WBA and Blackpool produced the goods yesterday, but Falkirk's defeat prevented a clean sweep.

The Bairns had a couple of chances to take the lead early in the second half, but their general standard of play was poor and they got what they deserved..... nothing.

Another horrow show from Brentford, a goal down inside a minute and it is now 22 starts without a win ! I wish I could say that this has come as a massive shock, unfortunately these are just my worst fears being realised.
http://ubet2win.blogspot.com/2006/07/team-to-avoid.html
Apparently the board have promised funds to bring in some loan signings in January, however, even 4-5 Brazilians would struggle to get the Bees out of this mess !

Having said that, they have had no luck at all in their most recent starts and with the addition of one or two players, they may pick up the odd win, at decent odds, so we will keep a watching brief.

I am going to put up two selections today and will have the first online at around 15.30 cet.

Please check back.

UPDATE 26/12 .......

No further bets today, had a very long look at the Accrington Stanley-Bury game, where I was seriously considering opposing the home side, but eventually decided to pass.

Will be back in the morning, hopefully to report on a good day's results. Currently, Blackpool lead 2-0 in our only early kick off, so, so far-so good.

Good luck.

ST.MIRREN - FALKIRK

Falkirk travel on the back of some impressive performances, against the SPL's elite.

Facing the division's top 4 sides, in as many starts, they have collected 6 points and conceded just 5 goals.

A win today, will put some real daylight between them and second from bottom Saints, who are in freefall and without a win in 11 starts and would go a long way towards securing their SPL future.

They look superior in every department, out shooting St Mirren 212/154 attempts, almost 3 per game more. Falkirk can also claim bad luck, as only Rangers and free scoring Hibernian, have hit the woodwork on more occasions, including twice in the 1-0 loss to Celtic at the weekend. The Champions winner in this game, was also hotly disputed, so the Bairns left feeling hard done by.

Several long term injuries aside, Falkirk have no concerns for today's match, Saints are without six players.

4 points Falkirk level ball asian line 1.89.

Good luck.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION - PRESTON NORTH END

Think I will stick with Albion. Both of these two promotion chasing sides are happier at home and not too many teams leave the Hawthorns, with anything to show for their endeavours.

Only Norwich City have taken maximum points, in a narrow 1-0 win, that was a travesty of justice, the home side hitting the woodwork SIX times !

WBA's total of 26 home goals, is only bettered by Colchester and they have fantastic competion for places up front. With Hartson, Phillips, Kamara, Gera and Ellington, all Premiership quality strikers, looking to start.

Most teams come here looking to defend, PNE recently went to Birmingham, tried to force the game and lost heavily. Hopefully, they will attempt the same tactics today, if so, we should see a similar outcome. Few sides will beat Albion, one of the division's classier outfits, by playing attacking football, as they will tear you apart. Preston have won here just once in twenty visits and are unlikely to improve upon that dismal record today.

4 points WBA -1/4 ball asian line 1.86.

Good Luck.

FOLLOW THE MONEY .........

Plenty of teams have come in for significant support over the Christmas period. Detailed below are the major moves and a little news for some of the matches ........

CHELTENHAM + 1/4 ball 2.095 ......... 1.90
CHESTERFIELD +1/2 ball 2.135 ........... 1.98
RUSHDEN +1/4 ball 2.085 .......... 1.80 ........... Cambridge in bad shape, lost 4/5 at home and hammered 5-0 by lower league rivals, last time out. First game for new Rushden coach Graham Westley.
OXFORD -1 ball 1.99 ......... 1.82 ......... this will be played before the biggest crowd in Conference history, over 10,000 tickets sold before the weekend.

Back later.

BLACKPOOL-CARLISLE

Pool are finally fulfilling their potential and a win at lunchtime, will take them into the play-off zone, at least until the 3 o'clock kick off's are completed.

They are on a 5 match unbeaten run, during which they have scored 11 goals. Only one league defeat in 12, since losing the reverse fixture back in September and will be looking for revenge today.

Carlisle ended a 3 match losing run, without scoring, by defeating Brentford, the division's whipping boys, 2-0 on Saturday. Actually the Bees looked the more likely side to score, especially in the first half and United are a team, a little short on confidence at present. They have a small squad and are limited by injuries to a few key players.

Blackpool have put the "sold out" signs up outside Bloomfield Road, the good times look to be returning and I expect them to take maximum points.

4 points Blackpool -1/2 ball 1.83 general quote, Hills, Stan James etc.

Back later.

Good Luck.

BOXING DAY ..........

Good Morning !

Just to let you know my first post of the day will be online in an hour or so, before 12.15 cet.

Please check back.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

I know that not all of you celebrate Christmas, but most of you will have some extra free time with your families, or loved ones, over the next few days.


Make the most of it, enjoy yourselves and have a happy and peaceful time.


My next post will be on the morning of the 26th.

Have fun !

GIANTS-SAINTS

Going to cover this match quickly, pretty sure that we all have places we would rather be !

New Orleans have already clinched their divisional title and are looking to earn a first round bye, but could be excused for easing off a little, after what has been a very emotional season. They lost at home to the Redskins last week, giving a poor showing and putting up just 71 yards rushing.

New York are in a must win situation and are looking at the return of defensive leader Michael Strahan, to kick start their march into the play-offs. They are 2-13 when he doesn't start and the whole team will be lifted by his return, even if he is less than 100% fit.

This will also be Tiki Barber's last regular season game at Giants Stadium and he will be looking for a big day against a Saints defence, that is ranked 25th against the run.

Giants for me, going to take them straight up, but you can give up the 3 points, if that is your only option.

5 points New York Giants 1.69 money line.

Back shortly.

Good Luck.

DUTCH EREDIVISIE

I was planning to get involved in a couple of singles, on the Dutch matches taking place this afternoon. Think that both Ajax and AZ will win comfortably.

However, it seems that with so few games to choose from, the oddsmakers having also worked this out and have set the asian line, VERY low on both.

Ajax travel to Vitesse having won the last 9 h2h meetings, scoring 2+ in 8 of them. They know that their hosts are very dependent on the goals of Danko Lazovic and have singled him out for special attention. The Amsterdam side seem to have got over their early mid season slump, have scored 11 in the last 3 and are desperate to keep pace with the top 2.

AZ have scored a league high 52 goals in their 17 starts, 19 in the last 6, at least 2 in each. Today they face NEC who they have beaten in 7 of the last 8 meetings, again scoring 2+ in each. With a tough trip to Twente in 3 days time, they want the points today.

Going to pass the handicaps and take a straight double, the general quotes ( you may find better in places) of 1.50 and 1.25, pays 1.875 and that is fair enough.

4 points double Ajax-AZ 1.875 general.

Back shortly.

Good Luck.

FRENCH FOOTBALL ...........

I am backing two teams tonight, you will have to bear with me over Christmas, we have family here and it is not so easy to post.

Just going to put them up for nominal stakes, because I have no time to write a proper preview.

I will have more time in the morning and will put one, maybe two, bets up for Sunday's action (24th). Will discuss the other Christmas arrangements then.

3 points Lille -3/4 ball asian line 1.93.
3 points Valenciennes -1/4 ball asian line 1.84.

Good Luck.

UPDATE ........

Now that the Boro and Albion bets have been posted, the pressure is off and I can give some basic reasons.

Boro impressed me at Fulham, they created a host of chances and were VERY unlucky not to win, let alone draw. Charlton are a team playing without confidence and they have a couple of players, desperate to "get away" in the transfer window.

Plymouth have lost their way a little and struggled at Home Park, winning just 4 in 12, including very narrow defeats of Luton and Hull ( both 1-0) in the last two, neither of whom are amongst the division's best travellers . Today they face a MUCH stronger rival, Albion tore Coventry apart last week, looking the very good side, I strongly feel they are. Their cause has been greatly helped, by flying the long distance south for today's game.

Back around 19.00 cet.

Good Luck.

MIDDLESBROUGH/ WEST BROMWICH

I just wrote two detailed previews for these two selections and "lost" them, when trying to copy and paste something.

Why does this always happen when you are short of time ?

Really hate to do this, but my only option to to post the selections without a preview, sorry.


4 points Middlesbrough -1/2 ball 1.67 asian line.

5 points WBA level ball asian line 1.91.


I will be back later with some information for tonight and details of the Christmas arrangements.

Good Luck.

ASCOLI-CHIEVO

The hosts look very poor and are on their way back to Serie B.

They remain winless and their total's of just 10 goals scored and a -19 goal difference, after 17 starts, are easily the worst in "A". Ascoli have conceded 13 in the last 5 fixtures and seem totally incapable of keeping a clean sheet. To make matters worse, they have a series of niggling injuries and will be without 2-5 starters today.

Chievo have finally found some form and only lost once in six matches, collecting a very healthy 11 points. Just as important, the goals have started to flow, 12 in 6, after only 6 in the first 11.

This fixture finished 2-2 last season and a reproduction of that result, is the very best I can see for Ascoli. Therefore, with the level ball option, the Flying Donkeys look a stand out bet.

5 points Chievo level ball 1.80 asian line.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY MORNING .......

I am a little behind today, just spent an hour waiting in line for my Christmas bird, I was hoping it would have got some time off for good behaviour !

Level yesterday, Grimsby won easily enough, but Sunderland could not take one of the few chances that came their way and Napoli failed to take advantage of playing with an extra man, for some 40 minutes.

The "market moves" really threw up some winners, as all seven won ! Not going to cover these today, but they will be a semi permanent feature of the blog, in the coming weeks.

I will have my first selection online at about 13.15 cet.

Good Luck.

MODENA- SSC NAPOLI

Just a couple of lines about this match, where I strongly favour the visitors.

Modena are decidedly average and look set for a season of lower mid table obscurity.

Napoli are a huge club and despite their troubles over recent seasons, will, sooner or later, regain their rightful place in Serie A.

Things are very tight at the top of Serie B and let's be honest, there is only one automatic spot up for grabs, Juventus having already "reserved" one. So, every point is vital, even at this early stage, for any team with promotion aspirations.

The visitors are on a long unbeaten run and I do not see that being put in jeopardy this evening.

5 points Napoli level ball asian line 1.65.

Good Luck.

CRYSTAL PALACE - SUNDERLAND

Firstly, a little weather news, I have heard that the Grimsby game will "definitely" go ahead and that no inspection is planned. Cannot get any news from South London, but that is about 30 miles (50km) away from me and currently, my garage is not visable from the house ! Anyway, let's assume that it is going ahead.

Roy Keane is slowly fashioning a team, after his own image, they will fight and scrap for every point and look set to battle their way into a play-off place.

Victory tonight, will take them up into 8th in the table and they are sure to be very active in the January transfer window.

Palace have been very disappointing and continue to briefly flatter, only to deceive, you are never quite sure whether Jekyll or Hyde, will turn up.

This match could easily go "over", as the last 6 h2h meetings have. At Selhurst Park, Palace's games have produced 28 goals in 12 starts, on the road Sunderland's fixtures an average of exactly 3.0. They have conceded more goals than anyother side in the top half of the division.

However, the prevailing weather conditions may dictate a more cautious approach, it is hard to go bombing forward when you can't see the ball !

So it's the Black Cats for me, to extend their unbeaten run to 8 matches.

4 points Sunderland +1/4 ball asian line 1.79.

Back later.

Good Luck.

GRIMSBY TOWN- TORQUAY UNITED

Recent results for Torquay have picked up a little, but the best of these have come in the FA Cup.

Their League form of just 3 points, no wins and 4 goals in 10 starts, leaves a lot to be desired and they make the VERY long journey North, in 91st place in the Football League.

Given the weather conditions in the UK, this must be an eight hour drive, minimum.

The Mariners have served us well over the past few weeks and I am loathe to desert them now. They won three in a row and carried our money each time, we did let them pass last time out, for the trip to high flying local rivals, Lincoln and they lost ! Looks like they need us, as much as we need them !

After a terrible start to the season, Grimsby look much more like the side, that so narrowly missed out on promotion last season and can look forward to the second half of this campaign, with optimism.

Young, on loan striker Martin Paterson, will be looking to improve upon his total of 4 goals, in as many starts.

4 points Grimsby Town -1/2 ball asian line 2.00.

Good Luck.

TODAY'S MARKET MOVES .......

Plenty of money around on the "asian lines" today ...........

SERIE B
RIMINI -3/4 ball 1.74 ......... down to 1.62
TREVISO -1/4 ball 1.82 ........... 1.68
MANTOVA -1/4 ball 2.02 .......... 1.84

NETHERLANDS 2nd DIVISION
ZWOLLE +1/2 ball 1.96 ........... 1.79
HELMOND + 1/2 ball 1.74 ........1.60
APELDOOM +1.25 goals 2.11 ........ 1.93

SERIE C 1A
LUCCHESE -1/2 ball 2.01 ........ 1.76

Back shortly.

FRIDAY NEWS .......

It feels like I was mugged yesterday, Green Bay having somehow managed not to cover the spread, despite 19 first downs and 319 yards of offence, the Vikings "amassed" just 104 yards and a team history low, 3 first downs. The hosts just couldn't produce the goods in the "red zone".

Brentford have announced their new manager, who is, infact, the old one, or at least the caretaker appointment, Scott Fitzgerald ( that's him in the centre of the photograph), who has been given the job on a permanent basis. Must be the only temporary coach, who has "earned" the position, without winning a game during his tenure.

I heard through the grapevine that three people were offered the post and turned it down ! These are individuals that applied for the job, so it just goes to show the size of the task at hand. When they had a close look at it, none of them fancied the big blot on their CV ! Oh dear !

Anyway, I wish Scott luck.

Wide range of fixtures today, hopefully we will have a little more luck and find a few winners.

Back later.

GREEN BAY PACKERS - MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The Vikings are giving Tarvaris Jackson his first ever start in the NFL.

The rookie quarterback made an appearance in last week's loss to the Jets replacing Brad Johnson, he threw one touchdown pass and one interception.

His Green Bay counterpart, Brett Favre, is at the other end of his career, having made a quarterback record 255 consecutive starts ! That is a truly amazing statistic, given that half a dozen MASSIVE guys are looking to pound him into the turf, on every single play.

Favre is 88-29 lifetime at Lambeau Field, 40-5 when the temperature dips below 35 degrees. It is predicted to be around 34 degrees at game time, with a little rain and/or snow thrown in for good measure. He may retire at the end of the season, so this could easily be his final start, at his spiritual home.

These divisional rivals are tied at 6-8 for the season and can only get to 8-8, which is unlikely to be enough to make the play-offs. However, stranger things have happened and what else have they got left to play for ? Any chance is better than none.

I think we will see a full blooded encounter and expect experience to win out. Jackson will no doubt have his day, but now it's time for Brett to say his farewell's with a win and improve upon his 9-4 home record over Minnesota.

3 points Green Bay -3.5 points 1.92 general quote// 1.96 pinnacle sports.

Good Luck.

RACING STRASBOURG- AMIENS

Only one match in French Ligue 2 today, when Strasbourg put their unbeaten ( 7-3-0) home record on the line, against free scoring and in form, Amiens.

The visitors total of 15 away strikes, at an average of 1.5 per game, has only been beaten by Caen.

They tend to "go for it" on the road, where they have only drawn 10% of matches, this, in a league where 30% are normally stalemates.

The hosts will be looking to get back on track after a 4-1 hammering at Metz last time out, their 4th straight game without a clean sheet.

Racing are scoring 1.6 goals per match at home and are averaging 2.70 over their last 10 fixtures, Amiens are 2.50 during the same period and a whopping 3.10 in all away games.

I cannot get away from the goal line, which is set at a very low looking "2" and have to strongly side with the "over".

5 points over 2 goals Strasbourg-Amiens asian line 1.82.

Back later.

Good Luck.

BARCELONA- ATLETICO MADRID

VERY attractive looking fixture to complete the La Liga campaign for 2006.

Barcelona have made the long trip back from Japan and it has been too much for some. Jet lag has claimed Marquez and Edmilson, they did not train yesterday and will take no part tonight.

Also missing are van Bronckhorst, Sylvinho and Zambrotta, for various reasons and the longer term injured pair of Messi and Eto'o.

Having missed out on the FIFA World Club Cup trophy, coach Frank Rijkaard is looking for the three points to close the gap on table toppers Seville, who have built a healthy lead in their absence.

That may not be so easy, Atletico are in good form, especially on the road, where they have 4 wins and have only conceded 3 goals. A point will take them back into the top 4, just behind bitter local rivals, Real.

They travel without Petrov and Lopez, but with otherwise, a fully fit squad. Having won on their last two visits to the Camp Nou, they will not be overawed and claim to be playing for the win.

Argentine "superstar in waiting" Sergio Aguero, will start up front, alongside Fernando Torres and will be looking to show his potential to a large television audience.

It's the visitors for me, long week for the hosts, two 11 hour flights and two matches half way round the world, may take it's toll and this is a good Atletico team.

4 points Atletico Madrid +1 ball asian line 1.85.

Back later.

Good Luck.

THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE ......

How bad were Real Madrid yesterday ? Just 4 attempts on goal, despite 66% possession.

Never mind, no real damage was done and we live to fight another day.

I am looking at three bets today, two football and one NFL, so please check back a little later.

Good Luck.

SAMPDORIA - LIVORNO

Sorry guys, I have run out of time, so VERY quickly....

Supporters at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, have seen 26 goals in 8 games this season, at a rate of 3.375.

Away from home, Livorno are averaging 3.25 in their 8 starts.

These totals are way over for Serie A, which is producing at a rate of 2.47.

I expect a faily open encounter and both sides to look for maximum points, just cannot resist the goal line which is set at, a low looking "2".

5 points over 2 goals Sampdoria-Livorno asian line 1.73.

Good Luck.

LAZIO- INTER MILAN .........

For my third selection of the day, I am going to side with the "over" in this attractive looking fixture.

Free scoring Lazio, who have notched 11 goals in their last 3 starts at the Stadio Olimpico, host Serie A's runaway leaders.

Inter, coached by former Lazio favourite, Roberto Mancini, have scored 7 in their last 3 away starts, with at least two in each game.

These two are averaging 2.5 and 3.0 goals respectivly, in all Serie A fixtures this season and I see no reason, why they should go into their shell tonight.

H2h wise, 9 of the last 11 have produced 2 or more, at an average of exactly 3.0 per match.

I will be back later with my final and strongest selection of the day.

4 points over 2.25 goals Lazio-Inter Milan 1.92 asian line.

Good Luck.

AFTERNOON MOVERS ..........

Four more teams have come in for support on the asian markets this afternoon......

SPANISH SEGUNDA EJIDO +1/4 ball 1.90 ........ down to 1.78
SERIE A SIENA +1/4 ball 2.12 ....... 2.00
CARLING CUP NEWCASTLE +3/4 ball 2.135 ........... 1.84
GERMAN CUP GREUTHER FURTH level ball 2.19 ........... 2.00

Back Later.

CELTA VIGO- REAL SOCIEDAD

Think we have to stay with Real, after they did us a big favour, with the weekend win over Gimnastic.

Although that was their first victory of the season, they have now put together a string of improved performances and can see a glimmer of light, at the end of a very long dark tunnel.

Celta are a talented side, but are struggling a little at present with four straight draws. At the Estadio Balaidos, they have a dismal record of one win in seven starts and the lowest points haul in La Liga.

The Sociedad coach, Miguel Angel Lotina , was in charge of Celta a couple of seasons ago and will have inside knowledge of some, if not all, of his opponents tonight. The revival to continue.

3 points Sociedad +3/4 ball asian line 1.72.

Good Luck.

REAL MADRID- RECREATIVO

Real need to keep pressure on the top two and will be looking to end the year with a decisive performance, in front of their own supporters.

With Barcelona facing 5th placed Atletico tomorrow, following a very long flight home from Japan, the Madrid giants will see this as a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top.

Recreativo don't do draws, they win or lose and when they lose, they tend to concede a few, 3 or more in the last 3 of 4 starts. Only Bilbao and Gimnastic have allowed more goals against.

Think that Real will put on a show tonight and I expect a big win.

4 points Real Madrid -1.5 goals asian line 1.90.

Good Luck.

EARLY ASIAN MOVES ..........

There has been market support for three teams this morning ..........

SPANISH SEGUNDA LORCA +1/2 ball 1.85 ....... down to 1.75
TURKISH CUP MANISASPOR -1.5 goals 2.05 ............ 1.95
TURKISH CUP KAYSERI ERCIYESPOR +3/4 ball 1.92 .......... 1.78

Back later.

Good Wednesday Morning !

The fog descended yesterday and caused the postponement, of two of our four selections.

Conditions are very similar today, in parts of the UK.

Benitez and Wenger were unhappy thet their match was not played, however, it looked the correct decision to me, think they just wanted the fixture out of the way.

Leyton Orient and Valencia both won, so a pleasing day none the less.

Of the six "market moves" that were played, five obliged, obviously these are not selections, but might lead you in the right direction.

I will be back later this morning, with my first review of the day.

Please check back, you know it makes sense !

FINAL ROUND UP ...........

I am not going to put up any more bets today, but having seriously considered two other matches, thought it would be worthwhile passing on some thoughts.

Really like the way that the experienced coach Jose Manuel Esnal, has revitalised Athletic Bilbao since taking charge. Performance and confidence levels have improved out of all recognition and tonight they are looking for a 3rd straight win.

They face a Zaragoza side with major ambitions for this season, they currently sit just one point outside the top 4 and a coveted Champions League spot. Frankly I do not think they are at that level yet, but try telling Real. No injury concerns and they are looking to bounce back from a home loss to Valencia on Saturday, a defeat they feel, was rough justice.

However, they usually struggle on their visits to Bilbao, where they have lost the last 4, 6 from 8 and are 1-2-8 on their last 11 trips.

I was leaning towards the home on the level ball asian line, but something just didn't "feel" right
and kept holding me back. Sometimes you just have to go with your instinct, so no bet for me.

Also like the draw in the Vicenza-Albinoleffe Serie B fixture. The visitors are very much draw specialists, finishing level on 11 of 16 starts this season, with just the lone defeat.

Vicenza have hit form and have collected 9 points in an unbeaten 5 match run, having "amassed" just 3 in their opening 11 games ! A point is likely to keep them out of the bottom 3 and continue the run, think that is the most likely outcome and would have been my selection, if we hadn't already got heavily involved today, odds are circa 2.70, a little bigger in places, but again, no bet.

Good Luck.

ASIAN LINE UPDATES .........

The following have come in for support this afternoon ......

DIVISION 1 LEYTON ORIENT +1/2 ball 1.80 ......... down to +1/4 ball 1.94
CONFERENCE STAFFORD RANGERS +1/4 ball 1.98 .............. 1.81
SERIE B AREZZO-CROTONE under 2 goals 2.05 .....................1.84

I have one more post for today, which will be online in an hour or so.

Please check back.

TRANMERE ROVERS - CREWE ALEXANDRA

This match was postponed on Friday and has been squeezed in, ahead of the busy Christmas/New Year schedule.

A win for either will be a major boost, for the visitors, it would take them into the top half of the table and on the fringe of the play-off places. If Tranmere claim the points and I think they will, they will rise to 3rd and within one point of Bristol City and the automatic promotion spot.

Rovers lofty league position is largely due to their form at Prenton Park where they have won 7 times and lost just once. This is the first, in a run of 4 home games in 6 starts and they will be fully motivated to win these, as they must also travel to the division's top 2, City and Forest in the next 3-4 weeks. No excuses tonight, they are fully rested and have virtually a fully fit squad to choose from.

Crewe are a strange side and on their day are a real handful for anyone. In Varney and Maynard, they have a pair of strikers being watched by half the scouts in the Premiership and Championship, it must be hard for these two to remain focused, with the transfer deadline looming.

However, it is at the other end of the pitch that their main problems lie. Alex have conceded 29 goals in their last 13 matches and an average of 1.9 per game in all away ties this season. Not so easy to win when you have to score three !

Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore, is bound to have his soldiers ready for battle and Prenton Park is never an easy place to get a result and for night games, it is almost impossible.

Rovers for me.

3 points Tranmere -1/2 ball asian line 1.74.

Good Luck.

NORTHAMPTON TOWN- LEYTON ORIENT

I was listening to a radio phone in the other evening, before anyone passes comment, yes, I do indeed lead a very sad life.

Anyway, back to the story, there was a Northampton supporter on, who had not missed a Town match of any sort, home or away, for 15 years or so, over 800 consecutive games and you thought my life was sad! He was of the opinion, that their most recent performances were the worst he could remember and that boss John Gorman, was clueless !

When guys like this, who normally view their team through rose tinted glasses, complain publicly, it is time to take notice.

Town have the worse home record in the division, just one win, five goals and six points, in ten starts. They have only scored once in the last four matches and have some quite severe injury problems tonight, especially in central defence, which I always feel is important, as the spine of the team.

They meet a Leyton Orient team who must feel very pleased with theirselves, after winning at Nottm Forest at the weekend, their second win in a row. A point tonight will take them out of the relegation zone for the first time in months, it is a massive incentive and Martin Ling's side travel with no new injury concerns and unchanged from Saturday.

4 points Leyton Orient +1/2 ball asian line 1.76.

Good Luck.

EARLY ASIAN MARKET MOVES ........

The following teams have all come in for support this morning ..........

SERIE B TREVISO +3/4 ball 1.80 down to ......... 1.70
SERIE B FROSINONE -1/2 ball 2.135 ............... 2.00
TURKISH CUP KAYSERISPOR -1/2 ball 2.12 ........... 1.89
GREECE CUP GIANNINA + 1 ball 1.98 ................ 1.80

Back later.

LA LIGA ......

Valencia seem to have stopped the rot and just in time. Their truly horrendous injury problems are slowly clearing up and despite still being without 7 squad members, most of their "superstars" are now available.

They are very strong at the Mestalla, where they boast a 5-1-1 record this season, that loss to Real Madrid being the only one they have suffered in over a year.

Today Mallorca are the visitors and they travel more in hope, than expectation. Having lost on 7 of their last 8 visits, by 2 or more goals, on 5 occasions.

After starting the season with an impressive defensive record, the islanders have conceded at the alarming rate of 13 in their last 5 starts.

The hosts need this win to stay in the hunt for a Champions League place and know that after the Winter break, they start with 3/4 games away from their beloved home.

Valencia all the way for me and I expect them to put on a bit of a show.

5 points Valencia -1/2 ball 1.43 betfair.

CARLING CUP

Liverpool-Arsenal is the tie of the round, but is certainly a match Arsene Wenger could do without. He is planning to rest many of his squad and may only start with a couple who competed in last weekend's Premiership match.

The home side will bring in some fringe players also and Garcia, Fowler and Crouch may all start, having missed out recently. Having said that, they look far and away the most motivated of the two, come here in their best form of the season and are looking for revenge, following last month's 3-0 hammering at the Emirates Stadium.

They should be capable of beating a talented Arsenal "b" team.

4 points Liverpool -1/2 ball asian line 1.80.

Good Luck.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS-CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Colts have gone walkabout, after starting the season 9-0, they are now 10-3 and looking to avoid their 3rd loss in a row.

Despite that, they clinched the AFC South, by virtue of Jacksonville's defeat yesterday. Everyone now knows how to beat Indianapolis ....... run the ball ! They are the worst ranked team against the run, giving up 176 yards per game and over 600 in the last two losses.

The Bengals come in looking for their 5th straight win, mainly due to the fact that they have suddenly found a defence ! Victory will leave them firmly in the driving seat, as far as a wildcard playoff place is concerned.

Rudi Johnson will be looking to add to the 117 yards rushing he gained last week, which gave him his 3rd consecutive 1,000 yard season. He is sure to see plenty of the ball tonight against the (still) banged up Colts.

Think the Bengals are hungrier and they are my selection.

3 points Cincinnati bengals +3.5 points 1.86 betfair.

Good Luck.

FULHAM- MIDDLESBROUGH

Is the Sky TV offering tonight, on paper, it looks a match that will be woefully short of entertainment and goals. However, the reality may well be a little different.

Rather than looking to avoid defeat, I get the strong feeling both coaches will "go for it" and look for maximum points.

Let's be honest, these are two very average sides, in poor form, both have collected 3 points from their last 5 starts and could be considered lucky to have even that meagre haul.

Gareth Southgate and Chris Coleman will have to choose from injury hit squads, that seem incapable of keeping a clean sheet at present.

I am going to chance a little on the "over", in the last 10 meetings between these two, eight have
produced 2 or more goals and six, 3 or more.

3 points over 2.25 goals Fulham-Middlesbrough asian line 2.01.

Good Luck.

1860-ERZGEBIRGE AUE

This is the last Bundesliga 2 match before the Winter break and features the division's most inform side , against one of the pre season favourites and strongest home teams.

Aue are terrific shape and have won their last 6 starts, including their last 3 on the road, without conceding a goal. Victory tonight would take them level with Duisburg in 3rd place, which was beyond their wildest expectations, just a couple of weeks ago.

1860 will have a huge crowd behind them and are looking to improve on a fine 5-1-1 home record.

I think there is little doubt that the home team have the greater potential, but you cannot argue with current form and Aue's stands up to close inspection. Especially the sole defeat of the year they inflicted on Karlsruher. They are my selection to take a point tonight.

3 points Erzgebirge +1/2 ball asian line 1.85.

Back shortly.

Good Luck.