Thursday, May 31, 2007

USPGA GOLF ..... THE MEMORIAL


Phil Mickelson has employed Butch Harmon as his coach, to help fine tune his game and this has provided instant dividends.


In the three tournaments since they started working together, Big Phil has two third place finishes and a win in the "5th" major, the Players Championship.


He will have one eye on the US Open, which will be his priority for the season, but could hardly be in better shape and although he rarely plays here, his record stands up to fairly close scrutiny, fielding 4th-9th -11th places, in his last 3 starts.


Just cannot see him out of contention and he looks booked for a top 5 finish at least.


3 points Mickelson top 5 finish Memorial Tournament... 3.0 exchanges.


Good Luck.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

COPA LIBERTADORES .... GREMIO - SANTOS


All Brazilian tie here and the winner will be a good favourite in the final to supply the 3rd winner from that country, in as many years.

Gremio are a team on a mission. Following relegation 3 years ago, they came straight back up and have improved each season and are looking to rediscover former glories.

Interestingly, they won this in 1983 and again, twelve years later in 1995 and in 2007 ? If they do, we have a long wait for 2019 !

The hosts are strong at home, just 3 domestic defeats in 21 starts, with 15 wins. Recent reports have been very good and this fixture is normally won by the home team, it is 10 meetings between the two, since an away win and Santos will probably look for the draw and not be too unhappy with a one goal defeat.

4.5 points Gremio -1/4 ball 1.97 asian line.


Good Luck.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY .... AUSTRIA - SCOTLAND


Austrian football is in a mess, two of their biggest clubs have been declared bankrupt and the national coach, has fallen out with several of his senior and most experienced players.

As a result they will be fielding a defence short on experience this evening. Austria find it almost impossible to keep a clean sheet anyway, conceding in at least 11 in a row, including against such luminaries as Canada, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Liechtenstein and Trinidad & Tobago.

Scotland look to have a few goals in them nowadays and Kris Boyd will fancy his chances against this makeshift defence. Several others have something to prove and are looking to cement a place in the side, including Garry O'Connor, who is being given a second chance, after walking out on the team.

These two met two years ago and shared 4 goals, something similar tonight would not surprise me and I expect an "over".

4.5 points "over" 2.25 goals Austria-Scotland 1.93 asian line.


Good Luck.

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP OUTRIGHT .....


Just a quick look at the early outright prices for the 2007-08 Premiership season.

Current best prices are ...

CHELSEA 2.62
MANCHESTER UNITED 2.80
LIVERPOOL 6.50
ARSENAL 10.0

Blog sponsors, Sunderlands, have a stand out 2.80 top quote on United retaining their crown. They also offer 1/2 the odds a place 1.2 , the only other bookmakers offering each-way terms are 1/3rd 1.2.

I am still mulling over my selection, but if you cannot see United out of the top 2, these enhanced place terms mean you have, virtually, a bet to nothing. With the place part paying 1.90.

They are also next biggest @ 6.0 for Liverpool, with the top 2 finish place part, paying 3.50.

Good Luck.
Sunderlands Online

WEDNESDAY PLANS .....


I have a lot of news to pass on today, looking at making 5-6 posts, not exactly sure how many bets that will translate into.


Want to start with a very small bet for one of the early WTA matches in Roland Garros.

It is very speculative, as it is for a player returning from a long term injury.

Anastasia Myskina has only played one match this season, but has been closing in on a return for several weeks, she had no plans to play RG, but her training has gone so well, that she decided she had no choice.

She meets Megan Shaughnessy and this is the deciding factor to chance a little on the former French Open champion, at a huge price. Shaughnessy has had a poor season, is 6-13 for the year and has lost 6 matches to players ranked outside the top 100.

Myskina has no pressure on her, this is all a bonus and if she plays as well as she has in training, then she has a real chance to beat her out of form opponent.

As I say, this is speculative, but that is why the odds are so big, so let's keep the stakes small.

1.5 points Myskina 2.92 exchanges.


Good Luck

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

IRISH PREMIER LEAGUE ..... SLIGO ROVERS - DROGHEDA UNITED



Drogheda fell behind in the title race with a 2-0 home loss on Friday night. They were very disappointed by that loss, as they created a lot of chances and are looking to bounce back this evening.

They can hardly complain about a visit to Sligo, who have conceded 9 goals in their last 4 starts and 18 all season, a total "beaten" only by basement club, Longford.

Drogheda have won the last 2 meetings between the two, scoring 3 each time and should be looking forward to this.

4 points Drogheda -1/2 ball 1.97 asian line


Good Luck.

FRENCH OPEN TENNIS .... WTA .... TIMEA BACSINSZKY - JIE ZHENG


I have to oppose the Chinese girl.

Zheng came here last season in decent form, with ten wins on clay, including a tournament win in Estoril. It is a different story this year and she has yet to win on red clay, losing in her first match in both Rome and Berlin.

The 17 yo Bacsinszky was the world number one as a 14 yo, is a former junior semi-finalist here and is just coming to terms with the senior game.

She won a challenger event on dirt 5 weeks ago and has breezed through qualifying here, not dropping a set and losing only 11 games in 3 matches.

Comfortable on clay, where she has played over 63% of all her matches and boasts a 48-20 record, at odds against she is value.

3 points Bacsinszky 2.16 Pinnacle // 2.14+ exchanges.

Good Luck.

Monday, May 28, 2007

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF .... DERBY COUNTY - WEST BROMWICH ALBION


I have been quite a fan of WBA this season and feel they are the classier of the two outfits.

However, since the injury to Davies, they have had problems in central defence and, much as I like former Brentford star, Sam Sodje, he can go walkabout at times and get caught out of position at this level. I can see Howard causing plenty of problems for the Albion rearguard.

My feeling is that both will score and that this could go all the way, the draw looks far and away the best bet to me. The pitch is going to be very draining, the amount of rain that has fallen in the last 24-36 hours in the South is just ridiculous.

This match is worth £60m to the winner following the new television deals, this puts a huge amount of pressure on all concerned and under such conditions, teams first priority is not to lose.

If any of you like the yellow/ red card markets and can find a price, Sodje has a suspect temperament. He was sent off at Old Trafford for Reading, a matter of minutes after coming on as sub and was sent off 5 times in one season in non league football, he could always have another rush of blood to the head.

4 points Derby-WBA draw 3.20 + general quote.


Back later.


Good Luck.

FRENCH OPEN TENNIS ....


I think only 7 matches were completed at Roland Garros yesterday and the weather forecast is no better for today.


There is very little more frustrating in the betting world, than watching rain fall on an empty court, knowing that two matches have to be played, before your match even starts.


Therefore, I am going to pass today and wait for the weather to improve.


Back later.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

WEEKLY REVIEW ....

We really managed to turn the week around, with 8 winners from 10 selections over the weekend.

Just a tiny profit for the 7 days on the blog, but another winning period, making an amazing, 46 winning weeks out of 60.

WEEK 60 RESULTS

BLOG 18 bets , 10 winners ( 55.55%) profit + 1.23 pts ROI 1.58 % ( 78)

EMAIL SERVICE 27 bets, 17 winners ( 62.96% ) profit + 22.08 pts ROI 17.58% ( 126)

Almost 21 points extra profit for email subscribers, on the service that pays for itself.

Good Night.

IT'S NICE TO BE RIGHT SOMETIMES !

I wrote the following on the blog earlier today and sent the full post to my email subscribers several days ago.


"Totti needs 2 goals to win the European Golden Boot award, the club are determined to get their favourite son, this trophy and will do everything they can to arrange it.



He will score, probably two, the match will be "over", but everyone will know this anyway. I do not know if Messina will be involved in any collusion, but it is not impossible and if they are, it is unlikely they will lose 2-0 with him scoring both, that is going to look very suspicious.



My idea is that there will be goals, maybe lots of them, 3-2 3-3 4-3 4-2 4-4 all of these are possible. If you can find odds for over 4.5, 5.5 or 6.5 goals then they could be great value, or for a cheap alternative, maybe a group of these very high correct scores. I do expect Messina to score a couple too."



RESULT 4-3 .... TOTTI SCORED TWO GOALS.... everything highlighted was correct, 6 "winners " in one match, 4-3 was circa 150-1 on the exchanges.

Good Luck.

LA LIGA ..... RACING SANTANDER- LEVANTE


Racing have the opportunity to do a massive favour to their neighbours Bilbao, Sociedad and even Osasuna, by defeating Levante.

This could benefit them enormously in the coming seasons, their recent form has fallen away, but no team outside the top 5 has won more home games and the quote is very fair.

Levante are without 7 players , two suspended and 5 injured. They were hammered 4-1 at home by Osasuna last week, giving up 54% possession and despite winning at Celta the previous outing, posted some alarming stats, when they conceded 66% possession and allowed 20 attempts at their goal.

4.5 points Santander -1/4 ball 2.06 asian line.


Good Luck.

NETHERLANDS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY-OFF ..... AJAX - AZ


Massive game, with a financial fortune at stake.

AZ won the first leg with an injury time winner, therefore a win and only a win, will do for the hosts.

The visitors have problems, due to a dispute, only 3 (!) supporters will make the trip and on Friday, only 14 squad members, were fit enough to train and a couple of those were carrying knocks.

Ajax have everything in their favour and have the class to win, even without Wesley Sneijder.

4.5 points Ajax -1/2 ball 1.80 + general quote. WON 3-0 + 3.6 points


Good Luck.

SERIE A .... ROMA - MESSINA


Totti needs 2 goals to win the European Golden Boot award, the club are determined to get their favourite son, this trophy and will do everything they can to arrange it.

He will score, probably two, the match will be "over", but everyone will know this anyway. I do not know if Messina will be involved in any collusion, but it is not impossible and if they are, it is unlikely they will lose 2-0 with him scoring both, that is going to look very suspicious.

My idea is that there will be goals, maybe lots of them, 3-2 3-3 4-3 4-2 4-4 all of these are possible. If you can find odds for over 4.5, 5.5 or 6.5 goals then they could be great value, or for a cheap alternative, maybe a group of these very high correct scores. I do expect Messina to score a couple too.


I wrote the above several days ago, on the email service and most of the bigger odds for the "overs" have gone, but I still like the over 4.5 goals option. There are also some massive correct scores around, for example 3-2 ... 34.0 , 4-2 .... 67.0, 3-3 ... 67.0 , this is not a normal game and the odds should be lower.


Messina have a defensive crisis, this should be a 4 goal plus game and fun to watch.


2.5 points "over" 4.5 goals Roma-Messina 2.90 + exchanges. won + 4.6075 pts (after comm)


Good Luck.

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

We have managed to turn the week around on the blog with six straight winners, let's hope that we can build on that today.

I spent a long time looking at the tennis today, but have decided to wait until tomorrow, where I have at least one very strong selection. So please look in early tomorrow morning, when there will be a post online by 10.00 cet.

Football all the way today, 3-4 bets on the blog, I will post the first in the next hour or so.

Back shortly.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

DFB CUP FINAL ..... STUTTGART - NURNBERG


Stuttgart are looking to complete the double and what an achievement that would be !

However, they are facing something of a bogey side in Nurnberg, who did the league double over the Champions,with a 7-1 goal difference, the second of these matches produced almost 30 attempts on goal.

I feel that we will see a few more goals today. There is certainly a history of them, with 5 of the last 7 finals ending "over", with an average of 3.43 per game and no draws.

Both are already qualified for european football next season, so no added pressure there, we could/ should see quite an entertaining, open game.

4 points "over" 2.25 goals 1.72 asian line. Result 2-2 + 2.88 PTS

Good Luck.

This will be the last bet on the blog today. The "fourth" bet, which I sent to email subscribers overnight, has been backed from 1.83 down to 1.63 and so, the true value has now gone.

In addition, a wager given for tomorrow's football has also fallen from 1.89 to 1.73 and the last three email "exclusives", or selections not given on the blog, have all won.

It is not too late to join, there are still a limited number of spots still available, just click this link for details, or the GOWI advert, in the left hand column.

LA LIGA ...... REAL MADRID - DEPORTIVO


These two teams meet in very different form and spirit.

Real have the title destiny in their own hands and have won 5 in a row, scoring 16 goals.

Depor have had a very disappointing season, have nothing to play for, are on a win less run of 5 matches and would like to be on vacation already, their minds are already on the beach.

Tough looking quote, but I am confident that Real will cover it.

5 points Real Madrid -1.5 goals 1.83 asian line.
WON 3-1 + 4.15 PTS



Good Luck.

DIVISION 2 PLAY-OFF FINAL ..... BRISTOL ROVERS - SHREWSBURY TOWN


I have been talking about Rovers potential, for several months now and they are proving that today, by taking 40,000 supporters to Wembley.

This should be tight, the three earlier meetings this season, produced just two goals, each of which earned the Bristol side a victory.

Town are without 3 important players and that swings the advantage to Paul Trollope's men in my book.

Rovers are unbeaten in 9, winning the last 5, have two strikers in tip top form and are the classier outfit, with , in my opinion, 3 players of Championship standard.

Their previous final this season at the Millenium Stadium and general cup exploits, should also serve them well, many of the Town players will never have even played in front of a 5 figure crowd before, let alone a 70,000 one.

4.5 points Bristol Rovers -1/4 ball 1.98 asian line. WON 3-1 + 4.41 PTS


Good Luck.

SATURDAY PLANS ..........


Good Morning !


I am going to have at least three more selections online today, maybe even a fourth. Trying to check something out at the moment. Will put the first post online before midday.


Remember, for the next week or so, the French Open tennis will be starting early every day and I expect to make some money, try to look in, first thing in the morning.


Back later.


Friday, May 25, 2007

LA LIGA ..... OSASUNA - SOCIEDAD .... SUNDAY


Basque teams have a friendly rivalry, but if one team is in trouble, it is usual for them to help each other out.

Osasuna are not 100% safe, but are 7 points clear of relegation, with 3 rounds to go and hold the h2h edge, over the other strugglers.

They owe Sociedad big time, in the last game of the 00/01 season, they went to their neighbours needed a win to avoid relegation, they won 1-0 with much of the game, following the goal played in midfield. The home fans were booing, if their own team went near the opposition goal .

I think this is very likely to be an away win.

5 points Sociedad 2.22 + exchanges.


Good Luck.

JAPAN J LEAGUE .... JEF UNITED ICHIHARA - GAMBA OSAKA

Gamba are set to fight out the Championship with Urawa Reds and will need maximum points here. They lead by 2 points and Urawa have an easy looking home fixture this weekend.

United are in poor form, without a win in 6 and have conceded 7, in their last 2 starts.

Gamba have lost just once in 10 and are scoring very freely with 15 in their last 6. The two met here in the cup last month with Gamba earning a narrow 1-0 victory, it should be easier this time .

4.5 points Gamba -1/2 ball 1.80 asian line..... early start tomorrow morning.
WON 2-1 +3.6 PTS




Back later.

LIGUE 2 ..... DIJON - STRASBOURG


I fully expect the home win here, Dijon are without two suspended players, but otherwise have no real problems. They are scoring regularly and could hardly be meeting their opponents at a better time.

Strasbourg secured promotion last week and have nothing to play for today. They were rewarded with a trip to Ibiza, where the team have been all week. It is fair to say that tonight's game has been a very low priority. Home win.

The level ball option has now disappeared, but the odds for the straight win are still very tempting.

4 points Dijon -1/2 ball 2.30 + general quote. WON 3-1 + 5.2 PTS


Good Luck.

NIORT- AJACCIO



I have discussed many times how strong Niort are at home, just the one defeat in two seasons.

They need a win to be safe from relegation, or rely on results from elsewhere and suffer a very nervous 90 minutes.


Ajaccio are 3-3-10 on the road, have nothing to play for and are without 12 players this evening !

Very short odds, but I cannot see any other result.

5.5 points Niort -1/2 ball 1.42 Centrebet / exchanges WON 3-0 + 2.31 PTS


Good Luck.

GOOD MORNING !

We have a little ground to make up on the blog this week and, on the basis that there is no time like the present, think that I have some winners to pass on today, the recovery mission is underway !

I am going to post 4 selections on the site, all are for football and at least 3, will be for this evening's action. The first will be online at around 13.30 cet, please check back.

Good Luck.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

SWEDISH SUPERETTEN .... ORGRYTE - HACKEN


I am very sorry, no time to write any preview for this game and trying to type this on the move, much more free time tomorrow and I have a lot of things to cover, so please check back then.


So, we have a Goteborg derby, which is normally won by the away team. Hackens look the classier outfit and I have received a very good word about them, from a reliable source, who watches a lot of football at this level.

4 points Hackens +1/4 ball 1.85 asian line. ( SORRY, this should have read -1/4 ball, as I said I was typing on the move, think today is the first time I have ever done this, in 14 months, apologies) 1-1 DRAW - 2 POINTS


Good Luck.

FINLAND ..... HAKA - MYPA


I like the "over" here. Neither have been exactly free scoring this year, but this is a fixture that always produces goals, 10 of the last 13 have been "over" with an average of 4.23 per start.

The key here is that Mypa have stepped up a level recently and are creating a lot of chances, there are some concerns about the home defence and this should comfortably cover the goal line ...... so 0-0 it is then !

5 points over 2.25 goals Haka-Mypa 1.95 asian line. lost -5 pts


Good luck.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL .... LIVERPOOL - MILAN


I expect this to be a VERY tactical affair, if anything Liverpool are the more traditional style "Italian" team.

Rafa Benitez is very likely to settle on a 4-5-1 formation and look to stifle the midfield, with Mascherano given the unenviable task of shadowing Kaka. Liverpool have produced, arguably, their best performance this season with this line up, in the win over Arsenal.

If, as seems likely, Milan also field 5 across the middle, things are going to get crowded.

I feel these two are very evenly matched and this could very easily go all the way. The big difference is that Liverpool can come from behind, not so sure Milan can do likewise, if falling a goal behind.

The 90 minute draw would be my selection, but I feel the 45 minute stalemate, is the far stronger bet.

4 points half time draw 2.10 Corals// 2.18 Betfair lost -4 pts


Good Luck.

FINNISH VEIKKAUSLIGA .... OULU - TPS


Oulu have been strong at home this season, but the time may be right to oppose them.

They have played 3 games in a week, with a small squad and look a little drained. This evening they will be without the suspended, Brovkin and 4 injured players.

TPS coach Mixu Paatelainen, has a huge budget, by Finnish standards, at his disposal and his team are beginning to hit form.

He took the opportunity to rest many of his players in the cup at the weekend and they should be much the fresher of the two.

4.5 points TPS level ball 1.72 asian line. won 3-1 + 3.24 pts


Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY PLANS .....

Ouch !

Late goals again yesterday , my selections seem unable to hold on to a lead at present.

Do not want to tempt fate, but once, I had a run of 8 games in a row, where my teams were leading 2-0 and none of them won ! That was tough to live with, it got to the stage where, if they were one up, I was hoping they would not score a second !

These things tend to swing the other way fairly quickly, so hoping for a few to go our way pretty soon.

I am going to put 2-3 bets on the blog today, all football, the first of which will be online mid afternoon.

Good Luck ......... we are due some !

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

COPA LIBERTADORES ... NACIONAL MONTEVIDEO - CUCUTA DEPORTIVO


Copa newcomers Cutuca have been the surprise packet of the competition and arrive in Uruguay with a 2-0 lead from the first leg.

Nacional looked strong in that game for the first 30 minutes, dominating proceedings, until the match was turned on it's head, when the visitors were reduced to 10 men. They then set out their stall to hold on to what they had, but conceded two late goals.

The hosts have a fine tradition in this competition and have performed well at home this year, winning all four home starts, scoring 9 goals. They are fielding an adventurous line up and are likely to start with 3 strikers, no real problems, two players did not train yesterday, but will be in the squad today.

I have no doubt that Nacional are the better side and they concede very few goals at home, it will be difficult, but the tie is not yet lost. The visitors will, no doubt, have ten men behind the ball and will, of course, settle for a one goal loss, under the circumstances and given the relative strengths of the two teams, I make Nacional a sound wager.

5 points Nacional -1/2 ball 1.92 asian line. -5 pts


Good Luck.

SWEDISH ALLSVENSKAN ...... BROMMAPOJKARNA - HELSINGBORGS


These two are not in the best of form. BP are struggling to come to terms with Allsvenska and have conceded 13 goals in their last 5 starts. To be honest,even at this early stage, they look to be on their way back to Superetten.

This evening they have some real selection problems, Nilsson and Persson are out and a couple of others face late tests. An already thin squad, has got thinner.

Helsingborg really need this win, they have just played four matches in a row, against four of the strongest teams in the division and will welcome the opportunity to meet a "lesser" light.

Oliver Karekezi will join Henrik Larsson up front and surely these two will break their duck, against this porous defence. A win will get them back in touch with the leaders and rekindle their season. Man for man, the visitors are a MUCH stronger team. Away win.

5 points Helsingborgs -1/2 ball 1.75 asian line. 1-1 draw -5 pts


Good Luck

TUESDAY PLANS .......

The Pistons scrapped a narrow win yesterday, but failed to cover the spread, this looks like being a very long tough series.

Plenty to look forward to this week, the Champions League Final tomorrow, Roland Garros is fast approaching and we have Europe's first "major" golf tournament of the year, the BMW PGA Championship. Blog sponsors SUNDERLANDS have opened their book and make Ernie Els their 10.0 favourite, followed by Singh 13.0, Goosen 17.0, Harrington 17.0, Stenson 17.0 and Donald 17.0, they also offer VERY competitive place terms of 1/4th the odds, for the first SIX.

We will return to this event later in the week.

I am going to post two selections today for the football and will have the first online mid afternoon.

Good Luck.
Sunderlands Online

Monday, May 21, 2007

NBA CONFERENCE FINAL .... CLEVELAND AT DETROIT


As I have said before, there are so many words written about these play-off games, by people that know far more than I do, that there is little point in me going beyond the basics.


I strongly favour the Pistons to take the series and expect them to come steaming out of the blocks tonight.


They started their series against the Bulls in very dominent fashion, as they did when these two met in the play-offs last year, Detroit winning the opener by 27 points.


The two met 4 times during the regular season and the only Cleveland win came after overtime.


I feel that Detroit have their number, they will double cover LeBron James and should be capable of covering the spread.


4 points Detroit -6 points general quote 1.91..... you may find -5.5 points, if you shop around.
lost -4 pts


Good Luck.

FINNISH VEIKKAUSLIGA .... MYPA - KTP


Southern derby game.

Mypa, who were champions in 2005, started the season very slowly, as they also did last year, but are beginning to find their real form. After beginning with just one point and one goal in 3 starts, they have 3 wins and 9 strikes in the last 3.

If they are serious about challenging this season, they will have to target 3 points today, especially with difficult away trips to Haka and Oulu, in the next 7 days.

Mypa have a strong record at home to KTP, winning 6 of the last 7, 5 of them by an identical

2-0 scoreline, for anyone looking for a correct score.

The hosts to continue their domination of this fixture , no serious problems for either team, home win.

4.5 points Mypa -3/4 ball asian line 1.77. won 1-0 +1.7325 pts
Good Luck.

MONDAY PLANS AND WEEKLY REVIEW .....

Another excellent week on the blog, 9 winners, 4 losers and over 23 points profit.

Hearts let us down yesterday, but dominated the match, producing 14 attempts on goal, double the Kilmarnock tally.

I have two bets for today, both of which are strong selections.

RESULTS
WEEK 59, 13 bets, 9 winners (69.23%), profit + 23.06 points, ROI + 43.51 % (53)

That is just shy of 80 points profit in the last 3 weeks alone.

Back later.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

SPL ........ KILMARNOCK - HEARTS


All sorts of rumours in Scotland, about who is "helping" whom, or otherwise. Not going to dwell on that, the situation is fairly clear Hearts need to win at Kilmarnock and hope Rangers take a point from Aberdeen, to snatch the final UEFA Cup spot.

Hearts are desperately trying to get key player, Larry Kingston, fit for this afternoon, my feeling is that he will start. The only other comment I have to make, is that the hosts boss is a "Hearts man, having played there for 14 years and managed them for a further five.

5 points Hearts -1/2 ball 1.99 asian line.
lost -5 pts


Back later.

ATP MASTERS TENNIS FINAL ..... HAMBURG


RAFA - FEDEX XI


Nadal is setting clay court records, that are unlikely to ever be equalled. Forget the 81 straight wins, he is scooping up titles at an alarming rate.


Not sure how much Federer will be looking forward to this afternoon. Rafa leads their h2h 7-3, 5-0 on clay, but it was the manner of defeat in Monte Carlo that is the stumbling block, for the world number one.


As the match progressed, he grew increasingly frustrated and in the end, did not know what else he could try. I am sure that match has left scars, they have been clearly visible in several outings since and may take, a little longer to heal.


I am not betting today, but if you want to have an interest, my feeling is that to have any chance, Federer will have to take the first set, otherwise Nadal will be gone and adding to his amazing finals record of 21-3.


Back later.

SUNDAY PLANS ...........

Good Morning !

We made a little profit on the blog again yesterday and are closing in on 30 points profit for the week.

I will be back a little later, with a few words about the ATP Masters tennis final in Hamburg, where Rafa and Fedex meet once more.

Looking at 2-3 football selections, the first of which, will follow shortly after.

Good Luck.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

FA CUP FINAL ..... MANCHESTER UNITED - CHELSEA


I am not going to get overly involved, in this first major final at the new Wembley.


The only two official games held there so far, have produced 11 goals and I just suspect we might see a few today.


The wide open spaces should suit the talent on show and after a long tiring season, we may see some weary legs late in the match.


No point in going into too much detail, we all know these two teams, like we know family members.


Going to take a little on the over 2.5 goal option and, at the risk of being called crazy, a tiny stake on over 4.5 goals.


2.5 points "over" 2.5 goals Man Utd- Chelsea 2.34 Betfair lost - 3.5 points

1 point "over" 4.5 goals 9.0 Betfair.


Good Luck.

ATP MASTERS TENNIS ..... HAMBURG


Rafa rolls on, 80 straight clay court wins under his belt and no signs of stopping.


He is looking to become the first player to win all three ATP Masters Series events on clay in the same year, since the series began. Any other player would be looking to ease off a little, ahead of the French Open, but it hurts Rafa to give up a point, let alone a tournament.


However, once again an however, today, he is meeting a champion, who seems to have refound his hunger and is in good form. Lleyton Hewitt took a set off Nadal at Roland Garros last year, their only previous meeting on clay. The Aussie won their other 4 meetings and has, a not too shabby, 18-5 record in Hamburg.


Hewitt is serving well and was not broken yesterday, he is capable of keeping this close and I like the match to go beyond 19.5 games.


3 points Nadal - Hewitt over 19.5 games Pinnacle 1.952 ( 1.90 +) WON + 2.856 pts


Good Luck.

LEAGUE 1 PLAY-OFF ..... BLACKPOOL - OLDHAM ATHLETIC


Early start here, so that they can provide the first course for the Cup Final.

The hosts have a 2-1 lead from the first leg, which they dominated, creating chance after chance.

They looked a class above Oldham and the visitors have some selection problems today, especially in defence. Where they will be without their keeper and key left sided defender, Simon Charlton.

There should be goals, Blackpool have won 8 in a row, scoring 24 and keeping only one clean sheet.

However, no "over"bet this time, Blackpool have been impressing all watchers and they should be too strong, especially against the weakened visitors.

5 points Blackpool -1/4 ball 1.77 asian line. WON + 3.85 PTS


Back shortly.

Friday, May 18, 2007

FRIDAY ROUND UP ........

The week is progressing nicely, two of the three tennis selections won, that makes 7 winners from 9 on the blog and closing in on 25 points profit.

There were four football bets on the email service ....

LEAGUE 1 PLAY-OFFS .... NOTTINGHAM FOREST - YEOVIL

Yeovil quite impressed me in the first leg, they created a number of chances (15), hit the woodwork, enjoyed 55% possession and were denied by two penalties, one in each half.

They need to score two goals tonight, something they have already done 12 times on the road this season, so no forlorn hope.

The visitors can only sit back for so long and will have to push forward at some stage.

Of course, the reverse is true for Forest, who will be happy to keep things quiet, for as long as possible, but there will be space for them on the counter attack.

I expect the game to open up more and more the longer it goes and to become very stretched. There should be goals and I think the quote is excellent.

5 points over 2.25 goals Forest-Yeovil 1.94 asian line. result 1-3 + 4.7 points

LIGUE 2

STRASBOURG - METZ

Massive game for the hosts, two rounds to go, last home game of the season, playing the Champions and their biggest rivals, knowing that 3 points will earn them promotion.

Strasbourg are the best home team in the division, with a fine 14-4-0 record, only conceding a handful of goals all season.They will want to finish this today and not go to Dijon next week, needing a result.

Metz have nothing to play for, except pride and bragging rights. They have gone on early vacation in recent starts, resting players and losing their last two matches.The visitors will be without key player Francois for sure and it is unclear at the moment, if any others will be rested this evening.

What is without dispute, is that Racing will easily be the more motivated of the two and given their wonderful home record and the fact that they have won the last 3 h2h meetings, scoring 8 goals here, have to be the choice.

5 points Strasbourg -1/2 ball 1.87 asian line. won 2-1 + 4.35 pts

TOURS - BREST

Much talk in recent days that the Ajaccio-Montpellier result has been "agreed", I have no personal knowledge of that. But the match has been removed from many bookmaker's lists and Brest, who sit just outside the relegation zone and only one point ahead of Montpellier, will be very aware of the situation.

They realise that a win tonight is vital if they are to hold on to their narrow advantage. If you have to play such a game away from home, you could hardly ask for a bettter fixture, than a visit to basement club Tours. Long since relegated and booked for bottom spot, with just 3 points from a possible 30 and mentally lying on the beach, the hosts are not going to scare anyone.

Brest have improved and are fighting for survival, they have collected 14 points in their last 10 matches and with a home game to Reims next week to finish the season, have their destiny in their own hands. They have to keep it that way, away win.

4.5 points Brest -1/2 ball 1.88 asian line. won 2-1 + 3.96 pts

GRENOBLE - DIJON

As predicted, plenty of goals in Ligue 2 last week, with all matches going "over", not sure it will be quite so gung-ho this evening, but am confident that this fixture will produce a few.

These two have done enough for the season, can relax and put on some entertainment for the fans.

Grenoble have scored and conceded in each of their last 3 at home and have allowed more home goals than any other top 5 team.

Dijon are "over" in 5 of their last 6 and their last 10 starts are averaging 2.8 per game.

History is on our side, with the last 3 h2h meetings producing 3 or more.

5.5 points over 2.25 goals Grenoble-Dijon 1.76 asian line. result 2-1 + 4.18 pts



I have never made any wild claims for the blog, or the email service, for me, this is not a short term venture.

Two losers yesterday, or four winners today, or tomorrow, matter little in the bigger scheme of things. The ONLY target remains long term profits, the blog has delivered that for almost 14 months and believe me, the email service is a much better product that will pay for itself many times over.

There are a limited number of subscriptions still available, click here for full details or the GOWI PREMIUM EMAIL SERVICE advert opposite.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY UPDATE .....

I do not have any football selections on the blog today.

We are spoilt for choice tomorrow, plenty of matches including the FA Cup final, so pretty sure that I can come up with something.

Good Luck.

ATP MASTERS TENNIS ..... HAMBURG


Sorry, this is later than I promised and will be very brief, got distracted with something.

Sicking with the ATP event in Hamburg, where I am going to suggest an interest in 3 matches.
I like these bets, but will keep the stakes small in the absence of any preview, as is normal practise.

Lleyton Hewitt looks overpriced to see off Nicolas Almagro, although the Spanish player will be tough to beat on his favoured surface.

The Aussie, who was not on many peoples short list, coming into this event, has already beaten Calleri, Chela and Davydenko, for the loss of just one set and is tough to shake off, once he gets his teeth into a tournament.

I make Almagro the narrowest of favourites, so at 2.47 have to take some of the Hewitt quote.

Elsewhere, I expect Novak Djokovic to not waste too much time defeating Carlos Moya and think the straight sets win, is competitively priced.


Finally, I have a feeling that Fernando Gonzalez may push Rafa a little more today. The two met in Rome last week and Nadal won 2 & 2, however, that is like his second home and this tournament, especially with Roland Garros approaching, must be fairly low priority. Of course, he wants to win and preserve his amazing win record, but simply winning and staying free of injury, must be more of a concern, than hammering his opponent.


Gonzalez is capable of keeping at least one set close and this "over" games bet looks sound.


2.5 points Hewitt to beat Almagro 2.47 Pinnacle. won + 3.675 pts

3 points Djokovic 2-0 sets 2.04 Betfair. lost - 3 pts

3 points over 19 games Nadal-Gonzalez 1.952 Pinnacle. won + 2.856 pts


Good Luck.

GOOD MORNING !


Two winners on the blog yesterday, that makes over 21 points profit already, in a very quiet week.


Still undecided what my plans are for today.


The problem is, the odds are tumbling for almost everything posted on the site and these prices have, usually, already dropped from the opening quotes, put out on the email service.


This requires a little thought, it may be that I am posting too early on the blog. My priority is to subscribers, but after that, want to give all readers an equal chance to "get on". Like I say, it requires some consideration.


I will definitely be back a little later, to discuss the tennis from Rome and Hamburg.


Good Luck.


Thursday, May 17, 2007

LEAGUE 2 PLAY-OFFS ....LINCOLN CITY - BRISTOL ROVERS


Rovers take a 2-1 lead to Lincoln, having enjoyed 55% possession and leading the attempts on goal count, 19-8 in the first leg.

That was a surprisingly open match and I expect a much tighter affair tonight, with the visitors returning to their well organised, fairly defensive game plan. They are on an eight match unbeaten run, during which they have conceded just 3 times. 4-1-0 in their last 5 away starts, the visitors are a talented team who should get the result they need, in front of 1600 travelling supporters .

4 points Bristol Rovers +1/4 ball 1.90 asian line. won 5-3 + 3.6 pts
Back Later.

COPPA ITALIA ..... INTERNAZIONALE - ROMA


Roma won the first leg with an amazing 6-2 scoreline, including 4 inside the opening 30 minutes, this was their 2nd win and 9th goal against Inter, in as many starts and I do not feel the Champions will want that to become three in a row.

Totti's wife has given birth this week, to their second child and surely, his mind will be on other things.


The Nerazzurri have won by 2 or more goals, in 18 of their 34 domestic victories this season and Bet365 offer a standout 3.10 for them to do so again.


Hernan Crespo is on fire at present, scoring six in his last 3 starts, including both in the first leg and three in the weekend win over Lazio. Feel sure he will add to those totals tonight, if you are interested in those kind of bets.


Roma will be happy with a narrow loss and I think the hosts are competitively priced, so it will be the straight win for me.


5 points Inter -1/2 ball 1.80 William Hill// 1.75 Tote Sport// 1.73 general. 2-1 + 4 pts


Good Luck.

WTA TOUR TENNIS .... Internazionali BNL d'Italia


Just a few words about the Dementieva-Petrova match.

The two met last week and I felt Petrova might struggle, she won 3&3, however, Dementieva did little wrong and it was just that her opponent played her A game, with very few mistakes, putting up incredible serving stats. Totals that were so good, she is extremely unlikely to be able to reproduce them today and Hamburg and Rome, are very different clay courts.

Feel this could be much closer and that there is value in the huge odds on offer, just going to chance a little. Dementieva is on the way back and we will definitely make money from her in the coming weeks, but will only be playing her at big prices.

1.5 points Dementieva to beat Petrova circa 3.65 Pinnacle / Exchanges. petrova retired bet void


Football all the way now and I have some very strong selections, keep in touch.


Back later.

THURSDAY NEWS ........

Good Morning !

Very entertaining UEFA Cup final last night, still not quite sure how there wasn't a third goal in 90 minutes though.

Busy day today, looking into at least 3 selections and I strongly suggest you check back frequently. Should have the next post online by mid morning.

Good Luck.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

UEFA CUP FINAL ..... SEVILLE - ESPANOL


This all Spanish tie takes place in Glasgow and any neutrals in the crowd, will be hoping that this is as entertaining, as recent finals, 5 of the last 6 have been "over" with a massive 27 goals, at an average of 4.5 per game.

It is hard not to see goals again this evening.

Two league meetings produced 7, Espanol are "over" in their last 5 league starts and in 4 from 5 in this competition. Seville in their last 4 league fixtures and 5 from 6 in the UEFA Cup.

Espanol are very motivated to win, claiming that this is the most important match of their life's, they have several in form strikers and are sure to give it a real go.

Seville are the classier outfit and are looking to be only the second club in history, to retain this trophy. With a huge league game at the weekend, they will be keen to finish this in 90 minutes. I am expecting this to be a full blooded, entertaining encounter, with a few goals.
Likely teams ...
Espanyol: 1-Gorka Iraizoz; 8-Pablo Zabaleta, 21-Daniel Jarque, 19-Marc Torrejon, 3-David Garcia; 18-Franciso Rufete, 9-Ivan de la Pena, 22-Moises Hurtado, 11-Albert Riera; 23-Raul Tamudo, 7-Walter Pandiani.

Sevilla: 1-Andres Palop; 4-Daniel Alves, 2-Javi Navarro, 19-Ivica Dragutinovic, 3-David Castedo; 15-Jesus Navas, 8-Christian Poulsen, 11-Renato, 16-Antonio Puerta or 6-Adriano Correia; 10-Luis Fabiano, 12-Frederic Kanoute.

5 points over 2.25 goals Seville-Espanol 1.82 asian line. 1-1 -2.5 pts
Good luck.

WEDNESDAY PLANS .....


Don't want to tempt fate, but excellent start to the week so far. Had a tennis bet on the email service this morning, but the odds have crashed now and any value gone, so no point in putting it online.


I will be posting a football bet shortly, so please check back.


Good Luck.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF.... DERBY COUNTY - SOUTHAMPTON


The first leg ended 2-1 to the Rams, it was an entertaining affair, which Southampton dominated for long periods, with plenty of chances. Saints hit the woodwork twice, something they did 24 times during the regular season and County, once.

Derby's physical strike force troubled the home defence, which was missing two key central defenders, both of whom are set to miss out again tonight. In addition the important Bale and Jones, who were substituted in the first game, are both major doubts.

No team in the Championship has created more chances than the visitors, with 672 attempts on goal this season. The league fixture here ended 2-2 and having scored in their last 17 away matches, Soton will not sit back and try to snatch a goal on the break, that is not their way. In fact, 6 times they have scored 3+ on the road and will certainly not have given up on this tie.

We can expect them to take the game to County and a few goals, "over" for me.

5.5 points over 2.25 goals Derby-Southampton 1.75 asian line. won + 4.125 pts


Good Luck.

MARKET MOVES ....

This is an area that I have neglected recently, but will try to cover more frequently over the summer.

Two huge movers in the Austrian first division this afternoon, on the asian markets....

AUSTRIA LUSTENAU + 1 ball 1.76 ......... down to +1/2 ball 1.80

GRATKORN -1/4 ball 1.79 ........... -1/2 ball 1.86

Good Luck.

SERIE B.... BRESCIA CALCIO - SSC NAPOLI

Juventus have skipped clear at the top of the table and Napoli and Genoa are fighting for the remaining automatic place. They are the next two biggest clubs in "B" and both would grace the elite division, neither wants to go through the lottery of the play-off system.

However, there is a rule, which many people have missed ... Serie B rules grant direct promotion to first- and second-placed teams, a third berth being available to the winner of a play-off among the four runner-up sides. A third-placed side, however, can secure direct promotion by leading the fourth-placed by at least 10 points.

Following the weekend results, Genoa are now 11 points ahead of Mantova in 4th spot, Napoli could increase their advantage to 10 points with a win this evening. What an incentive !

Both sides are missing a couple of players, but Del Nero and Moreco for the hosts, may be the more sorely missed.

Brescia are 5 points adrift of the final play-off spot, with 4 rounds to play after today and facing a very difficult trip to Bologna, at the weekend. Therefore, the draw has only limited value for them, which is something of a bonus for our selection.

With Napoli in an identical position and only Juve claiming more away wins, we should have two teams looking for maximum points. I favour the visitors, it will not be easy, but they have the greater motivation and look ready for the return to the big time.

4 points Napoli to win 2.90 Unibet and the exchanges ( 2.80 +). won 1-0 + 7.6 pts


Good Luck.

TUESDAY PLANS .......

Good Morning !

A small profit yesterday, nice to start the week off on the right foot. I was a little amazed how well the Shrewsbury pitch held up, having had ducks and swans swimming on it 24 hours earlier.

I will definitely have one bet online later and quite possibly two, will put the first online mid afternoon.

Please check back.

Monday, May 14, 2007

DIVISION 2 PLAY-OFFS


Shrewsbury Town host the MK Dons, on what is set to be a very testing Gay Meadow pitch. The Fire service were enlisted to pump water off the pitch .LINK

The hosts have come in for a lot of criticism this season for the condition of their playing surface, but there is little that can be done about it now. There is no doubt that it hands the advantage firmly to Shrewsbury, as they are used to it and it will negate the speed of the Dons strikers.

The visitors are missing several players and have a couple of others carrying small knocks.
Their coach Martin Allen is a strong motivator, but has yet to prove he has the tactical nous, to go all the way, when things do not go according to plan, he is very slow to make changes.

Town are also missing 3 players, but all are long term injuries and will not be a problem. The two met here, early last month, with the home team coming from behind to win 2-1. MKD started very strongly that day as they often do, think the Shrews will keep things tight early and push forward as the game wears on.

Not much between the two in the second half of the season, both won 11 matches, but Town only lost 3, including 2 at a time, when they had a real fixture pile up.

So, we can take a team at level ball, who are VERY difficult to beat, on a heavy home pitch, which suits them better.

5 points Shrewsbury Town level ball 1.78 asian line. DRAW no bet


Good Luck.

LIGUE 2 ... MONTPELLIER HERAULT SC - LE HAVRE


Montpellier's season is on the line tonight, when they host Le Havre. The home team are 4 points from safety, with 3 matches to play, two at home. They have a chance to survive, but have to start with a win tonight.

Le Havre have let slip a season that promised so much, their recent record of 7 losses in 10 starts is desperate. They have nothing to play for and seem a team devoid of motivation, especially on the road, where they have lost 5 straight.

Surely the hosts could not have wished for better opponents and will take heart from their h2h record, with 10 wins and 5 draws in the last 15 meetings.

4.5 points Montpellier -1/2 ball 2.00 general won + 4.5 pts

Good Luck.
Sunderlands Online

WEEKLY REVIEW ......

After "Black Wednesday" the week was always going to be a bit of a struggle, but we did manage to claw the losses back and ended the week just in profit, although I am happy to call it level.

Here are the recent results.

WEEK 58 .... 22 bets , 10 winners ( 45.45%) profit + 0.825 pts ROI + 0.79% (104.5)

WEEK 57 .... 25 bets, 17 winners (68%), profit +54.308 ROI +48.06% (113)

WEEK 56 .... 29 bets 16 wins (55.17%) profit +1.195 pts ROI + 0.866 % (138)

WEEK 55 .... 32 bets , 22 winners (68.75 %) profit + 48.064 points ROI 33.26% (144.5)

WEEK 54 ..... 29 bets 16 winners ( 55.17%) profit + 24.407 pts ROI 20.68 % (118)

WEEK 53 ..... 31 bets 14 winners (45.16%) loss - 16.91 pts ROI -12.16% (139)

WEEK 52 ... 31 bets, 15 winners ( 48.39%) profit + 9.744 pts ROI + 7.438 % (131)

WEEK 51 .... 24 bets, 14 winners ( 58.33%), profit +20.0725 points, profit to stakes, or ROI 21.82 % (92)

Totals for these 8 weeks ...

223 bets , 124 winners ( 55.61%) profit + 141.71 pts, ROI + 14.46 % (980)


20 euro level stake on all selections, would have made a 2,835 euro profit, in just 8 weeks !

Any high rollers ? A £200 unit would have earned you over £28,000 .

These are profits you could have made by just following the tips blindly, with a little personal knowledge and fine tuning you could possibly have done even better.

To be honest, a lot of late goals have gone against us in recent weeks, with a little luck, these totals could have been significantly higher. Such things tend to level out over time, so I am expecting a few to go our way soon.

The message remains the same, this is a marathon not a sprint, the ONLY aim of the blog is sustained LONG TERM profits and to date, it has always delivered.

Looking at 2-3 bets today, will have the first online late morning, please check back.

Good Luck.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

DIVISION 1 PLAY-OFF ..... OLDHAM - BLACKPOOL


I find the goal line here hard to understand. Blackpool are on an amazing goal scoring run, with 17 in their last 5 starts. They are the division's top scorers with 76 strikes, with a league high 40, on the road.

Oldham have a very respectable 36 goals at home and these two have conceded 47 and 49 respectively, easily the highest amongst the top 6.

Last 6 meetings here have averaged a whooping 4.142 goals per match.

5 points Oldham-Blackpool over 2.25 goals 1.94 asian line.won + 4.7 pts


Good Luck.

LA LIGA .... CELTA VIGO - LEVANTE


Celta face three matches which will define their season, after the visit of Levante today, they meet Sociedad and Betis, all direct relegation rivals.

A win today is vital and will give them a lead over their opponents in the h2h reckoning. The visitors have 4 senior players unavailable and have chosen to "rest" 2 others. They did manage to defeat basement club Levante last week, but conceded a worrying 58% possession, in what was, their first win in 10 starts.

Celta are a classier side and Hristo Stoichkov will have his troops fired up, for this must win encounter.

5.5 points Celta -1/2 ball 1.98 asian line. lost -5.5 pts


Back later

USPGA GOLF ........ PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP


Luke Donald owes us a little money and I feel we will get it back today.

On a difficult course, where Tiger Woods has yet to shoot par in three rounds. It is likely to be the players making fewest errors, that will progress today.


We discussed Luke's consistency in a recent post and that will stand him in good stead this evening, along with his putting, which looks in fine fettle.


He sits at -5 , just 4 strokes off the lead and with only 4 players ahead of him, he is far and away the most consistent of the contenders in final round scoring, averaging a shade over 70 in his final 22 rounds over a season and a half. This puts him firmly in the top 10 on tour over this period and on course for a top 5 finish.


Betfair have plenty of money on offer for this, at around the 2.58 mark and that looks good value to me.


4 points Luke Donald to finish in the top 5 Betfair 2.58. lost -4 pts


Good Luck.