FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ....

ENGLAND ... FA CUP
HORSHAM - SWANSEA CITY

OK, this is the FA Cup and anything can happen and often does, but not tonight ! There is a MASSIVE class difference, some 100 league places between the two sides and next season , there could be at least 5 divisions gap.

Both sides have goalkeeping problems, but Horsham's is particularly bad, with a third choice keeper likely to be between the sticks in the biggest match in the club's history. Swansea's number one, has been passed fit in the last hour to take part, which is a huge relief to Roberto Martinez.

Swansea are top of League 2 and on a fantastic run, with just one defeat in 13, that coming against an inform team, on a day when nothing went right for the Welsh club. They are happy on the road and no side in England ( or Scotland) has won more more games, or scored more goals away from home. Therefore, even a trip into the unknown, which this undoubtedly is, should hold very little fear.

6.5 points Swansea -1.25 goals 1.89 asian line.... now 1.85

FRANCE ... LIGUE 2
CHATEAUROUX- BASTIA SC

I like the "over" here, Bastia are in fine form and are really going for it on the road, their away games have produced a league high 28 goals and their last 5 starts have all contained two or more. They have scored 12 in their last 5 and conceded in each of the last 4. The hosts will have to look for maximum points also, to avoid dropping into real relegation trouble, 4 of their last 5 have produced two or more goals. H2h wise the last 3 have been "over", with a 3.67 average.

6 points "over" 2 goals 1.72 asian line.... now 1.68

Good Luck.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE ....

I put just two matches on the email servicetoday and providing the odds hold up reasonably well, will post both on the blog later this afternoon.

Please check back.

TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL .......

ENGLAND PREMIERSHIP
BLACKBURN ROVERS - ASTON VILLA

Rovers are an impressive outfit and Mark Hughes has done a fantastic job. Lesser sides would have wilted after losing McCarthy so early on Sunday and failing behind twice, especially with Santa Cruz already out, but they showed fantastic spirit and could easily have taken all three points in the end. Both strikers look set to be available tonight , along with David Dunn. Villa seem to struggle against the better teams and I definitely put Blackburn in that category and only the best of the best , have troubled the hosts this season.

5.5 points Blackburn -1/4 ball 1.84 asian line.

ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS - COLCHESTER UNITED

Wolves are playing well at present, but are still finding goals hard to come by. However, they now have a run of 3 home games in 4, which could leave them pressing the top two, with a good run. They should be confident of scoring this evening, the visitors have collected just 3 points from a possible 18 and are without a clean sheet in 14 starts, infact, they have just one in 26 matches ! It is widely reported that the hosts have three key injuries, it is my understanding that at least two and quite possibly all three will be available. 1-0 home win.

5.5 points Wolves -1/2 ball 1.67 general.

Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY MORNING .....

Another excellent day yesterday, in addition to the two selections posted on the blog, there were two email exclusives which both won. Which means that subscribers are already well over 20 points up on the week and we are only two days in ! Five bets, four winners and one returned stake.

I have previewed four matches today on the email service and will try to post some of those on the blog this afternoon.

Please check back.

FA CUP REPLAY .....

BRENTFORD - LUTON TOWN

Here we have two teams with massive problems off the pitch, unfortunately, Brentford have carried theirs onto the field and were dire, as you might expect, in the 7-0 (!) defeat at Peterborough on Saturday. OK, they were reduced to 10 men and a goal down, inside the first minute, but it was the lack of effort and fight, that left Bees supporters so angry. They were forced to play a very young goalkeeper at the weekend and that would have done his confidence no good at all. Two of the other culprits are unavailable this evening ( maybe they are in hiding)and an already small, young and stretched squad, is going to be severley tested by a Luton side which is at least a division better than even a fit , confident Bees team, which the current squad is plainly not.

There are very likely to be demonstrations against the board and manager tonight and if/when they go a goal down, things could get very ugly at Griffin Park. The stadium where I spent most of my youth, has turned into the Theatre of Nightmares, Brentford fans do not expect much, but lack of effort is unacceptable and we have seen two seasons of that !

6 points Luton level ball 1.70 asian line..... now -1/4 ball 1.89.

Good Luck.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ... Matchday 5

LYON - BARCELONA

Defeat for Lyon will leave them on the verge of elimination from the competition, this is a match they simply cannot afford to lose. A point will at least leave matters in their own hands, when they travel to Rangers on Matchday 6, a win would be fantastic,especially if the Scottish giants fail to win in Stuttgart. They will be boosted by the return of Fabio Santos and Cleber Anderson, but Milan Baros remains on the sidelines.

Barclelona do not need a result tonight, they can take care of business in their final home group match and have the derby with Espanol at the weekend, a match with added spice this year, as their "little" neighbours are currently just one place and two points behind them in La Liga. The Catalan side travel without Henry and Oleguer, but Thuram and an out of sorts Ronaldinho return, Puyol is not 100% fit, yet may start. I feel that Lyon will not lose this game and are back to something approaching their best, Barce seem some way off their wonderful top form.

Barcelona squad:
Valdés, Jorquera, Márquez, Puyol, Sylvinho, Milito, Abidal, Thuram, Zambrotta, Touré, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Xavi, Marc Crosas, Ezquerro, Bojan, Ronaldinho and Messi.

The OL squad: Vercoutre, Roux - Clerc, C. Anderson, Réveillère, Paillot, Squillaci, Grosso, Belhadj, Bodmer - Toulalan, Källström, Fabio Santos, Juninho, Govou, Ben Arfa, Keita - Benzema, Rémy, Fred.

5 points Lyon level ball 1.84 asian line.... ( given on email @1.93)

Good Luck.

MONDAY UPDATE .....

Following on from the Empoli draw yesterday, I had just one selection for email subscribers today ..........

ENGLAND ....CHAMPIONSHIP
LEICESTER CITY - CARDIFF CITY

Both of these two got excellent results at the weekend and will want to build on them, especially the hosts, who will be playing their first home game under new coach Ian Holloway. The match is a virtual sell out, the supporters are turning out in force to welcome their third manager of the season !

I can see plenty of value in the draw, which is a result both clubs could probably live with.

Leicester already have 8 draws in 16 starts to their name and have a striker crisis at the club this evening, with almost every marksman on the books, either unavailable, or carrying an injury. They are tight defensively though and have conceded only 6 home goals, easily the lowest total in the bottom half of the table.

The visitors have drawn 3 of their 7 away and two of their last three visits here. They will also have benefitted from a little extra rest, having played in a lunchtime kick off on Saturday, that might not normally mean so much, but with this game coming so quickly afterwards, it could prove key. All things considered, if pressed, I would side with Cardiff plus the handicap, but feel the straight draw, offers a little more value.

4 points draw 3.45 exchanges. RESULT 0-0

The email service continues to offer fantastic value for money. I will be previewing 5 or 6 matches tomorrow and will cover one or two on the blog.

Good Luck.

ITALY .... SERIE A

CAGLIARI - MILAN

Despite their fantastic away form, with 15 goals in 5 matches, Milan have looked decidedly average at times this year and some of their players may be feeling the effects of the international break and all the travelling that involves. Kaka for example, was playing for Brazil very late on Wednesday night. Cagliari have their first game for new, returning coach Sonetti and are never easy to beat on home soil. He has a full squad to choose from, there will be no away fans in the stadium and Milan will have one eye on their midweek trip to Benfica in the Champions League.

6 points Cagliari +1 goal 1.80 asian line.

EMPOLI - TORINO

Torino are the draw specialists in Serie A, with 4 from 6 on the road and 7 from 12 overall, ending all square. Empoli's have drawn 40% of their home starts and with 3 starters out, may be prepared to take the single point, which could take them out of the bottom 3. Incredibly, they are bottom, but, along with the 4 clubs immediately above them, have 9 points, so one more could take them a long way ! H2h favours the selection with 3 from 4 here and 5 from 9 home and away, ending level.

4 points draw 2.90 general quote.

Good Luck.

TODAY'S EMAIL SELECTIONS .....

..... with some basic reasons

CHAMPIONSHIP
CARDIFF CITY -IPSWICH TOWN

City have played well this season, but not really got the results that their play has deserved. For the first time they have an almost fully fit squad to choose from and just need a little more luck in front of goal. Only WBA and Charlton have created more chances and they meet a Town side that is unbeatable at home, but still looking for an away win on the road, where they have been very leaky, only one team has conceded more and 2.25 goals per game on average, is a lot to overcome.

6 points Cardiff level ball 1.77

SHEFFIELD UNITED- PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

United seem to have turned the corner and are unbeaten in six games, a win will take them onto the edge of the playoff zone and most likely above the visitors who currently sit in 7th spot.Argyle have been left totally devastated by the loss of manager Ian Holloway, it is hard to over estimate the influence he had at the club and they are in something like mourning. They will also be without key central defender Timar, who is suspended and following the recent departure of their star player to QPR, this looks a team to solidly oppose in the coming weeks.

6 points Sheff Utd -1/2 ball 1.80 general.

LEAGUE 1
BRIGHTON - CARLISLE UNITED

You know that I like Brighton at the moment, only Leeds have beaten them in 13 starts and they are playing really well. For United, the goals have suddenly dried up, just one in 4, three of those games coming against lower league opposition. This is pretty much their longest journey of the year and they are missing midfielder Paul Thirwell.Hosts have goals in them and they can take this.

6 points Brighton -1/4 ball 2.00 asian line.

LEAGUE 2
MACCLESFIELD TOWN - DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

We have gone into D&R's shortcomings recently, they are in poor form , not creating much at all and an already thin squad, is short of players. Town are picking up and have two straight wins, both with clean sheets, which is something that the visitors, having conceded 14 in 6 , can only dream of. Hosts are going to run in a few soon, they have hit the woodwork 11 times this season and sooner or later, that luck will change.

6 points Macclesfield -1/2 ball 1.89 asian line.

LINCOLN CITY - NOTTS COUNTY

This is something of a local derby and a must win game for the hosts, who sit bottom of the football league. It is hard to know what is wrong exactly, they have the sanme core squad of players who made the playoffs last year. However, since new coach Peter jackson joined, they have showed signs of improvement, especially in the 1-1 draw with Division 1 big wigs Nottingham Forest. A win today could easily take them off the foot of the table and against, what is likely to be a main relegation rival, Jackson will have his troops well and truely fired up. They have also not had the rub of the green and hit the woodwork 11 times, it is a fine line between victory and defeat sometimes. This is not a terrible team and if they can get a little confidence, can move on up the division. They are boosted by the return of several players today.

5 points Lincoln level ball 1.75 asian line.

ROCHDALE - MANSFIELD TOWN

Rochdale are an upper mid table team in waiting and have a decent squad of players, which has been added to with the signing of two very promising youngsters this week. Their injury situation, which has been dire, has almost completely cleared and with two games in hand over most of the division, have not yet given up dreams of a playoff spot. They will fancy their chances today, against a Town side with just 3 points (no wins ) from a possible 24 on the road and that has a dismal 0-1-5 record at Rochdale.

6 points Rochdale -1/2 ball 2.00 asian line.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY....

You will have seen that there was some excellent additional information in the email service yesterday, it is not always about the basic selections. The only actual selection was also a winner and the two early teams for the weekend, are now trading at lower odds.

I previewed six matches today and am considering putting all selections on the blog, along with basic reasons, in an hour or so. Even if I decide against that, there will be something online then.

Please check back.

WEEKEND PLANS ....

I put selections for three weekend matches on the email service , one today and two "early birds" for tomorrow, where I did not expect the odds to last. Cannot put any of those on the blog just now, but I did write some notes on other action this evening so will pass that on ....

Just a few notes about two other games this evening WATERFORD and FINN HARPS play their second leg, with the visitors holding a 3-0 lead, in the race for a Premiership place. I have no doubt that the visitors, who have forgotten how to lose, are the better side and they will be a division higher next season. Waterford are without Flynn and Bermingham, two key players and will throw caution to the wind, they have no other option, against such a well organised team as FH, that could be suicide. Think the visitors might win again , but can't bring myself to make them a selection as they would be happy to lose by a single goal, or even two I guess.

In Portugal, UNIAO LEIRIA host BRAGA and it is impossible to see many goals, Uniao have scored just 2 in 5 home starts and the visitors just 4 in 5 away. But it is the h2h stats that come screaming off the page, in 7 meetings there have not been more than a single goal, with a grand total of five, or an average of .714 goals per game ! Bet 365 have 2.75 less than two goals and the asian line of 1.80 for under 2.25 goals looks safe, but I do not like unders ! I will leave it up to you.

Busy day tomorrow and I expect to have lots to post.

Good Luck.

THANKSGIVING ....

NFL ... DETROIT LIONS- GREEN BAY PACKERS

I like the hosts, who always host a Thanksgiving fixture, plus the points.The Pack gave up almost 400 yards of offense to a Carolina team without shining star Steve Smith and with 44 year old Vinny Testaverde at the helm. The Lions posted very close to that number against the Giants and with both Green Bay cornerbacks carrying injuries, they should have little trouble moving the ball.

The Packers have an impressive looking 9-1 record, but this is very flattering and they must be one of the worst teams to ever start so well. They have only met one team with a winning record, of course, you can do no more than beat what is put in front of you, but the concerns remain.

The Lions traditionally over perform on this day and with this game far more important to them, they look good to win, or at least keep it close.

5 points Detroit +3.5 points 1.90 general.

Good Luck.

EURO 2008 QUALIFICATION ....

SERBIA - POLAND

Serbia can still qualify, they need to win their last two matches and hope that Finland beat an injury hit Portugal side. A slim, but not impossible chance and they have to, at least, accomplish their part. Poland have travelled without many starters and have been seen out celebrating long and hard, after clinching qualification at the weekend. They have a poor record in these games, under similar circumstances, the hosts should be very much fresher after a free weekend and that could/ should be vital on a very heavy pitch.

5.5 points Serbia -3/4 ball 1.80 asian line.

Good Luck.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY ....

AUSTRIA - TUNISIA

Austria are poor, but they are in desperate need of a confidence boosting win and to stop the national unrest, a little like England ! We are about to have the 2008 group draw, where they will be one of the top seeds ! This is only because of there role as co hosts, they would not even be competing otherwise.

They have only one recent win to their name, which also came against African opponents, a lucky 3-2 win over the Ivory Coast, where the officials heavily favoured the home side. Something similar could be on the cards this evening and they could have picked an opponent ,coming solely for a pay day. The temperature is set to be around zero at kick off, which will, obviously, favour the hosts and they simply cannot afford another loss.

5.5 points Austria level ball 1.73 asian line.

Good Luck.

EMAIL SELECTIONS .....

IRISH LEAGUE PLAYOFF
FINN HARPS - WATERFORD UNITED

This, unlike the first playoff match, is being played over two legs and I see a big advantage for the home side. Both of these two have terrible records when it comes to this stage of the season, but on home soil, Finn Harps are very impressive. They are unbeaten in 7 home playoff games and have only conceded in one of those. We discussed them in greater detail on Friday, when they did us a big favour, no injuries were picked up and they come here in fantastic form. Waterford ended the season on an unbeaten run of six games, but continue to find goals hard to come by and did not score in their last two starts. They are without 3 players tonight and have not played in 11 days, which, I believe to be a disadvantage at this stage of the season.

5.5 points Finn Harps -1/2 ball 2.03 asian line..... NOW 1.84

ENGLAND FA CUP REPLAYS
GRIMSBY- CARLISLE

Grimsby are in trouble, they sit one point outside the drop zone, having played two more games than Wrexham, the team immediately below them. They face tough games against Barnet and Darlington up next and will have to get their priorities right. With six players out this evening and a JPT area semi final to look forward too, they have bigger battles to fight.

Carlisle are over 40 places above them in the league, created 15 attempts in the first game, despite being decidedly lack lustre and will be hungry to put things right. They have had a free weekend after their match was cancelled due to international call ups and have few injury concerns.

5.5 points Carlisle -1/4 ball 1.72 asian line..... NOW -1/2 1.95

BRIGHTON- CHELTENHAM

Meeting number 3 between these two and we discussed in detail last Wednesday's match, which the home side won 4-1. That was a little flattering to Brighton to be honest, but like in the first game, they created a lot of chances and with a proven goalscorer like Nicky Forster, who lives and breathes goals, they are always going to get on the scoresheet. They have lost just once in 12 starts, to Leeds United, in a game that Brighton dominated. The visitors have a huge home game with Leeds United on Sunday and with 5 senior places missing this evening, look set to struggle yet again.

5.5 points Brighton -1 ball 2.02 asian line..... NOW 1.82

BRISTOL ROVERS - LEYTON ORIENT

I have been waiting for Rovers, who have some classy players, especially Lambert, to finally win at home, which they did at the weekend. On the road they have been fine and for 20-30 minutes in the first game, were strolling around the Orient team and looked the better side, which I think they might well be, despite their respective league positions. The cup brings out the best in Rovers, as do night games at the Memorial Stadium. I really like them with the level ball option.

6 points Bristol Rovers level ball 1.81 asian line.... NOW 1.74

Good Luck.

Win or lose, the more astute amongst you, will realise what an incredible advantage subscribers are getting over the general betting public.

TUESDAY UPDATE ...

I am at a loss as to what to put on the blog, all four email selections have been backed, as normal, but three of them heavily. Which means, of course, that almost all of the value has gone. However, as I didn't post anything yesterday, I feel compelled to put something online today, so will reproduce the email selections as they appeared, along with limited previews. They will be posted in 10-15 minutes, but possibly the last match aside, I could not count the rest as blog selections.

Back shortly.

TUESDAY PLANS ....

I have previewed 4 matches on the email service today and will post what I can on the blog this afternoon.

It is an interesting day, so please check back.

Good Luck.

ENGLAND .... DIVISION 1

HARTLEPOOL UNITED - BOURNEMOUTH

No surprises here, I am firmly in the home camp. United are a decent side and winning their two matches in hand, will take them into the playoff zone, which is about where I rank them, top 6-8 in the division. The visitors have suffered terribly with injuries and travel without nine players today, through a combination of injury/suspension and international call ups. Most of these are senior players, who would have started, in addition, they are forced to name two players, who, are not fully fit and in an ideal situation, would not even be on the bench.

The players that are available are feeling the effects of a terrible playing schedule that has seen them play in the far North West (Barrow) last weekend, at home, which is as far South as you can get, on Tuesday and then back up to the far North East today. With money very tight, they would not have seen much more than the motorway from the seat of a bus this week and little of their families and the training pitch. They would have completed the best part of 3000km in the last 8 days and anyone that has driven in the UK, will know what an ordeal that can be. They face a cup replay in midweek too !

Hartlepool are playing some nice football and will be well rested for this vital fixture, just cannot see anything other than a home win.

6.5 points Hartlepool -1/2 ball ... 1.60 + general.

Good Luck.

WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION .....

ARGENTINA - BOLIVIA

Argentina have a difficult looking trip to Colombia on Tuesday and there is a very good case for them not pushing too hard this evening, once the points are in the bag. They have already issued a warning along these lines to their supporters. No doubt that the visitors will be trying to shut up shop and keep the scoreline respectable, especially in light of their 5-0 thumping at Uruguay on Day 1. However, Argentina tend to win by one or two and rarely put teams to the sword, in the light of all this, I was debating a small bet on Bolivia. Then 15 minutes ago (written overnight) I got some news that the pitch at Estadio Monumental, which has seen a lot of action recently, is in really terrible condition, which will be a great leveller and will certainly be easier for defenders, so we have to go strongly with the visitors.

6 points Bolivia +2.75 goals 1.80 asian line.

Good Luck.

EURO 2008 QUALIFIER .....

MACEDONIA - CROATIA

Plenty to consider here, like, do Croatia actually want to win the group,or not, we could debate this all day, but one thing is certain, they need a single point to qualify and will not want to travel to London in midweek, still needing it.

These two countries are friendly, we can expect the visitors to start cautiously, the hosts are without their top striker and star player and have limited expectations from the match. The pitch is in poor condition and given all this, the half time draw looks very likely and it is competitively priced .

4.5 points half time draw 2.20 + general... circa 2.30 on the exchanges.


Good Luck.

ENGLAND ... LEAGUE 1

OLDHAM ATHLETIC- PORT VALE

Oldham are finding goals hard to come by, but we can expect that to change shortly. This is a team in a false position in the league and one that is still capable of getting into the playoff race. They have outplayed some of the division's better sides recently including Doncaster, Nottingham Forest and Tranmere, creating a host of chances and dominating possession. They meet a Port Vale side, under a new coach, who has started a very tough training regime. They are undergoing a gruelling programme and are training morning and afternoon, every day, this will reap dividends long term, but players are likely to feel drained to begin with, leaving their best on the training pitch. Home win.

6 points Oldham -1/2 ball 1.90 general quote.

Back later.

BLUE SQUARE PREMIERSHIP .......

EXETER CITY- BURTON ALBION

Exeter served us well last week and we can stick with the west country lads, I love teams that have goals in them and City have them in abundance at the moment. they have scored 18 in 6 starts and have two top strikers, that early in the season would have started, warming the bench and straining at the leash, to get onto the pitch, these are fantastic options. Burton are going well this season, but have started to struggle defensively and have injury problems in that area today, they have conceded 5 in their last two league starts and 2 or more goals in 4 of their last 6. City remain unbeaten at home and have won 3 of the last 4 h2h meetings, with all victories coming by 2 or more goals.

5 points Exeter -1/4 ball 1.86 asian line.

Good Luck.

IRISH LEAGUE 1 PLAYOFFS ....

FINN HARPS- DUNDALK

Hosts were incredibly unlucky to miss out on automatic promotion, they went on a fantastic unbeaten run and won 14 of their last 15, with one drawn, the draw, which came in their penultimate match, cost them the championship. At least they were able to finish the domestic season with a win, coming into the playoffs with that draw as their last result, would have been a heavy cross to bear.

Now they meet Dundalk, who ended the season in decidely worse form, winning just 9 from 22 and losing six from nine, with just one win on the road. Tonight, the visitors have massive problems, they have 9 players out injured or suspended, including top striker Trevor Vaughan, who has 8 goals in 11 matches and also several other key players. Only 12 outfielders are availble and 4 youth squad players have been added.

The atmosphere will be white hot this evening and the visitors have been allocated very few tickets for their fans. This has to be played to a conclusion, extra time and then penalties, but I do not think we will get that far. Home win.

6 points Finn Harps -1/2 ball 1.71 BETFAIR .

Good Luck.

A-ROD LOOKS UP TO THE TASK.....

ATP MASTERS CUP TENNIS OUTRIGHT
ANDY RODDICK

Andy Roddick is playing his best tennis of the year right now and all the work that he and coach Jimmy Connors have put in on his backhand, is really paying dividends. He is the only player who has so far booked his place in the semi finals and has a "freeroll" aagainst Federer in the final group match. He can play without fear and could knock the world number one, who is feeling the effects of a very long season, out of the tournament.

This is not lost on the big serving american who said in an interview "there's no reason for me to be nervous. I can go out there and let it fly... play aggressive and try to knock him out."
Roddick held match point in their match here last year, this time he looks in better shape, Fed-ex a little worse. You could try a little on him to win the match, I prefer the tournament outright bet and the odds are very decent, he is the only player in Shanghai who looks really up for the tournament.

3 points Roddick outright 7.0 + , 7.50 VC bet/ Bet 365 .... a little 8.0 on the exchanges.

Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY PLANS .........

There are none ! Sorry, no selections on the blog today, there were two put on the email, but they have both been very heavily backed and the true value has therefore gone.

I will definitely be posting tomorrow, so please check back.

Good Luck.

TODAY'S FOOTBALL .... JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY

Here is one of the JPT matches that I mentioned last night, the other two have been very heavily backed, with the line falling by a full 0.25 goal, on each selection, so fantastic value for subscribers.

GILLINGHAM - DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Sometimes it does good for a coach to let rip at his players, give them the Sir Alex "hairdryer" treatment, it certainly worked for Hartlepool at the weekend, when, after suffering the "Wrath of Wilson", they ran in six against Gainsborough.

Well, new Gills boss Mark Stimson has made it VERY clear that he will not stand for another lack lustre performance like that produced at Barnet on saturday. In addition, he signed two new , on loan strikers yesterday, players that have worked under him in the past. The home squad know that each and everyone of them is playing for his place and in some cases, their job.

Dagenham & Redbridge did us a good turn on saturday, but they are not the best of travellers and laboured to that win over Hampton and Richmond, who are several leagues below Gillingham.

The hosts are a different proposition on home soil, where few teams win, since losing in their opening fixture they have not tasted defeat, taking points off top sides Leeds United, Brighton, Doncaster and Leyton Orient.

Following progression in the FA Cup and a winable second round tie, D&R should be giving the league their full attention and have a big home game with Bradford coming up, this evening should be given low priority.

The Gills at Priestfield, where they have lost just 2 in 14 and 10 in 52, should have too much class and personally, I would not wish to face a rabid Stimson twice in four days !

5 points Gillingham -3/4 ball 1.86 asian line.

Good Luck.

MONDAY UPDATE ..........

I am in fantastic form, especially on the english domestic football, where my last nine selections have won ! That's 2/2 today, 2/2 yesterday and 5/5 on saturday ..... I have some very strong ideas for tomorrow and wednesday, in particular for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, which has been a profitable tournament in the past.

If possible, I will post something on the blog, if not and/or you cannot wait, consider joining the email service and they will be delivered directly to your inbox each and every morning .... full details can be found on this link.


Good Luck.

ENGLAND .... CHAMPIONSHIP

COVENTRY CITY- WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Both sides are missing key players, but the visitors have the more able replacements and although much has been made of the loss of ten goal striker, Kevin Phillips, they have manged to score plenty in his absence already this season.

Think that goals are the key here, despite Coventry's lofty league position, they can go 4th with a win, they have found goals hard to come by, just 8 in 7 home starts, only one Division 1 team has managed fewer. Albion are prolific and have notched a league high 31 strikes, teams normally need to score three to beat them, as, in 3 of their 5 defeats in all competitions, WBA have still managed to score twice.

They have failed to score only once all season and that came early on, in a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United, a match where they were decidedly unlucky and enjoyed 59% possession and the lion's share of the chances.

Albion come here on the back of a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, but the scoreline doesn't tell the full story, they dominated the game and denied the visitors an attempt on goal, worthy of the name, until injury time, a 96th minute equaliser costing them maximum points. Wednesday boosted the form with a 5-0 thumping of Southampton on saturday.

City have done well on limited resources but have a dismal record against the top teams, which WBA plainly are and lost both league meetings last season, with a 6-0 goal difference. I do not envisage the visitors losing this evening.

5 points WBA level 1.78 asian line

Good Luck.

SUNDAY UPDATE ....

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11TH

NFL
Here is today's email in it's entirety, once again the three early football selections all won, Spurs 4-0, Hartlepool 6-0 and Heerenveen 1-0, that's 5 from 5 on email exclusives in the last two days with a, 18-0 goal difference !


TENNESSEE TITANS - JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has not practiced all week, after staring last time out, with 3 sacks. His linemate, defensive end Travis LaBoy, is in a similar position and likewise, running back LenDale White has only had limited practice.

Jax also have a somewhat beat up defensive line, but have only been beaten by a big score, by the free scoring Saints and Colts teams and the Titans do not fall into that category. Infact, 5 of their 8 games have been decided by 4 points or less, 4 of them by 3 or fewer, including the reverse fixture, which they won 13-10 and choose to run the ball , all day long.

Given all this ,I have to side with the visitors getting 4.5 points start. For the system players amongst you, there is plenty of comfort. The Jags are 6-0 ATS coming off a double digit loss and the Titans are 9-21 ATS as a home favourite of between 3.5 and 7 points. You can make these stats support almost any claim, if you look long and hard enough, but they are hardly negative.

Game is absolutely vital to the playoff aspirations of each and neither will give up without one heck of a battle, close game, take the points.

5.5 points Jacksonville +4.5 points 2.01 Pinnacle/ Vegas line.

WTA TENNIS
SONY ERICSSON CHAMPIONSHIPS
JUSTINE HENIN - MARIA SHARAPOVA

Henin leads the h2h 5-2, but Sharapova's record on hardcourts, is a far more respectable 3-2, including a loss here last year at the semi final stage, where she was very slow to get going. They have very similar lifetime records on this surface (indoor hard). Let's be honest, this season, the quickest route to the poor house, has been to oppose Henin, but we are just talking about one game and my bet on the russian, has little to do with the belgian player and is all about Sharapova's form and belief, which I touched upon on Friday. She looks back to her best, or close to it and is worth chancing a little, at very nice odds.

4 points Sharapova 3.0 general quote.

ENGLAND
FA CUP
GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY - HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Trinity have two key midfielders very doubtful for this afternoon, they may both start, but if they do, will be less than 100%. Their coach made a very telling comment, when admitting that "we have already fulfilled our ambition by getting to the first round". That is probably being realistic, given the 3 leagues plus between the two sides and his teams poor form, they have won just 4 from 14 league starts, conceding an average of two goals per game and lie in 15th place, in the Blue Square North division.

Pool are a very decent League 1 side, with playoff ambitions, they want a commanding performance after boss Danny Wilson slated them, following their midweek loss to Huddersfield. They should make their class tell and the cica 80 league places between the two clubs apparent.

6 points Hartlepool -1 ball 1.93 asian line.

PREMIERSHIP
TOTTENHAM - WIGAN

Spurs took things very easy at Hapoel Tel Aviv on thursday, especially "sulky sally", Dimitar Berbatov. They know that coming ahead of the international break, this is a massive game for them and could easily define how the rest of the season unfolds. Anything less than 3 points , will leave them in the drop zone and seriously adrift of even the mid table positions, which are really their immediate target. Wigan are without a coach and have lost six straight, conceded 11 in 4 and have not recorded a win in three months, ok, 12 weeks then. Anything less than a convincing win, is going to leave the White Hart Lane faithful very disgruntled, but I think they will have optimism restored, come late afternoon.

6 points Tottenham -1.25 goals 2.0 asian line.

NETHERLANDS ... EREDIVISIE
VITESSE ARNHEIM - HEERENVEEN SC

A win for either of these two, will take them above Twente and into 4th spot in Eredivisie. However, looking at current form, the visitors stand head and shoulders above their hosts and also the rest of the division. They have won 4 in a row, including inflicting a first domestic defeat of the season on PSV, last weekend. Heerenveen have smashed 16 goals in those victories and only leaders, Ajax have scored more this season.

Top scorer Afonso Alaves has 10 goals to his name, only one fewer than the entire goal shy Vitesse team, infact, only one team outside the relegation zone has scored fewer than the home team. HSC have a wonderful record here and have not lost this millenium, boasting a 0-3-4 tally, including a 3-1 win here last season, where Alaves scored all 3. Away win and Alaves to steal the headlines yet again, with a goal or two.

Update... hosts miss key midfielder Yakubu, who has been ever present this season.

6 points Heerenveen level ball 1.86 asian line.

SPAIN ... LA LIGA
VILLAREAL - SEVILLE

Both these two played in europe in midweek and whilst it is true that Villarreal rested a lot of players for the trip to the Czech Republic on thursday, it is also true that Seville were already back in Spain and training, by the time Villa kicked off. The visitors have all their striking options available once again and have a fine record in this fixture, not losing in 5 visits here and only conceding 3 goals in 7 meetings.

Since new coach Manolo Jiminez took over, they have faced a daunting run of fixtures, coming up against Valencia and the two Madrid's, only losing to Atletico by the odd strike, in a seven goal thriller. So today's fixture will hold little fear, they are still targeting a top 4 finish and are capable of achieving that.

Villa are without 4 players today, including top scorer, Giuseppe Rossi.

6 points Seville +1/4 ball 1.84 asian line.

Good Luck.

SPAIN ... LA LIGA

VILLARREAL - SEVILLE

Both these two played in europe in midweek and whilst it is true that Villarreal rested a lot of players for the trip to the Czech Republic on thursday, it is also true that Seville were already back in Spain and training, by the time Villa kicked off. The visitors have all their striking options available once again and have a fine record in this fixture, not losing in 5 visits here and only conceding 3 goals in 7 meetings.

Since new coach Manolo Jiminez took over, they have faced a daunting run of fixtures, coming up against Valencia and the two Madrid's, only losing to Atletico by the odd strike, in a seven goal thriller. So today's fixture will hold little fear, they are still targeting a top 4 finish and are capable of achieving that.

Villa are without 4 players today, including top scorer, Giuseppe Rossi.

6 points Seville +1/4 ball 1.84 asian line.

Good Luck.

WHEN SUNDAY COMES .... IT'S THE NFL !

TENNESSEE TITANS - JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has not practiced all week, after staring last time out, with 3 sacks. His linemate, defensive end Travis LaBoy, is in a similar position and likewise, running back LenDale White has only had limited practice.

Jax also have a somewhat beat up defensive line, but have only been beaten by a big score, by the free scoring Saints and Colts teams and the Titans certainly do not fall into that category. Infact, 5 of their 8 games have been decided by 4 points or less, 4 of them by 3 or fewer, including the reverse fixture, which they won 13-10 and choose to run the ball , all day long.

Given all this ,I have to side with the visitors getting 4.5 points start. For the system players amongst you, there is plenty of comfort. The Jags are 6-0 ATS coming off a double digit loss and the Titans are 9-21 ATS as a home favourite of between 3.5 and 7 points. You can make these stats support almost any claim, if you look long and hard enough, but they are hardly negative.

Game is absolutely vital to the playoff aspirations of each and neither will give up without one heck of a battle, close game, take the points.

5.5 points Jacksonville +4.5 points 2.01 Pinnacle/ Vegas line.

My other four email selections were football matches, I will definitely put one of these on the blog later this afternoon, please check back.

Good Luck.

WTA TENNIS ....

SONY ERICSSON CHAMPIONSHIPS
JUSTINE HENIN - MARIA SHARAPOVA

Henin leads the h2h 5-2, but Sharapova's record on hardcourts, is a far more respectable 3-2, including a loss here last year at the semi final stage, where she was very slow to get going. They have very similar lifetime records on this surface (indoor hard). Let's be honest, this season, the quickest route to the poor house, has been to oppose Henin, but we are just talking about one game and my bet on the russian, has little to do with the belgian player and is all about Sharapova's form and belief, which I touched upon on Friday. She looks back to her best, or close to it and is worth chancing a little, at very nice odds.

4 points Sharapova 3.0 general quote.

Good Luck.

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

Shame that Napoli didn't complete the sweep yesterday, especially after taking the lead, never mind, it was still a very good day.

I have previewed six matches on the email service today and am very happy with the selections, sometimes they just feel right and, win or lose, you know that you have made the correct choice(s), regardless of the results. Will put what I can on the blog.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY UPDATE ...

All three football selections on the blog today won, I am writing this before the kick off of the Napoli match of course.

As I told you this morning, there were 6 selections given on the email service, the blog selections, plus two email exclusives ......

6 points Hull City -1/4 ball 1.87 asian line. WON 3-0
6 points Exeter level ball 1.80 asian line. WON 4-0

That added up to over 22 points profit for subscibers this afternoon alone, an 8 euro unit stake on these selections, would have paid for three month's daily newletter.

The Napoli bet, like 90% of all selections, was also given at much higher odds to members, so win or lose, they are ahead of the pack with that bet also.

Further details of the service can be found by clicking on this link.

Good Luck.

ITALY SERIE A .....

PALERMO- NAPOLI

I like the visitors to get a result, they have made a strong start on their return to Serie A and can once again be considered a big club, maybe they always have been. They are very difficult to beat at home, but have also only lost away at Inter and Fiorentina, both times by the odd goal. They meet a Palermo side that are struggling to win at home, just one victory in 6 starts and with big problems today, missing 3 very key players in Miccoli, Guana and Amauri, all of whom will be sorely missed. Going to split my stake across two bets, I think the draw is a very likely result.

4 points Napoli +1/4 ball 1.95 asian line .... now 1.85
2 points draw 3.0 general.

Good Luck.

FA CUP ....... and again

ACCRINGTON STANLEY - HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

Andy Ritchie has finally got his Town team flying and is determined to carry their good current form into and beyond this afternoon's cup tie. They have worked incredibly hard in recent weeks to put things right and are now reaping the benefits.There is a full division (at least) between these two and although Town are saying otherwise officially, they are looking for revenge for a loss here at the same stage 4 years ago, when they were hashly done by some very strange officiating. Their supporters are definitely up for this and will make up almost half of the crowd. Stanley have over achieved this season, on very limited resources and should be given every credit for that, but I do not see the visitors losing this.

6 points Huddersfield level ball 1.92 asian line..... NOW 1.88

Back later.

I am planning to put one further post online covering tonight's european action, later this afternoon, probably during half time of the UK domestic matches.

FA CUP ........ cont

HAMPTON AND RICHMOND- DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

This is hardly a trip into the unknown for the league side, following two fairly recent promotions, including the biggest one of all, into the Football League, they know venues like this all too well. Infact, they have very positive mental memories of Hampton, having gained one of those promotions on this very ground. The hosts, under boss Alan Devonshire have come a long way, but there are still two divisions between these two clubs and they have been dealt a body blow this week with their top player and leading goalscorer leaving to attend a family funeral, this, on top of two other key injuries. Away win.

5 points Dagenham -1/2 ball 1.97 general quote.

Good Luck.

FA CUP ............

ALTRINCHAM - MILLWALL

Millwall have a lot of injuries at present, they have had problems all season, but the players that they do have left are fairly decent and they outplayed Swansea for long periods on tuesday night and not too many teams will do that this season. New coach Kenny Jackett will obviously be very motivated to make a winning start and in a quirk that the FA Cup always seems to throw up, he was living in Altrincham until last week, so knows the team very well, probably better than his Millwall side at the moment. The hosts have injury concerns of their own and their only real ambitionn should be trying to preserve their BSP status. This has take on added status now, as it brings with it extra sponsorship and television money, which would be desperately missed. Anyway, that is a topic for another day, visitors have too much class.

5 points Millwall -3/4 ball 1.86 asian line.... now 1.80.

Back shortly.

SATURDAY ....... WHAT'S HAPPENING !

NEC and Maria Sharapova both completed comfortable wins yesterday, to get us back on track.

I have just sent previews of nine matches, with six selections on the email service, where I have focused mainly on the FA Cup, which, as always, has thrown up some very interesting fixtures.

Will put what I can on the blog later, so please check back.

NETHERLANDS...... EREDIVISIE

NEC - HERACLES

I really like the hosts here, they have very much targeted this match as three, must win points, with some tough fixtures coming up between now and Christmas. They have certainly named a very adventurous line up, with an attacking midfield formation, ahead of a three man strike partnership. Until the heavy loss to AZ, which someone was going to be on the end of sooner or later, they had got their act together, taking a point at Ajax and thumping Groningen 5-1, a result made all the more impressive, by the fact that the visitors were previously unbeaten on the road.

Heracles are struggling, they have conceded 15 in 4 starts and 17 in 5 away matches. They have two very winable home games coming up and with their away day woes, if they are to survive this season, will be better suited by committing theirselves fully to those two matches, especially with 3 key players very doubtful for this evening.

H2h favours NEC who have a 4-1-1 record and only conceded in one game, with all wins coming by an identical 2-0 scoreline.

6 points NEC -1/2 ball 1.70 + general quote.

Good Luck.

WTA ... SONY ERICSSON CHAMPIONSHIPS

ANA IVANOVIC- MARIA SHARAPOVA

I have seen a very determined Sharapova this week and her serve has looked good, with stats, back up to her excellent best. Let's hope that her shoulder woes are a thing of the past and we can see the true MS next year.

These two have already qualified for the semis, but with the loser set to face Henin and the winner Chakvetadze, there can be no doubt that both will be fully motivated. Sharapova has a 5-0 record against her fellow Russian, so to face her, or the world number one, really is a no brainer.

When MS gets that look in her eye, which is very easy to spot and has clearly been there this week, she is a very difficult player to beat. Ana has given both opponents chances to beat her this week, but they let her off the hook, her opponent today, will not be so generous.

The Serbian superstar has had a fantastic year and given Sharapova two wallopings, but this surface suits the Russian's movement , or lack of it, better and she won their previous meeting on it,on clay she will always struggle against a top ranked opponent, I am further encouraged by positive training reports .

I have to make Sharapova my favourite and cannot let her pass at the odds offered.

4 points Sharapova to beat Ivanovic 2.02 + exchanges.

Back shortly.

ABERDEEN - LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW

Aberdeen have just been through a very tough run of fixtures, completing 5 matches in 12 days, with a depleted squad. The injury situation has cleared up a little, but they are sure to be a little leg weary and tonight, they are facing a classy outfit. Lokomotiv are set to finish 6th or 7th in their domestic league, which is lower than normal, with much of the blame going squarely on the coach's shoulders. However, it does mean that they are concentrating 100% on this competition. They have a squad consisting basically of a handful of young Brazilians and 16 (count them) full internationals. Like most top Russian sides money is not much of a problem and they are all building sides to compete at the highest club level, in the coming years.
They are probably a half level above the home team, more on a par with the Old Firm. Having drawn their opener 3-3 with Atletico Madrid, a match which they led until late, they know that three points this evening are vital.

Aberdeen had their goalkeeper to thank for only losing 3-0 at Panathinaikos on day one, a match which proved they have a lot to learn about european football.

6 points Lokomotiv -1/4 ball 1.87 asian line.

Good Luck.

UEFA CUP ....

I will put two of the four selections onto the blog, the choices are somewhat dictated by the market movements and my strongest selection of the day, has now been too strongly backed to post, but here we go .....

DINAMO ZAGREB - FC BASEL

Dinamo should be battle hardened after eight european matches already this season, including tough two legged ties against Werder Bremen and Ajax, the latter of which they won, with an extra time win in Amsterdam. As usual they have a number of talented youngsters catching the eye of clubs from around europe. None more so than Luka Modric, who has already turned down an approach from Bayern and could be on his way to Arsenal in the transfer window. The playmaker may be left to pull the strings this evening as Basel are set to be without their 3 and maybe 4 most experienced players. Which will leave them very short in midfield, the latest news is that Huggel, Nakata and Carlitos are all definitely out, with Chipperfield a doubt. Given the home strength and potential of the hosts , they look a strong bet and the visitors may be better off fighting another day, as they already have 3 group points to their name.

6 points Dinamo -1/4 ball 1.70 asian line.

Good Luck.

UEFA CUP ....

... takes centre stage today and I have previewed four matches on the email service, going to put whatever I can from these on the blog this afternoon.

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the season ending Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid , this appears to still be news to several bookmakers, including Pinnacle, who are still quoting odds with the american in the list and short, but value odds on Henin to win the Yellow Group.

Back later.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE ....

Nothing on the blog today, just two selections on the email service, so will have to keep them for subscribers. I have a lot of ideas for tomorrow and will try to post as much as possible on here.

Wow ! 20,000 Rangers fans in Barcelona today, bet that is lively !

Good Luck.

DOMESTIC FOOTBALL ..........

CHAMPIONSHIP
QPR-COVENTRY

I see no reason not to back Rangers again, after their strong weekend performance over Hull City, who I rate of a similar level to Coventry. the visitors had an impressive looking 3-1 win at Stoke on saturday, but the scoreline was flattering and neither side covered theirselves in glory in that game. Just to repeat what I said at the weekend, this is a team going places and they are still capable of reaching the playoffs. Home win.

5 points QPR level ball 1.72 asian line.

LEAGUE 2
LUTON TOWN - CARLISLE UNITED

Hosts are very short of options, they are missing 7 players, including all of their senior strikers, they are hoping to take someone on loan this morning. Carlisle are on a high, after beating Leeds 3-1 in front of a bumper home crowd of almost 17,000 and are looking to consolidate their position at the top of the table, The visitors are tight defensively, only Leeds and Forest have conceded fewer and are looking for their 4th away victory, at level ball they look the right/only way to go.

6 points Carlisle level ball 2.14 asian line.

Good Luck.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ....

LIVERPOOL - BESIKTAS

The Reds will be out of the running if they fail to win tonight, after collecting just one point from three group matches. It is time for them to produce one of their famous european performances, at times they look what they are, a class act, at others, decidely average and goal shy. However, they are creating chances, in the first match, which the Turkish side won 2-1, Liverpool registered an incredible 28 attempts on goal, it is a long time since I have seen so many in an away group tie. Besiktas had a tough Istanbul derby derby with Fenerbahce at the weekend, which they lost and also picked up a key injury to an already weakened defence.

Benitez is keen to start Fernando Torres up front and I think that the spanish player will be ready, he was said to be "almost fit" on Sunday evening and trained yesterday and apparently is doing the same this morning, probably as I type ( 10 AM). The goals will come for Liverpool sooner or later, but time is running out, for all concerned, it had better be the former, if they score one, the floodgates could open, especially against such poor travellers, who have lost 5 from 7 CL away starts and are capable of throwing the towel in , if falling behind..

6 points Liverpool -1.75 goals 2.11 asian line.

Good Luck.

TUESDAY PLANS ....

Good Morning !

I have written previews of seven football matches on the email service, four of them are for the english domestic leagues, the others covering a selection of european action, including the Champions League. It depends a little how the market reacts through the day, but I will try to put at least three of these on the blog later this afternoon/evening.

Please check back.

MONDAY'S FOOTBALL .....

Nothing on the blog today, I only previewed one game on the email service, so will keep that for subscribers. Plenty of action tomorrow, with virtually a full lower league programme in England, plus Champions League, please check back then.

Good Luck.

WHEN SUNDAY COMES .... IT'S THE NFL !

Did you ever think it would happen ? The reigning Superbowl champions go 7-0 at the start of the following season and are 5 point underdogs ...... at home !

The game that everyone has been waiting for, the first time in NFL history that two teams that have started 7-0 or better meet ... something to savour, but bet ? Not for me, I am looking elsewhere .....

OAKLAND RAIDERS - HOUSTON TEXANS

The error prone Texans are struggling, they have given up 11 turnovers in their last two starts and a Conference high 23 times, this season. They have lost 5 from 6, their sole win coming against the hapless Dolphins and have given up 108 points in their last 3, plus an average of 30 points on the road.

The Chargers aside, no team has dominated the 2-5 Raiders, who have lost their last two, by a combined total of just 6 points. They play tough defense and can force the Texans into more errors.

5 points Oakland 1.71 money line.

TENNESSEE TITANS - CAROLINA PANTHERS

Titans will be looking to win their 5th game in six starts and to close ground on the Colts, who face a tough task. They are defensively tight and have restricted 5 of their 7 opponents to 14 points or less.

Panthers will start with their 3rd choice quarterback David Carr, who has still to form a relationship, on or off the field, with star receiver Steve Smith. They have lost both starts against AFC teams this season and it should be 3 from 3 later this evening.

5 points Titans -4 points 1.91 vegas line.

Good Luck.

SPAIN ... PRIMERA

RACING SANTANDER - ESPANOL

I am going to oppose Espanol again, a policy which worked well in midweek. Mostly for the reasons that were outlined on Thursday, but, in a league where there are few midweek domestic fixtures, I feel that the extra day's rest is also key, Racing played Wednesday.
Both sides are on long unbeaten runs and the home side are very tight defensively, conceding just once in 5 starts. Recent h2h record favours Santander, who have not lost in 4 meetings and I am taking them with a nice looking level ball option, especially with the visitors still missing several players.

6 points Racing level ball 1.83 asian line

Good Luck.

ENGLAND .... CHAMPIONSHIP

NORWICH CITY - IPSWICH TOWN

I feel that we will see a fired up home side, in this most passionate of derbies and that is something that has been sadly lacking from recent Canaries performances. They have a few more options available today, with the return of some of their more experienced performers and we can expect the new coach effect to have some inpact. However let's be honest, they have been dismal this season and it will take a massive turnaround and a lot of hard work to stay in the Championship.

Town have been fantastic at home, where they have a 100% record this season and won 10 in a row. On the road, it is a different story and in six starts they have yet to record a win, with three draws. Away sides are heavily favoured in these matches, with only one home win in the last 12 meetings, my feeling is that all of these streaks will continue and that the points and bragging rights will be shared. A draw will take Town up to 4th and City to within three points of Crystal Palace and give them something to build on.

4.5 points draw 3.40 exchanges.

Good luck.

NETHERLANDS ....

EREDIVISIE ... AJAX - RODA

Ajax can go top with a win today, their massive injury list has eased slightly and they seem to be over the slight dip in form, with two nice wins in the last 7 days. Roda also have two wins both over De Graafschap this week, but failed to impress their opponents, who said that Roda only pose a threat from set pieces. Their only real eye catching result this season was the win at twente, but they were incredible fortunate that day, with the home team dominating from start to finish. Both sides have significant injuries , but the home side are far better equipped to cope and can keep their unbeaten record, with a trip to Feyenoord next week, which could be a top 2 clash, they will want maximum points today and if, on one of their going days, could run away with this.

6 points Ajax -1.25 goals 1.76 asian line.

Good Luck.

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

Good Morning ! Two winners , two losers yesterday, so no damage . Could have done without the BBC reporter who said that Sheffield United had scored with 4 minutes to go and then took almost a minute to realise that it had been disallowed ! When you are watching a game live, it cannot be so difficult to see that a flag has been raised, of course, these things happen in our favour too, but why is it so hard to remember those !

I have previewed 5 matches on the email service today and will cover something from those on the blog, along with today's NFL action.

Back shortly.

DIVISION 2 ...........

MANSFIELD - MACCLESFIELD

The visitors have impressed many with the style of their performances this season, but have just not translated them into wins, creating a lot of chances, yet drawing 8 of their 13 matches. They let a two goal lead slip last week and have worked hard on ways to kill off games in training this week. Hosts have won just two matches all season and lost four on home soil, they are without key defender John Mullins and will have their work cut out to keep Macclesfield, 7 goals in their last 3, at bay. The away team have collected 7 points in their 3 visits here.

5 points Macclesfield +1/4 ball 1.84 asian line.

Good Luck.

CHAMPIONSHIP .........

SHEFFIELD UNITED - BURNLEY

Bryan Robson rested most of his big name players in the cup tie with Arsenal, making it very clear that the league was his only priority. He knows that today is vital to United's season and they might just be meeting Burnley at the right time, who have their two best defenders out injured and have already conceded 7 in their last 4.

Cahill and Bardsley have tightened up the home defence since arriving on loan and can both return this afternoon. They add a touch of Premiership class and it is now time for the strikers to start producing the goods.

5 points Sheffield United -1/2 ball 1.90 general.

Good Luck.

ENGLAND ... CHAMPIONSHIP .... QPR - HULL CITY

Rangers were down and out a month ago, now they are off the bottom of the table, have two new very rich owners, a new Italian coach. along with his backroom staff and a handful of classy new players, with the promise of more to follow. It will be fun to be an R's fan in the coming months. If only Brentford could find a sugar daddy !

Daniel Nardinello looks set to return to the team and might start, along with recent Hungarian International signing, Akos Buzsaky, who will make his loan deal permanent in January and will not be cheap. They also have three Premiership quality players on loan.

City look a mid table side and will be boosted by the return of Jay Jay Okocha, but this is the type of match Rangers and their new coach will have to win, to keep the very ambitious owners happy. They sit in 23rd, but are only 9 points, with a game in hand, behind Stoke, currently in the final playoff spot and they will not have given up hopes of getting involved yet ..... a team to watch !

5 points QPR -1/4 ball 2.02 asian line.

Good Luck.

SERIE A .... LAZIO - FIORENTINA

Lazio have a smallish squad and with a lengthy injury list, maybe 6 will be out tomoorow and fighting on two fronts, they are really stretched at present. They gave their all in the 3-2 loss in the Rome derby in midweek and face a vital Champions League match with Werder Bremen on Tuesday, victory in which ,will give them a real chance of progression from the group stages. Therefore, how much effort can they put into this match ? I am guessing not too much.

Fiorentina are unbeaten and have looked terrific defensively, unfortunate that seem to be resting Mutu, which is obviously not a positive, but with the level ball option, I see very little downside with this bet, which I am very keen on.

6 points Fiorentina level ball 1.89 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE ....

Just a quick line to let you know that I will not be posting any selections on the blog today. Will definitely have something early tomorrow morning, so please check back.

Good Luck.

SPAIN ... LA LIGA

ESPANOL - MURCIA

I like the visitors with a big looking handicap start. The hosts have had some impressive recent results, but, last years UEFA Cup run aside, are simply not prolific goalscorers. Infact, it is 24 domestic games since they last won by 2 or more goals and they are hampered this evening, by the absence of two key players.

Murcia have made a decent enough start to Primera life, they have lost two away games, at Getafe and Villarreal by two goals, but were a little unfortunate in each, as they restricted the home teams to few attempts on goal, six and seven respectively. Hard to see much downside in this bet, which I am very keen on.

6 points Murcia +1 ball 1.85 asian line.

MLS PLAYOFFS DC UNITED - CHICAGO FIRE ....

United lost the first leg 1-0, they named a very unadventurous line up for that match, some of which was forced upon them and were content with a draw, or narrow loss. Their potent twin strike force of Emilo and Moreno, who have been carrying injuries, were only used in the last 15 minutes and have been nursed through the last two weeks, with only tonight in mind. Both will start and with Fred and Gomez pulling the strings in midfield,DC must be favoured over the Fire, who are the most goal shy MLS team on the road.

5 points DC United -3/4 ball 1.88 asian line.

Good Luck.

SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE I AM BANGING MY HEAD AGAINST A BRICK WALL... but please take 5 minutes to read this ...... it might make you a little money !

To the end of October, over the preceding six weeks, one of which I was away for, there have been previews of 176 football matches on the email service, 106 of which have been winners, that is a 60% success rate. One which would ensure a decent profit, even at sub 2.0 odds, but this sequence includes winners at 8.50, 4.80, 4.50, 4.10 and 3.0 !

However, these are just the basic results and I feel that the information contained within the newsletter, is of equal value, especially with reference to trends, teams to follow and the general approach to analysing matches. With a little fine tuning and personal knowledge, which I am sure, you all have, profits could be even greater. For a couple of dollars per day, I doubt that there is better value on the internet.

In addition, a couple of readers are looking at a potential jackpot payout for minimal stakes, after perming my long term domestic football selections which were .....

CHAMPIONSHIP

5 points Watford to gain promotion 4.0 Watford hold a six point lead and are as low as 1.22 to be promoted .

DIVISION 1

2.5 points Swansea outright 11.0

5 points Swansea promoted 4.0 Swans sit in second place, one point behind the leaders with a game in hand, top priced 8.0 outright.

DIVISION 2

2 points win Milton Keynes Dons 9.0
5 points promotion 3.0 Dons are top of the table with a 3 point lead, quoted at 2.50 to win and big odds on for promotion.

BLUE SQUARE PREMIERSHIP

6 points Aldershot to finish in the top half 1.72 Blue Square. Shots are second in the table, 15 points clear of the bottom half.

PREMIERSHIP

6 points Manchester United 2.375 outright, general quote. United are level with the Gunners at the top of the table.

2 points each way Blackburn Rovers +34 points handicap 16.0 1/5 odds 1234 Ladbrokes.... If that is not available to you, or makes limited appeal, they can be backed at 6.0 for a top 6 spot . Rovers are 5th in the table, with a game in hand over 3 of the top 4. They are down to 5.50 on the handicap and 2.70 for a top 6 finish.

These were my only outright selections in the domestic football. I did give two other bets, which were in the individual club top goalscorer markets. One is unlikely to win, the other is leading despite missing much of this season and looks a very nice bet !

This is tipping/ previewing whatever you wish to call it, of the very highest order.

The reason that I am banging on (and on) about this, is that less and less is going to be available on the blog. I know that the market makers follow my selections and cut the odds accordingly, with or without (usually with) sustained support, therefore, by the time I can post on the blog, much, or all, of the value has long since gone. That situation is not going to improve, infact, it is likely to get worse. Email subscibers all get the newsletter at the same time and have time to bet at the best odds available, odds which beat the final market price virtually everytime.

On the rare occasion that it does not, that is often because other sites have published wrong information, there was such a case yesterday. Where it was reported elsewhere, that a certain club had something of an injury crisis, which was totally incorrect, this was pointed out to subscribers in an email exclusive.

If you have ever considered joing the email service, I suggest that you give it further thought, you can subscribe for 12 weeks, for less than £1.43 per day ,with equivalent rates for the euro and dollar. Infact, the dollar rate, due to the exchange fluctuations, offers even better value, there you go, the first tip for today ! These rates will be updated very shortly and I will say no more than that.

Further details can be found on http://www.bestbets4free.blogspot.com/ .

Good Luck.