SUNDAY AUGUST 24TH
Three selections today, all strong ..........
GERMANY
BUNDESLIGA
VFL BOCHUM - WOLSBURG
I have to oppose Bochum, they are already coming in for a lot of criticism from fans and the local media, that might seem harsh after just two games, during which they failed to score in 90 minutes against lower league Preuben Munster in the cup and away at Karlsruhe, when the 1-0 scoreline could have been far worse. However, when we also add a dreadful pre season into the equation, things begin to look very bad indeed. They are nine without a win, losing five and have only scored one goal, against Japanese side Yokohama, in 450 minutes play. Even more frightening, were the huge number of clear cut chances Karlsruhe managed to create.
It is hard to see Wolfsburg, fairing less well. The visitors had a fine second half of the season, collecting 34 points after Christmas, at an average of two per game, this took them up to 5th in the Bundesliga and would have earned them second spot, if they could have carried that through the whole season. They opened with a comprehensive win in the cup and followed up with a come from behind victory over Koln, when they dominated and had 17 attempts on goal. Coach Felix Magath has got them believing and expectation is sky high for this season, they will have to do without Grafite today, who is suspended, but this is more than offset, by the unavailability of key player Joel Epalle for the hosts.
6.5 points Wolfsburg -1/4 ball 2.10 asian line. 2-2 draw Wolfsburg had 55% possession and 18 shots on goal !
SPAIN
SUPERCUP
REAL MADRID - VALENCIA
The first leg was won 3-2 by Valencia and it is hard to see tonight's match being any less prolific. Last four meetings between these two have produced 19 goals, all have been "over", with three containing five or more goals. This competition is not taken too seriously and the last 33 matches in the Super Cup, have averaged over 3.21 goals per game. Unsettled Robinho has been included in the home squad, which is missing Sneijder, Saviola, Gago, Cannavaro and Metzelder. I think both teams will be out to entertain and feel that the best way to approach is this taking the "over" 3 goal line.
6.5 points "over" 3 goals 2.28 asian line. Score 4-2
USPGA GOLF
THE BARCLAYS OUTRIGHT
VIJAY SINGH
Vijay Singh cannot putt, if he could, goodness knows how many tournaments he would have won ! As it is, his victory in the recent WGC Bridgestone Invitational, which ended a 17 month winless streak, was his 32nd on the US Tour. That has given him renewed confidence and the hardest working man in golf, is very difficult to beat, when on top of his game. His iron play is fantastic and when the putts drop, like yesterday, it is foolhardy to oppose him. Rookie leader Kevin Streelman (-8), will not have slept too well, with a host of top players, Singh, Casey, Weir and Garcia, all just a stroke back, these four are a further two shots clear of the pack.
Casey, Weir and Garcia have all disappointed at the business end of tournaments recently and I find it impossible not to see Vijay in contention come the closing holes, where it is possible to shoot low here. The Fijian superstar is six under for the last 5 holes, which is better than all his rivals and a whopping fives strokes superior to Garcia, who is favourite in many books.
6 points Vijay Singh outright 5.50 general quote .... a little 5.90 on the exchanges.Singh won by birding two of the closing holes and winning a playoff over Garcia on the 17th
Good Luck.
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