Aldershot and their large army of supporters ......

..... will make the short trip to Woking tonight, for a match to be shown live on SKY.

There is a big rivalry between the two and the visitors hold the upper hand, they are yet to lose in six meetings since returning to the Conference, winning four times.

Both are tied on 22 points, but the visitors form stands up to a little closer scrutiny. Woking are yet to beat a team in the top half of the table.

The Shots are missing a few players, but have greater quality in their squad and despite finishing the match with 9 men, impressed the York City management and supporters with their attacking display on Friday. They continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, but lost by the only goal of the game.

Lots of Football League experience in the Aldershot side and they will be motivated by the television cameras. Woking have a terrible record in live tv games and this looks set to continue.

3 points Aldershot +1/4 ball asian line 1.85.

Good Luck.

I will have to reduce the stake for this bet ......

....... as the odds have tumbled, been trying to post since mid morning without success.

Shamrock Rovers are Ireland's most successful club and are looking to recapture their former glories. Having collected just one point from their last two games, against title challengers Galway and Dundalk, they will be eager to get back on track tonight, when they host Limerick, who have little to play for.

A win will take the home side level at the top of table, with a game in hand. They are unbeaten on their own ground (9-4-0) and have the meanest defence in the league, only 11 goals conceded in 28 starts.

This would have been a 5 point bet, if the original odds were still available.

3 points Shamrock Rovers -1/2 ball asian line 1.75.

Back shortly.

Good Luck.

NFL .............

I like three teams tonight.

Washington looked impressive against Jacksonville last week. Clinton Portis had a 100 yard game and Santana Moss, who love to play against the Giants, with over 300 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 3 meetings, seems near to his very best. NYG have the 27th ranked defence and this seems sure to be a high scoring affair,"over" is an option, but the Redskins and the points for me.

Carolina have so many options on offense and have averaged over 330 yards in the last two games. Delhomme has Smith and Johnson in form and if that is not enough for any defence to deal with, the running game is also in fine shape. Cleveland have not won back to back games in 3 years and both of it's starting cornerbacks are doubtful.

Dallas visit the Eagles and Terrell Owens is assured of the hottest of receptions from the home fans, who are never slow to voice an opinion. Very hard to cover both Owens and Terry Glenn and with Julius Jones averaging 5 yards per carry in recent games, the Cowboys have plenty of offensive options. Think the Eagles may focus too much on Owens, Glenn could have a very good day.

4 points Carolina -7.5 points 1.99 pinnacle
4 points Dallas +1.5 points 2.03 pinnacle
4 points Washington + 4.5 points 2.06 pinnacle

Very similar quotes available with Betfair or any bookmaker following the Vegas line.

Good Luck.

A win for Orebro ........

..... today will take them into the automatic promotion spot.

With just 3 rounds to play and a very difficult trip to Trelleborgs up next, they will surely not slip up and leave their fate outside their own control.

Visitors Qviding are already relegated, have conceded 2 or more in 5 of their last 6 starts and a total of 50 all season, the second highest in Superettan.

It is a tough asian line, but think it will be covered with comfort. Orebro's home goal difference of +19, is bettered only by runaway leaders Trelleborgs and they look set to improve upon it today.

5 points Orebro -1.75 goals asian line 1.87.

Good Luck.

DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP ....

......concludes today at St Andrews.

Bradley Dredge and Padraig harrington have slipped a little clear of the field and Stan James, sure that other bookmakers will follow suit, have opened a book, betting without these two.

I see some value in taking a couple of golfers in this market. Ernie Els has a wonderful record here, 2-2-7 in 3 previous appearances and although he has had a poor season by his high standards, must go well today. He shot a fine 67 here on Friday, 3 courses are used in rotation, everyone plays SA today for the second time, shooting 6 birdies in an almost flawless round. He could stage one of his famous last round charges today.

Also like the chance of the massive hitting Swede, Robert Karlsson, who has developed into a top class golfer, he finished with a 68 here last year and something similar could put him in contention today. The pair can be backed at a combined price of 2.35 and that seems fair to me.

3 points Ernie Els 3.0
1.5 points Robert Karlsson 10.0 both in the without Dredge/Harrington market .... Stan James.

Good Luck.

TATIANA GOLOVIN ........

....... looks value to earn her breakthrough win on the WTA Tour today.

This is her third career final and the 18 yo looks ready for the win, it will not be easy, she has to face the inform Nadia Petrova, but the odds look very tasty.

The two have met 3 times before and Tatiana has won them all, the latest in the US Open just a few weeks ago, in a tough 3 set battle. Having won there and the two previous encounters, she can hardly fear her higher ranked opponent today.

Golovin has a massive forehand which can destroy the opposition, it was particularly devastating in the quarters, when she beat Krajicek for the loss of only 3 games. She is "having fun" and "really enjoys playing here", just get the feeling that the youngster feels this is her time and I agree.

4 points Golovin to beat Petrova 2.58 betfair ......... this is the current price, I expect a little higher to be available nearer the start.

Good Luck.

ITALY .......

... simply have to defeat Ukraine in Rome tonight.

Following just one point from their opening two fixtures, anything less than maximum points here,will leave them with a mountain to climb.

18 of the squad which won the World Cup are included for the game at the Stadio Olimpico. They beat today's opponents 3-0 in Germany, just 14 weeks ago, Toni scored twice and returns to the side tonight. Something very similar is on the cards, especially now that they are on home soil.

Ukrainian football is in something of a slump. The two big club sides have disappointed in Europe and the coach, Oleh Blokhin , admits that they are suffering a World Cup "hangover". Star striker, Andriy Shevchenko, who has been in poor form for his new club Chelsea, has picked up a virus and remains a doubt.

Italy tend to win when they HAVE to, odds are low, but higher than the chance I give them, cannot see beyond the home win.

6 points Italy -1/2 1.45 general quote.

Good luck.

EURO 2008 QUALIFICATION ......

Scotland have made a little progress under Walter Smith, but face a whole different test tonight, when France visit Hampden Park.

Smith has decided to gamble and will start several players who are either, very short of match fitness, or carrying slight injuries. They have no left sided defender and there is a lack of pace and mobility throughout the team.

You would be hard pressed to name one Scottish player who could make the French 22. With a defensive line up, they look set to go with the away formation of 4-5-1, they are going to concede a lot of possession, to the superior French side.

Pace may well be the deciding factor and it is hard to see how the home side will deal with Henry's electrifying bursts, he could have a field day.

4 points France -3/4 ball asian line 1.87.

Back shortly

Good Luck.

STOCKPORT-BARNET .......

Free scoring Barnet,who's total of 21 goals and only 4 defeats is the best in the lower half of the table, travel North for a meeting with Stockport County.

The home side did hammer 5 past Wrexham, but that game aside, have managed only 6 in their other 11 starts and are without a goal in two.

The visitors have lost just one in 6, scored in each, at least two goals in 5 of them and led in 4.

County have sone defensive problems today, it is very hard to see Barnet not scoring, which means they have to concede two to lose. Under the circumstances they look a nice bet with a small start on the asian handicap.

I will be back a little later with something for tonight's internationals.

4 points Barnet +1/4 ball asian line 1.98.

Good Luck.

Matches involving ........

....... Crewe and Gillingham have produced more goals than any other teams in Division 1 this season.

Why should it be any different when the two face each other at Gresty Road today ?

Crewe's home games have averaged 3.33 goals, Gillingham's away ties 3.83, both have averaged exactly 3.25 in all starts this year.

The home sides potent strike force, which is being watched by every scout in England (14 premiership clubs asked for tickets today), are fit and ready to start, after some doubts. Gillingham will again have some defensive problems. We have to expect goals, "over"for me.

4 points over 2.5 goals Crewe-Gillingham 1.80 betfair.

Good luck.

LEYTON ORIENT .........

........ are on a dismal run of 10 games without a win and boss Martin Ling, knows that they HAVE to get something from today's match.

Visitors Chesterfield are a very physical side, I have seen them twice in the past year or so and if they can take the man as well as the ball, then all well and good. They gave my poor Brentford boys a bit of a kicking. Today they are without the suspended Caleb Folan, their top scorer and Phil Picken, an ever present defender.

Orient have had a rough time with injuries, a couple of players are now ready to return and Ling has added to the squad with the loan signing of Peter Till from Birmingham. His pace and width will be an asset and he will start today.

Three of the O's next four matches are away from Brisbane Road, all difficult, long trips up North and they are still pointless "on the road". Today has been targeted as a must win game and it is being approached as their most important match of the season.

Orient took so long to get out of Division 2, they cannot afford to drop straight back down, owner Barry Hearn's patience will not last indefinitely. Not for the purists, blood and guts in East London, a hard fought home win.

4 points Leyton Orient level ball asian handicap 1.80.

Back shortly.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY ............

I will put my first post online before 12.00 cet.

Please check back.

Free scoring Hartlepool .......

........ 17 in 5 games, travel to Lincoln who have won only 1 in 4 and have not scored in their last 2 starts, both against teams in the bottom 4.

This seems to be the "levelling out"effect. Lincoln have managed only 104 attempts at goal, Hartlepool a league high 164, exactly 5 per game more, a massive difference.

City are happier on the road and have one only a third of home games, last season was a similar story, as they were held in 61% of all matches at Sincil Bank.

Only one way to go for me, Danny Wilson's men to continue the push.

4 points Hartlepool +1/4 1.80 asian line.

Good Luck.

I am backing Swansea ........

..... to get their season back on track tonight, when Tranmere visit the Liberty Stadium.

There is always a fantastic atmosphere there for night games and with Lee Trundle and 4 others likely to return to action,the fans could have plenty to cheer. I know the players have been hurt by recent criticism, of performances and coaching decisions, they are 100% behind the manager and want to put on a show tonight.

Tranmere's good start has been based on home performances and they are without a win in 3, in a couple of recent outings, they have been made to look decidedly average.

Swansea are due some good fortune, there total of 157 attempts at goal, is better than the visitors by 35, or 3 per game. The Swans have also hit the woodwork a league high, TEN TIMES !

City to come good.

Sorry, I am very short of time, will post one further selection shortly.

4 points Swansea -1/4 1.83 asian line.

Good Luck.

Someone who did not do us proud yesterday was .......

..... Dinara Safina, her performance was abysmal ......... better not say any more.

That was Hantuchova's first win over a top 10 player in a VERY long time. The problem was/is, even seemingly coasting, late in the second set, she appeared to be "looking" for a way to get nervous. I feel she is very unlikely to get such an easy ride today, against Nadia Petrova.

The Russian is desperate for the points, to help her in the race to Madrid. She holds a 2-0 h2h lead on hard courts, dropping only 6 games in the 4 sets played.

Think Nadia will have too much for Hantuchova today and she is a confident selection.

4 points Petrova to beat Hantuchova 1.75 betfair.


Football all the way now, back at 17.00 cet with the selections.

Good Luck.

Starting with the tennis ......

Arnaud Clement did us proud yesterday and amassed 15 break points in his victory over Richard Gasquet.

As I pointed out yesterday, once Clement is "involved" in a tournament, he is a very difficult man to beat.

Today he faces another fellow Frenchman and close friend, Sebastian Grosjean. Arnaud leads the h2h 5-2, 4-1 on hard courts.

There are very few players in the world, I would back to beat an inform Clement, on a hard court, on home soil, Grosjean is not one of them.

4 points Clement to beat Grosjean 1.95 betfair.

Back shortly.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY .........

Lots to pass on today. The football and tennis look very interesting.

I will have my first post online by 14.30 cet.

Please check back.

SONY ERICSSON CHAMPIONSHIPS .......

..... take place in Madrid in early November.

With four places already decided ( Sharapova,Kuznetsova,Henin-Hardene and Mauresmo), competition is fierce for the remaining four spots.

Today, Safina, currently 10th in the standings, Petrova 8th and Schnyder 9th, all play in Stuttgart, knowing that defeat will be a major blow to their chances of playing, in the end of season bonanza.The top 8 qualify.

I suggest we play a double on the first two named, both "should" win and hold winning h2h records over their opponents. Safina beat Hantuchova in straight sets just last week in Luxembourg, Petrova leads Groenefeld 4-1.

Certain that Patty will be just as motivated, but is not at the top of her game and opponent, Shahar Peer is very talented, infact, she looks overpriced, but just the double for me.

Jankovic's win yesterday puts added pressure on the 3, think the Russian double is a very strong selection.

5 points double Safina to beat Hantuchova/ Petrova to beat Groenefeld 1.99 pinnacle/ unibet 1.95 centrebet.

Good Luck.

METZ TENNIS

Most of you will know that I hold Richard Gasquet in very high regard and expect him to have a MASSIVE year in 2007.

However, today he faces fellow Frenchman, Arnaud Clement and the match could be much closer than current bookmaker odds, would suggest.

Richard admits to having problems playing friends and the two are close. In their only previous meeting earlier this year, Arnaud won in 3 sets, the stats were incredibly close. The only area in which either dominated, was Clement on 2nd serve, that may well be the deciding factor today.

Both have rested since the US Open, opened the tournament with strong wins and are competing in the doubles, so there should be no injury concerns.

Gasquet is a very likely top 5 player, but on his day, Clement is good, very good on hard courts and especially in his own country. 3 of his 4 ATP wins have come in France, all on hard courts.
These victories all came against top class hard court players, Rafter, Fernando Gonzalez, Ancic and Andrew Murray, in strong events.

Two were this year, in Marseille ( beat Gasquet,Nadal and Ancic) and Washington ( beat Hewitt, Safin and Murray), once he gets his teeth into a tournament, he is very hard to shake off. Arnaud also has an Australian Open final appearance to his credit.

His hard court form stands up to the very closest inspection, he like playing here and is a previous winner of the singles (2003) and doubles (2004).

This will be tough, but I really like the odds on offer and find myself unable to pass.

4 points Clement to beat Gasquet 3.0 general-expekt/centrebet, bigger will be available on the exchanges, currently 3.15 betfair.

Take a look at the Gasquet backhand, it is a thing of beauty, just hope it is not too "hot" today.

Back later.

Good Luck.

WEYMOUTH-GRAVESEND ...

... is live on SKY tonight, this is the first time either side have ever been shown in a live televised league game, so a huge event for both. Sure to be a few nerves.

Weymouth are strong at home, 5-1-0 this season and only one defeat in some 30 starts at the Wessex Stadium. Having been promoted last season most of these have been at a lower level, but impressive none the less.

However, their recent form has been poor, two defeats following by a very scrappy 2-1 win over St Albans, where the Terras own supporters, were very critical of their performance. They have been conceding possession far too easily and allowing sides to dominate. If they play as poorly again tonight, they will lose.

Gravesend are on a 9 match unbeaten run and despite having limited funds, play with a lot of spirit. They have a potent strike force in De Bolla and MacDonald ( 15 goals between them), which always gives you a chance. Fleet have a couple of long term injured players now fit and ready to return to action, so competition for places is keen.

The home side have only scored two goals in a match once ( St Albans) in nine starts and I do not see them improving upon that against a Fleet defence, which has just kept a clean sheet against free scoring Dagenham. Think a draw is a very possible result, but going to side with the visitors on the asian handicap.

4 points Gravesend +1/4 ball asian line 1.92.

Good Luck.

It has not been possible to get ........

.... the news I was hoping for, so just a minimal bet on the tennis.

Going to chance a little on Mary Pierce to defeat Jana Jankovic, at a big looking 3.25.

Mary has only played 7 matches since February and is still a little way short of full fitness, but is determined to give it a go, over the next year or so. She has employed a new coach and is working hard. The slower court here should work in her favour.

Jankovic has retired twice from recent tournaments and some people have questioned her commitment at times. Capable of beating anyone on tour, she can just as easily lose, or worse, throw in the towel at times. A wonderful talent and entertainer, she can always be opposed at a decent price, against an opponent who will give it a go.

Mary has much more than a 30% chance, so we have to bet, was hoping to get some updated fitness news on Jankovic, but no luck.

2 points Mary Pierce to beat Jankovic 3.25 betfair.

Good Luck.

TODAY ......

I will post some football information at 16.00 cet.

If anyone is interested in the tennis today, I am going to suggest a small bet. Just waiting for a telephone call, it will be online within the hour, before 14.45 cet .

Both selections showed a profit yesterday, maybe we are better with less choice.

Back shortly.

Two of the Conference's lesser lights ........

........ face off tonight, when St Albans, who always looked set to struggle at this level, host Forest Green Rovers.

Saints started reasonably well, but have now lost 5 in a row and are really starting to leak goals, 9 in their last 3 starts.

Rovers have gone the other way and lost just 1 in 6, after a truly awful start of one point, from a possible 18. A win tonight will take them above the home side in the table, regardless of what happens at Clarence Park, I am sure that is how they will finish the season.

FGR have shown a lot of spirit in recent outings, most notably in coming from 2 down to draw at Halifax, never an easy place to get a result.

With runaway leaders, Oxford, up next, they will need to get something tonight to avoid undoing all the recent hard work. Home and away wins are about level in the Conference this season and most of the top clubs have performed well at home as you might expect, 3 remain unbeaten. So there is nothing wrong in opposing any of the "lower" teams at home, the advantage is considerably less than in most other leagues.

4 points Forest Green Rovers +1/4 ball asian line 1.90.

No tennis bets today, but probably tomorrow.

Good luck.

LIVE ON SKY TONIGHT .......

John Still's promising crop of youngsters travel to division newcomers, Stafford Rangers.

After earning promotion through the Conference North playoffs, Rangers made a promising start, but are now winless in 8 games.

Team spirit, which their success was based on, seems at a very low ebb. They have managed only 8 goals all season, the second lowest in the Conference. The visitors have amassed three times as many, a league high 24.

With competition for playoff places likely to be intense and Oxford, all ready looking booked for top spot, every point is vital. The Daggers look a class above Stafford and it is not impossible these two, could be two divisions apart next season.

Going to side with the visitors.

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

Good Luck.

UPDATE ......

Not too much happening on the football front today, don't say that too loud, you might wake some of the bookmakers up.

Actually, I am going to put up two bets for tonight's Conference matches, first will be online before 15.00 cet.

I have a contact attending one of the tennis tournaments, waiting for an email, might put up a bet later, if so, I will let you know when posting one of the football selections.

Check back.

BRANN .......

..... face Odd Grenland knowing that only victory tonight, will leave the title destiny in their own hands.

Despite trailing Rosenborg by 5 points, they have still to host the leaders and can decide their own fate. Brann have gone off the boil a little, in early August they led RBK by 7 points, but it is hard to think of greater motivation.

Odd are without a win in 3, conceding 8 in those games and seem to be losing interest in the season.

Brann team :Håkon Opdal; Bjørn Dahl, Armann Bjørnsson, Olafur Bjarnason, Erlend Hanstveit; Ardian Gashi, Martin Andresen, Eirik Bakke, Petter Vaagan Moen; Robbie Winters og Bengt Sæternes.

4 points Brann -1/2 1.45 general, a little bigger on the exchanges.

Good Luck.

WATFORD ...........

.... have been playing quite well, without much luck in front of goal.

Aidy Boothroyd's team are still looking for their first win and have targeted tonight, as the night.

With trips to Arsenal and Charlton up next and almost 4 weeks until their next match at Vicarage Road, anything less than 3 points will leave them firmly rooted in the relegation zone.

Opponents Fulham are missing several players, including the key Luis Boa Morte and Jimmy Bullard. Never at their best away from Craven Cottage, they have managed just one away win in 22 Premiership starts.

Watford are averaging 2.5 attempts on goal more than their opponents and will have to start putting them away, if they are to survive. They are likely to name an unchanged side, as they have used more players than any other team in the top flight, that will be a rare luxury.

Probable squads ......
Watford (from): Foster, Lee, Chamberlain, DeMerit, Mackay, Shittu, Stewart, Doyley, Chambers, Mariappa, Smith, Mahon, Francis, Bouazza, Spring, Bangura, McNamee, King, Young, Henderson, Priskin.
Fulham (from): Niemi, Lastuvka, Rosenior, Knight, Pearce, Queudrue, Brown, Diop, Radzinski, Timlin, John, Helguson, McBride, Volz, Bocanegra, Routledge, N Jensen, C Jensen.

The Hornets simply have to go for it, time for a change of luck, home win.

4 points Watford level ball asian line 1.72

Good Luck.

Amiens-Bastia

The visitors have major problems ahead of tonight's game.

They will be without 7 players, including Andre, Laville, Maire, Leca and Meslin, all of whom are important to the side. Bastia are left with just 15 available squad members to choose from. Never the best of travellers, they have won only one of their last nine away and conceded an average of 2.4 goals per game this season.

Amiens finally got back on track last week with a 3-1 win away at Istres, plenty of merit in that, the home side had previously only lost 3 times in 24 home ties, conceding just 19 goals. After a strong start to the season, Amiens had not really had the run of the ball in recent outings, they have a golden opportunity to move up the table tonight. Victory will take them above Bastia and into 8th place.

Goals can also be expected, Bastia matches have produced a league high 33, at an average of 3.67, Amiens are also well above the division norm with 2.67. With the goal line set at "2", this looks a very good "over".

4 points Amiens level ball 1.76 asian line
5 points over 2 goals Amiens-Bastia 1.82 asian line.

Back later.

Good Luck.

GOOD MORNING !

I am going to post three selections today, the first will be online before 14.30 cet.

Last week was a little frustrating, 60% winners and over 11 points profit is acceptable. However, it could have been so much better, luck was in short supply. These things tend to level out, so we can expect a little good fortune, in the not too distant future.

Please check back.

NFL

Jacksonville Jaguars really impressed me last week, they dominated the Colts for long periods and were unlucky not to come away with the win.


They had possession for some 20 minutes longer than Indianapolis and restricted them to just 62 yards, this coming just 6 days after they kept the Super Bowl champions, Pittsburgh, from scoring.


They look the number defence and I expect Byron Leftwich, the Jags quarterback, to put up an improved performance tonight.


5 points Jacksonville to beat Washington 1.72 money line general/betfair.

Good Luck.

SEVILLE .....

.... should get back to winning ways today. They were very unlucky to lose at Atletico last week, after looking the better team, they had two players sent off and conceded two late goals.

That was their first loss in 12, they were back on track in midweek, with a very easy win in the UEFA Cup. A team on a mission , Seville are determined to attain the Champions League spot, they feel they threw away last season.

They are without the suspended Navarro and Escude, but these are offset by the visitors, Getafe, being without three starters.

With Barcelona away up next, three points today are seen as essential, they should get them.

4 points Seville -3/4 goal asian line 1.83.

Good Luck.

MADRID DERBY .......

...... tonight and it should provide plenty of entertainment.

Raul seems revitalised at long last and Ronaldo is looking for a starting place. Atletico look likely to add Mista and Maniche to a very strong starting eleven.

In the 5-1 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev, Real's defensive fraililties were still there and the scoreline could have been much closer.

I was tempted to side with the visitors but feel the "over" is the right way to go. The goal line is set at 2.25, so half stakes returned with two goals. Nine of the last 12 meetings have been "over", two of the remainder produced two goals, so history is firmly on our side.

4 points over 2.25 goals 1.83 Real Madrid-Atletico asian line.

Good Luck.

I like the look of .......

....... the away win in the Heerenveen-PSV match.

Both sides have severe injury concerns today and will be forced to make many changes. However, PSV have a better squad and more options at their disposal.

When these two meet there are always goals, 7 of the last 8 meetings have been "over" and that rises to 13/15 in all games. But the visitors have dominated with just two defeats and nine wins in 13 starts.

With leaders AZ looking sure to pick up 3 points today, PSV will not want to lose any further ground before the international break. Especially as they shortly have to travel to Alkmaar for what, even at this early stage, could be something of a title decider.

4 points PSV -1/2 1.95 asian line, you may find higher on the exchanges, or by shopping around, Stan James currently offer 2.0.

Good Luck.

Falkirk-Celtic

I am going to start in Scotland.

Firstly, all write ups will be extremely brief, I have family commitments today, you know how it is ....


Gordon Strachan has done an excellent job at Celtic, he has had to slash the playing budget due to severe financial restraints, yet they have continued to dominate domestically and continued to challenge in Europe.

Today they are without Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, but have competition for the starting line up alongside Kenny Miller. The home side are without 4 players, including 2 key midfielders and it is there that the visitors will take the game.

Last meeting finished 3-0 to the Bhoys and something similar looks on the cards today.

4 points Celtic -1.5 goals asian line 2.205

Good Luck.

5 FROM 5 ........

.... on the football yesterday, only Furyk let us down, almost 17 points profit on the day.

Very confident that we can add to that today, so please check back.