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.