OFFICIAL UPDATE ..........

Quite a few changes to my earlier list and we now have the official totals .........

First Name Last Name Chip Count Table Seat
1 Robert Mizrachi 523,200 Table 46 Seat 6
2 Jayde Tran 406,700 Table 59 Seat 5
3 Eric Richards 399,500 Table 51 Seat 1
4 Bryan Devonshire 393,400 Table 64 Seat 2
5 Cory Carroll 384,700 Table 57 Seat 6
6 John Celii 376,800 Table 61 Seat 9
7 Carlos Mortensen 371,600 Table 49 Seat 2
8 Kenny Tran 367,400 Table 60 Seat 9
9 Michael Gracz 364,800 Table 52 Seat 3
10 J Onathan Kalmar 333,900 Table 48 Seat 6
11 Marcel Luske 325,200 Table 52 Seat 8
12 Steve Wong 306,600 Table 54 Seat 8
13 Saifuddin Ahmad 306,500 Table 59 Seat 1
14 Soheil Shamseddin 297,500 Table 49 Seat 7
15 Philip Galfond 295,700 Table 47 Seat 8
16 John Hoang 293,700 Table 49 Seat 8
17 Mikael Thuritz 291,200 Table 50 Seat 9
18 Thomas Schneider 288,000 Table 60 Seat 3
19 Michael Katz 284,700 Table 62 Seat 4
20 Richard Fohrenbach 281,900 Table 58 Seat 3
21 Rhynie Campbell 281,100 Table 54 Seat 7
22 Joe Sebok 278,100 Table 46 Seat 5
23 Anna Wroblewski 277,300 Table 54 Seat 2
24 Martin Deknijff 276,100 Table 46 Seat 3
25 Charles Kelley 273,600 Table 60 Seat 8
26 Nhan Le 272,000 Table 54 Seat 9
27 Gus Hansen 264,200 Table 55 Seat 9
28 Josh Arieh 248,700 Table 59 Seat 4
29 Tam Hang 244,800 Table 48 Seat 9
30 Jeff Bayles 242,300 Table 47 Seat 2
31 John Kincaid 226,800 Table 64 Seat 1
32 Karga Holt 224,300 Table 60 Seat 7
33 Edwin Ting 215,000 Table 52 Seat 5
34 Praz Bansi 214,200 Table 61 Seat 2
35 Joseph Cassidy 214,200 Table 48 Seat 8
36 Greg Mueller 212,700 Table 56 Seat 6
37 James Calderaro 210,200 Table 58 Seat 6
38 Eugene Todd 210,000 Table 57 Seat 9
39 Vadim Trincher 209,700 Table 48 Seat 3
40 Andreas Krause 207,600 Table 51 Seat 5
41 Jeff King 203,000 Table 58 Seat 4
42 Yan Chen 203,000 Table 58 Seat 5
43 Gary Margadonna 202,100 Table 47 Seat 3
44 Nikolay Losev 201,500 Table 50 Seat 5
45 Jc Tran 201,300 Table 49 Seat 1
46 Abraham Mosseri 197,700 Table 57 Seat 3
47 Scott Epstein 194,900 Table 63 Seat 7
48 William Pilossoph 192,500 Table 64 Seat 8
49 Nicolas Levi 192,200 Table 59 Seat 9
50 Tim Phan 186,400 Table 53 Seat 4
51 Dario Minieri 186,000 Table 44 Seat 3
52 David Chiu 184,200 Table 53 Seat 3
53 Isabel Mercier 184,000 Table 63 Seat 1
54 Eric Kesselman 180,300 Table 62 Seat 6
55 Mark Seif 180,000 Table 63 Seat 3
56 William Baxter 176,600 Table 48 Seat 1
57 Matthew Vengrin 172,000 Table 61 Seat 5
58 Padraig Parkinson 170,700 Table 52 Seat 2
59 Paul Chauderson 168,000 Table 63 Seat 9
60 Brian Rast 163,700 Table 50 Seat 3
61 John Esposito 162,000 Table 58 Seat 7
62 Jonathan Westra 161,700 Table 59 Seat 7
63 Barny Boatman 161,500 Table 53 Seat 7
64 Steve Billirakis 156,600 Table 49 Seat 4
65 Daniel Negreanu 154,600 Table 54 Seat 3
66 Benjamin Springer 152,800 Table 53 Seat 8
67 T J Cloutier 152,000 Table 48 Seat 5
68 Francois Safieddine 151,800 Table 52 Seat 7
69 Herman Zango 150,300 Table 52 Seat 1
70 Gary Gibbs 149,300 Table 49 Seat 3
71 Men Nguyen 145,800 Table 63 Seat 6
72 Roy Winston 144,000 Table 62 Seat 1
73 Gavin Smith 142,300 Table 49 Seat 6
74 Keith Gipson 142,100 Table 54 Seat 6
75 David Tran 141,500 Table 47 Seat 4
76 Dino French 141,200 Table 59 Seat 8
77 Amir Vehedi 141,100 Table 50 Seat 2
78 Hyon Kim 139,400 Table 50 Seat 4
79 Thomas Wahlroos 137,400 Table 61 Seat 6
80 Mike Sexton 135,100 Table 51 Seat 6
81 Michael Sohayegh 133,900 Table 51 Seat 2
82 Rock Cloutier 132,600 Table 58 Seat 2
83 Zvi Shiff 131,000 Table 55 Seat 8
84 Matthew Giannetti 130,700 Table 57 Seat 4
85 John Hillman 130,000 Table 55 Seat 1
86 Andrew Shack 129,400 Table 51 Seat 3
87 Philippe Rouas 124,700 Table 64 Seat 3
88 Kathy Liebert 123,300 Table 60 Seat 5
89 Mats Rahmn 123,000 Table 51 Seat 4
90 Narendra Banwari 122,700 Table 52 Seat 6
91 Matthew Hyman 122,400 Table 50 Seat 8
92 Cary Katz 121,800 Table 53 Seat 9
93 John Monnette 121,400 Table 61 Seat 1
94 Tim Chauser 120,700 Table 57 Seat 8
95 Abdo Lattouf 120,000 Table 64 Seat 7
96 Noah Schwartz 117,200 Table 45 Seat 7
97 Jared Hamby 116,500 Table 53 Seat 5
98 Vivek Rajkumar 115,600 Table 62 Seat 8
99 Vincent Procopio 114,500 Table 44 Seat 4
100 Hevad Khan 113,400 Table 55 Seat 7
101 Phil Ivey 111,700 Table 45 Seat 8
102 Barry Greenstein 111,100 Table 64 Seat 4
103 James Dawick 110,200 Table 52 Seat 9
104 David Ulliot 110,000 Table 45 Seat 5
105 David Benyamine 110,000 Table 44 Seat 6
106 Ray Coburn 109,900 Table 60 Seat 1
107 Allie Prescott 109,200 Table 51 Seat 8
108 Samuel Hiatt 107,300 Table 45 Seat 3
109 John Strzemp 107,000 Table 58 Seat 8
110 Vincent Shaw 106,300 Table 53 Seat 1
111 Alex Jacob 105,800 Table 64 Seat 6
112 Steven Weinstein 105,300 Table 53 Seat 6
113 Keith Tilston 104,600 Table 47 Seat 6
114 Andrew Robl 102,400 Table 62 Seat 2
115 Nicholas Binger 101,600 Table 54 Seat 1
116 Jordan Morgan 100,600 Table 56 Seat 7
117 Karl Tretter 98,900 Table 63 Seat 8
118 Tom Dwan 98,800 Table 59 Seat 6
119 Thayer Rasmussen 98,300 Table 52 Seat 4
120 Tony Grappo 96,800 Table 55 Seat 5
121 Sudhakara Kattamuri 96,500 Table 44 Seat 8
122 Jared Okun 96,400 Table 64 Seat 5
123 David Kim 96,000 Table 51 Seat 9
124 James Van Alstyne 95,700 Table 63 Seat 4
125 Robert Wisiak 95,000 Table 49 Seat 5
126 Chad Brown 95,000 Table 47 Seat 5
127 Bob Stupak 94,200 Table 58 Seat 1
128 Champie Douglas 93,100 Table 56 Seat 3
129 Jordan Rich 92,800 Table 56 Seat 5
130 James Mettler 92,700 Table 46 Seat 4
131 Joseph Risi 92,500 Table 55 Seat 2
132 Parviz Razavian 91,600 Table 59 Seat 3
133 Dave Redlin 90,300 Table 54 Seat 5
134 Chris Lee 89,600 Table 61 Seat 8
135 Mark Appleman 89,000 Table 47 Seat 1
136 Kristy Gazes 88,700 Table 57 Seat 5
137 Jeff Shulman 88,300 Table 56 Seat 8
138 Quinn Do 88,100 Table 46 Seat 7
139 Andrew Black 86,800 Table 61 Seat 4
140 Mark Newhouse 86,500 Table 62 Seat 5
141 Steve Brecher 85,900 Table 55 Seat 6
142 Peter Neff 84,000 Table 59 Seat 2
143 Tim West 83,400 Table 44 Seat 2
144 Raffi King 82,300 Table 57 Seat 1
145 Ron Levi 81,800 Table 46 Seat 8
146 Erik Seidel 80,300 Table 47 Seat 7
147 Mike Watell 78,300 Table 62 Seat 3
148 Alan Smurfit 77,800 Table 56 Seat 2
149 Wil Wilkinson 75,600 Table 45 Seat 9
150 Art Duncan 73,700 Table 51 Seat 7
151 Burton Boutin 73,400 Table 45 Seat 2
152 Humberto Brenes 72,500 Table 55 Seat 4
153 Dan Harrington 69,400 Table 56 Seat 9
154 Ray Henson 69,100 Table 60 Seat 4
155 Jonathan Aguiar 68,200 Table 46 Seat 1
156 John Juanda 67,500 Table 62 Seat 7
157 Thomas Mccormick 64,100 Table 49 Seat 9
158 Mike Matusow 62,900 Table 55 Seat 3
159 Shawn Cunix 61,900 Table 44 Seat 7
160 Andrew Pierz 60,100 Table 54 Seat 4
161 Herb Montalbano 57,700 Table 48 Seat 2
162 Eric Lynch 56,000 Table 47 Seat 9
163 Daniel Shak 55,600 Table 50 Seat 6
164 Ross Boatman 55,000 Table 56 Seat 4
165 Stan Jablonski 50,400 Table 46 Seat 9
166 Jimmy Dowda 48,500 Table 62 Seat 9
167 Will Failla 48,500 Table 45 Seat 4
168 Doyle Brunson 48,300 Table 63 Seat 5
169 Fred Berger 45,400 Table 61 Seat 3
170 Lars Bonding 44,300 Table 48 Seat 4
171 Matthew Brady 44,200 Table 50 Seat 1
172 Scott Mayfield 43,400 Table 46 Seat 2
173 Michael Mckenna 42,100 Table 53 Seat 2
174 John Roveto 38,900 Table 50 Seat 7
175 Scotty Nguyen 38,100 Table 56 Seat 1
176 Dewey Tomko 36,600 Table 48 Seat 7
177 Tad Jurgens 36,500 Table 60 Seat 2
178 Gary Horn 36,200 Table 60 Seat 6
179 Steven O'Dwyer 35,100 Table 64 Seat 9
180 Heather Sue Mercer 34,400 Table 58 Seat 9
181 William Klein 34,100 Table 61 Seat 7
182 Grant Lang 32,400 Table 45 Seat 1
183 Eugene Katchalov 30,900 Table 63 Seat 2
184 Chris Grigorian 29,200 Table 44 Seat 1
185 Nam Le 29,000 Table 57 Seat 2
186 Danny Wong 26,700 Table 44 Seat 5
187 David Grey 25,300 Table 45 Seat 6
188 Cristiano Blanco 22,800 Table 57 Seat 7

WORLD POKER TOUR ....... WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ......... CHIP COUNT END OF DAY 2

What is claimed to be the greatest field in poker history, coughed up $25k each at the Bellagio to compete for the title of WPT World Champion and a first prize of almost $3.4m.

Surprisingly, that is quite a bit down on last year, when the winner, Carlos Mortensen walked away with a cool $3.97m. Amazingly, he is firmly in contention again, lying in 5th place, if he was to take the title again, it would be a stunning achievement, especially as he already has a WSOP main event to his name.

We are down to around 200 players, with the 51-100th place finishers guaranteed $40k, or around 1.60 to your money for 3-4 days work , a hard way to make an easy living !

Chip leader is Robert "The Grinder" Mizrachi with around 523k in chips, all totals are rounded up and are unofficial figures, so there are bound to be a few small errors, but will give us a feel for how the tournament is unfolding. Along with Mortensen, we have to give another "big up" to 2004 champion Martin de Knijff, he "only"picked up $2.73 for his victory four years ago, so, unlike the Spaniard, he will not be too disappointed with the potential $3.4m pay day !

Selected chip counts....
1) Robert Mizrachi 523k
2) Bryan Devonshire 393k
3) Cory Carroll 385k
4) John Celii 377k
5) Carlos Mortensen 372k
9) Kenny Tran 295k
13) Joe Sebok 278k
15) Marcel Luske 277k
16) Martin de Knijff 276k
20) Gus Hansen 246k

Further down the field are Devilfish 195k, Isabelle Mercier 184k, Padraig Parkinson 184k and Daniel Negreanu 155k. Average stack is around 136, 250 and below that number we find superstar Phil Ivey 136k, Mike Sexton 135k, Barny Boatman 116k, Hevad Khan 113k, Barry Greenstein 111k , Tom "Durrr" Dwan and Andy Black 87k.

With 80k or less, are a host of star names, including Seidel, Seed, Juanda, Harrington, Fischman, Matusow, Brenes, Benyamine, Scotty and the biggest name of all Doyle Brunson.

Lots of poker still to be played and it will be fun to follow the action, which you can do at www.worldpokertour.com

Good Luck.

TUESDAY UPDATE ....

I previewed four sporting events on the email service overnight, giving five selections, including two on the massive Champions League tie between Liverpool and Chelsea.

Must say that I am really looking forward to this match, European nights at Anfield are very special and the atmosphere will be electric.

Cannot say that I am in the greatest of form, coming off maybe the worst 2-3 weeks of my (long) career. However, I think that the ship has been steadied, with a small, if unspectacular profit over the last three weeks and it gives us something to build on.

Looking at the blog selections, since December 19th, which is a shade over four months, I have given 189 selections, 105 winners (55.56%) and they have produced a profit of 142.3 points, on total stakes of 1073 points, that is a ROI of 13.26 %, a lot of fun and twelve times what you would get from a bank !

The only outstanding bet is 2 points Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup at circa 21.0, so good value with that selection also.

Those figures are pretty impressive anyway, but more so, when you consider that they include such a dismal sequence of results.

I am not sure that it will be possible to post anything on the blog today, one selection has already started. For various reasons, I do not want to reproduce the CL preview in a public forum and one of the other two selections, has already been well backed, so options are limited. However, I will try to do my best.

As always, the only way to receive all the selections is by subscribing to the email service, full details are on the website www.predictuwin.com .

Regular readers interested in joining the service, can send me an email via the "contact us" button on the site and receive a special introductory rate offer.

Good Luck.

WHY THE LONG FACE RUUD ?

PRIMERA

RACING SANTANDER - REAL MADRID

Hosts are having a famous season and will move into one of the Champions League spots with a win. They are in good form with six wins in their last ten starts and have only lost three, of 15 home La Liga matches.

Following Barce's latest failure to collect three points, Real now hold an eight point advantage, with a game in hand and can coast to another title, their motivation this evening, may not be as great at Racing's.They will again be without RVN and the suspended Gutti and Torres and I will side with the home side to repeat last years win over Real.

Recent h2h history is split, with a 2-2-2 record in the last six, hosts have scored exactly two goals in 5 of those, with the two away wins both coming by a 2-3 scoreline, which I am going to "save " on.

6 points Racing level ball 2.11 asian line.

1 point Real to win 3-2 correct score 34.0 Bet 365 bigger on the exchanges.

SEGUNDA

ALBACETE BALOMPIE - GRANADA 74 CF

Albacete are three points adrift of safety and face a very difficult trip to Tenerife next week, so have to look for maximum points this afternoon. Goals have been a problem for them all season and this is unlikely to be a goal fest, but the hosts are not in bad form, losing just one in five, with an impressive four clean sheets.

They could hardly wish for a better opponent, Granada look safe at present and boast just one win and five goals in ten starts. Narrow home win, maybe 1-0 at the Carlos Belmonte stadium.

5.5 points Albacete -1/2 ball 2.25 general quote.

Good luck.

LAST ROUND IN NETHERLANDS ..............

NETHERLANDS EREDIVISIE NAC BREDA - NEC NIJMEGEN

Breda have had a wonderful end to their campaign and can look ahead and prepare for their Champions League play-off matches, they are going to finish third whatever happens today and have nothing to play for. Their coach is well aware of the situation and is paranoid about collecting any injuries. He is resting four key players in Lurling, Stam, ten Rouwelaar and Molhoek and others are under orders to take things easy.

NEC need a point to ensure a play-off spot of their own and are in fantastic form. They are unbeaten in eight, with seven wins, including in this sequence, games against PSV, Heerenveen and Feyenoord. Away from home they are looking for an amazing sixth straight win and against an unmotivated opponent, we have to back them to do so, even though the draw, is a concern. The away coach has pledged to go for the win, stating that playing for a draw, is not their forte.

6.5 points Nijmegen -1/2 ball 3.25 general quote.... 3.50 is avaiable in places.

Good Luck.

QUICK UPDATE .....

I have added one extra post, in the free to view blog section of the new website, which , just in case you do not know, can be found here www.predictuwin.com .

Good Luck.

FULHAM CRAVEN THREE POINTS .........

ENGLAND PREMIERSHIP FULHAM - LIVERPOOL

Fulham finally broke their away duck last week, in the 2-0 hammering of Reading, I say hammering because a four or five goal win, would not have been unfair. It gives them a chance of survival, they sit 4 points behind Birmingham, who they have still to host and who can expect few favours from their derby game, with big rivals, Aston Villa tomorrow.

Pool are 5 clear of Everton, who look to have given up the chase, with this game in hand.They only really have eyes for their Champions League tie with Chelsea on Tuesday and look sure to rest a host of key players, including Torres and Gerrard. Hosts are looking to complete a hat-trick of home wins over the Merseysiders and will ceratinly not lack motivation.

4.5 points Fulham level ball 2.39 asian line.
CHAMPIONSHIP QPR - CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Vistors are almost out of the race for a play-off spot, all they can do is try to win their three remaining fixtures and hope, that is enough. Rangers are a classy outfit and will probably be favourites to win the Championship next season and must go close. They will be happy to entertain their fans and have been involved in a few high scoring games, with 10 of their last 15 ending "over". Charlton have scored and conceded in 8 of their last 11. I feel that both will score and see plenty of value in the "over", in what should be a fun game to watch, so, 0-0 it is then !

5.5 points "over" 2.5 goals 2.03 asian line.... now 1.83 !

Back later.

SATURDAY PLANS .....

I have previewed six football matches on the email service today, five domestic games and one from mainland Europe. Also taken a look at the Verizon Heritage golf tournament from South Carolina, where I have given a selection at 34.0.

Going to post a couple of these on the blog later today and will have the first online within the next hour.

Please check back.

FRIDAY'S EMAIL SELECTIONS ........

FRANCE
LIGUE 2
STADE DE REIMS - STADE BRESTOIS

Two typical Ligue 2 sides here, both happier at home, than on their travels. Brest are secure in mid table and have very little to play for, we can expect them to save any extra effort for the benefit of their own supporters.

Reims have lost just 3 of their 17 home starts, winning 9 and lying six points clear of the drop zone, need one more win to secure their safety. I feel that, if they take a look at their remaining fixtures, which of course they will, the hosts will want the three points this evening. They complete their campaign with four games against top 7 sides, including facing the top two teams in Ligue 2.

Reims have won the last two h2h meetings here at the Auguste -Delaune stadium, where they are traditionally strong and this looks a strong home selection to me.

5.5 points Reims -1/2 ball 2.20 general quote.


NETHERLANDS
JUPILER LEAGUE
ADO den HAAG- FC VOLENDAM

Last round weekend in the Netherlands, with the Jupiler League concluding this evening.

Volendam tend to spend one season in Eeredivisie every 4-5 years and are just about bang on track, having been relegated in 2003-4. They are currently top of the table on goal difference, with Waalwijk directly competing with them for the sole automatic promotion spot, facing an "easy" looking home game against lowly Fortuna Sittard. Therefore, Volendam will have to look for the win, that will secure their return to the top flight.

They can hardly lack confidence, having won their last 7 matches, scoring 21 goals, they are also looking for a 5th straight road win, having registered 13 goals in winning the previous four.

ADO have secured a play-off spot, but could face one less post season round, if they win this evening and MVV lose. However, again MVV face a far easier task in hosting struggling Cambuur, so that seems unlikely and we can hardly compare the two motivations, or current form, with ADO not having won in three starts.It is all down to the visitors and they cannot ask for more, than to have the destiny of such a big prize, in their own hands.

6.5 points Volendam -1/2 ball 2.0 general quote.


Good Luck.

FRIDAY UPDATE .......

Chelsea and Maidenhead both won yesterday at decent odds, 2.20 and 3.0 respectively, I put one other selection on the email service, which won at 3.25, so, a very nice day, but it was much needed and overdue.

I have previewed two matches today, they should really be kept exclusively for subscribers, but I will post them on here shortly before kick off, both start at 20.00 cet, they will mainly be for information only purposes, as each has already been well backed.

Will have plenty on the blog over the weekend , so please check back.

As always, Good Luck !

NAP KING COLE TO RECORD ANOTHER GOAL ....

PREMIERSHIP
EVERTON - CHELSEA

Chelsea's title hopes were dealt a devastating blow, with Emile Heskey's late equaliser for Wigan on Monday. However, despite what everyone is saying, the race is not yet over and four wins for the London side, will still leave Manchester United requiring seven points from three remaining fixtures, which is not a "given".

Everton have had a very long season and with their high work rate/ethic, appear to have run out of steam and were outplayed by Birmingham at the weekend. They have big doubts about Osman and Arteta, the last named would be sorely missed, as with Tim Cahill out for the season, the midfield would be almost totally bare of creativity.

They will be looking to end a real bogey, having not beaten Chelsea in 20 meetings, nine at Goodison Park.

The visitors will be without Lampard and Drogba, but came here for the League Cup second leg, without both, plus also Ballack and came away with a 1-0 win, in a game that Everton were very motivated to win. Joe Cole scored the winner that night and, at circa 4.50 to score anytime, looks decent value to do likewise this evening. However, I will stick with Chelsea to get a hard earned win and prolong the title race, they definitely do not want to see the trophy handed to United at Stamford Bridge, in their next league outing, that would be too tough to stomach.

6 points Chelsea -1/2 ball 2.20 asian line.

Good Luck.

UNITED TO BUILD ON BIG WIN ...........

BLUE SQUARE SOUTH
WESTON-SUPER-MARE - MAIDENHEAD UNITED

We backed Maidenhead recently and unfortunately, they let us down, of course, next time out they met a better side and won 5-0 ! I feel that we can take another chance on them this evening, in a vital "six pointer".

Hosts are 3rd from bottom and a win would take them out of the drop zone. However, they are have been in freefall for many months and without a good start to their season, would already be relegated. They have just a single win in 14 starts and two in 24 outings, if that was not enough, this is their 3rd start in just 6 days, which is an horrendous schedule for part time players.

United are two places above the relegation zone, but just one point above WSM, with a trip to high flying Havant at the weekend, this is a game Maidenhead cannot afford to lose. Yes, a draw would not be too bad and if, this is quoted on the asian line a little later, level ball would be a good choice, but as I write, this is not offered.

Having said that, now that the goals have come, I am happy to take a chance on them getting the three points that would almost ensure their safety for another season.

5 points Maidenhead -1/2 ball 3.0 Bet 365/ 2.80 + elsewhere.

UPDATE +1/4 BALL 1.94 AVAILABLE

Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY'S FOOTBALL ..........

I have already posted a preview of one of tonight's big matches, on the blog section of the new website .........www.predictuwin.com check it out .

Good Luck.

YORKSHIRE DERBY .......

DIVISION 1
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN - LEEDS UNITED

This is a Yorkshire derby and the visitors cannot expect any favours from their near neighbours. Having said that, Town are not in the best of shape, are without a win in three and two key players in Frank Sinclair and Phil Jevons. For Leeds United this is a massive week, tomorrow they are expected to learn the ruling regarding their 15 point deduction appeal. They currently lie 12 points behind Carlisle, who hold second spot, which guarantees automatic promotion, with this game in hand. Therefore, they could close to nine with a win, my understanding is ,that they are very confident of getting at least 5 points back, which would reduce the deficit to just four. With a superior goal difference and their final three fixtures against teams in the bottom 8, this would give them a live chance of promotion, without suffering the play-off lottery. This scenario would put a lot of pressure on Carlisle, who entertain Southend, who are a team in great form, at the weekend. I expect a very motivated Leeds side to do their part this evening.

6.5 points Leeds United -1/2 ball asian line 2.20.

Good Luck.

TUESDAY'S CUP ACTION .........

FRANCE ..... COUPE DE FRANCE
OLYMPIQUE LYON - METZ

The top team in Ligue 1 hosts the side, holding up the other 19 clubs, with a massive 50 points between them in the table. However, this is the cup and whilst Lyon are still battling for the title and face a tough trip to relegation threatened Strasbourg at the weekend, Metz are long since resigned to a return to Ligue 2 and are focused solely on the cup.

OL are not, by their very high standards in the best of form and have a poor history in this competition, which they have not won for 35 years. Metz have saved their best performances for the cup this season and can play without fear this evening. To be honest, their odds look huge and we have to chance a little on the straight win, as well as getting the big handicap start.

1 points Metz to win 15.0 exchanges
5 points Metz +1.5 goals asian line 2.08.

Good Luck.

FRANCE

FRANCE .....

LIGUE 1
PSG- NICE

Goodness knows how PSG have got into such a mess once again this season. They are outside the drop zone on goal difference and have three "six pointers" coming up next, with games against Caen, Auxerre and Toulouse, where they can expect few favours. Nice, is about as good as it gets at present, they have won only once in eleven starts and have little to play for. Mario Yepes returns to the centre of the home defence and Pauleta is fit to start, in what is said to be an offensive line up.

5.5 points PSG -1/2 ball 1.95 general quote.

Good Luck.

PREMIERSHIP ........

MANCHESTER UNITED - ARSENAL

Looking forward to this, on what promises to be a great day of sport. With Chelsea hosting Wigan tomorrow, United cannot afford to ease off and will be forced forward, with a trip to Stamford Bridge, still to come.

Arsenal will have to look for the win, that could extend their interest in the remaining fixtures. In the first twenty minutes or so at Anfield in midweek, they were unplayable and Liverpool were chasing shadows. Defensively, the problems were there for all to see and they are incapable of keeping a clean sheet at present. Without Vidic, United also look vunerable at the back and I expect to see goals, two previous meetings this season have both produced four and we can look forward to another thriller.

6 points "over" 2.5 goals 2.25 asian line.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOOTBALL .............

DIVISION 2
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE - ROCHDALE

Many Brentford fans, have to get a Bees namecheck in somewhere, consider Dale the best side in the division, considering that Peterborough put nine goals past us, that is quite a compliment !

They have not given up on an automatic promotion spot quite yet and are on fire, winning their last five, scoring 15 goals.

Dagenham are in danger of dropping into the bottom two, after a sequence of no wins in seven and just the one goal in six, that coming against Shrewsbury, another side in poor form. Their mid season rush of goals aside, still not sure where they came from (!), this is a very goal shy side, low on confidence, meeting a team scoring from every position on the pitch. Away win.

6 points Rochdale -1/2 ball 2.20 general quote.

MORECAMBE - CHESTERFIELD

Chesterfield have made a series of loan signings in the last month and the gamble has paid off. They have won their last two, scoring seven times and now lie two points behing Wycombe, who occupy the all important seventh place in the table. With Wanderers facing a daunting trip to MK Dons, this is a real chance to make up the gap.

Morecambe have continuing problems defensively and are looking at a new back four for next season.

5 points Chesterfield -1/2 ball 2.50 general quote.

PETERBOROUGH UNITED - STOCKPORT COUNTY

Boro are unbeaten in 18 games and are easing across the finish line, but with promotion almost within their grasp, they have started to draw a lot of matches. I see County, who are still looking at snatching third spot, as capable of causing an "upset". Quite how much of an upset that would be, is open to debate, as they are unbeaten in 9 and have won 8 of those, they have already won away at MK Dons (first) and Hereford (third), so why not the hat-trick at second placed Boro ? They look a very big price.

4 points Stockport -1/2 ball 4.0 + .... 4.33 available in places.

Good Luck.

TODAY'S SPORTING ACTION .........

US MASTERS GOLF

TODAY'S THREE BALL

FRED COUPLES- ANDERS HANSEN - JERRY KELLY

No one feels more at home at Augusta than Fred Couples, he has played here on 23 occasions and if he makes it a perfect 24 today, will hold the Masters record and a place in history. He is, rightly, very proud of this feat and will be straining every sinew to make the cut this afternoon, following an opening four over par he needs a strong second round.

Fred will take plenty of confidence from his round 2 record here, where, on this toughest of courses, he is under par in 13 of his last 19 rounds.Couples has struggled with injury, particularly back problems for many years and in 2007 did not play after the Masters event. However, he now seems fully recovered and has already played seven tournaments this year,making six cuts, with two top tens, including a fine 4th spot in the Shell Houston Open last week, where, after a slow start, notice the pattern (?), he improved every round.

Hansen really struggled yesterday with an opening 80 on his Masters debut, this is a course that takes time to learn and the Dane looks booked for an early flight home. Kelly had a nice opening 72 and will provide competition for our selection. Having said that, I expect the incredibly motivated Couples to win this 3 ball and this most popular of golfers, with everyone that is except for his ex-wives, will be cheered all the way, by his legion of fans.

5 points Couples 2.50 general quote, Expekt are bigger and higher odds should also be available later on the exchanges, so shop around.

FRANCE LIGUE 2

GUINGAMP - LE HAVRE

Hosts have little to play for and showed a decided lack of ambition in their last home start, against Grenoble.Le Havre are waltzing away with the title and could even be promoted this evening with a win, if the result in the Grenoble game goes their way. It would take a brave man to oppose them at present, they are scoring for fun and playing at a level way above Ligue 2. The visitors are looking for their 6th straight win and an amazing 12th on the road, their h2h record, with no losses in six meetings, hardly lessens any confidence and, at level ball, they look a sound wager.

6.5 points Le Havre level ball 1.88 asian line.

Good Luck.

UEFA CUP ...........

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG- BAYER LEVERKUSEN

I rarely back teams carrying a big lead into the second leg of european cup ties, but have to make an exception this evening. Zenit looked so good in Germany, that Bayer, who have now lost four in a row, conceding two or more in each and have a huge Bundesliga match against Stuttgard at the weekend, will have limited ambitions from this game and might just be happy to keep the score respectable. Visiting boss Michael Skibbe admitted that the Russian side are on another level and that he may rest players, under the circumstances we can take a chance on the hosts , at what looks a very decent price. Andrei Arshavin will get another opportunity to show what all the fuss is about and to add another few million to his transfer fee !

5.5 points Zenit -1/2 ball 2.11 asian line.

Good Luck.

US MASTERS GOLF ...........

US MASTERS GOLF
AUGUSTA NATIONAL G.C
GEORGIA

I want to take an early look at the US Masters golf tournament, taking place in Augusta, Georgia, starting April 10th.

This is a favourite tournament of mine and one, where I have enjoyed great success in the past.

It is the only major played on the same course every year and with a limited field, including a number of "old timers" and players that can no longer compete, let alone win, the number of potential champions are limited. With the very peculiar demands of Augusta, bringing out the best of the best, we get very few "lucky" winners here and the same names tend to do well, year after year.

Let me begin by saying, that I am very excited by the event this year and feel that there is terrific value to be had in my selection.

There are no guarantees in gambling, but it is a very long time, maybe seven years, since I have been so confident about a bet, everything feels right, including the odds, which are very juicy !

My choice is Retief Goosen, the South African superstar has had a rough old time of it over the last two years, but has returned to form with a vengence in recent weeks, he loves it at Augusta, where he is a winner waiting to happen and we could even argue, that he is "owed" a championship.

Goosen had eye surgery several years ago and developed complications resulting from this recently, he waited and waited for these to clear and his game suffered. Blurred vision was the final straw and he had further laser treatment earlier this year, the immediate improvement, has been remarkable.

In the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Goosen made a steady start, before closing with a weekend 68-68, a total beaten by only four players in the field and he finished in a promising 14th place.

Last week he went to the WGC CA Championship event, to take his place in what was probably the toughest field seen on tour, so far this year. After an opening 71, he played the business end of the tournament in 69-64-68, a total only bettered by Vijay Singh. Retief went very close, almost forced a play-off with all the way winner Geoff Ogilvy, eventually finishing in a tie for second, just a single stroke off the pace.

Under pressure, which he has not really faced for almost a year, Goosen showed all the composure that you would expect, from a two time US Open winner.

In similar conditions to what he is likely to face next week, Goosen bogeyed just one of his last 33 holes, producing 12 birdies. To put that in perspective, on a very demanding course, world number one, Tiger Woods bogeyed three in his final round alone and had "just" eight birdies in his final 38 holes. No golfer in the field made fewer errors and only Vijay more birdies, over the weekend.

On the back of two big finishes, he was bound to be a little tired, yet following a delayed, Monday finish to the WGC event, Goosen was contracted to play in the Tavistock Cup, a team event over the very next two days.

He then went directly to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, for an early Thursday start, "Goose" was in one of the first groups out and shot a weary, but passable 73. This was a gruelling schedule for any golfer, let alone one that has not been in contention for a year or more. On Friday, he made a lethargic start and, after nine holes of his second round, with the toughest section of the course still to play, he needed three birdies to make the cut. So , what did he do ? What all great champions do, he rolled his sleeves up, hit every green in regulation and got the three strokes required, to play over the weekend.

This might have been his best performance of recent weeks and a sure sign that "the Goose" is back where he belongs.

He is not playing in the Shell Houston Open this coming week and will be resting, ahead of an early trip to Georgia to begin his preparations, this is ideal. Apart from anything else, I have been worried silly that he would win a tournament before The Masters !

What about his record at the Augusta National, well, since 2002, he has finished 2-T13-T13-T3-T3-T2, so, four top three finishes in six appearances, including in each of the last three years.

In 2007, he came into the event on the back of finishing 51st-18th and 58th in three strokeplay tournaments, this time round, he is playing at a much higher level and has recorded a 14th and 2nd place, in infinitely stronger events.Just as importantly, he is confident, fit, healthy and can see !

How he plays this weekend in New Orleans has little meaning, he has played competitive golf for eleven consecutive days, which is a lot. I would not mind if he "worked on his game" and finished with two par rounds, actually, as I type, he is one under after ten holes on Saturday, so, system going well.

I was going to leave it at that, but have decided to update this on Sunday afternoon (30/03). After looking at Retief's stats, he is obviously feeling in good shape, as he has decided to "open up" with the driver, finding an extra 20 metres, out hitting almost everyone on the course and still finding the fairway. This is a certain sign that he feels 100% comfortable with his game and fitness.

I find it hard to even think of a way that Goosen will not be competitive in the Masters, with a little luck, he could don the famous "green jacket" .

Conditions will not make me any less confident, he proved in the WGC event that he can handle and excel on rain sodden fairways and greens. However, if, as normal, we get lightening fast greens at Augusta, very few will be able to handle them as well as "our" man.

At 33-1 outright and especially at 20-1 each way, in the without Tiger Woods market, I think that Goosen is an absolutely sensational wager.

This is far and away the biggest bet I have ever suggested and, win or lose, make no apologies for doing so, this just feels right.

With the place terms, we will have a very nice return if Goosen is in the top six (including Tiger), remember, this is something he has done, with ease, in 67% of his appearances since 2002.

10 points each way Retief Goosen without Woods 21.0 1/4 odds a place 12345.... anything above 17.0 is certainly backable.

Good Luck.

THURSDAY PREVIEW ....

What a fantastic few days of sporting action we have in prospect !

Starting with four attractive UEFA Cup ties this evening, followed by a full weekend football programme from across Europe and, pick of the bunch, the highlight of my golfing year, the US Masters, which gets under way at 14.00 cet this afternoon.

I have previewed two of the UEFA matches on the email service and will cover one of these on the blog, a little later in the day.

Subscibers were sent earlier in the week, my very strong selection for the Masters, it is far and away the biggest ever bet given on the blog/email service. This is not a "sure" winner, but I feel at the odds available, it offers (or offered) exceptional value for money and that is what I am constantly looking for. I will reproduce it in full on the blog, for any readers that are interested, but not until just before the start of the tournament, so, a little before 14.00 cet.

The golf action can be followed on the Masters website http://www.masters.org/en_US/index.html

Good Luck.

BLUE SQUARE PREMIERSHIP .........

NORTHWICH VICTORIA - FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Like Roberto Martinez at Swansea, we have another overseas coach here, who has spent much of his career playing lower league football in the UK and is starting to make a big name for himself, in the managers chair. Tunisian Noureddine Maamria, known to everyone as "Dino" has turned Northwich around in double quick time, from a bunch of losers heading out of the BSP, to a team on a 10 match unbeaten run (six wins), who are out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

They have done it playing nice, attractive football and scoring 24 goals, an average of 2.4 per game. The work is not yet done, especially with their next two and three of their next four, all away from home and coming against teams currently in the top 5. Therefore, they really need some points from this evening's match, Rovers also like to play the game the way it ought to be played and this should be a fine advert for non-league football.

FGR have had a fine season, but with games running out and sitting 7 points adrift of the play-offs and having played a game more than most of the teams around them in the table, motivation is fading fast. They have struggled on the road recently, with just a single point at Halifax, in a game where they were comprehensively outplayed, in three away ties.

Hosts are set to be unchanged , the visitors have three major injury doubts and will still be without suspended, Stuart Fleetwood, the league's top scorer. Home win.

6 points Northwich -1/4 ball 2.08 asian line.... NOW 1.83 !

Good Luck.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ....

FRANCE .... LIGUE 2
GRENOBLE FOOT 38 - TROYES AS

Another game where both sides have all to play for, with these two battling for what appears to be the final promotion spot from Ligue 2. Troyes are currently 5 points ahead in that race, but that lead is evaporating fast, following three straight losses and could be down to just two points come the final whistle this evening.

We can expect a very aggressive approach from the home side, who surely have to "go for it".Visitors are sure to adopt a cautious approach, but if/once the first goal comes, play could get very stretched.

Hosts have won all three starts in their new stadium and are likely to be unchanged, with two defenders still suspended.

Amazing h2h stats for this league, with the last 7 meetings of these two,all being "over", at an average of 3.71 , infact, four games have produced four or more goals.

6 points "over" 2 goals 1.90 asian line.... NOW 1.84.

Good Luck.

ZENGA HOPING TO MAKE HIS GREATEST EVER SAVE .........

CATANIA CALCIO - NAPOLI

This is a similar fixture, Catania are also outside the drop zone only by virtue of goal difference and are facing an opponent firmly booked for a mid table finish.

This will be Walter Zenga's first game in charge of the hosts and he looks set to return to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation, which will be a huge relief to their supporters. Catania face a very difficult run in and also have a Coppa Italia semi-final to contest, a win this afternoon would go a long way to securing their future and they have been pretty strong on home soil. Only Torino last week, in a result which was the catalyst for Zenga's appointment and Inter, have won at the Stadio Angelo Massimo, in eleven starts,since the end of November.

Napoli have made a great return to Serie A and I expect them to challenge for a top 4 spot next season. However, they will have to work on their away form, as they have already lost nine times on their travels. They are without key midfielder Manuele Blasi who is suspended and up front, top scorer Marcelo Zalayeta, remains sidelined.

Expect the "new coach factor" to help the home side to three very welcome points.

6 points Catania -1/4 ball 1.96 asian line.

Back Later.

SUNDAY PLANS .....

After a poor run, it was nice to have a clean sweep yesterday, with all five selections winning, three of which were posted on the blog.

Hopefully, we will build on that today, I have again previewed five matches on the email service and will post one, maybe two of them here, or in the free to view blog section of the new website www.predictuwin.com .

Please check back.

TIME GENTLEMEN PLEASE !

CHAMPIONSHIP
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE - CHARLTON ATHLETIC

These two are drinking in the last chance saloon, as far as their play-off hopes are concerned and sitting as they are, two and four points respectively off the desired 6th place and having played a game more than several of the teams above them, the draw has little value at all, for either.

Think we will see both pushing forward and defensively, each is struggling, hosts are without a cleansheet in eight starts, Charlton in six, given the quote, I have to take the "overs".

5.5 points "over" 2.25 goals 2.08 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRANCE .........

LIGUE 1
AUXERRE - SOCHAUX

Visitors have been in terrific form and away from home, only leaders Lyon have collected more points, they are unbeaten in seven and have kept clean sheets in 4 of their last six starts.

They are still not entirely safe from relegation fears, lying as they do, just 4 points outside the drop zone, two behind Auxerre. Given the circumstances, both could settle on the draw, but the hosts have terrible injury problems , especially in defence, where they will be without all four starters. Only one way to go for me.

5.5 points Sochaux level ball 2.35 asian line.... now 2.0 !

Good Luck.

PREMIERSHIP .............

NEWCASTLE UNITED - READING

I like to follow strikers in form and Michael Owen is typical of that ilk, in that he tends to score his goals in clusters. He has scored in his last three and in five from eight, also, in six of the last seven games that Newcastle have got on the scoresheet.

Given that Reading concede freely on the road, only Derby have let in more and that Kevin Keegan has removed the chains, previously restricting Newcastle, now that survival seems assured, there look sure to be plenty of chances and Owen looks a great price given the stats.

4.5 points Owen to score anytime 2.56 + exchanges.. an amazing 2.875 @ Corals.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY PLANS .....

I previewed five matches on the email service overnight and will probably post 2-3 of them on here through the day, so please check back later.

More than a week ago I mentioned a very big bet that has been on my mind for sometime, I was just waiting for certain confirmation of form, sorry to be vague, but I do not want to give too much away at this stage. Suffice to say, that this is the most excited I have felt about a single bet, since 2001, will not say confident, as it is a very big price, but everything "feels" perfect and I want as many of you to receive the information as possible.

I will be sending it to subscribers on either Sunday or Monday and to everyone in my database, the following day, on Wednesday or Thursday, it will be on the blog, but will not stand out from any other bet. However, if any of you register on the site before midnight on Wednesday, there is no cost or obligation, then you will be sent the preview in full. I simply do not want to post all my reasoning on an open forum.

Back shortly.

TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL ..........

FRANCE LIGUE 2

LIBOURNE - DIJON

Time is running out for Libourne and they need maximum points from this "six pointer" against a direct relegation rival. The hosts are six points from safety, with that cherished spot currently held by tonight's visitors. Given the circumstances, Dijon, who are toothless on the road, with just six goals all season, at an average of 0.4 per game, would accept and will play for, the draw.
Libourne are in decent form, especially at home, where they are unbeaten in eight and have kept four consecutive clean sheets, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, their performance levels belie their league position and this is a team I do not want to write off at present.

5.5 points Libourne -1/4 ball 2.00 asian line.

CLERMONT - MONTPELLIER

Montpellier are very much two teams, the one that never even concedes, let alone loses on home soil and the other, that struggles on the road. Away from La Mosson, Montpellier have only won once in 12 starts and that came at Dijon , who were in terrible shape at the time, they have lost their last four.
Clermont are strong at home too and have lost just once in ten. These two are of a similar overall standard and have little to play for now in the league, expect this to go to type and the sequence to continue, with the greater ambition and motivation being shown by the hosts.

5.5 points Clermont -1/4 ball 2.02 asian line.

BRESTOIS - GUINGAMP

This is a Brittany derby, between two mid table sides, who have little to play for, lying as they do, 12 and 10 points clear of the drop zone respectively. Think that this will be an open encounter, with both teams seeking the win and free of any real fear. The last three h2h meetings have all been "over", with an average of 4.0 goals per game. To be honest, I would be amazed if both did not score, but then plenty of results have astounded me recently, the two goal line and odds look very reasonable and the downside minimal.

6 points "over" 2 goals 1.91 asian line.

Good Luck.

UEFA CUP ...........

BAYER LEVERKUSEN - ZENIT ST PETERSBURG

I like this Zenit side and having now started their domestic league, the edge that the other european teams had in fitness has lessened and will have disappeared by the return leg, actually, from now on, they should have the advantage, being much fresher.

Feel that there will be goals tonight and the "over" at 2.0 seems ok, both sides come here on the back of shock home defeats and have struggled a little defensively. Zenit are definitely missing Skrtel, who is now at Liverpool, but have plenty of other talent. Owned by Gazprom, their country's main energy company, they are Russia's richest club and have several players on a reputed £40k per week. Andrei Arshavin is their key player and he will be pulling the strings, in Pavel Progrebnyah they have an inform striker looking to be the competitions top scorer, he scored 4 of the five goals, which saw off Villarreal and Marseille, in the previous two rounds.

German clubs always take this tournament seriously and Leverkusen claim that it is as important as the Bundesliga, but having lost a top 4 spot with the home defeat to Frankfurt, surely they will have one eye on the trip to Dortmund at the weekend.

I have to take them getting a full goal start and will also chance a little in the outright market, CSKA took this title in 2005 and Zenit have much in common with that side.

5 points Zenit +1 goal 1.87 asian line

2 points Zenit to win the UEFA Cup 17.0 + general quote, bigger on the exchanges and 21.0 with Skybet.

Good Luck.

QUICK UPDATE .....

I will be putting a further preview of one of tonight's matches on the new website, later in the day.

You can view it in the blog section of the site, at www.predictuwin.com .

Good Luck.

NO TOTTI ON SHOW IN THE ETERNAL CITY ....

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
AS ROMA - MANCHESTER UNITED
SCHALKE 04 - BARCELONA

I have had a look at these quarter-final first legs over the past decade, in 40 matches, we had 22 home wins, 15 draws and just 3 away victories.

Obviously, few poor teams reach this stage and away sides are realistic about their targets in the first leg, knowing that they have the home tie ahead of them.The number of goals have definitely increased in recent seasons, but still 24 of the 40, were "under" the 2.5 total.

So, an average game would work out to 1.82 -2.66- 13.33 , the under/over at 1.67 2.50, that is to a 100% ( no profit) book. Obviously, I am not suggesting that United or Barcelona are 12-1 chances, I would be first in the queue to get on, but we should certainly think twice, before taking skinny odds about any away side,at this stage of the tournament.

Roma will be without Totti and Perrotta, but have done well this year in their absence and there is a good case to be made for the argument that Totti's influence is no longer as great, as it once was. They hosted United twice in 2007, last season winning 2-1, ahead of their Old Trafford mauling (7-1) and at the group stage this season, sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

United and especially Ronaldo, 26 goals, from a non out and out striker is incredible, are on fire at present, but I still expect Sir Alex to adopt a cautious approach, qualification is all that matters. I would not be surprised to see a repeat of the group result and a 1-1 draw, the stalemate, looks far and away the best value.

Understandably, after the 7-1 loss in Manchester last season, Roma were not looking forward to the group rematch, but were very unlucky to lose 1-0 and that performance would have given them confidence ahead of this game. A draw.

Barcelona have been very disappointing this season, have won just once in five starts, lost from 2-0 up at the break, to Betis at the weekend and are set to be without Messi, Deco, Ronaldinho and possibly Eto'o this evening.

Schalke have done well on home soil and impressed, especially in the first half in their 1-0 win over Porto and in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea, where they dominated the game. This is another game which looks "drawish" to me, but I am going to side with the hosts, getting the handicap start, Barce will be confident of turning a narrow defeat around in Spain and will surely not take too many needless chances late in the game. They have played two recent away first leg quarter final ties in recent seasons, drawing 0-0 in Benfica and losing 1-0 to Panathinaikos.

4.5 points Roma-Manchester United draw 3.20 exchanges.
4.5 points Schalke +1/4 ball 2.03 asian line.

Good Luck.