SATURDAY MORNING ......

Tours won 3-1 yesterday and the Montpellier-Clermont game produced three goals, so a strong start to the weekend on the blog. The Saturday newsletter, sent to subscribers yesterday was something of a bumper edition, it contained previews of EIGHT matches, NINE selections, including two BIG bets (very rare) both at potentially rewarding odds.

I will post several of the smaller bets on the blog later today, so please check back.

Even if you are not betting (!), there is so much to look forward to this weekend. The Grand National, Murray-Djokovic in the Miami Masters final, Shearer's return to Newcastle, Liverpool have the chance to return to the top of the EPL and most important of all Bradford-Brentford, where the injury hit Bees are looking to cement their lead at the top of Division 2.

Andy Murray has won his last two meetings with Djokovic and has improved out of all recognition since he met the Serbian on this court in 2007. However, his 6-0, 6-1 defeat that day must still cause him to wake up in a cold sweat at times and I am certain that he will be extra motivated to exorcise that particular demon.

Back Later.

THREE OF TONIGHT'S BETS ..... WITH BASIC NOTES.....

FRANCE LIGUE 2

MONTPELLIER - CLERMONT

Surely we will see some goals here. Hosts have been "over" in their last four home starts, which have averaged 4.25 per game, the visitors have conceded two or more in five of their last seven road games.In a league where the average fixture produces 2.31 goals, these team's respective records of Montpellier (2.93 home) and Clermont (2.71 away) reflects what we can expect tonight and the host team, who now sit five points off the promotion pace, will have to take chances and push for the three points.

5.5 points "over" 2.25 goals 1.94 asian line.

TOURS -ANGERS

I have seen Angers last two starts, a 2-0 loss at Strasbourg and a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Ajaccio and was very unimpressed. It might well be that this is just a temporary slump and maybe we can just put it down to variance, they had after all, only recently come off a 15 match unbeaten run, but they are not a side I would be rushing to back at present. Their build up play was not too bad, but in the final third, they looked devoid of confidence and ideas.

Tours on the other hand are full of self belief, are on a long unbeaten run of their own and have won three in a row at home, scoring ten goals.

5 points Tours -1/2 ball 2.20 + general quote.

GERMANY BUNDESLIGA 2

DUISBURG - MAINZ

Mainz should be fired up for this game after losing very heavily at home to Aachen last time out, when complacency might have set in. Most professional teams tend to bounce back after a big loss, their hurt pride often results in a very committed performance next time out and I expect that to prove double today, as Mainz have had a full twelve days to reflect on that 4-1 defeat. They are very capable on the road (8-3-2), collecting 27 points and ony three other teams have more than 14. They remain in the final promotion spot and with Duisburg just 4 points behind, they will be very motivated to keep things tight and avoid defeat this evening. Having missed promotion by just two points last season, they have to complete the job this time round.

I expect them to concentrate on keeping a clean sheet as long as possible and maybe get a little more adventurous later in the game. This is traditionally a low scoring fixture, with the last five h2h meetings here producing just three goals between them and just a single home win. I see a lot of value in the under one goal line for the opening 45 minutes, in a match where both will probably adopt a very cautious opening approach.

7 points "under" 1 goal first half 1.85 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY MORNING ..............

Finally, the weekend is here and we can wave goodbye to the International games for a couple of months. It is not the national games that I mind so much, as the break in the domestic action, it just messes everything up, disrupts the programme and momentum.

I have sent subscribers five fairly brief previews for today's football, but will taking a more detailed look at the weekend games, which will include, not one, but two BIG bets. Blog wise, I will try and include one or two of the Friday picks here later in the day, but as always, the only way to receive all of my output is by subscribing to the daily email/newsletter service, take a look at the website for further details www.predictuwin.com or send me an email using this link to ask any questions.

I think that we have a couple of massive months ahead and big profits in store, not just on the football, but a range of other sports. I sent the preview below out on Wednesday and as you will see, Estes was a very strong selection and one at a very juicy price. Round one play was suspended early in the day, but the Texan was already amongst the leaders at -2 after six holes, very long way to go, but subscribers have the value and a bet that will produce a lot of fun over the next few days.

SHELL HOUSTON OPEN

BOB ESTES

I have written about Bob Estes a lot in the past, he is the money making machine that no one knows. The ultra consistent Estes has made some $9m on tour, yet even his wife might struggle to recognise him in an elevator.

Estes is a native Texan, he was born in Graham not too far away and went to the University of Texas, his debut tournament victory came in the state, way back in 1994, the first of four on the USPGA tour, but winning is not really his game. Grinding his way into the money and frequently the top 25, something he has done in better than one in three of his 535 tour starts, is how he makes his living and since this new course was opened three years ago, he does it best of all here.

The Shell Houston open has been held at the Redstone course for quite a few years, but in 2006 was moved to the new Tournament Course, on the complex. Estes took to it immediately and finished second here in 2006, 9th in 07 and 6th last year. Let's take a quick look back twelve months, the lanky Texan arrived here in poor shape, he had played eight events, missed 5 cuts and registered just one (33rd) top 50 finish, that was just not him, yet still he finished in the top 6.

This year he is much more like his old self, he has played seven events, missed two cuts, but has three top 17 finshes, including a 4th spot at Pebble Beach. Last week in the Arnold Palmer, he caught my eye with a fast finishing 17th place, he opened with a 74, but only Tiger Woods (1st) and Zach Johnson (3rd) played the final three rounds better and a first round 70, which was standard scoring, would have earned him third place.

He is obviously in good shape and playing on a course where he feels happy and which suits his game, he will surely go close to another top ten finish and he is very attractively priced to do something he does every 6.5 tournaments and in 3 from 3 outings here.

8 points Estes to finish in the top ten 8.50 Bet 365 .... similar on the exchanges and there should be more liquidity later in the day, anything above 7.0 offers value IMO.

Back later.

DIVISION 1 ..........

MILLWALL - COLCHESTER UNITED

I quite like United as a team, they are stronger than the average mid table side, have a decent quality of player and could have a very big campaign next season. However, they are going to be facing a very hungry and battle hardened Lions team tonight.

Home boss Kenny Jackett has got his team focused on claiming an automatic promotion spot and whilst they are probably happier on the road, where they have claimed six straight wins, a victory tonight would see them close to within two points of Peterborough, who are currently in second place. With Posh set to visit the New Den in two weeks time, that leaves promotion in MIllwall's own hands and is an incredible incentive for this evening. Hosts will be without striker Neill (Mr Millwall) Harris for two weeks, but have a natural replacement in Jason Price, whom we discussed on Saturday, he made himself an instant hero with the winning goal at Crewe on his debut and will be looking to impress the home fans this evening. Massive game for the 'Wall and I guess the League and police would like to avoid a post season clash (or two) between them and Leeds United ,home win.

7 points Millwall -1/2 ball 1.85 asian line.

Good Luck.

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER ......

EBBSFLEET UNITED- ALTRINCHAM

We opposed Fleet at the weekend, they did lose but performed quite well in the narrow loss at Kettering and were denied by the woodwork and a fine display by the home goalkeeper. They remain in the drop zone, albeit with games in hand and again face three matches this week, surely they will have to focus on the two home starts and I expect them to go all out for the points tonight, they look stronger than most of the teams at the bottom and now that they are out of all the cups, they can fully focus on staying in the BSP. Their cup prowesss, they won the FAT last season and made two semis this campaign, should stand them in good stead now, as they can obviously peak for the big games and this has now become one. Visitors should be ideal opponents, they are conceding freely and are safe from any immediate relegation concerns.

6 points Ebbsfleet -1/2 ball 2.10 + ...... 2.20 in places..... now 2.0 tops

GRAYS ATHLETIC - RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS

Grays could do with the points here ahead of a "six pointer" with York at the weekend, who seem sure to offer far stiffer resistance than tonight's opponents. Rushden are in mid table, with nothing to play and are missing a number of players, Corcoran is suspended and at least one, will be forced to play carrying an injury. Grays got a bit of a thumping at runaway league leaders Burton on saturday, but did not chase the game after conceding early goals. That is probably the best policy, they had previously collected four points from tough games with Mansfield and Torquay and now, sitting just one point outside the drop zone and with a poor goal difference, we should see a far more committed performance tonight.

6 points Grays -1/2 ball 2.50 general quote........ still available if you shop around

Good Luck.

TUESDAY ...........

I have been busy over the last 24 hours and have sent subscribers TEN previews for the next two days. Six of them covering tonight's English domestic games and four looking at tomorrow's World Cup qualifiers. Included amongst these, is my first "big" bet for several weeks.

This is going to be a very important couple of weeks, we are entering a key stage in the betting year, when we can expect to make decent profits. I have a further two "big" bets planned for the weekend and the excitement builds next midweek, with the return of Champions League action and the start of the US Masters golf, my favourite tournament of the year .

Anyway, no point in getting too far ahead of ourselves, so let's return to today, I will post a couple of previews on the blog later in the day, so please check back.

A final reminder to everyone who is registered on the Predictuwin website, the deadline to take advantage of the offer made last week, expires at midnight tonight, so don't delay !

Back later.

FRANCE ..........LIGUE 2

RACING CLUB LENS- TOURS

Somehow, whilst no one was looking, Lens' lead at the top of Ligue 2 has all but disappeared and Strasbourg and Metz have closed to within a single point of the leader's, who still have a game in hand.

Since recording a fine 2-1 win at Metz late last month, a series of lack lustre performances have seen Racing Club collect just three points from a possible twelve. They do still retain a six points advantage over 4th placed Montpellier, but surely they will be keen to get back on track asap and secure the promotion spot.

I think that we might see a very motivated home side tonight, they know that they are facing an in form opponent, who have won three matches in a row and scored 12 goals in their last five starts, but the fixture list hardly gets easier for RCL. After tonight, they go to Amiens who are doggedly fighting a relegation batttle and then face Strasbourg and Montpellier, so plenty of potential banana skins, especially if they go into that sequence without a win in five.

Hosts seem to play better against stronger opponents, probably because they get more space to exploit their superior skills, it is a similar strory with Internazionale in Italy. Tours could go up to 6th with a win, that would keep an outside chance of claiming a top three spot alive and arriving in such confident mood, will surely go for it, which would give Lens room to exploit.

Racing are 9-1-4 at the Felix Bollaert stadium, they owe their supporters a performance, will be out for a little revenge after losing the reverse fixture 3-1 and I suspect that we might see them at their best tonight.

LENS:Runje, Brocard ; Chelle, Laurenti, Ramos, Sartre, Yahia ; Demont, Doumeng, Hermach, Kovacevic, Milovanovic ; Fofana, Jemaa, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet, Roux, Veselinovic.

6.5 points Lens -3/4 ball 1.96 asian line.....currently 1.85 preview written @10.00 today

Good Luck.

MONDAY UPDATE .......

Very nice finish to last week subscribers were sent 17 football bets over the last seven days, 11 won and produced very decent returns. In addition to which, I also sent them four golf bets, which included two winners, both at odds of 5.0 full details below, along with edited comments.....

USPGA GOLF

ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL (sent thursday)

I am going to back two in form players in the top ten market and am sure that we will get a very good run for our money, infact, I expect to make a decent profit.

Retief Goosen has now won twice this season and it is safe to say that he is back to, or at least close to his best, winning a first USPGA title in four years last week would have really given him a lot of confidence and Goosen is a golfer who holds his form well and often plays well the week after a win. Like many others he took time to come to terms with Bay Hill and it was not until 2005, when after a poor opening round, that things clicked and he finished 4th, after shooting the lowest score for the final 54 holes. He has been 14th and 18th in the last two years, when he has been struggling with his game, now that he arrives in his best shape for years, we can expect an improvement and I would be amazed if he is not involved at the business end of this event.

Nick Watney, is a player who has started 2009 on fire and at just 27 years old, the best is very much still to come. He won the Buick Invitational, then finished second in the CA Championship, where he lost nothing in defeat by battling World Number 2 Phil Mickelson all the way over the closing 18 holes in what was virtually a match and then finishing 12th last week in the "Transitions". He plays the Par 5's incredibly well, that should suit him well on a course where big hitters are often favoured. He came here in poor form last year , finished 21st and doubtless learned a lot about Bay Hill, he is playing on another level at present and if not too exhausted from his recent efforts, then he should once again go close this week.

7 points Goosen to finish in the top ten 3.50 general quote. LOSER

4 points Watney to finish in the top ten 4.50 + ........... 5.0 Paddy Power. WINNER

WITHOUT O'HAIR AND WOODS (sent sunday morning)

Nick Watney is fighting for a top ten spot, he is currently in a tie for tenth with seven other players and played well over the closing holes after a dodgy start yesterday, he is a very solid round 4 player, currently ranked 16th this year and hopefully he will do enough to register a high finish.

O'Hair (-7) leads by five strokes from Tiger (-2), who is in turn a further shot clear of a packed field, I am going to look at the market without those two. Zach Johnson (-1) performs well at this time of year, already has a win to his name this year and four strong round 4 performances, which have left him in the top ten for the season and is a tough battler in contention.

I am going to pair him with Pat Perez, who has a little more ground to make up at level par, but is one of the best Sunday players on tour and has been ranked inside the top 20 for each of the last two seasons. Now that he has a breakthrough win on tour, he can be expected to record another, maybe not today of course, but a very high finish is on the cards. He was very consistent in ultra tough conditions yesterday, when he shot a third straight 70, that is also his average for the last three seasons in the final round and if Bay Hill is as unforgiving today, something similar will take him very close in this bet.

4.5 points Zach Johnson 5.0 Stan James WINNER

3 points Pat Perez 13.0 Stan James. PEREZ WAS TIED WITH JOHNSON PLAYING THE 18TH

Good Luck.

As always, full details of the daily email service can be found on the Predictuwin website www.predictuwin.com .

ITALY .............SERIE B

CITTADELLA - MODENA

Modena are in great form and have collected seven points from three starts, losing just once in six, they have climbed to within three points of Cittadella who sit in the playoff spot, just outside the bottom three. The visitors will be very motivated not to loss this one and fall six points off survival pace. Hosts have not won in three at home, have failed to score in the last two and only once in four, they will be without the suspended Pesoli and Rossin who is on international duty. They might settle for the point to "stop the rot" and preserve their advantage over Modena.

7 points Modena +1/4 ball 1.80 asian line.

BRESCIA- LIVORNO

It has all gone wrong for Livorno, after looking booked for automatic promotion, they have now gone five without a win and their first home defeat of the season last week, where they blew a two goal lead, was the final straw for some supporters, who claimed that the club showed a lack of ambition in the transfer window. All is not lost yet, they look good for a playoff spot and five points off Parma, whom they have still to host, still have a chance of claiming one of the top two spots, but can ill afford any further slip ups. I think we can expect them to look for the three points and we should see goals. Livorno are happier going forward, they only have one clean sheet in eight and have scored in their last 7 away, the last six of which have produced two or more goals. Brescia are also looking for a post season place and after conceding in their last two home starts to Rimini and Modena, it is hard to see them keeping the visitors at bay and they might need a couple to get anything from this.

6 points "over" 2.25 goals 2.17 asian line.

Good Luck.

SUNDAY .....

A low key, but no less interesting day today, I have sent subscribers a total of six bets, four football previews and two selections for the USPGA tour, at potentially rewarding odds.

I will post a couple of these on here shortly, so please check back.

Good Luck.

FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION ....

ISRAEL- GREECE

Very briefly, these two are fighting with Switzerland for the group qualification places, this is the first of a double header, with the return in Greece on Wednesday, a "switch" of three points would not surprise me at all and would certainly be better for both than a couple of draws.

Youssi Benayoun has been named as doubtful all week, but I expect him to start, defeat for the home side would leave them with a mountain to climb and they will surely make all the running.

Greece have definitely regressed and I do not think the accusation leveled at coach Otto Rehhagel, namely that he has not brought in enough new blood, is unjustified. He will be without the suspended Katsouranis and strikers Amanatidis, Liberopoulos and Mantzios are all injuried and they will have to start with a couple of debutants. In addition to which, a couple of other players have only been getting limited playing time at their clubs and will be short of match practice. Home win in front of a huge and passionate crowd .

6 points Israel -1/4 ball 2.16 asian line..... now 2.04

Good Luck.

ROVERS STRUGGLING AGAINST THE STRUGGLERS ..........

DIVISION 1

BRIGHTON- TRANMERE ROVERS

A quick look at the league table will tell you that both teams are, for very different reasons, in desperate need of all three points, a draw will not help either and "new" home boss Russell Slade, will be pleased that his Tranmere counterpart has pledged to come and attack. Rovers have something of a problem on the road, against struggling sides and since Boxing Day, have drawn at Northampton and Hereford and lost at Cheltenham, Hartlepool and Crewe, five teams all firmly involved in the relegation dogfight.

Hosts are a Championship size club in waiting and with the new stadium now given the go ahead, their future could be bright, if they can just find a way to stay up this season. They hammered five past Yeovil in their last home start and there have been clear signs, apart from the odd blip, that Slade has got them heading in the right direction. However, he and they are running out of time and they simply have to win this, I understand from local reports that training has gone very well this week and all the new players have now settled in. They will take heart from Tranmere's poor road record and look decent value to register a much needed win.

6.5 points Brighton -1/2 ball 2.80 + .... up to 3.0 available.

Good Luck.

EARLY SATURDAY UPDATE , INCLUDING SOME IMPORTANT NEWS .....

Southend won 3-2, but having twice led by two goals and playing ten men for over 75 minutes, they made hard work of it ! Although a winner, is a winner !

My two other selections for Friday, both in Ligue 2 won, so subscribers were 100% yesterday.

As previously explained, I have already sent out six football previews for Saturday, you can already read one of them below and I will try and post one or two more on the blog later in the day.

Now, something of an about turn, having previously said that there would be no special offers for daily email/newsletter subscribers in 2009, the continued downturn in the world economy has caused me to rethink a little. Over the next couple of days, I will be writing to everyone who is registered on the website www.predictuwin.com to give them the opportunity to sign up at very preferential rates. It is free to register, here is a quick link, you only need your name, email address, country of origin and to choose a password, it shouldn't take more than two minutes. This offer will only be available for a very limited time and to registered readers, it will offer terrific value and the lowest sign up rates in many months, if you have ever considered subscribing, there has never been a better time.

Good Luck.

WEEKEND PLANS .....

I am continuing with my policy of sending the daily newsletter at least 24 hours early, this gives me so many more options and we are already seeing the benefit of getting stuck into the odds as early as possible.

Subcribers were sent previews of four matches yesterday, three for today and one for Saturday, I have posted a couple below. The Kidderminster odds were never going to last, even until today and they are now trading at almost 20 "clicks" less, I am sure that most of you appreciate the long term advantage of consistently getting the best prices on offer, it makes a tough game so much easier !

The "saturday" email was sent this morning and included a further five previews for the weekend football action. I have found another three "juicy" selections for the english domestic games, one is available at up to 3.0 , the other two are both odds against and I anticipate a strong showing.

This is a fantastic time to join the service, details can be found on the website www.predictuwin.com, or send me an email using this link and I will try to get you signed up as painlessly as possible !

Good Luck.

THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM ......

SATURDAY

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER

YORK CITY - KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS

I discussed Harriers on Monday and they did us a big favour with a late injury time winner at Wrexham.

Those three points took them into the playoff zone and meant four straight wins and their sixth consecutive clean sheet. With competition for the post season so tight, Kiddy cannot afford to ease up and I fancy them to continue their sequence tomorrow, when they travel North to face York, who are themselves on a six match unbeaten run, but three of those were draws and the wins came against Weymouth whose troubles have been well documented and lower league and injury hit Telford (twice). So, not quite so impressive, although the FA Trophy semi final games with Telford, ensured that City have booked a visit to Wembley for the end of the season.

The Minstermen are sure to be a little jaded at the moment, wild celebrations followed the 2-1 home win over Telford last weekend and they looked tired in the 0-0 home draw with Kettering on Tuesday, which means that they have had less recovery time than Kidderminster. City are not safe from relegation concerns, but due to their cup exploits, do have games in hand over most of the teams around them in the table. I watched extended highlights of the two Telford games this morning, they were consistently caught in possession on the edge of their own penalty area, which will give them trouble against a stronger opponent and they might have difficulty raising their game for another "normal" league match.

Harriers front men have been grabbing the recent headlines, but the defence is obviously rock solid and my reports suggest that Penn and McPhee in midfield are the real stars of the show. This is a team that look play-off bound, they are strong in every department and odds against with the level ball option, seems unlikely to last long.

7 points Kidderminster Harriers level ball 2.02 asian line..... NOW 1.83 !

Good Luck.

'POOL LOW ON CONFIDENCE ......

ENGLAND DIVISION 1

SOUTHEND UNITED - HARTLEPOOL UNITED

I have written on and off about Southend this season, they were always going to be too good to languish in the bottom half of the table for too long and with a little more luck, could have got involved in the play-off race. I suppose it is still possible, but six points off the pace and with an inferior goal difference and having played a game more, there is not really any margin for error. Still, it is a bit early for them to give up just yet and I favour them to beat a Hartlepool side that are getting dragged firmly into the releagtion battle. The visitors are very low on confidence, have won just 2 from 15, including losing the last four, conceding two or more in each.

Hosts lost the reverse fixture 3-0 and claim to be out for revenge, for some reason that defeat especially hurt and is still talked about at Roots Hall.Southend have won 9 from 12, a draw has absolutely no value for them, they have to look for at least six wins from their seven remaining games and this has to be the first of them. Three of Pools next four starts after tonight are relegation "six pointers" and although they would love something from tonight, they might already have one eye on the matches ahead.

5.5 points Southend -3/4 ball 2.07 asian line.

Good Luck.

BRAZIL ........PAULISTA A1

PORTUGUESA DESPORTOS - MIRASSOL

Just four rounds remain before the start of the playoffs and there is still much to play for. This is a competition traditionally dominated by the State's big four of Corinthians, Palmeiras, Sao Paulo and Santos, the first three of these look set to claim a post season spot, but the fouth place looks up for grabs.

Portuguesa are currently in the driving seat and it would be massive of them to reach the semi-finals of a competition they have not won since 1973, or played in a final for 24 years. They currently lead both Santo Andre and Santos by three points and those two meet each other tonight, so a win for "Lusa", would virtually put the loser of that match up, out of the running. Portuguesa actually have to play both challengers in the final two rounds and are well aware of how vital three points are this evening, incidently, the match is set to kick off at 23.30 cet (Wednesday).

Mirassol have little to play for tonight and certainly the draw has no real value for them, so we can expect them to play quite an open style and this is a team that has conceded seven in their last two road starts, if and when the first goal comes for Lusa, a second and/or third is likely to follow.

Hosts are without the suspended Edigle and injured Ygor, but are boosted by the return of Alex Bruno to their defence, which, after four straight wins, without conceding, is hardly in need of too much help. Confident home win selection.

6 points Portuguesa -3/4 ball 1.96 asian line.

Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY PLANS .....

The new week has started well, both blog bets have won and I am 100% with email selections so far. Subcribers have been sent previews of two matches for today, one was written earlier in the week, the second this morning. We have very much the best of the odds with the first and could actually close out now for a profit, but that is not really my style and we will be letting it ride. The other is in a league we "visit" rarely, but concerns a very motivated team, playing in arguably, their biggest game for years.

Their have been very few matches this midweek and you would be amazed at the number of people that have contacted me, firstly about CSKA Moscow on Monday and then again with Forfar yesterday. These are league's that few people, other than locals, play in on a regular basis, yet because there was very little to choose from, punters had decided that these two short priced favourites were clearly good things and were lumping on, without doing any real homework, beyond looking at the most basic of stats. Some of their "reasoning" was, quite frankly, ludicrous, bookmakers must love these type of fixtures, they know where the money will come and can adjust their lines accordingly, safe in the knowledge that punters will take whatever they offer...... nice work if you can get it !

Luckily, we have avoided both of those particular pitfalls and found a few winners too !

Details of the email service can be found on the website www.predictuwin.com .

Back later.

DRAW MIGHT SUIT, BUT COX COULD STEER SWINDON TO ALL THREE POINTS ......

DIVISION 1

NORTHAMPTON TOWN - SWINDON TOWN

These two sit directly outside the relegation zone, each two points above Yeovil who have an inferior goal difference. Therefore, a draw tonight would give both a three point advantage over the West Country team and that is probably a result both could live with. Northampton also have a game in hand and, this is key, both teams have to face Yeovil before the end of the month, so that potential three point lead, could prove crucial. If this was an Italian fixture, we would probably all be rushing to get on the stalemate, but I accept that the British game and mindset, is very different. However, if forced to choose a 1X2 bet, then the draw would be my selection.

Both teams come here on the back of big home wins, Northampton put four unanswered goals past Stockport and Swindon beat Hereford 3-0, their second win by that scoreline inside the past week, after putting Southend to the sword on Tuesday. Each looks too strong to go down and I expect them to slowly pull away from the drop zone in the coming weeks.

I am going to side with the visitors, getting the minimum handicap start. They have had an incredibly tough run of road games and in their last seven away games, have drawn at Leicester, Oldham and Millwall and lost by the odd and usually late goal at Huddersfield, Tranmere, Colchester and Leeds, it doesn't get any harder at this level, they have performed well and consistently in each and will probably welcome the opportunity to face an "easier", or at least more similar level opponent. They have two inform strikers in Billy Painter and Simon Cox ( four goals last week) and boss Danny Wilson, whom I have a lot of time for, has bought in a couple of decent loan signings, including Owain Tudur Jones from Swansea, who had a number of other options, but chose to join this dog fight at the bottom of League 1. I am happy to bet the inform visitors getting a start, in a match where maybe, both could accept the single point.

7 points Swindon Town +1/4 ball 1.99 asian line..... now 1.93

Good Luck.

IT COULD ONLY HAPPEN TO BRENTFORD ............. AND DAGENHAM !

The Dagenham-Brentford game was postponed last night due to a power cut in the area, which I believe is the second time that this has happened to D&R this season. I do not feel that the home team are to blame, but someone is and in 2009 this should not be happening in a game due to be televised live.

Anyway, it was not all bad news as Kidderminster scored an injury time winner, to give us a nice payout, at a decent price.

Back to the Bees, having discussed the three new signings yesterday and with a fourth set to join today, I thought that you might like to read Bees boss Andy Scott thought's on the newbies:

Obviously Billy Clarke has done very well for Darlington and Northampton this season. We are very fortunate due to our relationship with Ipswich that we can bring him in.

Damian Spencer was a big powerful chap at Cheltenham, in the Nathan mould if you like. I think we were lacking a little impetus there in terms of being a physical side and that was something we needed to regain.

Darren Powell is a major coup for us. I’ve been tracking him for months. He has been on trial at Leeds for the last three weeks. He played three games for them but they decided he wouldn’t go straight into their first team squad. I am delighted to get him. His experience at this level and elsewhere will bring extra competition in that area. Darren is a massive physical presence who reads the game very well. He has played at Championship level for a number of years. What he does do is organise very well. He gives us a little more competition in that area going into the last eight games of the season. I didn’t want to be left short with the loan window closing soon. I have been tracking Darren and Billy for some time. It has paid off now.

We’re pretty confident that Craig Dobson will sign for us tomorrow, on a short term deal the same as Darren. He gives us an option wide right. He has been training with us for five weeks now and has worked himself into the ground to show he is worth a contract. He gives us something different out wide and I wouldn’t bring him in if I didn’t think he would be adding to the squad.

Scott is impressing many people in the game and it is clear that he prepares for the unexpected, I hope that the Bees go up and that he will give them at least another year before taking one of the offers that seem sure to come his way. Having said that, he is still in the first year of a five year contract and will not come cheap !

I have sent subscribers just two previews today, but both are very strong bets and if possible, I will post one of them on the blog later in the day.

Good Luck.

SCOTT KEEPS BUSY IN THE LOAN MARKET ....

DIVISION 1

DAGENHAM AND REDBRIDGE- BRENTFORD

I am not going to waste too long talking about this game. Hosts have fallen off the playoff pace and will have to gamble tonight and look for the three points, I do not think that is ideal against a very well organised Brentford side, that look to be earmarked for promotion. The Bees were rocked by the loss of striker Jordan Rhodes, which coming on the heels of already losing Nathan Elder for the season, left them short of options upfront, despite the recent signing of Sam Williams from Aston Villa.

However, Bees coach Andy Scott has once again acted very quickly and has signed not one, but two strikers, one of whom I know little about, but the second, Billy Clarke from Ipswich, is a Republic of Ireland U21 International and has scored in over 40% of games played on previous loan spells at this level and above. Also returning to his former club is veteran defender Darren Powell, who has joined to provide cover for the backline and an inexperienced hand in the dressing room and on the training field.

The Bees board have to be congratulated, they have done everything in their power to get the club promoted this season and I beleive that these three signings will see them over the finishing line. They have only collected one point from their last two outings, but that was more down to bad luck and their overall performance level has not dropped, captain Kevin O'Connor also returns tonight and the Bees television curse aside, they always seem to underperform on the box, t hey should have enough about them to get a result tonight. 30-40% of the small crowd will be made up of Brentford supporters and I expect them to have plenty to cheer about.

5.5 points Brentford level ball 1.95 asian line.

Good Luck.

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER ............

WREXHAM - KIDDERMINSTER

The Dean Saunders era has hit the buffers at Wrexham and his inexperience, especially with regard to his man- management skills, is starting to show. His team are low on confidence, they have won just once in ten starts, that came against Northwich, who will be relegated and six of the other fixtures, were verses teams currently in the bottom half of the table. They lost 2-0 at home to Crawley on Saturday, this was Saunders first defeat on home soil, his team were never "at the races" and made a series of defensive howlers. Rather than protect his players, with a game just 48 hours later, he choose to berate them in the local press, that is hardly going to help and could have a very negative effect on some of the younger squad members. Several of the senior players have not really stood up to be counted and Ashley Westwood, John Curtis and Matt Jansen, all of whom have performed at the highest level, did not train yesterday and are doubts for tonight.

The visitors arrive in very different form, a point would take them into the playoff zone, but with the mood at Wrexham so low, they surely have to look for all three. Kidderminster have won their last three without conceding and have not allowed a goal against in 484 minutes, Woking whom they beat 3-0 at the weekend, described the striking partnership of Richards and Barnes-Homer, as the best they had faced this season. Harriers actually have competition for these front places and with the defence in such miserly form, they look to be timing their charge towards the post season perfectly.

Saunders has a better quality of player at his disposal,than most bosses at this level and his team could suddenly click, which is why I will not go overboard with my bet, but it is clear that all is not well at the Racecourse Ground at present and the visitors are a value price. This match will be carried live by BBC Radio Wales and you can listen to the action on the internet.

4 points Kidderminster to win 2.90 + ....... 3.0 Blue Square.

Good Luck.

LA LIGA .........

NUMANCIA- SPORTING GIJON

This is purely a motivation pick, Gijon have a degree of safety 7 points clear of relegation and with three of their next four starts coming at home. They seem unlikely to sit back, as they have yet to record a single draw all season (11-0-16).

Numanicia surely have to win this to have any hope of suvival in La Liga , they are five points from safety and can hardly rely on their away form (1-0-13) to rescue them. On occasion, like in the recent 2-1 defeat of Valencia, they can compete with the best on home soil, where they have six wins. Just two draws between these two in 54 La Liga starts this campaign and only one in 15 h2h games, so we should see a winner and Numancia's need is so much greater.

5.5 points Numancia -1/2 ball 2.50 + general quote.

Good Luck.

USPGA GOLF ..........

TRANSITIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Conditions are very tough at the Innisbrook Resort, the course is extremely dry, the weather forecast is for it to remain hot and sunny and par golf might take you a long way today. Veteran Tom Lehman leads by a stroke from Retief Goosen, with four players Immelmann, Appleby, Byrd and Howell all, a further two shots back. It is probably not a coincidence that both Goosen, who has traditionally done well on the difficult putting greens at Augusta and Immelman, last year's winner of the Masters are doing well here.

I feel that the younger South African is ideally placed to launch a charge today and is a very juicy price against a bunch of talented golfers, who win far too infrequently. Goosen has won in his homeland this year, but has struggled with his game in recent years, Lehman is 50 now and not really competed at the very top level in almost a decade. Byrd and Howell can play well in the final round of tournaments, but it too often tends to be once a winning chance has gone and they should have far more career wins between them. Appleby has a chance, he is an eight time winner on tour, has shown signs of a return to form recently and a saver on him at circa 14.0 is very tempting. However, Immelman is easily the most consistent putter of these contenders this week and that could prove key this afternoon.

3 points each way Immelman 11.0 + general quote ..... 12.0 Stan James 1/5 odds 1234.

1.5 point Appleby to win outright 14.0 Stan James.

Good Luck.

SERIE A ...........

TORINO - SAMPDORIA

I am going to oppose Sampdoria, they have struggled on the road all season and their only away win came at basement club Reggina.

Torino are desperate for the win, that could take them out of the drop zone, their coach received the dreaded "vote of confidence" this week, which is always a worry, but in fairness, I think that they have been playing better than results would suggest. Whenever I have seen them, they have posed an offensive threat, but the goals have just not come, they need more from the strikers, especially Rolando Bianchi, whom the coach has backed to get the goals to keep his side in Serie A. They have a difficult sequence of fixtures, with trips to Palermo and Milan in the next couple of weeks and failure to collect three points today, is going to leave them with a very stiff task to survive. Hosts continue to see a lot of the ball, they have had the bulk of possession in recent starts against Juventus and away to Cagliari, two teams playing well and with just a little luck in front of the sticks, they can get the win that they crave today.

6 points Torino -1/4 ball 2.11 asian line.

Good Luck.

GOALS ON THE CARDS AT NINIAN PARK ...

ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

CARDIFF CITY - SHEFFIELD UNITED

These two are pretty firmly established in the playoff zone, they are three points + clear of the seventh placed team and it would be a major shock if either failed to make the post season. So, I think that both will look for maximum points, as they are just eight off an automatic spot, with two and one game respectively, in hand. United have kept just one clean sheet in ten, scored in nine and eight have produced three or more goals. City's last three at Ninian Park have been "over" and they have scored two or more in 9 of their last eleven here.

6.5 points "over" 2.25 goals 2.02 asian line.

Good Luck.

TIME FOR READING TO MOVE UP A GEAR .....

CHAMPIONSHIP

CRYSTAL PALACE - READING

I am not really sure what went wrong with Reading, after looking to be coasting towards promotion and probably the title too, the goals simply dried up and a series of lack lustre performances allowed Birmingham to reclaim a top two place and also some of the "pack", especially Cardiff, to close in.

However, they stopped the rot with a fine win at Doncaster in midweek and have looked far happier on the road recently, away from the pressure of expectation at the Madejski Stadium. Boss Steve Coppell changed things around at Rovers playing a 4-3-3 line up, the players loved this, they created eight attempts on target, no mean feat against the miserly Donny defence and Reading look set to continue with this formation.

The visitors have to win this, they trail Birmingham by four points, albeit with a game in hand and with this a late kick off and the Midlands side facing Norwich at home, the gap might be bigger before the start. I remain confident in my belief that Reading are the best team in the division and very few english coaches are superior to Coppell, he is tactically astute and inspires great loyalty from both players and supporters alike. Hugely important at this stage of the season is that not only does Coppell have one of the biggest squad's in the country, but all are fit and available.

We talked about Palace in midweek, where everything I said was pretty much spot on, they played the younsters and persisted with an open attacking style, they are not a team we should be rushing to back just now, as they are very much going through a transistion period and are already building for next season.

6.5 points Reading -1/4 ball 2.05 asian line.

Good Luck.

TOWN TOUGH TO BEAT AT THE NEW MEADOW..........

DIVISION 2

SHREWSBURY TOWN - MORECAMBE

Town should really have been competing for an automatic promotion place, they were big spenders pre season and have a better overall quality of player, than most other clubs at this level. They started the season on fire, but something just went wrong, especially on the road, where far too often, they have "thrown in the towel". However, there have been clear signs recently that they have regrouped and there was much to take from their point earned at in form Gillingham last week, when they fought back from two down to snatch an unlikely draw. That has really boosted their confidence and I understand that morale in training has been sky high this week. Results elsewhere, meant that point took them back into the playoff places, but only on goal difference, so a win today is absolutely vital.

Having discussed their problems on the road, let's be clear that they are a very different animal at the New Meadow, where they have the best record in the division 14-2-3, scoring the most goals (39) and conceding the fewest apart from Wycombe and Brentford (hooray). They create a massive amount of chances here and it takes a strong rearguard action to keep them at bay for 90 minutes, or even 45 !

We discussed Morecambe last week, they are now unbeaten in eleven starts, but were again lucky to see off Barnet, who dominated possession for long periods(57%) and created the greater number of goal attempts (12-6). This cannot go on indefinitely and given their league position, they have an outside chance of making the post season but a draw will be of little use, therefore, they will be forced forward to chase three points and here, that could and should be their undoing. Hosts are a better team and I expect them to prove it, last three h2h meetings have ended 2-0 and that will do nicely.

7 points Shrewsbury -1/2 ball 1.83 general quote.

Back Later.

ROVERS TO SETTLE FOR ANOTHER POINT .........

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER

ALTRINCHAM- FOREST GREEN ROVERS

I really like the draw here, FGR have to get something from this and are playing well, but are struggling to really finish teams off. They are just two points outside the relegation zone, but have a superior goal difference, therefore, a point will keep them above the bottom four ahead of a home game with basement club and league whipping boys Lewes, which is about as easy as it gets. They have drawn nine or 50% of their road starts this season and six of their last seven home and away. In that sequence, they have led at the break in three and actually led at some stage in five, so the 17.0 offered about them to lead at half time and then draw, is clearly value. Hosts are in mid table, ten points clear of any relegation concerns, but playing quite well, so a point here or there, is probably enough for them at present.

5 points draw 3.40 + .... up to 3.50 in places.

1 point double result Forest Green HT - Draw FT 17.0 Bet 365.... you will probably find similar on the exchanges.

Good Luck.

FRANCE LIGUE 2 .

REIMS- SEDAN

Reims really have to look for the win tonight, they are in the relegation zone, six points from safety, but an unbeaten run of four games, all of which were strong performances and included two wins, have given them hope of survival.

Sedan have no relegation concerns and only a mathematical chance of forcing their way into the promotion picture. They are very disappointed by a midweek cup loss at home to Guingamp, where they led, before conceding three unanswered goals. This loss was all the harder to stomach, as the last two goals came after the visitors had been reduced to ten men. A visit to a team finally finding form and battling for their Ligue 2 life, seems like the last thing they need right now.

6.5 points Reims -1/4 ball 1.97 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE .....

I am on a hot streak this week, subscribers were sent three winners from three selections on Wednesday, yesterday, in addition to the PSG wager, there were two more bets which both won @2.75, one of which was gambled down to circa 2.50 max.

However, that is not all, Friday's email contained previews of four matches, one of which took place early this morning and the Sounders eased home 3-0 (reproduced below), so, we are 7 from 7 since Wednesday evening, winners that produced over 40 points profit !

That leaves three selections remaining for today and it is my intention to post something from this list on the blog later today, so please check back.

Back Later.

USA MLS

SEATTLE SOUNDERS - NEW YORK RED BULLS

The new MLS season gets underway early Friday morning, I was going to wait a couple of weeks before even looking at any games from a betting point of view, but this game has caught my attention.

Seattle are an expansion club, which means that they have been added to the league, to increase the size of the MLS. New clubs usually struggle to begin with, but the Sounders have big ambitions and the league will be eager for them to do well, with the two clubs lined up to next join the MLS, also coming from the North West area, Portland and Vancouver.

It is important to the overall progress of the game in the US, that Seattle do well. They have sold 20,000 season tickets and this opener is a 32,400 sell out and will be carried live on national television. The Sounders have appointed Sigi Schmid as head coach, they could hardly have a more experienced man at the helm, as he led Columbus Crew to the title last year, where his team beat the Bulls in the final. He has assembled a good mixture of young/promising and experienced players, including new Colombian striker Fredy Montero, Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg, in a very offensive looking team. They played twelve pre season games and only failed to score in two, one of which was an away game in Argentina and the other a match where there was no continuity, as the whole team was changed at half time.

Lots of changes at the Red Bulls, despite finishing runner up last year, ten squad players have left and they have tried to improve the overall quality and give themselves a chance to go all the way this time. However, it might take some time for everyone to gel and they could have as few as five starters from the November final, whicjh is a big turnover in just four months. I like the newcomers to record a win, this will create massive interest in the region and give the MLS the early season boost it needs.

5.5 points Seattle Sounders -1/4 ball 2.13 asian line..... won 3-0

Good Luck.

TONIGHT'S EUROPEAN ACTION .....

Here is my UEFA Cup preview for today, please note it was written early yesterday (wednesday) morning and I am posting it at half-time in the Zenit game, where the Russian side lead 1-0. The PSG bet is active and the French side are still trading at similar quotes.

UEFA CUP GALATASARAY-HAMBURG

Despite their defensive problems, they are without a recognised central defender today, I am hopeful that Galatasay can do enough to progress and keep our outright bet on them alive. They are struggling to keep a cleansheet in any case, so I am not 100% certain how much difference it will make ! Latest news is that Harry Kewell might play in the middle of the back four, which could at least be fun to watch, although I understand that this is the position he played in, very early in his football career. It is not all bad news, as Hamburg have offensive problems and will have one eye on a very important Bundesliga game at the weekend. Anyway, a watching brief for me in this one.

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG - UDINESE

The early spring sunshine that we are enjoying in the UK has not reached St Petersburg yet and this match is set to be played in sub zero temperatures, with the forecast at kick off set to be -5 degrees.

That will obviously be less of a problem to Zenit, who appeared to have the tie in control, until two late goals in the first leg, left them with a mountain to climb. They will not easily let slip their hold on the trophy they won last season and even without the suspended Shirkov and Anyukov, we can expect them to go all out for the two goal plus win, which would see them progress. Dick Advocaat's team will take inspiration from the fact that they overcame a similar deficit against Marseille last year, but at least they had an away goal in the bag that time.

If the visitors score, Zenit will need four, so they cannot be too gung ho, but if they are to succeed, probably need a half time lead, which they have enjoyed in their last three home starts in the competition, leading at the break against Bayern Munich, OM and Stuttgart. I think a small bet on the double result, Zenit to lead at half and full time is the best option and will be my selection for small stakes. Visitors are without the suspended Domizzi.

4.5 points Zenit- Zenit HT-FT 2.75 general quote .... bigger in places and on the exchanges.

SPORTING BRAGA - PARIS ST GERMAIN

Paul le Guen has not taken the UEFA Cup overly seriously this season and has tended to rotate his squad for the european games. However, they have still continued to perform well, a debacle at Schalke aside and keeping a clean sheet at Eastlands against Manchester City which is never easy and recording a 3-1 win at highflying Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, shows what they are capable of on the road.

After losing the classico to OM on home soil, I feel that they will want to bounce back and exorcise that defeat, before returning to league action at the weekend. It is true that despite that loss, they are involved in the closest Ligue 1 title race in a decade, but for now, after a poor seven days, I believe that they need a result.

Le Guen has a full squad avaialable, including Camara who was sent off against OM, as he starts a domestic suspension after this game.Braga are strong at home, but will be without top scorer Albert Meyong, who has in addition to nine league goals, notched five in this competition already. They tend to look for the early goal in the UEFA Cup, taking the lead here inside 8 minutes against Artmedia, Portsmouth and Wolfsburg, so the opening ten minutes will be key tonight, if PSG survive that, I expect them to score and progress. The french giants have not conceded an away Ligue 1 goal in 234 minutes and restricted Braga to three wayward attempts in the first leg.

6.5 points PSG to qualify 1.90 asian line.

Good Luck.

THURSDAY UPDATE ..........

Cardiff left it very late to secure the three points yesterday, but it was a deserved winner and about time that one of the late goals went our way. Actually two did, as subscribers were also on St Etienne +1/4 ball, in a match where we opposed the "pack", with half the gamblers in Europe seemingly on Werder Bremen. The visitors looked to have done enough after racing into a two goal lead, but the home side kept plugging away and eventually snatched a late equaliser. That was an exciting half and hour or so !

I have sent subscribers previews of three matches today, a selection in each, including two bets @ 2.70 +. With regard to the daily newsletter, my new policy is whenever possible, to send it a day early, so today's was despatched early yesterday morning. This ensures that readers get plenty of time to absorb the information and to bet at the best available price. This should result in greatly increased profits over time, for example, one of the bets advised for today is already trading at some 20 "clicks"less.

I will be back later with at least one match preview for today, so please check back.

Good Luck.

STILL MUCH TO PLAY FOR IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP ....

ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

CARDIFF CITY - WATFORD

Not the greatest of week's for Cardiff, who were a bit lack lustre in games, at Norwich and Bristol City, although a late equaliser at Ashton Gate at least earned them a point and ensured that they remained in the play-off zone.

They are eleven points off the automatic promotion spot, with three games in hand, of course, that is a big ask, but their next four starts are all on home soil and they are a very different animal at Ninian Park,where they are unbeaten in eleven matches. They have won seven of their last nine here, also recording 0-0 draws with Arsenal and QPR, with the only goal conceded in 810 minutes coming against Barnsley, when they were already two goals up.

They will surely go all out for the three points, as the draw will not help them much at all and a couple of wins this week, will increase the pressure on Birmingham in second, who have still to play Reading and Wolves.

Watford have now lost only once in seven starts, since Chelsea knocked them out of the FA Cup and that run has seen them climb away from the relegation zone, they are not entirely safe yet, but look too good to be sucked back in. However, they have met a lot of teams at exactly the right time, for example, an FA Cup distracted Swansea City. Also, most of their better results have come at Vicarage Road and in five 2009 away starts they have conceded 11 goals. With the two wins coming at struggling Blackpool, where the home side enjoyed 56% possession and won the attempts on goal count 17-11 and at basement club Charlton 3-2, where the London team were leading until quite late.

They come here on the back of a 2-2 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday, their only stalemate in fourteen 2009 outings and only their second in 22 matches. So, we can probably expect them not just to sit back either and given their defensive frailities, they seem unlikely to be able to keep City at bay for 90 minutes. Massive game for the home side and the result will dictate their approach to the remainder of the season.

6.5 points Cardiff City -3/4 ball 2.08 asian line.

Good Luck.

UNITED SURE TO TAKE TO THE PITCH IN BETTER SHAPE .....

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER

BARROW- CAMBRIDGE UNITED

Hosts have won just once in nine, losing five and also failing to score in five starts, this has left them in the drop zone and desperate for a win.

They could still be feeling a little leggy, after the incredible long journey down to Torquay on Saturday, that is a circa 700 mile round trip and probably entailed 14 hours on the road. To make matters worse, they also picked up a yellow card and Jason Walker, will now be out for four games, after his appeal was turned down today and his punishment increased !

However, if they are really going to target must win games, they might be better advised commiting themselves to the next two, very win-able fixtures against Lewes and Weymouth.

They certainly meet sterner opponents tonight in United, who are firmly set on pushing Burton, who lost again on Saturday, to the wire, in the hunt for the sole automatic promotion spot.

The visitors have now won 7 from 9 and put four past Northwich on Saturday, who were previously looking very tight defensively.That was a very professional display and United enjoyed 59% possession and won the shot count 15-4. After tonight, Cambridge do not play again for 13 days, so will leave nothing on the pitch, the board has backed the players and given them every assistance to take to the pitch in the best possible condition. Putting up the money for the squad to travel north yesterday, stay overnight in a hotel and train at Blackburn's facilities today. They will go all out for the win and are my strongest bet of the night.

7.5 points Cambridge United -1/2 ball 1.83 + .... a little higher in places.

Good Luck.