SPOTLAND IS HAPPY HUNTING GROUND FOR SHAKERS .................

DIVISION 2

ROCHDALE- BURY

This is a "big" Lancashire derby, which is always keenly fought, in front of two passionate sets of supporters. Bury have had much the better of the series in recent years and are unbeaten in eleven visits to Spotland. I see little changing this time round and again expect the visitors to leave with local bragging rights.

Both teams narrowly missed out on promotion last season and are taking a while to hit their stride . Dale look a little off the pace and goals are proving a problem after the sale of top scorer Adam Le Fondre, I am sure that they will come good, but Keith Hill might need a little longer to rally his troops.It was a similar story last campaign, when it took six games for them to awaken from their slumber, after losing out in the playoff final the previous season.

Bury have yet to win at home, but are creating chances and have won both road starts and for now, seem happier away from Gigg Lane. They have done well to keep strikers Andrew Morrell and Andy Bishop at the club, although we still have three more days of the transfer window to get through, or endure, if you are a coach of a smaller club, with limited resources and for the first time in ages, both are fit to start if chosen. Away win, in a division where only 40.21% of games have been won by home teams over the last two seasons.

6 points Bury +1/4 ball 1.85 asian line.

Good Luck.

"THE GUV'NOR" RETURNS ................

DIVISION 1

EXETER CITY - MK DONS

Things could have gone badly awry for Dons in the summer, when they lost yet another coach, but they acted quickly and brought a hungry Paul Ince back to the club and the changeover has been fairly seemless. Ince had a lot of success in his previous reign, he knows what makes the club tick and after his Blackburn debacle, not all of which was his fault, he is keen to re-establish himself.

Dons seem sure to be involved in the playoff picture and considering they have a number of key players injured, their start to the season has been very impressive and they remain unbeaten. Several of these long term injured are back in training and all will return in the next couple of weeks. September will be a big month, with division title favourites Leeds and free scoring Huddersfield coming to town, by which time we will have a clear idea of their promotion credentials.

We discussed their road form last season on several occasions and it bears repeating, over the last two seasons and a bit (two games), they are 33-9-6 in 48 starts, which means they have avoided deteat in 87.5% of those games, winning an incredible 69%.They have the ideal system for playing away from home and have perfected the art.

Exeter have made a pleasing enough start to life in Division 1, but I cannot get away from the idea that two consecutive promotions will catch up with them this season and remember, just 15 months ago they were still a non league side, competing in the BSP playoffs. Goals, both through pre season and league and cup starts to date have been scarce and it is fairly easy to see why, they simply are not creating enough chances. No side at this level have had fewer attempts on goal and their opponents today are averaging an incredible six chances per game more, with Dons also very difficult to break down, especially when they take the lead, City should be in for a very tough afternoon. Away win.

6 points MK Dons -1/4 ball 2.04 asian line.

Back later.

FRIDAY .........

GERMANY BUNDESLIGA

BORUSSIA MOENCHENGLADBACH- FC MAINZ

Mainz were expected to struggle this season, especially when they lost a number of players, including a couple of key summer signings, to injury during the off season. However, results wise they could hardly have started better, given both those circumstances and the difficulty of opponent, they remain unbeaten after starts against Bayern, Hannover and Leverkusen. They have scored and conceded in all of those and a closer look at the stats will tell us that they have really rode their luck, being outshot and struggling for possession in each outing.

BMG have made a promising start to their campaign under new coach Michael Frontzeck and maybe results have not quite reflected that yet. They have been involved in three very open games, which have averaged 4.0 goals per start and there have been many goal scoring chances, with BMG allowing their opponent 20 + attempts in each and creating almost as many theirselves. I rate them the superior team and expect the home side to win today, they have an experienced midfield and in Raul Bobadilla, they have signed a young Argentine striker of great potential, who managed 44 goals in 78 appearances for FC Zurich. He has not found the net yet, but has been playing well and the goals are sure to come soon.

Going to take two bets here, in a match where I find it impossible not to see goals.

5 points BMG -3/4 ball 2.38 + asian line

5.5 points "over" 2.75 goals 2.07+ asian line.

Good Luck.

EUROPA LEAGUE ............

EUROPA LEAGUE (written 09.00 Thursday)

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG- NACIONAL

Many of the star names at Zenit have moved on and the end of an era was clearly defined when Dick Advocaat, who was set to leave at the end of the season in any case, was fired. League performances have picked up since then, although they did lose the first leg 4-3 in Madeira, when they were without several key defenders, all of whom are now available to play some part.

The squad is still a talented group of players, capable of mixing it with the best in Europe on a going day and I fully expect them to turn this tie around, a win of almost any sort will see them progress, but the visitors, who have limited european experience will have to come out of their shell, if and when they fall behind and I am confident that a second or third goal will then follow. Nacional appear to have regressed a little from last season, especially with the loss of last season's Superliga top goalscorer Nene, who has joined Cagliari and they will hardly be at their best after a 5,000 km trip to St Petersburg.

6 points Zenit -1.25 goals 1.99 asian line.

ASTON VILLA - RAPID VIENNA

Villa kick started their season with a fine win at Anfield on Monday night and they took their chances well, although it has to be said that Liverpool were very poor. That has really given the midlands club a massive boost and they are determined to keep the momentum and confidence levels up, by turning this tie around. They fell behind to a very early goal in Vienna, which they were never able to claim back, despite creating a lot of decent chances. There is a clear difference in class and although MON would probably prefer to concentrate on the league this season, I am sure that the last thing he , or his side need right now, is another poor home showing, following the Wigan debacle. I expect a two goal plus win on the bigger Villa Park pitch, but feel the HT/FT option offers a little more value, John Carew looks set to return to give them more and different offensive options and they will want to put this to bed asap and then focus on the Fulham game on Sunday.

6 points Villa-Villa HT/FT double result 1.83 general quote.

Good Luck.

GOALS ON THE CARDS AGAIN ...............

PETERBOROUGH UNITED- IPSWICH TOWN

These two sides look defensively fragile at present and it is virtually impossible to see either keeping a clean sheet. Boro were dreadful at the back in their loss at Preston over the weekend and little better conceding three at home to WBA in one half of football a week ago.

Ipswich were guilty of shambolic defending in two games last week, they "only" conceded five goals, but it could easily and perhaps should have been nine or ten !

I suspect that both will be looking for a win to kick start their season's and to gain some momentum going into the weekend and I am certain that we will see goals and am surprised to see quotes of evens +.

6.5 points "over" 2.5 goals 2.01 asian line.

Good Luck.

OWLS LOOKING TO SHOW BLADES HOW TO SEE OFF MINNOWS...............

PORT VALE - SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Wednesday remain a very big club, they are improving year upon year and in the next season or two, seem sure to mount a major promotion push to the EPL. They are unlikely to be involved in the relegation dogfight this season and can afford to take this competition seriously. Francis Jeffers will replace the cup-tied Luke Varney upfront and Brian Laws seem likely to rotate his squad a little, but he will want to build on the momentum gained from an easy 4-0 win over Scunthorpe on saturday, comes looking for the win and selects from what is virtually a fully fit squad.

Vale are a club in a mess both on and off the pitch and have really struggled on home soil in recent seasons, winning just 12 from 48 starts in the league, which is exactly 25% and that is playing teams from their own level, now they meet one from two divisions above and that is what I consider the difference between these two clubs, at least two full divisions.

The home side did cause an upset in the last round, winning at Wednesday's big cross town rivals, that would have caused great amusement in the blue half of Sheffield, but Vale really rode their luck. They were outplayed by the United "b" team, yet their goal led a charmed life and a goalkeeping error finally proved decisive.

Therefore, a win tonight for the Owls will also provide additional bragging rights over United, which cannot be underestimated in this football mad city and I take them to comfortably beat a poor Vale team, who are desperately trying to make some loan signings to strengthen their squad.

Sheffield Wednesday -1/2 ball 1.96 + a little 2.0 around.

Good Luck.

EPL ...........

LIVERPOOL-ASTON VILLA (written sunday a.m)

Much like Manchester United's "owning" of Wigan, Liverpool have totally dominated this series in recent years and have not lost in 15 meetings between the two clubs. The home side threw off the lethargy of their performance at Tottenham to put four past Stoke in midweek and are meeting a Villa side who have performed poorly in losses to Wigan, where they were dire and away to Rapid Wien in the Europa League. The real spine of their team has been lost, with Laursen and Barry moving on and I would advise avoid them until Martin O'Neill can address the problem. Luke Young is on compassionate leave following the death of his brother and a number of other key players are sick or carrying knocks, not a lot is going right at Villa Park.

By the time these two kick off, Liverpool could be six points behind some of their major title rivals, so once again, even at this stage of the season, three points will be seen as essential, especially with the distraction of the Champions League coming up shortly. Home win.

6 points Liverpool -1.25 goals 1.95 asian line.

Good Luck.

CANARIES LOOKING TO GIVE FANS SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT ...........

DIVISION 1

NORWICH CITY- WYCOMBE WANDERERS

Over 25,000 supporters arrived at Carrow Road to witness Norwich destroy tiny Colchester on the opening day of the season, unfortunately they were four down inside 23 minutes and eventually lost 7-1!

That cost boss Bryan Gunn his job just two games into the season and City turned to Colchester chief Paul Lambert as his replacement. Lambert is far more tactically astute than Gunn and should be able to make the most, of what remains a decent squad at this level. He will be desperate to start with a win and faces an opponent he knows well, having been in charge at Wycombe for two seasons. Wanderers are having defensive problems of their own and following promotion, have yet to keep a clean sheet, conceding eight in just four starts.

Lambert watched his team at Brentford in midweek, before officially taking charge and the Canaries pretty much controlled the first half and were unlucky to lose by the odd goal in three, probably deserving at least a share of the spoils. He will have seen plenty to give him hope and there is no reason why City cannot get into the playoff picture. Home win.

5.5 points Norwich City -3/4 ball 2.02 asian line.

Good Luck.

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF A FOOTBALL SUPPORTER ....

Things can change very quickly in football, just three short years ago I wrote an extended and depressing post about my beloved Brentford, the club that has taken up far too much of my life and caused me untold heartache over the years. That article can be viewed here, Brentford were indeed relegated that season and the following season, struggled in the fourth tier of English football.

Of course, even as a Bees fan, there has been the odd high point over the decades, reaching the FA Cup last eight in 1988-89 with a great footballing side and travelling to Ewood Park and Anfield, playoff visits to Wembley and Cardiff, the odd promotion, highlight of which was winning the old third division in 91-92 and going up to what is now the Championship. The last week of that season was unbelievable, beating big local rivals Fulham 4-0 and then winning the title at Peterborough on the last day, those are two days that will stay with me forever.

That was followed by the only season I have watched them play in anything other than the bottom two divisions and what are my abiding memories of that camapign ? The eight minutes of injury time played at home to Notts County, where the referee appeared to wait for a County equaliser before blowing his whistle, those lost points would have saved us and a totally inept display on the last day of the season at Bristol City in front of thousands of travelling Bees. That pretty sums up being a fan of a lower league club, you take and make the most of any highlights along the way, because you know full well you will be paying for them later !

Anyway, things are definitely on the up in that most hallowed corner of TW8, Brentford were promoted last season and off the pitch the club is being well run, there is a degree of transparency in what is happening and next week, the supporters group currently running the club, will vote overwhelmingly in favour of "eventually" handing over control of the Bees to Matthew Benham. Benham is a long time supporter, who made his money in banking and then sports betting ( he is one of us !) and unlike the majority of other owners, actually has an understanding of the game. I expect it to be a good deal for the club, it will at the very least secure the immediate (5 years) future of Brentford FC and in these troubled times, when so many clubs are struggling, that is about as good as it gets at this level. There are still plans to move to a new stadium at some stage, but this is very unlikely until there is an upturn in the housing market, with the Bees current home Griffin Park ( The Theatre of Sleepless Nights) standing on desirable building land.

Having just a little money available makes so much difference in the lower leagues, Brentford are never going to make any big money signings, but boss Andy Scott and his team have an eye for young talent and he has been very astute in the loan market. When any player has been injured, Scott has had funds to act very quickly and get some cover in (witness Alan Bennett injured on Tuesday, James Wilson signed on Wednesday), he has built a very pacey, close knit team, with a tremendous spirit and never say die attitude, who have collected a lot of points late in games.

Division 1 looks very tough this season, but I would not write off a playoff push for the Bees, they have a couple of key players injured at present, but set to return soon and then the squad will look strong. The players are confident and have made an unbeaten start to life at the higher level and also outplayed established Championship side Bristol City in the League Cup (although they eventually lost), Supporters are firmly behind the club and what they are trying to do, attendances are on the up and some 2,500 + are going to Southampton today to follow their team, if they can come back with a point or better, that would be a very solid start to the season and give them a platform to build upon. They are on offer at circa 3.75 to win this afternoon and whilst I am not putting that up as a bet, I certainly would not discourage you from chancing a little. Up the Bees !

Good Luck.

LIGUE 2 ................

AJACCIO- STRASBOURG

One point was very important to both Ajaccio and Strasbourg last season, it was the margin by which the home side avoided relegation and the visitors missed out on promotion. It is also key in h2h meetings between these two here, as the last six games have ended all square. I think a seventh stalemate makes perfect sense, Ajaccio look likely to struggle again, mainly because their home form is so bad, with just six wins in 20 league starts and they will be happy for anything they can get this evening.

Strasbourg have started slowly, but did get their first point of the season in midweek and will be desperate not to lose this evening and to get a result to build on. They are definitely a team in transition and in my opinion showed a lack of ambition with their summer "business"failure to get promotion obviously took a lot out of them. Like I say, a share of the spoils is once again on the cards, for two teams who might be in for a long season.

4 points Ajaccio-Strasbourg draw 3.0 + ....... a little 3.11 on the exchanges.

Good Luck.

SUBSCRIPTION FULL ......

I am not accepting any further subscribers to the email service at present, as we have reached our maximum numbers. This might well change in the future, possibly from October, when a few more spots could be released. If that is the case, I will keep you informed.

So for now, you can read the blog safe in the knowledge that there will be no sales pitch.

Good Luck.

HISTORY REPEATING ...........

SUPERETTAN

GIF SUNDSVALL-MJALLBY

There are many similarities between Superettan this year and two seasons ago, back then IFK raced into a massive lead and then slowly coasted to promotion, with GIF snatching the final automatic spot. This year, Mjallby hold a 12 point lead and even now with 11 rounds to go, they look booked for Allsvenskan, having said that, they have appeared to be tiring recently and riding their luck.

They probably do not fancy this long trip north to play on GIF's artificial surface, especially meeting a team who look strong and who are beginning to crank things up. They are very strong on home soil, just two losses and 16 wins in 23 starts at this level and a point today would take them into the playoff place, a win could see them snatch second, so they will certainly not lack motivation.

Mjallby have a tremendous away record, but they know they do not need to win every game now and the signs are clear that they are struggling to retain their focus and playing levels, I am very keen on GIF off level ball. Incidently they played IFK at a similar stage in 2007 and won 3-0, a result which really launched their promotion push, we might see a repeat this evening.

6.5 points GIF level ball 1.92 asian line.

Good Luck.

FOREST LOOKING TO KICK START THEIR SEASON .................

CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTTINGHAM FOREST - WATFORD

Billy Davies is building a side to compete at the business end of the Championship, the results have not come yet, but they are playing well and were incredibly unlucky to lose at home to WBA on saturday. They created chance after chance, but couldn't convert any, they then conceded an own goal, before missing a late penalty.They allowed the visitors virtually nothing and I think they will be too strong for a Watford side that took a bit of a hammering at Sheffield United over the weekend.

The 2-0 scoreline doesn't really tell the full story, United created 16 attempts at goal, enjoyed the bulk of possesion and visiting keeper Scott Loach put in a MOTM performance.

WBA boss Roberto di Matteo described Forest as a very good side and we might just see that for ourselves tonight.Home win.

6 points Nottingham Forest -1/2 ball 1.83 asian line.

Good Luck.

SEAGULLS TO SCUPPER HAT-TRICK BID ...........

DIVISION 1

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN - BRIGHTON

Hosts have made a fantastic start to their season and dominated Southampton at the weekend, when the 3-1 scoreline did not do them justice.However, in this league it is very difficult to win three in a row at home, let alone three in a one week period and I suspect they might not be able to peak again. They certainly might struggle to breakdown the visitors, who kept things very tight in a 0-0 draw at my beloved Brentford over the weekend.

Boss Russell Slade will doubtless retain his five man midfield and look to stifle the game, he faced Town three times last season and did not lose, keeping two clean sheets whilst at his former club Yeovil. Before bringing the relegation threatened Seagulls here late last season and earning a valuable point. I have a strong feeling that they will return home with another share of the spoils tonight.

5 points Brighton +1/2 ball 2.11 asian line.

pre season Brighton news

Good Luck.

MONDAY .............

Y.E Yang out battled Tiger yesterday and asian sponsors must be falling over themselves to get the Korean golfer signed up this morning. He was a very easy winner in the without Woods market and I hope that some of you took advantage of the generous odds on offer, as pinpointed early on Sunday.

It was a fantastic day of sport, highlight was the sensational 100m final at the World Championships, where Usain Bolt broke yet another world record, recording a time of 9.58, he is not content with that and claims that 9.40 is definitely possible. Looking at the ease with which he raced yesterday, few would bet against him.

I have just sent subscribers just one bet for today, so will not be posting it on the blog, but am very likely to have some news to pass on tomorrow, so please check back.

Good Luck.

YANG MAKING UP FOR LATE START .............

USPGA GOLF
WITHOUT TIGER WOODS

Final major of the year and Tiger leads by two from Harrington and Yang, Stenson and Glover are a further two strokes back, with Els and Kjeldsen another shot behind.

Woods and Padraig went head to head last week on the final day of the WGC Bridgestone event, the Irishman led by three after 54 holes, but a seven shot swing on the final day, saw the best player of all time ease home. Harrington is a very tough competitor and as champion, will not give up his crown without a fight, but he must still bear the mental scars from last week and at short odds in this market, I will look elsewhere.

I am interested in the Korean Yang, who has already won in the US this year, in the Honda Classic, along with a number of international wins, which include the 2006 HSBC Champions tournament, where he saw off Tiger by a couple of shots.He is a very intersting character and did not really take up the game until into his twenties, which is virtually unheard of. Yang has played the last two days as well as anyone, notching seven birdies yesterday and is in terrific form, in his last three outings, he was 8th in the Canadian Open with a closing 68, followed that with 5th in the Buick shooting 67 on Sunday and last week shot 69-66 over the weekend for another big finish in the WGC event. He should go close.

Els is not the player he was, not by a long way, but has played well this week and but for closing with three bogies yesterday, he would be much closer. At least that means that there is little pressure on him today, which he does not seem to relish any more and he has the chance to post a low score whilst others are still on the course. Ernie is pleased with his game and is a proven Round 4 player, being ranked in the top eight on tour in two of the last three seasons, which is impressive considering he has not been at his best in these years. I will chance a little on him for old times sake.

4 points Y.E YANG 6.0 general quote.... 6.50 in places.

1.5 points ERNIE ELS 19.0 general quote.

Good Luck.

SUNDAY MORNING ..............

Very frustrating yesterday, QPR allowed a late equaliser which meant stakes returned on our level ball bet and prevented a 5 from 5 cleansheet for subscribers, who received the two selections given below, plus winners @ 2.20, 2.10 and 1.87.

Still, over 24 points profit is a very good return for the day.

Today, I have previewed the final round of the USPGA golf and also gave three football bets, most of this output will be kept for subcribers, but I will post something on the blog.

Elsewhere, Andrew Murray is in the Montreal Masters final and up to number two in the world, replacing Rafael Nadal. Jessica Ennis is elegantly heading for a gold medal in the Heptathalon at the Athletics World Championships, where the only view of Usain Bolt most competitors will get in tonight's 100m final, will be of his rear disappearing over the horizon.

Good Luck today !

EVERTON SET FOR ANOTHER SLOW START ....

PREMIER LEAGUE

EVERTON- ARSENAL

I suspect Everton might struggle today, there has been plenty of unrest at the club regarding Joleon Lescott's future and they can ill afford to be without him, be it in mind and/or body with Phil Jagielka already missing from defensive duties, also out are Anichebe, Arteta and Yakuba.

Last season they started very slowly and conceded 18 goals in their opening 8 starts and did not record a win at Goodison until November 1st. They opened with a poor 3-2 loss at home to Blackburn and then conceded three unanswered goals to Portsmouth in their next home match, if they start as sluggish this time round and all the signs are there, it is very hard to see them getting anything from a Gunners side that have looked strong in pre season. Andrey Arshavin is a player I rate very highly and he could dominate the EPL this year, he scored four times on his last trip to Merseyside and is worth a look in the anytime goalscoring market.

Aside from their FA Cup run last season, Everton do not have the best record against the "big 4" and I am firmly with the visitors off level ball.

7 points Arsenal level ball 1.75 asian line.

Good Luck.

R'S TO ENJOY ANOTHER TRIP WEST .........

CHAMPIONSHIP

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE- QPR

Rangers did not turn out to be the massive spenders expected last season, but have built a very strong looking squad. They were disappointed to only draw 1-1 at home to Blackpool last week but totally dominated the game and should have won with ease, after creating 21 goalscoring chances and hitting the woodwork four times , the fact that players like Rowan Vine, Akos Buzsaky and Patrick Agyemang started on the bench tells you all you need to know about the quality available to visiting boss Jim Magilton. They put five past Exeter in the cup in midweek and the goals should continue to flow against an Argyle side who look short of two or three players , have won just 5 times in 25 starts, conceded more home goals than any team apart from basement Charlton last season and created fewer goal attempts on target than anyone.

They have struggled so far, with an undeserved point at Crystal Palace and a loss at newly promoted Division One side Gillingham on Tuesday, in a game where the lower league side dominated.

The classy pair Heidar Helguson and Adel Taarabt also return from International duty to further boost the visitors and they should have too much for a limited home side who are without a couple of key players.

6 points QPR level ball 1.97 + asian line.

Good Luck.

UPDATE ....

Very busy weekend ahead, I am looking at previewing 5-7 games for tomorrow alone and will do my best to post one or two here on the blog.

I have an incredible strike rate over recent weeks, with just one half stake loser and 90% + winners in the last fortnight. So it is probably worthwhile checking back.

Good Luck with all your bets today !

FRIDAY .....

NETHERLANDS

EERSTE DIVISIE

OMNIWORLD- VOLENDAM

Visitors were easy winners of this league two seasons ago and are determined to but in a big bid to reclaim their top flight status at the first attempt, they opened with a 1-1 draw at Den Bosch and are looking for all three points at Omniworld who won only eight times last season, ending nine points adrift of the rest of the division.They started this campaign in similar fashion losing 2-0 at Go Ahead and showed very little, especially offensively, they are without three players today and I expect a comfortable away win.

6.5 points Volendam -3/4 ball 1.78 asian line.

Good Luck.

TUESDAY .....

READING - BURTON ALBION

Tough looking quote for the hosts, eecially given that they have not won at home in ten starts and have nine players away on international duty. However, this is one of the biggest squads around and they have very able replacements, for example, keeper Ben Hamer who will start tonight, played almost every game in the Brentford Division 2 Championship winning side of last season.Big summer signing Matt Mills will make his debut and everyone else will be looking to earn a regular starting place. The Royals opened with a 0-0 draw at the weekend, but played really well, created plenty of chances and kept possession making almost 500 passes an incredible number. They should have too much for a Burton side fortunate to have got into the Football League last season. They almost blew a huge lead over the closing months , when they did not play well and several teams would have been better suited for league status. They are without new striker Robin Shroot tonight.

5.5 points Reading -1.25 goals 2.04 asian line.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY......

I like the odds for Derby County, who host newly promoted Peterborough United tomorrow, two consecutive promotions might catch up with the visitors and whilst they have funds available, a lower mid table finish seems on the cards.

The hosts will be without top scorer Rob Hulse, but have plenty of cover and boss Nigel Clough has the club buzzing and I understand the new signings have fitted in well. Clough is trying to play things down, but big things are expected this year, a huge crowd will be in attendance tomorrow and with three of their next four league games on the road, anything less than three points tomorrow, will be a disappointment. Confidence is sky high and Clough has his squad very fit and raring to go.

Leeds United will have no excuses this season and they have to get promotion, Simon Grayson has had plenty of time to get the squad he wants together and they have shown terrific ambition in keeping Jermaine Beckford at the club, when they could have cashed in. They did sell Fabian Delph to Aston Villa, but are pleased with replacement Micky Doyle, whom Grayson has chased for months.Delph has fantastic potential, but an expecrience hand goes a long way at this level and Doyle fits the bill perfectly.

Pre season could hardly have gone better for United and they should have too much fire power for Exeter City, who were a non league side 18 months ago. The visitors will have 2,000 fans in an almost 30,000 crowd, but have a completly new back line and might struggle to contact the United wide players, with both full backs making their debut. Home win.

6 points Derby -1/2 ball 2.11 asian line.

6.5 points Leeds United -1 ball 1.87 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY UPDATE .....

I have not been posting much on the blog recently, I did give you a couple of winners last weekend and I am in good form since then, with a 100% record for subscribers in the meantime.

I might post a quick preview, with just a line or two about one or two of tomorrow's matches, but the bulk of my early season information, I want to keep solely to subscribers to the email service. From next weekend I will resume normal service, with a (almost ) daily posting on here.

Good Luck.

SUNDAY .....

IRELAND
SHAMROCK ROVERS -DERRY CITY

Rovers continue on their merry way and are now on a 15 match unbetaen domestic run, they have a terrific chance to close the gap on leaders Bohemians here, as Derry played a Europa Cup tie in Bulgaria just three days ago.

You might have read elsewhere that Rovers have four major doubts , but I am reliably informed that only oneis likely to miss out and that is more than offset by the return from suspension of Sean O'Connor and inclusion of new signing Pat Sullivan. I will take the fresher home side to claim all three points.

5.5 points Shamrock Rovers -1/2 ball 2.0 asian line.

DENMARK
BRONDBY - MIDTJYLLAND

I think that we will see goals in this game, despite the visitors failure to score in three starts. They managed four on their last visit here at the very end of May and this is traditionally a free scoring fixture with the last six meetings all producing three or more goals.Brondby have yet to keep a clean sheet in eight starts in all competitions this season and we discussed in greater depth their defensive woes last week, I see little changing in the short term.

6 points "over" 2.75 goals 2.05 asian line.

Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY..............

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

GLASGOW CELTIC- DINAMO MOSCOW

Celtic really impressed in the weekend tournament at Wembley and look to have hit form at just the right time. Although their domestic campaign has not yet started, this is arguably, the most important game new home boss Tony Mowbray will face this season. This massive, but cash strapped club, really HAVE to progress at the very least, to the next stage, anything less will be seen as something of a disaster.

They are very tough to beat at Celtic Park, where many of Europe's finest teams have been found wanting in recent seasons.

Dinamo finished third in the Russian league last season, their highest finish in a decade and they are fully match fit, 15 games into their season. However, they lack experience at this level, are finding goals hard to come by and are without suspended skipper Dmitry Khokhkov. I feel that this is too vital for Celtic and they will be ultra keen to take a lead to Moscow.

6.5 points Celtic -1/2 ball 1.83 general quote.

VENTSPILS - BATE

BATE are far and away the beat team in Belarus, where such is their lead at the top of the table, that they can concentrate 100% on the Champions League.

Ventspils look an inferior side and are busy fighting a tense three way battle for their domestic title. They have qualified three times recently for the Champions League and on each occasion have been eliminated at this stage, with victories only over Welsh (twice) and Luxembourg opponents, losing as soon as they face a stronger rival.

BATE will be desperate to emulate last years performance when they reached the group stage and impressed many with their showing in the "group of death", where they competed with Real Madrid, Juventus and Zenit. They fully realise what riches are possible from progression and will be looking to put this match to bed with a big first leg performance.

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

Good Luck.

TUESDAY .....

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

ANDERLECHT- SIVASSPOR

Visitors had a strong season last campaign and finished ahead of a number of big name teams. However, the squad has broken up in the off season withTum, Herve, Bilica, Balili and Sylla all leaving. Significant new signings are non existent and missing tonight are Mehmet Yildiz, Badur and Omotoyossi and of whom would have started . Pre season form has been dire and they look a long way from the team of last season.

Anderlecht lost out on the Championship in a playoff and to a Champions League group place with a shock defeat to BATE , although given their exploits in the group stage, perhaps that was not such a terrible loss, as it appeared at the time.They are very determined to get past this stage and have performed well in build up games. They have kept their squad intact and strengthened in the break and will not want to go to Turkey without a lead. Home win.

7.5 points Anderlecht -1/2 ball 1.67 general quote.

SPARTA PRAGUE - PANATHINAIKOS

Greek teams have traditionally struggled on the road, but Panathinaikos are doing their best to put that reputation to bed. Last year they won not only here 2-1, at a similar stage, but away at both Inter Milan and Bremen, qualifying through a terribly tough group and then earning a fine draw at Villarreal in the last 16. They love it in Prague and are 100% from three visits this decade in european competition. They have added Djibril Cisse, Gilberto Silva, Sebastian Leto and Kostas Katsouranis to an already strong squad in the last year and look very capable of a repeat win. Czech football looks to have regressed and Sparta seem weaker than when the two last met, their midfield is very inexperienced and this is where I think we will see the Greeks take charge and dominate. Only South African Bryce Moon is missing for the visitors and they should win this.

7 points Panathinaikos -1/2 ball 2.40 general quote.

Good Luck.

SUNDAY ....

Very poor week or so on the blog, it happens, this is gambling ! I had a reasonable day yesterday giving subscribers an easy winner at odds of circa 3.60 and am hopeful of building on that today. I am posting three mini previews below and let's hope for the best.

NORWAY TIPPELIGAEN

SANDEFJORD- MOLDE

We have discussed Molde recently and especially how well they have adapted to life back in Tippeligaen following promotion in 2007, re-establishing themselves as a major player. They are currently in second place eight points clear of the third placed team, this means that they can play without fear and look at closing down Rosenborg's four point advantage at the top of the table. They have won their last five league starts, scoring for fun recently, with 13 goals in their last three matches alone. A draw will not help them much and given their position and boosted by the return of Holm and Tomaz Junior, I expect them to go out hunting the three points. They are ideally suited by playing away from home, where they break very quickly and already have six wins to their name.

Hosts are newly promoted and survival is the extenGood Luck.t of their ambition this season, I feel they will accomplish that, but expect them to struggle today. They are coming off a vital win last week, where they played well, but that is the one recent highlight in a dismal run.

6.5 points Molde -3/4 ball 1.94 asian line.

DENMARK SUPER LIGAEN

ESBJERG- BRONDBY

I am keen on the home side getting a handicap start. All is not well at Brondby, there are rumours of boardroom strife, they are missing several players today and they have looked defensively fragile in the 2-2 opening home draw with OB and even in two starts against poor Estonian opposition in the Europa League. Esberg are keen to avoid last year's relegation struggles and started with a useful point at Midtylland, they tend to perform well against the top teams here and have only lost this fixture to Brondby twice in nine meetings.

6.5 points Esbjerg +1/4 ball 1.93 asian line.

FRIENDLY

SUNDERLAND - ATLETICO MADRID

Going to try the "over" again here, I know that Sunderland let us down in the Benfica game, but how there was not at least one more goal in that game will remain one of life's great mysteries ! The Black Cats played well and had any number of chances to get on the scoresheet. These things have a habit of evening out and surely against free scoring ( and conceding) Atletico, there will be chances at both ends. The Spanish side are treating this as a serious warm up for the Champions League and most of their star names were in action in the opener with Ajax, when six goals were shared. That was an open high tempo game and I feel we will see more of the same today.

5.5 points "over" 2.75 goals 2.21 asian line.

Good Luck.

PEACE CUP IN SPAIN............

LDU QUITO- AL-ITTIHAD

LDU were one of my teams last year, but that was a very long season for the Ecuadorian side the Copa Libertadores winners, who then had to play the World Club Championship and cashed in on their fame with a number of other games and tournaments around the world. as you might expect, their players were in demand also and the core of the winning squad has broken up. They are much stronger at home and whilst they will enjoy plenty of support in Spain, they will be without two key players in captain Patricio Urrutia and defender Norberto Araujo and i do not think we will see them at their best this evening.

Al-Ittihad are a massive club in Saudi and they have prepared meticulously for this tournament, as you might expect, money is no problem and they have been based in Spain for ages. New coach Eric Gerets has been working hard with his players and they are gaining experience on a bigger scale, already having qualified for the quarter finals of the Asian Champions League. He has a number of talented players at his disposal including star midfielder Mohammed Noor who has been compared to Patrick Viera, if you see him play you will understand why. I like them with this handicap start.

6 points Al-Ittihad +3/4 ball 1.93 asian line.

Good Luck.

CELTIC HAVE BIGGER GAMES AHEAD ..........

CELTIC- AL AHLY

Celtic are undergoing a mini rebuilding process under new boss Tony Mowbray, who is keen to get the squad playing his way. They showed some nice touches in a friendly with Cardiff in midweek, but goals were again a problem and the match ended 0-0. They will have to be ultra cautious tonight, with a massive Champions League qualifier with Dinamo Moscow on Wednesday, that they dare not lose.

Al Ahly have no such worries, they are arguably Africa's biggest club side and will be treating this tournament with the upmost respect. It is sure to receive massive coverage in Egypt, they are a strong side and we have already seen many with the national team on a regular basis, some 13 members of the squad are full internationals and I think six have 60+ caps, a very experienced and close knit team. I think that they will really be up for this opportunity to impress on a big stage and take them getting a big start.

6 points Al Ahly +3/4 ball 1.86 asian line.

Good Luck.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS AT WEMBLEY ..........

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR- BARCELONA

Tottenham have some big problems ahead of this game, with Pavlyuchenko and Keane doubtful, Boateng out along with all three recognised central defenders Woodgate, King and Dawson.

Barcelona have travelled to London, the game will be played at Wembley, with the following 28 man squad: 17 from the senior squad (Valdés, Pinto, Jorquera, Martín Cáceres, Víctor Sánchez, Henrique, Maxwell, Márquez, Abidal, Keita, Touré, Gudjohnsen, Hleb, Bojan, Henry, Messi and Pedro) plus 11 from the reserve and youth squads (Oriol, Dalmau, Montoya, Fontàs, Muniesa, Espasandín, Rueda, Santos, Jeffren, Rochina and Gai).

So no, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Alves, Milito, Eto'o, Busquets or Pique ! However, still the core of a strong enough squad, not sure about Hleb's participation as he is said to form part of the Ibrahimovic-Eto'o deal. Barce are training in Marlow about four miles from where I live, a contact went to watch them yesterday, he is used to watching Premiership players in training and was impressed, they spent a lot of time working on the small things and were very thorough.

I suspect that this is more a game to watch, but the wide open spaces of Wembley should suit Barce and they were very impressive through pre season last year. Real have upped the ante with their huge spending, so I am sure that Guardiola will want to get his team buzzing as soon as possible. Goals look again the best option and I would not be surprised to see these two clubs produce four or more, hard to see this makeshift Spurs backline, keeping them out for too long.

5 points "over" 3 goals 2.05 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY ....

Today sees the start of the "big" pre season tournaments and I am looking at four of those matches.....

SUNDERLAND-BENFICA

In the Amsterdam tournament there are points available for every goal scored, so a 3-3 draw has the same value as a 1-0 win, therefore there seems little point in sitting back too much and I could see these two well matched teams providing plenty of entertainment.They seem just about on a par in terms of fitness, although the Portugese side have a couple more games under their belt. Both have new coach's in charge and we can expect the players to be out to impress, Steve Bruce likes to build up some momentum through pre season and we all saw the value of that with his Wigan side last season. There is more competition for starting places at the Stadium of Light this year and I would just favour them here, but prefer the "over" .

5 points "over" 2.5 goals 2.12 asian line.

Good Luck.

TWO GAMES IN TWO DAYS FOR TOWN ......

GRIMSBY TOWN - LEEDS UNITED

United are playing two games tonight, a couple of big names are going to the other fixture, but by far the stronger squad is travelling north, including Fabian Delph, Robinson, Snodgrass, Howson, Marques and Becchio, all of whom are expected to get extended playing time, alongside a couple of trialists anxious to get a contract with one of the biggest clubs outside the top flight.

United have a number of pre season games under their belts now and they remain very ambitious, having turned down a number of big money offers for star players, including Delph (pictured). They are keen to build up some momentum and hit the ground running this season, where they simply HAVE to get promotion. There is great competition for places in this squad and we can expect to see a fairly committed performance from the visitors.

Town played last night, losing 3-0 at home to Scunthorpe, in a local cup tie. However, before we get too carried away by that, they did field a mixture of first and reserve team players, having said that, it will obviously restrict their line up options tonight. Away win.

6.5 points Leeds United -1/2 ball 1.80 general quote.

Good Luck.

TUESDAY .....

Very grim day on Sunday, where I got the final round of the golf completely wrong. I felt a little sorry for Ross Fisher who did his best to regroup after two disaster holes, which saw an eight shot swing in his round. But Jim Furyk should have been shame faced after his performance.

The playoff was painful to watch, when 72 very tough holes and almost 60 long years took it's toll on Tom Watson, who "only" needed a par at the last in regulation play to win the Open, twenty six years after his last win in the tournament. That would have been regarded by many as the greatest sporting achievement in history !

I have previewed a couple of pre seaon games for subscribers today and will post at least one of them on here a little later in the day.

Back later.

ON THE FOOTBALL FRONT .............

IRELAND DIVISION 1

MONAGHAN -WATERFORD UNITED

Big game for Waterford, who are in fourth spot, four points off second place, but with two games in hand. They are a very ambitious club and determined to earn promotion this year, they strengthened the squad in the summer break, with the latest signing Paul Walsh, set to make his debut today. Aside from the suspended John Kearney they have a fully fit squad to choose from and arrrive in good form, scoring eleven goals in winning their last three starts. Hosts did show signs of a rival after a poor start to their season, but all their shortcomings were there to see in 4-0 thumping against Sporting Fingal in their last outing and a season of lower mid table mediocrity looks firmly on the cards. A very motivated Waterford to collect the spoils and earn their seventh away win in nine road starts.

7 points Waterford -1/2 ball 2.08 asian line.

Good Luck.