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Weekend Soccer – By Chris

The Premiership

Birmingham   -  Chelsea        6.00  -   1.65
The fact that Birmingham gained an away point at Arsenal last week was not a total surprise to me. They have the capacity to disturb the big clubs in occasionally as they young squad with players full of energy. Birmingham have just signed the Hibernian defender D Murphy and the Everton forward J Mc Fadden. Signing Fadden is an excellent move.

I am impressed by Chelsea. Strong as ever, despite the absence of most of their key players. I know that it is heresy to say it, but in my opinion Mourinho is not missed at all. Anelka came on as a second half substitute last week, but I expect him to among the starting eleven this time. Ivanov will also be included in the Chelsea squad and maybe the fit again Lampard as well. The last three meetings at St Andrews between these sides have ended 0-0, 0-1 and 0-0.  This time I anticipate a 0-1 or a 0-2 result. Away win, but the odds you can do without (1.65).

Birmingham 0 Chelsea 1

Blackburn   -  Middlesbrough        1.75   -   5.10
Three wins in a row for Blackburn and they are obviously on their way to better things. Still I must point out that they have not performed at their best level, despite these recent wins. Their opponents have been Derby, Sunderland and Bolton, a much weakened Bolton side last week. Emerton and Tugay are back in contention for this match.

Maybe Middlesbrough are in the same category as the trio above. Maybe not, the way I see it Middlesbrough have a certain capacity, displayed last week, when they deservedly drew their home game with Liverpool. Boro have both Cattermole and J Arca back from their suspensions for this match and S Downing is still a Middlesbrough player. Defenders J Woodgate and Pogatetz will also return to their squad. Of course Blackburn should be favourites to win this match, but no way that I will back this 1.75 on the home win. No bet!

Blackburn 1 Middlesbrough 1

Fulham  -   Arsenal         7.50   -   1.50
Last season Fulham won this fixture 2-1. I have a hard time visualising two Fulham goals this time.  Maybe fit again J Bullard can score with one his trade mark free kicks, but the present Fulham strikers would do better in the Championship. Marlon King, the Watford striker, is on his way to Fulham and he could be ready to play for his new club tomorrow, so they have one striker who could score two goals then. The Danish defender Hangeland has also joined Fulham.

Poor effort form Arsenal last week and coach Wenger agrees. Their squad looked strong, only missing Rosicky, van Persie, Toure and Eboue, but Arsenal lacked the cutting edge. For once no real commitment from the Arsenal players. Just a blip or loss of form? Who can tell! I expect Rosicky to be back for this match. I never believe in Fulham these days and it has to be Arsenal for this writer. Saying that, I have no intention of backing this 1.50. Not up to standard.

Fulham 0 Arsenal 3

Newcastle   -   Bolton        1.90    -   4.60
It was inspiration enough for the Newcastle players to know that their previous hero Kevin Keegan was on his way back to the club, enough for them to produce an improved display against Stoke (4-1 win). Three of their goals were scored when Newcastle were down to 10 men. This match will be the first with Keegan in charge of business. He has to do without his African players and N Butt, Emre and A Smith are all out suspended. Depleted midfield. Yes, but N'Zogbia, D Duff and J Milner are still there.

Bolton have signed the Icelandic international defender Steinsson as well as the Portsmouth midfielder Matt Taylor and both will join the Bolton squad for this match. Offensively however Bolton look quite limited without Anelka and Hadji-Diouf. Home win! (1.90).

Newcastle 0 Bolton 0

Portsmouth   -   Derby         1.44  -   9.00
We watched a new, not so strong version of Portsmouth last week in their first match without their strong African players. Their midfield for example (Mendes, Hughes and Mvuemba) did not function at all and it is not easy to be a striker with a dysfunctional midfield. Coach Redknapp has to make some changes, that is obvious. He has reacted and signed the Arsenal midfielder Diarra. G Johnson is fit again and maybe we will see S Davis as well. Defensively they should be fine.

Derby will be without their suspended defender C Davis and as always there are plenty of injury concerns for coach Jewell. Their new signings? Yes, they played from the start last week, without making much impact. Maybe their opponents were too strong. (Only joking of course as they played Wigan). Pompey are 2-6-2 at home and who in the right frame of mind can back this low priced home win? (1.44).

Portsmouth 3 Derby 1

Reading   -   Manchester Utd         9.00   -   1.40
The home side is on a three match losing run in the Premiership. Add their midweek home loss in the cup to Tottenham and you realise that Reading are looking rather desperate for a three pointer again. They drew this fixture 1-1 last season, but it would be a huge suprise if they achieved something like that tomorrow as they are letting in too many goals this season. Fact is that only Derby have conceded as many as Reading. 47 goals so far!

After their loss against West Ham, when Ronaldo missed a penalty with the score line 1-0 for United, I do not expect this terrific United side to throw away any league points in the near future. Later on maybe, but not for now. Wes Brown returns from his suspension this weekend and Hargreaves is back in contention. Boring Premiership fixtures this far, from a betting point of view, and for the sixth successive time I will say likely away win, but ridiculous odds (1.40).

Reading 0 Man Utd 2

Tottenham   -   Sunderland       1.45   -   8.50
Deserved cup win for Tottenham in midweek at Reading (1-0). Tottenham took the lead and for once they played on the result. A more defensive approach than we usually see from Spurs. A couple of key players, Berbatov, A Lennon and L King were rested. They are back for this game and we will also see T Huddlestone again.

Sunderland gave their Premiership campaign a major boost by winning against Portsmouth last week. It was their second home win on the spin, but away from home Sunderland are on a terrible run (0-2-9). I do think that they have to win a couple of away games, or they will go down to the Championship. I recall a strong Sunderland away game with Arsenal. They lost the match, 2-3, but the way they played against Arsenal they should be able to win some away games. Unfortunately their away displays have deteriorated since that Arsenal match.  Sunderland will come with the same squad as last week minus the injured Leadbitter.

The Tottenham players are in involved in too many games these days and in a few days it is time for the Carling Cup semi final with Arsenal. I will stay away from this 1.45 on the home win. The question is if I am prepared to take a chance with the away win for Sunderland? (8.50).

Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0

Manchester City   -  West Ham        2.00   -  4.10
One man and one man alone made all the difference when City won the cup replay 1-0 against W Ham in midweek. I am of course talking about their speedy winger M Petrov. Sven has to buy himself a striker, a tall one preferably. It is a bit embarrassing to see all the excellent passes from Petrov go to waste with Vassell or Bianchi in the box.

West Ham were as good (or bad) as City, but fact remains that it was the third encounter between these sides this season and the Hammers have yet to score a goal. D Ashton was probably the man on the City ground that looked most likely to score, but once again it turned out to be a City player who scored, Elano this time. It should be easy for W Ham  -  stop Petrov and City are quite harmless. I have to back the away win (4.10).

Man City 1 West Ham 1

Wigan   -   Everton            3.20   -   2.35
This is not my favourite fixture in this of this round of the Premiership. I do not think that the Everton players are looking forward to this game. There is something with the JJB Stadium, especially at this time of the season.  Wigan are 3-2-1 since Bruce started his regime. It is pretty impressive, considering the present Wigan squad. Bruce has signed Palacios, who started last week, but in my opinion Wigan have to sign at least a couple of established Premiership players or they will join Derby and another in relegation. E Edman, Swedish defender once playing for Tottenham, is on his way to Wigan. If my memory serves me right E Edman scored the goal of the year for Tottenham away to Liverpool some years ago. Figueroa, Honduran defender, has closed the deal and is now a Wigan player.

Everton will once again be without Yakubu and Yobo, but they will welcome back A Johnson for this match and maybe L Osman as well. M Fernandes has rejoined the club and could feature in this match. X2 in my view.

Wigan 1 Everton 2

Liverpool    -   Aston Villa         1.67   -   6.40
It was good for Liverpool to hit some goals in midweek. Their opponents were a poor Luton side, but it does not matter, it was useful to finally score some goals again. They played more or less with their strongest squad, which was a bit surprising, but I guess that Benitez really needed an emphatic win.

Villa have won their last three league games and their away from has been quite magnificent all season long. They have only lost one away game this far (4-5-1). O Mellberg returns replacing C Gardner but their England international, G Barry, is a major injury doubt. Liverpool are also 4-5-1, but in their home matches. Home win, I guess! (1.67).

Serie A

Fiorentina   -  Torino       1.50   -   9.00
Earlier this week Fiorentina played a cup game (2-0 win vs Ascoli. Their coach fielded an alternative side  but on Saturday we will see their first strings again. One of Vieri or Pazzini will join Mutu and Santana in the frontline. All are fit and available and this strong Fiorentina side must be expected to win this match (1.50).

Torino were terribly poor last week in their home game with Livorno (1-2) and I cannot recall when they last won a league game. Well they have only won two this season (2-11-5). Important player Rosina will be missing again as well as Ventola. Home win (1.50).

Fiorentina 2 Torino 1

Genoa   -   Atalanta          2.20    -   3.80
Genoa picked up a much deserved win against a poor Lazio side last week. Too bad that they have lost their Honduran ace Leon, to an injury and he will miss this match. Figueroa or Rossi will replace him. Danilo is back and Juric will be fit to play.

Key player Doni is back from his three match suspension and Atalanta can hopefully start winning again. They only managed one point in three games without Doni. Rivalta should also be back but both Langella and Carozzieri are out suspended. I end up with the draw suggested (3.00).

Genoa 2 Atalanta 1

Inter   -  Parma           1.22  -   19.00
I should think that Inter will come with the same group of players as last week at Siena (3-2). No need to change and their casualty list looks the same this week. Maniche is an Inter player nowadays.

Parma have no major worries ahead of this match, not squad wise at least, but the Inter strength is of course a big problem for the visitors. C Lucarelli has joined the club and the excellent sharpshooter will be involved on Sunday if the papers are in order. Lucarelli is one of the five best Italian strikers. Home win (1.22).

Inter 3 Parma 2

Juventus   -   Sampdoria          1.47   -   8.50
Nocerino and Chiellini will be missing for the home side but Camoranesi will be available again.  Juve played an entertaining cup game in midweek against Empoli. They were 5-3 winners and I saw most of their big guns involved.

Sampdoria come with their strongest squad, only really missing the injured Montella. Cassano was their leading player last week when they more or less outclassed Palermo 3-0. Juventus should not be over confident ahead of this match. Sampdoria are playing much better football than I had reason to expect this season. No denying however that their away displays so far cannot match their home performances. Sampdoria are 2-0-7 away from home. Likely home win, but I am not jumping on this price (1.47).

Juventus 0 Sampdoria 0

Livorno   -   Empoli         2.15   -   3.95
They keep on surprising me these Livorno players. I thought that 1X would cover the Torino - Livorno fixture last week but no way, Livorno were deserved 2-1 winners.
They have now gone seven matches without tasting defeat. On Sunday they will be without the suspended E Filippini and the injured duo Bergvold and Giannichedda. In form Tavano and Tristan up front again.

Saudati missed a penalty for Empoli last week and they had to be content with a draw at home to fellow strugglers Reggina. As I just pointed out they were involved in a very attractive cup game earlier this week, losing 3-5 vs Juventus. Their coach had rotated his squad but quite a few regulars played their part in the match. They will be without the suspended Giacomazzi this time and Marchisio is on their injury list. Seems like Livorno find it more difficult at home (1-4-3 this far). This is a Tuscany derby game and I will settle for the draw (3.00).

Livorno 1 Empoli 0

Napoli   -   Lazio        2.10   -   4.05
Lazio lost to Genoa last week after a very poor contribution. It is true that they will have three previously suspended players back for this match, but I think it is worse that they have lost their striker Rocchi to an injury. His usual replacement Makinwa has left for the African cup and we will see the Albanian striker Tare from the start in this match. He will join Pandev in the front line. Mudingayi is also on their injury list.

Blasi returns for Napoli, but they will be without Zalayeta and Gargano. Bogliacino should be fit. Napoli are fun to watch, lots of talent in their team and they often play without fear. Naive still and I cannot say that Napoli are a side to be trusted, but they will nevertheless get my backing this time (2.10). Like M City and W Ham these sides played a cup fixture in mid week (1-1) but unlike their English colleagues they used a mixture of first and second choices.

Napoli 2 Lazio 2

Palermo   -   Siena         1.60   -   7.00
Lousy Palermo perfomance at Sampdoria last week (0-3). Checking their squad I am at a loss. They followed up their league loss by losing their cup game at home to Udinese in midweek, to an injury time Floro Flores goal. Both sides used weakened squads, especially Udinese. Surely the Sicilians will be under pressure on Sunday. A win here is imperative or God knows what their temperamental president will be up to. Once again Palermo will be at full strength.

Siena will be without the suspended Galloppa and it looks like Bertotto will be missing as well. Rigano has left Levante for Siena. Rigano, 34 years old, scored plenty of goals for Messina last season.
I am pretty convinced that the Siena players are prepared to work harder than their Palermo colleagues. Unfortunately they lack the necessary talent and Palermo should win this match despite everything (1.60).

Palermo 1 Siena 3

Reggina   -   Cagliari         1.91   -   4.75
I guess it is fair to say that Cagliari must not lose this match. It is difficult to be optimistic about their chances this week and all the other weeks. Take last week for example, they welcomed Udinese to Sardinia and with some 10 minutes gone of the match Udinese were down to 10 men. Could they use their numerical advantage? No, they could not score a single goal. Instead 10 man Udinese scored the desicive goal. Late in the game Larivey was red carded and Cagliari will miss him on Sunday as well as Conti. New player Jeda will play alongside Foggia, backing up Matri or Aquafresca.

Reggina are not really stronger than Cagliari but they have at least begun to pick up some points in their recent games. New signings, the Uruguayan striker Stuani and the ex- Palermo forward Brienza, will probably play from the start, joining Amoruso as offensive weapons. Home advantage seldom matters in six pointer affairs but I think that the new Reggina strikers will give the home team the upper hand. Home win (1.91).

Reggina 2 Cagliari 0

Roma   -  Catania         1.30   -   13.50
Last season Roma won this fixture 7-0. They will be winners once again but I do not think that Catania will be embarrassed this time. Something like a 3-0 or a 3-1 win for Roma, I should think. Roma will be without the suspended Tonetto and Panucci. Catania are 0-5-4 away from Sicily. Sums up their attitude in away games. Home win! (1.30).

Roma 2 Cataina 0

Udinese   -   Milan           4.80   -   2.00
With Ronaldo and Pato playing from the start it was a joy to watch Milan again. Sorry Gilardino and Inzaghi, you can do something else in the future. Milan will be without the suspended free kick specialist and playmaker Pirlo for this match. Udinese miss Felipe and Inler as well as Asamoah. Udinese are 5-2-1 at home but they usually have major problems with Milan on their visits. Away win, the way I see it (2.00).

Udinese 0 Milan 1

French League

Le Mans  -  Bordeaux          2.63  -   2.85
I opposed Le Mans last week and I will do the same this week. Their much weakened side lost to Sochaux 0-2, and they will not be able to field a stronger side tomorrow. This time their opponents will be tougher as Bordeaux seem to be in top form.

In midweek this Le Mans side offered a heroic cup display against a very strong Lyon side. Their keeper Pele had an outstanding game and Le Mans won the quarter final 1-0. In my opinion it is definitely an advantage for Bordeaux that Le Mans have already been involved in a big fixture this week. Cerdan will be back for Le Mans and there is still hope that Basa will be fit to play. Unfortunately their best striker, the Brazilian De Melo was injured in the Lyon game and he is out of this match. Le Tallec will be his replacement. Some doubts concerning keeper Pele as well.

Bordeaux will come with the same squad that outclassed Auxerre 4-1 last week. Both their strikers found the Auxerre net, Cavenaghi (2) and Bellion (1). Could be that the two Brazilians Wendel and Fernando will play from the start tomorrow with Micoud on the bench. Once again Chamakh and S Diawara will be missing. Backing the away win (2.85).

Le Mans 1 Bordeaux 2

Toulouse   -   Caen         2.15   -   3.50
P Cesar and M'Bengue will be available again for the home side but missing are the Africans Mansare, Emana and Santos plus the injured Congre and Mathieu. Toulouse will have a stronger squad this week than a week ago when they lost the trickiest away game in France, vs Lyon, 2-3.

Caen hope to include both Gouffran and Florentin in their squad again, but missing are Leca, Boucansaud and their first choice keeper Plante. They were completely toothless last week at home to Nancy (0-0) but they were of course missing Gouffran, their leading striker. Hoever, they were surprisingly ineffective and could be that the newcomers are dipping in form. Home win for Toulouse (2.15).

Toulouse 1 Caen 1

Auxerre  -  Strasbourg     2.05  -   4.15
Terrible Strasbourg form and I will back the home win. Strasbourg are 1-2-5 in their last eight league games. Last week they lost their home game against Nice (0-1) and quite frankly it looked like they would never be able to score a goal. Mouloungui will be back for this match and hopefully Strasbourg will be more dangerous with him in the starting line up. Renteria could also earn a starting role tomorrow, as their coach has to change things around after their pitiful display last week.

Auxerre fielded a strong squad at Bordeaux last week but they were heavily beaten (1-4). They continue to underachieve on their travels but as always we can expect a more commanding display from them at their own ground. They won their home game in midweek, the cup quarter final against Marseille, 1-0. They have a fit squad to choose from and hopefully they will be able to handle two games in one week. Home win (2.05).

Auxerre 1 Strasbourg 1

Lens  -   Lyon          4.33  -   2.00
Severe set back for Lyon earlier this week when they lost the cup quarter final 0-1 against a weakened Le Mans side. I like to think that they will hit back immediately, as top sides so often do. They were obviously lacking in motivation vs. Le Mans and I guess that it will not happen again, at least not this week. If they go down against Lens it will not be due to lack of motivation. Ben Arfa, their exciting striker, could not play in midweek but he is expected back for this match. Dead ball specialist Juninho is a major doubt, however and Govou remains sidelined.

Lens will come with the same squad that won 3-0 against Nancy in the cup, the same squad that lost 0-3 to PSG last week. Sounds like Lens are blowing hot and cold right now. They are in big trouble, positioned in the relegation zone at this instant. Dindane, their best striker, is in Ghana. Backing the away win (2.00).

Lens 1 3 Lyon 0

La Liga

Atletico Madrid   -  Real Madrid       2.90   -   2.60
Real have a habit of winning this derby and they will get my support. They are 7-4-0 in the last eleven encounters between these city rivals.  I admit that Real have not looked too convincing since the Christmas break but this is just the kind of game that will wake up their mega stars again. S Ramos will be back from his suspension for this game but his colleague Pepe is a doubt. No Heinze, Saviola, Robben or Metzelder. Diarra is in Ghana. Guti could be preferred to Baptista or Sneijder from the start this time.

Atletico miss Seitaridis, Ze Castro, Jurado and L Franco.  While Real fielded mostly second strings from the start in midweek, A M surprisingly started with both their offensive aces Forlan and Aguero in the cup game with Valladolid. I wonder if this was a wise move by coach Aguirre. You need 100% fresh players when you face Real, that is for sure. Backing Real here (2.60).

Atletico Madrid 0 Real Madrid 2

Villarreal   -   Valencia       2.20   -   3.65
Another big derby game and I am on the side of Valencia this time. They were close to equalising against Atletico last week in the second half and I thought that their overall display during the last 45 minutes gave promise for the future. In midweek, when they defeated Betis in the cup, Vicente and Zigic played up front with Joaquin rested. Joaquin is of course back in contention and also fit again Morientes and D Villa are included in the Valencia squad. R Albiol will also be available again.

Villarreal welcome back their defender Gonzalo Rodriguez and their striker G Franco. Out are Tomasson, Josico and Fuentes. Open game this one, but I am for Valencia (3.65).

Villarreal 3 Valencia 0

Real Betis   -  Recreativo Huelva        2.20   -  3.55
Six pointer game and should perhaps be avoided for betting purposes but I my feeling is that Betis will win this game. They have scored six goals in their last two home games and their new coach will use a very offensive approach again. In form Pavone up front probably together with ex -Liverpool player M Gonzalez. Rivera, Edu, Capi and Arzu in the Betis midfield. Missing are the suspended Juanito and Xisco. The excellent Ricardo in goal.

Huelva will be without the suspended Bouzon with Quique Alvarez his likely replacement. No Poli, but Beto and Edu Moya are back in contention. Sinama-Pongolle and J Guerrero up front. I prefer the home win (2.20).

Real Betis 1 Recreativo Huelva 1

The Championship

Q P R  -  Barnsley        1.83  -  4.35
It Seems like these two sides are heading in opposite directions. Barnsley have picked up only seven points from a possible twenty four since the start of December. That does not surprise me, their great start to the season surprised me more. Anyway, Barnsley have lost their midfielder G McCann to Scunthorpe but they hope that D Leon will do a good job replacing him. WBA defender Tininho has joined Barnsley on loan.

M Leigertwood returns for QPR, both Mancienne and new boy D Delaney will be available for this match and QPR have a fully fit squad to choose from. Not the greatest of prices, 1.83, but I am pretty convinced that QPR will win this match. Home win (1.83).

QPR 2 Barnsely 0

Sheffield Wednesday   -   Sheffield U td      2.75  -   2.60
I will be backing the stronger side in this hot derby. One enforced change in the S U line up as their midfielder L Hendrie is out suspended. Their new winger, L Martin on loan from M United, is likely to make his debut tomorrow and G Naysmith will be available. S U look strong, only really missing the injured striker J Beattie.

S W will give late fitness tests to their strikers F Jeffers and A Sodje. Esajas and S Watson are also injury doubts. R Wallwork could make his home debut on the Wednesday midfield. The Sheffield W. vs. Derby cup game was postponed in midweek and maybe that was a blessing for the club with all their many injury doubts. Still, my choice will be the away win for United (2.60).

Sheffield Wednesday 2 Sheffield Utd 0

Chris.