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Weekend Soccer – By Chris.

The Premiership

 Aston Villa   -   Sunderland        1.60  -  6.50
Important game for Villa. They have to pick up three points from this game or else they risk ending up where they usually do, in mid table oblivion. Their right back O Mellberg is suspended for this match and the idea is that C Gardner should replace him, but he has some injury problems but Latest reports indicate that he will recover in time for this match. C Davies remains sidelined.

Every match is of course important for Sunderland these days, fourth from the bottom with two points more than Bolton. They have not managed a single goal in their last four matches and they are 0-3-12 away from home. I take it for granted that coach Keane will include K Richardson, Higginbotham, D Murphy and M Chopra in their squad again. They were left out last week for disciplinary reasons. With both the wingers C Edwards and K Richardson in the starting line up, Sunderland do not look harmless. I have problems backing Villa as big favourites (1.60), when they are supposed the dictate the game. Sunderland? No, thank you!  No bet!

Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 1

Blackburn   -   Wigan        1.80   -   5.00
Nothing great from Blackburn for ages and their season is a disappointment. Larissa from Cyprus and Coventry from the Championship knocked out Blackburn in cup games this season and they have just as expeced in the league, nothing more. They have to do without the injured B Emerton this time. New signing J Vogel will not be involved tomorrow.

Wigan have not conceded a goal in their last four league games and down to ten men they managed to beat rivals Bolton last week. Wigan are far from safe, but they will most likely avoid relegation. Their midfielder J Koumas is out suspended. Sibierski is on the injury list, but his colleague, M Bent, will be available again. I have no trust in Blackburn at the moment despite their many great individuals. They should win this game, but I will not support them (1.80).

Blackburn 3 Wigan 1

Bolton   -   Manchester City       2.50   -   3.00
Fifth successive Bolton loss in midweek, this time away to M United (0-2). They were not bad at all and I do think that they display at Old Trafford was a bit encouraging for coach Megson. One of their leading players, K Nolan, could not play against United but he is expected back for this match and hopefully G Cahill as well.

City go on missing M Richards, M Ball and D Hamann. Definitely back is M Petrov and you know how important the speedy winger is to the offensive part of the City game. I will back Bolton on Saturday (2.50. They will play the kind of football that City have problems facing, the Everton and Blackburn way of playing football, but even more extreme when Bolton do it. Tough, uncompromising ruthless football from Bolton. Home win! (2.50).

Bolton 0 Man City 0

Everton   -  West Ham          1.75   -   5.25
History did repeat itself and once again Everton lost their away game at Fulham. The 1-0 Fulham win was well deserved and I was a happy man. No UEFA Cup game in mid week for Everton and they will surely offer an improved performance against West Ham. They have defeated W Ham twice this season, both games at Upton Park. The Everton squad is not as healthy as before however, with both A Johnson and T Cahill sidelined at the moment.

W Ham will pick from the same squad that defeated Blackburn last week, plus the returning Boa Morte. M Upson looks like winning hit fitness battle and should be able to line up in the W Ham defence again. Likely home win, but I have no use for the odds on the home win (1.75).

Everton 1 West Ham 1

Middlesbrough   -   Derby        1.50   -   8.00
After two very strong away points against two top sides A Villa and Arsenal, Boro are expected to collect easy three points from this fixture. But you know Middlesbrough by now, they have big problems handling the favourite tag. Boro will be without the suspended Mido and Rochemback. A Alves remains on their injury list and the Egyptian midfielder Shawky is a serious injury doubt. Both the defenders R Huth and E Pogatetz are also injury doubts, but A Taylor is back in contention.

About Derby I will say that they battled well against Man United last week (0-1).  Maybe Derby can do what Cardiff just managed, to defeat Middlesbrough, but I am not prepared to bet on it. Sorry, no bet again!

Middlesbrough 1 Derby 0

Newcastle   -  Fulham           1.91   -   4.33
Strong second half display from Newcastle against Birmingham earlier this week (1-1). When they equalised I was convinced that Newcastle would go on to win the match, but their finishing let them down. Still I had expected more goals from Newcastle with Viduka, Martins and M Owen in the starting line up.

Fulham have improved their game, no doubt. Defensively they look very sound, but I cannot really see Fulham scoring many goals. A free kick from Bullard or the odd goal from McBride is what can be expected. The Fulham defence will be severely tested tomorrow, that is for sure. This is a must win game for Keegan and his Newcastle and in true Newcastle and Keegan fashion going forward with as many players as possible is what matters in this match. Make or break time for Keegan. My guess is that Newcastle will be successful (1.91).

Newcastle 2 Fulham 0

Reading   -   Birmingham        2.15   -   3.75
Decent, or maybe more than decent Reading form. They visited Anfield last week after two league wins in a row and they were not that far from getting a point from their meeting with Liverpool. When Reading are in form they are worth backing in their home fixtures and the home win will be my choice here (2.15). Reading will go on with the same group of people, still missing G Murty and Gunnarsson.

The influential winger S Larsson had to withdraw from the Birmingham - Newcastle game at the start of the second half. It was thought that he would be sidelined for a while but the latest reports indicate that he could be back already this weekend. M Taylor is back from his suspension, but he will play no part in this match. Birmingham lost their ways in the second half against Newcastle. They usually do not tire as a team and it was a bit worrying. Backing the home win. (2.15).

Reading 2 Birmingham 1

Tottenham   -   Portsmouth        2.00   -   4.00
Tough week for Tottenham. M City last Sunday, Chelsea in midweek and then this home game with Pompey on Saturday.  Their game with Chelsea was sheer football propaganda at least for us spectators (4-4). Down 1-3 Tottenham were close to winning the match, 5-4, if only Berbatov had managed to outwit Cudicini late in the game. The question is of course, how alert and hungry will the Tottenham players be in this game? It will not be easy for Spurs as they are facing one of the strongest Premiership sides, in form of Portsmouth.

Pompey will be without two of their regular midfielders, the suspended duo Bouba Diop and Muntari. Sol Campbell will not recover for this match and J Defoe is not allowed to play against his former club. Some key players missing for Pompey, in other words.

Tottenham coach Ramos is likely to rotate his squad after their midweek battle with Chelsea. I have said it before. Not much at stake for Tottenham any more and they probably put all their energy into the  Chelsea match. At the same time Portsmouth will be far from full strength tomorrow. Kanu and Baros can never make up for the absence of Defoe. This turned out to be tricky. My original idea was the away win (4.00), but I have lost the urge. No bet!

Tottenham 2 Portsmouth 0

Chelsea   -   Arsenal             2.25   -   3.40
Chelsea of all teams have played two 4-4 draws this season, with A Villa and in midweek with Tottenham. It is  a bit odd for a team like Chelsea known for their tight defence. Anyway, I am not expecting another goal feast on Sunday, when Arsenal pay a visit to Stamford Bridge. Coach Grant will be eager to close up shop again, of that I am pretty sure. Cudicini saved Chelsea late in the game when the Tottenham ace Berbatov had an excellent chance of winning the match. It remains to be seen if P Cech will be back in the Chelsea goal for this match.

I look forward to watching Arsenal against a top side again. They have been both boring and predictable lately against some of the so called inferior Premiership sides. Or has it turned out that way for Arsenal that they over dependant on Adebayor these days?  It can go weeks when his long legs do not obey him. It will probably change if/when Van Persie will hit some kind of form. At the moment I hold Chelsea as the stronger side and I will support the home win (2.25).

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1

Manchester Utd    -   Liverpool         2.10   -   4.00
Rio Ferdinand has not featured in the last two United games, but it looks he will be back for this big game. W Rooney sat on the bench for some 70 minutes in midweek, but rest assured that he will be a starter in this match. United do miss their keeper Van der Saar and although Kuszczak is a decent keeper he is not of the same caliber as the Dutchman.

Since Liverpool drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a terribly boring game they have won five league games on the spin. I do not expect this game to be as boring as the Chelsea encounter, but one cannot ignore the possibility of another closed down affair. When a team like Liverpool are looking for a draw result they can be hard to break down. United can always rely on Ronaldo? Not necessarily against top sides like Liverpool. He is deadly effective against average sides, but he is human in top fixtures. Still he is an awesome weapon with his dead ball deliveries. I think that Liverpool will have their draw (3.25).

Man Utd 3 Liverpool 0

Serie A

Atalanta   -   Catania           1.97   -   5.00
The two central Atalanta defenders Carozzieri and Pellegrino will not be available tomorrow. Rivalta will be joined in the central defence by fit again Talamonti or Capelli. Manfredini, Tissone and Doni are all expected to start this match.

Catania have included Martinez in their big squad for this match and they have a fully fit squad. They could not defeat a weakened Siena side in midweek (0-0), which was a bit disappointing. Will Catania be able to win an away fixture this season? A motivated question as Catania so far are 0-5-10 away from home. I will not answer the question, but I do not think that they will tomorrow. Home win and a decent price (1.97).

Atalanta 0 Catania 0

Fiorentina   -   Lazio       2.05   -   4.50
As both Fiorentina and Milan lost their midweek fixtures nothing has changed, Fiorentina are four points ahead of Milan. Mutu had a goal disallowed at Napoli, but no denying that Napoli were full value for thier 2-0 win. Gobbi returns from his suspension, both Santana and Semioli are available again, but Fiorentina still miss Gamberini and M Jörgensen. Vieri and Mutu will start up front and one of Santana or Semioli will join them.

I thought that I was right in the end. Lazio wanted the win more in the Rome derby and that is why managed to score their third desicive goal last night. Lazio just saved their season and all is finally well among their hard core supporters. Is it not possible that we will witness some kind of negative reaction from the Lazio players tomorrow? I think so at least. Do not forget their miserable away from this season (1-8-5). Their coach is indicating some kind of mini turn over for this game with Rozehnal, Mudingayi and Mutarelli likely starters. In support of the home win (2.05).

Fiorentina 1 Lazio 0

Inter  -   Juventus         2.07   -   4.36
Would you believe that Inter had to play with only ten men for almost an hour at Genoa. How many times now? I have lost track. This time it was Pele that was dismissed and he will be suspended this weekend. Materazzi will be back from his suspension, but we will not see Stankovic this time either. Ibrahimovic will probably be joined by Cruz up front.

Juventus could only manage a 0-0 draw at Empoli in midweek. Their goal production has dried up lately. The Juventus profiles Trezeguet and Nedved were rested against Empoli, but they will be back for this big game as well as their midfield dynamo Sissoko. I like the odds on the home win (2.07). 

Inter 1 Juventus 2

Palermo   -   Genoa       2.11   -   4.10
Always ready to disappoint, that is Palermo. They could not defeat ten man Parma the other day, not even draw the match, as Parma managed a late winner. Palermo welcome back their midfielder Guana for this match, but they lose both Miccoli and Barzagli. We will see Cavani and Amauri in the front line. The Genoa striker Leon will be back for this match, but Criscito is out, injured. Borriello was the best Genoa player against Inter and justice was made when the Genoa striker scored the 85th minute equaliser. Maybe Genoa should have won the match  - such was their second half dominance. I hate to say it, but the value is on the home win (2.11) Genoa are nothing much away from home.

Palermo 2 Genoa 3

Reggina   -   Napoli          2.42   -   3.55
Third game for new Reggina boss Orlandi in midweek and once again his team picked up a useful point, this time away to Livorno (1-1). In their last home game they outclassed Siena 4-0, and Reggina will aim for another three pointer tomorrow. Cirillo returns from his suspension, but Missiroli goes the other way. Brienza, Cozza and Amoruso will lead their offensive line.

Napoli will be without a trio of defensive players, all starters in their recent win vs Fiorentina. I am referring to Domizzi, Savini and Mannini, all suspended. Garics and Montevino are likely starters this time. The Napoli ace Lavezzi scored both their goals against Fiorentina and Reggina have to watch for the talented Argentinian tomorrow, or else they risk being punished. Have I lost all imagination? I will back my fifth straight home win (2.42).

Reggina 1 Naopli 1

Roma   -   Empoli        1.28   -   14.00
Mexes and Aquilani are out suspended for the home side. Their squad is perfectly fit. Both the Empoli defenders Pratali and Raggi will be available again tomorrow and both will join the starting line up. Still no Saudati. Empoli drew their midweek game with Juventus and this they managed without both Giovinco and Vanucchi. Their coach chose not to pick the duo from the start. It went well against Juventus and maybe they will be left out again. Anyway, Roma must be expected to win this match (1.28). 

Roma 2 Empoli 1

Sampdoria   -   Cagliari         1.64   -   8.00
Sensational Sampdoria win at San Siro against Milan this week a great achievement. Volpi and Maggio probably were the best Sampdoria players in their much deserved 2-1 win. Sampdoria are pushing for Europe and this they do without their suspended ace Cassano. Quite impressive and congratulations to coach Mazzarri. Sampdoria risk losing Volpi tomorrow, or he is at least a serious injury doubt. Lucchini is out, suspended.

Cagliari won their fourth successive home win in defeating Atalanta, 1-0, thanks to a Aquafresca penalty. Their keeper Storari was their best player in that match. Parola also impressed, but according to the latest reports he is in danger of missing this match. He is a major doubt and definitely out are Fini and Bianco. Sampdoria are 8-5-1 at home and they are justifiably  big favourites in this match (1.64).

Sampdoria 1 Cagliari 1

Siena   -   Parma          2.45   -   3.60
The home side has been without some regulars lately but they will have Frick, Vergassola and Loria back for this match.  After their poor 0-4 loss at Reggina Siena played a more defensive game at Catania the other day. I guess that the 0-0 result was just what they were looking for.

Parma were down to ten men, but they managed to win their home game against Palermo despite this handicap. Budan scored both the Parma goals. The unlucky Mariga will be suspended tomorrow and Coly and Pisanu will most likely not recover in time. Difficult game, this one. Parma will be happy with a draw and maybe Siena would not mind such a result either. 1X, in my view.

Siena 2 Parma 0

Torino   -   Milan         4.60   -   2.00
Comotto, Barone, Lazetic and Sereni, all playing from the start in midweek, are out of this match. Fontana will stand in the Torino goal instead of Sereni and on the Torino midfield we will probably find Diana, Grella, Corini and Lanna. Not the greatest of midfield, in my opinion.

For once the Milan coach Ancelotti was a bit shocked after the terribly poor Milan display against Sampdoria. He had expected a strong performance after their unlucky loss against Roma. Instead he had to witness one of the worst Milan displays ever, with key men like Nesta, Ambrosini and Seedorf unbelievably poor, not to mention Kaladze and Jankulovski. Kaka will not be involved in this match, but I do expect Milan to be winners. Great odds! (2.00).

Torino 0 AC Milan 1

Udinese   -   Livorno        1.73   -   6.50
Udinese are pushing for a place in Europe next season and they should have an excellent chance of improving their quest by winning this match (1.73). Quagliarella and D'Agostino will be back for this match with Quagliarella a certain starter up front instead of Floro Flores.

Amelia will be back between the Livorno sticks but both their strikers Bogdani and Tavano will miss this match. Bogdani scored their goal in midweek against Reggina and Tavano has been their best forward this season. Remain Diamanti and Tristan. Livorno will have problems at Udine and I am prepared to back the home favourite (1.73).

Udinese 2 Livorno 0

French League

Auxerre  -   St Etienne          2.25   -   3.70
I will be backing the home win (2.2). Their captain Pedretti will return for the home side, the defender Tamas as well, but missing is the injured striker Quercia. St Etienne will be without both their regular central defenders, Tavlaridis and Sall. Nivaldo and Benalouane have played together for the reserves and they will get their chance at the big scene tomorrow. St Etienne are in general terribly poor on their travels (2-2-11) and it will not be easier this time with an unedited defence. Home win! (2.25).

Auxerre 1 St. Etienne 3

Valenciennes   -   Bordeaux          2.90   -   2.85
My choice in this fixture will be the away win (2.85). The Bordeaux winger Wendel is the most exciting Bordeaux player, at least in my eyes. You saw what he could do against Lyon recently. He has been injured for the last two weeks but tomorrow he will be back. Both their defenders Planus and Chalme will also be available again and Bordeaux only have Jussie on their injury list.

Valenciennes will once again be without their strikers Audel and Puyol, but I see no major problems with their absence as Savidan and Sebo function as the Valenciennes strikers  nowadays. I cannot recall when Valenciennes last won a league match and their form is somewhat indifferent. Great odds on the top side, Bordeaux (2.85).

Valenciennes 3 Bordeaux 1

Rennes   -   Lens        2.20   -   3.75
Backing in form Rennes (2.20). Just in time Rennes regrouped and their recent positive run has brought them six points from the relegation zone. For the first time this season their coach has a fully fit squad to choose from. Rennes love to face Lens and they have won their home fixture against the Lensois these last five years. Lens will be without their leading defender Hilton, who sits out a suspension. Keita is an injury doubt. Likely home win (2.20).

Rennes 3 Lens 1

Toulouse   -   Le Mans          2.70   -   2.88
Time for Toulouse to pick up a three pointer (2.70). The Champions League participants this season have gone eleven league rounds without winning a game and they are now in the relegation zone. Last week they played a solid defensive game away to  the extremely tough home side, St Etienne. Toulouse were looking for the 0-0 draw and they managed just this. Toulouse for once worked as a team. Their midfielder Emana returns from his suspension for this match and their injury list remains the same, with among others Cetto out. Le Mans will be without their suspended duo, Bouhours and Sessegnon. My feeling is that a highly motivated Toulouse will win this match (2.70).

Toulouse 1 Le Mans 1

La Liga

Real Zaragoza   -  Almeria         1.91  -   4.25
With their new coach Zaragoza defeated A Madrid two weeks ago. Last week they lost their away game against Villarreal 0-2, but according to unanimous reports Zaragoza absolutely deserved something from the match. They were the better side for most of the game but it turned out to be one of those days for Zaragoza. They should win this match (1.91). D Milito sat on the bench against Villarreal and we will see if he will put one of S Garcia or Oliveira out of work tomorrow. Juanfran is back from his suspension.

Almeria drew their home game with Barcelona, 2-2. If I was the Barca coach I would be a bit embarrassed, as Almeria scored two identical goals from corner kicks. Unfortunately for Barcelona, Rijkaard is no longer embarrassed. Almeria will have Bruno back for this match and they only have Paunovic on their injury list. Backing the stronger side. Home win (1.91).

Real Zaragoza 1 Almeria 1

Osasuna   -   Real Betis        2.15  -  3.75
The present Osasuna routine is to win their home games and draw their away fixtures. They have won their last four home games and I expect their fifth this weekend (2.15). The influential Punal will be back for Osasuna, but Nekounam and Margairaz remain on the sidelines. C Vela is a major injury doubt.

Betis welcome back Nano and they have no major worries ahead of this game. The behavior of their fans last week at home to A Bilbao should be a worry, as the game was abandoned and the away side will awarded the three points. Osasuna won their away game at Betis 3-0 and last season they won 5-1 in their home fixture. Maybe they like facing Betis. Osasuna to win! (2.15).

Osasuna 0 Real Betis 1

Real Madrid   -   Valencia       1.58   -   7.50
I am not too impressed by the standard in La Liga this season. I mean, when did Real Madrid last play a strong match and they are still seven points ahead of the pack.  Second placed Barcelona play without a defence and third placed Villarreal lost to " a winter side like Zenit" in the UEFA Cup.

Valencia are probably on their way up in form and they could spring a surprise at the Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday. Real continue without their striker Van Nistelrooy but they will have their leading defender S Ramos back for this match. That is bad news for Valencia. Anyway, the odds on the away win are tempting enough (7.50).

Real Madrid 2 Valenica 3

The Championship

Leicester   -  Hull          2.50   -   2.95
I will be supporting my special headache inducing team, Leicester (2.50). They have been missing so many good scoring chances in their fixtures with Southampton, Birmingham City, Preston and Plymouth and then they go on scoring four away goals against WBA. All of a sudden their big man S Howard scores a hat trick. I had Leicester as promotion candidates at the start of the season, so now you now why they have been causing me a headache. They will be strengthened tomorrow by the return of their skipper S Clemence as well as J Clapham. Two players with plenty of Premiership experience.

Hull are on a great run, as of now in the play off zone. They already played an away game this week, winning 3-1 at Colchester. Some tired Hull legs tomorrow? Quite possibly as they have one or two oldies in their side. They will be without C Fagan and W Brown tomorrow, but they have been out for a while now. Leicester have to be on top of their game tomorrow, but that is exactly what this writer expects. Home win! (2.50).

Leicester 0 Hull 2

Chris.