Barclays Premier League - Monday Night Football - Southampton v Manchester United

Monday Night Football see's Southampton take on Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.
 

 

The Saints have struggled in their recent games, after a blistering start to the season.

United are looking to make it 5 wins on the bounce and move into 3rd place, but their away form has been far from convincing, with just 1 win in 6 this season, their last away game, against Arsenal.

Southampton have only conceded 4 goals in 7 home games, scoring 17, but Pelle has been struggling of late, having not scored since the empthatic 8-0 thrashing of Sunderland, mid-October. I really can't see United losing this game, despite a rocky away form, but an outright win would be tough, even though Southampton have a few key names missing. Wayne Rooney has scored 5 goals in 5 starts against Southampton in the League, and if he starts here looks a good bet for ANYTIME GOAL SCORER @2/1 BET365

 

Sports Saturday – Best Bets

It’s another Saturday full of top class horse racing and Premier League football, and that’s just the way I like it. We have Newcastle v Chelsea in the early kick off as the blues look to extend their unbeaten league record to 15 games this season. And in the racing we have plenty of quality on show, including the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Cl1 and Betfred Grand Sefton Handicap Chase Cl2 from Aintree and the Racing Post Henry VIII Novices´ Chase (Grade 1) Cl1 and 888Sport Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) Cl1 from Sandown.

Plenty to get through, so I’ll get started straight away, first with the Barclays Premier League games;

Newcastle v Chelsea – CHELSEA WIN 4/7 (Paddy Power) – Score; 1-2      7/1 (Paddy Power)

Chelsea are certainly looking like they'll be champions come the end of the season, and remain unbeaten in the league with 11 wins and 3 draws.

Newcastle have only lost 1 game at home, which was against City on the opening weekend. They have drawn with Hull and Palace, and beaten Liverpool, QPR and Leicester, so another big test will prove too much I think. In defence Newcastle have been fairly sound, and only conceded 3 in their last 6 league games.

Having said that, Chelsea average over 2 goals a game away from home in the League this season, and they've scored 10 goals in their last 6 league games (conceding just 3). 2-1 Chelsea win for me.

 

QPR v Burnley – QPR WIN & Both Teams To Score (BTTS) 4.33 (BET365)

QPR failed to score against Swansea away in midweek, but had been finding the net a little before that, with Austin the main man. Swansea's defence is also very good at home, and QPR's away form is the worst.

QPR beat Leicester 3-2 at home recently and I can see a similar score line against Burnley, either 3-2 or 3-1 QPR.

Burnley have only scored 4 away goals but managed 2 in their last away game at Stoke, and Danny Ings looks like he's finding his feet a bit in the Premier League now.

 

Hull City v West Brom – HULL WIN 29/20 (BET365)

Both these sides have been on poor run of form, but Hull managed a draw against Everton in midweek and they'll hope that's a turning point in their season. They did lose Diame in that game through injury but have the return of strike Abel Hernandez.

West Brom have skipper Chris Brunt on the side lines with a hamstring injury, and with Berahino now 436 minutes without a Premier League goal, it’s not looking good. West Brom have scored just 5 goals in their last 11 Premier League games on the road, and never more than once in those games.

 

And that’s it for Saturday’s football bets. I do have a couple more in mind, and you can find me on OLBG to see all my tips, my username is kingman55.

 

And now a quick look at a couple of my racing picks for today;

Sandown 12:50 – Blue Buttons 3/1 (William Hill)

Harry Fry in fine form at the moment, and has a 38% strike rate in Handicap hurdles so far this season. Trainer and Jockey combination shows a 33% strike rate in hurdles this season with 6 wins from 18.

 

Aintree 1:30 – Mendip Express (EW) 10/1 (BET365)

Mendip Express is 2 from 2 on the current going (soft) and 1 from 1 at the distance. Again, trainer Harry Fry is in fine form at the moment with 5 wins from 13 in the last fortnight (38% strike rate).

Wednesday's Premier League Football Tips

Tuesday's Premier League action saw Manchester United increase their winning streak to 4 games, enjoying the majority of the possession against Stoke, winning 2-1, with goals from Fellaini and Mata.
Liverpool beat Leicester 3-1 away, but once again, it wasn't the most convincing performance, as they went behind to a Mignolet own-goal. Lallana pulled the reds level just 4 minutes later to ease the pressure. 1-1 at half time, and 9 minutes into the restart captain Steven Gerrard put the reds ahead. It got worse for Leicester as Wes Morgan was sent off in the 63rd minute, but if anything, this inspired the team, who looked the most threatening, even with 10 men, but were unable to find the net. Liverpool then punished them with a Jordan Henderson goal in the 83rd minute to seal the win.
There were also wins for Aston Villa away at Crystal Palace, Swansea at home to QPR and West Ham away at West Brom.
The game between Burnley and Newcastle at Turf Moor finished 1-1.

Hopefully, if you followed my tips yesterday, you were on the 3 out of 6 correct scores predicted for last nights games, which could have got you around £270 profit from £10 stakes, and I have correct score tips for tonight's games below too.


There's another four games to look forward to tonight in the Barclays Premier League, with the biggest game coming from Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea look to continue their perfect run of home games in the league, against Tottenham, to make it 7 wins from 7.
Manchester City travel to the Stadium of Light, where they have struggled in recent times, losing the last 4 visits 1-0.
In the other to games, Arsenal welcome Southampton to the Emirates and Hull City travel to Goodison to take on Everton.



I've struggled a bit more than I did for yesterday's fixtures, which seemed a little easier to predict, but here goes, may the luck be with me;


Arsenal v Southampton 2-1

Cheslsea v Spurs           2-1

Everton v Hull                2-0

Sunderland v M. City     0-2

Barclays Premier League - Midweek Games

It's that time of year football managers hate, as games come thick and fast, and Christmas shopping gets left to the missus.
First up tonight's Barclays Premier League fixtures, we have Burnley at home to Newcastle, who currently sit top of the form table with 5 wins and 1 loss in the last 6 games. Liverpool travel to Leicester, Manchester United host Stoke City, QPR travel to the Liberty Stadium, Crystal Palace welcome Villa and West Brom take on West Ham at the Hawthorns. I can see most games tonight being low scoring, having looked through them all.


SWANSEA V QPR - SWANSEA WIN - 2-1

Swansea will be disappointed with their home draw against Palace on Saturday, having dominated possession, but it was poor finishing that cost them, with only 4 shots on target from 18 attempts. Swansea's best form comes at home, with just one loss in 7 at the Liberty Stadium (scoring 11, conceding 5), and they can add to QPR's poor away form, which reads 6 played, 6 lost, scoring just 2 goals, and conceding 15. Although they've only scored twice away from home, QPR have scored 10 goals in their last 6 league games, and could cause a tough Swansea defence some problems, with Charlie Austin finding the net of late.

Other Correct Score Tips

Burnley v Newcastle  1-1

Leicester v Liverpool  1-2

Man Utd v Stoke        2-1

Palace v Villa             1-1

W. Brom v W. Ham    1-2


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Barclays Premier League Tips- 29-30/11

There's 8 games this Saturday in the Barclays Premier League, starting with the early kick-off from The Hawthorns as West Brom take on Arsenal. There have been 20 goals in West Brom's 6 home games so far this season, and there could be a few more to come here.
In the 3 o'clock kick-offs Burnley host Villa, Stoke travel to Anfield, United welcome Hull City, Leicester travel to QPR, Swansea host Palace and the in-form Newcastle travel down to Upton Park.

BURNLEY V ASTON VILLA - VILLA WIN (11/4)

Two of Villa's 3 wins have come away from home in the league this season, although they're not scoring many, with only 2 goals away from home in 6 games, but did look more threatening in their last game, on the counter attack especially, against Southampton.
Burnley have come into form a little with their 2 quick-fire wins, but have only one win in 6 games at home, conceding 9 goals.


QPR V LEICESTER - QPR WIN (5/4)

Only one win in the last 6 for Redknapp's side, but their best form comes at home, with 2 wins, 2 draws from 6, scoring 9 goals.
Leicester haven't scored in their last 5 league games, since scoring 2 against Burnley in October, and have just 1 win, and 1 goal away from home in the league.


WEEKEND DOUBLE

SOUTHAMPTON and EVERTON WIN (around 8-9/1)

RIP Phillip Hughes

It's been a week where the world of sport has joined together to mark it's respect to the Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who passed away, two days after being struck on the back of the neck by a ball in a domestic match in Sydney. He was just 25.

I join everyone, by saying RIP to Phillip Hughes, and thoughts go out to family and friends, and in particular, 22-year old Sean Abbott, the bowler of the delivery that struck Hughes. It was an absolute tragedy, and everyone will be behind you to support you, keep strong.

It's clear to see by all the messages over the past couple of days, that this man was not only a very talented sportsman, but a genuine guy that was close to many. Always remembered as #63notout

Premier League Action Returns!

After what seems like another lengthy International break it's back to the proper stuff, and a cracking evening game from The Emirates as Arsenal host Manchester United. Unfortunately, the game does lack the Bellew/Cleverley passion and fight it once had, with the likes of Keane, Butt, Viera, Keown and Parlour to name a few, stirring it up. Both teams have scored and shipped goals this season, and the both teams to score looks a certainty for me. Arsenal are unbeaten in the league at home so far this term, and I can see that continuing. United are yet to record an away win in the league under Van Gaal, having drawn 3 and lost 2, and if the Arsenal fans get behind their team, it could prove a difficult evening for their opponents. United are the more in-form team, only losing 1 of their last 6 league games.

Verdict - SCORE DRAW


Newcastle are now a team in-form, and host a QPR side that are at the opposite end of the form table. The Magpies have won 4 of their last 6 games, conceding only 4 and scoring 8. I can see a low-scoring Newcastle victory here.

Verdict - NEWCASTLE WIN - 1-0

Sports Saturday Preview

It’s weekend again already, and we have plenty of horse racing and football to get stuck into, with the likes of Richard Hannon-trained Toronado bidding to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita, the return to the track for Silviniaco Conti, who looks to win the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase for the second time in 3 years, and a little matter of the Manchester Derby from the Etihad on Sunday.

 

So, we’ll start with a quick look at the BET365 CHARLIE HALL CHASE, from Wetherby (3:15), which should be a good contest between some top jumpers, with Silviniaco Conti, Taquin Du Seuil, Double Ross and Menorah amongst the 7 runners set to compete. Paul Nicholls, trainer of Silviniaco Conti, is quoted as saying, "He's in good form and I've obviously had the race in mind for a while. I think he's in the same place as he was two seasons ago, when he started off by winning here before he went on and won the Betfair. This looks a nice starting point for him. It's a good prize too."  The chestnut gelding is 5/4 favourite for the 25 furlong contest, and he clearly sets the standard for this one. He’s 3 from 5 at the distance and 1 from 1 at the course.

You can watch this race, and seven others, live on Channel 4. The action includes 3 Listed races, and 4 Graded races, from Wetherby, Ascot and Down Royal (IRE).

 

Looking through the Barclays Premier League games, there are a few tough calls if you’re looking for a bet this weekend. A rejuvenated Newcastle side host Liverpool in the early kick-off, and have every chance of picking up at least a point, Swansea travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton, who haven’t been the best at home so far this season, Leicester host West Brom, and Stoke City entertain West Ham, who look to continue their impressive start to the season.

Things don’t get easier for Burnley, as they play Arsenal at the Emirates, still in search of their first league win of the season. Harry Redknapp will be looking to add to his decent record against Chelsea in recent times, but I can see Chelsea tearing this QPR defence apart this weekend.

 

Bets for Saturday

For the racing, my money would be on Toronado 5/2 and Silviniaco Conti 5/4

Draw Double on Everton v Swansea and Hull City v Southampton is of interest to me – 12.5/1 BET365

Wednesday’s Racing – Trainers To Follow

There’s a decent day of racing for today, as we head closer to a big weekend of action. We have jumps meetings from Taunton and Worcester, and in Ireland at Punchestown, as well as flat meetings at Nottingham, and Kempton on the Polytrack this evening.

I’ve got a couple of random stats and trainers to follow for today, to aid you in your selections, and pick some winners out for you.

 

Trainers To Follow

Taunton – Phillip Hobbs; in-form of late, and has decent record at this course in recent years

1:40pm – State Department             5/1

4:40pm – Dry Ol’Party                    11/8

 

Worcester – Rebecca Curtis; this lady is absolutely flying at the moment, and I’m sure there’s more to come. She also has a very good 31% strike rate at this course over the last few years.

1:20pm – Red Devil Lads              11/2

2:20pm – Jessie Webster              10/3

3:50pm – El Macca                         5/2

4:20pm – Moral Hazard                  7/4

 

Warren Greatrex is another one with a very good record at this course, and is in-form of late. He has two runners at Worcester today (1:20 - Silent Knight 9/1 and 2:20 – Miss Sophierose 8/1).

 

Longshot from Nottingham

Joey Haynes is having a good season at this course, showing a 33% strike rate, and he rides Ultimate Act for Seamus Mullins (4:00) – 25/1

Barclays Premier League Round-up

A twist in the Barclays Premier League this weekend, which sees an unlikely top 4 at this early stage.

 The lunchtime kick-off from Upton Park saw City lose 2-1 to West Ham, with in-form striker, Sakho scoring in his sixth consecutive game, adding to Amalfitano’s first half opener. David Silva hit back minutes after the Hammers second but the sky blues were unable to find an equaliser. West Ham now sit in fourth place with 5 wins from 9 games.

Southampton moved into second place with a 1-0 win over Mark Hughes’ Stoke City, at St Mary’s. Sadio Mane got his first Saints goal, to give them a deserved first half lead. Pelle was unable to add to his impressive scoring record, as he hit the bar for a second time, with a well-directed header early in the second half. Stoke had a few chances of their own, but were unable to break-down a solid Saints defence.

Southampton have the best defensive record in the league by far, having conceded just 5 times in their opening 9 games, and only twice in their last six. Personally, I really like Koeman as a manager, and I hope he can continue to do a fantastic job, which began by losing £100 million worth of players in the summer.

In the other games on Saturday, Liverpool wasted numerous chances at home to Hull City, as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw, and another game without a goal for them, and Balotelli still in search of his first Liverpool League goal. Sunderland were at it again, as they gifted Arsenal, and striker Sanchez, two goals. Mistakes from Wes Brown in the first half, and then Minnone late into stoppage time at the end of the game, gave the Gunners a 2-0 win. West Brom came from two down against Crystal Palace, at the Hawthorns to earn a point, as in-form Berahino calmly slotted home a 93^rd minute penalty, 2-2 the final score. In the evening kick-off from the Liberty Stadium, a Bony double helped Swansea to a much-needed victory, against a poor Leicester City. That’s the Swans first win in six, and Wilfred Bony has now scored 4 goals in his last 3 games. It was a timely win for Gary Monk’s side, with tough games against Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City to follow.

Sunday’s clash of the day came from Old Trafford, as Van Gaal took on old friend, Mourinho in the 16:00 kick-off. A dramatic late equaliser from Dutchman Robin Van Persie, gave United a 1-1 draw, and the Red Devils recent form is beginning to look a lot healthier.

Didier Drogba had given Chelsea the lead after heading home a Cesc Fabregas corner in the 53^rd minute, and United didn’t look like getting anything from the game, as they wasted chances. But after Phil Dowd had sent Ivanovic off for a second yellow card in the last minute, for a soft foul on Di Maria, it gave the reds one last chance, with a free-kick near the corner on the left side. Di Maria’s perfect cross found Fellaini in space, and his powerful header was palmed out by Courtois, only to fall to the deadly left foot of Van Persie, who smashed home from 10 yards, to send the Old Trafford crowd wild. Mourinho, fair to say, unimpressed.

The Monday Night Football came from Loftus Road, and a much-needed win for Harry Redknapp and his QPR side, as they beat a poor Villa side, who continue to slide down the table after a promising start to the season. A goal in each half for Charlie Austin ensured just a second league win of the season for QPR, which moved them above Burnley, dropping the clarets to the bottom of the table.

There were chances for both sides, and Villa will be happy to have Benteke back, although he may need a bit of time, as it was a long absence. Villa have now scored just 4 goals in their opening 9 league games, their last goal coming in the 1-0 away win at Anfield on September 13^th.

 

#	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	+/-
1	Chelsea	9	7	2	0	24	9	23	15
2	Southampton	9	6	1	2	20	5	19	15
3	Manchester City	9	5	2	2	19	10	17	9
4	West Ham United	9	5	1	3	17	12	16	5
5	Arsenal	9	3	5	1	15	11	14	4