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

 

Anytime Scorers – The Best Value

There are a couple of players I’ve looked at to find the best value anytime scorer bets for this weekend’s Barclays Premier League action, and to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. They’re only recommended should the players listed start the game. So, who are they?

M. Diame (Hull)       – 5     games - 4 goals – 5/1

F. Lampard (M.City) – 2(3) games – 2 goals – 7/4

N. Chadli (Tott)       – 7      games – 4 goals – 13/5

S. Coleman (Eve)    – 4(1) games – 2 goals – 7/1

 

 

Others to consider are.....

 

C. Eriksen (Tott)         - 8 games     - 3 goals

S. Naismith (Eve)       - 7(1) games - 4 goals

M. Schneiderlin (Sou) - 8 games      - 3 goals

N. Dyer (Swa)           - 8 games       - 3 goals

Saturday’s Racing Action - Key Stats

There’s plenty of quality racing to get stuck into this Saturday, with two Group 3’s and a Listed race from Newbury, Graded races from Aintree and Chepstow, and the final Group 1 of the flat season from Doncaster, to name just a few. So, any help picking out the winners is certainly going to be a god-send, and hopefully the stats below can help bring home a few winners, on what will prove to be a tough day for the punters, no doubt.

A P McCoy returns from injury at Chepstow and has two rides booked for owner J P McManus. Before injury, McCoy had won 4 of his last 5 rides – 80% - He will partner Son Du Berlais for Nicky Henderson in the Persian War Novices' Hurdle (3:35) – 13/8 (bet365) and Regal Encore for Anthony Honeyball in the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle (4:10) – 3/1 (Paddy Power).

 

Jockey, Charles Bishop, shows a profit of £80.81 (from £1 stakes) when riding for Mick Channon this season. He rides Lackaday in the 2:10 at Doncaster – 40/1 (bet365).

 

Leighton Aspell has a strike rate of 67% when riding for trainer, Emma Lavelle at Chepstow. He takes the ride on Casino Markets in the 1:55 – 3.45 (betfair exchange).

 

Staying at Chepstow, Paul John has a strike rate of 100% when riding for Victor Dartnall. He takes the ride on Shammick Boy. Trainer, Dartnall also has a 60% strike rate in the last fortnight, with 3 wins from 5 – 11/1 (bet365).

 

Silvestre De Sousa and William Haggas combination shows an impressive 37% strike rate (profit £38.69) – De Sousa rides Battalion in the 2:20 at Newbury – 5/1 (Paddy Power).

 

Tony Hamilton has a strike rate of 45% when riding for owner Cheveley Park Stud. Hamilton partners Dutch Courage in the 4:40 at Newbury – 17/2 (William Hill).

Mario Balotelli – Is his time up at Liverpool already!?

It’s fair to say it’s not been the best of starts for Italy’s ‘flamboyant’ striker, Mario Balotelli, and his Liverpool career. A total of ten games so far, and says it all when he has more yellow cards than goals, though surprisingly, no red cards as yet. Of course, it’s still early days, and you can’t always judge a player on 10 games, but this is Balotelli.

Watching the games he’s played of late, he looks disinterested, selfish, and stewing on the mistake he’s made in joining Liverpool. Probably because Brendan Rogers won’t be taking any shit from him, and he’s not thought of as ‘the main man’ at the club. Who knows what goes through this man’s mind. It’s disappointing when a player has the potential to be one of the best, but can’t be bothered to put in the effort to get there, and only try when they feel like it. They don’t deserve to be at these high-profile clubs.

And it’s not just on the field Balotelli makes talking points, where this week, he angered manager Brendan Rogers for his half-time shirt-swap with Real Madrid’s Pepe, and then it emerged Greater Manchester police are investigating claims the Liverpool striker ‘threatened’ a woman who was taking pictures of his Ferrari, in the Whythenshawe area of Manchester, on Thursday. He just can’t help himself, always has to get involved.

So, it begs the question; is his time up already? I believe it probably is, even this early, and if he’s not loaned out as early as the January transfer window, he’ll certainly be gone in summer I’m sure. The longer he goes without scoring the more frustrated he’ll become, which inevitably will lead to a red card, or him being sat on the subs bench, and you know he won’t stand for that. Liverpool and Brendan Rogers won’t stand for his on and off-field antics, which will happen, he won’t change, and you can already see the plans being sorted to get rid, and bring in a more suited player to Liverpool’s proud culture.

Only making an effort and scoring goals can change the boards mind, and I don’t see that happening.

So the search for Suarez’s replacement goes on.

Elm Park To Run Away With The Racing Post Trophy?

A P O’Brien heads to Doncaster on Saturday looking to claim the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy for a fourth time in 6 years. He sends Newmarket winner Aloft and once-raced Jacobean over, with William Buick and Colm O'Donoghue taking the rides. Jacobean impressed on debut, racing in the rear before making big strides towards the finish to take second behind stable mate Royal Navy Ship, in a maiden at the Curragh.

Royal Lodge winner, Elm Park heads the market (5/2 Boylesports) and is my pick for this feature race. Group 2 winner last time, and can stretch to four consecutive wins here. The colt appears to go on any ground, having won on soft, good, and good-firm most recently, and the forecast soft shouldn’t cause any problems. Trainer, Andrew Balding, is looking for his first Group One winner on home-soil since 2003, when Casual Look won the Oaks Glory at Epsom. Andrea Atzeni takes the ride, and would love to cap a very good season, with a Group 1 winner on Saturday.

In all the race should be competitive, and a good one to watch, and there's case for a few of these to beat off the favourite.

There’s plenty of racing action on Saturday, with meetings at Aintree, Chepstow, Doncaster, Leopardstown (IRE), Newbury, Stratford, Wexford (IRE), and finally, evening racing on the all-weather from Wolverhampton.  

Premier League Preview and Tips

Saturday’s Barclay’s Premier League fixtures begin at Upton Park, where West Ham host Manchester City, who will be disappointed with the midweek Champions League game away to CSKA, throwing away a two-goal lead, albeit through the softest of penalty decisions.

West Ham find themselves up in fourth place, and with two quality, in-form strikers, Sakho and Valencia, they can cause a few headaches for Kompany, and company……..Excuse the pun. Having said that, I can’t see the sky blues losing this one, especially with a striker in more deadly form than the hammers duo. City need to keep Aguero fit in they want any chance of winning the title this season.

Both teams to score is currently 4/6, and a sure bet for me.

Then, it’s onto the four 15:00pm kick-offs, as Hull travel to Anfield, high-flying, and high-scoring Southampton host a tough Stoke side, Sunderland will be looking to pay back there fans a little at home to Arsenal, and an average clash from the bottom half of the table with West Brom and Crystal Palace battling it out at the Hawthorns.

Liverpool got lucky last week against QPR, in a mad last ten minutes at Loftus Road, and I’m sure Bruce’s Hull side won’t make things easy for them in this one either. I do expect Liverpool to come away with the victory, although odds of 4/11 don’t appeal. Again, both teams to score is a bet I’m looking too, currently 8/11.

The evening kick-off on Saturday, comes from the Liberty Stadium, Swansea against Leicester. Leicester have been in poor form since their triumphant 5-3 home win against Manchester United in September. Away from home, they’ve scored just the one (compared to 10 at home), with loses against Chelsea, Palace and Newcastle.

Swansea’s home form has been good so far this season, with their only home defeat coming against Southampton, and a late Wanyama goal. The Swans should win this comfortably enough, and are currently 19/20 on BET365. I'd probably go for a double with Swansea and West Brom TO WIN at 2.72/1 - BET365

 

Sunday has 3 Barclay’s Premier League games, with Spurs hosting Newcastle and Everton travelling to Burnley for the early kick-offs, before the clash of the weekend from Old Trafford, with Mourinho v Van Gaal. I expect Everton to overcome Burnley, but don't expect many goals, or an exciting game. Tottenham scored 5 in midweek in their Europa League clash at home to Greek side Asteras Tripolis, and can carry that on against a poor Newcastle defence, who are yet to win away from home in the league this season.

My double for Sunday's action would be Spurs and Everton TO WIN which is 2.02/1 on BET365

I’m unsure on the big game between United and Chelsea as yet, as for a result, with doubts on the main man Costa, and his back-up Remy. Although, the likes of Fabregas, Hazard, Schurrle, Oscar, and even an ageing Drogba, aren’t to be taken lightly, and with United’s current defending, it wouldn’t take much to get past them. 4/6 on both teams to score, again, looks a certainty, even without the Leagues joint-top scorer.

 

The Monday Night Football on Sky Sports sees QPR take on Aston Villa. Harry Redknapp’s men need to get last week’s defeat to Liverpool out of their minds quickly, and focus on another tough game against Villa. These are the games you need to be getting points from, and with a visit to Stamford Bridge and a home game against Manchester City to follow, there’s no better time.

Monday's Selections - Free Horse Racing Tips

I've not had much chance to most any tips over the last few days, due to starting a new job last week and being kept very busy with it, which is great to be honest, seen as I enjoy it! But, finally, I've had a day off and managed to pick out a few free horse racing tips from Brighton, Newton Abbot and Perth, so I'll get straight to them.





BRIGHTON

3:00 - SHADOW ROCK             - 5/2 William Hill

3:30 - BAYLEYF                       - 11/4 888Sport

5:00 - DING DING                   - 7/2 William Hill


NEWTON ABBOT

2:10 - UPSANDDOWNS           - 8/11 Coral

2:40 - ALLTHEKINGSHORSES - 5/2 Coral


PERTH

2:50 - FORGET AND FORGIVE - 6/4 William Hill

3:20 - FLASH CRASH               - 2/1 Boylesports

3:50 - ROBIN'S COMMAND      - 5/2 Unibet


And there you have it, my selections for today's racing, best of luck, whether using my selections or using your own. Check the FREE BETS Page for loads of great offers, including free bets, casino bonuses, poker bonuses and loads more, click the links to sign up today FREE BETS

Sunday's Selections - Free Horse Racing Tips

Just a quick post this afternoon with a few tips for the meetings at the Curragh and Brighton.

Sunday's free horse racing tips

Brighton

2:30 - TONGUE TWISTA - 8/11

3:00 - NUFOOTH - 5/2

4:00 - LOCHALSH - 6/4

5:00 - PERFECT PASTTIME - 9/2


Curragh

2:35 - JACK NAYLOR - 6/4

3:05 - CAPPELLA SANSEVERO - 5/4

3:35 - CARLA BIANCA - 7/4



All odds are best current odds from various bookmakers including Coral, Unibet, Ladbrokes and Betbright. Check the FREE BETS page to sign up and claim over £1000 in free bets.

Saturday Preview - Free Horse Racing Tips

A decent Saturday’s racing once again, with plenty of action across the UK and Ireland, with meetings at Bath, Beverley, Chester, Market Rasen, Newton Abbott, Sandown and Wexford (IRE). So there’s a fair few chances to try and beat them bookies to get the weekend off to a perfect start.

I’ll begin with a look at the opening race at Beverley (13:55), the Class 4 maiden fillies’ stakes over 7f 100y. ADELE was one who impressed me on her debut at Thirsk (8f – g-s), finishing 2/12, and was added to my tracker. She could have been considered a little unlucky when hampered slightly 2 furlongs out, by the winner, and third place, and still managed to close strongly at the finish, but always just being held.  She looks likely to open odds-on favourite here, and has every chance if taking to the race in the same manner, in a relatively ordinary looking maiden.

Hollie Point was much improved last time out, upped to 7f (beaten ¾ lengths), following a couple of disappointing runs to begin her career (6f). She was beaten by Supreme Occasion and Abbey Angel who have gone onto win their handicap debuts since. She should be Adele’s biggest challenge.

 

Next we’ll move down to Sandown, and a look at the Group 3 Solario Stakes over 7f 16y (14:40). Ryan Moore hops back on board AKTABANTAY, who has been in very good form, with figures of 2212, with his latest effort a big step up, in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes (7f g-s) at Newmarket in July (William Buick the jockey that day). Trainer and Jockey have a 40% strike rate when teamed together this year, and I expect that to increase here.

Pallister is another I have been impressed with, although a little disappointing last time out in the Group 2 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes, first attempt at 7f. Trainer’s son, Charlie Johnston, has said he expects the ground to be no problem from this colt by Pivotal. I do expect him to go close and challenge for the win.

The Godolphin-owned Future Empire is another that can’t be ruled out, and currently lies second favourite. He won well in maiden debut at Newmarket over 7f, on faster ground. In-form James Doyle takes over from Harry Bentley who rode him to that victory. Trainer, Suroor, is quoted as saying, he needs good ground.

 

The next race at Sandown is the Group 3 fillies’ and mares Atalanta Stakes over 1m 14y (15:15). Fintry is 6/4 favourite but I think I’m willing to go against her for this one, having read the quotes from top class trainer, Andrea Fabre, who says she has had a serious cough, and went onto say she would probably need the race after 3 months off. He also said that this was a comeback, with the view to the Group 1 Sun Chariot in October.

Favour is instead, for DIAMOND DOVE, who came 2/12 4 weeks ago in G3 Deutsches Stuten-Derby in Germany. Soft ground should be ideal, with hopes it doesn’t dry out too much. Jockey, Frederik Tylicki in good form of late.

Water Hole is another who is open to further progression and can come close under William Buick. He won by 2 lengths last time out on soft ground, and is on a hat-trick of turf wins here.

 

And lastly a quick look at the Class 4 Nursery Handicap over 7f 16y (still at Sandown) (16:25). A tough one to call but SISTER OF MERCY looks the one to beat and hopefully there’s more to come, having won well last time out, in second attempt at 7f. Previous start (7f), came 3/10, beaten by recent Group 3 winner Malabar. Again, it’s in-for James Doyle who takes the ride.

Mark Johnston-trained Assault On Rome has been in decent form without winning in the last 4, but should come close.

Thursday's Selections - Free Horse Racing Tips

Nearing the end of another week, and we've a few meetings for Thursday's action, including cards from Ffos Las, Stratford and Tipperary (IRE). Check the links below for current goings, non-runners and market movers. Below that are the free horse racing tips for today, with a focus on the card from Ffos Las. All tips are 'to-win', with an each way bet for Swift Cedar.

Plus, don't forget to check the FREE BETS page. £1000's in free bets for new, and existing customers!

Non-Runners

'Going'

Market Movers


Ffos Las 2:00 - TANSFEEQ - 5/2 (Coral) NB

Ffos Las 3:00 - BOLD - 7/4 - (Bet365)

Ffos Las 3:35 - LADY GUINEVERE - 3/1 (Betfred) NAP

Ffos Las 4:05 - TAQNEEN - 4/1 (Coral)

                       SWIFT CEDAR (EW) - 20/1 (Bet365)

Ffos Las 4:35 - WILLIAM HOGARTH - 10/11 (Coral)



Good luck for today, and please check back soon for more tips.