Football - Sat 19.08.06

[pdug175]

funny that, wasnt man utds last game last year.... at home to fulham?

[user508]

Germany: 1. Bundesliga (Correct Scores)

Bremen - Leverkusen 2:1 @ 8 (2:1)
Hertha - Hannover 2:3 @ 41
Dortmund - Mainz 3:1 @ 13
Nürnberg - Gladbach 1:1 @ 6.5
Bielefeld - Stuttgart 2:2 @ 13
Frankfurt - Wolfsburg 2:1 @ 8.5
Bochum - Bayern 2:3 @ 26
Aachen - Schalke 0:2 @ 7.5
Cottbus - Hamburg 2:2 @ 13 (2:2)

Germany: 1. Bundesliga (Full Time Results)

Aachen - Schalke @ 1.83 (0:1)
Bielefeld - Stuttgart Draw or Stuttgart (Double Chance) @ 1.53 (2:3)
Hertha - Hannover (Total Goals), (Over +2.5) @ 1.95 (4:0)

Germany: 2. Bundesliga (Full Time Results)

Hansa Rostock @ 1.73 - Erzgebirge Aue (1:0)

England: Premier League (Correct Scores)

Sheffield Utd - Liverpool 0:1 @ 6
Arsenal - Aston Villa 1:0 @ 7
Newcastle Utd - Wigan Athletic 1:0 @ 6.5
Manchester Utd - Fulham 1:0 @ 7
Chelsea - Manchester City 1:0 @ 7

Can't be so sure about premier league results as about bundesliga, but despite all the euphory, something tells me that in the beginning of the season there is no need to wait for especially high scores from the teams-favourites. The opponent-teams will have no desire to shame themselves in the first day, and will resist.

[NUFC232005]

selections for 19/08/2006

MK DONS v bristol rovers @ 8/11

PETERBOROUGH v macclesfield @ 4/7

WYCOMBE v bury @ 4/7

4.27 treble

NUFC232005

p.s. does anyone know a good stats web-site for how many corners and other detailed stats.

[mattwilleyuk]

As I Wednesday fan I usually never bet on games involving my team, as I mostly end up feeling treacherous. And am generally never stupid enough to bet on us winning.

This week however I am definately placing some money on this match infavour of - Plymouth.

Every single 1st team striker is injured for Weds (McLean - Knee, Burton - Leg, Tudgay - Toe, Small - Lack of fitness.

In Midfield, our most influential player Folly is out for weeks with cruciate injury, Kenny Lunt is unlikely to start.

Basically we are down to bare bones and it is likely that Chris Brunt a midfeilder will have to play upfron or alternatively we will have to blood some kids.

Either way I think away at plymouth, who incidentally are going well is too much of an ask (even if we had any stikers and a midfield.)

Add to the mix that Plymouth are likely to welcom back Akos Buzacy and I think SWFC are in trouble this weekend. Dave Allan (Chairman) has promised loan funds for a striker, but this won't happen until after the leeds game at least (if ever).

I would encourage a punt on Plymouth to win, perhaps taking the handicap to cover the draw.

Ta

[Seagull]

Gotta agree with John Davies. Despite having some allegiance to Sheffield United I fear they'll have to wait for their first Premiership points. Liverpool are starting to look like a really good side at last. They have so many attacking options it's scary and looked really solid against Chelsea in the Community Shield.

Gretna look a shoe in also so I'll agree with a double:

LIVERPOOL

GRETNA

Which pays just over evens. Looks a great bet IMO. Apologies Blades fans!

Good luck all.
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[Inatimate1]

I've chosen A Few AH's for the Premiership

1) Sheff Utd + 1.5 @ 1.37, I don't think Liverpool will win this by more than one goal, and that's if they win this game at all, they didn't have the best of games against Maccabi Haifa, and although they won the Community Shield in impressive enough style on Sunday, I can see Sheffield Utd being a bit of a challenge for Liverpool as they always seem to be. Liverpool could sneak it by a goal, but that's if they play exceptionally well against what I view as a strong new side to the Premiership

2) Watford + 1.5 @1.33, how often did the old Beattie 1-0 come in at Goodison last season , Everton aren't exactly a side known for scoring a lot of goals, although they got 4th place in the Premiership two years ago, they managed to rack up a massive Goal difference of -1 in the same season, Watford are again a worrying side, as there's not really much to go on except their dreadful form last time they played at this level, but this time is different, now they come to the premiership with a strong strike force, an unproven manager, and a few unheard of defenders, things couldn't look any better for Watford, , seriously though, they might sneak a draw on Saturday

3) Wigan + 1.5 @1.225, Shearer has retired, Owen is possibly out for the season, Dyer out for 4 weeks, Ameobi & Luque are their only fit strikers, Newcastle are in trouble, although Wigan aren't much better off, as they've signed Heskey and sold Jason Roberts, and with Jimmy Bullard going to Fulham (obviously not fond of pies), last season Newcastle won 3-1 here, with Shearer scoring twice, this season two facts could prove decisive (which I have picked up from the Team News from BBC's Website, http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4786641.stm)

Newcastle Did not score in the first four League outings last term, and picked up just two points from the first five contests. Whilst Wigan Won all 10 League matches in which a clean sheet was kept last term. Boasted the fourth best form away from home in the highest level, behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. And also Lost their first two Premiership matches by a narrow 0-1 margin (home to Chelsea and away to Charlton). But then won eight of the next nine. Could Wigan survive this Challenge against a clearly struggling Newcastle side?

And Here's some I Chose Earlier:

Sunderland @7/5 to beat Southend - Surely Sunderland have to win, they normally walk this division, however, I can see this being one way traffic against what should really be a weakened Southend side compared to previous opponents faced by Sunderland, if not then maybe the Chairman should consider sacking the manager eh?

Southampton @11/8 to beat Barnsley- Southampton in my opinion have the strongest squad outside of the Premiership, and they should be able to prevail over Barnsley tomorrow, although Barnsley were sucessful in their last two outings and have scored and conceeded in every game so far, Southampton should prove to be a step up from the teams they have faced so far this season and should be too strong here

Tranmere @5/6 to beat Yeovil - Ronnie Moore wants Prenton Park to become a fortress again, he has had his strikers training all week on finishing, and said on the club website "It is only a matter of time before we give someone a good hiding", Rovers have a strong side, and if Moore can convert the stadium back to its previous glory, we could be looking at a tough game for the visitors

Swansea @6/5 to beat Doncaster - Last seasons play off runners up are still without a win this term, whilst Doncaster picked up 4 points from their two home games, this must be the time where Swansea finally get a win on the board, unless new singing for Doncaster Michele Di Piedi, puts some Italian Flair into the Visitors engine and leads them to victory!

All in all, a lot of value available for the Weekend, and another side which tempt me are unbeaten Notts County @2/1 to beat pointless Rochdale
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[Levytation]

It's rare that I would encourage anybody to bet on my own team Ipswich, but tomorrow's game at Portman Road is a real 'do or die' game...or alternatively a potential relegation battle six-pointer!

However, despite our poor start, Magic Jim has brought in 2 new loan players with a bit of quality (Marc Noble from West Ham, Simon Walton from Charlton) and I hope that these additions along with home advantage should see us gain our first 3 points of the season.

Ipswich AH -0.5 @ 2.10 (Bet 365)
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[darren23]

what about [b]west brom v colchester anyone think baggies are certs

[JANTO]

Any one got team news on Brechin 4 game v Cowy , please

[fairfranco]

i've gone for a treble with the last £1 in my William Hill account having blown the rest on the poker.

LIVERPOOL V Sheffield United

I think Liverpool will be battling for the second place spot this season and to slip up against a newly promoted side would be a big failure on their part. I don't know what sheffild united are like but Liverpool really should have neough to beat them.

EVERTON v Watford

David Moyes has never won his first game of the season since being in charge of Everton, however on this occassion the boys in blue have played well in preseason, they've improved their front line with andy johnson who will be keen to get his first goal in a blue shirt and they all seem very confident. Watford are another unknown for me but i'd be dissapointed if everton didn't win this game.

WEST HAM V Charlton

West Ham had an excellent last season and showed they are more than deserved of a place in the premiership. they have bought some excellent players recently and have an outstanding choice of strikers. i think they should have another strong season. Charlton i think may struggle to come to terms with the loss of alan curbishley. they have previously done very well in the top flight and the purchase of hassalbaink could prove a good move but with loss of such a longtime leader they may take a while to adjust.

[STUBBLE]

First day of the new Prem. season and time to take a KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) approach with a double on the following two games:-

Arsenal v Aston Villa @ 1.29 (Bet365) - "Your mission Martin, should you choose to accept it, is to take your team to the Emirates Stadium and get a point or three off Arsenal. They have superior firepower and greater quality in all positions. They have a fitness advantage having swept aside Dinamo Zagreb with ultimately ridiculous ease, and with most of the star names absent. Your team's record in the last six of these fixtures reads P6 W0 D0 L6 F4 A17, including last season's 5 - 0 defeat, and you will have the same players available to you. This message will self destruct in ten seconds."

Mission Impossible? Not quite, but if the Villans get anything better than a respectable one or two goal defeat out of this, I would expect MON to be appearing on the next Sport Aid WALKING the Channel!

Sheff. Utd. v Liverpool @ 1.53 (Bet365) - Everyone's favourite Championship manager makes it on to the big stage, and the good news for Neil Warnock is they start with a home game. The bad news is the opponents are Liverpool. The Pool have a generally rock solid defence, a midfield so full of quality that they could afford to leave Alonso and Gerrard on the bench for two thirds of last week's game against Chelsea - and still claim a deserved victory, and a front pairing of Bel Boy and Rodney which has shown distinct signs of promise. This one could go pear shaped quickly for the Blades and with a speedy forward attacking a "wished he'd stayed in retirement" Craig Short (surely there's a law against victimising OAP's), wouldn't bet against someone in the home ranks seeing red, including the manager. Good luck Neil, I think you'll need it.

For those who like omens, the last two seasons have seen a team whose name begins with 'S' and who play in red and white stripes being relegated.

One question - does anyone know any bookies offering odds on Everton to score a penalty tomorow? Bet365 are offering odds for this on some of their games, but this isn't one of them. With Andy "shot out of a cannon" Johnson in the side, thought this might be a useful punting tool this season.
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Confidence in tips ranges from the most confident which is 5 stars to least which is 1.

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[number 1 bet]

Sheff Utd - Liverpool
Sheff Utd finished 2nd in the Championship last season and go into the topflight after a 12-year absence. They have a pretty up-and-down side, boasting a great midfield but lacking in defence and attack.

Neil Warnock's side shipped a goal-a-game on average last season and that's likely to get worse in the Premiership. Phil Jagielka scored eight from midfield for the Blades which was vital considering the side's blunt frontline options. Rob Hulse has been brought in from Leeds to assist in that area and he played particularly well for Leeds in the Championship last season.

Manager Neil Warnock will start his first six games in the stands following a touchline ban, which won't help his squad in what is sure to be a nervous first-match for them in a tougher and more competitive league.

Liverpool's second season with Rafael Benitez at the helm went a lot better for them domestically. The Reds have won silverware on two successive seasons now and reached 3rd spot last season with a great-looking points tally of 82, which is the highest they've achieved since 1988.

The £6m signing of Craig Bellamy seems a great move because the club weren't having much joy with Fernando Morientes and Djibrill Cisse. Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt is unlikely to be picked for the opening game, so it looks as if Bellamy and Crouch will be partnered up front for this match.

Peter Crouch didn't have a good first season at Liverpool, however, the tall striker scored a couple for England in midweek and should be confident. Pacy left-winger Mark Gonzalez has finally got a work permit and has already gave us a taste of what he's capable of on the flank!

Away win @ 8/15 - Steven Gerrard scores 1st @ 7/1


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Arsenal - Aston Villa
Arsenal finished outside the top 2 last term for the first time in nine full seasons with Arsene Wenger in charge. Still, Arsenal have managed to hold onto their best players, although did lose Dennis Bergkamp through retirement and released Sol Campbell who's become a fringe player.

Toure, Senderos and Eboue were Arsenal's top defenders last season and they're the reason they had the second best defence in the league. While their defence is pretty sound, up front Thierry Henry could do with some assistance as both Reyes & Van Persie failed to keep up with the hitman.

Remember, Arsenal are playing at a brand new home ground, the Emirates Stadium, so could take a bit of time to adjust to the new surroundings. Only Tomas Rosicky has been brought in during the transfer window which is disappointing but Arsenal still have a top quality squad.

Aston Villa have lost their last eight away games against Arsenal, but a lot has changed at the club recently. David O'Leary has left and Martin O'Neill has been brought in as a replacement. The Irishman has a fantastic record at his previous clubs and his appointment should please the fans.

Not only did Villa finish up in 16th last season but they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by lowly Doncaster, which was really a low point for them. Money is forever tight at Villa Park so it's not surprising to see that they have yet to bring in any new faces in the transfer window.

Martin O'Neill will surely get Villa playing more organised and improve fluency. However, I think this trip to Arsenal will be a tough one for them and it's too soon for them to even think about getting something.

Home win @ 2/7 - Arsenal win 3-1 @ 10/1


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Everton - Watford
Which Everton side will turn up this year? That is the question on most people's lips. Last season wasn't the best as they finished in 11th place and expectations were far too high after they failed in two European contests.

The Toffees have spent big in the transfer market, shelling out almost £14m on striker Andrew Johnson and Joleon Lescott, deemed the best defender outside the Premiership. We go a glimpse of Johnson in the topflight with Crystal Palace two seasons ago and he does have qualities.

The Toffees definitely need a new front man as only the relegated sides scored less than them last season. The first two months of last season were dreadful for Everton so they'll want to get off to a flyer this time.

Watford had three fairly consistent strikers last season, although they will be stepping up to a new league and may struggle. Marlon King was their top guy for scoring last season and managed 22 goals in all competitions.

Something of worry to note for Watford is the fact that they conceded a whopping 53 goals, which is a statistic of a side fighting for survival. Danny S h i t t u has been drafted in to aid the defensive situation but I doubt it will be enough - they need more quality all over the pitch I reckon.

Home win @ 8/13 - Everton win 1-0 @ 5/1


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Newcastle - Wigan
Newcastle have failed to boost their defence throughout the transfer window which is a shock. The backline was certainly their most vulnerable area last season what with Titus Bramble & Jean-Alain Boumsong looking rather error-prone at the best of times and costing the Magpies games.

The signing of Damien Duff is definitely a good one, but there's other areas that need addressing more urgently. With Alan Shearer's retirement and Michael Owen's long-term injury, Newcastle only have Shola Ameobi & Albert Luque up front and both cannot be relied upon a lot of the time.

Newcastle's strongest area is their midfield by a long way with Scott Parker, Nobby Solano, Emre and Kieron Dyer all in there. The team can still be very effective at St James Park and should put on a good show.

Wigan's most important asset was Paul Jewell last season and they have managed to hold onto the talented manager. Not only did he guide the promoted side to 10th in the league, but he also took them to the Carling Cup final which was a tremendous achievement for them.

Of course, expectations will be very high for Wigan this season and they'll be expected to finish in the top 10 again. Most of their success came from a good solid defence last season with Arjan De Zeeuw the man who deserved most of the credit for holding things together in that area.

Paul Jewell surprisingly let leading scorer Jason Roberts depart for Blackburn during the transfer window. Emile Heskey has replaced him, which was a surprise, but the signing if Denny Landzaat is certainly a more promising move by the manager. The defence has also been boosted by a host of new arrivals which will surely keep them airtight yet again.

Wigan, draw no bet @ 5/2 - Denny Landzaat scores 1st @ 14/1


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Portsmouth - Blackburn
Portsmouth stayed up with a game to spare last season and it was all down to Harry Redknapp's return in December. He guided Pompey to 20 points from their final 10 games of the season which was just fantastic.

In the transfer window they have brought in Sol Campbell & Glen Johnson to add extra strength at the back. Only Sunderland shipped more goals that Pompey did last season so it was vital to add more cover there. They also have David James in goal which is surely another positive move!

Portsmouth never replaced Yakubu when he left as Benjani Mwaruwari doesn't look up to the job. They have also brought in Kanu to play in attack but African striker has struggled to score consistently in past seasons.

Stubborn Blackburn were more creative last season than they were in previous seasons. The team doesn't give away goals easily and in midfield they now have a mixture of flair players and natural ball winners.

Craig Bellamy has departed for Liverpool and Paul Dickov has joined Man City too. A disaster you might think considering the Rovers were woeful in front of goals last season, however, the triple signing of Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts and Francis Jeffers means the fans can sleep more easily.

Blackburn are just about as physical as they come and they picked up 74 yellow cards and six reds last season.

Away win @ 2/1 - Blackburn win 2-1 @ 10/1


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Reading - Middlesbrough
Reading ran away with the Championship last season, finished top with a record points total of 106. They also scored a mighty impressive 99 goals along the way with Lita, Doyle and Kitson scoring 56 between them!

Reading play a very attacking 4-3-3 system and can rely on their midfield to get them goals. Wigan highlighted the importance of having a solid defence and Reading certainly have that quality. The Royal's also have a goalkeeper who kept 21 clean-sheets last season.

Almost none of Reading's squad has Premiership experience, however, but they do have a manager with 22 years of managerial experience. Steve Coppell also gave Gareth Southgate his playing debut.

Steve McClaren was Boro's most successful manager ever and his departure can't be good for them. Gareth Southgate might be an experienced player but his managerial knowledge is very limited.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has also departed from Middlesbrough, leaving their attack looking a little blunt. Yakubu scored 13 goals for them last season but Viduka, Maccarone and Christie don't score enough.

With Southgate moving to the dugout, Boro badly need to improve on a very rocky back-four from last season. Sylvain Distin's arrival will do them good but they need more strength. Boro conceded 10 goals from corners last season, more than any other Premiership side.

Home win @ 11/8 - Reading ht/ft @ 3/1


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West Ham - Charlton
West Ham's 9th place finish last season will be difficult to top or even match this time round. The FA Cup final appearance was an added bonus for players and fans and they were unlucky to lose out on penalties.

The Hammers midfield was filled with flair last season: Benayoun & Etherington provided the action down the flanks while Mullins & Reo-Coker did the business in midfield. Lee Bowyer, signed from Newcastle, will look to push his way into that area and create some serious competition.

The blow for West Ham was the injury to Dean Ashton who is looking a truly top-class player. Still, Alan Pardew has Marlon Harewood who played out of his skin last season and Bobby Zamora who had his moments too. They've also signed Carlton Cole who'll be looking to prove himself.

For the first time in 15 years Charlton have a new manager after they decided not to renew Alan Curbishley's contract at the end of last season. Iain Dowie is now at the helm and he's certainly a good motivator.

For the first time in a long while the Addicks have a good striker on their books, Darren Bent, who scored 18 goals in the topflight last season. So far nine new faces have been brought in, most of which look a little suspect and perhaps the new boss thinks he can get the best out of them.

The Addicks have took four wins and a draw from their last eight visits to West Ham.

Home win @ 10/11 - Marlon Harewood scores 1st @ 5/1


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Bolton - Tottenham
A European qualification was just beyond Bolton last season which could explain their transfer activity, or lack of it. A lot of players have departed the club including Jay-Jay Okocha, Bruno N'Gotty and Radhi Jaidi and with no quality replacements coming in you fear Bolton could struggle.

Bolton's entire strike-force could only conjure up sixteen goals last season, which is two less than midfielders Giannakopoulos & Nolan managed together. It seems unlikely that they'll get in a top class forward before the transfer window closes as there's clearly a lack of funds available.

Still, Sam Allardyce is all so important to Bolton and the players will be grateful he didn't leave in the summer. The Trotters have finished in the top 10 for three consecutive seasons now and are tough at the Reebok.

Spurs, despite selling Michael Carrick, still have a super-looking squad full of depth and definitely look like they can climb up the table this season. Didier Zokora should plug the gap left by Carrick whilst striker Berbatov should be more than an adequate replacement for Mido who left the club.

The likes of Davids, Tanio, Jenas, Murphy and Lennon will still pack the Spurs' midfield, adding plenty of quality throughout. Robbie Keane & Jermain Defoe will be battling it out for a starting position too as it's likely the new boy Berbatov will go right into the side after a good pre-season.

Tottenham haven't won a game at Bolton since 1996, however, although could be on to break that jinx.

Bolton, draw no bet @ 10/11 - Giannakopoulos to score last @ 9/1



good luck people