English Premier League Week 30 Predictions
March 12, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
Things are heating up as we head into Week 30 of Barclays Premier League football action this Saturday and Sunday. Manchester United has leapfrogged Chelsea and now holds a two-point advantage atop the league table over the Blues and Arsenal who are knotted up for second. My pick for match of the week has to be Everton at Birmingham City. Here I take a look at a few this week’s top matches, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Tottenham Hotspur (4th) vs. Blackburn Rovers (12th)
The Hotspur currently sit in the fourth spot on the league table, level in points with Manchester City and having played an extra game. They will face a Blackburn side with a miserable record against the top clubs on the road. The Spurs have had significant problems at defense and midfield, with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both still sidelined and Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddlestone, David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas all unavailable for the upcoming match. Substitute goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is also still out. Blackburn, have improved since mid-January and, other than a 3-0 defeat at Stoke City, has been much harder to beat in recent outings. Tottenham now look to be establishing some consistency while Blackburn has not won away since November. With the firepower at manager Harry Redknapp’s disposal, Spurs should clinch a comfortable win at home.
English Premier League Week 28 Predictions
February 27, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
We are nearing the final 10 weeks of Barclays Premier League football action as we enter into Week 28 this Saturday and Sunday. Chelsea maintains a slim one-point advantage atop the league table over second place Manchester United. My pick for match of the week has to be Manchester City at Chelsea. With Manchester United on Carling Cup duty, the Blues have the chance to widen the gap as they play their match in hand. Here I take a look at a few this week’s top matches, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Chelsea: -222
Draw: +290
Manchester City: +650
Top of the table Chelsea will host No. 5 Manchester City at Stamford Bridge this Saturday. The Blues were defeated in the Champions League 2-1 by Inter at the San Siro but could have won the match had they converted more of their scoring opportunities. Everyone will be watching the reunion between John Terry and Wayne Bridge who has now made himself unavailable for England. Henrique Hilario will get the call in goal after Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech tore a calf muscle against Inter Milan in midweek. Ashley Cole is a long-term absentee with a broken ankle and Yury Zhirkov has a calf injury. Paulo Ferreira is back in contention after not being registered for the Champions League in midweek, but Florent Malouda is expected to continue at left back. Jose Bosingwa, Michael Essien and Deco all remain sidelined. In the meantime City were handed an embarrassing defeated by Stoke midweek, and holding their own against the league leaders would do wonders for team morale. However, they have taken just one point from a possible nine on the road and have failed to score in their last seven visits to Stamford Bridge. Their 2-1 victory at home to the Blues in December ended a run of eight successive defeats to Chelsea. It will be a tough task against a Chelsea side who have dropped just two points at home all season and who have gone 37 matches unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in all competitions. I expect the Blues to take this one at home and the three points.
Stoke City: +425
Draw: +250
Arsenal: -153
PGA Golf Preview: Waste Management Phoenix Open
February 23, 2010 by betonline
Filed under Golf, Other Sports
While NCAA Basketball Betting is the talk of the sports world right now with March Madness just around the corner, avid golf fans will be interested in watching the Waste Management Phoenix Open this weekend. The Phoenix Open is held at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Running from Thursday February 25 until Sunday, February 28, the Waste Management Phoenix Open will feature many of the world’s top ranked golfers, and should welcome some surprise players on the leaderboard.
Waste Management Phoenix Open
TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
Picks: The Favorite
English Premier League Week 27 Predictions
February 20, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
Barclays Premier League football action returns after a week of Champions League and Europa League fixtures. Chelsea maintains a slim one-point advantage atop the league table as they continue to be the team to beat this season. My pick for match of the week has to be Liverpool at Manchester City. Here I take a look at a few this week’s top matches, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Everton: +375
Draw: +250
Manchester United: -142
Barclays Premier League title hopefuls No. 2 Manchester United will travel to Goodison Park to do battle with No. 9 Everton on Saturday. Man U is looking for a victory that will see them over take Chelsea at the top of the table, at least temporarily. United walked away with a 3-0 win the last times these two sides met in November. Everton’s overall Premier League record against United is 3-35. The Red Devils are coming into Saturday’s match having won six of their last eight games. Wayne Rooney, an Everton transfer in 2004, will lead his squad and heads into the contest in great form, with ten goals in his last eight appearances. United will continue to be without suspended Luis Nani and Rio Ferdinand. Ryan Giggs is out for another three weeks with a broken arm while John O’Shea is out indefinitely with a thigh muscle strain. Meanwhile, Everton are reaping the rewards of US international loan Landon Donovan, and you can be sure that he’ll play an important role against United. If the home side can hold off the reigning champions, they will be one step closer to a consecutive European berth. Phil Jagielka remains a long-term casualty for the Toffees, but is now joined on the sidelines by Marouane Fellaini who will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Key midfielder Tim Cahill will also be out for three weeks after suffering a calf strain. I suspect Manchester United to continue their dominance, while Everton’s only hope will be to shut down a red-hot Wayne Rooney. Look for the Red Devils to take this one and a much desired three points.
Arsenal: -500
Draw: +250
Sunderland: +1100
Accenture Match Play Final Four Picks
The golf season has had a quiet start so far simply because the biggest name in the sport, Tiger Woods, isn’t playing on the Tour right now, but this week’s event should receive plenty more attention.
This week, the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship will take place in Marana, Arizona. Geoff Ogilvy took the largest part of the $8.5 million share last year and 63 others will try to do the same. Here are our final four picks for the weekend:
Ben Hogan Bracket
Golf Betting Odds: Rory McIlroy +350
English Premier League Week 24 Predictions
February 6, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
It’s time for another week of Barclays Premier League football. Chelsea has reestablished their two-point led atop the league table, and have once again become to the team to beat this season. The transfer window closed on Feb 1, with no real significant changes. My pick for match of the week has to be Manchester United at Arsenal. Here I take a look at a few this week’s top matches, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Liverpool: -120
Draw: +235
Everton: +350
# 9 Everton are unbeaten in nine Barclays Premier League matches since a 0-2 home defeat by #5 Liverpool. The two will square off for the 213th Merseyside derby at Everton on Saturday. The Reds are on a run as of late, and are unbeaten in their last six league matches. They will look to repeat last year’s victory this weekend. Star striker Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are still out injured, but Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio is set to return. Meanwhile, Everton have been in much better form overcoming early season shortcomings due in large part numerous injured starters. They are coming off a 1-0 win over Wigan last week. Tim Cahill has been hot claiming two goals in two matches. Landon Donovan, a loan signing, is a welcome addition and will look to contribute before returning to his parent club, the LA Galaxy. While the Toffees are underdogs, they will be out for revenge from the last meeting between these two. This is one of the most contested derbies in English football, and you can expect Anfield to be in full voice come Saturday afternoon. I look for a draw in this one with both sides coming away with a point.
Manchester United: -900
Draw: +750
Portsmouth: +2000
English Premier League Week 23 Predictions
January 30, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
Things are heating up as we head into Week 23 of Barclays Premier League action. After the excitement of midweek matches, FA Cup draws, and Carling Cup semis, we can only expect some tired footballers over the next few days. Chelsea has regained their thrown atop the league table, holding a one-point advantage over reigning champions Manchester United. After sitting at number one in Week 22, Arsenal has slipped to third place overall. My pick for match of the week has to be Manchester United at Arsenal. Here I take a look at a few this week’s top games, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Liverpool: -230
Draw: +325
Bolton Wanderers: +650
#15 Bolton should be rejuvenated as they are coming off a 1-0 win over Burnley in their last match. It is their first Barclays Premier League win under new manager Owen Coyle. The lone goal came at the 34th minute, when South Korean youngster Chung-Yong Lee found himself in space inside the area and chipped the ball up under the crossbar. Although the ball ended up outside of the goal, Lee had done just enough to get the ball over the line. The Wanderers will travel to Anfield this Saturday to take on #5 Liverpool who has moved up a couple of spots taking 11 points from a possible 15. The Reds seem to have turned their form around as of late and are undefeated in their last five matches, having won at home on the previous three occasions. Coach Rafa Benetiz is hoping his squad can keep that home form alive with a win, preserving his 5-year tenure for a bit longer. Liverpool has added some much needed depth to their midfield, picking up the Maxi Rodriguez, but will still be without star striker Fernando Torres. Bolton has been a better team, taking two wins from four, but heading to Anfield is never easy and the Wanderers haven’t managed a win in their last six games on the road. Expect Liverpool to pick up the win and three points.
Hull City: +125
Draw: +225
Wolves: +215
English Premier League Week 22 Predictions
January 23, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
It’s time for more Premier League action as we enter into Week 22. League play has taken a back seat to Carling Cup and FA Cup action this past week, but we’re back into the swing of things on Saturday. Things are heating up as we finally have a change atop the leader board. Arsenal has taken over the number one spot with just one game and one point separating second place Chelsea and third place Manchester United. There is only one weekend match this week with others being played mid-next week. My pick for match of the week has to be Birmingham City at Chelsea. Here I take a look at a few this week’s top games, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Manchester United: -700
Draw: +625
Hull City: +1800
#3 Manchester United have won three and drawn one of their last four outings and remain just one point behind the leaders. A win this weekend could leapfrog last years reigning champs into sole possession of first place. The Red Devils shut out Burnley 3-0 in their last outing and are in good form. They will host #18 Hull City in this weekend’s only match up on Saturday at Old Trafford. The Tigers have finished all square in their last two outings, but still remain towards the bottom of the table. They have recently picked up Amr Zaki on loan but he will not be ready for this weekends match against United. With home advantage I expect Man U to pick up the win and all three points in this one, closing in on the top spot.
Aston Villa: +190
Draw: +225
Arsenal: +135
English Premier League Week 20 Predictions
January 16, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
Week 20 of Premier League action is here and there are some great matches on tap. Just three points separate the top three teams and depending on the outcomes of a few matches, the league table could look much different after this weekends match ups. My pick for match of the week has to be Liverpool at Stoke City. Here I take a look at this week’s games giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
#1 Chelsea maintained a single point lead over second place Manchester United after beating Fulham 2-1 last weekend. This week Chelsea will host # 11 Sunderland, who slipped on the league table after drawing with Blackburn in their last outing. They have lost five of their last six on the road. Chelsea will again be without Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi as all four are away on international duty in the African Nations Cup, but always have a strong showing at Stamford Bridge. With home advantage I expect Chelsea to pick up the win and all three points in this one.
#2 Manchester United narrowed the gap to just two points between them and the top of the table when they drew 1-1 with Birmingham City in their last match. ManU will be looking to avenge an earlier surprise loss to Burnley at Turf Moor in August with a chance to overtake the top spot on the league table. #14 Burnely will want to impress new manager Brian Laws when they visit Old Trafford on Saturday and rebound from a 2-0 loss to Everton. They will have their work cut out for them as several of their top defenders will be sidelined with injuries and Andre Bikey is absent on African Nations Cup duty. Look for United to exploit Burnely’s thin defense and take three points in this game.
#3 Arsenal maintained their position just three points behind the top spot on league table with a 2-2 draw with Everton last weekend and will have a chance to leapfrog over Manchester United with a win this Sunday when they travel to #18 Bolton Wanderers. New Manager Owen Coyle takes charge of the Wanderers for the first time against an Arsenal side that are top of the current form table with three wins and a draw from their last four. Bolton continues to struggle but kept from sliding any further down the table by drawing 2-2 with Hull City in their last match. I don’t see Bolton toppling Arsenal even with home pitch advantage. Expect Arsenal to pick up three points with a win.
English Premier League Week 19 Predictions
January 8, 2010 by Matt Martz
Filed under Soccer
Week 19 of Premier League action is upon us and with the each New Year brings new hopes for teams and fans alike. With the first half of the season gone, clubs will ready themselves for the second half. With cup action out of the way for the time being, the focus of this weekend’s games returns to League. Things have tightened up at the top of the table with the only four points separating the first three clubs. My pick for match of the week has to be Manchester United at Birmingham City, as City looks to preserve their 11 game unbeaten streak. Here I take a look at this weeks match ups giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
#1 Chelsea had a difficult December winning only two of their last six league matches. The slide has narrowed the gap between them and second place Manchester United to just two points. However, the Blues did pick up a win in their last outing defeating Fulham 2-1. It was by far not the best performance from Chelsea, but it was enough to net them three points allowing them to preserve their spot at the top of the table. This week Chelsea will travel to # 19 Hull City. The Tigers, who have managed just two draws in their last five, have dropped to the bottom of the table in recent weeks. Even with home advantage I cannot see Hull taking anything from this game and I expect Chelsea to pick up the win and all three points.
#2 Manchester United have picked up two wins in their last two matches and have narrowed the gap to two points between them and the top of the table. They netted five goals on their way to shutting out Wigan in their last match, but gave up an opportunity to claim the top spot by being shutout by Aston Villa and Fulham in December. They will travel to # 8 Birmingham City who has yet to be defeated in their last 11 games. This will be a good match for Birmingham and should Aston Villa lose this weekend, they could find themselves in sixth spot at the end of Saturday. They are coming off a draw with Chelsea at home in their last game and I expect them to repeat this against United and take a point from this game.
#3 Arsenal closed in on the leaders with a 4-1 win over Portsmouth on December 30, making it five wins from six games with a game in hand. Their midweek match against Bolton was postponed negating any opportunity to leapfrog over second place ManU to start the weekend. The Gunners are playing well and will host #12 Everton who have moved up the table in recent weeks and are undefeated in their last five league games. After a rough start to the season, due primarily to injuries, Everton seems to have gained some much-needed momentum. However, I don’t see them toppling Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Expect Arsenal to pick up three points with a win.
