I'VE kept faith with some my old faithful this weekend – teams such as Watford, Yeovil and Barnsley.
They've been winning me money for weeks and none show any signs of a drop in form.
There's no sign of St Mirren who are top of hitlist just now and I've taken a big chance with the Super Single. I'm on off-form Dunfermline at home to leaders Morton in the First Division. My thinking is that it's the Pars' cup final – their last chance to stay in the title race and close the gap to seven points.
Form suggests otherwise but boss Jim Jefferies has the ability to inspire a big performance from his players. I hope I'm not wrong.
Anyway here are all my top tips from today's column in the Daily Record.
Homes
- Brighton
- Watford
- Northampton
- Brechin
- Stirling
Pays £254.40 to a £10 stake at BetVictor
Aways
- Barnsley
- Nottm Forest
- C Palace
- Yeovil
- Perm any 3 and all 4 (5 bets)
Fourfold pays £620.60 to a £10 stake at BetVictor xxxx
Draws
- Norwich v Everton
- Bournemouth v Sheffield Utd
- Hearts v Inverness
- Dumbarton v Falkirk
- Perm any 3 and all 4 (5 bets)
Fourfold pays £154.11 to a £1 stake at BetVictor
Scottish both to score
- Hearts v Inverness
- Dumbarton v Falkirk
- Cowdenbeath v Raith
- East Stirling v Elgin
Pays £60 to a £10 stake at ssss
Super Single
- Dunfermline (19-10, BetVictor)
Top Treble
- Watford
- Yeovil
- Peterborough
Pays an enhanced 14-1 at Betway.com
Bonkers Bet
- Swansea 3, Bradford 1 (12-1, BetVictor)
In December 2020 we sadly 
Wont be joining yous the night lads will check in at sumpoint see if emday got some good winners GOOD LUCK EVERY 1
England 4 Fold
Watford
Swindon
Kidderminster
Newport
Scotland Treble – StJohnstone – Partick – Brechin
Single – Oldham 2 Score In Both Halves
Anytime Goal Scorers
Mackail-Smith (Brighton)
Marvin Morgan (Shrewsbury)
Calvin Zola (Burton)
(Before 3pm)
Treble – Koln – Mypa – SlaskWroclaw
Double – Empoli – Ostrava
Single – Concordia
Saturday European (After 5pm)
Treble – Schalke – Braga – Kortrijk
Double – SturmGraz – Panathinaikos
Single – Legia Warsaw
Both 2 Score
Sivasspor-Besiktas
Palermo-Genoa
Zaragoza-Valencia
Ajaccio-Lille
Heerenveen-Twente
French Games Anytime Goalscorers
Anthony Modeste (Bastia)
Pierre Aubameyang (StEtienne)
Saber Khilifa (Evian)
What about blackburn?
Craig, I’d back Blackburn, just weren’t in my top five or six.
Your home are looking good Mr F…….
Muzza, hope you don’t jinx me. Pity Brechin was off.
Never in doubt Mr F!!
Unlike me – had a stinker!! WTF happened to Hull today? Form book right out the window!!
Muzza, Hull been good but I did read Bolton had been playing better than their results suggested.
I’ve been looking at QoS 1.5 h/t 11/10…. My bet is Peterborough Morton Northampton QoS ( little booster) but ii think QoS will win by 4-5 goals easy
I have just seen your super single ????? How did you come up with that dunfermline really? There on a really bad run vs top of the league Dunfermline’s last 6 are won 2 lost 4 Mortons won. 4 draw 2 and there unbeaten away from home all season I hope you made a mistake as I’m putting a bit of money of Morton single
Lee, I’ve explained why I’ve gone for Dunfermline. Sure it’s a gamble but so is backing a 1-2 shot on many occasions. I wouldn’t talk anyone out of taking Morton if that’s the way they want to go. Actually the Pars are probably the lowest-priced single I’ve taken for a few weeks.
Nothing bonkers about Swansea result, sounds about right and great odds!
My super single would be Cowdenbeth
Cowdenbeath*
Bundesliga tips for 2day and 2moro…….
Btts double – Hannover v Hamburg. Moenchengladbach v Dortmund
Treble – Mainz. Schalke. Bayer Leverkusen
Anytime scorers – Ribery. Reus
Augsburg v Hoffenheim – draw (both of these teams r fighting for their lives and will b desperate 2 avoid defeat here)
Thinking about a few bets on the Moenchengladbach v Dortmund game on Sunday,depending on team selections. Moenchengladbach r missing one of their main men in Patrick Herrmann but Dortmund have a huge game away 2 Bayern Munich in the cup coming up on Wednesday. Dortmund have Lewandowski and Schieber suspended for Sundays game,I’m hoping this means they’ll have no option but 2 play their 1st choice front 4 in Grosskreutz,Blaszsykowski,Gotze and Reus. If this is the case I’ll b going for the following bets…….
Over 3.5 goals @ 7/4
Dortmund win and 3 or 4 total goals in match @ 5/2
Dortmund win and 5 or more total goals @ 11/2
Bizarre super single Paul given what the Dunfy players did yesterday!
Lionel, it’s a hunch more than anything else. I just feel they could get a reaction. If I’m wrong then I’m wrong. I wouldn’t expect everyone to agree with it.
Anyone seen anywhere that taking bets on man of the match market for the capital one cup final? Really fancy a small wager on Ki Sung Yeung for a bit of interest.
Checked betfair,bet 365 and Stan james already.
Sean, have you tried Skybet?
Arsenal’s season has floundered from one comical disaster to another, but along the way there have been some success stories. One such example is Theo Walcott’s journey from a very fast footballer who ultimately doesn’t produce much, to a very fast footballer who scores loads of goals and sets up lots for others.
Today he faces an Aston Villa side, that are embroiled in a relegation scrap. Their recent win over West Ham was their first victory in eight Premier League games and you have to go back 15 games in all competitions, since Aston Villa last kept a clean sheet. Back Walcott to score at any time at 2.5.
Next we turn our attentions to Italy and the Milan derby. AC Milan come into the game full of confidence, unbeaten in seven Serie A games and with a Champions League victory over Barcelona to boast about.
Mario Balotelli didn’t feature in that victory over Barcelona, due to being cup-tied. We can expect him to return to the side feeling fresh and ready to take on his former club Inter Milan.
Few footballers look more comfortable being the centre of attention than Balotelli and he should relish this opportunity. Since joining Milan the Italian international has scored four goals in three games. We’re going to back him to open the scoring on Sunday evening at odds of 5.9.
Another player who it’s fair to describe as someone who enjoys the spotlight, is Paris St Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Top of Ligue 1 PSG, face third-placed Marseille on Sunday night and Zlatan is priced at 1.75 to score at any time.
This might look quite slim, but Ibrahimovic has been in deadly form in the league this season, scoring 21 goals in 22 games. That’s a record that bears comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in La Liga this season. Now go and take a look at his odds to score over the weekend and you’ll realise that Ibrahimovic’s actually represent good value.
For our last goalscorer bet we return to the Premier League and focus on another player that’s bang in form. Gareth Bale has scored six goals in his last five games. In four of those matches he scored the final goal.
Bale did not score against Lyon in midweek, but came close on a couple of occasions, as he excelled in a central role in the second-half. Back him at odds of 5.5 to be the last goalscorer when Spurs face West Ham on Monday night.
we go to Wembley for the Capital One Cup final between Bradford and Swansea. It is Bradford that are being labelled as the underdogs, but when you consider where Swansea have come from, then you come to realise that their achievement is almost as miraculous.
On a day of fairytales, there aren’t many more individual rags to riches stories that will compare with that of Michu. Two seasons ago he was playing in the Spanish second division. When he finally got a crack at the top flight he scored 15 goals for Rayo Vallecano and has already scored that amount in the Premier League.
Now he makes a Wembley appearance you’ll know that the script includes him scoring on the big occasion, at odds of 1.75.
Recommended Bets
Back Gareth Bale to score last at 5.5
Back Theo Walcott to score at 2.5
Back Mario Balotelli to score first at 5.9
Back Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score at 1.75
Back Michu to score at 1.75
Milesey
Saturday
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Aston Villa are finally looking like they might have a chance of staying up, with draws in their last three away games signifying an upturn in their travelling form.
But it’s notable that those games contained lots of goals. 14 goals in three games, to be precise. But it’s not that Villa went into those matches looking for a draw. Far from it. They were actually going for the win, and came close to it, having held the lead in every one of those games.
The reason Villa are being so cavalier now is that Paul Lambert has finally worked-out that his team can’t defend well enough to play a cautious game. And so now he’s got them playing to their attacking strengths. Sometimes it works, as seen in the 3-1 win at Liverpool. And sometimes it doesn’t, as demonstrated by the 8-0 mauling at Chelsea. But what it consistently does do is produce goals, with nine of Villa’s last 10 matches having been high-scoring.
That will be more than enough invitation for Arsenal, who love a good ding-dong encounter, having already scored at least five goals against each of Newcastle, Southampton, Spurs, Reading and West Ham.
Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.51
QPR v Man Utd
Nil-nil draws in each of their last three home games tells you all about QPR’s striking problems. As much as they try, Harry Redknapp’s side simply don’t have the creativity to unlock any decent-quality defence.
They’ve also been erring too much on the side of caution, by often playing just one striker and getting numbers behind the ball. It’s a tactic that’s worked well for QPR defensively, but it’s really hurt their chances of winning games.
Redknapp saw to his horror though, what can happen when he does set his side up in a more ambitious manner. Their 4-1 loss to Swansea was a real setback. And with that lesson learned, it’s unlikely we’ll see a repeat of such tactics against the might of Man United.
As for the Reds, they have a 12 point lead at the top of the table and can afford to take it easy here. And with a big showdown against Real Madrid upcoming, there’s no need for Alex Ferguson to risk any of his star players. United took their foot noticeably off the gas in their last couple of games. I expect them to do much the same here.
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.16
Sunday
——
Man City v Chelsea
I suspect Man City still have some sting left in their tail and won’t be giving up on their title chances just yet. I also think it will be Chelsea who pay the price for being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Not that these are the best of times for Chelsea anyway. They slumped to an abject draw with Sparta Prague in midweek and have an ever-growing number of fans who want boss Rafa Benitez to depart. Also, consistency has been in short supply for the Blues of late, with dropped points coming against Southampton and Reading and Newcastle.
But despite their sketchy form, there’s been no lack of goals. Eight of Chelsea’s last 10 matches were high-scoring, at an average of almost four goals per games. Moreover, eight of their last ten away games have also been full of goals.
City meanwhile are raring to go. Roberto Mancini has star striker Sergio Aguerro back fit, and has challenged his side to finish the season strongly. And I think they’ll do just that, in a goal-packed game that should prove the highlight of the weekend.
Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.8
Wolves v Cardiff
These two sides could be playing in different divisions next year, with Cardiff leading the promotion race and Wolves currently in the relegation zone. That said though, the seemingly big difference between these sides may not be too apparent on Sunday, as I just don’t see there being many goals.
The reason I say that, is because Cardiff like to keep things tight on their travels. Of their last five away games, two ended in 1-0 wins and two ended goalless, with only a 2-1 win at Blackpool ruining the low-scoring run. Moreover, seven of the Welsh side’s last 10 games anywhere have been short on goals. Cardiff are in grind mode at present, and will be looking to eke out another 1-0 win this weekend, to edge them towards their return to the Premier League.
And that should suit Wolves just fine. For them, every point is precious at the moment. Indeed a draw here could be enough to get Wolves out of the drop zone, if results go their way elsewhere. And so I expect caution from both sides. From Wolves, because they need to be, and from Cardiff because it simply serves them well.
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.89
Milesey
Oldham Athletic welcome Portsmouth to the North West, looking to put some space between themselves and the relegation places.
Caretaker boss Tony Philliskirk has overseen something of a resurgence in the home camp since he took over from Paul Dickov – and back to back league wins have lifted the Latics out of the drop zone.
The Oldham boss shuffled his pack following a 2-2 draw with Everton, but his side still looked impressive in a 2-1 win at Stevenage on Tuesday – and I think that even with that FA Cup replay looming next week, the hosts will have their eyes focused firmly on this crucial tie.
And 11 goals scored in their last five suggests that the likes of Matt Smith and Chris Iwelumo will be full of confidence in the final third this afternoon.
Portsmouth go into this clash sitting bottom of League One, and confidence will be low on the South Coast following 21 games without a win.
That miserable run stretches all the way back to mid-October – and just one goal scored in their last five on the road suggests that the Latics defence should be able to hold out their attacking threat here.
Pompey haven’t secured three points away from Fratton Park since the 2nd of October, and now sit a whopping 10 points away from safety – a margin which could be extended further if they fail to secure a result in Greater Manchester.
Guy Whittingham’s woes were added to this week with the news that defender Shaun Cooper will be missing for around a fortnight – and I think that Oldham’s recent momentum will see them secure three points on their own patch here.
Bet 1: Oldham Athletic @ 1.66
Swindon Town welcome Preston North End to the County Ground, amid a turbulent few days for the Robins.
The hosts have been going great guns this season, and sit top of the table ahead of this one, but boss Paolo Di Canio has walked out following failed negotiations with the new owners.
Incredibly, his whole backroom staff has since followed him out of the County Ground, and so it is left to senior pros Darren Ward and Tommy Miller to pick the side for this afternoon’s clash with PNE.
Swindon’s blistering form this season has been no secret, but the Robins have only won three of their last seven – drawing the others – and that suggests that they may not be the formidable outfit they were.
A 1-1 draw with struggling Hartlepool in their last outing on their own patch is further evidence that the home side are susceptible to underperforming, and after a crazy week it will be interesting to see how they respond in a tough clash.
Preston North End will be full of confidence following a 2-0 home win against another top side – AFC Bournemouth – last week, and new boss Simon Grayson takes control of the Whites for the first time this afternoon.
The Lancashire side sit 17th in the table, but so tight is this division that two or three wins could see them climb the league considerably, and all of the players will be desperate to stake their claim for a regular place in front of their new boss.
The concept of ‘new manager syndrome’ is one often mooted immediately after an appointment – and whether you believe there’s anything in it or not, it certainly offers a lift and a bit of momentum.
And Grayson looks set to welcome back influential midfielder John Mousinho, who has something to prove following an injury-ravaged first season at Deepdale.
There’s no denying that Swindon are flying – but I think that Preston are cracking odds for the win in this game at 6.5, and I’m backing the away side to take a shock three points in the circumstances.
Bet 2: Preston North End @ 6.5
Coventry City face Crewe Alexandra for the third time in two weeks, and the visitors boss Steve Davis has already mooted that he is looking to chop and change his side for this clash.
The Alex boss saw his charges defeat their hosts over two legs in the Football League Trophy, and is wary that nine games in three weeks threatens to derail his sides campaign.
Hotshot forward Ajay Leitch-Smith is set to be left out of the side this afternoon, and that will be a big miss for the Staffordshire side, who are now without a win in three.
Just one clean sheet away from Gresty Road since early November suggests that the away defence may have their work cut out to keep out Coventry, and the home side will be desperate to build on their 2-0 win at their guests in midweek.
Home caretaker boss Lee Carsley will be looking for his side to take revenge after being denied a trip to Wembley in that tie, and Coventry go into this one undefeated in six of their last eight.
Two wins on the bounce will have the hosts full of confidence in this clash, and three points would lift them even closer to the play-off positions which they so crave.
And five unbeaten from their last seven home league outings suggests that City are in good enough form to mount a real challenge for the top seven, with around a third of the season remaining.
Bet 3: Coventry @ 1.83
Multiple – at whopping odds of 19.75.
Milesey
Morton came back from 2 down last week against partick playing well just can’t see a slip up today they are my super single.
Hughie, I read a few things about the Pars being right up for it. They look too far behind in the title race but have Morton and Thistle twice each and players know this is a last chance to keep their season alive.
BTS Treble
READING V WIGAN
BRISTOL CITY V BARNSLEY
BRENTFORD V WALSALL
BANKER 4-FOLD
BLACKBURN
WATFORD
NORTHAMPTON
ALLOA
LONGSHOT (4-FOLDS & ACCUM)
BARNSLEY
CRYSTAL PALACE
YEOVIL
MOTHERWELL
DUMBARTON
SCOTTISH TREBLE
ST JOHNSTONE 11/10
ALLOA 1O/11
BRECHIN 4/5
DECENT PRICED FOURFOLD:
Gone with mrfixits treble as ive looked at the options and they are the teams in good form and should have a good chance plus ill have the added bonus of having Mrfixit to blame and to fire off obscene remarks to,due to frustration and anger at backing a losing bet should one of them let me down. Im adding Cliftonville to that treble for reasons ive already given elsewere….
Peterboro 7/5
Watford 8/11
Yeovil 2/1
Cliftonville 10/11…£10 stake returns £237.42 or for the branch of GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS that likes to keep us updated regularly in here with the high stakes they throw at every event under the sun just add a zero or 2 to the above amounts. ;)
Sean, I’ll laugh myself silly is my treble comes up and Cliftonville don’t win.
Was a toss up between yeovil and barnsley but bristol citys recent home form worried me so went for yeovil, city have won 4 lost 1 in last 5 at home with wins against watford,peterboro,forest and ipswich recently.
Does anyone fancy Kilmarnock against Aberdeen? 2/1 looks too big for the home team in my opinion and 21/20 Draw No Bet has big appeal.
James, they have a couple of injury problems at the back. At first glance I really liked them but not 100 per cent certain. Aberdeen have been poor though and struggling to score.
JORDAN RHODES 4/1
PADDY MADDEN 5/1
NIALL MCGINN 11/2
MICHEAL HIGDON 6/1
£1 Yankee
BARNSLEY
YEOVIL
BLACKBURN
READING
DUMBARTON
BRECHIN
ALL TO SCORE 2+
133/1
Nothing wrong with your reasoning for backing pars paul. I watched them live though vs cowdenbeath about ten days ago though and they looked to of given up the ghost! Anyway, I’m going to watch that match today as I’ve not seen Morton for a bit. On paper should be decent game hope there’s a decent crowd. I’ll report back! Lol
Lionel, enjoy the game. I’m shortly heading off to Clydebank v Auchinleck which should be good to. Been up to East End many a time to see the Bankies and remember winning 6-3 there a few moons ago. That was some match.
Thoughts on Ross County Mr Fix It?
Lee, tough place to go, took it for a draw in the Record today.
Gonna hava go on Aston Villa (double chance) 12/5, Hamburg for reasons posted last night during the stramash!! :-) 7/4 and Dunfermline 7/4…TRIXIE
Its got to be Giroud first goal for Arsenal @ 9/2 in Ladbrokes.
4 FOLD ACCA
Watford @ 4/5
Watford v Derby
Northampton @ 3/4
Northampton v Plymouth
Kidderminster @ 8/15
Kidderminster v Alfreton Town
Brechin @ 8/13
Brechin v East Fife
£5 STAKE FOR £39 RETURN
Giroud First Goal @ 9/2
Vermaelen anytime @ 7/1
Super Double
Giroud first goal @ 9/2 and Huntelaar first goal @ 3/1.
£10 double returns £220 (21/1).
Good luck.
Damn, Brechin v East Fife has been postponed.
haha..Hannover leading 4-1. F me!…ya can only laff. :-(
Guido matey! whats the tips for tonight?
Looks like I picked the worst BTTS I have so far, every one has one team having scored (most more than one) but no both teams:
Rading/Wigan
Bristol City/Barnsley
Peterborough/Birmingham
Bournemouth/Sheff Utd
Dumbarton/Falkirk
Raith/Cowdenbeath
Looks like I may be hanging up my gambling hat for a while
Weordie, that line of yours isn’t down yet, plenty of time to go.
Dude my latest 8 bets have gone like this:
Bet 1: 4 out of 5 right
bet 2: 2 out of 3 right
bet 3: 1 out of 3 right (poor)
bet 4: 2 out of 4 (poor)
bet 5: 3 out of 4
bet 6: 2 out of 3
bet 7: 3 out of 3
bet 8: 7 out of 8
There we go, bust. I’m done. Cheers for the tips this month, had a few excellent wins this month but on such a stinking run I know it’s time to quit
1PLUS2
Only a BORO win left in the 5.20 K/O and your in !
GOODLUCK MATE !
Milesey
———————————————————
8 Selections Chosen
1 Northampton v Plymouth (Backing Northampton @ 1.85)
2 Brighton v Burnley (Backing Brighton @ 1.93)
3 Kidderminster v Alfreton Town (Backing Kidderminster @ 1.54)
4 Brentford v Walsall (Laying Brentford @ 1.96)
5 Peterborough v Birmingham (Laying Peterborough @ 2.5)
6 Dag and Red v AFC Wimbledon (Laying Dag and Red @ 2.21)
7 Middlesbrough v Millwall (Backing Middlesbrough @ 2)
8 Newport County v Telford (Backing Newport County @ 1.52)
8-Folds
Selections odds Stake Potential win
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 105.77 £5.00 £523.85
———————————————————–
Milesey, was that line we did last night half asleep.
Yes, the one where i said to lay Peterborough, and you said they would win ;) and a good job he left Barnsley out aswell, but i think your Barnsley and Peterbro picks were cause you were tired ;) ;)
Milesey
Milesey, I’m sure I gave him a couple of winners but it was at the end of a 15-hour day as Fridays generally are if I’m on the Record. I suppose Barnsley bubble had to burst but Peterborough surprised me a bit. Although looking at the Championship it does seem that most sides can beat any of the others.
Millwall are winning 2 nil with 30 minutes to go, so looking like blowing out on the last game anyway, what is such a shame when this happens.
Milesey
I also mentioned Cliftonville twice last night when people were being asked for teams but it was overlooked,thought that maybe the site he was doing the bet on wouldnt accept teams from that lg,anyway sorry 1plus2,you came very close.
I took your cliftonville tip, and at 4/5 very nice ;)
Thank you
Milesey
2-1 now…never know.
Sean, I saw the tip but that’s possibly why.
Sean, I saw the tip but that’s possibly why.
Ross, happy with the homes but elsewhere disappointed with a few teams – Peterborough, Barnsley, Dunfermline. Homes would have been even better if Brechin had played and won.
only wins i got up 2day were watford and CLIFTONVILLE in my 4fold,i was right about barnsley to struggle away to bristol city,wish id listened to myself and backed them,dont know what to make of it but since ive been following the thoughts on horses and footy on here ive had 1 hell of a losing streak,no point blaming my good self is there ;)
Paul, what you think of Real Madrid halftime/full time ??
10/11 seems reasonable to me, they will want to get this game over and done with asap and prepare for next game v barca.
Cheers
Ross, you have to always favour Real HT/FT but I haven’t had a good look at tomorrow’s Euro card yet.
awright troops
wits happnin
any good winners eh nyt ?
Poor day at the office yet again.
Barnsley killed me
Cheered me up seeing John bomber brown appointed Dundee tho. Fail to see what he will offer – if I have ever seen a clown he’s it. That bad an appointment it’s funny.
Hope some of you’s had more luck than me today, well done with your homes Paul
Seamus, it’s a strange appointment to be honest although he’s a Dundee legend – but also a legend among Rangers fans after his summer antics.
Never saw your comment there Danny boy. Much luck yourself mate?
aye Seamus plenty ae luck ma man mast ae it bad know how boot yersel few winner the nyt ur wit
do you know we bit a angel city Danboys back in toon hard to the core heavy madwaeit naw aye right right the mawra hawhaw glasgow rangers 3rd diviison champions southsides finest
Messi and Ronaldo both to score tonight is 1.85 with Coral. Reckon that’s a good price for those two.
BETFAIR PRIZEFIGHTER
INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHTS TONIGHT
The line-up for the latest Heavyweight Prizefighter may look like a re-run of Dad’s Army with Audley Harrison the star name among a field of thirty to forty-somethings but it is laced with storylines again. And a bit like Silas, the self-flagellating Monk in The Da Vinci Code, I feel strangely drawn to the idea of Harrison 7.0 pulling one last rabbit out the hat. Yes I do. Really? Hmmm.
Fair or not, most boxing fans gave up on Harrison some time ago and everyone else followed after his defeat to David Haye in 2010. Harrison lasted only ten minutes that night, less time than it had taken him to convince some that he had a chance. David Price didn’t give him that hope last October when he brutalized him inside 100 seconds. If Harrison was considered gun-shy before, how will he behave on the back of such a beating? He also happens to be the named target coming into this too.
Certainly this is a different line-up to the one Harrison outclassed when winning Prizefighter back in 2009. A-Force enjoyed two stoppage victories that night at York Hall and though he enjoyed a charmed draw against rookies, there are no bone-chillers here. Old rival Martin Rogan, who hassled Harrison out of a decision over ten rounds previously, won the inaugural Prizefighter nearly five years ago. He has the style to prevail at this format though the jury is out on where he is at.
Rogan 5.0 turns 42 in May and has fought just twice in two and a half years. His recent, four-round warm-up against a journeyman was workmanlike and inconclusive but Rogan is a warrior and has the best attitude of anyone in the competition.
This International version of Prizefighter has proved lucrative for the travelling boxers with Irish based Cuban Mike Perez and more recently Tor Hamer winning both events. Americans Travis Walker 3.5 or Derric Rossy 26.0 are most likely to continue the trend. Walker has been found wanting against the better heavies Chris Arreola, Johnathon Banks and Tomas Adamek but he’s not exactly swimming with sharks here. Walker had Adamek down and stunned early in their September fight (remember Adamek was world champion at Cruiserweight and went 10 rounds with Vitali Klitschko) and with 31 KO’s from 39 wins, he can punch. No doubt Walker has his own vulnerabilities but he’ll feel like he’s back in the baby pool here.
Rossy has a similar resume having lost twice to Eddie Chambers (went some rounds with Klitschko and Povetkin) but proving good enough to beat the also-rans. Rossy should be fit having fought two weeks ago but he has lost three of his last four and was a very late call-up.
Prizefighter has always been a potential platform for unknown or hidden talents and Briton’s Ian Lewison 4.7 is the novice in the pack. At 31, Lewison has only had nine fights, losing just once and while I haven’t seen much of him, that defeat to Colin Kenna raises questions about levels. Kenna may have had too much experience for Lewison but he himself has been stopped by domestic level fighters Sam Sexton and Germany’s Edmund Gerber. Lewison would have to improve significantly on that form even in a tournament of doubts and I think he’s priced up on the shortcomings of others.
Still, it’s a few levels above the French Prizefighter in which Claus Bertino 34.0 was beaten in the opening bout. That event was neck deep in European journeymen so the Dane is probably a million.
Albert Sosnowski 6.0 reached the semi-finals in the event won by Hamer and it’s not that long ago he was losing respectfully in European title fights but there is the feeling, even at 33, that he is nearing the end of his career. Sosnowski will at least have a go while 38 year old Timo Hoffman 34.0 is durable. He went the distance with Vitali but that was nearly 13 years ago and he has lost more recently to the remnants of Holyfield and Botha so he’s pretty much gone.
Prizefighter though is very much here to stay and this renewal could provide one of the strangest sporting stories of the year. I’ve grown weary of Audley Harrison like many others but his treatment by the mob that night in Liverpool was simply too much. It reminded me of ‘Gladiator’ and the power of the Coliseum crowd. Audley lost that crowd some time ago and winning Prizefighter won’t secure their grace again but it might just help a little, if not restoring Harrison some peace. My fingers are crossed, though the punting trigger finger is aimed at Walker.
Back Travis Walker to win at 3.5
Milesey
8pm SKY SPORTS 1 tonight for PRIZEFIGHTER ! ;)
Milesey
Well Paul up until the Morton goal (debatable pen!) the pars were well on top but after missing a pen themselves on ht and conceding right after the interval the game quickly got away from dunfermline. To say the first goal was crucial is a huge understatement. Morton didn’t look a top of the table team 1st half but goals change games and come the 2nd half they were pinging it about and could of scored a few more. I reckon there will be a few nerves from thistle and the ton between now and end of season but would rather be the ton with the points on the board. Anyway I’ll be at Central Park Tuesday for another look at the jags ( away form shocking btw!) to see if they can keep the chase up. How was your game?
Lionel, you can see my match report at juniorfitba.com but Bankies lost 3-0 to a very good Talbot side. Glad to hear Pars weren’t as bad as the score suggests. I was actually encouraged to back them by a Record colleague who made a good case. Won’t be listening to P****** again.
The Pearl Room at Crown Perth has redefined VIP Gaming
Uncompromising in every aspect, the Pearl Room effortlessly combines premium gaming with unmatched service and attention to detail. This is the home of the ultimate gaming experience where you can escape to the exciting world of Crown Perth.
Reaching out toward the Swan River, with a stunning 180 degree view that encapsulates the Perth City skyline, the Pearl Room has a quality of light and outward focus that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.
A mix of eight superb private and semi-private salons engulf you in an exclusive gaming environment with luxury finishes and world-class service. Be treated like royalty as you indulge in wonderful services and experience all that the Pearl Room has to offer.
The Pearl Room features:
•Dedicated hosts and attendants
•A selection of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
•Priority access to undercroft parking
•Discounts to selected premium dining locations across the complex
easy days are here again an al tell yees wit a lap the free swally up like its gawn oot a fashion
Danny, similar to the Boulevard Hotel then. Big night for me tonight. A couple of pints in Duntocher then a meal in Milngavie so I can walk home if required Fancy swapping me.
Paul mate a wid swap ye in a minute thats know who a am give me a live fitbaw match botto a buckfast 6 cans a 2 gram a charlie an am happy as larry am gutted sunday anaw gawny miss eh big match got 4 tickets fur the astor theatre you huv any good winners the nyt mate
Exact same Danny! If I didn’t have bad luck I would have no luck at all.
I know but with current managers out of work thought they could have been a bit more savvy paul. Think calderwood would have been a decent appointment. Browns an absolute rocket personally.
Here’s to the demolition of Dundee tomorrow, unfortunately working though.
I wonder if any die hard Bradford fans had a wee punt on there team lifting the trophy at 10000-1 LOL. If so definitely getting your money’s worth HA
My hartlepool tip a lost it with crystal palace booooo
Seamus thats shite mate wae yer bad luck its aways the good wans that get the bad luck all stick some sunday winners up soon
ure new to the site but see aboot a year ago it wis dinomote an a argument wis hard ae come by without a right good reason
see now its fulla newbies geein it large this that a hud this much on that blah blah the site isny aboot that its aboot aw joinin the getha ae get winners
A ONLY DAE A 5ER UR 10ER ON A 5/6/7 FOLD fur the expectation of luck… fur a laugh an interest
YOU EVER HERD THE SAYING I COULD BUY AND SELL YOU
Union Espanola look quite good at evens
Took your 4 homes added QoS and Tranmere away £196 back from a £5 stake it’s been a while since I got a bet up :-)
Brian, that’s a nice lift.
cheers for the homes mr fixit took them an added man city here’s hopping …..
John, I think City will be OK but obviously it’s not an easy game for them.