I'VE already put up a Super Single for Sunday and it will be interesting to see how much it drops and if Jose Mourinho sticks with his plan to field kids at Liverpool.
So on the assumption he will field a weakened team I'm on champions-elect Liverpool minus one at 19-10 with Ladbrokes.
As far as Saturday is concerned these are my picks at over evens from a first look at the coupon – without taking account team news or head-to-head results.
I've tried to choose sides with something to play for but most of these early picks are aways.
Super Single shortlist
Southampton v EVERTON (12.45pm)
BOURNEMOUTH v Nottm Forest
SHEFF WED v Bolton
Charlton v BLACKBURN
Doncaster v READING
Shrewsbury v PETERBOROUGH
Plymouth v HARTLEPOOL
Aberdeen v ST JOHNSTONE
MORTON v Falkirk
ARBROATH v Dunfermline
Let's hear your comments on these teams and feel free to put up your own selections.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Just word of caution, he has said this before, and still fielded near on full strength side. With that said though, the team will most definitely include likes of Lampard, salah, mikel and matic, due to all being unavailable for Atletico game. Unlikely you’ll see more than one “kid” out there. If any do play, it will be Ake or Kalas, both of whom Mourinho holds in high regards. I can’t see Chelsea winning, that’s for sure. But could see them scraping a draw or losing by a single goal
Luke A, add Cech and Terry to that and he won’t risk Hazard or Eto’o. Why would he not play as weak a team as possible?
mind games how can ya possibly not try win on sunday to put your team back in the hunt for the title. that said im all for a weak chelsea team
koplegends, Chelsea lost the title last week – all they have left now is the Champions League.
Can’t see Chelsea fielding a completely changed team.. I’d imagine he’d want to give hazard and eto’o at least a half to get them some game time so they’re ready for Wednesday. Also I think he’ll want to give Luiz and Cahill 90 minutes to get used to each other as they have a big task again vs Atletico. I’d say he’ll start with Schwarzer; Ivanovic Luiz Cahill Cole; Matic Mikel; Oscar Lampard Schurrle; Torres, with Hazard and Eto’o to come off the bench. That said, I’ve already staked a small amount of Liverpool -2, I’d really fancy the reds against a full strength Chelsea on Sunday so if he is going to change it up a bit, I can see a demolition
sean i wish i had your confidence for sunday -2 lol
Sean, I don’t see him playing as strong a side as that but we’ll see. I’ve gone -1 but won’t consider any more bets until teams are confirmed.
Well that 19/10 was short lived.
Arsenal -1 and Lpool -1 double at just under 4/1 for me.
Haha yeah well I’m optimitic and 9/2 is a good price!
Chelsea will still have a very strong team out.it’s mind games by mourinho,he’s done it all season saying they are not contenders for the title.Now he has slipped to second and Liverpool look like they will win it now,he wants to act like it’s an unwinable match due to the athletico match coming up supposedly is making him rest players.He is second in the league, he wants the league badly but he isnt prepared to let it be known he has been going for it all season and now it’s slipping,he wants an excuse when they lose by saying it’s a weakened team.Yet the players he chooses such as Ba or Torres,Lampard,Cole are fresh and raring to go,they want to prove a point as they haven’t been in the starting eleven.I still think anybody betting Liverpool should be wary about the handicap bet.I would just go for a win.Chelsea and Liverpool have always had tight matches with alot of draws over the years.So it could be a single goal that does it for Liverpool.
John, Mourinho may have said it before but he’s not had a Champions League semi to prepare for. If the title was in Chelsea’s hands I think he’d have to go full strength but it’s not.
I’m with Mr F on this one, at first glance it looks like a little mind game to try and see if he can get the Liverpool players to ease off their focus if they believe they’re playing a bunch of kids and fringe players but after analysing the situation – even IF chelsea won, they’d be 2 points behind with an inferior goal difference, all liverpool would have to do in hindsight is gain a draw at Palace, (no disrespect to Newcastle) and chelsea would be out of the running for the title anyway, so why would he risk his players when he’s on the brink of the Champions League final?
Danny, I believe him this time and it will be interesting to see how he plays it. Like you I think the title’s gone for Chelsea so he has to focus on Atletico. Right, goodnight all.
Sean, i think you’ve got the side near enough spot on, except salah will definitely start, due to being ineligible for Atletico game. He will field a team he feels is still good enough to win. Otherwise, he will look an absolute idiot if he fields a much weaker side Sunday, yet still gets eliminated Wednesday
Chelsea are as good as out of the title race following the weekends results, I agree with that. Although I could see Liverpool slipping up away to palace, very difficult fixture, as proven by Chelsea only a few weeks ago. If Chelsea were to do the unthinkable and win Sunday, it would only benefit city, not Chelsea
I certainly do not think Chelsea is out of the title race. If they beat Liverpool, they will just be 2 points behind with 2 games left. Don’t forget Chelsea was the team that ended Man City unbeaten record at Etihad Stadium and they have yet to lose to any of the top 4 teams this season. Liverpool still has to go to in-form Crystal Palace after this, if they somehow lose it and Chelsea beat Norwich, Chelsea will be top of the table again.
v007, you’ve forgotten Man City. If Chelsea beat Liverpool the title is back in City’s hands – not Chelsea’s.
No team can write off the title a few points behind.He has a few injures, he has to deal with it how every club in the world deals with it and With less money,what Chelsea pays for players+squad he can deal with it,he is just defeated as he doesn’t think he can win both games without hazard.Both games can be played with the same starting x that starts on Saturday, but the difference is he is not willing to risk and tire out hazard eto as he would prefer the champions league more than anything,so it’s obvious they won’t play against Liverpool.But are we all saying mourinho is right to “rest” players in a title decider because he has a European game 3 days later? That is crazy talk. When u have injuries u have to play who is available,as ozil giroud had been overplayed during arsenals injury crisis for example.they might have dipped form during being overplayed but u can’t start to say players have to be rested when u have 2 Matches. 1 the title decider and 2 European semis.it’s a title decider first! Messi Ronaldo for example play every week,no “rests”. So why is it that people r believing the rest talk.Bottom line is mourinho knows he will lose so he is choosing to not risk his big guns who are currently not 100percent such as hazard and eto,helps to complete two goals of his.1 keep them fresh and ready for a trophy he thinks he can win 2 to deflect the pain of losing as in the interview after he can say I played with a weak team,then blame the premier league,the refs,and the world..so by him not playing he knows he will lose and wants to make everybody think it’s because of Europe coming up.No cech,no terry now,he has no confidence they can win the league.Yet any manager who gives up in chelseas position and plays anything less than the strongest x avaliable is a disgrace to chelsea fc.He also tried to put the blame of chelsea by saying “its not up to just me,the club has to decide” utter rubbish,he decides.Players can also play 2 games a week btw everybody.it’s ok to chop and change and rest during the season.But u cannot in a title decider.u have to play your strongest X.and if u haven’t played your strongest x it is u don’t think th match is winnable, Mourinho doesn’t want to ever seem like he played to win,and lose! That is not his way. People r becoming brainwashed into believing unless a player is rested he can’t play again for a week,or he will play bad if he does,many players play everygame 2 times per week.it is possible and doable guys!. Last words.ESPecially in a title decider!
John, I understand what you’re saying but one thing is wrong – it’s not a title decider. It might have been if Chelsea had beaten Sunderland but now it’s out of their hands even if they beat Liverpool.
you can talk all day about form, stats, who,s playing, whos not playing but at the end of the day its the performances or lack of on the day that will determine this one…. competitive sport guys, no one knows irrespective of what level we all compete at…
Mr F still nothing in my account regarding my free bet from 1st March can you advise as I read that they were getting done on Monday and I email admin on Tuesday?
Austin, this is only Thursday – give them a chance and any more queries about contests email admin because I don’t deal with them.
Fulham home to Hull 5/4
Mr.F and others have you looked at the world cup betting yet? Some great prices up such as France (-1) vs. Honduras at 5/6 and Chile (-1) vs. Australia at 29/20 …bearing in mind Chile will also have to face Spain and the Netherlands they will definitely be looking to take all 3 points against oz. I completed a treble with Russia to beat South Korea at evens. About £13 on this would return £100 profit I think it’s a great bet.
PodTheRod, when I have daily columns to write and the site to update daily it’s difficult to look so far ahead so I won’t consider World Cup betting until the end of the season at the earliest. I’d also be wary about backing anyone until squads were finalised because key players can still miss out through injury.
Garrrr, many of those choice’s I’d be avoiding like the plague! Bournemouth look a good shout though, and Peterborough and Derby look worth backing for a few dubloons too.
On chelsea, José be clearly at it. There’s no way he will just allow his team to be sent out as cannon fodder. And if the scurvy dog doesn’t go with his strongest team, he still knows how to kill a game, which I think Chelsea will try and do for as long as possible.
I understand your point but with the likes of France I don’t think it would matter even if for example Benzema were to not make the WC as they should be outclassing all over the park against semi-pro Hondurans. On another note I wonder if Mourinho will let Lukaku, Moses and Courtois out on loan next season as he would be glad to have them at his disposal currently.
Chelsea will play in a similar style to a lot of their away games against decent sides – dull to watch for non Chelsea fans but effective. The team Mourinho puts out will be strong – if anyone is to stop Liverpools winning run would anyone be surprised if it was Chelsea? 4/6 is too short for Liverpool – they wont keep winning. Mourinho is at it again, they had the title in their hands before defeats to Villa, Palace and Sunderland so he then starts playing down their chances with all this little horse after they’d probably blown it etc. Expensive little horse. And squad. Obviously they have more chance getting to the Champions league final but no way will the line up v Liverpool be rolling over. And Liverpool are vulnerable in defence.
You have to look at derby @ -1 bet365 at home to Watford is 9/4. Derby nailed on for me to win this @ 19/20. Auto promotion is a no go and Watford although have improved since xmas, have been inconsistent. theyre not great travellers and 95% certain of missing the playoffs, they won’t be looking forward to a trip to the Ipro stadium. We on the other hand have hit another good vein of form and goals are plenty. All of our attacking options that were sidelined around 3 weeks ago ( hendrick/ward/dawkins ) are all back in the running and the manager has a selection nightmare up front. Hughes too. ( I can’t remember the last time we had such a strong bench to choose from). Our Lynchpin in the holding midfield ( Eustace ) can’t get a game because George Thorne also has an attacking/creativity spark to his game, and the fans love it.
I anticipate we’ll win this AND the game at leeds, with a bit of luck, Florist might squeeze into the 6th spot ( and we’ll duly oblige by slaughtering them again ). Quite a notable fact: Derby seem to be the only team that is doing the business against teams that are staring at the trapdoor, whilst teams around us are wobbling.
I have been on a bit of a roll recently and my treble recommendations of Celtic, St Mirren and Everton were only thwarted by a 92nd minute equaliser at Fir Park. Cant see past Liverpool this week, inspite of the mind games…too many big players out. Pressure is on Dundee to produce a win away to Alloa. Sunderland are in good form and their game against Cardiff is a must win, confidence after beating Chelsea is high and they have too much quality in their squad for Cardiff to cope with.
Top Tips:
Dundee
Wolves
Sunderland
Liverpool
£10 on the above returns £100
Paul c. They will keep winning because chelski are a poor team at the minute with injurys and players being banned. I can see a 3-4 goals against them on sunday. They might get 1 but that will be your lot. The reds are flying and the league is coming home!!!
SSuper Single
Werder Bremen at Bayern Munich.
My logic. With a 1-0 deficit to overturn on Tuesday and the title wrapped up what sort of team is Pep likely to put out???
Prices on Bremen vary. Consider the draw no bet or win/draw options or if you want to be really daring, btts Bremen win is 18/1 on corals.
If Bayern had to win this game they would but they don’t and with several other recent slip ups when they’ve rested players for champions league matches they’ve lost or drawn.
Bremen’s stats arn’t great i know but they are playing the biggest team in the land and have a rare opportunity to give their fans something to cheer about.
Worth a cheeky Godiva methinks. Or not. You decide. Good luck.
CatNapper,it’s worth looking at – Bayern will rest players for sure.
Mr F, what’s the thinking behind St Johnston and Arbroath?
Andy Mc, both on form. Arbroath need to win to have any chance of surviving and have been boosted by Kenny Deuchar’s arrival to play for his old pal Paul Sheerin. St Johnstone been in decent form and I think they’ll want to keep it going until the week before the cup final when they’ll rest players.
OK, thanks. Might add them to a 15 team £1 acca.
Fancy Man U to win about 5-0- they’ll be the first name on my Saturday acca. Liverpool and Rochdale will be added with more to follow based on tips here.
Norwich to beat MAN.U they will still be crap at the back on sat whoever picks the team.Btw total disgrace the way they handled the departure of David Moyes.
alva glen, I agree the Moyes sacking was handled badly but I reckon United will be up for it on Saturday and will win well.
From Sir Alex onto Davie Moyes a lot of Scottish people had an affinity to Man Utd. Now everyone will want to see them hammered!!
I want to see man u hammered every wk. So av had a no bad season so far. Long may it continue.!!!!
First glance I like the look of Peterborough away, Shrewsbury are as good as gone and are missing a couple of players including captain Tamika Mkandawire. Peterborough will want to cement that last play off spot and are come into this game in good form.
I could actually see Forest beating Bournemouth as they try to sneak into the play-offs but from the rest I could see Sheff Weds beating Bolton. I was impressed with them against Bournemouth and they are a team playing well with no end of season pressures.
I think I would favour an inform Forest over Bournemouth at the minute as they still have a slim chance of getting in the playoffs and Mat Derbyshire seems to have hit a purple patch just at the right time.
Saints v Everton looks like a score draw to me and Plymouth are tough to beat at home so I wouldn’t touch the monkey hangers!
Southampton haven’t looked great the last couple of games and I think they miss the pace of Rodriguez up front. Everton have been brill this season but always look like they could concede at some point. I agree with NickyBoy maybe a score draw or just a BTTS, if Everton win it will be close. :)
I’d expect Bolton to take 3 points at Wednesday
Bolton
Blackburn
Wigan
I advised punters to back Birmingham to go down back in January/February at a big price purely on the clown in charge,lee clark! Sure its a tough job with no money but our budget is bigger than Burnleys so sean dyche must be a genius or our manager completely out of his depth(both are true!!) Mr clark surpassed himself in Mondays shocker to Blackburn playing 5 players out of position, no surprise that we were 4-0 down at half time,the last home win was six,yes six months ago and no doubt saturday will be another mental lee clark team selection!! Leeds are the team to back Saturday at a big 5-2,I know they are out of form but trust me they only have to be organised and with ross mcormack and matt smith up top I can see them rattling in three or four!! Summary then great value in leeds saturday! Before the Blackburn game brum were 12-1 to go down,now 4-1!?
robbo, I remember that and it’s not looking good for them. I also fancy Leeds although they were rotten against Forest.
Also Our best defender,captain and leader paul Robinson still suspended, massive pressure on a side that has got no confidence and a crowd that will be baying for blood aftrt Monday
Whilst I agree that Blues are in massive trouble Leeds looked absolutely atrocious against Forest. Very tough card again this week. I’m thinking I will have a BTTS accumulator and a few quid on my beloved Wolves again.
For anyone who noticed to my amazement the 9 fold Norwegian cup accumulator rolled in….whens the next round?
craigboy, I think it’s next week.
Was looking at wolves craig at evens but will the motivation still be there? How many are going to six fields? should be like a home game no doubt!
Blackburn peterborough Wigan man utd arsenal 5 teams to get on for the weekend
Lee Clark is a very good manager.it isn’t his fault he has had to go with loan signings all year.players coming for a month then going and another loan coming in.You cannot expect nothing of the team in it’s position.Burnley can pay players wages so they can afford to pick out cheap players as they can cover the wages.birmingham cannot cover a transfer fee nor the wages of new players.That’s why they have had so many loans, Lee clark deserves better.
John, you are entitled to your opinion but i guess you are an outsider looking in? Ask any huddersfield fan or birmingham fan and they will tell you different believe me,when he was appointed two years ago the majority of fans were happy thinking that he had done a decent job at the mcalpine but a look at the huddersfield fans boards told a different story! They were glad to get rid as we have found to our cost, he’s signed players on big wages 10-15k a week the likes of lovenkrands,Ambrose and mullins on two year deals who were way over the hill when he signed them.they have made a handful of appearances between them! Too many loan signings I agree at the expense of our local youngsters who are desperate for games, I could go on and on trust me! one last point, last season we had a squad containing the likes of curtis davies, nathan redmond, ravel morrison,marlon king,chris burke,Keith fahey etc and were still poor. Yes its a tough job with the owner situation but he would have been sacked long ago at any other club
robbo Wolves have sold out their allocation which is approx. 2,500 I think. Myself Like the other 2k plus fans will be up for this and I fully expect the boys in gold n black to get another 3 points. Noises from the camp suggest there’s no let up in the last two games as we are chasing Plymouth’s record of 102 points. Its been a great season in what’s been a horrible previous two years but Kenny’s restored our pride as a club and he will demand a strong finish to the season. Coventry have been massively inconsistent in recent weeks but they will be up for this and need a result to confirm safety for next season. I think the Leon Clarke transfer left a bitter taste for them so they will be keen to get a result to prove a point. I think the fact Wolves are only 10/11 suggests that the bookies think Coventry may get a result but Wolves should have too much for them if they are all on fire (which they have been). I’ll be backing us….maybe Wolves to win and BTTS as well.
Thanks for reply
Barrow 11-10 or 7-2 htft to beat Hednesford in the skill north. Hednesford resting all their key players ahead of the play offs
Banker of the weekend for me has to be Hearts. They’ve hit form and are playing with freedom now (seems to happen a lot after you’ve been relegated). Add to that they’re terrific record against Hibs, and a Hibs side in freefall, and I can’t see any other result.
Baldy45, and at a huge price too – 7-2 or so.