MAN UNITED v Man City and Roma v Lazio take pride of place tonight on a card short that might be short on fixtures but not quality.
I've posted Milesey's thoughts on the two big derbies, partly because I'm in agreement with what he says, and at the end of the day the Manchester derby could go either way.
Wit United 15 points clear at the top there is just pride to play for and I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson would love to complete the double over his noisy neighbours after two defeats last season.
But remember City won 6-1 at Old Trafford last season on their way to the title and that result can't be dismissed. United's last three wins against City have been by 3-2 but they've kept six successive clean sheets in the league.
Milesey's argument for a 1-0 win either way is valid but I've got a feeling both sides will score, with the quality frontmen on show, and that pays 4-6 at 888sport.
To be honest it could be my only bet on the game before it starts although I'm tempted by Betfred's 5-2 on a sending off as it could be fiery.
United to win pays 7-5at Titanbet while City are 21-10 while the draw is an industry joint best 5-2.
I'm not putting the Old Trafford game on my treble but reckon Roma are worth backing against Lazio as they try to boost their Champions League hopes.
Both sides have been a little inconsistent of late but Lazio have been more off the boil with three defeats in four outings.
Roma will go level on points with their rivals with a win and are 1-1 with Titanbet. Francesco Totti remains their main influence and if anyone will be up for the derby it's him. Back Totti to score first at 5-1 with Titanbet and he is 11-8 to net at anytime.
I'm even keener on Sevilla at home to disappointing Athletic Bilbao side. Sevilla have been strong at home all season and have won their last six.
Athletic have struggled the whole campaign and have won only three of their last 14 on the road. Sevilla are an industry joint best 8-13 at Titanbet.
There is another huge game in Portugal and I'm going there to complete my treble. Porto entertain Braga needing to keep the pressure on leaders Benfica.
The gap is seven points with Porto having a game in hand against a Braga outfit in fourth spot and also battling to qualify for the Champions League.
It's a tough fixture but Porto have been incredibly strong at home this season so back them at 9-20 with Titanbet.
Last night single on French football came up thanks to Reims and I'm going back across the English Chanel for tonight's pick. Caen make the short trip to Le Havre needing a win to keep their promotion push on track.
Ligue 2 games have been incredibly competitive recently with the last round producing seven out of nine draws. So this won't be easy but I can see Caen, who have won two of their previous visits to Le Havre, edging this by one goal. They are 7-4 at Titanbet.
I'm hoping the derbies in Manchester and Rome bring up goals galore and I'm completing the treble with the Turkish league game between closely-matched Bursaspor and Besiktas. Both sides like to attack and both have scored in five of the last six meetings – with five of these going over 2.5 goals.
Top Treble
Roma (7.45pm)
Sevilla (9pm)
Porto (8pm)
Pays £46.85 to a £10 stake at Titanbet
Super Single
Caen (7.30pm)
(7-4, Titanbet)
Both teams to score treble
Bursaspor v Besiktas (6pm)
Roma v Lazio (7.45pm)
Man Utd v Man City (8pm)
Pays a biggest £43.80 to a £10 stake at Stan James
In December 2020 we sadly 
3 Singles and a treble on:
Man Utd/Man City over 2.5 goals
Porto/ Braga over 2.5 goals
Roma win
Championship
Cardiff edged ever closer to the hallowed Premier League land on Saturday by earning a precious point at Vicarage Road, while others battling for play-off places stalled. In drawing with the leaders, Watford’s bid to finish second took a nasty dent, with Hull capitalising fully by beating back-pedalling Middlesbrough 1-0, lifting them three points clear of the Hornets. It’s now just a single league victory in five games for Watford and, even if Hull continue on their win one, lose one streak in the remaining games; an extra six points may well be enough to see them up automatically on current form. Hull are currently 1.6 to finish in the top two.
Bolton were the other main benefactors from the weekend, taking advantage of a continuing lack of cutting edge from the other main contenders for promotion. Wanderers collected their seventh win in nine games to move within two points of Brighton in sixth. On current form, Bolton look a great bet to gatecrash the play-offs and go up at 11.0, with Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Leicester above them all winless in at least their last three.
League One
The League One promotion picture is fascinating and now looks split between a two-team title tilt and anything up to a six-way tussle for the play-off spots. In second place, Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth kept up the heat on Doncaster by recording their sixth straight win against Notts County, while Donny held their nerve to beat play-off hopefuls Tranmere, keeping themselves two points clear of the Cherries with a game in hand (at home to Carlisle on Tuesday). With only three games left for the Cherries to change the picture, Rovers are understandably rated 1.84 favourite for the crown, while Bournemouth are available at 4.5.
Yeovil’s second consecutive win allowed them to climb into third as not one other team down to Preston in 16th managed to secure victory. With the bit between their teeth, the Glovers price of 6.5 for promotion holds real attraction.
League Two
Port Vale’s swashbuckling 7-1 win over promotion rivals Burton all but secured them a top-three spot as they moved six points clear of Cheltenham in fourth. After such a convincing win, Vale are now rated at 1.03 to go up. Leaders Gillingham became the first team to gain promotion in the Football League by consigning Torquay to within a whisker of the relegation places. Although the Gills have not mathematically sewn up the title, an eight-point cushion with three left to play has them installed at 1.07 to see the job through.
Despite Northampton’s second straight loss, they remain third – rated at 1.92 for promotion – as all four play-off occupants down to Exeter in seventh also recorded defeats. Bradford were the big beneficiaries, moving to within two points of the wobbling Grecians with a game in hand. With momentum on their side, Phil Parkinson’s team are 5.2 to achieve promotion.
Milesey ( betfair )
DENMARK.
Not far from an asian bet on Silkeborg tonight against Aalborg. The home side haven’t won since November, have lost all ready two games against Silkeborg this season and as some of you unforgiving gent’s might remember Silkeborg managed to beat FC Copenhagen in their last game.
But I still do not trust Silkeborg and are going for over 2.5 goals here. 58.3% of Aalborgs games at home have gone over and 69.2% of Silkeborgs away games the same. The two games played between the two sides had 3 and 5 goals.
Aab Aalborg – Silkeborg (6.00 UK)
Over 2.5 goals
Odds: 1,95
Stake: €10.00 (or 2% of the fixed €500.00 bankroll for this Danish only series)
31.15% interest so far on the €500.00.
STAKING PLAN DEMONSTRATION (RESULT).
If I had used level stakes on the ten games posted from Friday to Sunday I would have made a decent 3.05% profit. Not a bad profit and a normal yield for a competent tipster.
By using my staking plan I increased the profit to 11.52%.
(All the games was picked up from free tipster sites)
The Dane.
So Dane,from your working out at a 3.05% profit from your stakes would result in 10 bets totaling £100,a tenner a bet giving a grand profit total of £3.05p from a £100 investment.
Id get a similar rate of interest on a post office savings account.
sillybet, can you e mail me details where i can get 3 per cent profit in 3 days with the account you have just mentioned and eveybody will want involved
secondly he is showing an illustration of the difference between his staking plan and level stakes the sensible thing if your gonna go the whole road is the stakin plan
Sillybet, you’ve picked him up wrong and he was just giving an example. The Dane, if you follow him on here, I believe aims to make around 20 per cent profit a month.
Sillybet, if you know of a bank that pays out 3.05% interest in 3 days I have clients from my day job who are very interested. And I have improved those numbers by more than 300% by using a staking plan.
I lost €10.00 on my Danish series today but couldn’t care less for one simple reason: I understand the math behind it all. I understand there’s a limit too how much better than the bookies a tipster can be and adjust my stakes according to that.
I’ve made a profit at around €145.00 on the Danish series where around 35 bets have been posted. Imagine this being done over 5000 bets every year.
The Dane.
Great call on Reims last night Mr. Fixit!
The Dane.
The Dane, thank you – a man who appreciates a winner. Hopefully Caen can also do the business tonight.
The Dane, what about silkenborg to score tonight at 1/2. not good odds but only need that one chance, a pen or defenders mistake??
Craig alves, that’s a great odds – they’ve scored five against them in two games.
The Dane.
Went for the same btts
The Turkish league has been great for btts this season
What exactly is an “Own Goal” in football these days? Paddy power is offering 7/1 on an anytime own goal, i’m guessing he’s ruling out wicked deflections in that?
John, an OG is when a shot not on target hits a defender and goes in such Van Persie’s against Sunderland or a conventional one. This bet will be paid on what PA rule, that is if they credit an OG it’s an OG. Right, talking of day/night jobs I’m off to the Record.
Hi Guys .
I am giving on : M.Utd to win
Roma to win
Porto to win
Single : Varese to win
Btts : M.Utd vs M.City
Roma vs Lazio
Aalborg vs Silkeborg
Bursaspor vs Besiktas
Hertha vs Braunshweig
Hi found this site the weekend, liked the tips and the conversations between everyone are very interesting to read. I’m actually 17 years old but I like to think my football knowledge is greater than my age, only really got an opinion on the one game tonight and that’s the big derby.
United for me our possibly too short? I’d say they should be closer to 2.50 tbh, not that impressed with them lately. Earlier in the season the defence was open and the strikers were getting United out of holes…..now the defence looks tighter and some of the attackers have gone to pot….Van Persie has looked out of form for a while now, 1 goal in 12 games and crucial misses vs Madrid and Chelsea. He will be desperate for a goal as his confidence looks really low at the minute. Welbeck’s goal return is terrible, a centre-back might not be happy with .his goal tally. Rooney looked to be hitting some form before missing the last few games and Hernandez we all know is dangerous in the box and good for a goal(cant do anything outside the box but who cares right) And their wide players are well out of form from what I can see….Nani and Valencia have had poor seasons.
But United keep chugging along and should wrap up the title pretty soon. City’s league campaign has been pretty average you’d have to say. All the money spent and the title over in February. But they have quality in alot of areas and should prove stern opposition for United.
I’d say narrow United win or a draw….at least one controversial decision aswell, a red or penalty. Wouldnt be running to the bookies to back United at this price though, expected a little higher. Should be a sweat.
Underage, nice write-up. When are you 18 then?
if you want to make £££3 have man city :)
that’s what I was thinking when I was looking at todays games, 12/5 for 2+ 9/1 3+ & 33/1 to score 4+ last night prices but +0.5 goals now 4/9.
these prices were last nights, this mornings
Keep the good write ups coming, The Dane. You’ll be replacing Milesey at this rate.
Thanks Bryan, but I’m not even near being in the same league as Milesey and Mr. Fixit – my strength are the numbers behind it all and that combined with the fine work by Mr. Fixit, Milesey and others makes it easyer for me to buy more than a pint or two at the local pub.
The Dane.
Underage Gambler, not exactly very smart revealing your under the age of 18 and therefore are gambling illegally. You may have sound knowledge of the beautiful game, but publicly announcing you are involved in gambling when you are a minor is a little foolish. I would suggest changing your username as I am sure Mr Fixit wouldn’t be too happy
No apparently he is fine with that
Dean, I just asked when he was 18. He doesn’t say he’s having a bet. Obviously he can’t open an account and if he’s trying to punt in shops the bookie should be asking for ID unless he looks as old as Milesey. I’m sure Milesey and myself had the odd punt at 17, it’s safer than drinking and smoking at the end of the day.
I don’t gamble I’m actially in full time education at the moment and just study more than anything (Odds & Journalism) But I’m 18 on the 1st of June, not too long. It’s my brother that got me into looking for the safe punt and I’ve realised if your clever there is money to be made. Thanks to Mr Fixit for not being judgmental, I will continue to post my write ups if its ok? I write a few a week as self set homework really.
Underage Gambler, odds and journalism eh? Stick in at your studies and you could be the next Mr Fixit!
Christ Paul…that’s no way the way to motivate the young fella to stick in at his studies ;-) aim a bit higher son!! ;-)
OI GUIDO ,
you have been told before, this isn’t a dating site, not a swinging site, not to set up your dogging meets in the woods, AND NOT to be used to groom the young lads !
Milesey
;-)
Guido, OK. UG, stick in and you could be the new Milesey!
Cmon, Paul…dont be hard on yersel, thats a bit disrespectful…think one Milesey is more than enough for this lifetime??? ;-)
Mr F, i wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.
…………and bet365 just stopped my heart, give a 3rd goal then they take it away for offside but leave it up on the match live stats.
Milesey
Milesey, I’m not your da’ – I don’t think so anyway.
with all that dogging uve been up to over the years who knows?..could be Milesey faither Mr F?? he should send a pic in to clarify, see if there’s a family resemblance..maybe hes also got North Korean features?? :-)
Guido, come on we’ve got underage readers now.
Ok, Mr Fixit, I’m not having a rant here, I’m just advising him to change his username as I don’t think it’s wise stating he is underage. That to me, suggests he is betting and why would one be on this site if he had no interest in betting. I’ve never had an argument on this site, and I’m not looking to.
High Street bookmakers have become more stringent in checking for ID for anyone who looks under 25, however it is very simple to open an account online. I know this because I opened my first online account at 17. Please don’t think I’m a hypocrite, I don’t have a problem in him gambling, of course it’s safer than smoking and drinking alcohol, but it’s still illegal for a minor to participate in any form of gambling under the age of 18. I’m just asking him to change his username, that is all
Ok, Underage Gambler. The above post was posted before reading your latest comment. I am certainly not judging you in anyway, in fact I have respect for those that have sound knowledge of the game and use this, in conjuction with research to give their reasoning for their tips.
Look, I’m just speaking in your best interests. You must understand that your username implies that you are gambling. I don’t mind if you are, just don’t let it known publically, that is all.
I look forward to your articles and welcome any tips which you may provide on this site
Dean ill change my name it’s no problem, didn’t want to start anything. I’m on the site as a non gambler simply to gather and sponge more information about teams and games I have none whatsoever about, people putting money on the line generally have the most to lose so therefore I believe usually have the best outlook, of course that does change due to the extent of a gambler but the information is good for me all the same. I’ve changed my name I’m not looking to start an argument and I do apologies.
I can’t separate United and City and i expect goals in Rome and Manchester, because angry and fiery derbies with pride at stake suggest goals to me…
Trebling those BTTS with Dordrecht v Cambuur from Jupiler. Dordrecht poor at home, Cambuur poor away.
Dordrecht are a decent shout for the win also – way overpriced by Hills, for example at 21/10. Cambuur’s away record is 3 / 2 / 6. They’re fantastic at home, mind. The only thing that puts me off is Dordrecht aren’t exactly a solid home side – their record’s 2 / 3 / 6. However, they score and concede plenty, so, BTTS is the bet tonight.
That fourfold pays just under 4.0 at Hills.
Ok UG, please understand that I’m not arguing with you and you have nothing to apologise for mate
treble, i should say!
Tony, I’m aware what Green said and it will be reported in the papers tomorrow but let’s not discuss it here. There are other forums for that.
US MASTERS GOLF
—————
Tournament History
The event was conceived by Bobby Jones, who had originally wanted to stage the US Open at Augusta. The oppressive Georgia summers meant a tournament in June was always going to be out of the question and when the USGA refused to move the US Open to April, Jones decided to hold his own tournament and the US Masters was born.
It started life as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament – a name that was to be changed five years after the first staging in 1934. This will be the 77th staging of the US Masters.
Venue
Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
Course Details
Par 72, 7435 yards, stroke average in 2012 – 72.4
The brainchild of Rees Jones, Augusta National was founded by him and Clifford Roberts, a wealthy New York investment banker. Designed by Jones and Alister Mackenzie, Augusta National was built on the site of an old tree nursery and it officially opened in January 1933. It’s now considered a national treasure and it’s unquestionably one of the finest courses in the world and for me, it’s the most beautiful.
Last year the opening hole ranked the hardest but the three holes around the turn, 9, 10 and 11, ranked 2nd toughest and joint 4th hardest – with the 9th averaging 4.15 and the other two 4.13.
The most famous stretch of holes begins at the 11th and extends through to the 13th, otherwise known as Amen Corner. After the ultra tough par 4 11th hole, the par 3 12th is only 155 yards long but with water short and no easy second shot from long of the green; this intimidating little hole always causes problems.
Once through 12 the players can relax a bit. The par 5 13th, measuring just 510 yards, is a genuine birdie/eagle chance and last year it was the second easiest hole on the course and there are real birdie opportunities all the way to the tough 17th. The finishing hole is always tricky and last year it ranked as the 3rd hardest.
TV Coverage
Live on Sky Sports all four days, 7.00pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 6.00pm Sunday.
Live on BBC 2 over the weekend – 7.30pm on Saturday and 6.30pm on Sunday
Last Ten Winners
2012 – Bubba Watson -10 (playoff)
2011 – Charl Schwartzel -14
2010 – Phil Mickelson -16
2009 – Angel Cabrera -12 (playoff)
2008 – Trevor Immelman -8
2007 – Zach Johnson +1
2006 – Phil Mickelson -7
2005 – Tiger Woods -12 (playoff)
2004 – Phil Mickelson -9
2003 – Mike Weir -7 (playoff)
What will it take to win the US Masters?
With a number of right to left doglegs, an ability to shape tee-shots from right to left is a distinct advantage – something Tiger Woods struggles with.
Driving it long is a big plus too – last year’s playoff protagonists ranked 4th and 2nd for Driving Distance but bombing it’s absolutely crucial. Charl Schwartzel only ranked 44th for Driving Distance two years ago and the 2007 champ, Zach Johnson was ranked 57th for DD. How you play the long holes is still key though. Schwartzel and Johnson may not have bombed it off the tee but they still ranked in the top-10 for Par 5 Performance and almost every year, playing the par fives well has been the key to success.
When Phil Mickelson won the second of his three US Masters titles, he played the short holes in six over par and the par fives in -13, and when Zach wedged his way to victory a year later, he was -11 on the long holes and +12 on the short ones. Scoring on the par fives is most certainly the way to win.
With trees everywhere, it looks like a tight track when you’re watching on TV but that’s not the case, there’s actually quite a bit of space off the tee and driving accuracy isn’t that important. Accurate iron-play is though – finding the correct part of the greens will set up birdie opportunities.
Missing greens is inevitable though so first-rate scrambling is also required but the most important skill-set by a long way is putting. The sloping greens are lightning-fast and you don’t get to usually get to don a Green Jacket unless you putt brilliantly for four days. Bubba Watson ranked just 37th for putting last year but he’s the exception to the rule.
Some more possible angles in to consider
Defending champions have a poor record. Only true legends of the game, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have managed to win back-to-back Green Jackets but to expand on that further, looking at recent results, a high finish the previous year could also be a handicap.
Memorably, eight players hit the front on day four in 2011 and none of those eight, despite many of them being quite well fancied, featured at all last year. Adam Scott, runner-up in 2011 finished tied for 8th last year and he was the only player from the top-ten home in 2011 to remotely figure twelve months ago.
To expand even further, in the last five years, Scott (the last two years), Hunter Mahan (8th in 2010 and 10th in 2009), Padraig Harrington (5th in 2008 after 7th in 2007) and Steve Flesch (6th in 2009 and 5th in 2008) have back-to-back top-tens at Augusta but only Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have achieved the feat on more than one occasion.
It could just be a coincidence or there could be something in it. I think the latter and I’ve tempered my enthusiasm about one or two.
Logic would have us think that if ‘player x’ played well at the venue last year then he’ll feel good about his chances this time around but that expectation may be a handicap. Could players that figure one year, expect too much of themselves, and therefore heap too much pressure on themselves the following year?
Is there an identikit winner?
Watson had been in solid form prior to last year’s renewal but the previous five winners have all come into the event under the radar so if you fancy someone who isn’t in scintillating form don’t worry about it, and if they’re a huge price that’s all the better – four of the last six winners have started the week at a triple-figure price.
Course form is very important. Other than the first two winners of the event, Fuzzy Zoeller (in 1979) is still the only debutant to win and most winners have been round Augusta National enough times to get to know it’s unique nuisances. On average, first time winners have played the event six times and the average age of the winner here is 32.66 years.
Quirky stats to bear in mind
Every winner, apart from Tiger Woods in 1996, stretching all the way back to Fuzzy Zoeller’s debut win in 1979, had made the cut here the year before they won.
Although you need plenty of experience, it’s now 15 years since anyone in their 40’s won at Augusta – a bad omen for Phil Mickelson maybe.
You need to have previously shot a round in the 60s here – 20 of the last 21 winners had all previously shot a sub-70 around Augusta National.
In-Play Tactics
Augusta National is NOT a catch-up course and a fast start is imperative. Mistakes will always happen and you need a good start. A cushion if you like. The first four names on the day one leaderboard last year were Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, Peter Hanson and Bubba Watson and they filed four of the first six places at the finish. Mickelson, who opened with a disastrous 74 and Matt Kuchar, who shot 71 on day one, were the other two in the top-six.
Tiger and Phil repeatedly buck the trends at Augusta and they’re the only two men to win the event having finished day one outside of the top-ten since Mark O’Meara won from tied 25th and five off the pace in 1998. Unless you’re names Woods or Mickelson, get a fast start or forget it.
Schwartzel’s win two years ago is unusual in two respects. The fact that he was able to win after just one previous appearance was against the grain and the fact that he was as far as tied 12th and fully six shots back at halfway was even more extraordinary.
Tied 7th and four off the pace after round one, he slipped down the field in round two and he’s the only winner stretching back to O’Meara again, and this time including Woods and Lefty, to be outside of the top-five at halfway. I can’t stress it enough, winners simply don’t come from off the pace here.
There’s a saying in golf that events only really start on the back-nine on Sunday and if the last two years are anything to go by then that’s certainly the case here. Once through the tricky 12th birdie opportunities are there on almost every hole at Augusta – the 17th and 18th are tough but not impossible.
Schwartzel became the first man in history to birdie the last four holes to win and Bubba also birdied four in-a-row on the back-nine last years – holes 13-16. You may need to be hard on the pace but you don’t necessarily need to be right in front with so many opportunities late on.
Market Leaders
I’ve written about Tigers chances here over the weekend and I touched on Rory McIlroy’s game in last week’s De-Brief.
Tiger is drifting to a much more attractive price now but I still have enough reservations to turn my nose up at anything below 6.0 and I still have my doubts about Rory.
He didn’t putt brilliantly last week in Texas and although he finished runner-up, I still felt his game wasn’t at its best. I’m not for a second saying he can’t win but he’s still learning all about Augusta and in four attempts to date he’s not bettered 15th. Among all the little niggles I have about his game itself, there’s also the mental scaring to overcome.
His collapse here two years ago was monumental and I can’t for a second believe he drives up Magnolia Lane without at least a tinge of fear in his heart. He’ll win here, and he’ll do so more than once but whether he’s quite ready and whether he’s a big enough price to risk this time around, I have my doubts.
Selections
When you’ve trawled through the stats as much as I have you can find negatives, and sizable ones too, about everyone, and I have to confess, I can’t say I’m overflowing with confidence about any of my five picks but here they are…
Phil Mickelson
Nobody has ever won the Masters having made a triple-bogey, yet Lefty very nearly pulled it off having made two last year! Add to that his very poor start in 2011 and it’s quite incredible how close he came to winning – he missed out on the playoff by just two strokes. Nobody prepares for, or plays, Augusta National better than Lefty and although the years are ticking by, I still think he has at least one more victory in him and I simply couldn’t leave him out.
Matt Kuchar
Off all of my picks, Kuchar, a Georgia resident, represents the best value. Having won the U.S Amateur in 1997, as a fresh-faced 19 year-old, he finished top amateur and in 21st place in 1998 – which until last year’s tied third, was his best effort here.
His career had been something of a slow burner but in the last 12 months the flames have ignited and following third here, he went on to win The Players Championship a month later and early this year he won his first World Golf Championship event, at the Accenture World Match Play. At 34, the consistent Kuch looks just the right age to bag a major and the only negatives I can see is his high finish last year (see above) and his lack of length off the tee but he’s in fine form and he’s a fair price.
Luke Donald
Although I’ve been monitoring this market for months, I’ve only today added Luke Donald. He was a pick last year at just 18.0 when he was coming here as world number one and off the back of a 4th placed finish in 2011.
He is a tremendous putter, brilliant scrambler and he arrives this time around under the radar. He’s more than twice the price he was last year and I felt he was worth risking at 44.0.
Bubba Watson
I should have backed Bubba last year and I’m still moaning about it! It’s a massive ask for him to defend but at odds of 46.0 (he’s shortened a little since the weekend) I thought he was worth chancing. He has absolutely the right game for Augusta and I can easily see him contending again.
K.J Choi
I had the tiniest of bets on K.J at handsome odds over the weekend, as he moved into contention in Texas. He ranked inside the top-ten for putting and scrambling last week and although he’s getting a bit long in the tooth, he adores Augusta and might just come out fighting again.
Most punters will be chasing massive odds with a bet in the winner market but there are plenty of ways of making a profit from the 2013 Masters…
In just a few days the world will fall quickly and strongly in love with golf when the year’s first major gets under way in the ludicrously photogenic setting of Augusta.
As the only major that is always played at the same venue our Masters memories are perhaps stronger than the other three – The Open, US Open, USPGA. The cast changes but the setting remains the same year after year.
A bet on the Masters is a must for even the most part-time of sports fans. At the odds, every player – yes, even Tiger – would bring tasty returns and with each-way bets paying down to fifth place in the winner market there’s every chance of getting some money back when it’s all over.
Of course, there are a massive array of markets on Betfair and it’s not just about finding the tournament winner. There are countless ways of making a profit, but with so many to pick from how do you make your selections? Here’s a run through a handful of betting options ahead of the big tee-off on Thursday…
A patriotic punt
British, or perhaps more specifically, English golf has been one of the least heralded sporting success stories of the last few years. In Luke Donald and Justin Rose, England boast two of the top four ranked players in the world, while Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter are both in the top 20. All four have Augusta form. Poulter has been top 10 two of the last three years; Westwood was third last year and second in 2010; Donald finished fourth in 2011; Rose was eighth last year and has gone top five before (2007). At 17.0 to back in the fixed odds, the Betfair market likes Rose’s chances best with Donald a couple of ticks off at 31.0. Westwood trades at the same price while Poulter can be backed at 46.0. Of the four Westwood has been playing the most golf and looks to be coming on well. The course suits his powerful, accurate long game and while he will undoubtedly miss a few tiddlers he won’t be the only one to do so. An each-way bet on Westwood looks the sensible play.
An American most people have never heard of
Most golf fans will know about Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan but they hardly resonate beyond the confines of the sport. Nevertheless, they could be among the wiser bets you strike this week. The home challenge looks especially strong this year and these two are likely contenders over the four days at Augusta. Both are class performers and regular tournament winners – Kuchar defeating Mahan in the final of the high-profile WGC Match Play this year. Tougher courses tend to suit these two and Augusta is just that. Kuchar’s third last year shows an aptitude for the Georgia masterpiece, while Mahan has finished top 10 two times in the last four years and 12th in 2012. Playing it safe, Top 10 bets on either look sensible – Kuchar trades around 4.0 while Mahan is a tick bigger @ 5.0.
A decent run for your money
This has been a quietly impressive season for Peter Hanson who could just serve up an Augusta treat at big odds. This Ryder Cupper has produced top 10 finishes in the US and the Middle East, missing just one cut this season. Third last time out it wouldn’t surprise to see this hugely consistent golfer go close once more. Hanson is 100.0 to win on the exchange, 61.0 on fixed odds, but the best way to profit from this steady Swede may be a back at 8.0 to finish as Top Continental European.
Do the obvious
Let’s face it, the best bet is a winning bet and Tiger’s the one you want to be on. With three tournament wins to his name this year the great man is back on his best form and 5.4 is a bigger price than he would have been in his pomp. Four Green Jackets are in the cupboard chez Woods – they’ve probably taken his measurements already haven’t they?
Recommended Bets
Back Lee Westwood each-way @ 31.0
Back Matt Kuchar @ 3.9 to finish Top 10
Back Hunter Mahan @ 5.0 to finish Top 10
Back Peter Hanson @ 8.0 to finish as Top Continental European
Back Tiger Woods @ 5.4
Back in 1997, at just 21 years, 3 months and 14 days, Tiger Woods became the youngest player to win the US Masters. It was the first of his four wins at Augusta to date and he did it in the most remarkable fashion. Having shot 40 on the front-nine on day one, he went on to win the title by an incredible 12 strokes – the widest margin in the history of the event.
Further Green Jackets were added to the Woods wardrobe in 2001, 2002 and 2005 but since then, he’s drawn a blank.
His followers this week will no doubt all point to the fact that he’s had his well-documented problems both on and off the fairways and that he’s possibly not been at his stratospheric best since 2005. And even though he hasn’t, he’s still finished inside the top-6 in six of the seven years since but we punters are being asked to take no more than 5.0 about him this time around and we have to decide whether that’s value.
It’s a well known fact that Tiger bags nearly all of his wins at the same courses nowadays so let’s take a look at his record at his favourite haunts since that last US Masters title back in 2005.
At his beloved Torrey Pines, including his US Open win with a broken leg, he’s won five times. He’s been successful four times at both Bay Hill and Firestone. He’s added three more wins to his CV at Doral and Sherwood and he’s also picked up a pair of wins at Muirfield Village, home of the Memorial.
I don’t think you can justifiably use the form argument to defend his record over the last seven years at Augusta when you look at his record elsewhere over the same period. He has a great record at Augusta but it’s not fantastic when compared to his record at the tracks mentioned above.
It’s harder to dismiss his chances on current form, given he’s won three of his last four stroke play events (at Torrey Pines, Doral and Bay Hill) and given that on each of those three occasions nobody putted better than him but there are niggles about the rest of his game.
He ranked 72nd for Driving Accuracy when he won at Bay Hill last time out, he’s only once ranked inside the top-ten for Greens in Regulation this year, at Doral, and he’s ranked outside the top-20 for Scrambling every week. All signs that, putting aside, his game isn’t quite at its peerless best.
I may well be playing the devil’s advocate role a bit here but if you’re about to pile in on anyone to win a major at less than 5.00, a cautionary tap on the shoulder never does any harm. He’s the best we’ve ever seen, he’s in fair form and his record at Augusta in recent years is decent.
Is he a value bet at around 4.8 to win the US Masters? I don’t think he is.
Now that Tiger Woods has returned to something approaching his former glories ahead of the US Masters, everyone knows who the best American golfer is again. Three wins from just five starts on the PGA Tour and the transatlantic snaffling of the World No.1 ranking from Rory McIlroy have made such a conclusion academic.
However, it’s a season where US golfers have swept the board stateside with 14 victories from as many events. Where was such steely individual determination to finish off the job in the Ryder Cup Singles, you might ask? Well, whatever they’ve put in the water supply recently, the stars in the stripes are cleaning up this term. So if Tiger’s the leader of the pack, who’s the second best?
Let’s have a look at the likely lads as they bid to extend the streak in Texas, Augusta and beyond.
Brandt Snedeker (current Masters odds 38.0): officially the hottest player on the planet before Tiger’s reawakening. Unfortunately for Sneds, Woods’ renaissance more or less coincided with his own rib injury, which put him on the sidelines for a month. Since his return, the man who recorded two victories and four other top-three finishes in his last nine official events has struggled to make an impact with consecutive missed cuts. Last year’s Fedex Cup winner putts like a man possessed when he’s in the groove, though, and has some form at Augusta, where his silky smooth stroke is regularly rewarded on linoleum-like surfaces. Long term, however, the suspicion resides that his ball-striking is a rung short of the top tier.
Phil Mickelson (current Masters odds 13.5): doomed to play Salieri to Tiger’s Mozart among the modern generation. Still, you shouldn’t feel too sorry for Phil, who has also turned prolific tournament-winning into multiple majors. Four in the latter category and 41 in the former, Lefty is easily the most accomplished statesider aside from Woods. He has also won in 10 successive seasons (the longest active streak on tour), adding the Phoenix Open to his list of accolades this term. At 43 and fighting arthritis, you could argue that his best days are behind him, but modern equipment and treatment techniques gives Mickelson a shot every week he tees it up. Augusta, where the thrice-jacketed Phil has an even better record than Woods, remains his most likely stomping ground.
Dustin Johnson (current Masters odds 38.0): a younger statesman who issued a timely reminder of his talents when lifting the season-opener in Maui. Since then, DJ has blown hot and cold, but appeared to be peaking again in Houston where he closed with a Sunday best 65. And it would’ve been even lower but for him flushing two irons over the flag and into trouble on his back nine. Perhaps the most mercurial talent on tour, his prodigious distance and streaky putter make him unbeatable when the planets align. They do occasionally, but it’s an event closer in frequency to Halley’s Comet than a circle of the sun.
Bubba Watson (current Masters odds 44.0): another possessed of pure power and bullseye putting who can make the game appear ridiculously easy. His signature shot from the pine needles on the 10th made him an instant Augusta National hero but he has not won since. Two top-tens this term have hinted at sleeping giant status, though, and when he’s on he’s always in contention.
Jason Dufner (current Masters odds 85.0): at last a more consistent commodity. But even Dufner’s trademark unflappability (see “Dufnering” for Twitter trending) and bankability have been called in to question recently with two missed cuts this campaign. Before that, however, the Dufman hadn’t finished outside the Top 30 of any event – let alone MC-ed – since last July. He has also become one of the top performers in the majors (halfway leader at the Masters, fourth at the US Open before contending again at both the Open and the PGA). A 12th place at the latest WGC showcased more imperious ball-striking from a player who generally remains on an upward curve. His time is now and it may endure for a while to come.
Matt Kuchar (current Masters odds 38.0): while you’re never quite sure what to expect from most of these major champions-in-waiting, Kuchar comes closer to the dependability of a black labrador. He has the goofy smile to match too. So it’s strange to recall that despite a storied amateur career, Kuch took his time to make an impact on the pro stage, considering trading it in for a desk job. Wins at the Players and the WGC Matchplay, allied to a repeating swing, have since pulled up a chair at golf’s top table and his experience is always an asset when the pressure ramps.
Rickie Fowler (current Masters odds 70.0): perhaps spent too long luxuriating in the shade of the likes of Watson and Webb Simpson, but Rickie is just not the shy retiring type. Finally proved his worth with that breakthrough triumph last season. The harder the course and the conditions the better for this pure ball-striker, who is not afraid to gamble to win. He is also over a niggling back problem, so the year ahead should be a rosy one.
Keegan Bradley (current Masters odds 34.0): is both a recent major and WGC winner with an uncanny knack of making big putts at the right time. However, despite some bombing off the tee, his irons lack the finesse of his finer contemporaries, while his trusty belly putter could soon be rendered obsolete by the powers-that-be. In spite of his early promise, expect Bradley to be lapped in time by peers such as Nick Watney and Hunter Mahan.
Steve Stricker (current Masters odds 75.0): two runner-up berths from four events this season belie a man who is ostensibly winding down his golf career. Strick intends to embrace partial retirement this year, spending more time at home, dropping the kids off at school and becalming a flaring sciatic nerve. Consequently, we will see less of him but the ability to stay fresh and pick his schedule makes him a dangerous floater – albeit one that should be avoided at cramped quotes.
After a sensational few years for European golf it doesn’t come as a huge shock to see the rest of the world ‘fighting back’ somewhat.
Since the turn of the decade, Europeans (or European Tour based players) have won more than half of the 12 Majors played, Team Europe have won back-to-back Ryder Cups, and the likes of Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald, and Rory McIlroy have reached the summit of the world golf rankings.
But in the last 12 months – arguably starting with Bubba Watson’s success here at Augusta – there’s been a gradual change in power. It’s now the Americans and South Africans who seem to be dominating, so much so in fact that Paul Krishnamurty questions whether this is the weakest European challenge ever ahead of this week’s US Masters.
Tiger Woods is leading the American revival having regained the number one player in the world slot, though he’s been backed up superbly on the PGA Tour this year with his compatriots winning every single event, while on the European Tour, no less than six different South Africans have already won this season.
So it makes sense then, with no European winning at Augusta this century, to expect the recent trend to continue and stick with the Americans and South Africans. Below are five players who hold outstanding claims to finish in the Top Five come Sunday evening.
Charl Schwartzel – 6.6
It’s difficult to envisage either Schwartzel or Louis Oosthuizen not challenging this week so hopefully I’ve picked the correct one. From a form perspective the selection ticks all the right boxes; in his last four starts on the European Tour alone he’s recorded a win, a second, a third and a fourth, while in his two starts on the PGA Tour (non WGC events) he’s finished third and ninth.
Only a final round 75 knocked Schwartzel down to 16th in his last outing in America, but when you consider that was his worst strokeplay finish in 2013 then you can see why he should give you an excellent run for your money. This likeable South African has a fine Major record too that includes a run of seven consecutive championships without finishing outside the top 18. And of course he donned the Green Jacket here just two years ago. He’s arguably a better player now and can’t fail to go well.
Dustin Johnson – 8.6
This long-hitting American started the season with a win in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions but then withdrew the following week with a bug, and seemingly lost his form completely. But the saying “form is temporary, class is permanent” definitely applies to Johnson as he demonstrated in Houston last time. In fact his final round at Redstone was easily his best ball-striking round of the season, and if he can carry the form of that fourth place finish into Augusta he’ll surely challenge.
The worry is that Johnson has never finished better than T30 at the Masters, but his overall Major record makes impressive reading; five top-10 finishes since 2009 including two top-fives. The long holes should be at his mercy this week, it’s how he plays the shorter holes that will be key to his chances, but if he strikes the ball like he did in Houston then he’ll be bang in contention.
Matt Kuchar – 9.2
It’s incredible to think that Kuchar finished as the leading amateur at Augusta 15 years ago before falling off the golfing planet for the best part of 10 years. But this forever-smiling American has really found his game in the last three or four years which has enabled him to establish himself as one of the most consistent players in the world as well as a huge contender to don a Green Jacket.
Kuchar has recorded four top-10 finishes in Majors since 2010, including a third place finish here last year, so his pedigree for the big tournaments is not in question, a belief confirmed by his WGC Matchplay victory six weeks ago. That victory is Kuchar’s season highlight to date, but he’s made the cut in all eight events that he’s played, and it’s very rare that he doesn’t climb on to the leaderboard at some point during a tournament.
Bo Van Pelt – 22.0
Van Pelt’s form this season is nothing to shout home about, but he’s a player that I believe is suited to Augusta and he might just find an extra gear this week. He ranked fifth in Total Driving in 2012 – a stat that takes into account both Driving Distance and Driving Accuracy, so if he can rediscover that form off the tee he’ll be a big player. I backed him in each of the last two years here when he finished eighth and 17th, so fingers crossed he can improve slightly on past performances and contend over the weekend.
Richard Sterne – 38.0
The second of my South African selections is a player that I have quite a hunch for this week. Sterne is a fantastic player when on song and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings on the European Tour. He got through a few rounds at the WGC Matchplay six weeks ago before finishing a very respectable tied-12th in the WGC Cadillac Championship. He’s an accurate iron player who can putt well on his day, and the fact that he finished 25th here in 2008 when nowhere near the player he is now has to bode well. He’s a big outsider, but he’s certainly not without a chance.
Milesey ( Betfair )
TUESDAY 9TH APRIL 2013
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
—————-
Borussia Dortmund vs Malaga, Tue 19:45 BST, Live on Sky Sports 1
Match Odds: Dortmund 1.45, Malaga 9.0, the draw 4.9
The first leg of this quarter-final tie was one of the most entertaining goalless draws I have seen for years. Borussia Dortmund created a host of chances, but either failed to hit the target or found Malaga keeper Willy Caballero in frustratingly excellent form. Malaga also created opportunities (mainly from set-pieces), but BVB keeper Roman Weidenfeller also protected his clean sheet manfully.
Some observers have suggested that Dortmund’s failure to score an away goal could prove crucial in the tie, but I suspect the Germans’ coach Jurgen Klopp will take plenty of positives from last week’s trip to La Rosaleda. Dortmund’s defence kept Malaga at arms’ length, their midfield had a grip for long spells (Ilkay Gundogan was outstanding), and the attacking triumvirate of Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski threatened throughout without managing to add the finishing touch.
I suspect Malaga’s best chance to reach the last four may have gone. While their home form in the Champions League has been very strong, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have won just one of their five away games. Opta tell us no-one has kept more CL clean sheets than Malaga (five), but Los Boquerones have personnel problems in defence, with Manuel Iturra and captain Weligton both suspended.
A weakened Malaga side lost 4-2 at Real Sociedad at the weekend (their plane was struck by lightning three times on the way to the match), and the club’s preparation for the Dortmund clash has unfortunately been disrupted by the death of Pellegrini’s father. The coach flew to his native Chile for the funeral, and will arrive in Germany on the day of the game.
Both clubs rested key players at the weekend, but while Malaga lost their match 4-2, Dortmund beat Augsburg by the same scoreline at Signal Iduna Park. Lewandowski used his appearance as a second-half sub to extend his scoring run in the Bundesliga to ten matches. The Polish international has now scored 27 goals in 38 games in all competitions – he is 3.9 in the First Goalscorer market, and 1.9 in the To Score market. Naysayers will point to the 229 minutes he has gone without a Champions League goal, but his recent league form shows he’s certainly not lacking confidence.
Dortmund have won all four of their Champions League home games, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. In all competitions they have won seven of their last eight home matches, and all seven of those victories were by at least a two-goal margin. If Dortmund grab the opener, then Malaga will have to push for an equaliser, and that would play into the hands of one of Europe’s top counter-attacking sides. Malaga will be without key defenders, and I don’t think those that remain will be able to resist Dortmund’s sparkling attack for a second match running.
Recommended Bet
Back Robert Lewandowski to be First Goalscorer at 3.9
Best Bet
Back Borussia Dortmund -1.5 on the Asian Handicap at 2.11
————————
Galatasaray v Real Madrid, Tuesday 19:45, ITV, Match Odds: Galatasaray 5.1, Real Madrid 1.76, The Draw 4.1
The latter stages of the Champions League can be an unforgiving place, as Galatasaray found out in the Bernabeu – going down 3-0 to a far superior Real Madrid side who capitalised on the visitors defensive naiveties.
Despite making a few high-profile signings this season, the chasm in class between Jose Mourinho’s Madrid and the Turkish champions was all too evident.
Even the presence of Champions League-winning duo Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba could do little to stem the flow of a tie which is now all but over.
Having gone into the game as the competition’s joint top scorer, much was expected of Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz, but instead it was Cristiano Ronaldo who broke clear in that particularly race, opening the scoring with a beautifully taken chip.
Although Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue wasted decent chances, the latter’s own defensive ineptitude in particular allowed Real to take full control of the tie.
Now, Galatasaray must somehow claw a way back in and, though Drogba’s domestic double at the weekend helped edge them one step closer to Turkey’s Super Lig title, it’s difficult to envisage them stopping Real from notching an away goal – which will effectively seal it.
Considering no one has stopped Los Blancos from doing this in their last 16 away fixtures in Europe, the odds seem stacked against the hosts. As Galatasaray go hunting for goals, Mourinho’s side have all the right weaponry to pick them off on the counter and record the double in Istanbul.
Real Madrid to Score in Both Halves
Where some of Mourinho’s previous sides could have been accused of efficiency over flair, this Madrid team is the polar opposite. Real rack up goals for fun, both in Europe and on the domestic front. The five goals they put past Levante on Saturday made it 14 from their last four games in all competitions. Furthermore, they’ve notched either side of the break in three of those four matches as they have done in four of their nine games in this year’s competition.
Both Teams to Score
Only Braga in their opening group game have prevented Galatasaray from notching in Istanbul in this year’s competition. The Turks are desperate for goals and, although they drew a blank in Spain, they’ve actually notched at least twice in four of their last five outings, including three against Schalke in the second leg of their last Champions League tie. Madrid’s clean sheet in the first leg was their only shut-out in nine games as well.
Best Bet: Back Real Madrid to Score in Both Halves @ 2.5
Recommended Bet: Both Teams to Score @ 1.73
TUESDAY 9TH APRIL 2013
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
—————-
Borussia Dortmund vs Malaga, Tue 19:45 BST, Live on Sky Sports 1
Recommended Bet
Back Robert Lewandowski to be First Goalscorer at 3.9
Best Bet
Back Borussia Dortmund -1.5 on the Asian Handicap at 2.11
————————
Galatasaray v Real Madrid, Tuesday 19:45, ITV, Match Odds: Galatasaray 5.1, Real Madrid 1.76, The Draw 4.1
Best Bet: Back Real Madrid to Score in Both Halves @ 2.5
Recommended Bet: Both Teams to Score @ 1.73
—————————
MK Dons 2.86 v Swindon Town 2.78, the draw 3.35
Recommended bet:
Back MK Dons to win @ 2.86
Doncaster Rovers 1.76 v Carlisle United 5.40, the draw 3.95
Recommended bets:
Back Doncaster to win @ 1.76
Back HT score 1-0 @ 4.0
Preston North End 2.12 v Oldham Athletic 4.0, the draw 3.50
Recommended bet:
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.80
Sheffield United 1.76 v Crawley Town 5.50, the draw 3.85
Recommended bets:
Lay Sheffield United @ 1.76
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.90
—————————
Port Vale 1.77 v Aldershot 5.5; The draw 3.9
Recommended bet:
Back Aldershot to win at Port Vale at 5.5
Bradford 1.84 v Bristol Rovers 5.0; The draw 3.75
Recommended bet:
Back Bradford @ 1.84
Burton 2.06 v Wycombe 3.95; The draw 3.7
Recommended bet:
Lay Burton @ 2.04
—————————
WEDNESDAY
———
Barcelona v PSG
Wednesday 19:45, live on Sky Sports 2
Recommended Bet
Back Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.4
————————–
Juventus v Bayern Munich
Wednesday 19:45, live on Sky Sports 4
Recommended Bet
Back The Draw @ 3.5
Milesey ( betfair )
Jihlava 2-0 Brno! Milesey, don’t know about you, but my fingernails are chewed down to the bone. Couldn’t see the game going under, especially after the second goal, but we got lucky.
Hopefully the Padova v Varese game follows both teams trend of being involved in low scoring games.
At the end there was a shot blasted over the bar, and another the defender got a block on as the keeping was going the wrong way, i thought it was game over everytime a shot came in. All good though in the end at 2-0. ;) ;)
Milesey
* keeper
I am going through it again though right now:
TURKEY: PTT 1. Lig
Adanaspor 1-0 Denizlispor
40 mins to go in this one
under 2.5 Goals
Milesey
TURKEY: PTT 1. Lig
Adanaspor 2-0 Denizlispor
ha ha ha , don’t think the LUCK is going to be in with this one……… still 40 mins to go :(
Milesey
Yeah I understood what you was saying Dean exactly why I took it down. Can only hope Mr Fixit ;) haha…
Milesey, couldn’t bear to watch, so I done some washing up ha ha :)
if i get out of this one now i’ll know my lucks in tonight ;) ;)
TURKEY: PTT 1. Lig
Adanaspor 2-0 Denizlispor
scored in the 4th min and 49th min
30 minutes to go :(
Milesey
I’m pleased you understand and we’re all sweet ;)
Mr Fixit is quite right in claiming that tonight’s Manchester derby will be a fiery encounter, which undoubtedly will result in a number of bookings, and quite possibly a sending off.
I think tonight’s game in Italy’s Series A provides an even stronger reason to believe fewer than 22 men will walk down the player’s tunnel after the 90 minutes.
In the last 10 games between Roma and Lazio has seen FOURTEEN players sent off! INSANE! Only 2 of those 10 games have gone without a dismissal! The last 2 encounters has seen a red for either side with De Rossi and Mauri both heading for an early bath.
Best price is currently 2.42 at Betfair, with William Hill going 2.38
Dean, yeah could be reds in both.
Hahahaha
TURKEY: PTT 1. Lig
Adanaspor 2-1Denizlispor
scored in the 4th min and 49th min and 90th Min. :(
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Done in the 90th MIN
BET OF THE DAY
**************
TURKEY: PTT 1. Lig
Adanaspor V Denizlispor
UNDER 2.5 GOALS ** LOST
Vysocina Jihlava v FC Brno
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.7 ** WINNER **
Milesey
the goal is coming soon man city will score then hold on and win me ££££
Paul u gonna be doin a write up for the masters? 4/1 for Woods is a terrible price!! Probably be goin for some ew value. Maybe poulters time to shine @ around 45/1?
Knottsy, I’ve got a Record golf column in tomorrow’s excellent 12-page pullout. Milesey’s posted loads of stuff as comments and I’ll put some of them up as articles later in the week.
sevilla BTTS anyone watching?
Sam, watching Utd-City.
Lazio down to ten men and that is now the fifteenth red card in the last 11 meetings!
Padova have equalised, now 1-1. Going to be a nervy last 15 minutes.
Done a single on Manchester United and Roma, so hoping both can go on and score a winner.
Unlucky Milesey on the Turkish game. Never nice to see your bet lose in dying stages
Dean, quite a few tips for a red at Roma. Fancied one there and Old Trafford but it doesn’t likely at the moment.
Took in play bet over 1.5 utd game 7/10 Roma double chance 6/5 with Porto dnb at 3/4 50 treble :)
i said man city there was dead cert :) :) happy times
Any tips for in play Sevilla game?
Arsenal v Estudientes early hours. Are arsenal heavily overpriced at 6/5?
Or am I missing something
Put the same thing on here this morning Mr H. Done them in a double with Rosario who won 3-1. fingers crossed.
will there be any more goals in the sevilla game? Anyone watching
Thot a seen a few site regulars on this site dancing n shoutin in George Sq the night ;-) .maybe not some of our regulars from the deepet darkest sarf end of the country tho?
Also kingfisher east bengal are evens at home too Tampine rovers in the morning after beating them 4-2 away just 5 days ago
Any chance of opening a gd thread for these mammoth tips that take up so much room on the footy threads
Mr H, will get to it. Off next few days so will be sorted.
Mr H – think id tred carefuly with Arsenal Sarandi tonite..two 5-2 pastings from Roanldinhos team in the Copa Libert. up to yersel of course/should probablywin but a numberr unpredictable result with the CL participants..Newells last night eg widna be puttin the hoose on it
Only seen the single 5-2 pasting on soccer way Guido, bad result but many teams take a pasting away from home on the COL
East Bengal too beat Tampine in the AFC at 10am evens after beating them 4-2 in Tampine on twednesday could be a good team too double them with
Mr H they got a 5-2 pasting at home and then away last week by Ath Mineiro (wish I had a tenner on the 5-2 double!!) Goffurrrit if ya fancy them tho dont let me put ya off. These CL teams seem to struggle to combine both comps.
£50 on Arsenal and East Bengal returns £220
Well I’m hoping to wake up to 50% there lol
It’s on guido :) arsenal great home record and Estudientes are poor home or away. East Bengal look solid at evens at home 6 days after beating them 4-2 away
Best of luck fathead ;)
Down in the comp but £2 on roma lazio btts, porto/over 2.5 gls,, man u man city over 2.5 gls and seville/over 2.5 gls gets me just under £30 :)
Good night tonight – 4 out 5 singles
Man U v City Over 2.5 goals
Man U v city Over 1.5 goals inplay at halftime
Bursaspor v besikatas over 2.5 goals
Seville v Bilbao over 2.5 goals
Hope everyone else had some winners on the goals markets! :)
That you off to the Caribbean retreat for abit Paul, the joys of stardom in the tipster world. Hope we won’t be seeing any skinny dipping scandal photos appearing in the record anytime soon
Donny,port vale and Hamilton 7/2 treble tmrw from a quick glance
Sheffield Utd and Brechin possibly too
What time will there be a new post mr fixit? I’ve just finished my write up. People can do what they like with it I think it will help me a lot if I can share. Thanks.
UG, don’t know. Working just now. Probably about 1am.
No problem thanks for the reply ill check back in the morning :)
1am Paul? That’s a bit late is it not? What do you do all day tut tut
I’ll be in bed by then crying myself too sleep when arsenal are down too 9 men and 2-0 down haha
Mr H, fat chance. Spent most of the day writing two columns for tomorrow’s Record – golf and football. Now holding fort on the sports desk until 1am at least. But off for next 3 days.
Arsenal vs Estudiantes
Bets placed:
Arsenal to win @ 2.3 William hill
Total goals over 1.5 @ 1.44 William hill
Arsenal have won 4 of their last 9, drawing 2 and losing 3. This may not seem like decent form but 2 of those defeats came against mineiro which are a different class to Arsenal, so ignoring those two results Arsenals form is 4-2-1 which is very good for the odds. All 4 wins have been at home which indicates that they have a very solid home record and look to take advantage of home advantage.
Estudiantes have lost 6 of their last 9 games and the other 3 resulting in draws. Due to this really bad run of form and arsenals pretty good form at the moment, excluding the 5-2 defeat recently, I think arsenal have a very strong chance at odds of 2.3.
Arsenal last 7 games in all competitions has resulted in 2 or more goals being scored
Estudiantes have had 5 of their last 7 games result in 2 or more goals being scored in the match. These stats indicate that there is a very high possibility of the same happening tonight and there is money to be made at odds of 1.44.
This is my first ever pop at doing this, so be nice guys :)
Good luck with any bets :)
Golly your echoing my thoughts on the match. Nobody will have a pop at you for posting your thoughts and tips, even more so when you give reasoning too you tip.
Welcome too the site and look forward too reading your posts and thought.
Kingfisher East Bengal v Tampines Rovers 10.45am is worth a look with the home team evens and won the reverse 4-2 away at Tampines 6 days ago
Yeah I saw your post on the game Mr.H and thought I’d join in and do my first write up.
Been keeping up to tabs with this website for about 2 weeks now and seems like a great place to give some input with what seems to be a great community!
Yeah I did have a look but didn’t see the bet up on the William hill website, may have to have another look!
Gilly not Golly lol apologies :)
Paul you do more hours than the town clock. Enjoy your 3 days off, well deserved I’m sure
Gilly WIlliam Hill are one of the poorer online sites for football match listings. Bet365,Skybet or bet fair are some of the better ones but Mr F will be able too advise you better
Ahh right, that must be why I can’t find it then!
Just had a look on the bet365 website and found it instantly which puts William hill to shame really. Only reason I like William hill is due to their tipping system that they have!
May have to venture elsewhere aswell then to find matches across the world. :)
Sleep time for me. Good luck with your bets tonight!
http://www.oddschecker.com/football
Try that Gilly
Soccerway,Soccervista or 24futbol for stats on all games in every corner of the world
11/1 hazard 1st gl on Thursday at rubin kazan, there’s value if he starts 15/4 anytime. thought titanbet fecjed up the bettin for yilmaz anytime at 7/1 but it wasn’t gala’s striker, unless he’s defo out its a bit sneaky of them as he’s the only yilmaz there. got a few random punts for the mora but will put them on thread in the morning £4.41 wworth after withdrawl
Estudientes down too 10 men after 3ims
38mins *
Bar the first 10 minutes, arsenal have been playing pretty poor.
Definitely need to be kicked up the jacksie if they’re going to get anything out of this! They’re struggling to string 2 passes together!!
Playing against 10 men will hopefully help Gilly
3ins to go and I’m off to bed,0-0 written all over it
Couldnae make it up, I stick a £50 single on east Bengal to try and revcover my stake and arsenal score in 89mins too win
Potentially £100 now :(
Yeah, I started to cover my bet and then they went and bloody scored, so in the end I just about made my money back -.-
I covered mine with another game Gilly,£50 single on Kingfisher East Bengal at home too Tampines lol.
So I now have a £50 double on Arsenal 6/5 and Bengal evens plus a £50 sine on Bengal at evens riding on tomorrow’s game. Either be £100 down or £320 returns