Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, December 27, 2007)

Obi 1 Hand Solo 0 The wife and I are similar in many ways, but we disagree on the most prudent way to discipline children. Betty is from the old-school, and believes a small slap is perfectly acceptable. I take the opposite view, and prefer the use of a knuckle-duster. Such actions would not be necessary if it wasn't for our children being led astray by poor role-models, such as Premier League footballers. Even fully grown men occasionally follow their contentious lead; just last Tuesday I enjoyed a lunchtime roast. It's not just the off-field antics that leave a nasty taste in the mouth; the game is still riddled with simulation. There appears to be a growing number of players who embrace the turf more than Jodie Foster. Peter Crouch tried to point the finger at foreign players after trying to dissect Jon Obi Mikel. As Crouch launched into his astonishing tirade, a sheepish Steven Gerrard kept his head down in the background. I hope that Stevie steps up when Liverpool play Manchester City; I'm hitting the Reds at 11/10. Luckily, some players are willing to change. Ashley Young may have been guilty of going down easily in the past, but I have it on good authority that he plans to get a grip of himself over the coming months. The inspirational Young will lead Aston Villa to victory over Wigan at 7/5. Arsene Wenger's decision to release Ashley Cole was truly inspired. Arsenal's new left-back has been a revelation this season, but I disagree with his assertion that players need a winter break. That's just a tired cliché. The 6/5 for an Arsenal win over Everton should be on everybody's lips. David Sullivan has claimed that the departure of Steve Bruce was "the best thing that has ever happened to Birmingham City." He's obviously forgotten about the glorious Auto Windscreens Shield campaign of 1995. The Blues can crack a managerless Fulham at 10/11. Sol Campbell does not appreciate terrace banter. The big man has asked for intervention from the FA, the PFA, and somewhat optimistically, the government. I just can't see Gordon Brown introducing a ministry for the concerns of the slightly deranged. Portsmouth are unbeaten against Boro in their last 10 meets: I'd rather listen to a repeat of the Queen's speech than miss the 7/10 for a Pompey win. I try to stay away from the political arena as a rule, but there is something seriously amiss in this country when the likable Al Bangura is threatened with deportation, yet the campaign to remove Robbie Savage is ignored by the suits in Westminster. The 10/11 for a Blackburn win against the luckless Derby is equally perplexing. Roy Keane has been linked with a move for Robbie Savage in the January window. I'm pleased that the Irishman hasn't allowed Sunderland's perilous position to affect his sense of humour. I'll be laughing like Peter Beardsley's photographer when I take the 6/4 for a Sunderland win over Bolton. Jermain Defoe remains understandably unhappy with his prolonged spell on the bench, as he has to keep a continual eye out for a drunken Alan Davies. Tottenham are firing on all cylinders, I'll happily take a bite out of the 4/7 for a Spurs win against a floundering Reading. Wayne Rooney allegedly made a few risqué suggestions to a Daily Mirror reporter at Manchester United's controversial Christmas bash. A stunned Mr McGovern was forced to make his excuses and leave. I won't be knocking back the 3/1 for a draw between West Ham and Manchester United. Chelsea have been leaking goals since John Terry met with Emmanuel Eboue's studs of immediate justice; but they face a Newcastle side who remain impotent on the road. We should all rise to welcome the 4/9 for a Chelsea win. Alex can consider himself fortunate to be JT's replacement. The Brazilian could stand back-to-back with Frank Lampard and form a perfect circle. Portsmouth, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool form a 10/1 accer that is the literal definition of perfection. Weekend Betting: Birmingham v Fulham Saturday 29th December 15:00 Birmingham 10/11 Draw 5/2 Fulham 10/3 Get on: Birmingham Match Special: Ridgewell to score with a header 14/1 Chelsea v Newcastle Saturday 29th December 15:00 Chelsea 4/9 Draw 7/2 Newcastle 8/1 Get on: Chelsea Match Special: Alex to score at any time 7/1 Portsmouth v Middlesbrough Saturday 29th December 15:00 Portsmouth 7/10 Draw 13/5 Middlesbrough 9/2 Get on: Portsmouth Match Special: Kranjcar to score from outside the penalty area 7/1 Sunderland v Bolton Saturday 29th December 15:00 Sunderland 6/4 Draw 23/10 Bolton 15/8 Get on: Sunderland Match Special: Kenwyne Jones to score two or more goals 13/2 Tottenham v Reading Saturday 29th December 15:00 Tottenham 4/7 Draw 3/1 Reading 13/2 Get on: Tottenham Match Special: Tottenham to win by two or more goals 7/5 West Ham v Man Utd Saturday 29th December 15:00 West Ham 6/1 Draw 3/1 Man Utd 8/15 Get on: Draw Match Special: Solano to score in a 1-1 draw 35/1 Wigan v Aston Villa Saturday 29th December 15:00 Wigan 21/10 Draw 23/10 Aston Villa 7/5 Get on: Aston Villa Match Special: Aston Villa to score a penalty 5/1 Everton v Arsenal Saturday 29th December 17:15 Live on Setanta Everton 13/5 Draw 12/5 Arsenal 6/5 Get on: Arsenal Match Special: Arsenal to score three or more goals 4/1 Derby v Blackburn Sunday 30th December 13:30 Live on Sky Derby 3/1 Draw 5/2 Blackburn 10/11 Get on: Blackburn Match Special: Bentley to score direct from a free-kick 9/1 Man City v Liverpool Sunday 30th December 16:00 Live on Sky Man City 13/5 Draw 12/5 Liverpool 11/10 Get on: Liverpool Match Special: Torres to score the only goal of the game 25/1 Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 3:36 PM

Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, December 20, 2007)

Charity, Empathy and Chas to Tea I remain a slave to tradition. Every year, I make a complete fool of myself at the office Christmas party, and this year was no exception. After consuming a few too many ales, I made a misguided play for the cleaner under the mistletoe. He was absolutely livid. My luck is unlikely to improve over the holidays. The wife has invited her mother and her sister to Christmas dinner. Ho Ho Ho. I refuse to wallow in self pity though, as there are children in this world who live in near poverty. In a completely selfless gesture on my part, I've bought myself a new pair of trainers to reward their strong work ethic. In an uncharacteristic piece of good fortune, I've been spared the expense of weighing in for gifts for my own kids. As Blackburn fought back to 2-2 against Arsenal in midweek, the little ones overheard me say that Santa was literally on fire. I'm investing the savings on a Blackburn win over Chelsea at 7/2. The most annoying aspect of the 'festive' period is probably the repetitive advertisements. Ian Wright looked to have won the award for the most grating commercial, until Jamie Redknapp and Tim Lovejoy formed an unstoppable axis of evil. I've disgracefully found myself singing along to that awful ad that accuses Reo-Coker of buying knock-off DVDs. Such a practise is reprehensible: you can download movies for free off the internet. 11/10 for a Villa win over Manchester City is another spectacular giveaway. Michael Owen must be a happy man after Manchester City declared an interest in his services. The miniscule hitman has suffered more than his fair share of injuries throughout his career, and under Sam Allardyce, a strained neck is almost inevitable. I'm hardly sticking my neck out by suggesting a Newcastle win over Derby at 2/5. Tottenham and Arsenal do not get along. The animosity was born in 1913 when Arsenal invaded their territory, and tensions rose further when the Gunners replaced them in the top flight after a ballot in 1919. The relationship between the two clubs completely deteriorated in 2007, when Alan Davies tried to eat Chas and Dave for resembling the homeless. I'm putting my house on a draw between the fierce rivals at 3/1. When Gary Megson arrived at Bolton, he had a 1.7% approval rate, and there was a 2% margin for error. The people of Bolton are warming to the ginger Mourinho; he can turn the screw on Birmingham at even money. Alan Curbishley is worried that Anton Ferdinand is in danger of embracing a pop-star culture. The West Ham boss has nothing to worry about; all pop-stars are good- lookers, with the exception of Lily Allen. I'll be happy to get on the 23/10 for a draw between Middlesbrough and West Ham. I felt sorry for Steve Bennett as he had to face Roy Keane after ruling out a legitimate Sunderland winner last week. I'd sooner go into a tunnel with Henri Paul than the volatile Irishman. I'll be absolutely smashed when Reading oblige at even money against Sunderland. Manchester United are way too short at 4/9 for the visit of Everton. The Moyes Boys are on a 12 match unbeaten run, and they've left Old Trafford with a point on two of their last three trips. The Toffeemen are available at 9/4 to avoid defeat, which has left me as excited as Wayne Rooney on 'Gran Slam Sunday'. These cold mornings are absolutely killing me. The wife nicked my toast this morning, which was bordering on an absolute liberty. Ronaldo can empathise with my situation, as Marcus Bent has reportedly been playing with his porridge. I've got the oats to get my cash down on a Fulham win over Wigan at 23/20. Christmas is especially hard on little orphan children. It's perfectly understandable that the more vulnerable will struggle to adapt to a strange new home at this time of year, and some will even consider running away. I heard reports just last weekend that a young Spanish lad went missing in Liverpool. Fernando will mark his return by sleighing Pompey at 4/7. I'm all for enjoying the excesses of the festive period, but I also take the time to contemplate the real meaning of Christmas. To those with faith, he was a saviour; but he suffered on the cross. I just hope he lets a few more in for Pompey this weekend. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Bolton, Reading and Newcastle form a nailed-on Christmas accer at a perfectly pious 15/1. Weekend Betting: Arsenal v Tottenham Saturday 22nd December 12:45 Live on Sky Arsenal 8/15 Draw 3/1 Tottenham 13/2 Get on: Draw Match Special: A player to be sent off in the match 3/1 Aston Villa v Man City Saturday 22nd December 15:00 Aston Villa 11/10 Draw 23/10 Man City 16/5 Get on: Aston Villa Match Special: Aston Villa to win and keep a clean sheet 5/2 Bolton v Birmingham Saturday 22nd December 15:00 Bolton Evs Draw 23/10 Birmingham 10/3 Get on: Bolton Match Special: Anelka to score two or more goals 13/2 Fulham v Wigan Saturday 22nd December 15:00 Fulham 23/20 Draw 12/5 Wigan 14/5 Get on: Fulham Match Special: Fulham to be winning at half-time 9/5 Liverpool v Portsmouth Saturday 22nd December 15:00 Liverpool 4/7 Draw 3/1 Portsmouth 13/2 Get on: Liverpool Match Special: Torres to score a hat-trick 25/1 Middlesbrough v West Ham Saturday 22nd December 15:00 Middlesbrough 13/10 Draw 23/10 West Ham 11/5 Get on: Draw Match Special: Ashton to score in a 1-1 draw 20/1 Reading v Sunderland Saturday 22nd December 15:00 Reading Evs Draw 23/10 Sunderland 10/3 Get on: Reading Match Special: Reading to score three or more goals 7/2 Man Utd v Everton Sunday 23rd December 12:00 Live on Setanta Man Utd 4/9 Draw 3/1 Everton 17/2 Get on: Everton Match Special: Andy Johnson to score the only goal of the game 120/1 Newcastle v Derby Sunday 23rd December 14:00 Live on Sky Newcastle 2/5 Draw 4/1 Derby 10/1 Get on: Newcastle Match Special: Joey Barton to be booked 2/1 Blackburn v Chelsea Sunday 23rd December 16:10 Live on Sky Blackburn 7/2 Draw 5/2 Chelsea 10/11 Get on: Blackburn Match Special: Santa Cruz to score in a 2-0 Blackburn win 45/1 Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 1:55 PM

Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, December 13, 2007)

Bow Down To Happy Gilmore I'm all for good-natured banter at a football match, but supporters are beginning to overstep the line. Harry Redknapp commands respect from all the major players in the game, such as Frank Lampard and Jamie Redknapp, yet the colourful manager endured a torrent of vitriolic abuse when Portsmouth travelled to Aston Villa. As the match slipped away from the Villans, the Holte End outrageously suggested that Harry had bunged the referee. That accusation is entirely without foundation: Harry prefers goods inwards to despatch. The Villa fans went on to intimate that Harry enjoys the occasional stroke of the pink puppy. I wouldn't criticise Redknapp even if this was true, as it's an understandable reaction after Jamie. A minority of supporters then disgracefully claimed that Harry would soon be behind bars, partaking in certain activities in the shower area. Not only does this slur completely contradict their earlier insinuation; it's also downright offensive, and Harry will not be taking this lying down. We'll all have red cheeks if we miss the 5/2 for a Tottenham win over Pompey. The travelling Villa supporters will hopefully show a little more restraint when around Roy Keane, as his preferred method of conflict resolution does not involve complaining to selected media outlets. I'm spreading the word that 9/4 for a draw between Sunderland and the Villa looks pretty tasty. When it comes to speaking to the BBC, Sam Allardyce is also a total blanker. The Beeb fought back on last week's Match of the Day; they comically photoshopped a ridiculous woolly hat on his oversized head. I can't wait to get my hands on the mammoth 6/4 for a Fulham win over Newcastle. Team news is probably the single most important factor in betting, after recent form or a nod from Kieren Fallon, so I'll wait for updates on Hleb, Flamini and Fabregas before taking an interest in the Arsenal v Chelsea match. Four of the last six Premier League meetings between the two giants have finished all square, so I'll tentatively look towards the 9/4 for a draw at this early stage. Birmingham City will definitely have to strengthen their squad in January, and with Alex McLeish at the helm, I expect there to be a strong Scottish connection. Two names that immediately spring to mind are Miller and Becks. There is a player nicknamed 'Woodpecker' who McLeish would love to sign, but he's tied up at Chelsea. I'm definitely attached to the 5/4 for a Birmingham win over Reading. Middlesbrough are a riddle, wrapped up in an enigma, shrouded in mystery, situated in a hole. I'm praying the Boro will produce their A-game against the outclassed Derby at a larger than expected 7/5. Lee Bowyer is on the verge of a return to action after recovering from Gilmore's groin. It was a genuine surprise to me; I thought he just had a tear of the adductor muscles. People should be falling over themselves to get on 15/8 for an Everton win over West Ham. Dressing-room dissent is on the rise at Wigan. One senior player is already on Steve Bruce's back, and that's not a position I would like to see anyone in. The player, who wishes to remain anonymous, has suggested that Bruce is a long-ball merchant. Paul Scharner continued, "If we don't change to playing football, then it will be very difficult." The only thing attractive at the JJB this weekend is the 11/8 for a Blackburn win. I watched in horror last weekend as Stephen Ireland committed what can only be described as a heinous crime: he appeared to be wearing a wig. Call me old fashioned, but toupees are only acceptable for the bald and the ginger. Let's be honest, if Ireland is using a piece, and it remains conjecture at this stage, it doesn't make him any less of a man. Only wearing a pink jumper on a night out will result in any long-term loss of man-points. Bolton have won their last three at Manchester City, winning them all 'to nil'. I refuse to cover up my interest in Megson's men at 4/1. Life is full of little coincidences. As Steven Gerrard was throwing himself to the ground in Marseille, his wife was getting turned over at home. There was also a burglary. I'm helping myself to the 13/8 for a Liverpool win over Manchester United. I hope Stevie can recover from the trauma, as I need the influential Scouser to win the 'battle of the inner-ear infections' against Ronaldo to land the weekend accer. Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Tottenham and Liverpool are the selections, the payout is an increasingly plummeting 45/1. Weekend Betting: Birmingham v Reading Saturday 15th December 15:00 Birmingham 5/4 Draw 9/4 Reading 12/5 Get on: Birmingham Match Special: Jerome to score the only goal of the game 28/1 Derby v Middlesbrough Saturday 15th December 15:00 Derby 21/10 Draw 9/4 Middlesbrough 7/5 Get on: Middlesbrough Match Special: Downing to score at any time 9/2 Man City v Bolton Saturday 15th December 15:00 Man City 10/11 Draw 5/2 Bolton 4/1 Get on: Bolton Match Special: Bolton to win by 1 goal 6/1 Portsmouth v Tottenham Saturday 15th December 15:00 Portsmouth 6/5 Draw 9/4 Tottenham 5/2 Get on: Tottenham Match Special: Tottenham to score three or more goals 8/1 Sunderland v Aston Villa Saturday 15th December 15:00 Sunderland 9/4 Draw 9/4 Aston Villa 6/4 Get on: Draw Match Special: No goalscorer in the match 9/1 West Ham v Everton Saturday 15th December 15:00 West Ham 6/4 Draw 9/4 Everton 15/8 Get on: Everton Match Special: Cahill to score with a header 8/1 Wigan v Blackburn Saturday 15th December 15:00 Wigan 9/4 Draw 9/4 Blackburn 11/8 Get on: Blackburn Match Special: Bentley to score from outside of the penalty area 7/1 Fulham v Newcastle Saturday 15th December 17:15 Live on Setanta Fulham 6/4 Draw 9/4 Newcastle 2/1 Get on: Fulham Match Special: Healy to score the last goal 7/1 Liverpool v Man Utd Sunday 16th December 13:30 Live on Sky Liverpool 13/8 Draw 11/5 Man Utd 2/1 Get on: Liverpool Match Special: Torres to score two or more goals 8/1 Arsenal v Chelsea Sunday 16th December 16:00 Live on Sky Arsenal 6/4 Draw 9/4 Chelsea 11/5 Get on: Draw Match Special: Gallas to score in a 1-1 draw 80/1 Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 12:07 PM

Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, December 06, 2007)

Third Ruck from the Son A great book does not necessarily make a great movie. Catch 22 is probably the seminal piece of literature of the twentieth century (if we choose to overlook Derek McGovern on Sports Betting); yet the film was a major disappointment. Somewhat conversely, I found George Orwell's tale of Soviet totalitarianism quite heavy going, but I must have watched Animal Farm 17 times. One story that is absolutely crying out for the transfer to celluloid is the life and times of Harry Redknapp. Harry has unrealistically named Ray Winstone as an ideal candidate to play the leading role; i'd have cast Timothy Spall. I have it on good authority that Spall would consider any offer, so I'm knocking up a script entitled 'The buying, the twitch and the hoard probe.' Harry is still understandably seething after the police raided his home at the crack of dawn. Harry can consider himself fortunate that it wasn't the West Midlands filth who were on the case, as he'd probably have been charged with 47 crimes. I feel like I'm stitching up the bookmakers by taking 6/5 for a Villa win over Pompey. I was a little perturbed when I read that the Liverpool supporters were right behind Rafa Benitez; I thought it was a prelude to a carjacking. Fernando Torres has already bagged a hat-trick at the Madejski this season; the Spanish sensation can lead the Pool to another win over Reading at 8/11. Steve Gibson should accept some responsibility for the dire state of English football. If the imperturbable chairman had the nouse to sack floundering managers at the appropriate juncture, the England supporters would be packing their balaclavas next summer. Gibson is once again supporting an incompetent incumbent: Arsenal will hammer home the message at 8/15. I couldn't understand the furore surrounding Robbie Keane's dismissal against Birmingham last week. For me, there's nothing wrong with '4th official consultation', or 'Dowd syndrome' as it will hopefully be labelled. Manchester City have lost their last three matches at White Hart Lane and Elano is a serious doubt: 6/5 for Spurs is practically a gift. Everton are a confident call at home to the travelsick Fulham. The Cottagers have never won a league match at Goodison Park in their history, and their six Premier League visits have earned them a total of zero points. I'd sooner leave my grandmother unsupervised with Wayne Rooney than miss out on the Toffeemen at 3/5. David Bentley has been likened to David Beckham. I've been left completely flummoxed by this comparison; i can only assume he has a girlfriend who can't sing. I'll be screaming like a bint if West Ham hold Blackburn to a draw at 11/4. Apparently, prison holds no fear for Joey Barton; I guess he's looking forward to the family reunion. I'm embracing the 10/11 for a Newcastle win over Birmingham like a long-lost law-abiding brother. Wigan are in a real fight at the wrong end of the table, which may explain why they appointed a manager who looks like he's gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson. Wigan have now gone 12 matches without a win; I'll be punching the bag if Bolton fail to land the spoils at 11/10. If Manchester United v Derby was a boxing match, it would never get sanctioned; unless it was a Frank Warren promotion. Fergie is always up for the fight; I just hope his Dad can follow his lead. I'll get a few rounds in after United slam the Rams at 1/7. When Ashley Cole retires from football, he should consider a career in the fight game. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to see the combative defender end up in the ring. I'd advise Frank Lampard against considering pugilism though; he'd struggle to find an opponent in his weight class. You won't have to wait too long for a return if you take 1/5 for a Chelsea win over Sunderland. I believe Ricky Hatton can emerge victorious from his mega- fight with Floyd Mayweather. Ricky has the skill, the belief, the intensity and the heart, and even more importantly, the most talked about hook since Abu Hamza. The 'Pretty Boy' has an impressive record, but he struggles when opponents bring the fight to him; and Ricky will be all over him like the old bill on Harry Redknapp. For me, this is a 60/40 fight; making 9/5 about the Hitman particularly agreeable. I had quite a respectable record when I used to fight at junior school. I remember beating up the toughest kid in Year 6: that'll teach him for questioning last week's accumulator. Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bolton and Tottenham form a 15/1 accer that will land a knockout blow to the bookies. Weekend Betting: Aston Villa v Portsmouth Saturday 8th December 12:45 Live on Sky Aston Villa 6/5 Draw 23/10 Portsmouth 13/5 Get on: Aston Villa Match Special: John Carew to score with a header 5/1 Chelsea v Sunderland Saturday 8th December 15:00 Chelsea 1/5 Draw 6/1 Sunderland 20/1 Get on: Chelsea Match Special: Joe Cole to score at any time 9/4 Everton v Fulham Saturday 8th December 15:00 Everton 3/5 Draw 11/4 Fulham 11/2 Get on: Everton Match Special: Everton to win and keep a clean sheet 17/10 Man Utd v Derby Saturday 8th December 15:00 Man Utd 1/7 Draw 15/2 Derby 25/1 Get on: Man Utd Match Special: Ronaldo to score direct from a free kick 8/1 Newcastle v Birmingham Saturday 8th December 15:00 Newcastle 10/11 Draw 12/5 Birmingham 10/3 Get on: Newcastle Match Special: Milner to score the first goal 12/1 Reading v Liverpool Saturday 8th December 17:15 Live on Setanta Reading 5/1 Draw 13/5 Liverpool 8/11 Get on: Liverpool Match Special: Liverpool to score four or more goals 7/1 Middlesbrough v Arsenal Sunday 9th December 13:30 Live on Setanta Middlesbrough 13/2 Draw 3/1 Arsenal 8/15 Get on: Arsenal Match Special: Arsenal to win by two or more goals 6/4 Bolton v Wigan Sunday 9th December 15:00 Bolton 11/10 Draw 12/5 Wigan 3/1 Get on: Bolton Match Special: Anelka to score the only goal of the game 25/1 Tottenham v Man City Sunday 9th December 15:00 Tottenham 6/5 Draw 12/5 Man City 3/1 Get on: Tottenham Match Special: Tottenham to score three or more goals 9/2 Blackburn v West Ham Sunday 9th December 16:00 Live on Sky Blackburn 5/6 Draw 11/4 West Ham 7/2 Get on: Draw Match Special: Solano to score in a 1-1 draw 57/1 Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 6:17 PM