EPS 2016/17 - Week 18

Crystal Palace v/s Chelsea - Home win
Middlesbrough v/s Swansea - Draw
Stoke v/s Leicester - Home win
Sunderland v/s Watford - Home win
West Ham v/s Hull - Home win
WBA v/s Man Utd - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Southampton - Draw
Man City v/s Arsenal - Home win
Tottenham v/s Burnley - Home win
Everton v/s Liverpool - Away win

This week-end's matches look pretty even across the board and I am not expecting to reach Week 17's strike rate of 9 correct out of 10. I see quite a few home wins but a goal here and there can easily tilt the result in the other direction.

I expect Spurs to beat Burnley at home. Kane was uncharacteristically quiet against Hull on Wednesday as Spurs found it hard to overcome Phelan's stubborn side. The England striker can make amends against a lowly Burnley side with a poor away record. This should end in a home win that consolidates Tottenham's ambitions to stay firmly in the hunt for the league title.

Everton were poor against Arsenal, yet managed to get the win in the end. With that kind of display, I cannot see them overcome a Liverpool team that seems to be hitting top form at the moment. Klopp and his men demolished Middlesbrough in mid-week and are showing attacking intent from all corners even with the loss of Coutinho. I expect a high-tempo game for this Merseyside derby and the Kops should prove too strong in the end. An away win looks set on the cards here.

Win: Tottenham, Liverpool

EPL 2016/17 - Week 7

Everton v/s Crystal Palace - Home win
Swansea v/s Liverpool - Away win
Hull v/s Chelsea - Away win
Sunderland v/s WBA - Home win
Watford v/s Bournemouth - Home win
West Ham v/s Middlesbrough - Home win
Man Utd v/s Stoke - Home win
Leicester v/s Southampton - Draw
Tottenham v/s Man City - Draw
Burnley v/s Arsenal - Draw

I think Chelsea has a good opportunity to get back on track as they make the travel to Hull. Conte's men are coming off losses to tough teams Liverpool and Arsenal and should find the Tigers more to their liking. The Blues will need to pounce on any counter-attacking chances they are offered and the likes of Hazard and Costa, who have been conspicuously silent of late, have enough class to tilt the result in the visitors' favour.

As a value punt, I also like West Ham's chances against Middlesbrough. The Hammers are not as bad as their horrendous start of the season suggests, and can start off some kind of form against the promoted team. As expected, Karanka's men are struggling to find their foot in the EPL and the Hammers have the firepower to blow past the visitors and claim a much-needed win.

Win: Chelsea
Win: West Ham

EPL 2015/16 - Week 37

Norwich v/s Man Utd - Away win
Bournemouth v/s WBA - Draw
Aston Villa v/s Newcastle - Away win
Crystal Palace v/s Stoke - Home win
Sunderland v/s Chelsea - Home win
West Ham v/s Swansea - Home win
Leicester v/s Everton - Home win
Tottenham v/s Southampton - Draw
Liverpool v/s Watford - Draw
Man City v/s Arsenal - Draw

Who would have imagined before the start of 2016 that Crystal Palace would be deeply entrenched just above the relegation zone? They were sitting pretty in the top 10 and challenging for a top 6 finish. Then striker Bolasie got injured early in the new year and the wheels completely unraveled for the Eagles. To salvage this rotten season, Pardew's men have the FA Cup final to look forward to but they need to get into some form in order to upset Man Utd at Wembley. Visitors Stoke have nothing to play for and have been on a nonchalant sort of form in the past weeks. This is why I think that the home team will have the greater motivation for a win and should edge this encounter given all the key players will be available.

West Ham are still in for a Top 4 shout and they have the potential to win their remaining 3 matches. Their easiest encounter will be Saturday's visitors Swansea, yet another team with nothing to play for. Whether they make the last UCL spot or not, the Hammers can consider this season to have been a successful one. Bilic has given this team an identity and the team is playing with full confidence behind the likes of Payet and Noble. Here again, the extra motivation is on their side and they should successfully make home advantage pay with another win.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 36

Everton v/s Bournemouth - Home win
Newcastle v/s Crystal Palace - Home win
Stoke v/s Sunderland - Away win
Watford v/s Aston Villa - Home win
WBA v/s West Ham - Away win
Arsenal v/s Norwich - Home win
Swansea v/s Liverpool - Home win
Man Utd v/s Leicester - Draw
Southampton v/s Man City - Home win
Chelsea v/s Spurs - Draw

Anyone out there still thinking that Leicester won't be champions? I think the football world has come to the evidence that the Foxes won't be denied; it really will be one of the greatest feats in the history of football. It's not a question where the minnows stunned some heavily-favoured team in a single match; they've been crushing the league for a good while now. Really deserving of winning the lot.

That said, I think they will go get a result at Old Trafford. The mood in the Red Devils camp will surely be up after winning their trip to the FA Cup final. They are still fighting for a UCL spot and don't have much margin for error. However, this Leicester team is resilient and will definitely have chances on the counter-attack against a team that relies all too well on ball possession. I can see the visitors either winning or drawing this match, so a draw-no-bet on them at current market prices looks great value.

I think Southampton have a great card to play against visiting Man City. Although the Citizens badly need the full points to secure a UCL spot, they will also have their eyes and minds on their pending trip to Madrid for the UCL semi-final return leg. Their chances to reach the final are live after a good 0-0 at home. So it will not be surprising if Pellegrini rotates his squad for Sunday's match. Southampton are on a good run and I've always said that Koeman knows how to prepare his teams against good opposition. I think the Saints can win this, and if they don't, it will surely end up in a draw match.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 35

Man City v/s Stoke - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Chelsea - Draw
Aston Villa v/s Southampton - Away win
Liverpool v/s Newcastle - Home win
Sunderland v/s Arsenal - Home win
Leicester v/s Swansea - Home win
Tottenham v/s West Brom - Home win

It is no secret that how well Leicester deal with the loss of superstar striker Vardy for the next 2 matches will determine their chances of title glory. Vardy not only scores goals, he also opens up defences with his pace. Ranieri does not really have another similar player up front with Okazaki and Ulloa not pacy-types. So, the Foxes will have to alter their usual game plan in their next couple of matches. Swansea have nothing to play for but they are pesky opponents. They definitely have the capability of spoiling the home party. With Vardy, a Leicester win would have been very probable. Without him, the Foxes will still prove difficult to break down but they need to get the odd goal to make the difference. Many will look to Mahrez to provide the inspiration and although the Algerian has been quiet in the last few matches, he has the quality to break down the visitors. I think the home team will win this match by the minimum score.

For a value punt, I am looking no further than Sunderland hosting Arsenal. Wenger's men will go as heavy favourites with Alexis Sanchez in red-hot form. But this is an Allardyce-Wenger matchup and the Sunderland manager will relish breaking the flow of the Gunners' play as usual. Sunderland have good form going into this match and they badly need the points as well to get out of their current relegation predicament. Arsenal will choke again, I think, and the home team will either draw or win this, so a draw-no-bet on them looks good value.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 32

Aston Villa v/s Chelsea - Away win
Bournemouth v/s Man City - Away win
Arsenal v/s Watford - Home win
Norwich v/s Newcastle - Home win
Stoke v/s Swansea - Home win
Sunderland v/s WBA - Home win
West Ham v/s Crystal Palace - Away win
Liverpool v/s Spurs - Draw
Leicester v/s Southampton - Draw
Man Utd v/s Everton - Draw

Arsenal are in no position to lose points if they are to keep their slim hopes of winning the league. They must beat the likes of Watford at home. The visitors seem to have plateau-ed with main striker Ighalo drawing consistently blanks of late. The Gunners should have too much firepower and bag the all-important 3 points.

I really like Stoke's chances at home to Swansea. Mark Hughes' team are always solid at home although they can throw the odd dull performance. Swansea are pretty much safe from relegation and don't have much to play for; they are really seeing out their under-performing season and gear up for next year. On the other hand, the Potters have a small chance of a European spot and will have the motivation to get the full points. I see the home team edging this.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 23

Norwich v/s Liverpool - Away win
Crystal Palace v/s Tottenham - Home win
Leicester v/s Stoke - Home win
Man Utd v/s Southampton - Home win
Sunderland v/s Bournemouth - Home win
Watford v/s Newcastle - Home win
West Brom v/s Aston Villa - Home win
West Ham v/s Man City - Draw
Everton v/s Swansea - Home win
Arsenal v/s Chelsea - Home win

I see Watford's losing run coming to an end against Newcastle. Ighalo is due a goal soon and he could very well get one or more against a usually-suspect Newcastle defence which just got worse off with new injuries to Dummett and Mbabu. The Magpies will do well to snatch a point out of this encounter but I think Watford will outright win this.

Arsenal hosts Chelsea  but the fiery tempers will probably be tampered because the Special One won't be there anymore to face arch-nemesis Wenger. Arsenal are welcoming back Ozil and Sanchez which gives them much-needed ammunition for the title run-in. I see their free-flowing football causing a lot of trouble for Chelsea's old legs and I just can't see an away win here. Most likely, it's the hosts that will rejoice with the 3 points in the end.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 10

Aston Villa v/s Swansea - Home win
Leicester v/s Crystal Palace - Draw
Norwich v/s WBA - Home win
Stoke v/s Watford - Home win
West Ham v/s Chelsea - Draw
Arsenal v/s Everton - Draw
Sunderland v/s Newcastle - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Spurs - Away win
Man Utd v/s Man City - Home win
Liverpool v/s Southampton - Draw

Aston Villa look an excellent "draw-no-bet" option against Swansea. Both teams are in rotten form but there is an urgency for the Villains to get points on the board here; Tim Sherwood's time at the club is on the line. Villa are not playing as bad as their table position indicates and I cannot see them lose this one; I see it ending in a home win or a draw, hence the current draw-no-bet value looks very enticing.

Although they just lost in their Europa mid-week game, I like the chances of Spurs as they travel to Bournemouth. Harry Kane should be scoring sooner rather than later and it could be one of those games against lowly opposition where he finally gets his scoring touch back. Bournemouth are finding life more difficult in the Premier League with each passing week, as they should, and with their current injury setbacks, they will prove very vulnerable to teams of the likes of Spurs. I expect Tottenham to edge this.

Coronation for Man City

Sunday sees the curtain call to one of the most exciting and dramatic seasons of the EPL. In the end, Man City will win it because no-one can see them being beaten by West Ham at home on the last day. Here are some thoughts on the some of the fixtures of the ultimate day.

Cardiff v/s Chelsea. Cardiff will go down and Chelsea can at most look for 2nd place should Liverpool falter against Newcastle. Second place is not an enticing proposition to either Mourinho or the Blues at this time. Amazing, but Mourinho will finish the season empty-handed for the second time in a row, after last year's debacle at Real Madrid. That must be tough for someone that is driven by trophies like no other. Still, I cannot see Chelsea lose this match and a draw-no-bet on the visitors looks reasonable.

Hull v/s Everton. Don't expect Hull to go all guns blazing for a win here because they are bound to rest players for their upcoming FA Cup final against Arsenal. Everton have nothing to play for, having missed out on a UCL spot but will play in Europe next year. They will probably try to finish an excellent year on a high and a win at Hull does not look improbable at all.

Liverpool v/s Newcastle. Who'd thought before the season started that Liverpool will end up disappointed with a 2nd place finish? They should because they have blown it big time and wasted a glorious opportunity to win the league. I don't know if they'll have such an opportunity again in the near future. That said, they should easily dismiss of Newcastle on Sunday, but will all be aware that Man City will have gotten their required point against West Ham.

Man City v/s West Ham. Can City blow it? They almost blew it against QPR 2 seaons ago. They blew it against Wigan in last year's FA Cup final. They blew it against Sunderland at home a few weeks ago.  Mentally, they have lapses. But not getting at least a point at the Etihad against West Ham when the title is on the line, would be the greatest meltdown on all. I cannot see that happening. Vincent Kompany will lift the EPL trophy at the end of the day.

Southampton v/s Man Utd. I don't know what message interim manager Giggs was trying to send out when fielding newbies Wilson and Lawrence in their last home game? It almost seems as if he did not seem interested to give a chance of redemption for established players that have seen their stars dimmed during this catastrophic season. There is no doubt that this is a team at the end of a cycle that will undergo massive surgery in the off-season. On the other hand, the Saints have enjoyed an excellent season and are a force to reckon with at home. I like their chances as a draw-no-bet, knowing full well that they don't have anything to play for, while the Red Devils have an outside chance for a Europa League spot with a win.

Sunderland v/s Swansea. Even though they are safe after a fantastic last closing weeks, Sunderland should ride the great wave of momentum they are in and win their last home match against Swansea. I don't know how much the visitors have to rejoice at the appointment of interim manager Monk to the permanent position. I think they would have been better off with a proven manager. We'll see next season, but for this match, the form that Sunderland are in makes them impossible to oppose.

Tottenham v/s Aston Villa. I think that Spurs will get the last Europa spot. Although I was very skeptical from the start, I must say that Tim Sherwood has done a great job for them. There is definitely the vibes that he won't retain the position as Spurs, and particularly its chairman, want an established world-known name. They should beat a Villa team that has nothing to play for and should have less than full in the tank after their exertions at the Etihad in mid-week.


Win: Everton, Liverpool, Man City, Sunderland, Tottenham
Draw-no-bet: Chelsea, Southampton

EPL Week 31

Back in the fold after a nice rejuvenating break and ready to go for the fantastic sporting events ahead.
The EPL race looks as intriguing as ever and this week-end could see one of the main challengers going down for good; Arsenal face a near do-or-die scenario at Chelsea. Here are some of my thoughts on the upcoming matches.

Chelsea v/s Arsenal. I think this is the match that Chelsea boots away any remaining title hopes the Gunners are nurturing. The hosts are on an upward curve while Arsenal seem to be dragging their feet to the finish line. The problem with the Gunners are their thinning squad, with the likes of Walcott, Wilshere and Ozil all out. Although the Blues lost their last league game at Villa Park, I believe they were unlucky to be beaten by a fantastic but freak goal. They righted the ship by convincingly dispatching Galatasaray in the Champions League. I cannot see a Gunners win here and Chelsea are a strong draw-no-bet selection.

Cardiff v/s Liverpool. Ok, I admit it, Liverpool are title contenders. I thought their challenge would have petered out by now, but with S & S still clicking wonderfully, they will fancy their title charge until the end, hoping that Chelsea and Man City drop points. After all, they will hosts those 2 teams at Anfield in the remaining fixtures. I can't see a home win here and logically the Kops should take all the beating. The visitors are a Win selection.

Everton v/s Swansea. Everton left it late in injury time to win last week and I suspect their form is not as good as early in the season. They will relish facing a Swansea team that has lost its ways and could be pulled in a relegation fight if they cannot find a way to win. I don't see an away win here but am not overly convinced of a certain home win either. Everton is a draw-no-bet selection.

Hull v/s WBA. To stay in the top flight, Hull needs to win their home games against the likes of teams like West Brom. They have to make the most of their strong home record. West Brom won on the road last week but I can't see them repeating the same result, so Hull are a draw-no-bet selection.

Man City v/s Fulham. Even without Aguero, it's hard not to see a home win here.

Newcastle v/s Crystal Palace. Magpies boss Pardew will be on the stands and there is no confidence whatsoever to back Newcastle who have accumulated see-saw results following the loss of Cabaye during the January transfer window. I think this a match that Palace could steal the 3 points. Looking at the odds, I say cover the bases with Palace, and back them for the straight win and as a draw-no-bet. Or lay Newcastle.

Norwich v/s Sunderland. I feel the same with Sunderland as I do with Palace just above. I see them either winning or drawing this match.

West Ham v/s Man Utd. This game can go either way and much will depend on whether Man Utd have truly raised their game after beating Olympiakos in mid-week. I'm abstaining on this one.

Tottenham v/s Southampton. Staying in the clear on this one as well, although I think that the Saints can get a result there.

Villa v/s Stoke. Their spirits will have been raised after beating Chelsea at the same ground last week. Stoke are an inferior team to the Blues, so the Villains will be hoping for 3 vital points. I see the hosts as draw-no-bet selection.

Win: Liverpool, Man City, Crystal Palace, Sunderland
Draw-no-bet: Chelsea, Everton, Hull, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Aston Villa

EPL Week 25

It remains to be seen how crucial Chelsea's win at the Etihaad will be in the standings at the end of the season. It has certainly stopped Man City from crushing the league at this point. This week-end is a top 4 clash between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Liverpool v/s Arsenal. I certainly don't think any of the two will win the league. The way I see it at this point, is that the Gunners will come out 3rd. Whether the Kops get the UCL 4th spot much depends on how good the comeback from Man Utd will be, if ever there is a comeback, that is. Were it not for their current injuries, I would have fancied the hosts to be strong contenders for the win. There's a team spirit and a will to win that flows in this Liverpool team that wasn't there in previous years. Manager Rodgers has simply been outstanding playing his cards so far and has the S & S strike duo running to full effect. However, it remains to be seen whether a lack of recruitment during the January trade window will have effects during the season run-in. The Gunners have the talent to beat any team any time, but there are still question marks as to their disposition when the chips are on the line, as in Saturday's match. They have a potent attacking force and much of their chances of winning will depend on how well they can contain Suarez and Sturridge. If they can keep them quiet, Ozil and Cazorla can create damage on the other side of the pitch. It looks very much to be a battle of the wills that will win it and if there is to be a winner, I see the Reds just edging this one. It might very well end up in a high-scoring draw. So, the selection is Liverpool as a draw-no-bet.

Aston Villa v/s West Ham. The Villains have been shaping up well in the last few weeks and they are my confident selection for a home Win. I don't see West Ham parking the bus as against Chelsea a few weeks back as they will fancy their chances to go get a result.

Chelsea v/s Newcastle. Got to be a home Win. I cannot see a struggling Newcastle stopping an in-form, buoyant, and confident Blues team at the moment.

Crystal Palace v/s West Brom. It has been rewarding to side with Palace at home over the past weeks and I see the trend continue. They are solid at home and the Baggies are prone to be scored against. The Eagles are a draw-no-bet selection.

Norwich v/s Man City. Negredo and Dzeko were poor against Chelsea and missing Aguero is definitely a negative for the Citizens. The above duo usually are prolific against lesser opposition and I expect at least one of them to be on the score sheet in this game. City are a Win selection.

Southampton v/s Stoke. It looks like the Saints of old are back and they are a strong value Win selection. It tooks 2 incredible goals for the Potters to overcome Man Utd last week-end and I just don't fancy their luck prolong in this game.

Sunderland v/s Hull. The hosts are on the up and should get the critical 3 points against the struggling visitors. I am believer of the Poyet renaissance of the Black Cats and they will beat the drop in my estimate. Hull are struggling mightily on the road mainly due to their lack of firepower and are relying mainly on their home form for survival. Sunderland are a Win selection.

Tottenham v/s Everton. I have a feeling that the visitors will nick this but will sit on the fence on this one.

Man Utd v/s Fulham. If the Red Devils cannot beat Fulham at Old Trafford, then they should not even be talking of a Top 6 finish. In my books, Fulham are going down. This should be a home win with RVP, Rooney and Mata relishing a possible goals galore.

Win: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man City, Southampton, Sunderland, Man Utd

Draw-no-bet: Liverpool, Crystal Palace

EPL Week 24

This week-end's fixtures look very even matched, so I won't be surprised if there are lots of draw results on the cards. Here are some of my views.

Newcastle v/s Sunderland. This northern derby will pit 2 teams with opposing momentum. Newcastle are looking for a new lease of life at the moment and the departure of Cabaye to PSG has been a big blow to their European aspirations. Sunderland are riding an upward wave since the arrival of Gus Poyet and I have a strong feeling that they will avoid relegation altogether. At current odds, they are a value draw-no-bet.

West Ham v/s Swansea. These are 2 awful teams really. There is no confidence whatsoever backing any of them and a draw looks the likeliest result. Avoid.

Cardiff v/s Norwich. The hosts have gotten to find back their ruthless form at home if they are to avoid relegation. New manager Solksjaer hasn't had the impact many expected and it remains to be seen if new recruits Fabio and Zaha can help him steer the sinking ship right. At current prices, it might be worth a punt to go for a straight Cardiff victory here, as the Canaries are poor on the road.

Everton v/s Aston Villa. I was surprised of the tame effort Martinez's team put in the derby at Liverpool. They will be without Lukaku for a few weeks. Villa are coming off a huge thriller of a win against WBA and they will definitely be causing problems to the hosts. The Villains are however an inconsistent bunch that are capable of the best and worst displays. For risk-takers, there is value going for a draw here.

Fulham v/s Southampton. Just my opinion, but an early assessment makes me think that the Cottagers will go down at the end of the season. Chances are that they will lose Berbatov to Monaco by today's transfer deadline. The Saints showed that they are not far from peak form by sharing the spoils with Arsenal in the previous game week. With the same kind of spirited display, they should be able to take at least a point from this travel. They are a strong draw-no-bet selection.

Hull v/s Tottenham. Could go either way. Avoiding.

Stoke v/s Man Utd. I mentioned last week that the only way is up for Man Utd, following the arrivals of Mata and the returns from injury of Rooney and RVP. I see them getting the 3 points here as they try to climb up the table. They are a Win selection.

WBA v/s Liverpool. While I was impressed with West Brom's attacking prowess at Villa Park on Wednesday, the same could not be same of their defence, which leaked 4 goals in the defeat. I can easily fathom Suarez and Sturridge relishing this contest. I think goals will abound and in the end, with their flying form, Liverpool should be at the right end of the result. The Kops are a value Win selection at current odds.

Man City v/s Chelsea. That's the most important game of the season at this point. A 6-pointer. The Citizens will be missing Aguero but they have so many other attacking weapons that they will not fret over his injury. Chelsea got stopped by West Ham last week and it would not be surprising if they fail to find the net again. Mourinho will have them ready for this game but mind games or mental strength might not be enough against the most potent attacking force in the world at the moment. I cannot see City lose this game and while in the end the spoils might be split, I see value going with the Citizens as a draw-no-bet.


Win: Cardiff, Man Utd, Liverpool
Draw-no-bet: Sunderland, Southampton, Man City
Draw: Everton/Aston Villa

EPL Week 23

The name all week, particularly for Man Utd fans, has been Mata, Mata, Mata. The arrival of the Spaniard is a game-changer; while it will be too late for their title charge this year, he will definitely be a huge asset in their hunt for 4th place( aka UCL spot) and in the coming years. Man Utd should have a much better second-half to the season with the coming of Mata and the returns of RVP and Rooney. Week 23 starts in a couple of hours, and here are my thoughts.

Man Utd v/s Cardiff. I said it above; the impending returns of RVP and Rooney, together with a playmaker like Mata gives Man Utd considerable attacking options. If these 3 can stay fit and play together, there is no doubt that the potency is their for them to open defences at will. I think Mata's arrival will have given the whole Mancunian squad a lift this week and they are definitely a confident Win selection against a struggling Cardiff side.

Norwich v/s Newcastle. The Magpies have just lost playmaker Cabaye to PSG and this does not bode well with them. The Frenchman was their main source of inspiration in midfield and I think they will mightily struggle to cope with his absence. Norwich can pounce here. I see the hosts edging this and they look to be a solid value Win bet.

Southampton v/s Arsenal. This is going to be a tough game for Arsenal. Soton are no push-overs at home and seem to be regaining some of their early-season form. It's my opinion only, but I think that Arsenal will not be able to cope with the pace that Man City and Chelsea are about to set at the top of the table. At current odds, I see the Gunners as big lays for the title as I confidently think that they will not be able to match up with the big 2 above. I see them dropping points in this match too. Soton is a value draw-no-bet proposition at current odds.

Swansea v/s Fulham. The hosts have been expensive to back for some time now. This could be the game that changes things for them. They need a big W and there are not many worse travelling teams than the Cottagers. If Laudrup's team cannot win this one, they should never be backed again this year. They are a Win selection for this match.

Crystal Palace v/s Hull. I believe CP will avoid the drop this year because manager Pulis has put in the expected tactical discipline in the team. That said, Hull is a danger on the road with their ability to score and close shop. Best to avoid, although I think that CP might edge this one.

Liverpool v/s Everton. Both are rocked by injuries and both are fighting for 4th place. This looks set to be a tight encounter and if there is to be a winner, it should come from the home side. So, the Kops are a draw-no-bet selection.

Chelsea v/s West Ham. Eyes closed, this will be a Blues win.

Sunderland v/s Stoke. This Sunderland team has a resilience in it. It can make dramatic come-backs and can score against the most rigid defence. It will have had a massive boost by going to win Carling Cup final qualification at Old Trafford last week. I like their chances as a draw-no-bet against an average Stoke team.

Tottenham v/s Man City.
Ok, I'm not 100% behind the Tim Sherwood Spurs revolution yet. Maybe if they beat City... The Citizens are scoring at will but this will be a much difficult task than the likes of Watford, Cardiff or West Ham. It's impossible to oppose them in the attacking form they are at the moment. Spurs have their work cut out for them and will need to be ruthless in the chances they are going to create. Man City are a draw-no-bet selection.

Win: Man Utd, Swansea, Norwich
Draw-no-bet: Southampton, Liverpool, Sunderland, Man City

EPL Week 22

This gameweek is all about Man Utd's visit to Chelsea in what is a make-or-break game for the Red Devils. Lose, and they are definitely out of the title race.

Chelsea v/s Man Utd. The Mancunians are going to Stamford Bridge at the worst possible time. They are without their 2 best players in Rooney and RVP. They will meet a Chelsea team that is now playing under the Mourinho way, i.e, score and close shop. The odds are that the already-slim title chances that the Red Devils have, will be all but extinct after the match. It's hard to see them inflict a first home league defeat to Mourinho, but if there is a team that has the spirit to do it, it must be Man Utd. Of late, their away form has been solid when it counted. They put 5 at Leverkusen when everyone thought they would be in for a tough match. If they start firing with accuracy and balls go their way, they can get a result in any game. They've got to get the crucial first goal to have a chance of upsetting Chelsea. Lots of ifs. This match might very well end up in a draw, and looking at the market, my selection is a draw-no-bet on Chelsea.

Sunderland v/s Southampton. It's not been a rosy week for the Saints with the shock departure of their chairman and uncertainty concerning the future of their Argentine coach. Sunderland are a team on the up and if they get consistency in their results, they can avoid the drop. With momentum starting to swing their way, the Black Cats are a value draw-no-bet selection.

Arsenal v/s Fulham. Straight home win to keep the Gunners title aspirations on target.

Crystal Palace v/s Stoke. CP were beaten at White Hart Lane last week but the result could have been different if they had converted a first-half penalty. Stoke conceded 5 against Liverpool at the Brittania and will be keen to tighten things at the back to keep the hosts in check. I can hardly see CP lose this match, so I will go with them as a draw-no-bet as well.

Man City v/s Cardiff. It will be a Man City win, and the question is by how much.

Norwich v/s Hull. I see value in going with the visitors with a +1 goal advantage here (equal score is void). They are a well-organized, resilient team on the road, and will be fighting mightily for an all-important point.

West Ham v/s Newcastle. Best to avoid although I could see the Magpies ending their losing run.

Liverpool v/s Aston Villa. This should be a home win, and with the S & S strikeforce back, Liverpool can cause damage to any team.

Swansea v/s Tottenham. I see the poor run of the hosts ending here. At least, I don't think they'll lose that game and looking at current odds, they are a strong value draw-no-bet selection.

West Brom v/s Everton. Can go any result.

Win: Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool
Draw-no-bet: Chelsea, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Swansea.
+1 goal: Hull.

EPL Week 20

Happy New Year 2014 everyone! Wishing everyone a successful coming year, in and outside the punting arena. Some thoughts on the New Year's EPL matches.

Swansea v/s Man City. Swansea are currently on a winless streak that is mostly due to a horrendous injury list that includes their star striker Michu. They have been missing an out-and-out striker that can poach crucial goals like the Spaniard used to last season. Man City have been doing a lot better on their travels of late after having compiled a very poor away record during the first months. They will be missing playmaker Silva but their squad is big enough to cope with any loss at any position. I think it might be worth playing it from a tight-match angle and have the visitors as a draw-no-bet and have Swansea with a +1 goal handicap (draw is void).

Arsenal v/s Cardiff. This should end in a home win no matter what resilience Cardiff can come up with.

Crystal Palace v/s Norwich. I am probably of a minority, but I seriously believe that Crystal Palace are going to avoid relegation this season. The reason is new manager Pulis who's managed to get 3 wins already since his appointment. This is a 6-pointer for both teams, and I fancy the hosts as a draw-no-bet.

Fulham v/s West Ham. This will probably end in a draw or a home win. Best to avoid as the forms of both teams cannot be relied in any way.

Liverpool v/s Hull City. Suarez has been blanked for the past 2 matches and it would take a brave man to see him off the score-sheet in this one. Hull are mighty at home and well organized on the road. However, class should prevail here and it's hard to see the Kops being beaten at home, after 2 tough away defeats. Liverpool is a home win selection.

Southampton v/s Chelsea. This looks set to be a close one and I don't think there will be more than a goal separating the teams. Best to avoid as the result can go any way.

Sunderland v/s Aston Villa. The hosts are enjoying a revival under Poyet and this is a match they will be keen to get full points to avoid staying in the relegation limelight. Villa are woeful at the moment and cannot be backed in any way. I like Sunderland as a draw-no-bet in this one.

West Brom v/s Newcastle. I think the Baggies are under-valued in the current market. Last game week, I went against Newcastle when they hosted Arsenal and I think it worth to lay against them again this week. West Brom are a solid team at home and they look to be good value as draw-no-bet.

Man Utd v/s Tottenham.  The fortunes of the Red Devils seems to have turned for the better for the past weeks and they seem to be getting the rubber of the green, something they lacked in the prior games. I cannot see them lose this match and if Rooney makes it in the starting line-up, they could very well get full points. They are a win selection for good value, but if a safe route is preferred, then a draw-no-bet looks a safe selection.


Win: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd
Draw-no-bet: Man City, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, West Brom
+1: Swansea

EPL Week 19

This is the part of the season where having a real squad can make a difference in winning and losing matches. With so many games in such a short span and injuries invariably mounting, managers need to get their rotations right.

West Ham v/s West Brom. This looks like a drab draw in the making. The Hammers are beset by injuries and goals look set to be hard to come by. The Baggies are still manager-less but would have been happy to snatch a point at White Hart Lane on Boxing Day. If this game is to decide a winner, it looks to be by the minimum goal but chances are that a draw is the likeliest result.

Aston Villa v/s Swansea. Another game with 2 teams with awful form. Both are playing without their star players in Benteke and Michu. Best to avoid.

Man City v/s Crystal Palace. Although the Eagles are enjoying a renewal since Pulis took over, there isn't a more difficult place to go than the Etihad. They will retain some hope to get at least something out of the game with the knowledge that they almost kept Chelsea in check at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. After beating Liverpool, the hosts will need to retain their focus to play a weaker team and get the necessary full points. It might be easier said than done, but in the end, City have the best squad in the league and should have the necessary resources to get the win.

Norwich v/s Man Utd. I think the Red Devils are a little exposed here. They had to tough it out to win at Hull on Boxing Day and this is going to be another hard game. They will be thin at right-back with Valencia picking up a rather stupid late red card. Carrow Road is a place they have struggled over the past years. The Canaries are beset by a few injuries at the moment but they still battle hard at home. I think it might be worth to go with the hosts with a +1 handicap at current market odds.

Cardiff v/s Sunderland. Cardiff have just lost their manager and this does not bode well for the visit of Black Cats who will be invigorated after their latest away win at Everton. The momentum is clearly with Sunderland and I see them as a value draw-no-bet selection.

Newcastle v/s Arsenal. Newcastle are in flying form and I might be wrong, but I believe their current 5th position flatters them a bit. They are a Top 10 side, but definitely not Top 6. The Gunners can make them crash down to earth on any day, but they will be missing mercurial midfielder Aaron Ramsey, their best player since the start of the season. The good news for Arsenal is the return of striker Podolski after a 4-month absence. At current market odds, I like Arsenal as a draw-no-bet.

Chelsea v/s Liverpool. Can Brendan Rodgers, an old assistant to Mourinho, be the one to end the Portuguese's invincible league record at Stamford Bridge? On paper, it looks tough for that to happen since they will be missing Gerrard and Sturridge. The Kops came out enhanced in their Boxing Day defeat at the Etihad and they will have to produce another strong performance to overcome the hosts. I think a draw is the likeliest outcome and if there is to be a winner, it will probably be the hosts. Chelsea is a draw-no-bet selection.

Tottenham v/s Stoke. Still undecided on this Spurs side under Tim Sherwood, so will stay on the fence watching their next few games to come up on an opinion on which direction their season will be going.


Win: Man City
Draw-no-bet: Sunderland, Arsenal, Chelsea
+1 Goal: Norwich.

EPL preview

Back from the bore of international breaks and to the resumption of an ever exciting EPL. Some thoughts on some of the matches:

Everton v/s Liverpool. The Merseyside Derby looks to produce fireworks and it would not be surprising if it ended up in a draw. The Toffees are enjoying a good spell under Martinez and will certainly have the benefit of home advantage. Liverpool will be relying on Suarez as usual and the fact that he has been rushed from international duty from the Southern Hemisphere is a concern regarding mental and physical sharpness for such an explosive game. The value is to have Everton as a draw-no-bet, in my opinion.

Arsenal v/s Southampton. The hosts will be all too aware that the Saints cannot be underestimated at any cost. Southampton have garnered points at Anfield and Old Trafford and can foil the best teams in the league. The Gunners will again count on the explosive duo of Ozil and Ramsey to make the difference. They will also benefit from the return of Walcott on the flanks. I think the Gunners will definitely get something out of the game and a confident draw-no-bet proposition as well.

Fulham v/s Swansea. The home side has been the major disappointment of the campaign so far. It remains to be seen whether the arrival of ex-coach Muelensteen will make the desired impact. Swansea have shown disappointing form of late and will be keen to end a run of 3 EPL games without a win. At current odds and with some element of risk, the visitors look good value as draw-no-bet.

Hull v/s Crystal Palace. Hull needs to get maximum points out of encounters of this sort if they are to survive relegation. They look for draws on their away travels but at home they will not get easier opponents than the manager-less Eagles. It might be close, but in the end, I see the Tigers getting full points. They are a Win selection.

Stoke v/s Sunderland. If ever there is a game that is to go goal-less or draw during the week-end, it's this one. If there is to be a winner, it could be any of them. To avoid or to play it as a draw.

Cardiff v/s Man Utd. Cardiff has scraped through a couple of wins at home thanks to goals from set-pieces. The Red Devils will have to ensure they disable the threats of dead ball situations to get away with 3 valuable points here. They must if they are to keep in touch with the league leaders and confirm the renaissance of the last couple of weeks. Rooney and RVP are in great form and although they might be a little short in central midfield, the Red Devils should have too much fire-power for the Welsh outfit. The visitors are a Win selection.

Win: Man Utd, Hull
Draw-no-bet: Swansea, Arsenal, Everton

European football preview

The directive that started months ago to keep on piling on Man Utd for the league continues un-abated this week-end as they stand a great chance of further widening the gap at the top. They will most certainly beat a manager-less Reading while City are not sure to come un-scathed from their visit to Everton. Here are my week-end picks.

Man Utd v/s Reading. No contest there, goals should be aplenty with the strikers in red looking for a field day. Van Persie has been quiet of late, so this is an ideal platform for him to bang them in. Easy Win selection for the hosts.

Aston Villa v/s QPR. A 6-pointer between 2 teams fighting relegation. Villa are better than their current position suggests and will be keen to add an important 3 points to their tally. QPR have won 2 games in a row, which must have buoyed them greatly in their bid to secure what seemed an unlikely survival in the top flight just a few weeks ago. This game can really go either way and I feel the game will be decided on a decisive action on either side. Better sit and watch this one.

Everton v/s Man City. The visitors will be missing captain Kompany and striker Aguero. Everton were shocked at home to Wigan in the FA Cup last week and manager Moyes will be keen to right the ship, to keep their faint hopes for a Top 4 finish alive. Everton have a good record at home and I believe they will seriously test the Citizens. I fancy them with a +1 goal handicap.

Southampton v/s Liverpool. The Kops are the team form of the moment with striker Suarez in sparkling form. The hosts are far from easy meat at home where they've beaten top teams and even Man Utd needed late goals from Van Persie to secure a win over there. The Saints are not safe from relegation yet and they will rely every bit on striker Lambert to cause havoc at the other end. I like Southampton with a +1 goal advance here as well.

Sunderland v/s Norwich. I would be very surprised if the hosts were to lose this one. That's 3 points for them to take and a draw-no-bet on Sunderland looks to be the value punt of the week-end.

Wigan v/s Newcastle. Again here, I cannot see the visitors winning this. They had a hard Thursday game against Anzhi, which they won well at the death. Wigan can certainly win this one, although there's also value going draw-no-bet with them for a safer outcome.

In La Liga, I see wins for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Real Sociedad is a draw-no-bet selection at home to Vallaloid.

In Germany, Dortmund should win at home to Freiburg. Bayern Munich are a draw-no-bet selection on their away trip to Leverkusen.

Win: Man Utd, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Dortmund
+1 Goal: Everton, Southampton
Draw-no-bet: Sunderland, Wigan, Real Sociedad, Bayern Munich

EPL preview

Here's hoping this weekd-end's selections turn out to be as good as last week's.

Everton v/s Reading. While the title is already decided, the fight to avoid relegation is very much up for grabs. Reading is one of the favourites to go down and my belief at the moment is that they will indeed drop. They have found it hard to find consistent good form all season and unless they can come up with a string of good results, I fear they don't have what it takes to stay in the Premier League. They can score boat loads of goals on their best day, but they can equally concede in multiples. This is a must-three points for Everton if they are to fight for a Top 6 finish. The good news for the Toffees is the return of Fellaini; without him, they lack that sparkle up front. Everton is a Win recommendation.

Man Utd v/s Norwich. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that the Red Devils will not be at full strength against the Canaries. Most of their thoughts will be on the upcoming UCL match against Real Madrid next Tuesday. Ferguson will be keen not to suffer any stupid, last-minute injuries against the visitors, given that the league is already in the pocket. I don't expect a vintage Utd display and while they might have to work for it, it's hard not to see Man Utd win at the end. It might be best to avoid this game altogether, but if you need a go at it, a win on the Mancunians is the selection.

Stoke v/s West Ham. The hosts will be missing defensive lynchpin Robert Huth due to suspension and this might play to the advantage of Andy Carroll for the visitors.Although the Potters have been disappointing of late, they are still a good force to be reckoned with at home. Stoke are a draw-no-bet selection.

Sunderland v/s Fulham. It seems that Sunderland are a team that need to be re-built as Martin O'Neill does not seem to be able to improve them any further. I believe they will end up in the middle of the table. Fulham also will have major questions to answer after a disappointing season, their only highlight having been their recruit ace Berbatov. Home advantage speaks here and Sunderland are the value draw-no-bet of the week-end.

Tottenham v/s Arsenal. Who's the best 3rd player in the world after Messi and Ronaldo? Many will say Iniesta or Neymar. I say Gareth Bale. As he showed against West Ham earlier this week, he can win a match on his own. His current form is spectacular and he's only going to get better. If he leaves Spurs for better skies, Tottenham will certainly a much weaker team. If they cannot control the Welsh wizard, Arsenal look set to have a long afternoon in front of them. As in previous editions, this match looks destined to have many goals. Both sides have potent attacks and quite generous defences. I will side with the home team as a draw-no-bet here.


Win: Everton, Man Utd
Draw-no-bet: Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham

EPL Wednesday

Tough-looking EPL games on Wednesday where the forms of many of the teams involved are very exposed. It would not be surprising if at least two of the four scheduled games ended up in draws.

Aston Villa v/s Newcastle. These teams are going through some tough patch lately and both managers are under severe pressure to start getting results. There are not worse teams in the league and they both should really be in mid-division and not fighting to stave off relegation. At some point, they are bound to embark on string of successful results after a prolonged poor sequence. This could very well end up with a draw or in Aston Villa's favour. They have a very good budding striker in Benteke who has the power and talent to exploit the weaknesses of the visitors' defence. Newcastle has added to their ranks in the transfer window and while this might help in the long run, the new recruits are bound to need some acclimatisation time to fit it. At current value, it looks worth to have the hosts at draw-no-bet.

QPR v/s Man City. I have a rising belief that Man City will not win the league again this season and that it will go to the red part of Manchester. That said, Man City should prove too good for the hosts in this one. The latter got dumped out of the FA Cup by a low level team, which prompted manager Redknapp to concede that his team was a shambles. The indications are there that even himself will not be able to turn around the club and relegation is a distinct possibility. The arrival of the Citizens can only complicate things; City are finding their form at the moment and were convincing winners at Stoke in the FA Cup over the week-end. They look to be a safe draw-no-bet.

The other 2 games, Stoke v/s Wigan and Sunderland v/s Swansea are really up for grabs. Stoke have been horrible of late and cannot be backed on recent form. Swansea will pose Sunderland problems with marksman Michu always a goal-scoring threat. A draw looks very probable on the cards for both matches in my opinion.

Draw-no-bet: Man City, Aston Villa