April 28 2005

Premiership

Once upon a time, when I was just a little betting genius, I first discovered the phrase, "Do not believe everything you read." That advice is as relevant today as it was back then, writes Gerry McDonnell.

Over the last week, fanciful newspaper headlines have included, 'Chelsea will sign Adriano', 'Man U to snap up Shaun Wright-Phillips' and 'Birmingham City to sign a player who isn't awaiting trial'.

Another example of over zealous journalism is the hysterical reaction to Wayne Rooney's volley last week. It was a good goal, but it certainly wasn't one of the greatest goals ever scored; I've scored far better volleys in my back garden.

If you believe I'm wrong, you can take Paddy Power's offer of 2/5 about the wonder-boy's cracker being named goal of the season by the BBC.

Rio Ferdinand made the front pages on Wednesday, as news broke of a fracas outside a bar. It was alleged that Rio struck a photographer with a bag of CDs which may or may not have included the Crash Test Dummies and Johnny Cash. You can back Rio to break another 'record' this week; he can be backed at 12/1 with Skybet to score his first United goal against Charlton.

Football is not life or death, it's much more impotent.

Birmingham v Blackburn is a match that would have Bill Shankly turning in his grave. Paul Dickov, Andy Todd and Robbie 'which way is Wales?'

Savage will square up against Jermaine Pennant, Walter Pandiani and Emile 'that goes down easily' Heskey. As Blackburn appear to be revelling in their bad boy status and Birmingham are still seething over the Savage transfer, it's a recipe for disaster. Betfred are offering 3/1 about any player being sent off, and that's colossal.

Craig Bellamy has been making more friends; after offering Clyde players summer work in his garden to supplement their income; he has now turned on Alan Shearer. The Geordie legend received the following text message: 'Your legs are gone, you're too old and you're too slow.'

Super Soccer believe Bellamy may have a point, they offer Even money about Shearer scoring against Crystal Palace, and 8/11 that the old fellow draws a blank.

We already knew that he was a World class talent, and his cracking goal for Man United last week has certainly justified all the hype. You should back Wes Brown to score again this week, a 16/1 shot at Skybet.

Quote of the week:

"I am not sure if they are instructed, but it's looking sinister to me."

Alex Ferguson manages to keep a straight face discussing United's 'lack'

of penalties.

Super Soccer Special bets of the week:

"Who shot, J.R." - Jamie Redknapp to score at anytime 9/2

"P.G. tips" - Paul Gallagher to score with a header 12/1

"K.P. nuts" - Kevin Phillips to score with a header 6/1

"Quarrel and R.D." - Richard Dunne to be sent off 33/1

Not to put too fine a Punt on it:

Man City: Pompey have nothing to play for; Man City are fighting for the Psycho. Pile into the 5/6 offered by Stanleybet.

Acc's murderer:

Birmingham to draw

Everton

Man City

Newcastle

Southampton

The five fold pays over 50/1 with Paddy Power.

Weekend Betting:

Birmingham v Blackburn Saturday 30th April 15.00

Birmingham 6/5 Super Soccer

Draw 9/4 UK Betting

Blackburn 5/2 Skybet

Get on: Draw

It was 3-3 at Ewood Park, and surprisingly that's goals, not red cards.

This one's nil-nil.

Match Special:

Any player to be sent off 3/1 @ Betfred

Fulham v Everton Saturday 30th April 15.00

Fulham 15/8 Bet Direct

Draw 9/4 Super Soccer

Everton 6/4 Paddy Power

Get on: Everton

If Everton finish fourth, it will be the achievement of the season.

Three points today should wrap it up.

Match Special:

Duncan Ferguson to score the last goal 13/2 @ BET 365

Liverpool v Middlesbrough Saturday 30th April

15.00

Liverpool 8/11 BET 365

Draw 5/2 Bet Direct

Middlesbrough 5/1 Skybet

Get on: Liverpool

Liverpool have bean beaten away from home on ten occasions this season, a stat that puts them on a par with Norwich and West Brom.

Unfortunately for Boro, eleven wins at home puts them in Arsenal territory.

Match Special:

Liverpool to win by two or more goals 2/1 @ Stan James

Man City v Portsmouth Saturday 30th April 15.00

Man City 5/6 Stanleybet

Draw 12/5 Super Soccer

Portsmouth 10/3 Stan James

Get on: Man City

Pompey are still celebrating the derby walk-over; Man City are the nap

of the week.

Match Special:

Man City to score four or more goals 8/1 @ Betfred

Newcastle v Crystal Palace Saturday 30th April 15.00

Newcastle 10/11 Super Soccer

Draw 5/2 Stanleybet

Crystal Palace 7/2 UK Betting

Get on: Newcastle

Palace are fighting hard for survival, but St James' Park is a tough place to get a result, 1-0 to the Toon Army.

Match Special:

Newcastle to win 1-0 6/1 @ William Hill

Southampton v Norwich Saturday 30th April 15.00

Southampton 6/5 Stanleybet

Draw 12/5 Super Soccer

Norwich 5/2 Sporting Odds

Get on: Southampton

The team that loses is as good as down. That team is Norwich.

Match Special:

Southampton to score three or more goals 4/1 @ Super

Soccer

Bolton v Chelsea Saturday 30th April 17.15

Live on Sky

Bolton 10/3 Skybet

Draw 5/2 Skybet

Chelsea Evs Super Soccer

Get on: Draw

Bolton managed a draw at the Bridge, after going two goals down. As Chelsea have the title pretty much in the bag, the Trotters can take another point off the Champions.

Match Special:

Match to finish 1-1 13/2 @ Skybet

Tottenham v Aston Villa Sunday 1st May 13.00 Live on PPV

Tottenham Evs Bet Direct

Draw 12/5 Paddy Power

Aston Villa 3/1 Sporting Odds

Get on: Draw

Villa have drawn their last two; make that three.

Match Special:

Robbie Keane to score the last goal 5/1 @ Skybet

Charlton v Man Utd Sunday 1st May 16.05 Live on Sky

Charlton 9/2 Boylesports

Draw 13/5 Super Soccer

Man Utd 8/11 Bet Direct

Get on: Man Utd

The recent form table (over the last six games) reveals United are in a lowly 12th place and Charlton are bottom of the pile. That stat equals an away win.

Match Special:

Man Utd to score four or more goals 6/1 @ Super Soccer

West Brom v Arsenal Monday 2nd May 20.00 Live on Sky

West Brom 9/2 Skybet

Draw 13/5 Super Soccer

Arsenal 8/11 Bet Direct

Get on: Arsenal

The Albion incredibly managed a draw at Highbury, but lightning does not strike twice. (Apologies to those who have been struck by lightning on two or more occasions.) Match Special:

Arsenal to score five or more goals 20/1 @ Super Soccer