Football Betting - 16th October 2010

With a decent amount of success during the Interlull (with a shocking Northern Ireland performance and Robbie Keane errors robbing us of 3 or more wins), I’m pushing ahead with this.

The Premiership is back with plenty of tight looking matches. STOKE have recovered impressively from a slow start to the season and might be able to grab another three points at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton’s defence has looked shaky at times and the in from Kenywne Jones may just the win for Stoke, who have only won one of the last eight league meetings with Bolton but are unbeaten in their last six games played in October in the Premier League, winning four and drawing two. With a tight game in store, back Stoke with the draw no bet at 6/4 general.

Tottenham will arrive at FULHAM on Saturday knowing a win could temporarily send them as high as third, level on points with second-placed Manchester City. However, they do have the tough test of Inter Milan at the San Siro to come and don’t have a great record at Fulham (Fulham are unbeaten in their last eight home league games against Spurs).

Their never-say-die spirit has enabled them to maintain an unbeaten start to the season and they are well enough organised to be able to repel Spurs. Given that 6 out of their 7 games have been draws, it’s well worth backing the draw at decent odds and having a sneaky bet on Fulham draw no bet at 11/10.

Manchester United’s form has been iffy of late and maybe now is the best time for West Brom, who had the pace to get a win at Arsenal, who allowed them to play. United, at fortress Old Trafford, won’t be so obliging though, and it’s worth remembering that the defence/goalkeeper simply handed them that win and this will be harder. It’s not easy to predict, but a 3-1 win for Manchester United may not be out of the reckoning at a big looking 9/1, while they should be leading at half time, so that’s worth backing at 8/11.

It was easy to berate WIGAN at the beginning of this season but they have really picked up of late and I see no reason why they should be as big as 7/2 at St Jame’s Park. Newcastle have lost their last two games in the league, their last two games at home (to Blackpool and Stoke) and look dodgy odds-on chances to me who can be taken on by a side with an unbeaten away record this season, including a 1-0 win at Tottenham, so back Wigan and also Wigan, Draw no bet.

West Ham are finally beginning to gather some momentum after a slow start under Avram Grant, but they may find that Wolves need to bite back as they have to play Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in their four following fixtures. West Ham have the most confidence at the moment but are hardly worth backing and the DRAW looks standout. Wolves/Draw is worth chancing in the half-time/full-time market at 14/1, as they can make a fast start and will need to.

Over in Spain, it looks like a top night again in La Liga. Before we get stuck into Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia, it stands out that ATHELTICO MADRID have only dropped points at the Mestalla, against Barcelona and at the Ramos Sanchen (Sevilla) and are well worth backing against Getafe, despite the visitors being on a run of form of some sorts and the home side being on a poor run of form.

On Saturday evening, Barcelona face their sternest examination of the season to date when they have to meet Valencia at the Camp Nou. It’s a super tight game to predict, with many factors in favour of each team.

On Valencia’s side, Guardiola has a mediocre record of getting the best from his players following international breaks, winning only three of ten fixtures coming back from such disruptions, and if Hercules can beat them, then why not Valencia?

On the other hand, this is the third season in succession, Valencia travel up to the Camp Nou in decent shape and looking for some answers about just how good they are. On the previous two occasions, they returned defeated and deflated.

In a game which is too tight to predict on many levels, goals look assured and backing over 3.5 goals might just bring about rewards, especially if Valencia can get in on the scoring act.

The bet of the day however, may well be at La Roselda, where Malaga haven’t earned a single point all year yet have taken maximum points on the road. Just as the critics were ready to groan at the monotonous nature of REAL MADRID’S progress this season, they exploded into life prior to the international break, recording a thumping 6-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.

Jose Mourinho’s side have been very tight at the back this season and even when dropping points have not conceded, so Real to win to nil tonight is too good to miss at 5/4 with bwin on Oddschecker.

Recommendations

Stoke to win draw no bet (6/4 general)

Fulham and Spurs to draw (23/10 Totesport)

Fulham to win draw no bet (11/10 Skybet)

Manchester United to win 3/1 (9/1 10/1 general)

Manchester United to lead at half time (8/111 Stan James)

Wigan to beat Newcastle (4/1 general)

Wigan to beat Newcastle draw no bet (11/4)

Wolves and Wigan to draw (23/10 Coral)

Wolves/Draw Half Time/Full Time (14/1 general)

Athletico Madrid to beat Getafe (10/11 Bet365)

Over 3.5 goals in Barcelona v Valencia (13/10 Bwin)

Real Madrid to win to nil at Malaga (5/4 with Bwin)