POSTED: 17 May, 2013

Doing the Double!

Well they say football is a funny old game and didn’t last week’s FA Cup provide a shock. Wigan were 10.0 to win the game against Man City and win it they did with a last minute winner. As it was the only goal of the game, my prediction of Over the Goals did not give us any return.

So onto this weekend and the last gameweek of the English Premier League season. We know United are already Champions and after Wigan lost at Arsenal we now know they took the last relegation spot. So the main thing left to play for is the 4th place spot and importantly the last Champions League spot. Just one point divides the current 4th placed Arsenal and 5th placed Spurs. Arsenal who have the destiny in their own hands travel to Newcastle who are now safe, while Spurs host Sunderland. Personally I can’t see either side slipping up, so if the two sides win it will be Arsenal to finish in the all-important 4th spot.

So my pick is a both sides to win in a double, which pays 2.04.

Another bet I like is the overs in the Liverpool v QPR game, unfortunately the bookies view it the same way and are priced at 1.40.

Pick – Arsenal and Spurs both to win this weekend @2.04

POSTED: 17 May, 2013

Desperation for Spurs

It must have been hard for Tottenham to swallow that bitter pill that Arsenal gave them when the Gunners thumped Wigan Athletic 4-1.

This has resulted in a one-point lead for Arsene Wenger’s men for the coveted fourth spot in the Premier League.

Spurs still have a chance to steal that, but they will need divine intervention.

First, they must take care of business and beat Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

In reality, they should easily handle the Black Cats like they did in the earlier fixture – winning 2-1.

However, the stakes are rather large in this end of the season and Andre Villas-Boas may not only end up losing the CL spot if they fail to get three points.

I reckon that Gareth Bale will still look for greener pastures if Spurs do not reach the top four.

However, for the particular match, which kicks off at the same time Arsenal face Newcastle United, Spurs should be able to get three points.

And as soon as that match is over, they will surely be glued to the tube and hope that the struggling Magpies at least get a point to see them through to Europe’s biggest stage.

They may not be too hopeful, though, as in their last meeting at the Emirates, Arsenal put on a show as they beat Newcastle 7-3. And with the Gunners going unbeaten in their last nine league games against a team that has won only one in their last five, it isn’t looking real good for AVB’s squad.

Picks: Tottenham win @ 1.89 (with -1.5 handicap) and Arsenal win @ 1.96 (with -1.0 handicap)

POSTED: 17 May, 2013

Kings of Madrid

All roads lead to Santiago Bernabeu for a final clash between local rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to determine who will lift the 2013 Copa del Rey crown.

Despite Real having the advantage of playing at home, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are trying to keep it a level playing field by only allotting 30,000 tickets for both squads.

Both squads have taken relatively tough matches to book their places in the final. Real had to overcome La Liga champions Barcelona in the semis and beat their opponents 4-2 on aggregate.

On the other hand, Atletico had a more competitive match against Sevilla where they edged the 2010 champions 4-3 on aggregate.

Definite favour goes to Real as they are hungry for a title with Jose Mourinho’s exit imminent and winning the Copa del Rey can save their season from being labeled a disaster. Talks on Cristiano Ronaldo leaving have also circulated and, if true, giving the Los Blancos a trophy on his way out should be a fitting end.

However, they have Radamel Falcao to contend with. Another big name in the transfer talks over the summer, the Colombian is a threat in front of goal and his strength and pace, along with his keen eye on goal should be something to worry the Real defence.

In England, we’ve already seen an upset as Wigan Athletic beat the mighty Manchester City to lift the title, so we really cannot count out Atletico. I may dare to say that they have a strong chance in lifting the cup.

Looking at the odds, a small 1.48 is given if Real wins, while 6.04 is returned if Atletico pull out the upset. If it draws after regulation, 4.19 is paid. It may be big enough for me to gamble on the underdogs.

Pick: Atletico Madrid @ 6.04

POSTED: 17 May, 2013

Curse of Bayern

I told you that Bayern Munich is a kind of phenomenon this season. Someone might argue but they’re quiet now, especially after Bayern’s 7-0 won over Barcelona. Let’s see how good they are this season: In their past 25 matches this 2013, they got 23 wins 1 draw and only 1 loss. There is only 1 round left in the German Bundesliga and Bayern got 28 wins 4 draws and only 1 loss. Scored 94 but only conceded 15. What a phenomenon!

But there is an opponent Bayern couldn’t conquer at all in the past 7 years—Monchengladbach. The only loss for Bayern in Bundesliga this season is losing to Monchengladbach. Actually if you see the record in the past 11 matches between Bayern and Monchengladbach, Bayern never won over handicap. It became a curse for Bayern.

Now is the last match and Bayern Munich has achieved the league champion. There is no motivation for Bayern and consider the curse, I will not pick Bayern.

My pick : Monchengladbach +0.75