Club Brugges v Manchester United Wednesday, 26th August 2015.

Club Brugges v Manchester United

• 26 August
 
• Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Manchester had some nervy moments in last weeks Champions League qualifying encounter with Club Brugges . It took a very late goal by Fellani to restore their two goal advantage for this second leg. United were well in command last week and could have won by a lot more.

Memphis Depay scored two great goals and he should again be in the thick of things tonight. Manchester United could only manage a scoreless draw with Newcastle over the weekend - a performance which has led many critics and fans alike to question Louis Van Gaals tactics.

The fact that Rooney hasn't scored in a long time has only provided them with ammunition saying that the lone striker role doesn't suit him. Mata's deployment to the wing seems to have cut out a lot of the supply that Rooney so clearly thrives on. However, I am willing to take a chance that he will score tonight and end his barren spell in front of goal.

Wayne Rooney will be looking to end his goal drought tonight.

Club Brugges will be chasing this game and need to score goals so expect an open game with plenty of opportunities for Manchester United to counter attack. This should be a professional performance from the Reds and I confidently expect them to finish the job off tonight. United will want to improve on Saturdays drab 0-0 with Newcastle by beating tonight's opponents and securing a place in the |Champions League group stages.

Betting Tip:
Wayne Rooney to score anytime and Manchester United to win @ 23/10 Paddy Power

Malmo v Celtic

Malmo v Celtic

Tues August 25th 2015 K.O 19.45 p.m (UK Time)

A late goal by Malmo's Jo Inge Bernet saw them claw back a two goal deficit to get beaten 3-2 by Celtic in Glasgow last week. They also  have a great record of overcoming first leg defeats in their home games. Last season Malmo overcame first leg defeats to the likes of Sparta Prague and Salzburg to win their home legs and they did likewise to Salzburg in the third qualifying round this season. That will give them confidence of beating Celtic and securing a place in the Champions League group stages.

Celtic meanwhile have only themselves to blame, a  3-1 lead would have made them strong favorites for this tie but a late Malmo goal means it is going to be very difficult for them tonight. Celtic have already negotiated two rounds in the Champions League but it was at this stage last season when they were eliminated by Maribor. There is every chance that we could see a repeat today. Celtic have won their last three out of five away games this season scoring at least two goals in each. I predict an exciting game with goals from both sides.

It is a match that could go either way but the price on a Malmo victory with both teams scoring looks too good to ignore.


Betting Tip : 

Malmo to win and both teams to score @15/4 Bet365

Christy's Weekend Acca (August 22nd-23rd 2015)

Manchester United V Newcastle

August 22nd, 2015 K.O. 12.45 p.m (UK)

Manchester United have won their opening two Premier League games of the season and should make it three here. This game will come four days after their Champions League qualifier against Club Brugges which they win 3-1. Memphis Depay netted two and if you had been following my match betting preview - you would have backed him to score anytime. Newcastle on the other hand have only the one point from two matches - drawing to Southampton then losing to Swansea City. McClaren  has a big job on his hands since he took over the job and is still getting to know his squad. Manchester United have decent depth in their squad and may rest some of their players from mid week. This should be another routine victory for the reds and I see them scoring a couple of goals here.

Betting Tip: 

Manchester United handicap betting -1 (evens @ Paddy Power)

West Brom v Chelsea

23rd August 2015, K.O. 14.30 p.m

West Brom have a great record against Chelsea, in their last four encounters West Brom have managed to win three and draw once. They won their last game 3-0 but that game was a dead rubber as Chelsea had already won the title. Chelsea meanwhile have had a bad start to their season only getting one point from 2 games including a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing by Manchester City last time. They will desperately want to get a win here. West Brom will be up for this match but I just feel that Chelsea will get the upper hand this time.

Betting Tip:

Chelsea to win (8/13 @ Paddy Power)

West Ham v Bournemouth

22nd August 2015 K.O. 15.00 p.m

West Ham started their season well with a shock 0-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates but that was followed with a defeat 1-2 defeat to Leicester and another defeat Astra in the third round of the Europa League. The hammers will be hoping to bounce back here against Bournemouth but it won't be easy. Bournemouth have lost both their opening games 1-0 both to Aston Villa and Liverpool but that doesn't tell the whole story. They were very unlucky not to convert a host of chances against Villa and had a perfectly good goal disallowed against Liverpool last Monday. In both those games Bournemouth played attractive attacking  football and deserved to at least come away with a share of the spoils. I was impressed with them and believe that if they play the same way against West Ham they can pull of their first win of the seaon.

Betting Tip:

Bournemouth to win (23/10 @ Paddy Power)

Everton v Manchester City

22nd August 2015 K.O. 17.30 p.m.

Everton came back twice to draw with Watford on the opening day of the season before following that up with an impressive 3-0 victory over Southampton. Manchester City have started most impressively winning both their games decisively including a 3-0 demolition of arch rivals Chelsea Both sides like to play attacking football and this is a game where I see goals at both ends

Betting Tip

Both Teams To Score (4/7 @ Paddy Power)

€10 stake on fourfold accumulator returns €167.54

Malaga v Sevilla Betting Preview Friday August 21st 2015 KO 19.30 p.m (U.K)

Malaga v Sevilla

Friday August 21st 2015 KO 19.30 p.m (U.K)

    

Malaga had decent year after finishing ninth in La Liga last season. They briefly threatened to break into Europe after a run of eight victories from ten matches. They continued that good form with a shock 1-0 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou until their form began to drop off, eventually finishing ninth. New manager Javi Garcia has injected new confidence and self belief into his team but they face a stern challenge tonight against double Europa cup winners Sevilla.  A number of their key players have also departed for different clubs including the likes of Juanmi, Samuel, Samuel Castillejo, Francisco Portillo and Sergio Sanchez.

Sevilla had another highly successful season winning back to back Europa League titles and were unlucky to just miss out on automatic Champions League qualification; finishing fifth just behind Valencia. That didn't matter as a place was guaranteed in the groups stages of the Champions League after they beat Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the Europa League final. That victory allowed them to contest the UEFA  Super Cup final were they were beaten 5-4 by Barcelona in a pulsating match that went to extra time. Sevilla have lost their main talisman Carlos Bacca who joined AC Milan after scoring 49 goals during two seasons in the Primera League. However, they have  signed the likes of Adil Rami, Mariano, Steven N'Zonzi and Michael Krohn-Dehli while Ciro Immobile and Yevhen Konoplyanka should add quality to their attack.

Betting Tip:

I think this game will have a few goals in it, Sevilla will be regarded as favorites but they have been leaking goals. Malaga have home advantage and were beaten by these opponents 3-2 last time they met last May. I think Malga can at least get a point here.

Betting Tip:

Both teams to score and a draw @7/2 Bet365

Manchester United v Club Brugge 

Tuesday, August 18th 2015 K.O. 19.45 p.m

This is arguably Louis Van Gaal's most important game since he took charge of Manchester United last season. The Red Devils will be looking to secure a place in the Champions League group stage so a victory tonight will vital. The last time Manchester United were in the Champions League - they lost to Bayern Munich 3-1 in the quarter finals of the 2013/14 season. Domestically they have started strong winning both of their Premier League matches to sit third in the table. They also have a good record in the Champions League qualifying ties winning their last back in the 2005/6 season against Debrecen 6-0.  It will be a major shock if they were not to win this tie and secure their place in the group stages. This has been Van Gaal's primary target for his first season in charge - failure to qualify would be disastrous for a club who have won this competition three times in their history.

Meanwhile Club Brugge beat a decent Panathinaikos side to progress to the play off stage of the competition. This will be the first time that they have reached the play-offs but their record in England is abysmal, losing 9 of their 11 trips to the country. Furthermore, Belgian sides have only won once out of 31 attempts against English sides in Europe. I see no reason why this should not be defeat number 32 . Manchester United are one of the biggest teams in world football and boast an array of World class talent. Players like Wayne Rooney, Bastian Schweinsteiger,  Memphis Depay and Juan Mata are all capable of scoring goals. Club Brugge did well to get to this stage but this should be a step too far for the plucky Belgian side.

Memphis Depay

Manchester United will be in confident mood after winning both their Premier League matches and will be looking to continue that hot streak here. They will be looking to settle the leg as soon as possible so expect plenty of chances for the home side. Memphis Depay  who was the Dutch leagues top scorer last season was unlucky not to score against Aston Villa last weekend. Tonight's opposition look like an ideal opportunity for him to break his duck. This is a game that I fully  expect United to win comfortably and by at least two goals.





My Betting Tips:

Manchester United -2 Handicap Betting @13/5 Paddy Power (Nap)

Memphis Depay to score anytime @ 6/4  PaddyPower (NB)

Liverpool V Bournemouth

Monday August August 17th 2015

This will be the Cherries first way fixture as a Premier League club and I am sure that their manager Eddie Howe was wishing his side had easier opposition. Bournemouth were beaten by Aston Villa after wasting a host of goal scoring opportunities in the first half of their home fixture last weekend..

They can ill afford to do that against a strong Liverpool team boasting an array of new talent including Firmnho (who could be making his full debut tonight) and Christian Benteke. Liverpool will be pleased to have come away from a difficult away fixture against Stoke to bag all three points.

Bournemouth have met Liverpool six times already, failing to beat them in any of those matches, losing four and drawing two. Liverpool are stronger in every department and with confidence high after their Stoke victory, I fully expect a comfortable victory here. Brendan Rodgers may well decide to play Can who was so effective last Saturday in a holding role. That will allow Milner and Couthinho freedom to roam and supply Benteke with plenty of chances. Christian Benteke will be itching to score tonight and I fully expect him to do so.


My Betting Tips:

Christian Benteke to score first. 10/3 @ Bet365

Liverpool -2 Handicap result 10/3 @ Paddy Power

Christy's Weekend Acca

Southampton v Everton

Southampton have an excellent defensive record against Everton who have failed to find the net against this opposition in three trips. They boasted an excellent home record last season and were close to getting a top four finish.  Everton were lucky to come away with a draw against Watford last week after being behind twice in the match.

Verdict: Southampton victory.

Sunderland v Norwich

Sunderland were awful against Leicester last week going behind by three goals in the first half before eventually losing 4-2. Norwich meanwhile, were unlucky against Crystal Palace last week losing 3-1 in the end. Norwich dominated large parts of that game but were profligate in front of goal. I think Sunderland will be much tighter in this game but not enough to concede a goal.  Norwich will create chances too but Sunderland can nick a goal against them.

Verdict: Both Teams To Score

Swansea City v Newcastle

Both teams got off to a great start last week., Swansea getting a 2-2 draw against Chelsea and likewise for Newcastle against Southampton.  This has  all the hallmarks of being a high scoring encounter with plenty of opportunities at both ends.

Verdict: Both Teams To Score

Spurs v Stoke

Both teams suffered opening 1-0 defeats at the start of the season last week. Stoke will feel aggrieved to have lost to a stunning  late strike by Philip Couthinho after holding Liverpool to a stalemate up till the 86 minute. Spurs meanwhile looked lightweight for most parts against Man Utd before dominating the last 15 minutes with a flurry of attacks. Stoke are a diificult opponent at home but they not as strong against the top teams away.

Verdict: Spurs victory.

 Christy's Weekend Acca Selections: 

Southampton (win),

Sunderland v Norwich (both teams to score), 

Swansea v Newcastle (both teams to score),  

Spurs (win)

About Me

Hi folks and welcome to my betting blog, my name is Chris and have been betting on football for over 25 years.  I started backing horses initially but I became disillusioned with that game mainly due to corruption scandals, excessive low quality races, price fixing and general sleaziness.

It is not the game it used to be, okay it was never a completely honest sport but over the last decade it has just become ridiculous. Short priced 'false' favorites, non trying jockeys, dodgy gambles..the list goes on and on and then there are the excuses- didn't get the trip, ground too fast, ground too slow..you get the picture.

That is why I have started to focus more on football bets because it offers the punter better value, is fairer and easier to get winners. The main online bookmakers like Paddy Power,  Bet 365, Corals and are fiercely competing with each other to offer better value which is great news for us punters. My favorite site would be Bet365 because they offer plenty of diverse markets and have the best cash out option. However, it is sometimes prudent to shop around, Bet365 might be offering shorter odds on the handicap market for instance while Paddy Power 's price might be better.Football has its fair share of corruption and sleaziness too, one only has to witness the recent FIFA corruption scandal and the the 2011-12 Italian scandal where a number of arrests where made for match fixing . Thankfully every effort is being made by authorities throughout the world to clean up the sport and cases likes those are few and far between.

 It is always in the interest of the big clubs to win trophies and cement important positions in the league. This increases revenue, ticket sales and sales of merchandise. Concentrate on the big leagues throughout Europe and you will not go wrong give or take the Italians! lol.




There are many rules to betting on football that I follow:

• Stats are great way of assessing how teams do against each other, which players are in hot form, the likelihood of goals etc. Stats are one major source because they have a funny way of repeating themselves.
• Strikers - look out for strikers or players  in a rich vein of goals scoring form and stick with them home and away. These are great for the first/anytime goalscorer markets especially away where the odds are much juicier.
• Form - if a team is winning its games at home but is mediocre away then common sense will tell you not to back them away. Similarly don't think that because a big team has lost its last three matches that its due a win. Once a team is going through a crisis in confidence - steer clear. Look what happened to Liverpool last season. They went on a 13 game unbeaten run before Man Utd beat them in their own backyard, their season unraveled from there..losing most of their matches including a 6 - 1 thrashing to Stoke.
• Instinct - Ah the good old gut instinct, sometimes all the studying of stats, form etc can go out the window if you feel that this is the day that your team is due a big win after a string of consistent but unlucky performances. Go with it and never ever change your mind.
• Discipline - Try and stick with a bet that suits you best, some punters have a knack for picking first goalscorer/anytime goalscorer, others have an almost clairvoyant ability to predict the correct score. You may prefer doing a straight singles or trebles, guessing which half has the most goals. Do the bet that suits you best and stay loyal to it. Always back what you can afford, - betting should be fun not something that causes you stress and aggravation. Don't be a mug!
• Transfer Market - Significant signings made during the summer can have a big impact on a team. Certain areas that needed addressing can be the difference between winning and losing. Diego Costa is a fine a example, his goals secured Chelsea's title last year.

Aston Villa V Manchester Utd Betting Preview 14th August 2015

Aston Villa v Manchester United 14th August 2015 kick off 19.45 (UK)

Aston Villa were fortunate to come away with all three points against Bournemouth last Saturday. Villa were under the cosh for large parts of the first half and were lucky not to be a couple of goals down. However, their second half performance was much better and they deserved to get their goal  The loss of Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph will certainly have blunted their attacking options but it was substitute -  Rudy  Gestede who scored the only goal and he looks to be a shrewd signing from Blackburn Rovers.Whether he is fit enough to make his full debut against Man Utd remains to be seen.

Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United started their campaign against Spurs in what was a very unconvincing performance. New boys Memphis Depay , Morgan Shneiderlin and Matteo Darmian all made their Premier League debuts. It was a disjointed and sloppy display typical with a team of new players trying to adjust to the pace of the Premiership. But it was Darmian who looked the most comfortable and assured with his debut and he could prove the be a very important acquisition for United. Bastian Schweisteiger came on with a half an hour to go and never looked a second out of place bossing the midfield like an experienced general.

These are two teams that like to play attacking football. Tim Sherwood has given Villa a new impetus since he took over late last season and like his team to play fast counter attacking football. Man Utd on the other hand like to keep possession and build up their attacks that way. Wayne Rooney - their main striker is always going to pop up and get you a goal. Abonglahor should play and hopefully Gestede starts for Villa.

My Betting Tip:

Aston Villa V Man Utd both teams to score @ 21/20 Coral Bookmakers

Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona Spanish Super Cup Betting Preview

I hope those of you who have been following my blog took my advice and backed Barcelona v Sevilla both teams teams to score and over 3.5 goals @ 6/4 as well as both teams to score in the first half which obliged at fairly decent odds of 10/3.

I am going to stick with Spain for my next bet which again features Barcelona. This time their opponents will be Athletic Bilbao in Friday's Spanish Super Cup which kicks off at 21.00 pm UK and Irish time. Barcelona where in scintillating goal scoring form in Tuesday's UEFA Super Cup scoring five against a dogged Sevilla side.

That victory allowed Barcelona to equal  Milans record of a fifth Super Cup win in the competitions history. Tuesday's match went into extra time so it has only given the Catalans three days to recover. Athletic Bilbao are competing in the Spanish Cup by virtue of being in the Copa Del Rey final last season. The Basque side were comfortably beaten 1-3 by Barcelona back then but it might be a different outcome this time.

Athletic Bilbao have started their season positively by beating Inter Baku in the Europa League in the Third Qualifying Round and are unbeaten in their last 8 home games in all competitions. They will be looking to exploit any signs of fatigue that have left its mark on the Catalans after Tuesday nights exertion. I certainly don't see the same high scoring game that we had in the UEFA Super Cup and Barcelona have regularly struggled against the Basques at their home ground in recent times.

Betting Tip:

Athletic Bilbao V Barcelona under 2.5 goals 13/5 @ Bet365 and Coral (nap)

Barcelona v Sevilla: Uefa Super Cup – Betting Preview

Barcelona will try and equal Milan's record of five Uefa Super Cups. Neymar one of Barcelona's key attackers will be missing due to illness.  Pedro could start in his place, a player who has recently  been heavily linked to Manchester United. Barcelona will also be without the injured duo of Douglas and Jordi Alba while new boys Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal who were signed from Sevilla, cannot play until January. This will be the second year in a row that Sevilla have contested the Super Cup after they successfully defended the Europa League last season. 

Neymar won't be playing

It will also be the second time that they face opposition from their home country after losing 2-0 to Real Madrid 12 months ago. Unai Emery,the Sevilla manager hasn't got a good record against the Catalans, and hasn't beaten them in 19 matches. New signings Yevhen Konoplyanka and Ciro Immobile can give the team a boost, although Adi Rami is a doubt because of illness. I expect this match to be an entertaining affair with plenty of opportunities for both sides. It should also be an attractive game for betting with lots of different markets to choose  from. Barcelona were undoubtedly the best team in Europe last season, winning La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League treble for the second time in their illustrious history. Barcleona's pre season was well below standard winning just one game against Roma but that was without their star men Neymar and Messi. Their last eight games produced over 2.5 goals which bodes well for that stat tonight. Sevilla were also poor in pre season winning only the two matches from seven games. Their last three games resulted in under 2.5 goals and they have a strong defensive line.  Barcelona head to head with Sevilla reads very well, winning six of their last seven encounters and in the last four games over 3.5 goals were scored. This has all the makings of being a great game with lots of goals.

Betting Tip:

I expect to see an attacking game from both sides with lots of goals. 

Barcelona V Sevilla Both teams to score and over 3.5 goals 6/4 @ Betfair (Nap)

Both Teams To Score in First Half 10/3 @ Betfair (NB)

Stoke v Liverpool 16.00 Sunday 9th August 2015

Stoke v Liverpool 16.00 Sunday 9th August 2015

Okay, with two days before the 2015/16 Premier Leagues lets focus on Stoke Vs Liverpool on Sunday 9th August. This season will be make or break for Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool never recovered from the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and brought in players for big money  that under performed for the team. Players like Lovren, Moreno and Marckovic played well below form and will be have to make major improvements this season. These players have had a year to bed in to the hustle and bustle of Premier League football so there should be no excuses this term. Liverpool spent wisely this summer and seemed to have addressed positions that caused them problems last season. The arrival of Firminho Milner, Clyne and Benteke should have a positive influence on the team as a whole. 

Clyne is a terrific left back, a solid defender and attacker in one, Milner is grafter who likes to get forward and score goals while Firminho and Benteke look potential world class. 

Stoke are not to be taken lightly, they are a tough team to play against at home and it was this team that humiliated the reds on the final day of the season. Liverpool will still be smarting from that 6-1 humiliation but that was a dejected and dispirited performance with absolutely no heart whatsoever. I fully expect this Liverpool buoyed by its new signings to be entirely different opposition now. Rodgers will be keen to start the season better than last and knows that his managerial career is hanging by a thread-start bad and the knives will be out. Benteke scored an absolute blinder against Swindon Town last week and revels in this type of opposition. This is the type of physical encounter he does really well against as evidenced by his performances for Aston Villa last season.

Back Benteke to score anytime is a skinny 11/8 with Paddy Power so I am going to plump for these two bets at the better odds.


My Betting Tips:

Christian Benteke - First Goalscorer @ 9/2 with Paddy Power

Christian Benteke to score anytime and Liverpool to win @ 3/1 with Paddy Power.