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Weekend Football Betting Tips
by Ben, last updated 2007-02-15 08:04:28Pinnacle Picks
The FA Cup field has been whittled down to 16 teams, who this weekend fight it out for a quarter-final place, with the FA Cup final almost within touching distance. There will however, be no fairytales at the new Wembley, with all remaining teams drawn from the top two divisions. With such a competitive knock-out menu, including three all-Premiership ties, the advantage of up to 60% better odds at www.pinnaclesports.com could prove crucial.
Royals Bidding to Dethrone Premiership Aristocrats
Reading Football Club are this year's Premiership success story, in their first season in the top flight. Currently lying sixth in the table, with credible hopes of a UEFA Cup place, they are unbeaten in eight games, and their form since January is actually better than their opponents, Manchester United. Their last defeat was actually back here at Old Trafford, when they gave an excellent account of themselves, losing 3-2, the week after holding the Champions to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Steve Coppell's side have scored at least two goals in nine of their last ten games, which lends weight to those punters looking to back them at 2.07 (+1 & +1.5) with www.pinnaclesports.com for a return visit to the Theatre of Dreams.
United's league form is nothing short of awesome. They have only lost once at home so far this season, and won ten straight Premiership games. However, they have struggled in the previous two FA Cup rounds, leaving it until the final minute to get past Aston Villa, then needing the brilliance of Wayne Rooney (introduced as a substitute) to see off a dogged Portsmouth 2-1. Alex Ferguson may be forced to stick with his policy of fielding a weakened side in this competition, with a crucial Champions League clash away to Lille just three days later and Rooney suspended. The Red Devils are 1.862 (-1 & -1.5) with www.pinnaclesports.com .
All London Clash at Craven Cottage
Having been knocked out of the Carling Cup at the semi-final hurdle by another London side - their hated rivals Arsenal - Spurs will be keen to make amends in the more important domestic knockout competition. The recent 4-0 home defeat by Manchester United was the club's worst performance of the season, and was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United. Manager, Martin Jol, will look for a positive reaction from his players, though they have struggled all season on the road, winning just one of 13 Premiership road trips. www.pinnaclesports.com rate their chances 2.06 (0/scratch) off a level handicap, though they have won just one of six Premiership fixtures at Craven Cottage.
With their safety all but assured, the FA Cup is all Fulham have left to play for this season. Unbeaten in eight home games, the Cottagers must be confident of extending that run, particularly with loan signing, Vincenzo Montella, on fire. The 'Little Aeroplane' has already scored three times in the FA Cup. Chris Coleman's side are favourites 1.87 (0/scratch) with www.pinnaclesports.com .
Rovers Return to Emirates Hoping for Better Showing
Blackburn Rovers travel to the Emirates stadium for one of the toughest possible draws of the FA Cup fifth round. The Gunners are unbeaten at home, having already beaten Blackburn 6-2 at their new Ashburton home in December. In fact the Lancashire side have lost their most recent three Premiership games away to Arsenal by an aggregate of 12-2. When the pair met in the 2005 FA Cup semi-final on a neutral venue, Arsenal again ran out comfortable winners by a 3-0 scoreline. The recent injury to Morten Gamst Pedersen robs coach, Mark Hughes, of one of his most creative players, but Sparky was never shy of a battle as a player, so his side will certainly put up a fight. www.pinnaclesports.com rates Blackburn's chances 1.98 (+1).
Despite resting Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Jens Lehmann, Arsenal made it past Bolton in a midweek replay to earn this home tie against Blackburn. The Gunners needed extra-time to see off the Trotters, but should have finished them off in ninety-minutes, squandering a penalty and open goal. Arsene Wenger must now decide whether to field his strongest side, with one eye on the club's important forthcoming midweek Champions League fixture. Though progress in Europe is financially critical, Wenger has won the FA Cup four times with Arsenal and he clearly has a special affection for the competition. Wenger and all Arsenal fans of a nervous disposition will be hoping Arsenal can take the straight-forward route to victory, rather than waiting until they fall behind before turning the game around, as seen last weekend against Wigan, and on 12 other occasions this season. www.pinnaclesports.com rate Arsenal 1.943 (-1).
60% better odds at www.pinnaclesports.com !
Gerry's Picks
by Gerry McDonnell
A Primate of FearDiscrimination is abhorrent in any form. I would never judge a person purely on their looks; I’ve copped off with many a minger.
If a person is victimised on the grounds of race, sexual orientation or religious beliefs, condemnation is rightfully swift; yet poking fun at people with amusingly coloured hair appears to be tolerated.
I have a dream that one day all gingers will be free from oppression. When Paul Scholes and Steve Sidwell shake hands at Old Trafford, my utopian vision will be one step closer to becoming a reality.
The result of the match is insignificant; it’s all about acceptance for our sun-fearing brothers. I will be getting on Manchester United to beat Reading at 1/3, but I’ll be going in gingerly.
Thierry Henry could learn a lot from Ronaldo. Where the skinny winger will tumble with grace and elegance at the mere hint of a challenge, the Frenchman attempts the far more difficult flailing-armed ‘bag of potatoes’ manoeuvre, without an opponent in a 45 yard radius. It’s back to the training ground for the great man. I’m head over heels about an Arsenal win over Blackburn at 4/9.
Jonathan Woodgate has suffered yet another injury. The jinxed defender has been sidelined with a tight hamstring; he probably picked it up in Scotland. Middlesbrough receive the nod at home to West Brom at a rickety 4/5.
My cash was also down on the Boro in midweek. When Yakubu fluffed that penalty, I actually screamed like the wife when she gave birth to Goliath. The evil one still has unhappy memories of that day; he was delivered during opening hours. The Yak remains a quality animal, he’ll score the first goal at 9/2.
Little Goliath is definitely his mother’s son. He gave me two choices; I could either buy him a pet monkey, or he’d tell his mom about my special ‘friendship’ with her sister. ‘Bubbles’ has set me back a small fortune. I intend to recoup a portion by backing Chelsea at 1/7 to see off Norwich.
For some reason, Bubbles goes absolutely ballistic if Goliath watches Soccer AM. Last Saturday, I had to spank him three times while Helen Chamberlain was on screen. Norwich could well be on the end of a spanking at the Bridge; the champions can net four or more goals at 15/8.
You have to like Ian Holloway. The jovial nutcase once compared a scrappy win to pulling an ugly bird; and was kind enough not to mention the wife by name. Derby will end Plymouth’s run at 8/5.
Watford are definitely improving, but I can’t fancy them at ‘odds on’ against a competent Ipswich. Like David Cameron in college, I’m going to get stuck into the draw at 5/2.
Tottenham are like the wife’s sister on a Wednesday afternoon, they’re in the middle of a sticky patch. The 17/10 for a Fulham win over Spurs stands out like Martin Jol’s lower jaw.
Most people have been involved in the odd incident that they regret; I should never have raised my hands to that monkey. Joey Barton’s list of previous includes a holiday rumble, a far from enchanting full moon and a controversial take on cigar disposal. Preston are smoking in the Championship; they can extinguish Manchester City’s FA cup dream at 17/10.
Barton allegedly waved his middle finger in the direction of Pompey fans last week, presumably answering the ‘How many brothers have you got in prison’ question. I fancy Preston to sneak this 1-0; I’m all over the 7/1 like a Manchester City player on Pedro Mendes.
Using only the weekend accer as a character guide, a representative of PETA has cleared me of any wrongdoing in regard to my monkey training. I’d like to thank the former Celtic man for this generous gesture. Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Preston and Fulham are the selections, the payout is a beastly 11/1.
Weekend Betting:
Arsenal v Blackburn Saturday 17th February 12:30 Live on BBC One
Arsenal 4/9
Draw 11/4
Blackburn 13/2
Get on: Arsenal
Match Special:
Blackburn to have a player sent off 5/1
Chelsea v Norwich Saturday 17th February 15:00
Chelsea 1/7
Draw 13/2
Norwich 16/1
Get on: Chelsea
Match Special:
Lampard to score from outside the penalty area 11/4
Middlesbrough v West Brom Saturday 17th February 15:00
Middlesbrough 4/5
Draw 12/5
West Brom 4/1
Get on: Middlesbrough
Match Special:
Middlesbrough to score three or more goals 10/3
Plymouth v Derby Saturday 17th February 15:00
Plymouth 17/10
Draw 9/4
Derby 8/5
Get on: Derby
Match Special:
Derby to win 1-0 7/1
Watford v Ipswich Saturday 17th February 15:00
Watford 8/11
Draw 5/2
Ipswich 4/1
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
No goalscorer in the match 10/1
Man Utd v Reading Saturday 17th February 17:15 Live on BBC One
Man Utd 1/3
Draw 9/2
Reading 11/1
Get on: Man Utd
Match Special:
Larsson to score two or more goals 7/2
Preston v Man City Sunday 18th February 13:10 Live on BBC One
Preston 17/10
Draw 9/4
Man City 13/8
Get on: Preston
Match Special:
Nugent to score the only goal of the game 33/1
Fulham v Tottenham Sunday 18th February 16:00 Live on Sky
Fulham 17/10
Draw 9/4
Tottenham 17/10
Get on: Fulham
Match Special:
Papa Bouba Diop to score with a header 12/1
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