Wednesday 1/1/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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NCAAF
Long Sheet

Wednesday, January 1

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NEBRASKA (8 - 4) vs. GEORGIA (8 - 4) - 1/1/2014, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA is 1-0 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA is 1-0 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UNLV (7 - 5) vs. NORTH TEXAS (8 - 4) - 1/1/2014, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNLV is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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WISCONSIN (9 - 3) vs. S CAROLINA (10 - 2) - 1/1/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
WISCONSIN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
WISCONSIN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
WISCONSIN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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IOWA (8 - 4) vs. LSU (9 - 3) - 1/1/2014, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MICHIGAN ST (12 - 1) vs. STANFORD (11 - 2) - 1/1/2014, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
STANFORD is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UCF (11 - 1) vs. BAYLOR (11 - 1) - 1/1/2014, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
 
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NCAAF
Short Sheet

Tue, Dec. 31

Boston College at Arizona, 12:30 ET
Boston College: 9-2 ATS after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers
Arizona: 15-31 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points

Virginia Tech at UCLA, 2:00 ET
Virginia Tech: 44-26 ATS off a road win
UCLA: 3-12 ATS road games off an upset win over a conf rival as an underdog

Mississippi St at Rice, 4:00 ET
Mississippi St: 1-5 ATS after 4 or more consecutive wins against the spread
Rice: 6-1 ATS off 2 straight wins against conference rivals

Duke at Texas AM, 8:00 ET
Duke: 10-3 ATS in all lined games
Texas AM: 6-21 ATS in road games after a bye week


Wed, Jan. 1

Nebraska at Georgia, 12:00 ET
Nebraska: 23-6 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6
Georgia: 7-1 ATS as a neutral field favorite of 7.5 to 14 points

UNLV at North Texas, 12:00 ET
UNLV: 4-15 ATS in road games after allowing 100 or less rushing yards last game
N Texas: 13-4 ATS after having won 4 or 5 out of their last 6

Wisconsin at S Carolina, 1:00 ET
Wisconsin: 8-2 ATS in games played on turf
S Carolina: 8-16 ATS after having won 6 or 7 out of their last 8 games

Iowa at LSU, 1:00 ET
Iowa: 21-8 ATS after allowing 125 or less rushing yards in 3 straight games
LSU: 4-8 ATS after having won 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games

Michigan St at Stanford, 5:00 ET
Michigan St: 0-6 ATS against Pac Twelve conference opponents
Stanford: 12-4 ATS after having won 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games

UCF at Baylor, 8:30 ET
UCF: 1-6 ATS after allowing 125 or less rushing yards in 2 games
Baylor: 15-5 ATS after playing 3 straight conference games
 
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NCAAF

Bowl Season

Trend Report

Wednesday, January 1

12:00 PM
UNLV vs. NORTH TEXAS
UNLV is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UNLV's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of North Texas's last 8 games
North Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

12:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. GEORGIA
Nebraska is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games
Nebraska is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Georgia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Georgia is 2-6-2 ATS in its last 10 games

1:00 PM
IOWA vs. LSU
Iowa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
LSU is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LSU's last 12 games

1:00 PM
WISCONSIN vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wisconsin's last 5 games
Wisconsin is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
South Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of South Carolina's last 6 games

5:00 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. STANFORD
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan State's last 7 games
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Stanford is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Stanford's last 8 games

8:30 PM
CENTRAL FLORIDA vs. BAYLOR
Central Florida is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Central Florida's last 5 games
Baylor is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baylor's last 12 games
 

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English Premier TODAY 17:30

Man Utd v Tottenham
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HOMEDRAWAWAY
BT1
More markets

Recent Form Last Head-To-Heads at Man Utd Recent Form
H W A W A W H W A W A W
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  1. 2 - 3
  2. 3 - 0
  3. 2 - 0
  4. 3 - 1
H W H L H L A W H D H W
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Key Stat: Manchester United have won their last six matches

Expert Verdict: There’s a sense of adventure in Tottenham’s play under Tim Sherwood and it’s seven goals scored in three Premier League matches since he took over. However, this is a much tougher test for the rookie boss against a resurgent Manchester United at Old Trafford and the hosts are fancied to win a shootout.

Recommendation: Both teams to score
3


REFEREE: Howard Webb STADIUM:
 

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English Premier TODAY 12:45

Swansea v Man City
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HOMEDRAWAWAY
SS1
More markets

Recent Form Last Head-To-Heads at Swansea Recent Form
H D A L A D H L A L A D
Most recent

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  1. 0 - 0
  2. 1 - 0
  3. 0 - 2
  4. 4 - 1
A W H W A W A W H W H W
Most recent

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Key Stat: Swansea have scored four goals in their last six matches

Expert Verdict: Swansea are still safely tucked in mid-table but they are struggling for goals with Michu out injured and face a difficult task against the title favourites. Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United have already won at the Liberty Stadium this season and Manchester City can also taste success.

Recommendation: Man City

2


REFEREE: Phil Dowd STADIUM:
 

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English Premier TODAY 15:00

Arsenal v Cardiff
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HOMEDRAWAWAY


More markets

Recent Form Last Head-To-Heads at Arsenal Recent Form
H D A L A L H D A W A W
Most recent

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  1. 4 - 0
  2. 2 - 1
  3. 2 - 1
  4. 2 - 1
A D A L H W A L H L H D
Most recent

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Key Stat: Cardiff have taken two points from their last six away games

Expert Verdict: Arsenal dug out crucial away wins at West Ham and Newcastle over the festive period but this should be a much easier 90 minutes. Cardiff chucked away a two-goal advantage against Sunderland on Saturday and are likely to be well beaten by the table-topping Gunners.

Recommendation: Arsenal-Arsenal
1



REFEREE: Jonathan Moss STADIUM:
 

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English Premier TODAY 15:00

Southampton v Chelsea
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HOMEDRAWAWAY
BT1
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Recent Form Last Head-To-Heads at Southampton Recent Form
H L H D A D H L A W A L
Most recent

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  1. 2 - 1
  2. 1 - 5
  3. 1 - 3
  4. 0 - 1
H W H W A D* A D H W H W
Most recent

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Key Stat: Chelsea have failed to score in four of their nine away league fixtures

Expert Verdict: Chelsea produced their best performance of the season to beat Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday but they have not impressed in away games with their only three wins coming at Norwich, West Ham and Sunderland. Southampton are slipping away after a bright start but have the players to keep Chelsea at bay.

Recommendation: Draw
1


REFEREE: Martin Atkinson STADIUM: St Mary's Stadium
 

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English Premier TODAY 15:00

Liverpool v Hull
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HOMEDRAWAWAY


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Recent Form Last Head-To-Heads at Liverpool Recent Form
H W H W A W H W A L A L
Most recent

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  1. 6 - 1
  2. 2 - 2
  3. 4 - 2
  4. 3 - 1
A L A D H D A D H L H W
Most recent

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Key Stat: Hull have not kept an away clean sheet in their last 12 league attempts

Expert Verdict: Liverpool were top of the Premier League at Christmas and outside of the top four going into the new year but Brendan Rodgers’ side had a tough run of fixtures away to Manchester City and Chelsea who are the top two in the title betting. This should be easier and looks an ideal chance for the Reds to get back to winning ways.

Recommendation: Liverpool 2-0
1


REFEREE: Craig Pawson STADIUM:
 

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English Premier TODAY 15:00

Fulham v West Ham
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HOMEDRAWAWAY


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Recent Form Last Head-To-Heads at Fulham Recent Form
H L H W A L H L A W A L
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  1. 3 - 1
  2. 1 - 3
  3. 3 - 2
  4. 1 - 2
A L H D A W A L H L H D
Most recent

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Key Stat: Fulham have drawn only one league match this season

Expert Verdict: Fulham can bounce back from their 6-0 hammering at Hull by recording a vital victory over injury-hit West Ham. Rene Meulensteen rested a number of players on Saturday which contributed to the collapse but the Hammers have not had that luxury and the stretched squad is being pushed to breaking point.

Recommendation: Fulham
2


REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg STADIUM:
 

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[h=1]Football - New Year's Day Premier League[/h]
[h=1]Welbeck to wow; Palace party[/h]
  • By: Nick Hext and Ian Ogg
  • Last Updated: December 30 2013, 15:23 GMT


[h=2]We've previewed all 10 matches in the Barclays Premier League on New Year's Day and are backing Danny Welbeck to strike.[/h]
Manchester-United-v-West-Brom-Danny-Welbeck-p_3055425.jpg

Danny Welbeck: In great form for Manchester United






Crystal Palace's improving form also makes them a good betting proposition, according to our experts.
Nick Hext and Ian Ogg are the men giving their opinion - check their full game-by-game verdict:

  • sui.gif
    1pt Nicklas Bendtner to score first v Cardiff at 11/2 - could get chance and scored first in his last start.
  • sui.gif
    2pts Crystal Palace to beat Norwich at 7/5 - Tony Pulis has Palace playing well and Norwich are not impressing.
  • sui.gif
    3pts both teams to score in Liverpool v Hull at evens - Liverpool's recent home record shows this is a good bet.
  • sui.gif
    1pt Danny Welbeck to score first v Tottenham at 6/1 - the striker has netted first in three of United's last five games.







Swansea v Manchester City (1245 GMT)
Much has been made of the Citizens' away record and three wins and two draws from nine games is, indeed, a modest return for a squad with their talent. The Liberty Stadium has hardly been a fortress for Swansea, however, and they have claimed maximum points on just two occasions, beating Newcastle and Sunderland. Up against the top sides, they drew with Liverpool but lost to United, Arsenal and Everton. City can follow suit at a perfectly fair 8/13 with the Etihad Stadium outfit's Premier League record at Swansea leaving no doubt in mind. They have lost 1-0 and drawn 0-0 in their two previous encounters in south Wales but the signs are encouraging that they have begun to conquer their away-day woes - they are undefeated in five games on the road which have included four victories. Admittedly Sky Bet Championship side Leicester and out-of-form West Bromwich Albion and Fulham feature among them but, so too, do Bayern Munich and for those who do want to side with City, the even money giving up a goal on the Asian handicaps makes some appeal. Clean sheets have been a problem for Manuel Pellegrini's side and that's reflected in the general 4/7 about both sides to score and in the over/under markets. Swansea have often been slow starters at home before the game opens up in the second half and it's worth considering the odds against about the second 45 minutes featuring the most goals but there doesn't really seem to be any sense in over-complicating this fixture with the visitors class expected to see them prevail.
Verdict: Swansea 1 Manchester City 3 (IO)
Opta stats:
Manchester City have kept five clean sheets in their last six league meetings with Swansea.
City need two goals in this game to match the best goal total recorded by a Premier League team after 20 games (56 which they themselves set in 2011/12).
Jesus Navas has made three assists and scored one goal in his last four Premier League appearances.
Swansea took only 39 points from 37 Premier League games in 2013. They won 55 from 39 games in 2012.
Arsenal v Cardiff (1500)
I don't want to surprise any of you too much but I reckon Arsenal will win this match. The Gunners are back at the Premier League summit after Sunday's 1-0 win at Newcastle and results over the course of the last 12 months put them as the top-flight side to have accumulated the most points. That is a record to be proud of but sadly the Gunners don't get a trophy to end their famous drought. This clash with off-field headline makers Cardiff should be simple enough and there is one man I want in my corner at the Emirates. That man has labelled himself as 'one of the best strikers in the world' so Nicklas Bendtner certainly doesn't lack confidence. We all know Olivier Giroud has been the main man in attack for the Gunners this term but now appears to be a good chance for Bendtner to get a start. The Dane took advantage the last time he was named in the first XI by netting the opener in the 2-0 victory over Hull at the start of December. He is 11/2 to strike first again and that is my selection with the Gunners not worth backing to run riot. There have only been 16 goals from Arsene Wenger's men in nine Premier League home games this season with the 4-1 success against Norwich the pick of the wins. Cardiff are waiting for a new manager's era and nothing in their recent form suggests a shock is on the cards.
Verdict: Arsenal 2 Cardiff 0 (NH)
Opta stats:
Arsenal are unbeaten in the last 12 matches in all competitions against Cardiff, winning seven and drawing five.
Arsenal have only scored 16 times in nine Premier League home games this season.
Arsenal's substitutes have provided four assists this season, more than any other team.
Cardiff are unbeaten in three league trips to Arsenal (W1 D2), though the most recent of these came back in 1962.
Crystal Palace v Norwich (1500)
Tony Pulis has already gone a long way to achieving the impossible in steering Palace to four wins in their last eight games and dragging them out of the relegation places. They did lose on Saturday but emerged from their 1-0 defeat at Manchester City with their reputation enhanced having caused the hosts a few problems and they should go into this crucial clash full of confidence. In contrast, there were boos at Norwich when Chris Hughton withdrew Gary Hooper (as a precautionary measure due to an injury) and it seems as though not all the Canaries are singing from the same hymnsheet. If Hooper fails to recover, that will be a big blow to the visiting team in a fixture where goals will be at a premium with Palace having managed just five at home and City six on their travels. Norwich's survival in the top flight has been built on their home form at Carrow Road (they played well in defeat against Manchester United at the weekend) and it appears as though they will have to do the same again if they are to survive the drop, although they have picked up four points from visits to West Brom and Sunderland on their last two away-days. That suggests that they won't go down without a fight but they've picked up just two points from their last four games at Selhurst Park and could be leaving empty handed again with Pulis' men full of confidence. Prices around the 4/6 mark for under 2.5 goals look banker material while the braver are sure to be tempted by odds circa 2/1 for under 1.5 goals and a 1-0 win for the home side can be backed at 15/2. Palace are tempting 8/11 shots in the draw-no-bet market and they should be capable of seeing off poor travellers Norwich at a tasty 7/5.
Verdict: Crystal Palace 1 Norwich 0 (IO)
Opta stats:
Crystal Palace are unbeaten in 13 home league meetings with Norwich (W9 D4).
Crystal Palace (9) only gained two points fewer than league leaders Arsenal (11) in December.
Norwich have made more goalline clearances than any other side (8) in the Premier League this season.
Norwich have won only two of their last 23 Premier League away games in London (D6 L15).
Fulham v West Ham (1500)
The last four fixtures between these sides at Craven Cottage have produced 16 goals (and two wins apiece) with the Hammers providing eight of those. What Sam Allardyce would give for such a free-scoring side in these 'striker free' days (with all due respect to Carlton Cole, of course) while Fulham need to bounce back from a hammering at the hands of the previously goal-shy Hull City. It would take a braver man than I to predict another glut of goals in this fixture with the Irons proving resolute on the road, netting six times and conceding 12 while Fulham's respective goals columns read six and 11 at home. Fulham aren't great at the Cottage any more, the Hammers aren't great away and it's hard to believe that this fixture between two of the bottom three will be a great spectacle. This is a game I'd rather sit back and watch (just metaphorically, of course) although backing both sides to score at 4/6 makes a modicum of appeal in a game both sides will see as a 'must win'. The Cottagers have actually scored in every home fixture this season while keeping two clean sheets against Stoke and Aston Villa but Allardyce's outfit arguably offer more threat than that pair at the moment and the Fulham defence must be low on confidence after their mauling by the Tigers.
Verdict: Fulham 1 West Ham 1 (IO)
Opta stats:
Fulham didn't manage a single shot on target against West Ham in the reverse fixture in November.
Fulham have conceded 11 goals in London derbies this season - more than any other side.
Carlton Cole has scored seven goals in his last nine Premier League games against Fulham.
West Ham have one point fewer (15) than they did at this point in 2010/11 (16) when they were last relegated from the Premier League.
Liverpool v Hull (1500)
This is a big game for Liverpool after two defeats over the festive period saw them fall from first to fifth in the standings. That is a reflection of just how tight the battle at the top is and there were positives for the Reds to take from the fruitless away trips to Manchester City and Chelsea. A few debatable decisions from officials - in the case of one offside call against Raheem Sterling at the Etihad not debatable at all - have frustrated Brendan Rodgers but there isn't much between his improving side and the other contenders. Their last defeat prior to Boxing Day came against Hull on the first day of December and it's the Tigers making the trip to Anfield on the first day of 2014. Steve Bruce's men couldn't be any happier after a 6-0 win over Fulham on Saturday and they only just came up short against Manchester United on Boxing Day. Form on the road has improved as well with two draws from their last two trips and I think the men from the KC Stadium have what it takes to push Liverpool. Certainly 3/10 about the home win is far too short to get involved with despite the good times enjoyed at Anfield so far this season. The way to profit is to take advantage of the even money with Boylesports for both teams to score. That bet was a winner in five of Liverpool's last six games at home - all wins, coming against Crystal Palace (3-1), West Brom (4-1), Fulham (4-0), Norwich (5-1), West Ham (4-1) and Cardiff (3-1) - and this match is against a Hull outfit that have netted eight goals in their last two games. Overall, expect three points for Liverpool but only after a tough afternoon's work.
Verdict: Liverpool 2 Hull 1 (NH)
Opta stats:
Liverpool have won seven and lost none of eight previous home games against Hull in all competitions, scoring at least twice on every occasion.
Liverpool have scored at least three goals in each of their last six Premier League home games.
Liverpool have hit the woodwork 16 times this season, twice as often as any other side.
Hull have played seven Premier League games in January and not won any of them (D3 L4).
Southampton v Chelsea (1500 GMT)
This has all the makings of a really interesting contest at St Mary's. Southampton have been raking in the praise this season but have hit a rocky patch recently with just one win in their previous eight games. One of those defeats came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as the Blues recovered from Jay Rodriguez's strike after just 13 seconds to win 3-1. That goal turned out to be Saints' only effort on target so Jose Mourinho's side didn't have cause to panic following the early shock. Chelsea picked up seven points from three games between December 23 and 29 to enter this match right in the heat of the title race. They are just two points behind leaders Arsenal and know there will still be plenty to battle for after the break for the third round of the FA Cup at the weekend. Mourinho will make use of his star-packed squad on New Year's Day so it's best to wait until the team is named before looking at potential goalscorers from his ranks. Rodriguez though is the man to back from a Southampton perspective with five goals in his last seven Premier League games. There are certainly worse bets about than the 7/2 with bwin for him to net again. I don't expect too many goals though in this match and neither side should be too unhappy with a draw. That makes it the most likely outcome but far from a certainty in a match that is well worth watching.
Verdict: Southampton 1 Chelsea 1 (NH)
Opta stats:
Southampton have only won one of their last nine Barclays Premier League games against Chelsea (D3 L5), but that was in this fixture last season.
The Saints have lost only one of their last six Premier League home games against sides from London (W3 D2).
Jose Mourinho has made more substitutions than any other Premier League manager this season (57).
Stoke v Everton (1500)
The end of 2013 was far from the most wonderful time of the year for Stoke. A 5-1 Boxing Day thrashing at Newcastle as Glenn Whelan, Marc Wilson and manager Mark Hughes all saw red was followed by a convincing 3-0 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday. A return to the Britannia Stadium is definitely welcome with a decent home record of four wins, four draws and one defeat from nine Premier League matches so far this season. Aston Villa and Chelsea both departed the Potteries with nothing in December so Everton need to be on their game at the start of 2014. The Toffees ended 2013 with a 2-1 win against Southampton at Goodison and they have also been strong on their travels. A run of three wins - coming against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Swansea - and two draws - at Arsenal and Crystal Palace - is very impressive so you can understand why the visitors start as the 11/10 favourites in Staffordshire. That though is a touch harsh on Stoke and there is a case to be made for backing the Potters to win at 3/1. Don't expect much to choose between the sides and the draw may well prove to be the best way to go. Also watch out for in-form Toffees full-back Seamus Coleman with three goals in his last four games. There is a juicy 9/1 to be had with BetVictor if you back the Irishman to strike again.
Verdict: Stoke 1 Everton 1 (NH)
Opta stats:
Stoke have only won two of their last 16 league games against Everton (D5 L9).
Stoke have won seven points in 11 Premier League games this season against sides currently in the top 12 places of the table (W1 D4 L6).
Everton (9) are the only Premier League team to have conceded fewer than 10 goals away from home this season.
Everton have scored inside the last 20 minutes in eight of their last 11 Premier League games.
Sunderland v Aston Villa (1500)
Sunderland are unbeaten in five (league and cup) and will fancy their chances of getting all three points against relegation rivals Aston Villa, who lost four on the bounce before their 1-1 draw with Swansea. Villa are badly missing the goals of Christian Benteke who is struggling for fitness and form, with the likes of Libor Kozak, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann failing to find the net on a regular basis. Playing away from home suits Villa as they're released from the grumbles and gripes of the Villa Park crowd while the pace of Agbonlahor is always likely to stretch opponents if they commit too many men forward. Villa have won two and drawn one of their last four games on Wearside and there's something to be said for the 6/4 draw-no-bet available on visitors who, after all, have garnered six more points than their rivals and have picked up 12 of their tally on the road. Can we trust them to deliver though? The answer to that is probably no, especially considering their recent poor form, while Sunderland, who have momentum behind them, don't convince sufficiently to side with at a fraction of odds against. In away games at Norwich, Hull and West Ham, Villa scored one goal (in total) without reply and this could be a similarly low-scoring encounter, but there's not enough confidence in the consistency of either side to play the unders at odds-on.
Verdict: Sunderland 1 Aston Villa 1 (IO)
Opta stats:
Sunderland are the only team in the bottom eight not to have won a game against a fellow side currently in that section of the Premier League table.
Sunderland lead the Premier League this season in both own goals (5) and red cards (5).
Cardiff (4) were the only Premier League team to score fewer goals than Aston Villa (5) in December.
No Aston Villa manager has overseen a Premier League clean sheet in January since Gerard Houllier in 2011.
West Brom v Newcastle (1500)
Newcastle must be feeling pretty good about life at the turn of the year. The Magpies are sitting eighth in the Premier League - higher than most pre-season predictions - and playing some very nice football in the process. Loic Remy, Yoan Gouffran and Yohan Cabaye are among the most impressive performers and the St James' Park outfit will fancy their chances of a three-point haul at The Hawthorns. West Brom are currently on the longest run without a win in the top flight with nine games having come and gone since beating Crystal Palace 2-0 on November 2. There have been positives during Keith Downing's caretaker reign with three draws from three matches but wins are now what are required to lift spirits. The Baggies are 8/5 favourites to start 2014 with three points but I wouldn't go near that given their poor recent run. Getting with the 2/1 for Newcastle to bag the victory gives much more appeal but there has been inconsistency from Alan Pardew's men on the road. The wins at Tottenham, Manchester United and Crystal Palace would please any club but losing 3-0 against Swansea and 2-1 v bottom-of-the-table Sunderland shows bad days do happen. This may well be one of the good days for the Magpies if West Brom's fortunes don't turn.
Verdict: West Brom 1 Newcastle 2 (NH)
Opta stats:
In the last 11 league meetings between Newcastle and West Brom, neither side has kept a clean sheet.
West Brom have conceded in each of their last nine league games, only two sides (Palace and Sunderland) have recorded runs of 10 games this season.
Newcastle are yet to draw a Premier League away match this season (W5 L4).
If the Premier League season had started in November then Newcastle would be second, behind Manchester City.
Manchester United v Tottenham (1730)
New Year's Day in the Premier League ends with this cracking clash at Old Trafford and it may well turn out to be the best of the lot. Manchester United are on the charge with six wins in a row in all competitions getting them quickly back in business after successive home defeats to Everton and Newcastle. The star of the latest victory was Danny Welbeck. The striker netted the only goal of the game at Norwich on Saturday after being introduced from the bench at half time. David Moyes said Welbeck's performance "changed the game" and it's hard to see him missing out on a place in the starting XI for this match. His recent record makes impressive reading with four goals in five games, including netting first in three of those matches. You can get 21/10 with 888sport for Welbeck to find the back of the net again but I feel adventurous and will be taking the same firm's 6/1 for him to open the scoring. The match between these sides at the start of December ended in a 2-2 draw and more goals are on the menu here. Tottenham have won one, drawn one and lost one of their last three games and that gives a nice understanding of their inconsistency. Tim Sherwood is now in charge on a full-time basis and it has been full steam ahead with attacking football in the early stages of his tenure. United can take advantage of any freedom they get but don't expect Spurs to fall to defeat quietly.
Verdict: Manchester United 3 Tottenham 2 (NH)
Opta stats:
Manchester United scored two goals from three shots on target in their reverse fixture against Spurs this season.
Tottenham have won just one of the last 25 Premier League matches against Manchester United (W1 D7 L17).

Tottenham have won more penalties than any other Premier League team this season (four- all scored by Roberto Soldado).
However, Manchester United have now gone 76 Premier League games without conceding a penalty (equivalent to two whole seasons
 

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[h=1]Football - New Year's Day Football League[/h]
[h=1]Ram raid the bookies[/h]
  • By: Craig Chisnall
  • Last Updated: December 30 2013, 17:00 GMT


[h=2]Craig Chisnall feels in-form Derby simply have to be backed in the Sky Bet Football League on New Year's Day.[/h]
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All smiles: Derby are flying under Steve McClaren's guidance





Derby laid down a marker on the first day of December when they went to Wigan and won 3-1 and I'm backing them to end the month in similar fashion by completing a double over the Latics.
The Rams went to the DW Stadium on the back of two successive wins but the manner in which they won that day not only showed how much they had improved under Steve McClaren but also proved enough for Wigan boss Owen Coyle shown the door.

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    2pts Derby to beat Wigan at 23/20 - Rams' stunning form is showing no signs of letting up with eight wins in nine
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    1pt Swindon to beat Crawley at 21/20 - the Robins have already won eight of their 11 home games
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    1pt Oxford to beat Newport at 85/40 - the U's miserable home Christmas has pushed this price out, but they are unbeaten on the road






McClaren's men haven't looked back since with another five wins in six games to make it 25 points banked from the last 27 available. It could even have been a full house had Chris Martin not had a penalty saved in the Boxing Day draw at Huddersfield.
They are now up to second and just two points behind Leicester with their free-flowing attacking system producing 22 goals in their last nine games.
Wigan have improved since the arrival of Uwe Rosler as Coyle's replacement - they are unbeaten in four - but such is County's belief and with Pride Park set to be a sell out I really like the look of the 23/20 available about a home win.
I'm also going for a home win in League One with the 21/20 offered by BetVictor on Swindon to beat Crawley a great price.
The Robins have already won eight times at the County Ground and if they had only won more than their paltry total of two on the road they would be safely inside the top six.
As it is, they are still in the mix in eighth, just two places and four points behind Rotherham in the final play-off spot, and boss Mark Cooper deserves huge credit for the job he has done since taking the reins in the summer.
He was a surprise choice, to Town fans at least, following Kevin MacDonald's departure in July but he has worked wonders with a drastically-reduced budget to previous seasons.
Cooper has made great use of the loan system in particular with one of his temporary arrivals Alex Pritchard, from Tottenham, earning them a point at Bradford on Sunday with a stunning strike.
They've won their last two on home turf and I believe a third will follow to start the New Year in fine style.
In League Two, the festive period has been a bit of a disaster so far for Oxford with two home defeats and they must be thrilled to be back on the road.
The high-flying U's lost 3-2 to Plymouth in front of more than 10,000 fans on Boxing Day and also saw Scunthorpe leave the Kassam Stadium on Sunday with all the points.
They have now lost more than they have won on their own patch - five defeats to four victories; if Chris Wilder could only find an answer to that they would be romping clear at the top given their wonderful away form.

United have won six of 10 away games, drawn the other four, scored 20 goals and conceded just seven so they are doing something right on their travels.
Newport don't give away points easily at Rodney Parade but following those two defeats the U's will be desperate for a win and given their away record the 85/40 on offer is more than worthy of consideration if you are looking for value
 

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[h=1]Handy Andy to star for Bengals[/h]
  • By: David John
  • Last Updated: December 31 2013, 9:40 GMT


[h=2]Our NFL expert David John revisits the Super Bowl market and fancies Cincinnati to go well at 16/1.[/h]
Andy-Dalton-Cincinnati-v-Baltimore-week-17-NF_3058991.jpg

Andy Dalton: Confident QB can star for Cincinnati




The late drama in week 17 for the scramble to make the play-offs did not disappoint.
Pittsburgh almost got in after starting the season 0-4 but Kansas City kicker Ryan Succup's controversial missed field goal from 41 yards as time expired gave San Diego their opportunity to ultimately progress in overtime against the Chiefs.
Green Bay and Philadelphia both won on the to get in as well and join the "Delighted Dozen" whose dream of Super Bowl glory remains alive.

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    1pt Cincinnati to win the Super Bowl at 16/1 - perhaps the best-balanced team and have scope for improvement






If you chose to follow the ante-post advice here at the Betting Zone then you are still in with a fighting chance also as both Denver (7/1) and New Orleans (22/1) have their eyes on New Jersey in February.
The former now trade at no bigger than 11/4 after quarterback Peyton Manning's record-breaking season and the number one seeding in the AFC means the road to the Super Bowl will have to go through Colorado.
New Orleans can be backed at 25s having lost two of their last three games which saw them drop from the extremely favourable number two seeding right down to number six.
They are still capable of winning it all but they will have to overcome a poor record on the road - starting with a tricky journey to Philadelphia in the wild card round.
I do believe there is one team that is perhaps a little overpriced and that is Cincinnati at 16/1 with a couple of firms.
The winners of the AFC North are perhaps the most balanced team left in the event with the ability to both score points and also keep a rival in check with some solid defensive work.
They have got to the play-offs in both of the last two seasons but were dumped out on both occasions at the first hurdle on the road in Houston.
That means the current group of players have still to break their collective post-season duck but the prospects have increased greatly this time around with a home game against San Diego to start off.
The Bengals maintained their perfect record in the Queen City with a convincing success over Baltimore in week 17 and the pieces look in place for a youthful roster to get on a bit of a roll.
It is possible to question whether quarterback Andy Dalton has what it takes to win games at this time of year considering he threw four more interceptions against the Ravens but he does seem to possess a valuable short memory and his touchdown strike to AJ Green that followed shortly after one of the picks highlighted he does not lack confidence.
There are no glaring weaknesses on a defense that is led by tackling machine Vontaze Burfict and 20 interceptions so far on the season (tied for 5th in the NFL) proves they can change the flow of a game with big play.

The Bengals are sure to have learned from those two prior play-off losses and outside of trying to halt the Denver scoring juggernaut, I don't feel they have anything to fear from the rest of the challenge in the AFC, including a trip to face New England and Tom Brady, who they have already beaten this year.
 

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[h=2]New Year's Day[/h] All kick-offs 15:00 GMT unless otherwise stated.
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[h=3]Swansea v Man City (12:45 GMT)[/h] Continue reading the main story
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“Man City have got the bit between their teeth at the moment ”

Swansea have not had a win in five Premier League games since they beat Newcastle at the start of December and they are still without Michu up front and Michel Vorm in goal, which will not help them end that poor run.
Manchester City have not had much joy at the Liberty Stadium since Swansea came up to the top flight, losing there in 2012 and drawing 0-0 last season.
But I think they will get their first win there on New Year's Day. Manuel Pellegrini's side have got the bit between their teeth at the moment and they are just starting to kick on.
Lawro's prediction: 0-2
 

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Arsenal v Cardiff

Arsenal impressed me with their win at Newcastle on Sunday because, in the last few seasons, that is the type of game they would have lost.
The Gunners were not at their best but put in a good battling performance and got the job done, something I always say is the sign of a really good side.
Cardiff will arrive at the Emirates Stadium in a state of flux, with their search for a successor to Malky Mackay ongoing.
To concede the two late goals that cost them victory over Sunderland on Saturday was a blow because they thought they had won that game.
That is just the way things work in the Premier League, though, because you can never be sure of anything until the final whistle.
Lawro's prediction: 3-0
 

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[h=3]Crystal Palace v Norwich[/h] Crystal Palace were decent against Manchester City on Saturday and so were Norwich against Manchester United. In fairness, both teams were unlucky to lose.
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Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer shows his dejection after his side's defeat by Manchester United

A win would be a big lift to both of them at the start of 2014 and a draw is not too much use to either of them, but in situations like this, that is often the result you end up with.
It has all bunched up a bit in the bottom half of the table and I think around eight teams are always going to consider themselves in danger of the drop.
Palace and Norwich might go through runs where they win a couple, then lose a couple but, realistically, they are going to be down there scrapping to stay up for the rest of the season.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
 

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Fulham v West Ham

Fulham are conceding an unbelievable amount of goals and the first thing they need to do is make themselves difficult to beat.
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Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has seen his side concede 15 goals in their last four matches

West Ham are out of sorts too at the moment. They got a point against West Brom on Saturday but the Baggies came across as a much better team.
Both of these teams are in the relegation zone for a reason and I would imagine they will both be busy when the January transfer window opens.
There will not be much in it on Wednesday, but home advantage might just see Fulham get a much-needed win.
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
 

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[h=3]Liverpool v Hull[/h] [h=2]Liverpool still in title race[/h]
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Liverpool were top of the table at Christmas but have lost a bit of ground in the title race after losing to two of their rivals.
They are undoubtedly contenders for the title but the problem for them in both games was that they did not get enough service to Luis Suarez. Against the better teams, that is what is going to happen, but you would back them against everyone else.


Liverpool have had two tough games since Christmas, and lost at Manchester City and Chelsea. I felt they deserved something against City but not necessarily against Chelsea.
Hull will be on a high on the back of their 6-0 win over Fulham and they beat Liverpool at the KC Stadium at the start of December. They have quickly turned themselves into a good Premier League team and their midfield is clearly their strongest department.
I see Liverpool getting their own back here, however. They are back at Anfield, where they have blown away the majority of teams they have faced this season, and I see them getting back to winning ways.
Lawro's prediction: 3-0
 

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[h=3]Southampton v Chelsea[/h] Southampton were a little bit unlucky to lose to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. They could and should have had a draw.
Results-wise Saints have not been great in recent weeks but their performance levels have not dropped off.
They should give Chelsea a good game, even if Jose Mourinho's side play as well as they did in their win against Liverpool.
Bearing in mind who the opposition were, and the importance of the game to the top of the table, I think that was the Blues' best performance of the season.
Mourinho will probably juggle his squad and will be chasing another win but I would still back Southampton to pick up a point.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
 

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[h=3]Stoke v Everton[/h] [h=2]Everton fourth at start of 2014[/h]
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At the start of the season I don't think many people would have tipped the Toffees to be in fourth place in the table on New Year's Day, above Liverpool and Manchester United.
But they are there on merit and they are a very good side. Roberto Martinez has got his players performing on a regular basis and they just seem to carry on picking up points, whoever the opposition


Stoke have not had a very good Christmas, with heavy defeats at Newcastle and then Tottenham.
I know every manager moans about refereeing decisions but Mark Hughes can feel a bit hard done by because he was on the wrong end of some strange ones in both games.
The Potters are still not in any relegation trouble, though and they should remain comfortable in mid-table. After two defeats I think they have a point to prove against Everton and I think they will get something from this game.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
 

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