We are starting to see some patterns form across the league now and with the transfer window closing next week, the league should start to settle down a bit. Already I have been picking out a few angles to follow this year, which I hope will be profitable as we move forward.
Readers from last year will know I’m a fan of Blackburn at home who only lost 3 games at Ewood Park last season (Spurs, Villa & Everton) and they face Arsenal in a game I think the bookies have priced up wrong. Blackburn are a very tough team who improved a great deal over the course of last season and will certainly test out the very shaky Almunia in the visitors net with plenty of high balls and crosses. I fancy the +0.75 AH with Paddy Power at 2.1 on Blackburn here, which gives us a guaranteed profit if it’s a draw and only a small loss if they lose by 1 goal.
I also am siding with another home side last weekend at fancy Bolton at 2.2 with Stan James to have too much for Birmingham, who by all accounts were lucky to beat Blackburn last week. Bolton are looking a real dark horse this season and this is the type of game they will target 3 points from.
Another strong team at home is Sunderland who also lost just 3 games at the Stadium of Light last season (Chelsea, Man Utd & Villa) and they host Man City on Sunday. Mancini’s team are strong faves but having seen how he sets City up away from home, I could see this easily being a draw. The +0.5 AH with 188bet at 2.1 therefore interests me here. Given Sunderland’s relatively poor start to the season, I am putting this one on the shortlist only though.
I am also going to invest 1 pt in the Wolves – Wigan match bet as the price on Wigan has now drifted out to 13/8 with VCbet. Admittedly Wigan have started the season very poorly but I don’t think there is that there is actually that much between the two teams so am willing to go against the crowd here.
Main Bet
1.5 pts Blackburn (+0.75 AH) V Arsenal 2.1 Paddy Power
1 pt Bolton to beat Birmingham. 2.2 Stan James/Paddy Power
1pt Wigan to finish above Wolves this season. 2.63 VCbet (Ante-post)
Shortlist
1 pt Sunderland (+0.5 AH) V Man City. 2.1 188bet
Whatever you bet on, good luck!
Mike