Odds and Ends

Following a fair modicum of success last time out, our guest contributor returns to preview this weekend’s games and offer his top tips for the upcoming fixtures:

Fulham v Arsenal

The Gunners have not lost the first two games of the season since the debut year of the Premier League and, after a morale-boosting win at Fenerbahce in the week, I do not see that record coming to an end this weekend, despite a number of injuries and suspensions.

The Cottagers got their campaign off to a great start with victory at Sunderland. However, it remains to be seen whether that was more to do with luck than judgement, with their hosts having outplayed them for large chunks of the game. Scott Parker and Darren Bent could be in line to make their respective debuts and they will certainly fancy their chances against an Arsenal side beaten at home by Aston Villa last Saturday. That scoreline was slightly misleading, though, and on another day Arsenal would have put the game to bed, having taken an early lead.

I don't like odds of 2.08 for an Arsenal win but advise to back the stalemate at 3.55. 

To slightly hedge your bets, look at Fulham to keep a clean sheet at 5.3, with the Gunners currently lacking firepower. 

Newcastle v West Ham

Surprise, surprise: things are not all hunky dory at the Sports Direct St James' Avenue Super Dome, or whatever name it's going by these days. Newcastle were listless in their humbling at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night and, after the Hammers saw off Cardiff rather comfortably on the opening day, I am pleasantly surprised at odds of 3.45 for a West Ham win. 

The Toon are likely to be without Cabaye, Taylor and Remy and I really can't see Pardew getting one over on Allardyce in the battle of the former managers. My only concern is West Ham relying on Modibo Maiga up top, so possibly go for the Draw No Bet, which is still generously priced at 2.46.

Stoke v Crystal Palace

Both teams lost on the opening weekend but, sorry Palace fans, I can't see past a Stoke win here. Mark Hughes' disastrous spell at QPR means people have forgotten about the rest of his pretty faultless CV to date and he could be exactly what the Potters need to take them to the next level. 

Tony Pulis' men were always a safe bet at the Brit and I would strongly urge you to get all over a price of 1.88 for a home win. 

With the Eagles' front three consisting of Gayle, Dobbie and Wilbraham combined with Stoke's penchant for a home clean sheet, the next best thing could be a Stoke shut-out at 2.36.

Tottenham v Swansea

With both teams having been in Europa League action on Thursday night, I anticipate a sluggish start at White Hart Lane. However, Tottenham should have enough creativity and goals in their team to eventually secure the victory, so look at a Half Time/Full Time of Draw/Tottenham at odds of 5. 

With this in mind, and with both teams more comfortable attacking than defending, I also like Half with Most Goals - Second Half at 1.98. 

For the dreamers out there, Gylfi Sigurdsson is at odds of 9 for first goalscorer against his old club. But I didn't recommend that...

Manchester United v Chelsea

This is a fixture to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, if ever I saw one. With the added spice of the Wayne Rooney saga and with Jose Mourinho seemingly up to his old tricks, this should be a real humdinger on Monday night. I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't tell you about everyone's favourite granny lover's price of 8 for first goalscorer but, let's face it, he probably won't play. Therefore, my money will be on his nemesis Robin van Persie to open the scoring at 5.2. 

RVP picked up where he left off last season with two sumptuous strikes at Swansea last week and, with the Blues’ shaky defence still enduring Gary Cahill-related troubles, I fancy the Dutchman to carry on as normal. That's not to say I fancy Moyes to outmanoeuvre Mourinho though and, with the undoubted attacking ability in the Blues' ranks, for the small stakes punter: 'have a bang' on Half Time/Full Time - Manchester United/Chelsea at tempting looking odds of 32.

Bolton v QPR 

Undefeated QPR travel to the Reebok Stadium, where Wanderers will be looking to pick up their first win of the new season. Bolton are a lot of people's (including this punter's) tip for promotion this term but Dougie Freedman will have to start winning some matches if he wants to turn this dream into reality. 

A tough one to call but neither team will want to lose this game and, with the pressure of the TV cameras for this lunchtime kick-off, back the draw at 3.45. 

Both sides have had trouble finding the back of the net on occasion this term and odds of 1.84 for under 2.5 goals look decent.

Charlton v Doncaster

The Addicks look as though they could be in trouble this season and, with newly-financed Doncaster starting to impress, odds of 3.95 about the Rovers win look too high. 

The South East Londoners could be without two vital midfielders in the form of Johnnie Jackson and Dale Stephens and, with Richie Wellens returning for the visitors, everything points to a victory for the Yorkshiremen. There won't be too much separating these two sides. Therefore, look to cash-out on your bet asap. You know, just in case.

Sheffield Wednesday v Millwall

Two sides in dire straits just three games into the new season led by two managers under increased scrutiny; former West Ham man Steve Lomas really needed a good start to win round the, shall we say, 'sceptical' Lions fans who aren't exactly renowned for their patience. What he didn't need was three straight losses and no goals scored. 

Wednesday have been hampered by injuries and a difficult run of games but the feeling is that they should have enough about them to turn a corner before too long. They won't get a better opportunity than this and I fancy them to do just that at odds of 2.16. 

I also fancy Millwall's barren run in front of goal to continue so will be backing Sheffield Wednesday win to nil at 2.58.

I've also seen worse odds than evens for a red card in what should be a feisty encounter.

Watford v Nottingham Forest

The top two in the division fight it out on Sunday and it would take a bigger man than me to back against either of these Championship heavyweights. 

I wouldn't touch the match result with a bargepole but like the look of odds of 8.4 for Jamie Mackie to open the scoring. He's been in fine form for his new club and is a proven goalscorer at this level.

Brentford v Walsall

Another clash of the titans in League One and, again, it could go either way. However, in-form Walsall look mighty high odds at 2.42 for Draw No Bet so, if you insist on having a flutter on this one, that would be my recommendation. 

Brentford's Will Grigg comes up against his former teammates for the first time so keep an eye on his odds to score.

Leyton Orient v Crewe

The Os have been running riot so far this season and I don't see a let-up against inconsistent Crewe. The goals have been coming by the barrel-load so back an Orient win at 1.82 combined with over 3.5 goals at 3.35. 

And keep an eye out for former Charlton hitman Kevin Lisbie troubling the scorers.

AFC Wimbledon v Scunthorpe

After they let me down last week in my long-shot of the week, I expect the Dons to perform in much the same manner this weekend and succumb to defeat against an unbeaten Scunthorpe outfit. 

AFC have injuries in their defence and have only scored twice so far this season so Scunny, who are spoilt for choice in terms of team selection, should have just enough about them to take the three points back up north at odds of 2.82.

Dag & Red v Newport

Both sides have started the season pretty well but I fancy the Daggers to continue in their rich vein of form with a win in front of their own supporters. Ex-West Ham forward, Zavon Hines, should make his Dagenham debut so look at the odds for him as last scorer, due to his speed and the fact that he may come off the bench to have an impact against tired legs. 

Newport are missing a number of key men and odds of 2.76 for a Daggers victory are high.

*All odds correct as of time of writing on Betfair

DR