Odds and Ends

Our guest contributor is back with his customary tips on the capital's upcoming fixtures, if you fancy a wager this weekend:

Newcastle v Fulham

Newcastle's season has not quite got started yet but, with Yohan Cabaye reportedly ready to come back into the team, they could be sparked into life against a somewhat lightweight Fulham team. However, Martin Jol will be keen to put right the defensive deficiencies so evident in the defeat to Arsenal last week. With Newcastle yet to score this campaign, I can't see the two goalkeepers being called into action too often so will be looking at under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.91. Bear in mind that the Lilywhites' last away game in the North East ended in a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory at Sunderland on the opening day so look at odds of 13 for that scoreline to be repeated.

West Ham v Stoke

Not exactly a fixture that gets the blood pumping but maybe one that makes the heart flutter. Get it? 'Flutter'? Whatever, screw you guys. Jussi Jaaskelainen has not had to make a save so far this season and, taking Stoke's infamous away form into account along with their focus tending to be more on defence than attack, the odds offered of 2.64 for a West Ham clean sheet seem extremely generous. I also fancy the Hammers to steal this one as they've been in decent nick so far. Again, I'm a little sceptical about their ability to score goals without the injured Andy Carroll but a 1-0 win at 7.8 and a win to nil at 3.4 both look tempting to me.

Palace v Sunderland

Both teams will be desperate for a win to get their respective seasons up and running. Paulo Di Canio's new-look Mackems have been underwhelming, shall we say, so far but certainly have the ability to score goals, even without Stephane Sessegnon. Steven Fletcher will make his first appearance of the season and, if he carries on where he left off last season, odds of 3.6 for him to score at any time could offer value. However, with the likes of Puncheon and Chamakh added to the Palace ranks, I foresee goals in this one and like the look of over 3.5 goals at 4.1. Often when both sides go all-out for a win it ends in a draw so look at odds of 3.35 for just that outcome.

Arsenal v Tottenham

Sunday's big game should be a cracker and if it was at White Hart Lane we'd be looking at a home banker. However, with the Gunners' home advantage, it remains to be seen which Arsenal team will turn up. One thing that can almost be guaranteed seemingly with North London derbies in recent years is goals and lots of them. I see that trend continuing in this one with both teams far superior offensively and with question marks over both defences. Over 3.5 goals is 2.78 and even at those questionable prices it is right to get on it. I also can't see any reason for odds as high as 3.6 for a Tottenham win and will have a small stake on the visitors.

Leeds v QPR

The early kick-off in front of the TV cameras on Saturday should be an intriguing match-up in a hostile atmosphere. Both sides have started the season well and they could well cancel each other out here. I like odds of 3.3 for the draw and will also be getting on Joey Barton to be shown a card at 2.9. The reception he'll no doubt get as well as the inevitable frustration boiling over as he realises he's found his level should only have one outcome.

Blackpool v Watford

While Blackpool have taken everyone aback with their unbeaten start to the season, their visitors today have surprised absolutely no one with theirs. Gianfranco Zola's men look formidable at this level, although odds of 2.3 for an away win look particularly stingy. Considering the Tangerines have won 3 of their first 4 games, I'm simply going to have to recommend them DRAW NO BET at 2.46 which seems obscene value. 

Brighton v Millwall

Seemingly a home banker, this one, although, when we look a bit more closely, the Seagulls are without a number of key men and only have one fit forward. With the Lions' awful start to the season showing slight signs of improvement in the last week and, with the immense Danny Shittu back in the side to marshall the defence, I am going for a scoreline of 0-0 at odds of 11. To play it slightly safer look at Both Teams to Score? No at 1.87.

Charlton v Leicester

Leicester will have too much quality for a desperate looking Addicks outfit who were very lucky their game was called off last week as they floundered at 3-1 down to Doncaster. With Schmeichel and Morgan back to boost the Foxes' backline, I like odds of 2.3 for the away win. After Charlton's awful first half last time out, odds of 3.9 for Leicester to be winning at half time and full time offer good value.

Brentford v Carlisle

In-form Brentford should steamroller a desperately out-of-form Carlisle and, although the match odds are short, look at Correct Score - Any Unquoted at 5.3 as I fancy the Bees to score over the 3 goals offered. Alternatively Brentford can be added to an accumulator to offer a bit more value.

Colchester v Orient

The Os' 100% record will get a stern test as they travel to unbeaten Colchester. Really difficult one to call, this, and the only real value to be had is about the 1.78 for under 2.5 goals in what is likely to be a cagey affair, with both teams looking to defend their respective records. Kevin Lisbie has been lethal so far so look at him to get on the scoresheet, too.

Mansfield v Dag & Red

Both teams have similar records so far this season and there's not much to choose between these two mid-table sides. Therefore, a draw looks most likely at 3.6. As predicted last week, Zavon Hines came off the bench to turn the game in the Daggers' favour so look at him as first goalscorer this time out as he is likely to have done enough to earn himself a start with his exploits of late.

Wimbledon v Fleetwood

The Dons have caused me much angst in the last few weeks so I've decided I'm not going anywhere near them. If you really can't help yourself and simply have to put some money down then all I can recommend is you get yourself some help. And then plump for a half time draw at 2.14.

*All odds correct as of time of writing on Betfair

DR