Weekend Football Betting Tips

Here goes with my pick of the games this weekend…

Barclays Premier League
Outside the big 4 it’s hard to predict who’ll beat who in the Premier League this season and some games just aren’t worth getting involved in. It will be interesting to see how Chelsea react to life without the ‘Chosen One’. I expect a United victory come Sunday. The other 2 big guns, Arsenal and Liverpool should both pick up 3 points quite comfortably. At 9/50 (PortlandBet) and 1/4 (Coral) respectively they’re not worth the bet. I think there’s value to be had however at The Emirates in backing the game to finish with over 2.5 goals. Back this at 4/6 with Stan James.

I can’t say I have any particular interest in the other games as they all look tight affairs. West Ham will interest a few at Newcastle. They were 3/1 earlier in the week but now a best priced 11/4 at Bet365, Canbet, Ladbrokes & Skybet to name a few.

Coca-Cola Championship
By all accounts it looks like Watford are the team to be on in this Division. They make the short trip to QPR to face a team on the brink of a crisis. Reports suggest that defeat will see QPR part company with John Gregory so the last team they want to face is the in-form Watford who have won 5 of their last 6 league games to take the top spot in the table. Watford also have a more than decent record in this fixture losing just once in the last 8 meetings between the sides. There are no major injury concerns reported for the Hornets which bodes well for Aidy Boothroyd’s team selection. Back Watford whilst you can still get them at the right side of evens, they’re 5/4 at BetFred

For value, another couple worth a second look are Sheffield United to win at Crystal Palace, where they’re unbeaten in the last 5 visits there. The current best price is 33/20 at Canbet. And Ipswich to win at home to Coventry. The Tractor Boys have apparently been impressive at home this season and can be backed to win at home at 13/10 with BlueSq and Boylesports.

Coca-Cola Leagues One & Two
I’m no expert further down the divisions but most obvious bet of the day has to be to side with Leeds at home to Swansea. There’s no denying their form this season and I’ve backed them a few times myself but I’m cautious of the fact that their great run can’t go on forever. They are still very tempting though at 37/40 on the Asian Handicap (-0.5) but approach this one with caution.

A few others that catch the eye are Notts County away to Rotherham on the Asian Handicap (+0.5) at 22/25 with Ladbrokes, Stockport (4/5 Paddy Power & Stan James) at home to Wrexham and Lincoln (11/10 Bet365 & Ladbrokes) at home to Grimsby.

Scottish Premier League
Bet of the day could be at Inverness, where Caley Thistle entertain Hearts. Caley are winless so far but that can’t last forever. Since taking over, Craig Brewster has had a difficult start, losing to the SPL’s only two remaining unbeaten teams, Hibs and Celtic. Their 5-0 defeat at Parkhead last week wasn’t as bad as it may seem. But for the woodwork and the fine form of Artur Boruc, Caley could have notched a couple of goals and made Celtic sweat a little more for the win. Hearts go there off the back of great win against Rangers at Tynecastle and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run. But… I think Caley could record their first win here. A trend I have watched for a while is to look out for the result of any team that beats the old firm in the following week. A bit of digging has thrown up an interesting trend from last season. Rangers lost 8 games domestically last season (outwith the Old Firm matches) and of the 5 teams who played away from home in their next match all of them lost. I could be tempted to take some of the 7/2 (Ladbrokes & PortlandBet) or go with Caley on the Asian Handicap (+0.5) at Canbet at 24/25.

Elsewhere, Dundee Utd’s price has been dropping quickly. Evens at PortlandBet still looks too big to ignore as they look a steady side who have started well, up against Gretna who look out of their depth almost every week.

Bells Scottish Leagues 1/2/3
The natives are growing restless down Dumbarton way after a disappointing start to the season. Last week’s defeat to Stenhousemuir added further pressure to McCabe in the hotseat. This week they welcome table toppers East Fife and they won’t be looking forward to it. East Fife got their season off to a flier and last week’s 3-1 reverse at the hands of Montrose has been the only blip this season. I expect them to pick up their performance in light of last week’s result and make easy work of the Sons. Back East Fife at evens (while you can) at BetFred, Skybet & SportingBet.

Elsewhere, Forfar have been awful this season and Montrose look very backable on the Asian Handicap (-0.5, -1) at 19/20 with Bet365. Other fancies include a Hamilton side who are unbeaten on their home artificial surface for over a year, although they are a bit short at 8/13 (BetFred and totesport) to beat Livingston, and Ross County (1/1 Skybet, BetFred) away to Berwick in the 2nd Division.

The Big Six
My top 6 then are Inverness, Dundee United, Watford, East Fife, Sheffield United and Ipswich. Perm them at 20x trebles and 1x 6-team accumulator.

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