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Analysis & Selections by
I~SþY
Whether
it be "the race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we
will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied
horses participating each day and their
characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides
you with a winner or two each day, or even reinforces your own view on a
particular may even convince you to back some of those horses which we
feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims.
whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.
"SOMETHING
FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week 29)
by I~SþY.
Thursday, 10 March 2004
Hello.
Well some good returns last week including two of the best bests coming in. This week I will keep it brief as I am sure that you will be keeping your powder dry for the forthcoming Cheltenham spectacular.
Division 3 looks best this week
Be brave and support Carlisle - 17/1- with Hills (bottom club) against Oxford. On current form, Carlisle should be a lot shorter. They produced an excellent result midweek in beating Huddersfield who the weekend before by coincidence had seen off Oxford. While you cannot be too overconfident its worth a chance. There is no stopping Doncaster and they look the weekend banker. It is also worth following Torquay just now in their current rich vein of form. At around evens I suspect they are overpriced for the long trip up to York who have begun to struggle after their good early season performances. I 'm also quite keen on a draw for Yeovil at 23-10 against West Country rivals Bristol Rovers. Similarly, Hull (again 23-10) might only draw against Scunthorpe - another local affair!
Recommended bets
Doncaster ¬: ***
Torquay ¬: **
Carlisle ¬: *
And don't forget Rigmarole for the Champion Hurdle next Tuesday!
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE
WEEKEND" (Week 28)
by I~SþY.
Friday, 05 March 2004
Hello.
Well have you ever seen such a disappointing set of matches for the FA Cup Sixth Round? With few betting opportunities here, we will concentrate on the League programme (although to be honest this hardly offers that many more opportunities)! Once again, as with our last posting, it looks like Division 2 has most scope for selections with some value attached.
Division 1
Take a close look at Stoke who apart from a thrashing at C. Palace have been going along nicely. They are around 10/11 to see off a mediocre Watford outfit. Gillingham are in trouble - they cannot score goals with none in the net on their last 4 starts. Nottingham Forest who have shown some recent progress under Kinnear might be the value at around 2/1 (if they score they win). West Ham are the home win bankers in this section.
Division 2
As I have said, some real potential here. The braver among you should look at supporting Port Vale (an
underrated side with real play-off pretensions) and Luton who are similarly placed. Both look to have a bit of value about them. Swindon (unbeaten in eight) against Brentford (strong chance of being relegated and no obvious recent form) is the banker at 1/2. This should be closely followed by Bristol City (excellent long term record at Stockport) and with the current form of these two outfits this should continue. Bristol at around evens can maintain their Championship push after a couple of hiccups of late. Significantly, manager Wilson still feels they are playing well and have just been out of luck in their last two matches. Take the hint! Bournemouth should take care of Wycombe and Hartlepool are worth a look at Colchester who are very in and out.
Division 3
Torquay (on form) can account for Carlisle. I also suspect Huddersfield could surprise at Oxford who are not firing of late.
Scotland
Morton look overpriced at evens for their trip to bottom club Stenhousemuir despite their recent drop in form.
Recommended bets
Swindon ¬: ***
Bristol City ¬: **
Morton ¬: *
Happy Punting!!!
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING
FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week 25)
by I~SþY.
Friday, 13 February 2004
Hello. The advice is to watch the FA Cup matches this weekend but not to bet on them. Concentrate your betting in Division Two where there seems to be an abundance of opportunities (hence the slightly different approach this week).
DIVISION TWO
Bournemouth vs. Notts. County (Home)
Brentford vs. QPR (Away)
Chesterfield vs. Rushden (Home)
Grimsby V Brighton (Away)
Peterborough vs. Bristol City (Away)
Port Vale vs. Oldham (Home)
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Hartlepool (Away)
Stockport vs. Swindon (Away)
Wrexham vs. Barnsley (Home)
Wycombe vs. Luton (Away)
Spoilt for choice really! But I think in terms of a little value that we should concentrate our betting on Luton (around 11-8), Hartlepool (around 2-1) and Bristol City (around 10-11). All of these sides are in good form and face opponents who are rather out of touch (and to be truthful have been at best moderate all season). Bristol City have forced their way into the Championship picture and will be keen to reel in both QPR and Plymouth who have faltered somewhat of late. Similarly, Luton have edged quietly towards the playoffs and should enjoy their trip to struggling Wycombe who Adams has not revitalised. Sheffield Wednesday are a big club in these surroundings but results have shown consistently that their place is a deserved one. Hartlepool continue to be dogged opponents and have play off aspirations themselves. They seem to do well on the road.
Outside of these Chesterfield could be good value for another home win considering recent form which includes that deserved win at QPR. Bournemouth are a fair side on their day and
Notts. County are modest. QPR can win the west London derby following their return to winning ways last weekend and their desire to keep tabs with Plymouth. Brentford are rather ordinary at best.
Crystal Palace (Division 1) looks the other banker bet (4-5) looks good on current form (Johnson is on fire) and they look genuine play off candidates now.
Recommended bets
Bristol City ¬ ***
Luton
¬ **
Hartlepool ¬ *
Happy Punting!!!
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" [Week
23]
by ï~Spy.
Friday, 30 January 2004
Hello. Well, not too bad last week with two of the recommended bets successful. This week choices are below;
Division 1
We have been opposing Nottingham Forest in recent weeks and must do so again for their trip to Cardiff. While Cardiff appear to be coming out of a mini slump [wins against Rotherham and Bradford] Forest continue to drop into the relegation zone [narrow defeats at Reading and Sunderland in recent weeks]. Their problem is scoring goals - something which when on form Cardiff excel at. It is hard to believe that Cardiff
won´t find the back of the net on at least one occasion this weekend and with
Forest 's record in front of goal that might suffice.
Division 2
Two bets here. We must continue to follow Bristol City who are on a super run at present. They face a Grimsby outfit who have two heavy defeats [including 5-1 at Port Vale] to remove from their minds. Bristol, now in contention with the top two overcame a significantly tougher test at Hartlepool last time and this should hold no terrors for them. At a shade of odds against, this is still generous in my view.
Finally, Hartlepool vs. Luton. In the current poor weather what could be worse than a trip to Hartlepool? Not an easy place to go at the best of times [they concede little] and with these two clubs next to each other in the table [just 3 points between them] look sure to provide a close encounter. But Hartlepool at around even money looks the bet - fresh from a splendid victory at Port Vale in midweek following on from a creditable defeat by Bristol City - they can make their home advantage [which may be more than significant this week] pay this weekend.
Recommended bets
Hartlepool ¬ ***
Bristol City ¬ **
Cardiff ¬ *
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE
WEEKEND" (Week 22)
by ï~Spy.
Saturday, 24 January 2004
Hello. FA Cup week (4th round) and some real David and Goliath clashes to look forward to. Despite the potential exciting weekend ahead, value bets across the board look very thin on the ground. My brief thoughts on the weekend programme given below;
F.A. CUP
I fancy Newcastle (5-2) at Liverpool simply on the basis of current form but the Magpies have a poor record at Anfield to overcome which is off-putting at the price. I also like the look of Sheffield United (too much firepower) at Nottingham Forest (going badly the wrong way) but are just 5-4 to oblige. I also think Preston can overcome Swansea (evens) but to do so will have to overcome a poor record at the Vetch Field. As one of the better Division 1 sides (Fuller the danger) they should prevail but the value is thin. Wolves (11-10) should finds a generally
under performing West Ham outfit easier opposition than they have faced of late, but again you have to question the value. Overall then, a few opportunities but value not obviously apparent - avoid the apparently obvious home winner (Birmingham) as they have a poor record against Wimbledon at home (lost last 4 matches). Best avoided at 1-3.
Unfortunately, a similar picture is in evidence across the remainder of the programme as far as I can establish.
DIVISION 1
Crystal Palace (who I expect big things of under talented new manager Dowie) must surely win at low scoring Bradford. Palace went goal crazy last week at Watford and if this is the effect that Dowie is going to have then good times are surely ahead for the Eagles. 6-4 is the best price and again the value is thin but there does only look to be one result if Palace have their scoring boots on again.
DIVISION 2
Bristol City are putting in a strong challenge just now but face a daunting trip to Hartlepool - they may have to settle for a draw. QPR and Plymouth are the other best teams in this section but both face tough away trips and are priced up short enough. Barnsley at 23-10 (Hills) at Brighton might represent the best value bet this weekend as there is not much between the sides and this quote looks a little out of line with the shorter quotes elsewhere. Sure to be close however.
DIVISION 3
Nothing here to excite.
CONFERENCE
Chester looks a banker at Northwich (top v bottom) at 4-7 - some value in that. Only small doubt is Chester in the middle of a hiccup at present.
So, overall, an unsatisfactory week for the reasons outlined. The choices below therefore do not offer the amount of value we usually look for in our selections.
Recommended bets
Wolves ¬ ***
Crystal Palace ¬ **
Sheffield Utd ¬ *
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE
WEEKEND" _ (Week 21 )
Football analysis by ï~Spy.
Friday, 09 January 2004
Hello... and a Happy New Year, [belatedly!!].
Division 1 looks the best place for those value bets this week.
Perhaps, a slightly strange choice you might think (they are bottom after all) are Wimbledon (4-1 generally) to win at Crewe. Surely anything non-league Telford can do then Wimbledon can match?!! Wimbledon have been showing encouraging signs of late including a creditable draw against West Bromwich and a splendid 3-0 victory at Reading. If, they can reproduce either performance then 4-1 is far to big a price against a Crewe outfit who while continuing to surprise better resourced opponents (and rest comfortably mid-table) are no more than just an ordinary side. The value lies with the Dons on current form.
Ipswich are another talented side who are in reasonable form. Reading are not and have had some awful results of late. 7-4 Ipswich is best price (Ladbrokes) and represents reasonable value. Reading who have lost there last 3 home games by a 3-0 scoreline and have only two away draws to their credit in recent times look up against it. Ipswich have already won 5 times on their travels and have looked a useful side on several occasions this term
The value home win is Wigan (10-11 generally) against Millwall. Wigan who played well in defeat against West Ham last week will fancy their chances against the Londoners who are not in the West Ham class. Millwall have lost their way recently and have put in some disappointing displays including in their fortunate win at Crystal Palace where good fortune was all they had on their side. Wigan is a tough place to go and they are an improving and most talented bunch. Expect a nil return for The Lions.
Recommended bets
Wigan ¬ ***
Ipswich ¬ **
Wimbledon ¬ *
Happy Punting!!.
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week
18)
by ï~Spy.
Friday, 12 December 2003
Hello.
A brief look this week (it looks a difficult one) and we suggest the following represent the best value bets;
Leicester v Birmingham (13-10 Hills) - the home win looks worthy of close inspection here. The reason - form. Leicester going really well (capped by a fighting draw against Arsenal last week) and Birmingham hitting rock bottom recently highlighted by a 4-0 home drubbing last week. Bound to be tight and tense but there is only one side on current form whom you should be backing and that is the Foxes. I think they should be a shade of odds- on on that basis and not odds against.
Burnley v Coventry - another home win based on Burnley' s recent improved form and Coventry continuing to
under perform. Burnley are good when they are good but can also be very poor on occasions. Judged on recent efforts they are back to somewhere near their best (finding the net with ease) - this should be all too much for the Midlanders who are nothing but average and who don't pose too much of a striking threat.
QPR v Hartlepool - entitled to be shorter on current form the hoops are sure to hold most of the aces in this fixture. Having played useful opposition of the park in recent home games, it is hard to see how Hartlepool (no more than workmanlike in the Cup last week) will be able to cope. Expect them to have to make the long journey home empty handed.
Recommended bets
QPR ¬ ***
Burnley ¬ **
Leicester ¬ *
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE
WEEKEND" (Week 16)
by Ï~Spy.
Friday, 28 November 2003
Hello.
Look no further than the third division for this week's best bets, (the source of two of our winning choices last week).
The three suggestions are;
Scunthorpe at Darlington (11-8 best price), Doncaster at Carlisle (4-5 best price) and Huddersfield to beat Cheltenham at (8-11 best price). No prizes really for giving these selections but they do appear to offer reasonable value. This column has regularly highlighted the fine form of Doncaster and they are playing the league's poorest side this weekend. Doncaster have regularly scored plenty of goals this season away from home and Carlisle will be hard pressed to stop them on Saturday. Although a shade of odds on the 4-5 still looks value to me. Those who read last week's article that highlighted Scunthorpe as one of the better sides in this Division will have been pleased to land the odds after a 4-0 drubbing of Cambridge. It would appear difficult to say the least to expect Darlington (also successfully opposed last week) to fend off a Scunthorpe side full of quality. Their only problem is lack of consistency - let us hope they can get a run going as various bookmakers seem to offer generous odds against Scunthorpe on a regular basis. Finally, Huddersfield (good winners last week) will be hard to beat again at home this week especially when you consider the limitations that Cheltenham possess. The Terriers to have far too much firepower.
In a section overflowing with possibilities this week, Oxford, Boston and Bury also look likely winners.
One word of warning. If, you are including Charlton in your bets to beat Leeds (a reasonable assumption to make!) be aware that Leeds have won at the Valley on the last three visits including 6-1 last time. Now regular reader's will know my low opinion of the Elland Road outfit, but don't be surprised if they land at least a draw against in-form Charlton - sometimes in football there are sides who always do well against certain opposition. Difficult to explain but we all know it exists! Best leave this one out of accumulators to be safe.
Have fun.
Recommended bet(s)
Huddersfield ¬ ***
Doncaster ¬ **
Scunthorpe ¬ *
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week
15)
by ï~Spy.
Friday, 21 November 2003
Hello.
Two correct from three selections last week (why can I never predict what Torquay are going to do!?) - another very difficult week with value thin on the ground.
The three suggestions are;
Bolton @ Leeds, Scunthorpe to account for Cambridge and QPR to win away at Swindon. A more obvious substitute is Swansea at home to Darlington (who are going from bad to worse) but they are around 1-2 to land the spoils which is a little stingy.
BOLTON
Shall we be bold and go for them to win (2-1) at Leeds or select the draw (a Bolton habit) at 12-5. Ladbrokes are best on both these prices. Leeds are increasingly going the wrong way and Peter Reid has now paid the ultimate price - can Eddie Gray restore the damage so quickly? We doubt it. On this basis, the prices are all upside down for this match and Bolton who are steadily improving must have reasonable chances (if adventurous enough) to land the points. Leeds will be missing Smith and Viduka might play instead but with what attitude? Its hard to believe Leeds shaky back four won't be breached at least a couple of times over 90 minutes and the overall team ethic of Bolton (so missing at Leeds at the moment) can be the decisive factor despite Gray's efforts.
QPR
Have no easy task at Swindon (who are decent) but at around 6-4 (general) look the bet. Our tip for the title pre-season looked in great shape against Plymouth last week and were comfortable 3-0 winners. A smart result. Many reports said they had the look of Champions and if maintaining that level of performance then Swindon should yield quite comfortably - they are a little too inconsistent for their own good. Rangers to hold too much firepower.
SCUNTHORPE
11-10 (Tote) represents some value. I thought Scunthorpe would have been higher than they are but I suspect quality will tell in the end and they will be in the play-off reckoning again come next April. Cambridge meanwhile are better away from home than at the Abby Stadium. Despite that they
wouldn't appear to have the quality over the park that Scunthorpe hold and I expect them to come out on top if in anything like the form that saw them beat Hull and Huddersfield.
Recommended bet[s]
*** ¬ QPR
** ¬ Bolton
* ¬ Scunthorpe
Happy Punting!!.
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING
FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week 14)
by Ï~Spy.
Thursday, 13 November 2003
Hello.
Well a winning week last week despite only one success from the three recommended bets (thanks Hornchurch) but this week looks like one where money should be kept in pockets.
If pressed, (and the boss usually does no matter what the circumstances) my selections would be;
Take a look at Cheltenham at Torquay. The Plainmoor outfit are very low on confidence at the moment despite being a useful outfit on limited resources. This culminated in the upset against Burton in the FA Cup last week. On that basis, Cheltenham at around 11-4 look the value as they are sure to want to impress in this "near" Derby. No great shakes themselves (and recently removed Bobby Gould) they will be motivated sufficiently to impress the new management. Worth a chance.
Shrewsbury (our selection for the Conference) are reasonably placed with games in hand at the top of the Conference. So unlucky in the Cup last week at Scunthorpe they fought back well with a 2-0 victory midweek against Forest Green. If, they are to win this league then the challenge from the likes of
Gravesend will have to be overcome on a regular basis. I expect them to have far too much strength all over the pitch for the weak Kent outfit who look set to struggle to stay in this Division this term.
10-11 Reading to beat Millwall also looks interesting. Coppell seems to be getting the Royals back on track after the Pardew debacle and they are moving back into a challenging position. The Lions were well held at Norwich last week. Reading have plenty of strength and attacking options (the latter of which Millwall lack) and although it may be close for a while I expect Reading to be comfortable winners by full time.
Recommended bets
*** ¬ Shrewsbury
** ¬ Reading
* ¬ Cheltenham
good luck!!!
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND (Week
13)
by ï~Spy.
Thursday, 06 November 2003
Hello.
THE
F.A. CUP
FA Cup week and this is where I see most value. My change in personal circumstances has seen me take a renewed interest in the non-league scene over the past year or so (particularly the Ryman Leagues) and I hope to put that knowledge to good effect this week.
The best bet looks to be Doncaster who are flying high in Division 3 and landed one of our best bets 2 weeks ago. They take on Scarborough (beset by off the field troubles pre-season and having no lofty ambitions) and frankly have performed much as expected in the Conference to date. Unless they raise their game significantly it is hard to see them stopping the free-scoring League outfit from continuing their current winning run. 6-5 is over generous.
Canvey Island who have performed so well in recent times to escape from the Ryman League are once again leading the way and are currently 4 points clear of the pack after a very slow start. With no Aldershot around this year, they would be my tip to win the League this time. Their recent 4-1 demolition of Kettering (a team who think they are better than they are and are not afraid to tell everyone about it) showed their quality. They take on Southend in a local Derby and it is hard to see why they are 4-1 in what is sure to be a tense and close affair. We have constantly opposed Southend in this column and they remain no great shakes. Canvey have plenty of firepower although this is often not seen to so much effect on their travels but I'm hoping the Derby atmosphere will change all that.
Another Essex side Hornchurch are a team in 4th in the Ryman League and represent the surprise outfit this season. They keep things tight and although they can score freely they tend to win narrowly. Progressive and talented both on and off the field they are going places. Darlington are not and represent no more than an average 3rd division outfit. The value lies in the 5-2 Hornchurch to make home advantage pay.
Recommended bets
*** ¬ Doncaster
** ¬ Hornchurch
* ¬ Canvey Island
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week
11)
by ï~spy.
Friday, 24 October 2003
Hello. Brief comments this week in what looks a particularly tricky set of fixtures (hardly what I need in my current dubious form!). Having said that, I hope some of you took up the advice to back Plymouth for the Division 2 Championship last week. Two wins later and that 25-1 has turned into 4-1 in places! - those who took the big price can now make hay on the betting exchanges.
With the above in mind, Plymouth rate this weekend's best bet at home to Blackpool. They are a best price of 4-6 (Hills) to oblige and in their current form 18 goals in 4 games) and confidence sky high they will surely be too strong for Blackpool who are in the bottom 8 and who are nothing but inconsistent.
The two star nap goes to Doncaster who have been playing well all season (bar a small hiccup or two around a month ago) and have returned to their free scoring winning ways. They will surely have too much firepower for low scoring Kidderminster outfit who reside in the bottom 3. Doncaster who travel well are 6-4 with Stan James to win this one.
The third bet is slightly risky in that Yeovil (our pre-season tip for this section) have rather lost their way away from home. However, it can only be a question of time before they reproduce their sparkling home form and in Cambridge they face an outfit with just one home league win this season. The value seems to lie with the Somerset team therefore and are 13-8 with Skybet and Blue Square.
Recommended bets
*** ¬ Plymouth
** ¬ Doncaster
* ¬Yeovil
Horse Racing
Storming Home in the Breeders` Cup Turf can dent the European challenge!
The Spy will be back in two weeks.
Happy punting!
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week
10)
by i-Spy.
Friday, 17 October 2003
Hello.
THE PREMIERSHIP
No prizes for suggesting Man Utd to land the spoils at Leeds despite the fact that the Elland Road team always raise their game for this fixture. What is surprising is the 4-6 available for a "red win" which looks a formality.
DIVISION ONE
Preston (3-1) and Norwich (4-1) both look worth a second look. While it takes a little faith to see them winning at Reading and West Brom respectively, they are overpriced to do so. Reading are still suffering "Pardew sickness" despite some recent progress and Preston are really coming good of late. West Bromwich rarely score many and if Norwich can get ahead (they deserved their point at West Ham to show their quality) it might just prove beyond them. The other half of East Anglia Ipswich look the home banker - the Portman Road outfit are heading in the right direction and scored six midweek.
DIVISION TWO
Swindon look obvious away winners but they are short enough for a team who lost at Boston midweek. Perhaps, a draw. Colchester at Grimsby offers more potential but the Us are a bit in and out to be relied upon. That really leaves QPR as the best bet in this section against a Peterborough side yet to win at home (11-10 available) and a more speculative effort would be to suggest high flying Plymouth to end Port Vale's unbeaten home record. Plymouth 25-1 each way might just be worth a look incidentally.
DIVISION THREE
Yeovil (home win), Hull (away win), Bristol Rovers (home win), Cheltenham (home win) and Huddersfield (away win) are the selections. Best bet probably Cheltenham (11-10) to land the home against an often inept Rochdale.
SCOTLAND
Not a lot appeals quite frankly. Cowdenbeath could be a little overpriced at 7-2 for their visit to Peterhead however.
Recommended bets
*** ¬ QPR
** ¬ Cheltenham
* ¬ Preston
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week
9)
by The Spy.
Thursday, 09 October 2003
Hello - an international programme this weekend meaning a truncated set of fixtures both north and south of the border.
THE INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES
As usual, I think it is very difficult to suggest a bet on these matches - the bookies always price these matches up prohibitively. I cannot help feeling that Wales at around evens (represents a bit of value) is however worthy of closer inspection as I would have thought they should be odds on. Wales should have won in the reverse fixture - the importance of the match should bring out the full passion from the Welsh crowd and team - a combined factor that makes it look difficult for Serbia. Hartson on a high from last weekend to score the first goal perhaps?
DIVISION
ONE
Tight matches on offer here - best avoided. Millwall might be best for those wanting a selection here at Rotherham.
DIVISION
TWO
Again difficult. I would have thought that Bristol City, Plymouth, Brighton and Swindon should all have too much firepower for their respective opponents.
DIVISION
THREE
Hull, Huddersfield and Mansfield can be the home winners. Take Scunthorpe and Lincoln to fight out a draw.
SCOTLAND
Nothing here.
CONFERENCE
Hereford will surely make short work of Dagenham in their current form. Morecombe are sufficiently strong at home (cannot win away for toffee) to see of Gravesend. Barnet might be worth a look at Tamworth.
Recommended bets
None this week.
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE
WEEKEND" (Week 8)
by ï~Spy.
Friday, 03 October 2003
Hello. Apologies for the gap in service last week but overseas work commitments,
[in Argentina], prevented me from writing.
THE PREMIERSHIP.
A real test of faith here in respect of our confidence behind Birmingham (see our pre-season review). Can they really beat Man United - they are 9-1 to do so which is significantly overpriced. They battle, they have plenty of quality and are sound defensively. A little on at that price is tempting - I think however because United are United (and we all know what that means) that the 4-1 draw looks the safer option. Elsewhere Southampton (7-2) might be able to
capitalise on Newcastle's troubles whose player's minds might just be elsewhere than on the football field! Aside from that Southampton are talented and unbeaten away from home this season.
DIVISION ONE
Cardiff are a side going places - Crystal Palace are not! You would expect Cardiff who score freely to find a way past a Palace side on an awful run. They were pretty dire midweek against West Ham and Kember looks on his last legs as manager. Preston who are going well can be the home banker against Wimbledon (really poor) while I would expect Sheffield United (one of our pre-season tips) to overcome Sunderland in the match of the day.
DIVISION TWO
Best bets this week are probably here. It has been pleasing to see Oldham turn things around in recent weeks (no one likes to see league sides going out of business) and the players have responded magnificently under the circumstances. Their new found confidence can surely land the bacon at Peterborough who are yet to win at home this term. Notts County (in a similar position) have done a little better of late but I think Colchester (emerging to be real title candidates after a quiet start) can add to their woe this weekend. I would also expect Plymouth who score freely away from Home Park to score enough to beat a Wycombe outfit who generally concede too many goals for their own good.
DIVISION THREE
A tight set of matches. Huddersfield, Hull and Oxford look the best away chances Oxford at 5-4 are the pick against a Boston outfit who are really beginning to struggle and are heading towards the bottom. Despite Oxford's moderate away record they should hold sway.
SCOTLAND
Queen of the South, East Fife, Morton, Stranraer and Stirling look the games to concentrate on up North.
Recommended bets
Oldham ¬ ***
Preston ¬ **
Oxford ¬ *
Have a good weekend.
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE
WEEKEND" (Week 6)
by i~Spy.
Friday, 19 September 2003
Hello. Well a slightly disappointing week last week for which I apologise. These things happen. Overall, a difficult week this week.
PREMIERSHIP
Real consideration should be given to supporting the away wins for Manchester City, Birmingham and Southampton based on their respective form and that of their weekend opponents. That said, they are priced up accordingly and there appears to be little of value. I particularly like the look of Southampton at Spurs (who can be awful) and I'm sure Beattie and Phillips can capitalise on the often woeful Spurs rearguard. That said, confidence is reduced by Spurs good record against the Saints.
DIVISION ONE
Further away wins look the order of the day in Div 1 with West Ham and Nottingham Forest standing out. West Bromwich are also a possible in this category. Home wins for Preston, Wigan, Reading and Millwall also look distinctly possible. My West Ham contacts have said they look a class apart from this division in recent weeks and that was clearly shown on their 3-0 demolition of Crewe midweek. Forest too have hit a rich vein of form and won by a similar scoreline at Burnley. Gillingham and Crewe look set to struggle to contain these visitors this weekend and comfortable away wins look the outcome.
DIVISION TWO
Not much here really in a tough set of fixtures. It would come as no surprise if Chesterfield (who played ok in a 3-0 defeat at QPR) got the better of Grimsby who may still be in shock after two defeats in a week including an 8-1 defeat at Hartlepool. Also Hartlepool themselves clearly in good shape just now have a lowly Brentford to take on and despite their recent improvement in form look beatable.
DIVISION THREE
Again little of interest. I think we can assume that Northampton represent the best home win opportunity but even so Macclesfield are capable on their day. So, my best selection here is to suggest Bury at Boston. Bury are quite a talented side on their day and are only constrained by a small squad. Boston, generally finding it difficult to score are battlers if nothing else but may find the Bury front line a bit too lively. They look the value.
SCOTLAND
Quite a few home win bankers here. Morton, Peterhead, Stirling and East Fife look the best of them (they are however priced up accordingly).
RECOMMENDED BETS
*** ¬West Ham
** ¬ Hartlepool
* ¬ Nottingham Forest
Have a good weekend.
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week 5)
by Ï~Spy.
Thursday, 11 September 2003
Hello. Well for the second consecutive week all our three recommended bets obliged at 4-5, 10-11 and 11-10. Hope you were on. We hope to continue that form into this week.
PREMIERSHIP
Everyone knows about the Chelsea hoodoo over Spurs by now. On that basis alone 4-7 looks reasonable setting aside that Tottenham clearly have some very bad days indeed. At 8-13 Manchester United do not look too short for their visit to Charlton where they have won 3 from 4 in recent seasons.
DIVISION ONE
Some real gems here in respect of away win possibilities. Crystal Palace (can beat anyone in this division on their day) are a huge price (100-30) to win at Sunderland (who have hit form but have been playing poor sides) while old friends Reading (3-1) at West Ham are overpriced on current form. But West Ham obviously have the quality to perhaps get a draw. But while there is obviously some risk in supporting these two much safer possibilities are Wigan to win at Wimbledon and Millwall to win at Watford. Both these sides are progressive and are facing sides going in the opposite direction. Wimbledon in particular look to be in freefall. Wigan (11-8)_who have won their last three (2 comfortably away from home) can surely land the odds against the Dons who have conceded 9 goals in their last three starts two of which have been at their Selhurst "home". Millwall have a good record at Watford and although they have not hit their best form just yet have quality players all over the park - they can prevail at around 6-4.
DIVISION TWO
QPR (1-2) and Rushden (4-6) look the home bankers and can be safely included in accumulators. Wycombe and Brentford their opponents this week are both looking set for a season of hard toil and on current form it is difficult to see them upsetting the odds here.
DIVISION THREE
While Hull should obviously beat Southend, they often disappoint and are probably best given a health warning although Southend are looking pretty desperate just now. Safer bet is Rochdale (11-8) - possibly the bet of the week - to overcome Carlisle. Rochdale have quietly made their way into the top half of the table and their manager was full of praise after their win at York last week. In that form Carlisle who were dire in defeat at Darlington and have now hit rock bottom will struggle to get any sort of win on the board in the near future.
SCOTLAND
Little here. In Division 2, Morton (6-5 generally available) represent most interest and may prove to be the only worthwhile bet in this section. Following their promotion, they have managed to maintain that form in the higher sphere and are scoring freely. You would expect that ability to see them home against an average Forfar outfit.
RECOMMENDED BET[S]
*** ¬ Rochdale
** ¬ Rushden
* ¬ Wigan
Have a good weekend.
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week 4)
by Ï~Spy.
Thursday, 04 September 2003
Hello. Very brief comments this week on a shortened programme of fixtures because of the international programme (where I can see no value) where the remaining fixtures look fraught with difficulty. Hope you were all on the three recommended bets last week that came in at 5-4, 6-5 and 8-11. Also highlighted was the 11-2 shock win of Birmingham at Newcastle.
DIVISION ONE
Just 2 matches - no appeal. As an example of the difficulty of this week's coupon mentioned above, I quite like the look of
Millwall at Gillingham but the Gills have won the last 4 home fixtures between the sides. Best avoided.
DIVISION TWO
Bristol City (11-8) have a very good record at Bournemouth (won 3 of the last 4) and are worthy of close consideration for the brave among you as Bournemouth are a decent outfit who are going well while Bristol have not found top gear just yet. Probably the best bet however is Rushden to beat Wycombe. Rushden have started well and are scoring for fun - Wycombe have begun to concede goals (just like last season) with 9 entering their net in the past 3 matches. If that continues, I can only see one result - Rushden are 4-5 generally.
DIVISION THREE
Little here except to point out the obvious home banker is Oxford to beat a poor Southend side - the price 8-15. Point to note - Torquay v Orient has been a draw 5 times in their last 6 encounters at Plainmoor.
CONFERENCE
As these matches appear on the coupon this week we should take advantage of some good opportunities. While our Conference pick Shrewsbury should be far too strong for an acclimatising Tamworth the 1-2 quotes reflect that point. I suggest a very close look at Stevenage (6-4) at Exeter, Chester 11-10 at Margate and best of all Hereford (10-11) at Farnborough. Hereford have shown enough quality in the opening weeks to send a few shivers down my spine regarding my Championship bet on Shrewsbury. In great heart (fine win at Stevenage last week) it is difficult to see Farnborough who have struggled so far causing them too many problems.
Recommended bets
*** - Rushden 4-5 generally available
** - Hereford @ 10-11 Hills
* - Chester @ 11-10
Have a good and profitable weekend.
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE
WEEKEND" (Week 3)
by ï~Spy.
Saturday, 30 August 2003
Hello. Welcome back. We will continue to keep our advice restricted until form really settles down. Brief comments only this week.
PREMIERSHIP
Nothing appeals here. Most likely shock could be Birmingham at Newcastle (who have not started well) and at 11-2 (generally) look the value.
DIVISION ONE
Reading (5-4) to account for Wimbledon. Never like opposing the Dons but this is a must on current form. Wimbledon were dire at Norwich despite the flattering scoreline and Reading continue to score freely despite a hiccup on Monday. Derby are also poor and West Bromwich can win this East/West Derby perhaps narrowly as is their want. I don't think Coventry will return with anything from Sheffield United despite their rather slow start.
DIVISION TWO
Notts County without a league goal won't find Barnsley an easy place to go and retrieve that situation. 4-7 does not look bad value. QPR look a home banker. Beware of Bristol City (10-11) for the arrival of Grimsby but they have hit a poor patch and are worth avoiding.
DIVISION THREE
Oxford can provide the away win (11-8) - doing well overall and on their travels while Hull will surely prove too strong (despite the regular hiccups) against a very average Boston outfit.
SCOTLAND
Nothing really jumps of the page. Not sure why Brechin are 5-1 @ St Johnstone when they beat them last week. Look overpriced.
RECOMMENDED BETS
*** Reading @5-4
** West Bromwich @ 6-5
* Sheffield United @ 8-11
Good luck.
THE SPY.
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" (Week 2)
by ï~Spy.
Friday, 22 August 2003
Hello again.
Well, as I suggested last week, a low key approach to the opening weeks of the season is advisable (until form settles down somewhat) and this was borne out by the results in week one. We will continue in this vein in week 2. There is a long season ahead of us.
PREMIERSHIP
Nothing appeals here.
DIVISION ONE
Standout bet here is Reading (11-8 generally) to account for Derby. Derby surprised me last week by holding out at Gillingham but will encounter our selection for the Championship (see our review) who have begun promisingly highlighted by a hammering of Nottingham Forest last weekend. Expect more of the same. Derby are rebuilding and need time - Reading are the finished article. Back them.
DIVISION TWO
Bristol City, QPR, Swindon, Tranmere and Luton look the home bankers with the last named nicely priced at a shade of odds on to beat Grimsby. The Hatters have started brightly despite their off the field troubles.
DIVISION THREE
It would not surprise me in the slightest to see away wins for Yeovil, Doncaster, Torquay and Cambridge. However, I cannot get over enthusiastic at this early stage of the season about any of these. Bury are the biggest price at 11-4 (which reflects their poor start) but they are a useful side on their day and it is only their small playing squad and overall resource constraints that holds them back. They might be worth a small investment. Doncaster who have started well in their new surroundings are scoring goals for fun which is Lincoln's problem. So, the away is a distinct possibility against a tough to beat Lincoln outfit but around 7-4 are plenty short enough I feel.
SCOTLAND
Well we did rather well here last week (3 correct from 4) and I suggest Alloa (around evens) Morton (shade of odds on) Peterhead (around 8-11) and Stirling (8-15) are all worthy of close inspection for use in accumulators.
RECOMMENDED BETS
*** Reading @11-8
** Luton @10-11
* Bristol City @ 8-13
Good luck to everyone.
THE SPY
"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND" - (WEEK 1)
by Ï~Spy
Friday, 15 August 2003
Welcome back. I intend to see how things go over the opening weeks of the new season before making too many predictions. So, listed below you will find just a few pointers to the matches this weekend.
PREMIERSHIP
Best bet has to be Newcastle to win at Leeds. This should be backed in a single at the widely available shade of odds against (generally available). I have also seen 11-8 with Bet 365. Quite simply Leeds are in a real state (winless pre-season against lower opposition) and have lost their best players. For this and other reasons our football review has suggested backing them to be relegated and for Peter Reid to be the first manager to be removed from office. On that basis, playing one of last season's stronger sides is the last thing they need and Newcastle winning in Belgrade (no easy task) has shown the form they are in. 3 comprehensive defeats of Leeds at Elland Road in recent times against better Leeds outfits than they will face on Saturday show there liking for the Yorkshire air. They should be better than Leeds in all areas of the pitch and should land a comfortable win.
Next best is for Birmingham to dispose of Tottenham (11-8 best price Super Soccer and Bet 365) at St Andrews. We feel Birmingham are going places (we have suggested they are backed on the Premiership handicap with a 36 points head start in our review) because they have strengthened their squad over the close season to supplement the successful re-shaping of the side which took place after their promotion. They are progressive while Spurs look regressive. With key players leaving (without adequate replacement) and generally being poor on the road we can only see Birmingham getting off to a flier.
DIVISION ONE
Derby seem to be in great trouble at the moment and look as a general rule to be worth opposing until they are transformed by manager Burley. So, gritty Gillingham can be one for accumulators. Sunderland fall into a similar category and I wouldn't put anyone off backing Millwall (underestimated) from returning with all 3 points from the Stadium of Light. Finally, Merson has fired up Walsall to such an extent that in the West Midlands Derby at moderate Coventry they look favourites to me to land the spoils.
DIVISION TWO
Nothing here. But, for accumulators Sheffield Wednesday should probably be included as Oldham are in the same boat (judged on early displays) as Derby and Sunderland.
DIVISION THREE
Not much here either to excite. Mansfield performed well against Sunderland midweek despite losing and can overcome Orient who have started poorly. Odds of around 5-6 are reasonable. Darlington look reasonable at 5-4 or so to offload Kidderminster who had a fairly fortunate win last weekend.
SCOTLAND
In the Edinburgh Derby for those wanting a bet our money would be on Hearts but with no great authority. Hibs look moderate in several key areas of their side while Hearts have maintained the squad which finished behind the Old Firm again last year.
DIVISION TWO
Airdrie (progressive) to be relegated Alloa (not strengthened their side) looks a home winner. Morton (6-5) can land the away at Stenhousemuir who continue to
under perform (lost 5 out of last 6) and look cannon-fodder for the promoted Morton side who are going places this year.
DIVISION THREE
Peterhead have started a lot better this season than chief rivals for the Championship Gretna who have taken some heavy defeats. So, the 10-11 looks the price to take for those interested in accumulators.
RECOMMENDED BETS
*** Newcastle to win @ Leeds
** Birmingham
* Walsall
Good luck to everyone and happy punting!
THE SPY.
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