Weekend Tips

Last week I did say that strange results would happen. QPR let me down massively getting absolutely thumped by Swansea. I still stand by saying that I think Swansea will struggle, although if they have found a goalscorer in Michu then hope for them is restored. Also the signing of Ki from Celtic is a positive move. Luckily the Bradford Bulls did pick up the win over Huddersfield so it was a total losing day. 

This week there are again plenty of chances for wins with a full fixture list as well as racing from Newmarket, Goodwood and York. 

Football:

Todays Premier League matches are tough to call. Tomorrow's games have more potential for betting. Tomorrow Stoke host Arsenal. This is a notoriously difficult one for Arsenal and one I doubt they will be looking forward to. With this in mind the 9/4 (Skybet) price for a Stoke win is very appealing. While watching Arsenal last week there was a sense of de ja vu as they dominated a home match without finding a breakthrough. So many times has this be seen at the Emirates. Fans may argue that teams come to defend at the Emirates and get 10 men behind the ball, however if Arsenal are a top side they should be able to break through. The Arsenal of old would have. The loss of Robin Van Persie will affect them as every time someone misses a chance people will say 'Van Persie would have scored that'. 

Giroud needs a score soon

Therefore the pressure of the likes of Olivier Giroud is huge. His miss last week will not have helped his confidence either. The sooner the new signings such as Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud (right) score the better. Although this week I do think that a defeat is on the cards. The 9/4 price is very nice and worth a punt. Arsenal are favourites at 6/5 (SkyBet) and the draw is 23./10 (Skybet)

Also tomorrow, Manchester City travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool. Liverpool suffered a 3-0 defeat last week to West Brom, whereas City claimed a lucky 3-2 win over Southampton. City will again be favourites for this one and I do expect them to win and win comfortably, 2-0 City would be my prediction. If Liverpool lose it will be the first time they have lost the opening two games since 1959 and Bill Shankly was manager. Brendan Rogers has a tough job on, the signing on Sahin will help however if he plays in this one we will see. My fear is that City will be totally dominant however do as they did against Southampton and not finish the job early on when they had the chances. Liverpool do have players to hurt as Luis Suarez has proved before. City as 7/5 (Skybet) for this one and like the Stoke odds it is very tempting.  Liverpool are 15/8 (SkyBet) and the draw in 12/5 (SkyBet). 

Bet of the Weekend: Stoke/Man City win double @ 8/1 (SkyBet). 

Treble : Sheffield Wednesday/Leeds/Middlesborough @8/1 (Skybet)

Longshot of the day: Newcastle to beat Chelsea @6/1 (SkyBet) 

Racing: 

Each-Way bet: 2.15 @ Goodwood - Annie's Fortune 14/1 (SkyBet)  

Win Bet: 3.25 @ Goodwood- Chachamaidee 11/4 (SkyBet)

Rugby League:

Challenge Cup Final day and my tip is Leeds. Leeds are 2/1 (SkyBet) and this is a great price. Burrow to be man of the match at 8/1 is also tempting. 

Good luck with any bets today.