As the season draws to a close I aim to get my profit back above the £1000 mark. This could be achieved by Arsenal winning the cup outright next weekend. I have 100 on at 5/6, this was a bet placed before the semi final, Liverpool's exit makes it more lucrative.
Their are several important games this weekend; playoff finals, battle for the drop and battle for the poisoned chalice of The Europa League spot. With the NAPS at 19 out of 38 I need this final week to edge me past the 50 50 mark. Whilst these figures don't seem outstanding it would have still returned a nice profit betting on them with a same stake plan as the majority are over even money. The big win at the start of the season has enabled me to take some bigger gambles than normal and still return around £1000 for the season. I obviously would have liked more but don't all us gamblers. When we win we haven't had enough on and when we lose we have had too much on.
The Eurovision also takes place this weekend. I was talked into having 20 quid on the Finnish punk band. The whole group had learning difficulties and I was swayed by the possible sympathy vote. They were out in the semi finals!!! I have also had another tip about Armenia, although I can't see it myself, they are 400 to 1 so I think my mate may have gone off me or something? After listening to all the entries (how sad) I can't see past Russia. I also give Georgia an outside chance of the top 5.
Back to the football
Playoffs League Two – Southend (13/8 in 90 minutes Bet 365) are my tip for promotion, despite not having beat Wycombe yet this season. An away defeat of 4-1 and a home draw of 2-2 does not fill me with the upmost confidence but I fancy them to redress the balance. I also think Phil Brown could work as an extra man and get his team really up for the fight. The more conservative could have Southend to lift the trophy at 5/6 (Boyle Sports)
Premier League – Arsenal have already secured third place but I would still expect them to go out on a high after their dour nil nil with Sunderland. The 90 minute odds are too short but Arsenal minus 1.25 on the Asian Handicap at 10/11 with Bet Victor is worth a punt. I prefer this to the HT FT alternative (21/20 William Hill).
Aston Villa Vs Burnley is too tough to call with Sean Dyche being a proud man and Aston Villa thinking ahead to the FA Cup Final. Despite the good odds on Aston Villa, I would avoid this one.
Chelsea take on Sunderland and I expect Chelsea to go out on a high and Sunderland to be still suffering from a heavy night of celebrations. I would advise the same bets as for the Arsenal predictions with minus 1.25 on the Asian at 4/5 and HT FT at 10/11 with Bet 365 (money back for nil nil. I think with one I would plump for the HT FT and maybe have some in running if it is nil nil at half time.
Crystal Palace Vs Swansea looks like a nice encounter. Swansea are already 8th no matter what the result, whilst Palace have an opportunity to sneak into the top 10 with a victory. I am not a massive fan of backing in games that feature Crystal Palace as they can be unpredictable, however at 13/10 (Coral) they are worth a punt.
Everton Vs Tottenham sees both teams with things to play for. Everton are another team who know a win will cement their top 10 place but Spurs are also looking for a spot in Europe. I can't call this one as both teams can be great or awful on their day.
Leicester should beat QPR but at 4/6 I don't like the price.
Man City have nothing to play for against a Southampton team who look for a European spot. Koeman really wants that final place but I can't see past a City win at 3/5.
Stoke (5/2 Bet 365) are at home to Liverpool. Liverpool are the final team who can get fifth place and they hold all the cards. Stoke are 9th and can't budge. It would seem Liverpool should win but at 5/4 the price is too short.
Now to the two HUGE games of the weekend. I would love to get involved with betting on them but the excitement will already be there and the games are extremely tough to call. I could see Hull getting a result just as much as Man Utd overturning them. I can't really see Newcastle winning and I have a soft spot for Big Sam so I could see West Ham beating Newcastle. With the pressure and uncertainty of these two games I won't be getting involved.
Playoffs League One – Preston NAP (6/5 in 90 minutes Bet 365) should do a number on Swindon. This should be the opportunity to overturn their horrendous playoff record. Preston have strength in depth and Swindon have a woeful defence. Preston to get promotion is 8/13 at Bet 365.
Playoffs League Two – This is the only one of the three playoff games where I don't fancy the favourite. I think Middlesbrough will be triumphant and at a price of 2/1 in 90 minutes and even money to get promoted I think their is lots of value (both at BetVictor). Draw no Bet for Boro is also good at 21/20 with William Hill.
MY BETS
Southend in 90 minutes Vs Wycombe – 13/8 Bet 365 – £75
Arsenal minus 1.25 Asian Handicap Vs WBA – 10/11 Bet Victor – £50
Chelsea HT FT Vs Sunderland – 10/11 Bet 365- £50
Crystal Palace to win Vs Swansea – 13/10 Coral – £25
Preston to win in 90 minutes Vs Swindon – 6/5 Bet 365 – £100
Middlesbrough to win in 90 minutes Vs Norwich – 2/1 Bet Victor – £50
Middlesbrough draw no bet Vs Norwich – 21/20 William Hill – £50
Promotion treble – 5.83 Bet 365 – £20
Arsenal and Chelsea Asian Handicap minus 1.25 double – 3.32 Bet 365 – £25
Let's hope for a great final week. 🙂
All the best.
