English Premier League - Season Long Thread

[johntheclaret]

I know this is the EPL thread but....

It might be worth a punt on QPR for promotion from the CCC next season. Formula 1's Bernie Ecclestone and his partner (who happens to be the richest man in Britain) have taken over and are already pumping cash into the club. 3 new signings already in the Jan window, from Man U, Arsenal, and WHU (I think). All be it they are not stars at their respective clubs, but are good players all the same. Just a thought for a few $$$'s.

[mighty_tiger_79]

I know this is the EPL thread but....

It might be worth a punt on QPR for promotion from the CCC next season. Formula 1's Bernie Ecclestone and his partner (who happens to be the richest man in Britain) have taken over and are already pumping cash into the club. 3 new signings already in the Jan window, from Man U, Arsenal, and WHU (I think). All be it they are not stars at their respective clubs, but are good players all the same. Just a thought for a few $$$'s.

JTC thanks for the info

it may be titled EPL but it includes everything...........and anything on soccer

[johntheclaret]

A bit more on QPR

Coca-Cola Championship big spenders QPR have completed the signing of Birmingham striker Rowan Vine for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old, who spent three months on loan at Loftus Road earlier this season, has penned a four-and-a-half year contract with the west Londoners.
"As soon as I was informed that a permanent deal could be on the cards, I was absolutely delighted," Vine told Rangers' website.

[johntheclaret]

UK betting on Arsenal v Spurs tomorrow (sorry today)

Arsenal 5/6
Draw 9/4
Spurs 11/4

[johntheclaret]

Odds on who DeFoe will play for when the window closes

Aston Villa 2/1 Justified favourite. They want him and Spurs don't
Tottenham 2/1 Would be suprised to see him still there.
Man City 9/2 Eriksson is looking for a striker
Liverpool 7/1 Very unlikely
West Ham 8/1 Possible but a definite outside bet that he would return to WHU
Portmouth 8/1 If Nugent goes, maybe
Man Utd 10/1 Not a chance
Chelsea 16/1 They have announced they expect Anelka to be a blues player before the weekend (That's official)
Newcastle 20/1 Unlikely Allardyce will get funds for him. DeFoe is a southern boy so Newcastle maybe too far for his liking.

By bet, Villa, without an outside punt on Portsmouth if Nugent goes

[johntheclaret]

Odds on who DeFoe will play for when the window closes

Aston Villa 2/1 Justified favourite. They want him and Spurs don't
Tottenham 2/1 Would be suprised to see him still there.
Man City 9/2 Eriksson is looking for a striker
Liverpool 7/1 Very unlikely
West Ham 8/1 Possible but a definite outside bet that he would return to WHU
Portmouth 8/1 If Nugent goes, maybe
Man Utd 10/1 Not a chance
Chelsea 16/1 They have announced they expect Anelka to be a blues player before the weekend (That's official)
Newcastle 20/1 Unlikely Allardyce will get funds for him. DeFoe is a southern boy so Newcastle maybe too far for his liking.

By bet, Villa, without an outside punt on Portsmouth if Nugent goes

One not listed Middlesboro. In todays papers, speculation of a swap deal Downing for Defoe

[johntheclaret]

More QPR news:

Queen's Park Rangers have been linked with an audacious swoop for Portuguese star Luis Figo. The midfielder has made nine appearances for Inter Milan this season but is out of contract in the summer and could be tempted by a mega-money contract. The wages of the former Portugal captain, 35, are unlikely to be a concern at Loftus Road after the investment of Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.

[johntheclaret]

This weeks EPL fixture news

Arsenal v Birmingham Today 3pm
Damien Johnson, the Birmingham captain, will wear a protective mask to protect a fracture of the skull he suffered only two weeks ago. Arsenal are below full strength with Johan Djourou not fit to face the club with whom he was on loan until recently and Robin van Persie out with a virus.
Arsenal (possible; 4-4-2): M Almunia – B Sagna, P Senderos, W Gallas, G Clichy – T Rosicky, F Fàbregas, M Flamini, A Hleb – E Adebayor, Eduardo da Silva.
Injuries and suspensions: R van Persie (virus), J Djourou (groin), E Eboué, A Song, K Touré (all African Cup of Nations).
Birmingham City (possible; 4-4-2): M Taylor – S Kelly, L Ridgewell, M Taylor, F Queudrue – S Larsson, G McSheffrey, F Muamba, G Johnson – M Forssell, G O’Connor.
Injuries and suspensions: B Oubiña (knee), R Jaidi, M Nafti (both African Cup of Nations).

Referee P Dowd Odds: Ladbrokes Home 1-6, Away 11-1, Draw 9-2

Aston Villa v Reading Today 3pm
Aston Villa will be aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s FA Cup defeat by Manchester United by securing a third consecutive league win. Martin O’Neill’s team have no injury problems and will provide a stern test for a Reading side who have not won away in the Premier League this season.
Aston Villa (possible; 4-1-3-2): S Carson – O Mellberg, C Davies, M Laursen, W Bouma – N Reo-Coker – S Petrov, G Barry, A Young – G Agbonlahor, J Carew.
Injuries and suspensions: None.
Reading (possible; 4-4-2): M Hahnemann – G Murty, I Sonko, I Ingimarsson, N Shorey – S Hunt, K Cissé, J Harper, R Convey – K Doyle, D Kitson.
Injuries and suspensions: J Oster (ankle), G Little (Achilles).

Referee U Rennie Odds: Ladbrokes Home 8-13, Away 4-1, Draw 9-4

Chelsea v Tottenham Today 3pm
Juande Ramos, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, is ready to leave Paul Robinson on the bench again, while Avram Grant, the Chelsea first-team coach, has a goalkeeping dilemma of his own. Carlo Cudicini and Petr Cech have resumed training after injury, with the Italian closest to a first-team recall.
Chelsea (possible; 4-3-3): C Cudicini – J Belletti, Alex, R Carvalho, A Cole – S Wright-Phillips, C Makelele, M Ballack – J Cole, N Anelka, F Malouda.
Injuries and suspensions: F Lampard (thigh), A Shevchenko (leg), J Terry (foot), D Drogba, M Essien, S Kalou, J O Mikel (all African Cup of Nations).
Tottenham Hotspur (possible; 4-4-2): R Cerny – P Chimbonda, L King, M Dawson, Lee Young Pyo – A Lennon, K-P Boateng, J O’Hara, S Malbranque – D Berbatov, R Keane.
Injuries and suspensions: B Assou-Ekotto (knee), G Bale (foot), D Bent (knee), A Gardner (ankle), R Rocha (thigh), J Jenas (one match), T Huddlestone (second match of three), D Zokora (African Cup of Nations).

Referee A Wiley Odds: Ladbrokes Home 4-7, Away 4-1, Draw 5-2

Derby v Wigan Today 3pm
With five debutants and nine injured players, Derby might surprise their relegation rivals today but Lewis Price (hamstring), Claude Davis (knee) and Kenny Miller (groin) may have to play through the pain. Titus Bramble returns for Wigan but Paul Scharner is suspended. Antoine Sibierski is available after a knee injury.
Derby County (possible; 4-4-2): L Price – T Mears, A Todd, C Davis, D Mills – H Ghaly, R Savage, G Barnes, L Robert – K Miller, E Villa.
Injuries and suspensions: S Bywater (shoulder), R Earnshaw (groin), D Jones (groin), D Leacock (hip/thigh), J McEveley (knee), S Pearson (shoulder).
Wigan Athletic (possible; 4-4-2): C Kirkland – M Melchiot, E Boyce, T Bramble, K Kilbane – L A Valencia, D Landzaat, M Brown, J Koumas – E Heskey, M Bent.
Injuries and suspensions: C Nash (broken leg), R Taylor (ankle), P Scharner (one match).

Referee M Clattenburg Odds: Ladbrokes Home 7-4, Away 5-4, Draw 11-5

Everton v Manchester City Today 3pm
David Moyes, the Everton manager, will be given an indication of how his team will fare during the African Cup of Nations, with Joseph Yobo, Steven Pienaar, and Yakubu Ayegbeni absent. Sven-Göran Eriksson, the City manager, will again be without Michael Johnson, who is out with a groin injury.
Everton (possible; 4-4-1-1): T Howard – A Hibbert, J Lescott, P Jagielka, L Baines – M Arteta, P Neville, L Carsley, J McFadden – T Cahill – A Johnson.
Injuries and suspensions: L Osman (toe), A van der Meyde (calf), A Stubbs (calf), I Turner (hip and thigh), Yakubu Ayegbeni, S Pienaar, J Yobo (all African Cup of Nations).
Manchester City (possible; 4-4-1-1): J Hart – N Onuoha, M Richards, R Dunne, M Ball – S Ireland, D Hamann, V Corluka, M Petrov – Elano – D Vassell.
Injuries and suspensions: V Bojinov (knee), M Johnson (groin).

Referee M Halsey Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 11-10, Away 2-1, Draw 11-5

Manchester United v Newcastle Today 5.15pm
Owen Hargreaves faces a fitness test for United after injuring a rib in training, while Nigel Pearson, the Newcastle caretaker-manager, could include Obafemi Martins in his 16 if the Nigeria striker is released from his country’s training camp for the African Cup of Nations. Stephen Carr has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Manchester United (possible; 4-2-3-1): E van der Sar – J O’Shea, R Ferdinand, N Vidic, P Evra – Anderson, M Carrick – C Ronaldo, W Rooney, R Giggs – L Saha.
Injuries and suspensions: B Foster (knee), P Scholes (knee), M Silvestre (knee), C Tévez (ankle/foot), W Brown (one match).
Newcastle United (possible; 4-4-2): S Given – S Carr, D Rozehnal, S Taylor, J Enrique – C N’Zogbia, N Butt, A Smith, J Milner – M Owen, M Viduka.
Injuries and suspensions: F Ameobi (knee), P Ramage (knee), H Beye, A Faye, Gérémi (all African Cup of Nations).

Referee R Styles Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 1-5, Away 10-1, Draw 4-1

Middlesbrough v Liverpool Today 3pm
Liverpool have not won at the Riverside Stadium in their past five attempts and an extension of that sequence will further dent the credibility of Rafael BenÍtez after two successive league draws. Middlesbrough are lacking strikers as well as consistency, while Julio Arca and Lee Cattermole are suspended.
Middlesbrough (possible; 4-4-1-1): M Schwarzer – L Young, D Wheater, R Huth, E Pogatetz – G O’Neil, G Boateng, F Rochemback, A Johnson – S Downing – B Hutchinson.
Injuries and suspensions: Mido (pelvic bone), A Taylor (foot), J Woodgate (hamstring), Tuncay Sanli (knee), B Jones (thigh), J Aliadière (hamstring), J Arca (one match), L Cattermole (one match).
Liverpool (possible; 4-4-2): J M Reina – S Finnan, D Agger, J Carragher, F Aurélio – S Gerrard, X Alonso, J Mascherano, H Kewell – F Torres, D Kuyt.
Injuries and suspensions: J Pennant (leg).

Referee A Marriner Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 7-2, Away 8-11, Draw 21-10

West Ham v Fulham Today 3pm
The sight of Jimmy Bullard, the midfield player, on the substitutes’ bench after 16 months sidelined with a serious knee injury could cheer up Fulham fans, while Luis Boa Morte could return from a hamstring injury for West Ham to face his former club.
West Ham United (possible; 4-4-2): R Green – L Neill, A Ferdinand, M Upson, G McCartney – N Solano, H Mullins, M Noble, M Etherington – D Ashton, C Cole.
Injuries and suspensions: S Parker (knee), D Gabbidon (groin), C Davenport (groin), C Bellamy (stomach), R Zamora (knee), K Dyer (leg).
Fulham (possible; 4-4-2): A Niemi – M Volz, C Bocanegra, D Stefanovic, P Konchesky – S Davies, D Murphy, A Smertin, H Bouazza – D Healy, C Dempsey.
Injuries and suspensions: P Christanval (knee), K Keller (bicep), L Cook (knee), B McBride (knee), S Elliott (Achilles).

Referee M Riley Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 5-6, Away 7-2, Draw 23-10

Bolton v Blackburn Tomorrow 4pm
These Lancashire rivals suffered home defeats by Championship opponents in the FA Cup last Saturday. For Bolton it is the start of life after Nicolas Anelka, sold to Chelsea for £15 million, while Roque Santa Cruz should be fit for Blackburn after a groin injury.
Bolton Wanderers (possible; 4-3-3): J Jaaskelainen – J Samuel, A O’Brien, A Méïté, R Gardner – K Nolan, I Campo, G McCann – S Giannakopoulos, K Davies, D Braaten.
Injuries and suspensions: H Helguson (ankle), R Vaz Té (knee), E-H Diouf (two matches).
Blackburn Rovers (possible; 4-4-2): B Friedel – Z Khizanishvili, C Samba, R Nelsen, S Warnock – D Bentley, S Reid, D Dunn, M G Pedersen – R Santa Cruz, B McCarthy.
Injuries and suspensions: B Emerton (groin), Tugay Kerimoglu (groin), J Roberts (foot).

Referee M Dean Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 11-8, Away 8-5, Draw 11-5

Sunderland v Portsmouth Tomorrow 1.30pm
Portsmouth are struggling to raise a manager as well as a team. A run of nine wins from their past ten away games in all competitions is threatened by the loss of Sulley Muntari, Kanu, John Utaka and Papa Bouba Diop to the African Cup of Nations.
Sunderland (possible; 4-4-2): C Gordon – N Nosworthy, D Higginbotham, J Evans, D Collins – K Richardson, D Whitehead, L Miller, R Wallace – K Jones, M Chopra.
Injuries and suspensions: C Edwards (leg).
Portsmouth (possible; 4-5-1): D James – G Johnson, S Campbell, S Distin, H Hreidarsson – P Mendes, S Davis, R Hughes, A Mvuemba, N Kranjcar – B Mwaruwari.
Injuries and suspensions: J Ashdown (shoulder), L Primus (knee), M Cranie (leg), S Muntari, Kanu, J Utaka, P Bouba Diop (all African Cup of Nations).

Referee C Foy Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 8-5, Away 11-8, Draw 11-5

[johntheclaret]

Here's the current form. Last 10 games

Team Pld W D L F A GD GFA GAA PpG Pts
1 Arsenal 11 7 3 1 20 9 11 1.81 0.81 2.18 24
2 Chelsea 10 7 2 1 17 8 9 1.70 0.80 2.30 23
3 Manchester United 10 7 1 2 19 7 12 1.90 0.70 2.20 22
4 Aston Villa 11 6 3 2 23 14 9 2.09 1.27 1.90 21
5 Everton 10 6 2 2 22 9 13 2.20 0.90 2.00 20
6 Liverpool 10 5 3 2 17 7 10 1.70 0.70 1.80 18
7 Tottenham Hotspur 10 5 2 3 24 15 9 2.40 1.50 1.70 17
8 Manchester City 10 4 5 1 14 9 5 1.40 0.90 1.70 17
9 Portsmouth 10 4 3 3 12 8 4 1.20 0.80 1.50 15
10 West Ham United 10 4 3 3 13 10 3 1.30 1.00 1.50 15
11 Bolton Wanderers 10 4 2 4 13 15 -2 1.30 1.50 1.40 14
12 Blackburn Rovers 11 3 3 5 13 19 -6 1.18 1.72 1.09 12
13 Middlesbrough 10 3 3 4 7 13 -6 0.70 1.30 1.20 12
14 Reading 10 2 3 5 15 21 -6 1.50 2.10 0.90 9
15 Wigan Athletic 10 2 3 5 11 20 -9 1.10 2.00 0.90 9
16 Newcastle United 11 2 3 6 10 20 -10 0.90 1.81 0.81 9
17 Birmingham City 10 2 2 6 11 17 -6 1.10 1.70 0.80 8
18 Sunderland 10 2 2 6 8 20 -12 0.80 2.00 0.80 8
19 Fulham 10 1 3 6 9 20 -11 0.90 2.00 0.60 6
20 Derby County 10 0 1 9 5 22 -17 0.50 2.20 0.10 1

[SCD]

First Punt on EPL for the new year - I've had $100 on Tottenham @ $2.08 with a half goal start...

Drogba / Kalou / Lampard all out should see scoring a difficult thing (even with Anelka in - given it's his first game with Chelski)

Chch / Terry / Mikel / Essien may make them a little unsure at the back.. against a team who is now scoring enough without letting as many in anymore...

[mighty_tiger_79]

BRUMMY v Newcastle

Brum at home $2.10

an absolute GIFT

[mighty_tiger_79]

19942 CELTIC $1.60
19943 RANGERS $2.25 get on, over the odds
19944 TEAMS NOT QUOTED $26.00 tabsportsbet prices

you little BEAUTY$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

FRIDAY they were $1.18

CELTIC lost to MOTHERWELL overnight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

all but over now

[Punk Rooster]

Follow, follow....

[mighty_tiger_79]

these are from TABSPORTSBET

couldnt find any prices from the sponsors

16445 Celtic $2.20
16447 Rangers $2.90
16446 Draw $3.30

if you can get the +0.5 ball anywhere get on GERS

they havent let celtic score against them all season.

[johntheclaret]

Thought you boys might find this interesting, if anyone is thinking of taking a punt on Eriksson's departure from City

Sven cut to stay


Following confirmation from Thaksin Shinawatra's son that Sven Goran Eriksson will lead Manchester City on an end-of-season tour to Asia next month, Sky Bet have cut the Swede's odds of still being at the helm for the opening game of next season from 7/2 to 2/1 (4/11 not to be). Sky Bet's Helen Jacob said: "With conflicting stories now emanating from Eastlands and overwhelming support from the fans, Sven's future does not look as bleak as it did earlier in the week."

Sky Bet have also extended Slaven Bilic's odds of replacing Eriksson from 10/1 to 33/1, following news that the former West Ham and Everton defender has extended his contract with the Croatian national team for another two years.

Big Phil Scolari remains 4/1 favourite for the City job should Eriksson go - and beleaguered Barça boss Frank Rijkaard, is quoted at 14/1.
Sky Bet in turn make Jose Mourinho 2/1 favourite to replace Rijkaard at the Nou Camp after an unsuccessful campaign which will see Barcelona end the season potless for the second year running.

Sky Bet are also offering odds on how the Citizens will fare next season and quote 5/6 for them to achieve a top half finish (5/6 bottom half), 7/1 to be relegated (1/14 to stay up), 7/1 to win the Premier League without the 'big four', 25/1 for a top four finish and 28/1 for them to do the league double over Manchester United for a second successive year.

A turbulent season at the Nou Camp will end without a trophy and Sky Bet have wasted little time in revising their odds as to who the Catalans' next manager will be.
They make former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho their 2/1 favourite despite him being strongly linked to Inter Milan and it's then 5/1 about both Guus Hiddink and Marco van Basten. Sven Goran Eriksson, expected to leave Manchester City this summer, gets a 16/1 quote.

[mighty_tiger_79]

15537 Birmingham $1.95
15538 Draw $3.40
15539 Blackburn $3.55

get on BRUMMIES

they win, they are a huge chance of staying up

they are the only team in relegation battle that have a home game

blackburn battle away ok, but ive got faith my brummy boys can do the right thing!!!!!!

[mighty_tiger_79]

Birmingham get the win

4-1

but still go down