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Tottenham vs. Sunderland:
1: 1,57 – X: 3,75 – 2: 6,50.
- It’s going to be strange, but I don’t want the game to be about Darren Bent v Spurs, because it’s so much more than that. It’s about us – Sunderland – kicking on to the next level and hopefully pushing into Europe. I’m expecting a hostile reception, but that often happens when you return to a former club. But at the same time, I don’t want people to turn the game into being all about me going back there. It would mean a lot for me to score, but it would mean everything if the team wins. If the team wins and I don’t score, I will be the happiest man alive. But if I score and we don’t win, I will be devastated.
This is the comment from the former Tottenham-striker Darren Bent – to soccernet – before he returns to White Hart Lane in a Sunderland-shirt.
Afiliate Troopers believe that Bent will loose the match at his old home-ground even though “Spurs” have defensive concerns. Sebastien Bassong is definitely out and Vedran Corluka is doubtful after missing training due to illness. But Tottenham have the two national players Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe back in the strong troop.
Sunderland is hit by the suspensions of Lorik Cana and Kenwyne Jones. Beside that John Mensah remains out with a persistent calf problem while Bolo Zenden is also not fit. But the most important miss is Jones, who is almost necessary for Sunderlands tactics.
The Spurs-attack has been poor in the absence of the attacking trio of Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Luka Modric but for the match against Sunderland two of them are back.
Tottenham have won seven of the eight Premier League meetings between the sides at White Hart Lane and that will happen again – to odds 1,57.
Liverpool – Manchester United
1: 3,00 – X: 3,25 – 2: 2,40
This spring I was in London to write an article about an Arsenal-match, but before the match started I watched Manchester United vs. Liverpool on the big screens at Emirates. That day in London the biggest cheer came, then Uniteds defender Vidic was sent off in their 1-4 defeat to Liverpool. The cheer that day describes how big the rivalry between United and Liverpool is.
The first local debut this season is this Sunday at Anfield and the hometeam is in a middle of a storm. Liverpool has lost four successive matches in all competitions – their worst run for more than 22 years.
The Liverpool deroute has left the big club with enormous problems after a period without players like Aquilani, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and the best players this season – Glen Johnson. The last two are close to a comeback.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson also has problems. Wayne Rooney faces an “uphill fight” to be passed fit. Rooney has missed the last two games with a calf injury. Darren Fletcher is a doubt, but Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra return.
Liverpool beat Manchester United home and away in the league last season for the first time in seven years. The 4-1 scoreline at Old Trafford was United’s heaviest home defeat since New Year’s Day 1992. Manchester United have won five and drawn one of their last seven visits to Anfield in the league. Besides that United have the best Premier League-record of any club against Liverpool, with 18 wins and 61 points.
Manchester United hasn’t lost in the last 11 matches. They have won 10 and drawn one. So Sir Alex Fergusons troops are in a better form at the moment and that is why Affiliate troopers recommend at United-victory to the very nice odds: 2,40.
Portsmouth – Tottenham
1: 4,50 – X: 3.50 – 2: 1,83
Last time was the first bet that Affiliate Troopers was wrong after six correct. In that match we recommend a Tottenham win over Bolton, but the London-team were done two times and it ended 2-2.
Despite that we again this week believe that Tottenham will win – this time at Fratton Park against Premier League’s bottomteam – Portsmouth.
Portsmouth has played eight Premier League-matches this season and has lost seven of them. Paul Harts victory was against the new-promoted Wolverhampton and the club is in a bad condition, but they have David James back after sitting out England’s match with Belarus with a knee problem, while midfielder Jamie O’Hara is unavailable as part of his loan deal with Spurs, so Aaron Mokoena could return.
Tottenham’s Wilson Palacios is unlikely to figure as he will not return from international duty with Honduras until Saturday morning and Jonathan Woodgate is not yet fit to return, but “the King” Ledley King should play after hamstring trouble.
Tottenham-manager Harry Redknapp has a past as Portsmouth-boss. One year ago he left Portsmouth to take over at Spurs. Besides that players like Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar have played for Portsmouth.
Portsmouth has beaten Spurs just once in their last nine encounters and in the eight PL-matches Tottenham has scored 19 goals. Compared Pompey has scored the fewest amounts of goals (four) in the Premier League this season. So Tottenham must win at Flatton Park.
Bolton – Tottenham: 2
1: 3,75 – X: 3,50 – 2: 2,00
Fulham vs. Arsenal: 2 – odds 1.53
Manchester United vs. Manchester City: 1 – odds 1,57
Manchester United vs. Arsenal: 1- odds 2,20
Tottenham vs. Manchester United: 2 – odds 2,30
Wigan vs. Manchester United: 2 – odds 1,53
Wolverhampton vs. West Ham: 2 – odds 2,75
This is the first six ”Bet of the Week” at Affiliate Troppers and all of them have been correct, so after six matches the value is now – 51,14.
The odds this week is 2,00 and is found at Reebok Stadium for an away-win to the impressing Tottenham. Before the match Tottenham is placed as number 4 – and Bolton number 13.
Nine places between the two teams and besides that Bolton striker Johan Elmander is definitely out off the match after suffering a hamstring injury. Tottenham may also have troubles in their attack. Jermain Defoe has fractured his hand and is doubtful, but “The Spurs” have Peter Crouch as a very descent replacement.
The big striker can help Tottenham as Bolton always plays a physical match and this battle will be no different. The last ten days Tottenham have played two matches and scored five goals in each of them. (5-1 against Preston in the Carling Cup and Burnley suffered a 0-5 defeat at White Hart Lane)
Saturday it is Boltons turn… with kick-off at 3BST.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City: 1 – odds 1,57
Manchester United vs. Arsenal: 1- odds 2,20
Tottenham vs. Manchester United: 2 – odds 2,30
Wigan vs. Manchester United: 2 – odds 1,53
Wolverhampton vs. West Ham: 2 – odds 2,75
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Fulham vs. Arsenal:
1: 6,00 – x: 4,00 – 2: 1.53
Five ”Bet of the Week” and five correct with a average of odds 2,07.
This week we recommend an Arsenal-victory at Craven Cottage at odds 1,53. Arsenal could welcome back Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott to Arséne Wenger’s attack that has made 17 goals in five matches.
In Fulhams five matches they have scored four goals – so Arsenal has scored 13 more goals. That’s why they are favorites in the London-derby that will be without Fulhams Simon Davies with a foot injury.
Last season Fulham won this fixture – thanks to Brede Hangeland’s goal. This summer “The Gunners” were linked with Hangeland, but eventually they had to settle for Thomas Vermaelen – who has had a brilliant start in the Premier League and is the Gunners’ leading scorer with four goals.
Fulham has been 0-1 down at half-time in each of their last four Premier League games, if that’s the result after 45 minutes on Saturday night – Arsenal will win… if not… they would still win – because they are a better team.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal: 1- odds 2,20
Tottenham vs. Manchester United: 2 – odds 2,30
Wigan vs. Manchester United: 2 – odds 1,53
Wolverhampton vs. West Ham: 2 – odds 2,75
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Manchester United vs. Manchester City
1: 1,57 – X: 4,00 – 2: 6,00
Four matches and four correct “Bet of the week” this Premier League-season on Affiliate Troopers. The last three of them have been on Manchester United and this week we again recommend Sir Alex Fergusons troops, who is playing the Manchester-Derby Sunday against City.
- A small club with a small mentality! That is what Sir Alex Ferguson provocatively dismissed Manchester City ahead of the new season.
And therefore City-boss Mark Hughes and the blue half of Manchester will love to remind Ferguson of that quote if they should succeed against the champions.
City feels they have already dealt United one psychological blow, having tempted Carlos Tévez across the city. But with the Argentine likely to miss out on his return to Old Trafford due to injury and Robinho, Roque Santa Cruz and top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor is also sidelined. So even though City have bought strikers for more than 70.000.000£ they find themselves lining up against United with Craig Bellamy as a lone striker.
In the United-defence Rio Ferdinand remains doubtful with a groin problem and Paul Scholes is suspended, but still United will win the 152 Manchester-derby, like they have done 61 times before.
Manchester City has only won one of their 12 trips to Old Trafford in the Premier League and Mark Hughes has won two, drawn two and lost five of his eight league matches against his former manager Sir Alex.
United have won 12 and lost just one of their last 14 Premier League games and they are chasing a fifth successive victory in all competitions. The Odds for a homewin at Old Trafford is 1,57.
Tottenham vs. Manchester United
1: 3,10 – X: 3,40 – 2: 2,30.
So far Affiliate Troopers have made three ”Bet of the Week” and all of them have been correct, even though we have found odds at 2,75 and 2,20. The third bet was Manchester Uniteds win at DW Stadium and this week we again recommend Sir Alex Fergusons troops away from Old Trafford.
Manchester United plays Saturday night at White Hart Lane against the strong Tottenham, who has won their first four matches. But Spurs are very unstable and it’s almost unbelievable to imagine that Tottenham after this weekend should have 15 points after five rounds.
Tottenhams squad could be with the midfielder Jermaine Jenas and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, but “The King” Ledley King remains a doubt due to a groin problem. Besides that Modric is out with a broken leg.
Manchester United are hopeful that Rio Ferdinand will pass a fitness test and make his first league appearance of the season in the United-defense that is without John O’Shea and Gary Neville.
Tottenham haven’t beaten the Red Devils in 22 matches and have only three Premier League wins in 34 attempts and haven’t beaten United since 2001 (16 Premier League games). Besides that Spurs have not kept a clean sheet in their last six league outings and United have won 11 and lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games.
If United beet Tottenham Bet365 give odds: 2,30.
Manchester United – Arsenal
1: 2,20 – X: 3,25 – 2: 3,50.
United handicap (-1): 4,33
Last week our bet of the week was Manchester Uniteds match against Burnley. Sir Alex Fergusons troops won 5-0 and therefore we again recommend United to win. This time it is against their rivals – Arsenal. The match is the biggest this round and looking back on previous meetings, it is almost guaranteed action at Old Trafford with 76.000 spectators.
The latest teamnews – Friday night – is that Manchester United-defender Jonny Evans may play despite pain from an ankle problem that will eventually require surgery and Wes Brown is available after coming through a reserve game unscathed, but Rio Ferdinand (thigh) is about two or three weeks away from a return.
Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin are likely to return after dropping to the bench against Celtic, but Arsenal is without their Captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring).
The match is the 41st between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arséne Wenger and between Premier League’s two most successful sides. Three months ago the Red Devils comprehensively outplayed the Gunners to reach the Champions League final. After that match Patrice Evra’s boast that it had been “men against boys”, and after Arsenal has sold players like Adebayor and Kolo Toure it hasn’t change a bit.
Arsenal have lost six of their last eight trips to Old Trafford in league and cup, so the odds 2,20 for a Manchester United win is very good.
Manchester United played extreme badly against Burnley in the middle of the week and lost 0-1. Normally bookmakers think that a team that makes such a surprising result – is in a bad condition. But it is not an option to look at Sir Alex Fergusons troops that way and therefore it’s hard to believe that big-club Manchester United wouldn’t win against Wigan.
This summer Ferguson went to Wigan and bought their best player in Antonio Valencia, who is expected to start against his former club after coming on as a second-half substitute against Burnley on Wednesday. Besides that – and more important – Nemanja Vidic looks set for his first Manchester United appearance of the season after overcoming a calf injury, and the defender is needed after the United-defense has looked unstable in the beginning for this season.
Wigan could name an unchanged line-up for the third game running, but one of the best players – Charles N’Zogbia – is having a fitness-test before the match and he is rated 50/50.
The match is between the youngest manager in the league and the oldest, and it is with a favorite who has a clear statistic advantage. United have won all nine league and cup matches they have played against Wigan and in the previous four visits to Wigan United have scored nine goals and Wigan only three. So United will win on Saturday and quickly forget Wednesday’s slip-up at Burnley.
Wigan lost Tuesday night at home to newly-promoted Wolves and if they loose again – to Manchester United – Bet365 give the odds: 1.53. Last weekend we found and succeeded odds at 2,75. This weekend it is a favorite, because United never played badly two matches in a row.
In the beginning of any football-season the odds on the matches are very circumspect and the first matches in the Premier League – this weekend – is not different from the past, because the odds are with few favorites.
The bookmakers have troubles finding the favorites like new rich Manchester City, who goes to Blackburn. It’s possible to get odds 2,10 on the City-team that have bought players like Gareth Barry, Stuart Taylor, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure and the best player in Blackburn – Roque Santa Cruz. Also interesting odds is 2,25 for Liverpool winning against unstable Tottenham, but the best odds – compared to since – is West Ham winning against Wolverhampton Wanderers for 2,75.
The Match at Molineux Stadium comes after England played 2-2 against the Dutch national team and two of best English players in that match where the West Ham-players Carlton Cole and Robert Green. There aren’t any national players in Wolverhampton, but despite that they are still the favorites in the match against West Ham.
Mick McCarthys side has throughout the last teen years been going in and out of the best league in England and for that reason their nickname is “The Elevator Team”. Last year they finished first in the Championsship, so they are still a long way from West Ham.
Last season Gianfranco Zolas team finished # 9 in the Premier League and they still have a interesting squad with players like Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Dean Ashton to support the national players Cole and Green. That is a higher class than Wolverhampton, who has no international players. They have a lot of fighters on the pitch, but that is not enough and the odds – 2,75 – is the best in this first round in the Premier League. This is the way the clubs have been “spending” their summer.
West Ham
In: Herita Ilunga (undisclosed, Tolouse), Luis Antonio Jimenez (loan, Inter), Jack Lampe (free, Harlow Town), Frank Nouble (undisclosed, Chelsea), Fabio Daprela (undisclosed, Grasshopper-Club Zurich), Peter Kurucz (undisclosed, Ujpesti Football Club)
Out: Freddie Sears (loan, Crystal Palace), Joe Widdowson (free, Grimsby Town), Kyel Reid (free, Sheffield United), Lee Bowyer (free, Birmingham City), Diego Tristan (free, Cadiz), Walter Lopez (released), Tony Stokes (released), Jimmy Walker (released), Lucas Neill (released)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
In: Nenad Milijas (undisclosed, Red Star Belgrade), Marcus Hahnemann (free, Reading), Kevin Doyle (£6.5m, Reading), Greg Halford (undisclosed, Sunderland), Andrew Surman (£1.2m,, Southampton), Ronald Zubar (undisclosed, Marseille)
Out: Darren Potter (undisclosed, Sheffield Wednesday), Lewis Gobern (free, Milton Keynes Dons).
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