Saturday, October 30, 2010

Football Betting Tips and Predictions - Barclays Premier League Weekend

30th October 2010

Another weekend of action packed BPL football. Let's dive straight into the tips.

Arsenal vs West Ham
Arsenal have strung together some really good wins, and with Fabregas and many others healthy and back in the team, they look unstoppable. I expect them to continue on this form against West Ham and Arsenal to win by 2 or more.

Manchester United vs Tottenham
Man Utd's woes are not over. They have not played well and nearly crashed out of the Carling Cup midweek. Against Tottenham they might find themselves in trouble. I smell another dramatic draw... Bet on Tottenham +1 for good odds.

Bolton vs Liverpool
Liverpool got a hard earned but well deserved win last week. Torres scored his first goal since the middle ages and that should do him some good. I think now the flood gates are opened and you will see him at his best again. Liverpool will piggyback off that win and should start to string some results together, starting with the lackluster Bolton team. Liverpool to Win.

Good luck!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Goodbye Paul The Octopus

26th October 2010

Paul the Octopus has died. The octopus became famous after it predicted the correct result of all but two of Germany's games during Euro 2008, failing to predict the defeats to Croatia and Spain.

At this summer's World Cup, he maintained a 100% record, getting all Germany's results right before opting for Spain to beat Netherlands in the final.

So much hype and media for an Octopus. What about my 100% picks? Haha. 

Carling Cup Predictions & Tips

26th October 2010

A short tip on Carling Cup ties this week.

Newcastle vs Arsenal 
Arsene Wenger said that he will field a strong team on Wednesday against Newcastle as most of his players need games. Arsenal typically will field a young team for Carling Cup ties, however this time round, the "young players" are no longer that young. Some players coming back from injury will need this game. So expect to see Walcott, Bendtner and maybe even Fabregas to feature. Eboue and Gibbs will probably start too, with Wilshere getting a place as he is still suspended for the EPL. Arsenal should win this game easily after a great performance against Man City. Arsenal by 2.

Wigan vs Swansea
Alright, Wigan isn't playing great, but they are doing okay. Rodallega has been consistent throughout the season and if he gets a start, they should win comfortably against Swansea. Surprisingly the odds are longer than I expected for Wigan which means it is a great return for the bet. Wigan to win by 1-2 goals.

Leicester vs West Brom
The Carling Cup for most teams is a chance at Silverware. West Brom has been playing well of late but they do not expect to challenge for the EPL, and neither a place in Europe. They would focus of trying to advance in cup ties and survive the EPL. I expect West Brom to go all out in taking on Leicester. West Brom to win.

Aston Villa vs Burnley
Aston Villa is another of those teams. They are not EPL title contenders, they would be happy to get a European spot, but their main chance of winning anything would be the Carling or FA Cups. I expect that Houllier will play a strong team and try to get their frontmen scoring again. Should be a high scoring game, Aston Villa by 2 or more.

Good luck!

Genting Texas Hold'em Poker Challenge 2 Review

26th October 2010

Last week I attended the Genting Texas Hold'em Poker Challenge 2 (Tournament) at the Genting Highlands Casino. There was a guaranteed USD 26,000 in prize money and I thought I went and tried it out.

First session was a group of 120 to eliminate 60 and the remaining players will advance to the "semi-finals". My first table had 7 players who did not know how to play the game! They kept asking who is the "banker", the only poker they have ever played was Caribbean Stud. We took about 30 minutes to play 3 hands because they didn't know the rules. Kept asking what's this, what's that.

First hand I had AQs and I knew since they were all newbies, I better play it slow. Flop was AA4, I still played passively, check calling until the river. River was a 7 and the guy bet like 1/3 the pot, I called. He had A7. I was very happy with my play because I was sure he will call my shove on the flop.

Second hand I had KQ off. I raised to 6x the BB and almost everybody called. (crazy...) Flop was T63 two clubs. I bluffed again with 6x BB, everyone folded until the last player. She tanked and said, I want to fold. 20 seconds later, she put in the chips. I was like...... NO, you said you folded. Since I was bluffing, I wanted a fold but she kept saying, I don't know the rules, I am changing my mind. Funny thing was, the rest of the table (except 2 other players) agreed with her. So I insisted on calling the tournament director. He enforced the rules and she had to fold. Phew.

I made in to the semi finals but the structure was too fast. I doubled my starting stack but still I only had 20 BBs. My undoing came when I had AK diamonds and I raised 2.5x BB. Player with 99 shoved  to 6xBB. I had to call. I missed, and he doubled up. He was the eventual winner of the event by the way. I now only had 5 big blinds left. So every big hand I had, I shoved. Eventually my KT lost to AJ. I was out.

Overall, it was ok fun. Nice food and easy to play. However the structure was too fast and they were only interested in getting players to spend time and money in their casino rather than running a real poker tournament. Too many donkeys also spoil the game. If the structure were a little better, we could pick them off, but with super turbo speed, if you don't get lucky, you lose.

I probably won't return as there are much better tournaments elsewhere, but overall the experience was okay, since I won like $1000 from the casino. :)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Wayne Rooney: Should he stay or should he go?

21st October 2010

Wayne Rooney, you're such a schmuck. There I said it. He should go, go as far away as possible. Robbie Fowler said Rooney is considering Perth Glory, that's far enough.

Wayne cheats on his then fiancee, and with a 45 year old hooker, then cheats on her again when she was pregnant with their child?!? Now the cat is out of the bag, he has the balls to criticize his teammates when he is the one who has not performed. Ferguson was right to leave him on the sidelines. He even gave him face by faking the injury story instead of saying that he was ousted because of his off field antics.

I am sorry, the world has forgotten the stout goal scorer who sold out Everton at the first chance at a big club. He hurt us bad with a volley against Arsenal while still in Everton colours. I forget the importance of that game, but we lost because of it. You are/were a great striker, but you are suppose to be a role model too. I know footballers are not saints, but of all the sporting cheaters (Tiger Woods, John Terry, Ashley Cole, etc.) you are the one I hate most.

Congratulations Rooney, you have successfully undone all the good you have done for football and Manchester United. Good bye and good riddance.

Monday, October 18, 2010

European Champions League Mid week Predictions & Tips

18th October 2010

Another good week of betting tips. Yes, we tipped it here that Everton would beat Liverpool. No surprise to us. But we do wish the Reds all the best and hope that they will stay in Premiership football.

Arsenal vs Shaktar Donetsk
Eduardo returns to the Emirates and I think it would be quite an emotional game for him and some Arsenal players. He is a great guy and a great player but unfortunately he wasn't on form before he was sold. Arsenal had a good come from behind win in the weekend and might have Fabregas back. They should win this game comfortably. Arsenal by 2.

Manchester United vs Bursaspor
Another poor draw from Man Utd and with the issues surrounding Rooney, they really have their work cut out of them this season. However they need this win badly, not only from their European chances but also they need a lift in the team. I expect Ferguson to go all out and fire up the team. Quick goals should be expected. Man Utd to score in the first 15 minutes and to win by 2 or more.

Inter Milan vs Tottenham - UPSET OF THE WEEK
It is not hard to tip the in form teams or the favourites but this week like all weeks, we are tipping another upset. Inter Milan is strong have had their hiccups this season in Serie A. Tottenham on the other hand are playing well, with players coming into form. Draw or Tottenham to squeeze out a win.

Good luck!

Phil Ivey Coming to Macau!

18th October 2010

It has been confirmed that Phil Ivey, arguably the BEST poker player in the world is going to attend the APT in Macau this November.

 

Phil has 8 WSOP bracelets under his belt and has won over $13 million from live tournaments. According to online tracking websites, he has also won at least $20 million from online poker. He is the most feared poker player in the world at present and it is great news for Asian poker for him to show up. It is like Micheal Jordan or Lebron James coming to play at your High School basketball game. (no offense to APT, this comment is more about the age of Asian poker)

I am joining another big poker tournament in Asia this week. If I go deep and score a big cash, I will most certainly go to Macau and hopefully meet Ivey in person!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Barclays Premier League Weekend Predictions

15th October 2010

Here are the picks of the week. First of all, if you have a chance, maybe consider a bet on Liverpool to be relegated? The sale and controversy, the team is not gelling, some players may leave in January, whether they get docked points or not, it may be a good investment? Go here to bet on it: Liverpool Relegated

Arsenal vs Birmingham
Arsenal should have Fabregas back and they sorely need a win. At home they should be too strong for most oppositions. However, history is against them with Birmingham. Remember how Eduardo broke his leg against them? Kevin Philips equalizing in the last second a year later? HOWEVER, still I would go for Arsenal to win. Arsenal by 2 or more.

Fulham vs Tottenham
Fulham isn't the team they were last year. Tottenham are playing well at the moment, even away, I would go for the Spurs to win. Close win, Spurs by 1.

Newcastle vs Wigan
Well, Newcastle have not been playing consistently, neither has Wigan. This will be a tough match for both teams but I fancy the home team will eek through for a win. If not, you can consider a bet on a draw.

Everton vs Liverpool
OK, Liverpool win? Everton to win? Neither team are playing well. But with the distractions, I am sure all Liverpool players are affected in some way. Everton at home would have the edge. I think Everton will win.

Good luck!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Euro 2012 Qualifiers Tips and Predictions

12th October 2010

Alright, there will be some more Euro games tonight. Last weekend we hit 4 out of 4 of our tips, including the draw with Italy. That game 90% of punters probably took Italy to win. But they were lackluster and have been for a while now.

Liechtenstein vs Czech Republic
Liechten-who? It took me a few times to correctly spell the name. (no offense) Czech has been playing really well lately and Liechtenstein has traditionally been hammered for 4 goals or more. I expect the Czechs to do the same. This would be a great game for them to test out their offensive choices. Czechs to win by 3 or more.

Kazakhstan vs Germany
Like last weekend, the Germans are too strong, too fast. They won 3-0 in the weekend and  I expect a similar scoreline this time around. Even away they still play strong enough to beat almost any opposition let alone the Kazakhs. Germany to win by 2 goals or more.

Scotland vs Spain
The Scots are not playing great football at the moment and Spain, what can we say, world champions, top world class footballers all round, Torres is a worry but otherwise they are pumping on all cylinders. Spain to win by a comfortable margin, 2 goals or more.

England vs Montenegro
Ok, England will win. Let's put it this way. They have to win. Rooney will not feature but the rest of them will be pumped up to win. Some new members of the team will be giving 110% to prove to the manager they are worthy of a national team place. At home, at Wembley, they will win comfortably. 2 goals or more.

Good luck!

Friday, October 8, 2010

PartyPoker Snowball $20000 Freeroll

8th October 2010

It's 2:30am, I played in the PartyPoker Snowball $20,000 Freeroll because I qualified for it last month. 8960 runners, first 1100 places were paid. It was a long tournament and especially for me, because I didn't get any sleep at all. By 6:16am, I was 2nd in chips with 31 players left.


I was thinking to myself, woohoo, not bad, a guaranteed $30 from a freeroll. I will take it. Then I got into the final table, still 2nd in chips, and then one by one they fell until there was only 4 and I was the small stack. 

Did I run good? No. My Kings were cracked, my queens were cracked. I did not have a better hand than two pairs except once I made a flush. But to beat out 8958 players is not bad! I ended up finishing 3rd with a payday of USD 1026. Not bad. 

I finished at 8:30am, no sleep at all and I have an interview this morning. Boy was I groggy, but it was well worth it. Tonight I am going to play the $50,000 Freeroll. Maybe I might get lucky again?


~ written by KD, one of our blog's sub writers.

Euro 2012 Qualifiers Predictions

8th October 2010

The Barclays Premier League is on the international break. Most of the players are involved in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. So let's see if we can make some profit from the games.

Moldova vs Netherlands
Holland is too strong for Moldova, although they are playing away, it would still be an easy win for the Dutch. The odds are very short, so I suggest to go for Netherlands -2 for a 3 goal win. 

Spain vs Lithuania
World Cup winners Spain take on Lithuania, again very short odds for Spain to win. Spain with their passing game will just dazzle the Lithuanians but whether they can finish off their chances will affect how many goals they win by. However I still think the Spaniards will crush their opponents. Go for Spain -2 or for fun, bet on Spain 4-0, 5-0.

Northern Ireland vs Italy
Anyone can tip the favourites to win. Although Northern Ireland on paper isn't as good as Italy, but Italy has been playing really poorly lately. Away from home, they are struggling to score and win. For really good long odds, go for Northern Ireland +1 or go for the draw.

Germany vs Turkey
The Germans are another team that are really on form. They couldn't stop scoring and one may think that they were unlucky not to progress to the World Cup final. Against Turkey at home, the Germans will be too strong. Expect the Germans to win by 2 goals or more.

Good luck! 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Liverpool Sale!!!!

6th October 2010

No, this is not a shopping spree or news of upcoming low prices. Liverpool is being sold as we speak! Yay. Good bye Tom Hicks, good bye George Gillett, Hello John Henry. We say good bye to two Americans and welcome another. Hicks and Gillett, you will not walk alone, you can both walk together.


A club statement read: "I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive. The Board decided to accept NESV's proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. NESV's philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at Red Sox. We've met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club. By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team. I am only disappointed that the owners have tried everything to prevent the deal from happening and that we need to go through legal proceedings in order to complete the sale."

Hopefully this can turn the team around. They can reinvigorate the players to win some games and they would have the funds to strengthen the team. The team looks like a bunch of demotivated, tired group. I am sure this will get them excited again.

As much as I am an Arsenal fan, I will support whoever plays against Chelsea. Liverpool have yet to play them this year and I need Liverpool to beat them! Go Reds!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Weekend Football / Soccer Tips

2nd October 2010

The weekend has come again, time for some English football betting tips.

Sunderland vs Manchester United
Alright, Sunderland did well against Arsenal to earn a point, Manchester United have drawn a lot of games lately and are not at top form. However I still fancy Man Utd to win this one. They did well against Valencia in midweek and they will take that to add to their confidence in this game. Manchester for a close win.

West Ham vs Fulham
West Ham finally scored their first points of the season, whereas Fulham hasn't shown the form of 2009. However I feel that West Ham got lucky to win last week and they still look like bottom of the table material. Fulham to win or bet on Fulham +1.

Liverpool vs Blackpool
This weekend we see the Hams (West Ham & Fulham) and the Pools (Liverpool and Blackpool) play each other. Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool. Sigh, you have disappointed me so far and made me lose a lot of money. Torres is not at his top form but can't blame him, so is the rest of the team. HOWEVER I still feel that Liverpool is too good for Blackpool. Maybe this win can recharge the Reds and get them going again? Liverpool -1.

Chelsea vs Arsenal
Biggest game of the week, possibly the year. What can I say, I hope and pray that Arsenal will win, but Chelsea is very strong. The key is whether Fabregas will play and whether he is 100% or not. At home, Chelsea is too strong for almost any team. Arsenal aren't playing great football at the moment either. It pains me to say this, but I think Chelsea will win this one comfortably. I hope not though.

It's late, 2:30am already. Anyway good luck! If you like my blog, please click to subscribe or follow through Facebook. Send it on to your friends too. Thanks.