Manchester United
What I Said: They have every reason to belive that they can claim a 4th European Cup and a 19th Premier League title. Expect Ben Foster to be gradually phased in as 1st choice goalkeeper
What Actually Happened: Missed out on both titles, with only the Carling Cup being successfully defended. Poor form early in the season pushed Foster out of contention for the England squad, and may lead to him being one of a number of players through the Old Trafford exit door this summer
Portsmouth
What I Said: With minimal investment in an already limited squad, expect Pompey to be near the bottom come January, and praying for another miraculous escape
What Actually Happened: The financial situation deteriorated to such an extent that Pompey became the first Premier League club to be placed into administration, with the subsequent 9-point deduction merely serving to confirm what already looked like certain relegation. They at least went down with a fight, with some decent end-of-season form giving them a glimmer of hope for the FA Cup Final
Stoke City
What I Said: It won't be pretty, and may require a couple more shrewd signings, but expect Stoke to survive again
What Actually Happened: Dear sweet Jeebus it wasn't pretty (just like Aaron Ramsey's leg), even with the addition of Tuncay, but Stoke comfortably survived, notching up 2 more points than they did last season. This is a crucial summer for Tony Pulis and his side- how much ambition do they have, now that they have established themselves in the league? Will they look to play some more stylish football next season?
Sunderland
What I Said: A talented midfield and forward line (with potential for further investment in the squad in January) suggests that mid-table is very much achievable
What Actually Happened: Finished 13th after a consistently inconsistent season. Darren Bent's goals (many of them 1st, as previously reported here) not only won this writer a fair wad of cash over the season, but also got him into Fabio Capello's initial 30 man squad for the World Cup. Just 2 away wins in the league all season, though, sugest that there is still work for Steve Bruce to do
Tottenham Hotspur
What I Said: Spurs shouldn't concede too many once again, while strength in depth in midfield and attack suggests that a top-half finish is where they're heading
What Actually Happened: A great season saw Harry Redknapp's side finish 4th. They're still a long way off the level of those sides ahead of them, and demonstrated some worrying inconsistencies particularly against the smaller teams in the league (Stoke, Hull, Wolves and Burnley all took points off them), but they showed plenty of admirable qualities in trumping Man City, Aston Villa and Liverpool in the race for 4th
West Ham
What I Said: A quiet summer on the transfer market demonstrating Zola's faith in some talented youngsters
What Actually Happened: Never got going, and ended up in a relegation battle they seemed ill-equipped for. The January signing of Ilan proved to be of paramount importance, as the Hammers would have been in even more bother (only goal difference would have kept them ahead of Burnley) than they already were- it could be credibly argued that they were only saved by having 3 teams below them who were, let's be honest, pretty terrible. Zola's dismissal came as no real surprise
Wigan and Wolves both stayed up without ever looking like doing much more, but both did it in completely different ways. While Wolves plundered just 32 goals all season, and were generally pretty poor to watch, Wigan at least gave us some entertainment, and some remarkable scorelines. Home victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea were offset by some utter gubbings- three 4-0 losses (including one at Portsmouth!), a 5-0 loss at Old Trafford and of course 8-0 and 9-1 shellackings away at Chelsea and Spurs respectively
Showing posts with label Portsmouth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Portsmouth. Show all posts
Friday, 14 May 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
Portsmouth v Hull City Odds
Portsmouth to win outright: best price 6/5 with bet365
Portsmouth to win to nil: best price 11/4 with Paddy Power
Frederic Piquionne to score anytime: best price 24/13 with expekt.com. No, I've never seen a bet priced at 24/13 either
Portsmouth to win to nil: best price 11/4 with Paddy Power
Frederic Piquionne to score anytime: best price 24/13 with expekt.com. No, I've never seen a bet priced at 24/13 either
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Portsmouth v Hull City, Saturday 20th March
My Thoughts
First off, an apology for the lack of action on here recently- this writer has been busy plotting his first step on the property ladder (and having a stinking run at Cheltenham), while Graeme has been setting up his own blog, graemelikes.blogspot.com.
On to the match. Both sides effectively had their relegation confirmed this week- Portsmouth's 9-point deduction for entering administration was confirmed, while Hull appointed Iain Dowie (who would win an ugliest face competition even when up against Carlos Tevez and The Elephant Man) as their new manager.
The Verdict
In all probability, this will be a Championship fixture next season, and hence that is the standard of football that these 2 are likely to serve up. Hull's away form (0-4-11) is truly shocking, and they ship goals at a rate in excess of 2 per game. Add to this the remarkable stat that Portsmouth have failed to score at home just 3 times this season (the most recent of those against Everton in September), and it's very difficult to see Hull keeping a clean sheet. Portsmouth's recent run of form (Monday's 4-1 defeat at anfailed notwithstanding) is actually half-decent considering their position, with Avram Grant's side winning away at Burnley and claiming a point at home to Sunderland in the last 5 league games, as well as reaching the FA Cip semi-finals- they may just sneak another win here. You'd have to be a bit brave and/or mental to back the team bottom of the league to win, but regular readers of this blog know that this writer falls into both of those categories.
The Bet
Portsmouth outright should be worth taking around the 6/4 mark (sorry folks, I'm at work. Odds to follow later), and if you're feeling really brave, Portsmouth to win to nil could be worth considering. Also worth considering could be Frederic Piquionne anytime scorer for Pompey, who is beginning to find his feet in the Premier League (they were at the bottom of his legs all along).
First off, an apology for the lack of action on here recently- this writer has been busy plotting his first step on the property ladder (and having a stinking run at Cheltenham), while Graeme has been setting up his own blog, graemelikes.blogspot.com.
On to the match. Both sides effectively had their relegation confirmed this week- Portsmouth's 9-point deduction for entering administration was confirmed, while Hull appointed Iain Dowie (who would win an ugliest face competition even when up against Carlos Tevez and The Elephant Man) as their new manager.
The Verdict
In all probability, this will be a Championship fixture next season, and hence that is the standard of football that these 2 are likely to serve up. Hull's away form (0-4-11) is truly shocking, and they ship goals at a rate in excess of 2 per game. Add to this the remarkable stat that Portsmouth have failed to score at home just 3 times this season (the most recent of those against Everton in September), and it's very difficult to see Hull keeping a clean sheet. Portsmouth's recent run of form (Monday's 4-1 defeat at anfailed notwithstanding) is actually half-decent considering their position, with Avram Grant's side winning away at Burnley and claiming a point at home to Sunderland in the last 5 league games, as well as reaching the FA Cip semi-finals- they may just sneak another win here. You'd have to be a bit brave and/or mental to back the team bottom of the league to win, but regular readers of this blog know that this writer falls into both of those categories.
The Bet
Portsmouth outright should be worth taking around the 6/4 mark (sorry folks, I'm at work. Odds to follow later), and if you're feeling really brave, Portsmouth to win to nil could be worth considering. Also worth considering could be Frederic Piquionne anytime scorer for Pompey, who is beginning to find his feet in the Premier League (they were at the bottom of his legs all along).
Friday, 15 January 2010
Graeme's Real Life Stupid Bet
This week I have taken a dual approach to gambling.
One pound, 2 bets, one considered, one retarded
So if you want to join me get down to the accumulator section at William Hill and fill out the following:
1. The Sensible Approach
It's a 50p treble on 3 draws in the following Premier League matches:
Stoke, Portsmouth and Wolves all to draw
50p wins £17.86
2. The Retarded Approach
It's a 50p accumulator on 9 teams chosen at random without any clear or concise thought:
Man Utd, Celtic, Swindon, Livingston, Walsall, Stockport, Millwall, Accrington Stanley and MK Dons to all win
50p pays out £138.37
Have fun gambling over the weekend and join me and Shifty in Nicky Tams on Friday night to buy him beers for his birthday
One pound, 2 bets, one considered, one retarded
So if you want to join me get down to the accumulator section at William Hill and fill out the following:
1. The Sensible Approach
It's a 50p treble on 3 draws in the following Premier League matches:
Stoke, Portsmouth and Wolves all to draw
50p wins £17.86
2. The Retarded Approach
It's a 50p accumulator on 9 teams chosen at random without any clear or concise thought:
Man Utd, Celtic, Swindon, Livingston, Walsall, Stockport, Millwall, Accrington Stanley and MK Dons to all win
50p pays out £138.37
Have fun gambling over the weekend and join me and Shifty in Nicky Tams on Friday night to buy him beers for his birthday
Friday, 21 August 2009
Arsenal v Portsmouth, Saturday 22nd August
My Thoughts
Given the starts that these two sides have made, this one looks like a nailed-on home banker. Expect the home team to appear on numerous accumulators this weekend. In midweek, Arsenal benefitted again from a switch to a 4-3-3 system this season, with more than a hint of an influence coming from the system with which Barcelona were so spectacularly successful last season: constant interchanging of the front players, midfielders such as Fabregas and Denilson carrying the team forward from the centre of the park, and aggressive pressing of the ball by the forward line. Portsmouth, on the other hand, looked unadventurous and have failed to impress in 1-0 defeats so far to Fulham and Birmingham, and it is difficult to see them doing much other than going for an exercise in damage limitation, especially given that the last time they won away from home in the Premier League, George Bush was President of the USA.
The Verdict
It's difficult to predict anything other than a home win. Arsenal traditionally always start well before going up north in winter and finding that they don't like it up 'em. However, that's for the future. As for the game on Saturday, home win, and a comfortable one at that should Arsenal break the deadlock early enough.
The Bet
There's not much value in backing Arsenal outright on a single (1/6 with Blue Square). Best to look at other markets. Cesc Fabregas has been outstanding so far this season, and could be a shout as anytime goalscorer, otherwise it's worth considering over 2.5 goals, as games between these sides have tended to produce goals.
Given the starts that these two sides have made, this one looks like a nailed-on home banker. Expect the home team to appear on numerous accumulators this weekend. In midweek, Arsenal benefitted again from a switch to a 4-3-3 system this season, with more than a hint of an influence coming from the system with which Barcelona were so spectacularly successful last season: constant interchanging of the front players, midfielders such as Fabregas and Denilson carrying the team forward from the centre of the park, and aggressive pressing of the ball by the forward line. Portsmouth, on the other hand, looked unadventurous and have failed to impress in 1-0 defeats so far to Fulham and Birmingham, and it is difficult to see them doing much other than going for an exercise in damage limitation, especially given that the last time they won away from home in the Premier League, George Bush was President of the USA.
The Verdict
It's difficult to predict anything other than a home win. Arsenal traditionally always start well before going up north in winter and finding that they don't like it up 'em. However, that's for the future. As for the game on Saturday, home win, and a comfortable one at that should Arsenal break the deadlock early enough.
The Bet
There's not much value in backing Arsenal outright on a single (1/6 with Blue Square). Best to look at other markets. Cesc Fabregas has been outstanding so far this season, and could be a shout as anytime goalscorer, otherwise it's worth considering over 2.5 goals, as games between these sides have tended to produce goals.
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Shifty's Season Preview Part 8 of the clock is ticking....
Portsmouth
The proposed takeover simply has to go through if Portsmouth are to stay up: there has been minimal investment in what was already a limited squad: the departures of Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch have only served to make the situation even worse. New striker Frederic Piquionne simply has to settle in quickly and score goals, otherwise Pompey are in trouble. Can David James, now 39, be expected to perform miracles in goals again, behind a fragile defence?
Verdict: Expect them to be near the bottom by January, regardless of the takeover situation. Another miraculous escape may then be required.
Stoke City
In Stoke, the local NHS have advised season-ticket holders at the Britannia Stadium to consider investing in a neck brace, for their own health, due to the amount of time the ball spends in the air during Stoke games. Tony Pulis' side were far from the prettiest side in the league, but they were effective, at least to an extent. Their main concern will be that old cliche, Second Season Syndrome. James Beattie will be required to continue his form from the 2nd half of last season throughout the whole of this season (a good season may even lead to a World Cup place for him). In the midfield, Dean Whitehead looks a decent addition, while Matthew Etherington gives the side some much-needed width. Defensively, Abdoulaye Faye and Ryan Shawcross were nigh-on insurmountable at times, and since when did Thomas Sorensen look like an accomplished Premier League keeper?
Verdict: Once again, it won't be pretty, and it may require another couple of shrewd Januray signings, but expect Stoke to survive.
Sunderland
Steve Bruce takes over at the Stadium of Light, and will be expected to improve on last season's dreadful end to the season. He has already started that process by bringing in a number of players, namely Darren Bent (therefore cementing Spurs' status as something of a Sunderland feeder club), Fraizer Campbell, Paulo da Silva and Lee Cattermole. Cattermole will not half add bite to a talented but potentially lightweight midfield containing the likes of Kieran Richardson, Andy Reid and Steed Malbranque. Bent and Campbell will provide goals, although the defence will still be a worry for Bruce. However, there is enough quality (with further investment in the squad, should it be required, likely to come in January) there to suggest mid-table is very much achievable.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Redknapp has been at it again, buying and selling players for fun. In have come Kyle Naughton, Sebastien Bassong and Peter Crouch, with numerous players departing to make way. Last season, rather astonishingly, Spurs' defensive record at home was actually rather good, with Gomes, after some early-season jitters, growing immensely in confidence as the season went on. The signings of Naughton and Bassong, as well as the return from injury of Alan Hutton, should help ensure Spurs don't concede many once again. In midfield, Luka Modric began to excel as the season went on, and will be the main creative force again. On the right wing, if Aaron Lennon could actually cross the ball, then he would be a fearsome prospect. Spurs certainly have quantity in attack, with Crouch, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko and Robbie Keane all competing for 1 or 2 starting spots.
Verdict: The squad would appear to be there for Spurs to finish in the top half.
The proposed takeover simply has to go through if Portsmouth are to stay up: there has been minimal investment in what was already a limited squad: the departures of Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch have only served to make the situation even worse. New striker Frederic Piquionne simply has to settle in quickly and score goals, otherwise Pompey are in trouble. Can David James, now 39, be expected to perform miracles in goals again, behind a fragile defence?
Verdict: Expect them to be near the bottom by January, regardless of the takeover situation. Another miraculous escape may then be required.
Stoke City
In Stoke, the local NHS have advised season-ticket holders at the Britannia Stadium to consider investing in a neck brace, for their own health, due to the amount of time the ball spends in the air during Stoke games. Tony Pulis' side were far from the prettiest side in the league, but they were effective, at least to an extent. Their main concern will be that old cliche, Second Season Syndrome. James Beattie will be required to continue his form from the 2nd half of last season throughout the whole of this season (a good season may even lead to a World Cup place for him). In the midfield, Dean Whitehead looks a decent addition, while Matthew Etherington gives the side some much-needed width. Defensively, Abdoulaye Faye and Ryan Shawcross were nigh-on insurmountable at times, and since when did Thomas Sorensen look like an accomplished Premier League keeper?
Verdict: Once again, it won't be pretty, and it may require another couple of shrewd Januray signings, but expect Stoke to survive.
Sunderland
Steve Bruce takes over at the Stadium of Light, and will be expected to improve on last season's dreadful end to the season. He has already started that process by bringing in a number of players, namely Darren Bent (therefore cementing Spurs' status as something of a Sunderland feeder club), Fraizer Campbell, Paulo da Silva and Lee Cattermole. Cattermole will not half add bite to a talented but potentially lightweight midfield containing the likes of Kieran Richardson, Andy Reid and Steed Malbranque. Bent and Campbell will provide goals, although the defence will still be a worry for Bruce. However, there is enough quality (with further investment in the squad, should it be required, likely to come in January) there to suggest mid-table is very much achievable.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Redknapp has been at it again, buying and selling players for fun. In have come Kyle Naughton, Sebastien Bassong and Peter Crouch, with numerous players departing to make way. Last season, rather astonishingly, Spurs' defensive record at home was actually rather good, with Gomes, after some early-season jitters, growing immensely in confidence as the season went on. The signings of Naughton and Bassong, as well as the return from injury of Alan Hutton, should help ensure Spurs don't concede many once again. In midfield, Luka Modric began to excel as the season went on, and will be the main creative force again. On the right wing, if Aaron Lennon could actually cross the ball, then he would be a fearsome prospect. Spurs certainly have quantity in attack, with Crouch, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko and Robbie Keane all competing for 1 or 2 starting spots.
Verdict: The squad would appear to be there for Spurs to finish in the top half.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Blackburn Rovers v Portsmouth, Saturday 9th May
My Thoughts
Two sides here who probably should be just about safe, but aren't quite there yet. Should either side emerge with all 3 points at Ewood Park on Saturday, however, then they can surely be confident of avoiding league away trips to Plymouth, Barnsley and Peterborough next season. Under Sam Allardyce, Blackburn have undergone something of a revolution, becoming a side who are (usually) tough to beat, if not exactly aesthetically pleasing, however this writer will refrain from that debate for another day. Portsmouth are not too different, with Paul Hart's appointment as caretaker manager coinciding with an improvement in form, although away from Fratton Park they have not won since November, a 2-1 victory at Sunderland 1 of only 2 away wins all season, although it remains to be seen how much pressure their backline will face should Sam Allardyce continue his "Christopher Samba as a centre-forward" experiment.
The Verdict
Both sides know that a win here should all but confirm their Premier League status- however, given Portsmouth's poor away form, and Rovers' new-found solidity under Allardyce, I fancy Blackburn to edge this one.
The Bet
Rovers can be backed at a best price of 21/20 with Paddy Power. Alternatively, under 2.5 goals might be worth a look at a general 8/11
Two sides here who probably should be just about safe, but aren't quite there yet. Should either side emerge with all 3 points at Ewood Park on Saturday, however, then they can surely be confident of avoiding league away trips to Plymouth, Barnsley and Peterborough next season. Under Sam Allardyce, Blackburn have undergone something of a revolution, becoming a side who are (usually) tough to beat, if not exactly aesthetically pleasing, however this writer will refrain from that debate for another day. Portsmouth are not too different, with Paul Hart's appointment as caretaker manager coinciding with an improvement in form, although away from Fratton Park they have not won since November, a 2-1 victory at Sunderland 1 of only 2 away wins all season, although it remains to be seen how much pressure their backline will face should Sam Allardyce continue his "Christopher Samba as a centre-forward" experiment.
The Verdict
Both sides know that a win here should all but confirm their Premier League status- however, given Portsmouth's poor away form, and Rovers' new-found solidity under Allardyce, I fancy Blackburn to edge this one.
The Bet
Rovers can be backed at a best price of 21/20 with Paddy Power. Alternatively, under 2.5 goals might be worth a look at a general 8/11
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