Premier League and Championship betting, 31 March

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QPR - Arsenal, over

Queens Park have noticed just one win out of last eight matches in the league and all of sudden, they dropped under the relegation line. They are also without a clean sheet in 21 Premier League games.

Arsenal have made seven league wins in a row and they surprisingly appeared at the third place. No pressure as the title is lost long time ago, but very good reason to play.

QPR will put some serious fight on their smaller pitch and I cannot completely exclude the possibility of a surprise. I will back goals, rather than Arsenal.

Bet: Over 2.75

Odd: 1.98 (bet365)

Stake: 8/10

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Portsmouth - Burnley, Portsmouth

Pompey haven’t given up after points deduction and with three points today, they could be above the line. They took seven out of possible nine points from last three at home, defeating Hull and Birmingham.

Burnley are safe from relegation and too far from play-off. They made four defeats and a draw out of last five on the road, today will be probably without top striker Jay Rodriguez. They’ve lost six out of last eight competitive matches against Pompey (both home and away).

Pompey are in a very good momentum, while Burnley are probably far from standards of Hull and Brum who already lost at Fratton Park. Some limitation in case of a draw.

Bet: Portsmouth -0.25

Odd: 1.98 (Ladbrokes)

Stake: 9/10

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Championship betting, Burnley - Peterborough

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Burnley are in a great shape recently and all of sudden, they’re just three points from a play-off zone. They have only one defeat out of last seven in league (it came at Elland Road with 10 men) and in all other games they kept a clean sheet. They’ve also conceded only one goal in last five games at Turf Moor.

Posh are in the opposite trend. They’re winless in last five, scored only three goals in those, have noticed three straight defeats and don’t have away win against top-half sides.

Usually hate to bet on any game when Posh are involved, but this looks too tempting...

Bet: Burnley -0.75
Odd: 1.97 (188bet)
Stake: 7/10
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Championship 30 Apr - Preview of the round, betting tips and previews

Nottingham Forest - Scunthorpe

The most interesting will be the fight for the last play-off space. Forest have clear calculation. They’ll get it with six points from games against, all but predictable, Scunny at home and Palace on the road that could be a real last day cracker. The main problem is defence line that conceded 17 goals on last 7 games. Scunny could be able score and push this game in over. But also, a sensation is not a strange word for the visitors. They defeated Forest at home, where also trashed the leaders QPR (4-1). On the road shocked Hull and Reading. It’s an easy choice to leave this game alone.

Leeds - Burnley (1:45 cet)

Leeds need to win both times (in last round they’ll visit QPR who btw. could face a penalty and points deduction at Tuesday) and to hope Forest (and Millwall of course) will slip somewhere. After they wasted many points in last five rounds it’s not so big chance, but Leeds are the kings of drama and since the end of golden era in 90s just very few times they haven’t presented a stressful finish to their fans. Burnley noticed only a draw at home vs. Pompey, it could affect their morale but they’re still one point above Leeds. Draw is unacceptable for both sides and whoever will take a lead, will also try to improve goal difference for the final ranking. I could give some advantage to Leeds, but my main choice will be goals.

Millwall - Swansea

There will be hell, the Lions are in the race again and packed Den will host Swans. They won six of last nine games and big boost is a return of their key man and top scorer, Steve Morison, after he served a three match suspension. Swansea have secured their play-off spot where they will probably face Reading. Reasons for a good effort are 4th place (playing re-match at home) and improving recent away record (a draw and four defeats out of last five) and self-confidence before decisive matches. It will be hard, since Swans have a discouraging record on the road against top side teams, losing seven out of nine. Another thing is very interesting. In the previous game, Brendan Rodgers left on the bench probably his best player - Scott Sinclair. He said that young player has never played the full season, looks very tired and he’ll try to manage it. If you’re afraid for the best player, the Den is definitely not a place for him. So, maybe he will just save him for play-off.

Derby - Bristol City

Derby are safe, but looked in a very good shape, putting some more than decent displays recently. Defeated Leeds at home, grabbed a point at Loftus Road and undeservedly lost at Norwich in 96th minute. A win in the last home game could be a satisfaction. This will be also the last game for Robbie Savage and I can expect some additional effort from the players for their skipper. City are also safe, but look like they are already planning summer holidays as they’ve noticed four defeats and a draw out of last five. They will also miss the best striker, Nicky Maynard.

Hull City - Crystal Palace

Hull blew their play-off chances, Palace need a point to be mathematically safe. The hosts haven’t won in 15 of 22 home games, losing vs. bottom sides Scunny and Sheff Utd. Palace are a tough nut to crack on the road recently, taking two points from last two trips (Donny and Leicester). Four of last five games between these clubs ended undecided. This game has a draw written all over it. 

Bet 1: Leeds - Burnley, over 2.50, Odd: 1.80 Interwetten, Stake: 8/10

Bet 2: Millwall -0.25, Odd: 2.11 Canbet, Stake: 8/10

Bet 3: Derby to win, Odd: 2.30 William Hill, Stake: 7/10

Gamble: Hull - C.Palace, draw @ 3.75 bet365, Stake: 2/10

(Early bets, since the odds will probably drop tomorrow.)

*table taken from bet365.com

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Burnley - Millwall

Burnley under Eddie Howe became the serious play-off candidates, they are 3 points far but have two games in a hand. Since he took the charge, the Clarets have noticed six wins, two draws and only one defeat out of nine league games, have five wins out of last six and three in a row. Strikers Thompson and Paterson are out.

Millwall made a great win over QPR in the midweek, but their shape away from the Den is far from being impressive. They’ve noticed five defeats and a draw in last six games on the road and are winless since the middle of November (‘Boro 1-0). Midfielder Rowlands is back to the squad, but important defender Purse is suspended.

Home side has the best form in Championship, away side the worst on the road. Odd above even is very good price and I have no dilemma. Home win.

Bet: Burnley -0.5
Odd: 2.06 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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Cardiff - Burnley

Cardiff are holding a position for direct promotion, but have four clubs that are breathing on their neck (from those, Forest have a game in hand). They’re in a decent shape, won three of last four games, undefeated in six and have dropped only two points out of the last 15 at home. Whittingham and McNaughton should both return.

Since Eddie Howe took a charge, Burnley have made a decent run of results with three wins, draw and one defeat out of last five. Striker Charlie Austin will have a late fitness test, while midfielder Chris McCann stays sidelined. Burnley have conceded one goal in each of their last five matches and have six consecutive defeats at Cardiff.

At home, Cardiff are usually struggling against bottom sides. They hardly defeated miserable Scunny in previous round and noticed only draws against rest three of bottom four (Preston, Palace and Sheff Utd). Burnley will be confident and not so defensive, approach that absolutely suits to Cardiff. Home win. 2-0 correct score.   

Bet: Cardiff -0.5
Odd: 2.05 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

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FA Cup - 29.01.

Some interesting games in FA Cup. Post will be updating with new picks.

Burnley - Burton

Burnley are very strong home side (5th in Championship considering points at home) and probably they’ll be in chase for promotion (through play-off). New boss Eddie Howe, started to improve away record winning at Portsmouth (at the same beat terrible record against Pompey). This is first home game and he’ll probably try to keep the momentum.

Guys from Pirelli Stadium are fighting for their lives in League Two (58 places lower than Burnley) with probably the worst away record in English football (6 points of 9 games). They started to improve under new boss Peschisolido and in previous round shocked ‘Boro at home, but don’t think they’re even close to surprise here.

I’ll try with two bets. The Clarets are strong favourites in my opinion (despite it’s a Cup) and I expect at least two goals margin (with one, half stake is back). Other one is gamble in hoping players will continue to impress new boss. Pure instinct.  

Bet 1: Burnley -1.25
Odd: 1.74 Canbet
Stake: 8/10
 

Bet 2: Burnley -3ah
Odd: 5.75 bet365
Stake: 1/10
 

Watford - Brighton

Watford are the highest scorers in Championship with 52 goals(!) in 26 games and their last eight games (seven in league) went in over 2.5 (five were over 3.5). Last weekend’s defeat at Cardiff ended their run of seven consecutive wins (six in league)! Malky Mackay rotated players in previous round vs. Hartlepool and will probably do that again. Skipper Eustace is rated as doubtful and will probably be saved for the league.

Brighton are flying high in the League One and it seems they’re sure for direct promotion (six points more than 3rd Hudders and game in hand). They’re playing nice, passing game that usually produces goals. In 2011. (last six games), The Seagulls scored 15 times. They won five of the last six league and cup encounters, in previous round they eliminated Pompey and as Hornets they shouldn’t be lacking in confidence.

I guess both sides are hoping for progress. Wouldn’t dare to predict a winner, but I think we’ll be watching an entertaining game and goals on both sides.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 2.04 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Bets for Tuesday

Portsmouth - Burnley

Pompey are struggling as usual with all kind of problems, skipper Mokoena and striker Dave Kitson will miss again, Hughes and Brown are again out because of “ongoing contract issues” and they’re in winless streak of seven competitive games (six in league). However, their recent performances and fighting spirit promise better days. They unlucky lost at Nott Forest, then stopped Leeds at home (without same those players). Portsmouth are undefeated in 10 league matches against Burnley and have won the last four against them.

The Clarets are middle table side and they probably won’t go anywhere from the league. They’re also poor travellers as they won on the road just once of twelve encounters (seven draws though). Defender Carlisle faces a late fitness test.

Only thing that bothers me is Pompey concede too much lately, at last five in league conceded 13 goals. Anyway, I think it’s the time for their win.
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Bet: Portsmouth 0.0
Odd: 1.88 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

 Sheffield Wednesday – Yeovil

Wednesday suffered an embarrassment at East London for the weekend. Players apologised to the fans, Irvine to the fans and Mandaric, Mandaric gave support to the manager. I think they’ll strongly bounce back tonight, or it will be end of Irvine. They still have very quality players for this division and Leyton smacked them right in the mouth. I expect a response and rage on the pitch.

And Yeovil... It’s simply Yeovil.

Bet: Sheff Wed -1ah
Odd: 2.21 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

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Burnley - Port Vale

Burnley are 10th in Championship with more than decent home record (8W-2D-3L). Their current form is not something special as they have four wins and four defeats in last eight and have not kept a clean sheet for 13 league and cup games. However, caretaker Stuart Gray plans to name the strongest squad for this game. Only missing is striker John Guidetti who returned to Manchester City.

Port Vale are third in League Two and fight for a direct promotion (a point below the line). In the last league round they beat Burton at home (2-1), but before that they noticed three consecutive defeats on the road where scored zero and conceded nine goals. Best striker, Marc Richards, is injured (and suspended). Midfielder Doug Loft will also be sidelined due to injury.

Burnley are 42 places higher than Port Vale. Difference in quality, serious approach and home turf are factors that make me feel there’s no room for surprise.

Bet: Burnley -1.25
Odd: 2.03 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

Maybe one more...
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Sunday's results and statistic update

There was one tradition that did last 79 years. Then I decided to bet on it...
Profit, however.

Barnsley - Burnley 1-2 LOST
Blackburn - Stoke 0-2 WON
Newcastle - Man City 1-3 WON

Updated statistic and list of bets.

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Barnsley - Burnley

Interesting odds for this game. Barnsley, beside the decent home record through the seasons, are performing well recently. They have four wins of last five encounters (one draw) and kept a clean sheet in last three. They haven’t lost on Boxing Day since 2002. Only problem is missing of striker Gary O’Connor whose loan deal has expired.

Burnley, oppositely from the hosts, have a pretty miserable record on the road. This season it’s not better as they’re the only club that hasn’t noticed away win (6 draws and 3 defeats). They’ve conceded in every of last eight games and haven’t won at Boxing Day since 2005. And Oakwell is the hell place for the Clarets as they haven’t won there for about 79 years (last time it was in April 1932)!

I see this bet as a pure logic. 2-0 correct score.

Bet: Barnsley 0.0
Odd: 1.98 188 bet
Stake: 9/10

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Birmingham – Burnley

Birmingham are finishing very successful season for them. However, they’re in a bad run of results with eight games without a win and four consecutive draws at home. In previous round, lost a derby game vs. Villa, despite very good display. If they fail in last two games, theoretically could lost four places. Side-back, Stephen Carr, is banned for one match in light of the gestures he made at Aston Villa. Striker Christian Benitez may feature after a six-game absence.

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Burnley booked their ticket to Championship long time ago. Their Premiership story came to end when Owen Coyle left the club. Everything after that have been just torturing the fans. Chairman Barry Kilby said, thankfully to this season they won’t have any financial worries in next 10 years. If it was a target, ok then. Regarding their performances, without Coyle they’re just an average Championship squad. With new manager, Brian Laws (have picked up just 7 points from a possible 48 since he took the charge) they’re even less than that. They stopped winning at home, while on the road have 16 defeats of 18 games (goal difference 16-50)! Haven’t noticed a clean sheet in 25 games and need to concede against Brum to equal Wimbledon's Premier League record from 11 years ago. Defender Clarke Carlisle is absent again. 

This is the last home game for Birmingham and I think after unfair defeat in derby game, they’ll want to put some effort and play for the fans. Difference in quality are big as well. Burnley will play for the scouts and I can’t see any improving. Bet is Birmingham -1 ah @ 1.92 Pinnacle.

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two wins - two loses

I have a hangover. So no full reports (no gossip column, as well), just results of my bets. Other three games stayed in a shadow of Burnley's win supported with two penalties. Hope both clubs will be relegated.

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Morecambe - Rotheram United, 1 @ 2.30, 2-0 WON!

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Leeds United - Southend United, Leeds -1.25 ah @ 1.82, 2-0 WON!

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Southampton - Charlton, Over 2.5 @ 1.90, 1-0 LOST

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Hull City - Burnley, 1 @ 1.76, 1-4 LOST

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Fourth and last for today

Hull City - Burnley, home win, 1.76 at Pinnacle

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success!

Arsenal 3 - 1 Burnley

Arsenal drew level on points with Premier League leaders Chelsea after making hard work of beating Burnley.
Cesc Fabregas opened the scoring when he slotted in from close range but soon afterwards he was forced off injured. 
Burnley equalised when David Nugent latched on to Leon Cort's header and looped the ball over Manuel Almunia. 
Theo Walcott curled in a sublime shot to ease the embarrassment of Nicklas Bendtner's awful finishing before Andrey Arshavin rifled in a third. 
Denmark international Bendtner, who scored for his country in midweek, is in the running for miss of the season with at least three of his fluffed efforts on goal. 
Fortunately for Arsenal, the impressive Walcott was able to supply the cutting edge to his game that has often been lacking to keep the Gunners' title ambitions on track. 
The result lifted Arsenal to second in the table, only behind Chelsea on goal difference although the Gunners have played a game more. 
Manchester United, in third place have the chance to leapfrog both their rivals when they take on Wolves in Saturday's late kick-off. 
And while Arsenal's victory keeps the title race wide open, it also served to leave Burnley deep in relegation trouble. 
Brian Laws' side have now won only one of their last 17 league games - and it is hard to see how they will turn things around after another performance lacking guile and belief. 
In contrast, there was mental toughness in evidence from the hosts, who were determined to show that the horrific broken leg suffered by Aaron Ramsey against Stoke last weekend would not derail their season.
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Peterborough 0 - 1 Coventry

Jon Stead's first-half winner saw Coventry close in on the Championship play-off places as Peterborough slipped a step closer to relegation.
Stead looked second favourite when he broke through in the first half but shrugged off defender Craig Morgan and stabbed the ball past Joe Lewis. 
Tommy Rowe saw a powerful drive blocked as the hosts pushed for an equaliser. 
Charlie Lee and Lee Frecklington both shot over as Posh surged forward but Coventry held on to clinch the points. 
Posh are now 13 points adrift of safety with just 12 games remaining and their brief flirtation with second-tier football is rapidly coming to an end. 
The Sky Blues, meanwhile, are up to eighth and only three points off the play-off places.
www.bbc.co.uk

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QPR  3 - 1  WBA

1 - 0 J. Simpson  13.min.  
2 - 0 M. Connolly  18.min.  
2 - 1 C. Brunt  36.min.
3 - 1    A. Buzsaky  67.min.

Arsenal - Burnley

Arsenal are third with three points less than the leaders. Theoretically, they could take a top with a win today with four goals margin. However, the most important thing is they’re still in the title race. A month ago they faced the crisis noticing just one point in three games, but after that made three consecutive wins. Title is a dream, first bad result in this phase of the league would eliminate them and I don’t expect any kind of possible relaxation. Aaron Ramsey has joined the injury list alongside Campbell, Djourou, Gallas, Gibbs, Merida and Van Persie. Vela will be rested after the international duty, while Alex Song is suspended. Good thing for Gunners is Abou Diaby and Andrey Arshavin are back in contention after recovering from injuries.

 

Although Burnley have collected just one point less than first club above the relegation line, their recent results and performances suggest they’re certain travelers to the second tier. They have a single win (West Ham, 2-1 at home) in last 16 encounters! It seems losing Owen Coyle was the decisive factor in their Premier campaign, as they lost great run of results at home. On the other hand, their away shape could be called disgusting. One point from 14 games (Man.City 3-3) and in every game except one (Bolton 0-1) conceded at least two goals. In total, they’ve conceded 43 goals which is far the most in the league. Leading scorer Steven Fletcher is expected to play with a cast on the broken hand, while player-coach Graham Alexander will return after five weeks. Skipper defender Caldwell and defender McCann remain sidelined.

 

Only thing that could be a worry for Wenger is their Champions League re-match vs. Porto at Tuesday. But on the other hand, considering today’s opponent this is a great chance for warming-up and bringing the confidence for Tuesday. Wenger won’t rotate players too much, but the fact is any players should win this with few goals margin. This is also a chance for Arshavin to recover his old shape. Arsenal -2 ah will be a bet, -2.5 would be a gamble. 

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Tuesday brought a profit

Tottenham 2 - 0 Fulham

Tottenham reignited their push for a top-four spot with a clinical victory over Fulham at White Hart Lane.
The hosts, searching for a first league win since December, took the lead when Peter Crouch capitalised on some poor defending to clip in from close range. 
And David Bentley made the most of a rare Tottenham start when his free-kick was deflected home on the hour mark. 
The Cottagers offered little in attack, though Bobby Zamora brought a brave save out of Heurelho Gomes early on. 
However, the victory was all too comfortable for a Tottenham side that rarely had to get out of third gear as the hosts kept hold of fourth spot in the league, three points ahead of Liverpool, who were held to a goalless draw by Wolves. 
It was a far from fluent victory for Spurs, though, who have lost an element of attacking swagger of late with winger Aaron Lennon injured. 
But they had far too much for a Fulham side whose performances away from Craven Cottage could hardly be more of a contrast with their impressive home form. 
With just one league win on their travels all season, Fulham's gameplan was clearly to keep things tight early on - and they were grateful to Mark Schwarzer's smart low stop from Tom Huddlestone's drive in the first minute amid a typically sharp start from the hosts.
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Bolton 1 - 0 Burnley

Owen Coyle was subjected to a barrage of abuse from the Burnley fans who once idolised him - but his discomfort was eased as Bolton secured a vital victory that sent his former club into the Premier League's bottom three.
Coyle was the hero of Turf Moor less than a month ago after guiding them to the top-flight, but his defection to nearby Bolton has soured the relationship forever and he received a fiercely hostile reception from 5,000 travelling fans inside The Reebok stadium. 
Bolton answered the taunts aimed at their new boss by giving him his first league win as Chung-Yong Lee's goal, scored off the underside of the bar after 35 minutes, secured a crucial three points to leave Coyle's Turf Moor successor Brian Laws still searching for his first victory. 606: 
The Burnley supporters made their feelings clear about their one-time manager even before kick-off, with chants of "Judas" and a succession of banners - none of them flattering. One read "Never Forgotten Never Forgiven" and another was laced with Monty Python humour with the message "He's Not The Messiah. He's A Very Naughty Boy." 
Coyle emerged to a dazzle of flashlights from cameramen gathered around his technical area - then kept a low profile as Bolton went about the main business of securing the result that moved them out of the relegation places at Burnley's expense. 
And it was a win Coyle's side deserved as they achieved their first clean sheet in the league this season and left Burnley with only one point from a possible 36 on their travels. 
Coyle, perhaps unwisely, ventured on to the pitch at the final whistle to sympathise with his beaten former players and applaud the Burnley fans - to suggest the gesture was not appreciated is a masterpiece of understatement. 
Bolton created the better opportunities, while Burnley failed to make the most of any possession they enjoyed, their plans admittedly not helped by the early loss of Chris McCann and Graham Alexander to injury. 
It was clear long before the start that Coyle would be on the receiving end of a fearsome reception from a welcoming committee of away fans packed into one end of The Reebok Stadium intent on venting their fury. And so it proved.
www.bbc.co.uk

Bolton - Burnley

Six points game. Bolton are second from the bottom, but just one point far from the clubs outside the relegation zone. Club’s management made an interesting move and decided to spend the money on new manager (3 mill. pounds) instead on new players (it should meen they believe in their quality). Owen Coyle arrived from tonight’s opponent and it will be a big advantage as he knows everything about ex-players. He made a debut against Arsenal and noticed two defeats although team made a decent display (in both games). In FA Cup came a first win against second tier side Sheff.Utd. (2-0). With a win tonight would skip at least Burnley. However, Coyle has fitness concerns over four important players. Davies,Gardner, McCann and Taylor are all doubtful (considering the importance of this game, I guess some (maybe all) will play), but on-loan midfielder Vladimir Weiss (Man.City) will make his debut.

 

Burnley are typical home side as they noticed 19 points (from total 20) at home. Coyle’s successor Brian Laws started with a Cup defeat on the road against Reading (0-1). In every of their eleven games on the road they conceded at least twice. They look good until got first, then collapse and got more. However, key striker Steven Fletcher will return after missing the FA Cup game, while another striker Frederic Nimani has joined on loan from Monaco and should appear (probably on the bench). Burnley have the worst record in the division against bottom-half opponents, earning seven points from nine matches.

 

Coyle knows everything about Burnley’s players. But, on the other hand, he made from them an attacking team that plays in the same style on the road which provided great results in second tier, but in Premier it represents the suicidal tactic. But, even if I don’t consider Coyle as important factor, see Bolton as a physically strong side and with new manager effect (also, Megson wasn’t too popular person in the dressing room) I see them as favorites here. Home win and -1.5 handicap as a gamble.

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Everton - Burnley

For Toffees this season so far looks like endless nightmare. Instead a battle for Europe, Everton hold 14^th place with 19 points from past 18 games. Although injury crisis has been shaking the club from the start and they had to play huge number of games, this season is under all expectations and even Moyes’ job isn’t safe anymore. Everton haven’t noticed a win in seven league games (last time vs. West Ham, away 1-0) and they’re without a win in six games at Goodison. Despite bad results, they have been putting a decent display lately, dressing room atmosphere is still high – players believe in better days, just need a first win to turn the corner. But, Moyes continues to have defensive problems, with Sylvain Distin and Joseph Yobo still not fit enough to return. Skipper Phil Neville could make his return after three months out with a knee injury. 

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After excellent start of the season, newcomers from Turf Moor felt in the crisis of results. They’re in the winless run of seven league games and hold 13^th place (one point more than today’s opponent). On the road have taken just a single point from nine games (Man.City 3-3)! But, as Everton they’re performances are also above the results. In last two games on the road (two 0-2 defeats) were a little bit unlucky to get something from it. Against Pompey created plenty of real goal chances, but didn’t score, while vs. Wolves were short for a clear penalty kick and also missed few very good chances. Their main problem is attractive and offensive style of play that has brought some results at home, but on the road causes defense has been leaking too much goals. Manager Owen Coyle also has big defensive worries, as pair of central defenders, Clarke Carlisle and Steven Caldwell, missed the 1-1 draw against Bolton with groin strains and their appearance is in doubt. 

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This game looks like to be, or not to be for a home side. They desperately need a win and will host a team which has 8 defeats from 9 away games. On the other hand, Toffees still have lots of problems in back line with injuries. Neville is maybe fit but lacks in competitive games and his return could even cause additional problems behind. Burnley won’t defend, surely can score and make this game more interesting. I expect an open game, fight till the last minute and goals. Betfair offer 2.00, Pinnacle 1.94. Over.

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weird results

Burnley 1 - 1 Bolton

Bolton remain in the relegation zone as Burnley fought back to earn a draw in a spirited Lancashire derby at Turf Moor.
After Steven Fletcher had missed a golden chance for the home side Matt Taylor deservedly put Wanderers ahead with a stunning 25-yard free-kick. 
Both sides hit the woodwork, before Bolton's run of failing to keep a clean sheet since May continued when David Nugent headed in Wade Elliott's cross. 
There were chances at both ends in a tense finish to an entertaining match. 
So Burnley are still without a league win over Bolton since the teams met in the old fourth division in 1987. 
More significantly for their first top flight campaign in 33 years the Clarets are now without a Premier League victory in eight matches. 
The strong home record, which had yielded 18 of their 19 points prior to this fixture and seen only Wigan triumph at Turf Moor this term, will be tested in contrasting fashion by Stoke and Chelsea during January.
On a bright, crisp afternoon with snow atop the hills beyond there were several unenviable records on show for both teams and Burnley must have feared the worst at the interval, having lost all seven games in which they had trailed at the break.
Bolton, in addition to their defensive frailties - the run of games without leaking a league goal stretching to 19 matches - are yet to win after conceding the first goal and it was Gary Megson's team who made the stronger start.
Burnley boss Owen Coyle:
"On the balance of the match I felt we were in control. 
"We should have been in front but found ourselves behind to an exquisite free-kick - if it was a free-kick, but Mr Foy thought it was. 
"I asked them to raise their game and I felt we fully deserved three points. 
"I felt when we scored we were going to go on to win but Jaaskelainen is a quality keeper and always has been and he showed it." 
Bolton manager Gary Megson:
"Before the game I would have been satisfied with a point given the home record Burnley have and some of the teams they have beaten. 
"But we were 1-0 up, way on top and had most of the chances and were disappointed not to be more than one up. 
"In the second half they were much stronger but if we'd taken the chance at 1-0 I don't know if they would have come back from that. 
"We rode our luck in the second half and a draw is a fair result for both teams."
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Cardiff 0 - 1 Plymouth
Bottom club Plymouth stunned promotion-chasing Cardiff with a smash-and-grab raid at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Gary Sawyer struck six minutes from time with a deflected effort after Paul Quinn's poor clearance. 
Cardiff had chances to take all three points but missed chances through Peter Whittingham, Michael Chopra, Jay Bothroyd and Joe Ledley late on. 
Argyle keeper Romain Larrieu also denied Mark Hudson's header as the visitors ended a run of five defeats. 
It was new boss Paul Mariner's first win in his third game in charge and his side's first goal in over 500 minutes of football. 
Cardiff keeper David Marshall had no chance with the goal though after Sawyer's shot deflected off Hudson. 
He did also keep Cardiff in it in the first half denying Alan Judge, but was the quieter of the two keepers as Cardiff blew the chance to close the gap on the Championship's top two. 
Frenchman Larrieu turned Hudson's header over the bar and then sent Whittingham's 20-yard effort to safety. 
Bothroyd then narrowly put the ball over the bar from inside the box before Chopra wasted a good chance. 
Cardiff piled on further pressure after Sawyer's goal, but Ledley drove just wide from 12 yards as Plymouth held on for a vital win as they climbed off the bottom and attempt to reach Championship safety. 
Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"These are the type of games you have to see out and we had the chances to do that yet we never showed the creativity we are capable of and we have been caught by a sucker punch. 
"This division is a difficult one but we should still have been good enough to win and it is very disappointing to lose a game like this. 
"You could see it coming and three individual errors led to the goal. They were waiting for one opportunity and when it came they took it. 
Plymouth manager Paul Mariner:
"We worked very hard for that result but the signs have been there for a couple of weeks. 
"The players want to get this club out of the mess we are in and we knew we would get a resilient performance from them but three points is a wonderful result. 
"To keep a clean sheet against such a high powered attacking force as Cardiff have is a magnificent effort. 
"We haven't scored for a long time but you have to go back to the basics and that is what we have done today."
www.bbc.co.uk

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Btw. my Premier League prediction ended with six correct picks out of eight! Cheers to those who followed.

Burnley - Bolton

The Clarets are typical home team. Owen Coyle is forcing attractive style of play that is really nice to watch and it has been bringing good results at their home Turf Moor. They have just one home defeat (Wigan 1-3), while all three draws (in last three rounds) came from the games against top Premier sides Aston Villa and Arsenal and Fulham. In last round, they were defeated on the road against Wolves (0-2), but put a decent display and if they didn’t stay short for a penalty kick result probably would be different. However, this game for Burnley has the highest importance, lads had a training session instead Christmas celebration and I think they’re paying much more attention to this game, than to Monday’s trip to Goodison Park. Two central defenders, Steven Caldwell and Clarke, picked up groin problems in the defeat to Wolves (Caldwell is closer to appear), while another defender Tyrone Mears should be fit despite incurring a head injury in that game.

 

Bolton ended a run of five competitive defeats in six games with two excellent results. First stopped Man.City at home (3-3), then also at home defeated West Ham (3-1). Despite collected four points, Trotters stayed under the rellegation line and it seems Gary Megson has been pulling the maximum from the players who, I think it is fair to say, lack in quality and Bolton seem as a serious contender for moving down to Championship. Also, they have maybe more important game at Monday, when will host Hull City. On the road their defense line looks shaky, especially for crosses and set pieces which could mean Robbie Blake and Chris Eagles will run the riot. Wanderers have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 18 league games. However, key midfielder Fabrice Muamba is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the win over West Ham, while his fellow midfielder Gavin McCann will miss out for the third successive game with an ankle injury.

 

Despite not so good results lately (seven games without a win), Burnley’s performances look decent and at home already defeated much stronger sides than Bolton are. Visitors made two excellent results at home, but I can’t imagine them making third and winning at Turf Moor. Just because the fact Burnley noticed three consecutive home draws and three of the last four meetings between these sides have ended in draws, I’ll chose dnb option instead home win that should be considered as a gamble.

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